Eastern Carolina Vocational Center (ECVC) - Comprehensive Analysis Report

Summary

Eastern Carolina Vocational Center (ECVC) is a private, self-sustaining, not-for-profit corporation founded in 1965 and based in Greenville, North Carolina. Its core mission is to empower individuals with disabilities by providing job training and employment opportunities, thereby enhancing their quality of life through vocational achievement. ECVC aims to be the leading choice for employment solutions for people with disabilities, a trusted partner in regional economic and workforce development, and a premier global supplier of products and services. The organization's significance is underscored by its long-standing commitment to inclusive employment, operating as an AbilityOne federal contractor and SourceAmerica partner, which enables it to create meaningful jobs through federal and commercial contracts.

1. Strategic Focus & Objectives

Core Objectives

ECVC's strategic focus is dedicated to advancing inclusive employment for individuals with disabilities through a blend of commercial business services and community-based programs.

On-site Employment Provision: Create stable employment opportunities through federal contracts and commercial service agreements.

Community Job Placement: Assist individuals with disabilities in securing and maintaining competitive employment within the wider community.

Enhanced Quality of Life: Enable persons with disabilities to achieve a higher quality of life through the attainment of their vocational goals.

Specialization Areas

ECVC offers diverse services, leveraging its workforce and facilities:

Manufacturing and Packaging: Specializes in fulfilling federal contracts for critical products. This includes labeling and packaging batteries, manufacturing picture and certificate frames, battery terminal adapters, drill bits, push pins, thumbtacks, and pipe cleaners (for weapon maintenance). They also provide custom battery packaging and distribution.

Commercial Services: Delivers kitting, assembly, commercial packaging, labeling, warehousing, and janitorial services for local government and business clients. The janitorial team services over 100,000 square feet of Pitt County government facilities weekly.

Custom Frame Shop: Operates an on-site custom frame shop, open to the public, offering expert service and affordable pricing on custom framing solutions.

Employment Services: Provides comprehensive, no-cost employment services for people with disabilities, which include on-site job training, one-on-one job coaching, and up to 90 days of follow-up support post-placement. These services evaluate individual strengths to match them with suitable roles.

Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS): Partners with local school systems, such as J.H. Rose, North Pitt High School, and Pitt Academy, to support students aged 14–21 with disabilities or 504 plans. This program offers career awareness, workplace readiness training, job exploration, hands-on experiences, self-advocacy support, and paid internships to prepare students for future employment or post-secondary education.

Target Markets

ECVC targets diverse markets for its offerings:

Federal and State Agencies: For manufacturing, packaging, and facility services through the AbilityOne program.

Local Businesses and Government: For commercial services, including janitorial, kitting, assembly, and warehousing.

General Public: For custom framing solutions through its on-site shop.

Individuals with Disabilities: As beneficiaries of job training and employment placement services across Eastern North Carolina.

Schools and Educational Institutions: For Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) aimed at students with disabilities.

2. Financial Overview

ECVC is a self-sustaining nonprofit organization. Its operations and mission are primarily funded through revenues generated from federal and commercial contracts for its manufacturing, packaging, and diverse service offerings.

For the fiscal year 2024, ECVC reported total revenue of $14.4 million and total expenses of $10.6 million, with total assets amounting to $34.9 million. Sales of inventory constituted 92.3% of its total revenue.

3. Product Pipeline

ECVC's offerings are well-established, with ongoing operational emphasis rather than new product development in a traditional sense. Its "product pipeline" largely refers to the continuous provision and expansion of its service capabilities and contract fulfillment.

Federal Contract Manufacturing:

Products: Labeling and packaging of batteries, manufacturing of picture and certificate frames, battery terminal adapters, drill bits, push pins, thumbtacks, and pipe cleaners (for weapon maintenance).
Development Stage: Fully operational, continuous fulfillment of existing high-demand federal contracts. Continuously seeking to diversify battery portfolio and add new items to long-term contracts.
Target Market/Condition: U.S. federal government, including the military and emergency response efforts.
Key Features and Benefits: High-quality, reliable supply chain, creates inclusive employment opportunities.

Commercial Business Services:

Services: Kitting, assembly, commercial packaging, labeling, warehousing, and janitorial services.
Development Stage: Fully operational, with continuous expansion of new commercial contracts. The janitorial service, for example, has grown its footprint significantly.
Target Market/Condition: Local government and commercial businesses in Eastern North Carolina.
Key Features and Benefits: Reliable, scalable, cost-effective outsourced services, supports local inclusive employment.

