Out and About: Local70 Investing in Johnston County's Future

On May 21, one of our Local70 developers, Susan Keller, had the privilege to attend a meeting of the Triangle East Prospers Regional Economic Initiative's Implementation Committee at the historic Triangle East Chamber of Commerce building in Smithfield.

"As a representative of Keller Development and Local70, I am proud to serve on the committee helping guide this ambitious public-private partnership," says Keller. "Local70 was happy to be one of the first investors in the Triangle East Prospers initiative."

Triangle East Prospers is a five-year regional initiative focused on strengthening Johnston County's economy and workforce through three primary goals:

• Developing, retaining, and attracting talent

• Breaking down barriers to workforce participation

• Addressing challenges to business and job growth

These priorities align closely with the vision for Local70. We feel our investment goes beyond just the buildings and infrastructure you will see on site. We know thriving communities are built by investing in people, supporting local businesses, and helping create opportunities for long-term growth.

Susan enjoyed hearing one of the most encouraging updates discussed during the meeting - the continued success and expansion of JoCo Works under the leadership of BriAnna Walker, Triangle East's Talent and Leadership Development Manager, a new position supported by the Triangle East Prospers initiative .

Since joining the organization, BriAnna has expanded and elevated the program, rolling new partnerships under its umbrella and rebranding it into a dynamic and cohesive workforce training program. Through her efforts, she has positoned JoCo Works as a model for workforce development that has already attracted attention from neighboring counties interested in replicating its success.

The committee also welcomed Candy Scott (Executive Director) and Myra Burrell (Impact Director) from the Partnership for Children of Johnston County, who presented on one of Johnston County's most pressing workforce challenges: access to quality childcare. While licensed childcare facilities exist throughout the county, they shared that many providers struggle to recruit and retain qualified early childhood educators. Low wages, increasing responsibilities, and workforce shortages have created a situation where childcare availability remains a significant barrier for many families.

Since July 1 , 2025, over 20 Johnston County childcare facilities have closed their doors (info from Partnership for Children).

The impact extends far beyond parents and children. When families cannot access reliable childcare, employers lose potential workers and businesses face greater hiring challenges. Addressing this issue will require collaboration among educators, employers, community leaders, and policymakers, but it is an essential part of building a stronger workforce for Johnston County.

The economic impacts of the lack of childcare are staggering for the county - over $76.7M in lost business activity and $10.6M in lost local tax revenue (info from ExcelNC.org).

"This is where the the investment and partnerships forged through the Triangle East Prospers plan can really impact the situation," says Keller. "One of our current areas of focus is how to stabilize open childcare facilities and fill empty classrooms."

Kelly Wallace, President and CEO of the Triangle East Chamber of Commerce, led the meeting. Committee members, including Eastfield Developer Kevin Daughtery and past Chamber leader Lamar Armstrong, shared ideas on how businesses and community partners can further support workforce development efforts and continue building momentum for the region.

"At Local70, we are excited to have a seat at the table and be part of these conversations and initiatives." says Keller. "Our goal is not simply to develop a neighborhood, but to become an active and engaged member of the Johnston County community. By supporting efforts that strengthen the local workforce, expand opportunities for residents, and encourage economic growth, we can help ensure Johnston County remains a place where people and businesses thrive for generations to come."