Greater Fayetteville Business Journal - January 13, 2023 Issue

The new year is here – a time for goal-making, celebration, and reflection. For the business community, the hustle and bustle across different industries in Greater Fayetteville Business Journal’s coverage area created an abundance of memorable moments worth looking back on.

We’ve included here a collection of some of the top stories of 2022. FTCC PRESIDENT

ANNOUNCES

RETIREMENT/SORRELLS TO

FILL

ROLE Having served as the president of Fayetteville Technical Community

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY: GFBJ

Lifelong learner

PRESIDENT AND CEO OF THE FCEDC ROBERT VAN GEONS SHARES LESSONS LEARNED THROUGHOUT HIS PROFESSIONAL JOURNEY

Originally from Waterbury, Connecticut, Van Geons attended college in Salisbury, North Carolina and accrued many years of experience there as well working in land use planning and economic development.

Van Geons shared that he spent approximately the first 10 years of his professional career working in land use planning, then when he came across work in economic development he felt that helping people have job opportunities was a good way to make a difference.

“I've always been interested in government and public policy, and learned early on that my path was policy, not politics, and… all that comes from a desire to serve my community, to try to improve the lives of my neighbors and make a better future,” shared Van Geons.

The job opening with the FCEDC ultimately brought Van Geons to Fayetteville. “I had been in Salisbury, North Carolina, running their economic development operations for nine years, and the previous director here was a friend of mine, and at one point he called and asked if I'd be willing to have a conversation, and one conversation led to a visit which led to an offer which led to here we are…We instantly fell in love with the community,” shared Van Geons.

Van Geons shared about valuable skills he has developed over the course of his career. “I think developing professional empathy is probably—if there was one thing that has led me to where I am today, it's that—developing professional empathy, being able to, or trying to understand what motivates, what is motivating people. When they ask a question, what is the why [behind them] asking that question, as opposed to just the question itself? So, professional empathy is one, and being aggressive about learning new technologies early has really, really helped me and I encourage people to do that, be a lifelong learner when it comes to technology. What you learned today will be a great foundation for what

you'll need to know tomorrow,” said Van Geons.

Additionally, Van Geons shared tips for adapting to an ever changing environment and evolving technology. “I think that especially when you're working in a nonprofit with limited resources, communications and marketing have evolved in so many ways. What works today will not work tomorrow…And that has been both shocking to see how fast that's occurring. But also, I'd say the practice needs to be, anticipate obsolescence of what you're doing in marketing or communications and technology. All of those three things anticipate obsolescence,” said Van Geons.

As any professional knows, each job comes with its own challenges. Van Geons spoke about a major challenge he has had to overcome during his time working with the FCEDC. “I think the greatest challenge would be...finding ways to ensure we're helping those who need the help the most…for those that have a criminal record, or haven't had the opportunity to get an education, how can we find employment and pathways for them, to help them forward? And so, I think helping those in the community that need it the most is what is a challenge. Because you need more resources. And…our office doesn’t control all the resources needed to get to that reality,” shared

Though there are challenges, Van Geons is happy to report of the many successes achieved during his time with the FCEDC. “Working together with the city and the county, we've actually been able to change investors' minds about our community and we are seeing local, statewide and national interest, people investing in Cumberland County and Fayetteville,” said Van Geons.

Van Geons’s words of advice to

PHOTO PROVIDED BY: FCEDC

up and coming professionals are to always invest in your relationships with others.

In the spirit of lifelong learning, Van Geons shared that he will be pursuing additional coursework in cyber security. “A huge concern for small businesses and large [businesses] is the security of their data and their employees' information,” said Van Geons.

Van Geons also expressed his gratitude for the support the FCEDC receives from the city and the county, as that is part of the reason they’ve been able to accomplish so many wonderful things. He reflects on the progress that has been made with pride while remaining focused on the future work he’d like to accomplish as well: “... we've done a lot, we've built a couple million square feet of new buildings, we've gained a couple 1,000 jobs…I want to do more. We can do more…”

In particular, Van Geons shared that they are excited about the addition of new sites for development and the completion of spec buildings in the community.

Overall, Van Geons is happy to be doing what he loves in Fayetteville as this community is the “most welcoming” he and his family have ever been in. The new year is sure to welcome more projects and economic development to our community.

I've always been interested in government and public policy, and learned early on that my path was policy, not politics, and… all that comes from a desire to serve my community, to try to improve the lives of my neighbors and make a better future.”

— Robert Van Geons

“

S

ince 2017, Robert Van Geons has been President and Chief Executive Officer of the Fayetteville Cumberland County Economic Development Corporation.Robert Van Geons has been with the FCEDC for about six years now and enjoys helping people in the community build and discover pathways to success.

Van Geons.

EDITOR’S NOTE

4424 Bragg Blvd,

Fayetteville, NC 28303 910-240-9697 bizfayetteville.com

PUBLISHER

Marty Cayton martyc@bizfayetteville.com

ASSISTANT EDITOR

Faith Hatton faithh@bizfayetteville.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITER/REPORTER

Stephanie Meador stephaniem@bizfayetteville.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Charity Brandsma

Kate Griffin

Diana Hansen

Kathie Harris

Suet Lee-Growney

Jenna Shackelford

Eddie Velazquez

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

MARKETING

CONTENT

Stacie Borrello

SALES

CONSULTANT

Tim Hinton marketing@bizfayetteville.com

CONTRIBUTING DESIGNER

Samantha Lowe samanthal@bizfayetteville.com

ACCOUNTING

Priscilla Nelson billing@bizfayetteville

The Greater Fayetteville Business Journal is published twice a month throughout Fayetteville and the Cumberland County region. News related to the region’s business sector is posted daily at bizfayetteville.com.

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A new year… and yeah, same you

AS WE GET INTO THE NEW YEAR, THINK CREATIVELY ABOUT YOUR RESOLUTIONS AND HOW YOU PLAN TO ACHIEVE THEM

There is something refreshing about being able to start with a metaphorically clean slate come midnight on Jan.1.