Custom Frame Shop:

Service: Expert custom framing solutions.
Development Stage: Established and open to the public.
Target Market/Condition: General public and businesses requiring custom framing.
Key Features and Benefits: Expert craftsmanship, affordable pricing, supports the organization's mission.

Employment Services:

Programs: On-site job training, one-on-one job coaching, follow-up support, career assessments, job development, job placement, and ongoing support. Special programs include Transitional Program and Adult Developmental & Vocational Program (ADVP).
Development Stage: Continuously delivered and refined. Launched the Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) program in partnership with local school systems during the 2024–2025 school year, and a first-ever "Job Ready Jumpstart" Summer Program in June 2025.
Target Market/Condition: Individuals with disabilities seeking employment and businesses looking for dedicated employees. Youth aged 14-21 with disabilities or 504 plans for Pre-ETS.
Key Features and Benefits: Personalized support, promotes long-term job success, fosters inclusive workplaces.

4. Technology & Innovation

ECVC utilizes its substantial 120,000 square feet of climate-controlled warehouse and production space to support manufacturing, assembly, packaging, and shipping projects. As an AbilityOne federal contractor, ECVC operates within a program designed to create employment opportunities for individuals who are blind or have significant disabilities by supplying products and services to the federal government. This model demonstrates ECVC's commitment to integrating a diverse workforce into complex supply chains and service delivery through proven operational methodologies. The organization employs a blend of manual and semi-automated processes, strategically balancing efficiency with its core mission of job creation for individuals with disabilities.

5. Leadership & Management

ECVC's leadership team consists of experienced professionals who guide the organization's strategic direction, ensure compliance, and cultivate a mission-driven culture.

Executive Team

Jason Thomas: President and CEO. Assumed the CEO role in 2024, succeeding Lisa Ward-Ross, and previously served as President. Thomas has overseen continued strategic planning and growth during his tenure.

Beth Davis: Senior Vice President and CFO.

Darone Dancy: Vice President of Workforce Operations. He has expressed excitement about the impact and expansion of ECVC's Pre-ETS program across Eastern North Carolina.

Todd Clements: Vice President of Operations. Replaced Paul Craven in mid-2023.

John Coward: Operations Manager – Offsite Contracts.

Gail Perkins: Assistant Controller.

Vonzetta May: Operations Manager – Production.

Recent Leadership Changes

CEO Transition: Lisa Ward-Ross retired as CEO on July 1, 2024, after a 38-year career with ECVC, including eight years as CEO. Jason Thomas, who served as President, succeeded her as CEO in 2024.

VP of Operations Change: Paul Craven, former Vice President of Operations, retired in mid-2023, and Todd Clements took over this role.

Promotion: Ellen Jackson was successfully promoted to Vice President of Customer Operations during the fiscal year 2024-2025.

6. Talent and Growth Indicators

Hiring Trends and Workforce

ECVC is dedicated to inclusive employment, with a workforce where over 94% are individuals with disabilities, showcasing the significant impact of the AbilityOne Program. ECVC offers a wide range of employment opportunities across manufacturing, logistics, janitorial services, administrative support, and other roles. The organization emphasizes a supportive and inclusive work environment, competitive pay and benefits, on-the-job training, and opportunities for advancement. ECVC actively recruits dependable and motivated individuals, hosting quarterly on-site job fairs. In the past year, ECVC achieved its lowest employee turnover rate and best employee experience survey results in many years. As of December 2025, ECVC Inc. has approximately 83 employees.

Company Growth Trajectory Indicators

Program Expansion: The Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) program, launched in 2024, began with 26 students in three Pitt County high schools and has plans to expand to over 100 students in the coming year, both within and beyond Pitt County.

Contract Growth: ECVC's janitorial service significantly increased its footprint, adding four new commercial contracts and expanding the square footage cleaned by 85,000 in the past year, cleaning over 717,000 square feet monthly.

Product Diversification: ECVC added four new batteries to its long-term DLA contract in September, bringing the total to 56 batteries packaged for DLA. It was also selected by Energizer as its distributor to other non-profit agencies (NPAs).

7. Social Media Presence and Engagement

Digital Footprint

ECVC maintains an active digital presence to communicate its mission, services, and impact. The organization utilizes social media platforms, such as Facebook, to engage its community. They run campaigns like holiday giveaways to increase interaction and awareness.

Brand Messaging and Positioning

ECVC updated its branding with a new website and the tagline "Jobs with Purpose." This tagline emphasizes both the dedicated work of ECVC staff in creating opportunities and the valuable employment individuals with disabilities find. The organization's communication efforts highlight real stories of its employees, putting a face to the mission and demonstrating its vital role in supporting an underserved population.

