QVC Could Bring 1,000 Jobs to Edgecombe County

The company already hasfour distribution centersin the United States and is talking about opening one in Edgecombe County.

The building for the distribution center would cost $60 million and could be ready next summer.

The possibility of adding 1,000 new jobs to Edgecombe County is big news for people looking for work.

"It is kind of a bad area for jobs, and it would give young people a good chance to get started. It will give a lot of people in this area that are unemployed a chance to get a good job," said resident Lynda Sori.

The deal could be helped along by a bill promising tax breaks, which passed the state House Tuesday. It goes back to the Senate, where it is expected to pass as well.

Analysts say if lawmakers extend the tax incentive plan, the center would almost certainly come to Edgecombe County.

Many of the county's largest employers have moved in since the incentives began three years ago.

The tax incentive extension would reward industries that moved to economically depressed areas.

A move to Edgecombe County could save QVC up to $12 million.

QVC has reportedly been waiting for the vote. Officials with the company say they have no announcement to make right now, but they expect to make an announcement in about two weeks.

Recruiters would not talk specifically about QVC, but they said any new jobs would only help Edgecombe's 9.2 percent unemployment rate, one of the highest in North Carolina.

"Anything that brings new opportunities into a county like Edgecombe is going to be important to the citizens," said ESC Manager Steve Rogers.

The stateDepartment of Commercehad no comment. Carolinas Gateway Partnership recruits businesses to Edgecombe County.