Every year, we all come together and celebrate another year around the sun. A number of us make resolutions about what we hope to accomplish in the new year. Unfortunately, many of us find ourselves falling off the wagon and sliding back into old habits shortly after announcing we were going to finally start that keto diet, start saving money, or promising to be a nicer, kinder person which tends to fall apart as soon as we hit the morning traffic jam.

Luckily, we are not alone. According to U.S. News & World Report, the failure rate of new year's resolutions is said to be about 80 percent, which sounds about right.

This year I’ve decided to approach my new year’s resolutions more realistically. Instead of hoping that I will be able to accomplish my goals on the merit of my own character, I’ve decided to change how I track my progress so I -literally- don’t lose sight of what I want in 2023.

Here are some of the ways I’ll be challenging myself to achieve my goals in more tangible ways:

Make a 2023 new year’s resolution Bingo card

Am I the kind of person who will rely on social media posts, likes and comments to track my progress? No. Am I competitive enough to not want to lose to myself in a game of bingo? Yes. You can make your free space something you can achieve everyday like getting out of bed, petting your cat, or getting that morning cup of coffee.

Having a color coded spend calendar

FREE STOCKS ORG/PEXELS

New year’s resolutions can be tricky. Keep your goals at the top of your mind and you can achieve anything!

By channeling long repressed elementary school memories of having my progress tracked by a colored stamp, a color-coded calendar is a great way to feel accomplished based on how much you DON’T spend. The concept, admittedly stolen from Tik Tok, is simple; every day you go without spending money is a green day, any day you do spend money (bills, gas, a coffee run,) is a red day. Being able to see how often I spend, mixed with the negative association of seeing an all-red calendar has helped me cut my useless spending in half.

Saving in place of spending

We’re not going to lie to ourselves

in 2023. I won’t be giving into the delusion that I will use a gym membership. Instead, throughout 2023 whenever I think about going to the gym, I will transfer the amount of a monthly membership fee (based on Fayetteville market values of course) over to my savings and go on a brisk walk.

I encourage you to get creative with how you track your goals, and soon you’ll see that one by one you’ve accomplished more than you planned to!

Happy new year everyone!

And here’s to a happy, healthy, peaceful, sweet 2023!

FAITH HATTON, Assistant Editor

910-240-9697, Ext 104 • faithh@bizfayetteville.com

OUR ECONOMIC FUTURE

TED ABERNATHY Managing Partner Economic Leadership

Ted Abernathy, a nationally respected economic strategist based in North Carolina, will talk about the Fayetteville region’s competitive strengths and weaknesses as well as how the changing landscape in global trade, technology and demographics will impact our community in 2023 and beyond.

Ted Abernathy is the Managing Partner of Economic Leadership, which helps communities and other clients analyze competitiveness, develop strategies and reimagine the future.

In the past nine years, Abernathy and his team have worked on 146 projects in more than 20 states and internationally. He currently serves as economic advisor to the Council of State Chambers and previously held a similar position to the Southern Governor’s Association.

College since 2007, Dr. J. Larry Keen announced that he would retire on January 1 of this year. The presidential search, which began in March 2022, spanned the country, and Dr. Mark A. Sorrells, previously the senior vice president for academic and student services, was selected to fill the role. The North Carolina State Board of Community Colleges affirmed the decision on Sept. 16. Prior to assuming the presidential role, Sorrells had 35 years of higher education and economic development experience.

“I’m humbled by and grateful for the vote of confidence by the Board of Trustees,” Sorrells said in a press release. “I will do my best to carry on the legacy of Dr. Keen, who has been a wonderful mentor and friend. I can assure you that we will stay the course and carry out and build on the vision that Dr. Keen has established for FTCC to serve as a leader in economic and workforce development for Cumberland County, the region and the state.”

BIG BUSINESS CHANGES IN COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE

Whether properties were gaining new owners or businesses were expanding, the commercial real estate sector was buzzing. Holmes Security Systems, a Fayetteville-based company founded in 1908, moved from its Hay Street location to 407 Ray Avenue. Showcase Restoration, founded in 1979, moved into their new facility after closing on the property in 2021.

Some other notable changes were the sales of two major shopping centers in Fayetteville. Westwood Shopping Center, a 307,456 SF shopping center, was acquired by First National Realty Partners, a company based in New Jersey. In March, Freedom Town Center, a shopping center off Cliffdale Road and Skibo Road, was sold for $72.5 million to Serota Properties in New York.

FAYETTEVILLE STATE UNIVERSITY ANNOUNCES FREE TUITION FOR MILITARY-CONNECTED STUDENTS

FSU announced a new military tuition scholarship that would make tuition free for military-connected students. “Fayetteville State University is proud to be the premier destination, not just in North Carolina but in the nation, for educating military-connected students,” said Chancellor Allison. “FSU is perfectly positioned here in the Sandhills region to change the landscape on how

we think about workforce readiness in today’s ever-changing job market and how we, in higher education, can support veterans and their families in their transitions to the civilian workforce. We’re excited to announce the Military Tuition Scholarship (fully paid) to further support those who sacrificed for our nation in their next chapter in life.”

FSU was in the top three percent of its peers for return on investment and has the largest number of GI Bill students among HBCUs.

UNCP GAINS NEW SCHOOL OF BUSINESS

The Thomas School of Business at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke is a new addition to the school’s campus. Metcon, a local, minority-owned construction firm in Pembroke, was responsible for the job. The $35 million-dollar building is 62,000-square feet and two stories. Inside its doors, the School of Business features classrooms, seminar rooms, an auditorium, cafe, media rooms and a high technology stock trading room.

UNCP Chancellor Robin Gary Cummings explained that research showed 80 percent or more of the graduates of UNCP stayed in the area, making educating future business leaders a priority for the school.

