The mission of Jones County Economic Development is to create good paying jobs for our citizens, diversify our agricultural economy, develop an industrial manufacturing tax base and promote Heritage Tourism in the County. The Jones County Economic Development Office is responsible for improving the economic conditions of the County by promoting the location of new business and industry in the County and helping existing business in every way possible. Jones County is part of North Carolina's Eastern Region and is strategically located within a very short distance of a number of larger counties and cities in the region. Two Interstate Highways, I-40 and I-95, are within an hour's drive. US Highway 70, a four- lane highway, is a vital and major transportation link from Raleigh, the State Capital. Morehead City State Port is 45 minutes from Jones County. The other state port at Wilmington is approximately 90 minutes away. Jones County is positioned midway between New York and Florida. This provides quick access to major markets.