CLAYTON – The Town of Clayton has hired Joseph Stallings as its new Economic Development Director. With more than a decade of experience in economic development and public administration, Stallings brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to Clayton.
As Economic Development Director, Stallings will lead efforts to attract and retain businesses, support workforce development, and collaborate with local, regional, and state partners to promote economic growth. He has a strong track record of managing large-scale business recruitment efforts, securing millions in economic investment, and spearheading public-private partnerships to advance local development initiatives.
Stallings most recently served as the Economic Development Director for Granville County, where he led business recruitment, retention, and expansion efforts. Prior to that, he worked for the North Carolina Railroad Company, facilitating statewide economic development initiatives to attract and grow industries along key transportation corridors. He also served as the Economic Development Director for the Town of Garner, where he played a role in recruiting the largest industrial investment in the town’s history, bringing in more than $300 million in investment and creating more than 4,000 jobs.
“Clayton is at a pivotal moment in its growth, and my goal is to ensure we foster smart, sustainable economic development that enhances our quality of life,” said Stallings. “We want to attract businesses and industries that complement our community’s character while creating new opportunities for residents.”
Stallings has a strong background in downtown development, strategic planning, and public-private partnerships. His experience leading local and regional economic initiatives, coupled with his extensive relationships within North Carolina’s economic development community, will help position Clayton for long-term success.
Clayton Town Manager Rich Cappola expressed his enthusiasm for Stallings’ appointment, highlighting the importance of strategic economic growth for the Town’s future.
“Like any growing municipality, we face challenges with infrastructure, workforce development, and maintaining our hometown charm,” said Cappola. “However, these are also opportunities to build a stronger, more resilient economy that supports both new investment and the long-time residents who have shaped this Town.”
A graduate of Appalachian State University, Stallings holds a Master of Public Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Political Science with a concentration in Town, City, and County Management. He is also a graduate of the UNC-Chapel Hill Municipal and County Administration program and has earned certifications from the Oklahoma University Economic Development Institute.
Stallings began his new role on Feb. 10 replacing former Town of Clayton Economic Development Director Patrick Pierce, who resigned in August 2024.
Growth growth growth… the government is insatiable for growth.
Hummmmm this is the second or third person that the Town of Clayton has hired with ties to the Railroad. The times before they closed railroad crossings after the town said they wouldn’t. Is the town getting ready to close more RR crossings to appease the RR?
Maybe, just maybe he can find a way to lower the cost of everything in the Town of Clayton. It has Raleigh prices and Raleigh traffic issues but it’ suppose to be cheaper there. If you’re going to pay so much to live there you should just live in Raleigh. The crime is starting to get worse, traffic is awful and they should be ashamed of the amount a light/water/garbage bill is for each resident.. They are always worried about businesses but if people can’t afford things they will not spend money at them… That’s basic economics!
Hey it’s that Swampland called electric cities that the power company sold them years ago. Clayton doesn’t have any choice but to keep increasing electric rates to pay for that Swampland.
Actually, the rising cost of electricity can be regulated if they had more options in the town. Duke Energy can compete with the Town of Clayton and make it more reasonable. You have options for cable/ internet which are ran from the same poles as the electric. Also you only gaslighted by not addressing the other issues that I pointed out as well. They can also help homeowners invest in solar panels as a way to help reduce costs. Basically, I am saying that towns don’t provide what’s best for their citizens and hiring someone and paying them over 100K doesn’t help either.
If I remember correctly, Duke is not allowed to directly compete with electric cities because Duke is where electric cities gets it’s power from, and electric cities is paying for its part of the nuclear power plant.
Clayton does not need more economic development right now. The existing infrastructure cannot keep up. Enough trees have been destroyed and enough apartment complexes have been built too. Remove this guy and give the money to the police department so they can get the drugs and criminals off the streets.