METRONET LAUNCHES

In March, Metronet, a leading provider of 100 percent fiber optic internet, launched its network in downtown Fayetteville. The investment amounts to $70 million. It was announced in January 2021 and construction began in March 2021. Fiber-optic cable is available in roughly 14 percent of the country, according to Metronet, whereas coaxial cable is widely available in 84 percent of the country. The use of coaxial cable, which was invented in the mid-1800s, has reached its maximum speed and cannot accommodate high speeds as readily that are needed for streaming and other technology. Fiber optic, which was created in the 1960s and 1970s, can continue to accommodate increased speeds as technology evolves. The company celebrated the grand opening of their first Fayetteville storefront in early December 2022.

CAPE FEAR VALLEY HEALTH SYSTEM SEES GROWTH

Cape Fear Valley Health has seen success in several ways in the past year. In March, CFVH announced a whopping $110M expansion to its flagship hospital. The system said they would add 100 beds to the

hospital’s capacity with 40 percent of them designed as ICU beds. CFVH also shared plans to build two additional floors. The expansion, expected to be complete in the next few years, will make the hospital seven stories.

On March 25, the CFVH Dorothea Dix Adolescent Care Unit, located at 3425-B Melrose Road in Fayetteville, had its ribbon cutting ceremony. The almost 11,000 square foot building has 16 inpatient beds for adolescents in the 12-17 age range. Before its opening, the nearest inpatient facility for adolescent behavioral health was 60 miles away.

Construction for the facility began in 2020. The North Carolina Department of Public Health and Human Services funded $7 million of the project, while individuals and corporations contributed $71,000.

COLDWELL BANKER ADVANTAGE BECOMES LARGEST ENTITY IN CB NETWORK

Coldwell Banker Advantage officially became the largest entity in the CB Network. The network has 50,000 agents and 800 offices across the country. The Coldwell Banker network has 50,000 agents and 800 offices nationwide, including 56 offices and 1,850 agents in the Triad, Triangle, Sandhills, and the coastal region from Morehead City to Georgetown. Coldwell Banker Advantage is number two in all of Coldwell Banker’s sales volume with $7.1 billion. The Fayetteville office contributed 3,300 transactions and totaled $800 million in sales. Since 2000, the Fayetteville office has been number one in market shares every year.

FIRST BANK FINALIZES SELECT ACQUISITION

First Bank finalized its acquisition of Select Bank & Trust. The acquisition added 11 branches to First Bank’s footprint.

“We still have that same community bank feeling – we’re just a larger organization now – but not too big that the customers feel they will get lost,” said First Bank’s Director of Public Relations Hilary Kestler. “We’re big enough where customers have all the right technology. We’re in that middle sweet spot.”

At the time of the completion of the acquisition, First Bank had 120 locations throughout the Carolinas with a $10.6 billion asset size.

FCEDC AWARDED $4M FOR HR TALENT PORTAL

The Fayetteville Cumberland Economic Development Corporation

and the Community Development Foundation announced plans for a $4 million HR Talent Portal to be built. The funds, which were from federal Congressional appropriations, would allow for the construction of a facility that could “substantially increase private sector hiring of our military, as well as support the employment of military spouses, connect veterans to career opportunities, and encourage companies to establish a North Carolina presence,” FCEDC said. With the close proximity to Fort Bragg, the area regularly sees military service members transition into the civilian workforce. In fact, 7,000 service members transition from Fort Bragg into the private sector yearly, FCEDC reported. The facility will be used to facilitate the hiring of those skilled workers.

FORT BRAGG CELEBRATES SOLAR ARRAY

On June 10, Army leaders and executives from Duke Energy and Ameresco celebrated Camp Mackall’s new floating solar array. The solar array made history as the first of its kind for the Department of Defense. It is also the largest floating solar array in the southeast. It will power nearly 735 homes and last 35-40 years. The 1.1-megawatt system creates carbon-free energy. The project will support the Army’s mission to enhance readiness, save energy, leverage resources, and reduce longterm operating costs.

VISITOR SPENDING BOUNCES BACK ACROSS STATE; MOORE COUNTY RANKS 10TH FOR VISITOR SPENDING

A report commissioned by Visit NC announced visitor spending dollars across the state and by county. There was a collective increase across the state, equaling $28.9 billion.

The report entitled “The Economic Impact of Travel On North Carolina Counties” was assembled by Tourism Economics. It showed that visitor spending per day $79 million per day.

Total visitor spending across GFBJ’s coverage area was as follows: Moore County ranked at No. 10 with a total of $673.26 million; Cumberland County ranked at No. 12 with $608.85 million; Robeson County ranked at No. 40 with $155.68 million; Harnett County ranked at No. 47 with 104.52 million; Bladen County ranked at No. 66 with $56.9 million; Sampson County ranked at No. 67 with $56.76 million; Hoke County ranked at No. 95 with $13.53 million.

ACHIEVERS

Greater Fayetteville Chamber names new Chairman

The Greater Fayetteville Chamber has promoted from within its ranks to select a new Chairman for 2023. Former Chamber Secretary GARY ROGERS with Beasley Media has been selected as the new Chair of the Board. Rogers succeeds former Chair Tammy Thurman, who saw the end of her term in December of 2022. “This is a great opportunity to serve the businesses of the Greater Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce.We have an amazing board of community leaders that will continue to build, advocate, and represent our business community,” shared Rogers.

Rogers has been a member of the Board for seven years and will serve in the position for the next year.

To nominate someone for GFBJ’s Achievers section, email editor@bizfayetteville.com with the subject line

partner, Developmental Associates, to manage the search process, identify and screen candidates through multiple rounds of interviews and interactions.

“We are truly fortunate to have identified exceptionally qualified candidates through the search, and making an internal hire exemplifies how well we cultivate and nurture talent from within,” remarked City Manager Doug Hewett.

nity service projects, social and cultural outings, personal and professional workshops and seminars, mentoring, tutoring and networking.”

Veteran non-profit group hires new executive director

After searching for a year, Fuquay-Varina based veterans nonprofit group Military Missions in Action has a new executive director.

the North Carolina General Assembly, co-founded a technology start-up, and continues to serve as an officer in the North Carolina National Guard as the commander of the 105th Engineer Battalion in Raeford, NC.

