Center for Survey Research
Office of Economic Development
Willis Building ● 300 East First Street ● Greenville, NC 27858-4353
252-737-1349 office ● 252-737-1381 fax ● http://www.ecu.edu/rds
For immediate release
May 12, 2008
Contact: Dee Dobson Harper
252-737-1351
harperde@ecu.edu
Center for Survey Research Tapped to Conduct
Major Equine Survey for NC Rural Development Center, Inc.
GREENVILLE – The Center for Survey Research at East Carolina University has been asked to
conduct the survey component of a comprehensive study designed to assess the North Carolina
equine industry’s economic impact and identify opportunities for growth. The Equine Study is a
three-component project administered by the NC Rural Development Center under the direction of
and funded by the NC General Assembly. NC State University and Western Carolina University are
partnering with the Center to furnish the study’s economic impact analysis. The project is a
collaboration of the state legislature, the Rural Development Center, and three universities in the
UNC system.
The Center’s custom designed survey will be conducted by direct mail and online. It will collect
information from a broad sampling of respondents to determine the number of horses, ponies,
donkeys and mules in NC, how the various breeds are used – whether for breeding, competition,
work, racing or recreation, among others – and associated economic factors, including equine-related
income, operational assets, expenses, activities and demographics.
“Our state is ranked eighth nationally in the number of horses, and the industry sectors are
fragmented. We’re excited to contribute essential survey data as this important study will provide a
clearer picture of the equine industry’s economic significance to industry and public policy decision
makers,” said Mandee Foushee Lancaster, director of the Center for Survey Research.
“The purpose of the study and collaboration with NC State University and Western Carolina
University on this project is in line with ECU’s response to the findings and recommendations of the
UNC Tomorrow Commission that call on campuses to work cooperatively and be more responsive to
the economic needs of our state,” Lancaster added.
The Sanford Holshouser Business Development Group, LLC will develop policy recommendations
based on the Equine Study’s findings to aid state leaders and policy makers as they determine how
best to protect existing equine assets and make further investments to stimulate industry growth for
jobs and wealth creation. The projected completion date for the final report is January 2009.
The Center for Survey Research is one arm of East Carolina University’s Office of Economic
Development, which also includes the Regional Development Institute, the SBTDC Eastern
Regional Service Center and the Entrepreneurial Initiative. For more information about the
divisions of the ECU Office of Economic Development, call 252-328-6650 or visit
http://www.ecu.edu/rds .
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