ROCKY MOUNT — Jobs and money. Edgecombe County, one of the poorest areas in North Carolina, needs both. Today that county's wish is expected to be granted.

The unemployment rate in the area is 9.2 percent, one of the highest in the state. But Gov. Jim Hunt hopes to reduce those numbers. Today he's expected to announce television retailer QVC will open a huge distribution center in the economically depressed area -- one that could employ 1000 people.

Edgecombe County is in desperate need of employers.

With unemployment and poverty rates well above the state average, Edgecombe County residents hope the television retail giant could be the answer to their problems.

QVC is expected to build the $60 million dollar distribution center near Tarboro.

For its part, QVC could receive the bargain it's been looking for if the state extends a tax incentive plan that could save QVC up to $12 million.

So while residents would get well needed jobs out of the move, QVC would also receive a deal it couldn't pass up.

Gov. Hunt is expected to make the announcement at 9:30 a.m. at Edgecombe Community College in Tarboro.

Edgecombe County is a target area for the rural prosperity task force.

The task force identifies economically depressed areas in the state and tries to bring new business there.