“Our veterans and their families have needs like never before,” said Gebhardt in a press release, “I’m excited about the work ahead and honored to lead such a well-respected organization. I look forward to building on the legacy of MMIA’s founder, Mike Dorman, to make our organization the leading source of support for veterans and their families.”

Hammonds named Cumberland County Fire Officer of the Year

The Fayetteville Fire Department is standing proud after one of their leaders, CAPTAIN ROBERT HAMMONDS SR. was recognized for his work and service to the community.

The City of Fayetteville now has a new Chief of Police.

City Manager Doug Hewett announced KEMBERLE BRADEN as the new Chief in a press conference held on Dec. 28 in City Hall.

The announcement comes following more than a year long search after it was announced that current Police Chief Gina Hawkins would be retiring in Jan. 2023.

Chief select Braden has more than 26 years in law enforcement in the Fayetteville Police Department, beginning his tenure as a police officer in 1996. He was then promoted throughout the course of his career in 2008, 2015, 2018, and 2019, serving as a sergeant, lieutenant, captain, major, before becoming an Assistant Chief in May of 2022, overseeing the Field of Operations Bureau.

“I'm extremely thankful for the opportunity to continue to serve the Fayetteville community, which I've called home for the past 45 years… I look forward to bringing what I've learned throughout my career to lead the Fayetteville Police Department as many of those have done before me. I'm grateful for the opportunity and ready for this responsibility,” said Braden.

The City sought out an external

Fayetteville State University’s Associate Vice Chancellor for Strategic Communication JOY COOK will be creating new pathways in her career in 2023. Cook announced on social media that she has been accepted into the For(bes) The Culture community.

Cook shared the news in a LinkedIn post in December adding her excitement for the opportunity.

“I found out in March I was accepted into the fold of the group of cultural PoweR players curated by Forbes. As we close out the year I’m excited to announce being a part of the leaders shaking the culture For(bes) THE CULTURE,” said Cook For(bes) The Culture was created to create equitable pathways for Black and Brown professionals. According to the organization’s website, “We’re a hub for elite leaders of color who are breaking down barriers and impacting culture globally to connect, collaborate and change. For(bes) The Culture provides a platform that fosters professional development, social consciousness, civic engagement, intrapreneurship and entrepreneurship through commu-

It was announced by the group’s Board of Directors in mid-December that GREG GEBHARDT will be taking over the position starting Jan 1, 2023.

As executive director, Gebhardt will provide strategic leadership while ensuring the organization remains reliable and relevant in serving our nation’s heroes and their families. According to a release from the organization, Gebhardt is seeking to expand the organization’s reach, both in terms of its philanthropic fundraising goals as well as its geographical footprint.

“Greg Gebhardt is a proven leader who has experienced success at every stop along his professional journey,” said MMIA Board Chairman, Jay Trevisan in a press release, “We have confidence that Greg is the right person to lead our operations, enabling the growth and expansion of our support to North Carolina veterans and their families.”

Gebhardt has over a decade of experience in building relationships with the state’s most influential people and impactful organizations. Before accepting this appointment, Gebhardt served as an external affairs leader at Duke Energy, he also partnered with Fortune 250 companies in workforce development and the recruitment of transitioning veterans. Additionally, Gebhardt has served as senior staff in

In a ceremony of local first responders held on Dec. 22, Hammonds was given the Arnold J. Koonce Legacy Award, and recognized as the 2022 AJK Firefighter of the Year by the Cumberland County Fire Chiefs Association.

According to the association, the award “is the most esteemed honor the Cumberland County Fire Chiefs Association can bestow on our county's truly outstanding Firefighters, EMS workers and Fire and EMS Officers who exemplify the ability, character, and leadership, coupled with dedicated service to the Cumberland County Fire Service.”

The Fayetteville Fire Department took to social media with a congratulatory post to commemorate his achievement stating:

“Captain Hammonds is a 25 year veteran of the Fayetteville Fire Department who is currently assigned to Fire Station 10 at the Fayetteville Regional Airport. Captain Hammonds' selfless efforts demonstrated during his tenure as Fire Department Chaplain were highlighted in his nomination letter.

Kemberle Braden chosen as new Fayetteville Chief of Police

FSU’s Joy Cook accepted into Forbes networking organization

What are you and your peers achieving? Have you reached a new goal? Have you acquired another business? Maybe your business has a new hire you would like to highlight.

Greater Fayetteville Business Journal wants to hear from you and your business to shine a spotlight on your accomplishments.

“Achiever.”

Rogers

PHOTO PROVIDED BY: FAYETTEVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT

Captain Robert Hammonds (Center) pictured with CCFCA President Freddy Johnson Sr. (right) and the AJK award. Photo provided by: Fayetteville Fire Department.

Braden

Cook

Gebhardt

From ACHIEVERS,

Great Job Captain Hammonds!”

According to the CCFCA website, the selected Firefighter or EMS member and Fire or EMS Officer each year will have their nominations submitted the following year for a Merit recognition as part of the Greater Fayetteville Chamber Annual Valor Awards program.

FirstHealth names 2022 BEE award winner

MANDY SEAWELL, certified pharmacy technician at FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital, is the most recent recipient of the BEE award, which recognizes employees who go above and beyond to fulfill FirstHealth’s core purpose: To Care for People.

Seawell was nominated by staff in the emergency department for consistently going out of her way to help patients, families and staff.

Seawell has worked at FirstHealth for 32 years. She started out as a courier delivering medicines at Moore Regional before she became a pharmacy technician. She has served in the pharmacy at Moore Regional and

Montgomery Memorial Hospital and previously worked with the medication assistance program through FirstHealth’s community health services department. For the last two years, she’s worked as a certified pharmacy technician in the emergency department at Moore Regional, a role she finds to be extremely rewarding.

“I feel like I’m part of an important care team in the emergency department,” Seawell said in a press release. “The staff in the ED are extremely supportive, and we have outstanding leadership in the pharmacy. I’m so humbled to receive this award, and I share it with the entire team. I love my job and work every day to be a shining light and provide comfort and care to the staff, patients and families in the

emergency department.”