Community Engagement Strategies

ECVC fosters community engagement through various initiatives:

Giveaways: Hosting contests to engage followers and promote its mission.

Story Sharing: Encouraging employees and the community to share impactful stories, some of which may be featured on social media.

Event Promotion: Marketing key events like its annual banquet and participation in National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) to raise awareness and invite community participation.

8. Recognition and Awards

Industry Recognition

ECVC has consistently received recognition for its dedication to inclusive employment and veteran support:

HIRE Vets Medallion Award: Formally presented with the 2025 HIRE Vets Medallion Award (Gold) on January 5, 2026, marking the seventh consecutive year the organization has received this honor.

Foundation Awards: Recognized six outstanding employees with Foundation Awards in December 2025 during its annual employee Christmas luncheon, celebrating their contributions to the mission.

60th Anniversary: Celebrated its 60th Anniversary Banquet on October 2, 2025, an event that honored six decades of impact and growth, featuring keynote speaker Lou Ferrigno, an actor, motivational speaker, and advocate for disability inclusion.

CARF Accreditation: Received a new three-year accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF International), certifying the company as a premier provider of job placement and program services for persons with disabilities.

Scholarship Endowments: ECVC created permanent scholarship endowments at East Carolina University (ECU) and Pitt Community College for students from Eastern North Carolina with disabilities. The first ECVC Scholarship was awarded to a PCC student for the Spring 2025 semester, and the full scholarship at ECU was awarded for the Fall 2025 term.

Media and Official Recognition: Its work has been recognized by military leaders, elected officials, and high school administrators.

9. Market Analysis

Market Overview

ECVC operates within the broader market of vocational rehabilitation and employment services for individuals with disabilities, alongside a significant presence in the manufacturing and commercial services sectors. The market for services targeted at federal contractors and local businesses in manufacturing, packaging, and janitorial services in Eastern North Carolina offers consistent demand. The region of the Carolinas, including Eastern North Carolina, is experiencing job growth and manufacturing expansion, poised for outperformance in 2026, which bodes well for ECVC's commercial and employment services.

Growth Potential

Demand for Inclusive Employment: There is an ongoing need and increasing focus on inclusive employment for individuals with disabilities, reflecting societal shifts and legislative support like the AbilityOne Program.

Regional Economic Growth: The Carolinas' strong job growth and manufacturing expansion indicate a fertile ground for ECVC to expand its business services and community employment placements.

Educational Partnerships: The Pre-ETS program has significant expansion plans, demonstrating a growing opportunity to engage younger populations with disabilities.

Key Market Trends

Focus on Workforce Development: Increased emphasis on developing skilled workforces, including those from underserved populations, to meet labor demands.

Outsourcing of Non-Core Functions: Businesses and government entities continue to outsource services like janitorial, packaging, and assembly, creating opportunities for ECVC's commercial services.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): Companies increasingly prioritize partnerships that demonstrate social impact, aligning with ECVC’s mission.

Market Challenges and Opportunities

Challenges: Securing and maintaining competitive federal and commercial contracts requires continuous optimization of services and cost-effectiveness. Ensuring adequate funding and resources for program expansion can also be a challenge for non-profit organizations.

Opportunities: Expanding reach for Pre-ETS programs across more school systems and commercial businesses. Diversifying further into new product lines or services under federal contracts. Leveraging its long-standing reputation and accreditation to secure more partnerships.

10. Strategic Partnerships

ECVC actively engages in partnerships crucial to its mission and operations:

SourceAmerica: A proud partner that supports ECVC as an AbilityOne federal contractor, enabling the creation of employment opportunities through federal contracts.

Local School Systems: Partner organizations such as J.H. Rose, North Pitt High School, and Pitt Academy for the Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) program, supporting students with disabilities. ECVC extended its Pre-ETS in partnership with Pitt County Schools and State Government.

NC Division of Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities (EIPD): Partners in the Pre-ETS initiative and for the Transitional Program which offers services like career assessment and job readiness training.

Trillium Health Resources: Partners for the Adult Developmental & Vocational Program (ADVP), providing ongoing work and daily living activities for individuals with more significant disabilities.

Local Commercial Businesses: Collaborates with businesses across Eastern North Carolina to deliver scalable services such as assembly, kitting, packaging, labeling, inventory management, and warehousing.

Pitt County Government: A long-standing partner, with ECVC's janitorial team servicing over 100,000 square feet of Pitt County government facilities weekly for over 20 years.