Greenville, NC – July 18, 2025 – Eastern Carolina Vocational Center (ECVC) will celebrate six decades of service and success at its 60th Anniversary Banquet on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at Rock Springs Center, with a special keynote address by actor, motivational speaker and retired professional bodybuilder Lou Ferrigno, best known for his iconic role as The Incredible Hulk.
Held in conjunction with National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), the event will highlight ECVC’s mission of helping individuals with disabilities attain a higher quality of life through the achievement of their vocational goals. The evening will honor ECVC’s partners, employees, and the community for their continued support of inclusive employment opportunities.
“We’re thrilled to celebrate our 60th anniversary and the accomplishments of our team,” said Jason Thomas, President and CEO of ECVC. “This talented group delivers every single day for our nation’s military and all our customers. Employees with disabilities make valuable contributions throughout our nation’s workforce, which is why dozens of Eastern North Carolina companies hire ECVC clients every year. It’s going to be an ‘incredible’ evening.”
The evening will feature a plated dinner and an inspiring program celebrating the organization’s history and future. Guests also have the option to purchase access to a VIP reception add-on, which includes a more intimate experience with Lou Ferrigno prior to the banquet. In addition, there will be opportunities to purchase autographs during the event.
A highlight of the evening will be the presentation of the Employee Success Story of the Year (ESSOY) award, which recognizes an individual with a disability who has achieved success through meaningful employment in the community.
ECVC is a self-sustaining nonprofit and an AbilityOne federal contractor, proudly contributing to our national supply chain—including serving as one of the largest suppliers of batteries to the U.S. Military.
Sponsorships, table reservations, and individual registrations are now open and must be received by September 5. For more information or to support ECVC’s mission, visit www.ecvcinc.com/annual-banquet.
About ECVC
Founded in 1965, Eastern Carolina Vocational Center (ECVC) is a self-sustaining nonprofit committed to helping individuals with disabilities attain a higher quality of life through the achievement of their vocational goals.
Headquartered in Greenville, NC, ECVC provides manufacturing, assembly, and packaging services to government agencies and commercial clients nationwide. Locally, the organization offers job placement support in Pitt County, commercial janitorial services, pre-employment transition services for students with disabilities, and operates an on-site custom frame shop that is open to the public.