Details from the nomination letter describing Mandy as always having a smile on her face and a calmness in her voice were mentioned in the press release as well. “She speaks to patients like she would speak to her own family,” the letter reads. “FirstHealth is lucky to have such a caring professional employee who truly puts patient care first every time she works.”

According to Drew Kessell, PharmD, director, clinical pharmacy services, there is no one more deserving of this award than Mandy.

“Mandy is kind, genuine and selfless,” Kessell said in a press release. “She exemplifies FirstHealth’s core purpose To Care for People. The BEE award is a wonderful way to recognize and reward extraordinary staff like Mandy who go above and beyond to provide an exceptional patient experience.”

Cape Fear Valley Health welcomes first baby of 2023

Labor and Delivery doctors and nurses at Cape Fear Valley Health rang in the new year by helping a family welcome a healthy baby boy.

STILES GEORGE MCGEE was the first baby of 2023 born at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center in Fayetteville. The son of Tayvon McGee and Briana Esquilin of Fayetteville, Stiles was born at 2:25 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 1. Stiles weighed 7 lbs. 8 oz and was 20.5 inches long.

Esquilin is recognized for the fantastic achievement of bringing a baby into this world.

Stiles and his family received a gift basket (compliments of Cape Fear Valley Medical Center’s Magnolia Gift Shop), commemorative onesies (compliments of Yellow Crayons) along with donations from other downtown Fayetteville businesses including the Metal Worx Inc, Fayetteville Wellness, Fly Guy Media, Skin Savvy, A Bit of Carolina, Pan Restaurant, Blue Moon Café, Winterbloom Tea, Irene Grimes, Distinctly Fayetteville (Visitors Bureau), Flawless Touch Detailing. In addition, Cape Fear Valley Health Foundation contributed two $30 Chick-fil-A gift cards.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY: FIRSTHEALTH

Seawall (pictured third from the left) with other FirstHealth leadership.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY: CAPE FEAR VALLEY HEALTH McGee

Strutting to success

LOCAL FASHION SHOW EMPOWERS AND CONNECTS WOMEN IN FAYETTEVILLE TO HELP INSPIRE THE NEXT GENERATION

Women and girls from across the Fayetteville area and across all walks of life gathered together to walk the runway in an event focused on empowerment, beauty and showcasing local Women in Power.

The 13th annual Runway Extravaganza hosted by local formal wear store “An Affair to Remember” returned to the Crown Complex on Jan. 7 featuring women of all ages modeling the very latest in prom and formal wear. The event works to bring women together and help build confidence by giving young girls examples of women succeeding in their fields who live in their community.

“I think one of the most important things is having them in the setting and it’s one of the reasons that I started it is because I have 100 models, they are 21 and under, they are trying to find a way,” said AATR Owner Kathy Keefe Jensen. “And what better place for them to be, to see a woman that is empowered, that is making it and has it all. Some of them have it all, they have their families, they have their work, they have their health, and they are still beautiful, you know, they can still keep up.”

This year’s show featured special guests including Jovani Design Director Julie Durocher, Beauty Pageant Coach Bill Alverson and Runway Show Director Mariana Verkerk. Live music was also provided by the Raleigh based, 12-piece band “Sleeping Booty.”

Along with being able to see the newest dresses, one lucky girl was also given the prom prep experience of a lifetime. Scarlett Morehouse was named the winner of the VIP Prom experience raffle which included a $500 dress credit, and a private shopping experience.

Jensen said one of the best things is seeing the connections being made between current Women of Power and the next generation.

“You know, it’s interesting when these girls meet these women, and you know, there are girls that want to be doctors, we’ve had doctors, we’ve had lawyers, but there’s girls that want to be business owners. There are girls that want to be homemakers. And you know what? It shows them that these women are doing it,” said

Jensen.

This year’s event titled “You won’t break my soul” was the result of continuing partnership between AATR, local nonprofit Women of Power and the Center for Economic Empowerment & Develop ment.

Women of Power works to honor and celebrate women that have demonstrated leadership by contributing to the community through volunteerism, entrepreneurship, or public service. The brainchild of Jensen and CEED Executive Director Suzy Hrabovsky, the organization works to connect and find sponsorships for Women of Power who are also featured in the fashion show.

“We have women who are like, ‘Oh, I'll never get on stage’ and, ‘I don't need to be seen’ you know. A Woman of Power is somebody who's behind the scenes, and this is a celebration of those women who are doing those

Women of Power cofounders Kathy Keefe Jensen and CEED Executive Director Suzy Hrabovsky continue to partner together to bring the Fashion Extravaganza shows to Fayetteville.

things,” said Hrabovsky. “And I'll say this myself, I was one of those people. I was like, ‘I don't need to do that,’ and Kathy can tell you that there were people that forced me to do it, but I was glad they did because

in the end, I was so excited, and so appreciative of it because it was empowering, and it was so celebratory, and we had such a great time.”

To help support women in the business community, a portion of the proceeds were also donated to CEED, and will go towards business support events like HERWeek, and to help continuing to support small businesses in the community. In past years, up to $10,000 has been raised and donated to the women's business fund at CEED to support women starting or expanding their businesses.

Following another successful turnout, the event looks forward to returning to the community and continuing their mission in 2024.

You can learn more and connect with Women of Power in your community online at www.womenofpowersociety.org.

...what better place for them to be, to see a woman that is empowered, that is making it and has it all...”

Kathy Keefe Jensen Women of Power

cofounder

“

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY: AN AFFAIR TO REMEMBER

Women and girls partnered up in matching colors and dominated the runway in the “mini me” segment (left.)

Jovani Design Director Julie Durocher, raffle winner Scarlett Morehouse, AATR Owner Kathy Keefe Jensen and Store manager Rebecca Horne pose together (right.)

PHOTO PROVIDED BY: GFBJ

THRIDMAN/PEXELS

State of real estate

LONGLEAF PINE REALTORS® HOSTED THEIR ANNUAL STATE OF THE REAL ESTATE MARKET CONFERENCE DISCUSSING THE CURRENT MARKET AND ITS FUTURE

The Longleaf Pine Realtors ® Inc. came together on Jan. 10 to discuss where local real estate stands when compared to the rest of the country. Featured speakers included LongLeaf Pine REALTORS® CEO Zan Monroe, Past LLPRI President David Evans, and Carolina Core Regional Economic Development Director Loren Hill.

The conference began by dividing into three different topics, with each speaker taking on a major update. Monroe took on the task of summarizing national numbers and began the conference by offering up the most important ratio for housing needs in a community: 2:1.

“For every two jobs created in your marketplace, you need one new living unit. That could be an apartment, it could be a house, it could be a mobile home. I didn't invent this number; it comes from economists that we've worked with over the years,” shared Monroe. “So, job growth directly translates into housing growth.”

By looking at the sales numbers over the last 30 months, Monroe noted that real estate sales slowed in March of 2020 following the start of the pandemic and didn’t pick back up until May-June of 2020. According to Monroe, that wave continued to gain momentum, and didn’t begin

going down until mid-2022 when interest rates began to rise, and markets finally began to cool down.

A major takeaway following shifts in demand is an expected increase for 30-year fixed rate mortgages that are expected to take effect next month.

“I got notice this morning from one of my economists that they'll probably bump up again on the first of February. Big hairy deal,” said Monroe. “We have gone from 3 percent falsely, there’s 3 percent mortgage rates that's created by government interference in a free market. They’re just floating back up to where they should be, actually the government's pushing them up again.”

Monroe also shared that the median income necessary to buy a house has also changed, stating that prices have gone up 32 percent in the last 30 months. Despite this, Monroe says that the time to buy is now, adding that 30-35 percent of most home sales are to first time buyers.

“In times of inflation, wealth flows to those who have mortgage debt. In other words, if you own a residential piece of real estate, and high inflationary times the value of your house is going up with inflation. But the cost to own that house is fixed by a 30-year fixed rate mortgage,” said Monroe.

Another major factor affecting real estate is a major shortage of housing available for buyers.

“We have the lowest inventory of homes that has ever been known in my 23 years,” said Monroe. “We're right at a million homes for sale in the United States. We will close about 7 million new construction and resales this year. We need a six-month supply of housing to satisfy current demand, we don’t have anywhere close to that.”

According to Monroe, nationally we need 1.2 million houses a year to keep up with demand, noting we are 5.5 million houses short of current demand.

David Evans continued the discussion by focusing on local numbers and statistics, starting by examining the sales numbers.

“Last year, we had residential sales of 11,078 and then we had about 1,400. We look at those numbers about 1400 new homes, so we had somewhere a little over 12,000 total sales in 2021 and 2022,” shared Evans.

Evans also explained the sources of the demand:

· Fort Bragg soldiers and families

· Interim Market Transfers

· Those who move to the area specifically for jobs According to Evans, although

there were fewer sales, homeowners were able to sell their homes for more in 2022.

“So, in existing sales we had 13 percent less than 2021 and 17 percent more than 2020,” said Evans. “Now if you look at the price, the price obviously went up. But now this is what I call the real profit. We went down in sales, but people got 16 percent more per square foot on their house. So, their houses were selling for 16 percent more per square foot. There's your real profit.”

Evans said not to expect any sudden decreases in prices. With supplies costing more, and supply not meeting demands, prices may line up more with the market pricing.

Overall, the need for more housing will only be met by an increase in supply, lower interest rates and more affordable housing.

“Housing is the safest place and there are investors all over trying to buy everything, that's going to stay,” said Evans. “It’s a basic need. We’re still going to have marriages; we're still going to have divorces and have to get rid of the house, still going to have new babies show up. So, we’ve got all these basic needs that are still going to drive the market.”

Research gathered by convention speakers concluded the U.S. is 5.5 million homes short of meeting housing demands.

Hoke,

bizfayetteville.com

Groundbreaking golf news

PINEHURST RESORT PLANS TO BREAK GROUND ON A NEW GOLF COURSE IN JANUARY 2023

Change is coming to Pinehurst Resort as staff announce plans to break ground on its first new golf course in nearly 30 years. Construction will begin on the new addition this month, and it will be designed by one of the most respected golf course architects of the modern era, Tom Doak.

Located four miles south of the main resort clubhouse, Doak’s 18hole routing is expected to open late spring of 2024, coinciding with the return of the U.S. Open to Pinehurst No. 2.

Doak envisions a course that complements the resort’s other courses through its contrasts.

“The site is topographically distinct and drastically different from anywhere in Pinehurst,” Doak said in a press release. “It’s bigger, bolder and more dramatic. There’s about 75 feet of elevation change, and we’ll

work our way up to it around the mid-point of the layout. You’ll have expansive views from this apex over the rest of the course. It will be an unforgettable experience for golfers.”

The new course will incorporate rugged dunes that were mined at the location at the turn of the 20th century, and feature the native sand and wiregrass that are characteristic to the area.

“Tom Doak builds incredible golf courses on sand and we’re excited to see what he’ll create in the North Carolina Sandhills,” says Pinehurst Resort President Tom Pashley in a press release. “We’ve worked with some amazing golf architects who’ve embraced our natural aesthetic and believe Tom will do something fantastic on this site.”

Doak has chosen Angela Moser as

bizfayetteville.com

his lead design associate for this project. Moser’s impressive international credentials include work at LACC North, St. Patrick’s Links, Te Arai Links and Ohoopee Match Club.

“The number one thing that excited us about the project is working with the beautiful sand that’s native to this region,” Doak said in a press release. “The sand, the wiregrass, the bluestem grass, and other native grasses that grow around the Sandhills create a fabulous texture for golf. It’s something most places just don’t have.”

In addition to Doak’s routing, Pinehurst envisions the potential for more growth in the area, which encompasses 900 total acres in Aberdeen. A variety of development opportunities will be evaluated with town officials, including additional golf, short course, clubhouse, guest cottages and other lodging.

Bladen joins UPLIFT

BLADEN COUNTY TO BENEFIT FROM STATE INITIATIVE FOCUSED ON INCREASING TOURISM IN RURAL COMMUNITIES.

Bladen County was chosen as one of four southeastern North Carolina counties to benefit from a state initiative focusing on increasing tourism in rural communities. A public meeting will be held on Jan. 18 to introduce the UPLIFT program.

According to organizers, UPLIFT works regionally to support local tourism leaders and practitioners in realizing their vision for tourism in their community, including natural, recreational, cultural, agricultural, culinary, built and other tourism.

“This is perfect timing for us and we are honored to be involved,” Elizabethtown - White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Terri Dennison said in a press release. “We are certainly seeing an increase in visitors to Mother Nature’s Playground. This program will help us strengthen the tourism product, de-

velop our strategies and focus on the impact of tourism on our economy and quality of life.”

THE UPLIFT PROGRAM’S GOALS ARE TO:

· Develop multi-night itineraries that connect sites in a particular region to strengthen the overall tourism product mix, keep visitors in the community longer, increase spending and make it easier for travelers to visit

· Enhance, innovate and scale the tourism experiences offered within a region, working with new and existing tourism providers

Strengthen tourism economies, skills that stimulate entrepreneurship, grow businesses and create/ retain jobs

· Tell the stories of regions, communities, and individual tourism sites

· Integrate sustainability practices into the region’s tourism experiences

The program is implemented by Appalachian State University in collaboration with NatureScapes, NC State University and local residents.

The meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 18 is scheduled to take place at 4:30 p.m. at the Powell - Melvin Agricultural Center, 450 Smith Circle,

in Elizabethtown and is open to the public.

Anyone interested in tourism is encouraged to attend. For more information, contact the Chamber of Commerce at 910-862-4368.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY: PINEHURST RESORT

Golf course architect Tom Doak has been chosen to design the new addition.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY: ?

Bladen county is the latest to partner with UPLIFT joining the likes of Robeson and Sampson counties working to increase tourism in rural communities.

Reader’s Guide

BizLeads is a collection of information gathered from greater Fayetteville courthouses, state government offices and information websites. The listings are intended to help the business community find new customers and stay on top of happenings with current customers, vendors and competitors.

New Corporations lists firms from the Greater Fayetteville Business Journal region that were recently incorporated in the State of North Carolina.

CUMBERLAND COUNTY

Barrett Lloyd Ventures LLC 237 Education Drive Spring Lake Agent: Chelsea L Lloyd

Fr uitful Corner Incorporated 6863 Butter mere Dr. Fayetteville Agent: Ramatou Awaasah

Adam Family Motorsports Inc. 6400 New Hope Church Rd Wade Agent: Joseph D Adam

Bethany Crossroads Church Inc. 2285 Wade Stedman Road Stedman Agent: Marsha Starling

Ar turo Rose Clothing Co LLC 6302 Easthampton Court Fayetteville Agent: Abraem A.M Rose

Music Makers Radio LLC 6370 Abbotts Park Rd Apt F Fayetteville Agent: Richard Lee Davis Jr

Down on the Farm LLC 5150 Marsh Rd Fayetteville Agent: Brian Stanfill

ORS Landscaping LLC 1243 Andrews Rd Fayetteville Agent: Joshu Prince

The McKindley Foundation 150 Andrews Rd Suite 5A (35) Fayetteville Agent: Talented Tenth Global LLC

CAM Sod Farm LLC 6535 Murphy Rd Stedman Agent: Cherlyn Moore

Owens & Shelby Home improvements and lawn care services LLC 2303 Bathgate court Fayetteville Agent: William Alex Owens

bSirius Records LLC 1207 Coot Ct Hope Mills Agent: Chana Nicole Felix

Being a Good Samaritan 6 LLC

1912 Har rington Road Fayetteville Agent: Angela Walker

Purple Crown Realty LLC 111 Lamon St Ste 224 Fayetteville Agent: Stephanie Rodriguez Torres

JA INVESTEZ LLC 1516 Royal Springs Street Fayetteville Agent: Jamie Hernandez

Nurse Bae LLC 6740 W illowbrook Drive Apt. 3

Fayetteville Agent: Mahogany Aune Hutchinson

DIGITAL OUTREACH LLC 5612 TEE CT

Hope Mills Agent: LOGAN GLANCY

Blackrhino Transportation LLC 6803 cinnamon creek circle

Fayetteville Agent: Francis Stone

Plant-based & Poppin' Food Pantry 1407 Oldstead Dr

Fayetteville Agent: Yoniara Montoya Locklear

Aggressive Solutions LLC 201 Oates Drive

Fayetteville Agent: Stephen Ray Maynor Sr.

Growing n Grace LLC 1959 Tom Starling Road Fayetteville Agent: Angeline Harris

NPAC Ventures LLC 8829 Looking Glass Rd Linden Agent: Nathaniel Palmer

Sauced Up Customz LLC 723 Rustland Dr Fayetteville Agent: Rajine S. Burns

American Jiu Jitsu LLC 470 Shoreline Drive Fayetteville Agent: Gregory Martin Raffield

Healing Tree NC LLC 111 Lamon Street Suite 127A

Fayetteville Agent: Sunmi Park

nextday transport inc 4139 Nash Rd Fayetteville Agent: jose roman palacios

Nest Ceramic LLC. 1609 Hickory Ridge Ct Fayetteville Agent: Kaylee Elaine Walls

Bookthexperiencellc 100 Hay Street Ste 503

Fayetteville Agent: Abundant Living Consulting Corporation LLC

Go Get It Enterprise LLC 712 Packard Pl

Fayetteville Agent: Darryl Ricardo Joseph Jr

A&R Paint & Renovation Services LLC 2117 CRYSTAL SPRINGS RD

Fayetteville Agent: ALEXANDER LEON ROBINSON ECR

PERFORMANCE LLC 1300 WHITE PLAINS DR Fayetteville Agent: Eliezer Correa

K.S Wigs Collection LLC 4388 Gar net Dr Fayetteville Agent: Tykendria Tiera Hill

Fayetteville PACT Action Committee 4607 Woodline Dr. Fayetteville Agent: Kathy Greggs

ORS Orion LLC 1243 Andrews Rd Fayetteville Agent: Joshu Prince

Powell Property Preservation LLC 1800 Tryon Drive #2 Fayetteville Agent: Bradley Cahil Powell

nousdefionsgroup LLC 450 W Russell St. Suite 201 Fayetteville Agent: Alex Perez

W illiams Home Team NC LLC 3725 Heather Brooke Dr Fayetteville Agent: Technical Group Alpha LLC

Know Your Need's LLC 6085 Raeford Rd Suite 110 Fayetteville Agent: Prolific Tax and Multi Service LLC

Philpott Tribe LLC 5625 Goose Creek Lane Fayetteville Agent: Ralph A. Philpott

3K Beauty LLC 710 Nor th Reilly Rd Fayetteville Agent: Sharde McCrimmon

E&E Cleaners Ser vices LLC 257 Channing Dr Fayetteville Agent: Juana Evelyn Morán

Handyman Plus LLC 1326 Worstead Dr Fayetteville Agent: Ryan Michael Barbeau

Advent Season Properties LLC 1919 Wordsworth Dr Fayetteville Agent: Shamike L. Bethea

336 Transportation Services LLC 4008 Calver Ct Fayetteville Agent: Ramone Ethridge

Dark Woods Outfitters L.L.C.

6700 Agnes Scott Court Fayetteville Agent: Joshua R Silverest

HONG KONG GOURMET KITCHEN CORP. 169 WESTWOOD SHOPPING CENTER Fayetteville Agent: YUAN DENG LIN

Beautyluxx LLC 29 Nijmegen St. For t Bragg Agent: Lachelle Denise Core

The Dream Lives Inc. 412 Shawcroft Rd Fayetteville Agent: Stephon Ferguson

Remembrance of Mi LLC 7699 Spurge Drive Fayetteville Agent: Lena D. Clayton

Caring Ride Sharing LLC 6085 Raeford Rd Suite 110 Fayetteville Agent: Prolific Tax & Multi Service LLC

Clutch Repairs 850 S Cliffs Circle Apt 204 Spring Lake Agent: Quinton L Brown

Notarize NC LLC 6038 McDougal Drive Fayetteville Agent: Justin Adams

Reimagined Marketing LLC 1033 Anthem Lane Unit 5101 Fayetteville Agent: Naila Amunet Alvarez-Collazo

BETTER PROPERTIES & INVESTMENTS LLC 3595 CHICKENFOOT ROAD

Hope Mills Agent: TRAVIS BAYNE

WAM Rentals LLC 1064 71st School Road Fayetteville Agent: Wesley Alan Meredith

UMAMI SHOKU INC 6031 YADKIN RD STE B Fayetteville Agent: KIHYEON BAE

DXander L.L.C. 150 Andrews Rd Suite 5A (35) Fayetteville

Agent: Talented Tenth Global LLC

Mahar lika Scent Company LLC 3008 Southridge Court Fayetteville Agent: Aimee Vida Felin

ZAYTIGGY ENT LLC 349 Dunblane Way Fayetteville Agent: Xavier Martin

Blackjack Lawn Care & Landscaping Inc. 7632 Sim Canady Road Parkton Agent: Lynne M Gralewski-Allee

The Bliss Massage Spa LLC 125 n Reilly Road suite 101 Fayetteville Agent: Xaveira Williams

Imperial Hauler LLC 5075 Morganton Rd Ste 10 C Fayetteville Agent: Imperial Outlaw Nation LLC

Nulyte Enterprise LLC 1304 fraser drive Fayetteville Agent: sheila bonilla

Loving Grace Home Care LLC 709 Lakeland Street Fayetteville Agent: Jacquenetta Stallworth

Avalon Funding Group LLC 3011 Town Center Dr Ste 130 Unit 170 Fayetteville Agent: Lisa Rivera

Dale's Corriea Transportation LLC 248 Pier ron Dr Fayetteville Agent: Dale Corriea

S & W Short Term Rental LLC 323 Whitney Dr Fayetteville Agent: Gwynyth Simons Wimmer

Melvin Farms LLC 1512 Deep Creek Road Fayetteville Agent: Rodney Melvin Jr

FaithLeisure LLC 1309 Braybrooke Pl Fayetteville Agent: Tiffany Anderson

Hands-On Auto Detailing LLC 5342 Morganton rd Fayetteville Agent: Demetrius Sherell Gamble Jr

The diamond venue Inc 328 Gillespie St Fayetteville Agent: Eshaq Alsaidi

HCORE LLC 344 Bahama Loop Fayetteville Agent: Omar Gonzalez Mena

Phantom Hand LLC 239 Buhmann Dr Fayetteville Agent: Ethan Davis Lowther

Catch this Fade Barbershop LLC 1735 Zion dr Fayetteville Agent: Ricardo Garza Jr

Alpha Beta Home Care LLC 2624 Riddle Farm Rd Fayetteville Agent: Susana Sekyi

JP Inflatables & Bounce House LLC 1073 Delancy Street Hope Mills Agent: Jason Parker

Hardy Group Consulting Corp. 2520 Murchison Rd Ste 6B Fayetteville Agent: Laura Hardy

Dewaun's Handyman Services LLC 1507 Oglethorp Ct Fayetteville Agent: Corey Dewaun Willis

La Sky Creations LLC 3930 Bardstown Ct Apt 103 Fayetteville Agent: Melissa M. Harris

Batsquatch W ingsuiting LLC 2800 ARISTOCRAT LN Fayetteville Agent: Zachary Richard Mennell

Lady On the Spot Cleaning Service Inc 692 Prestige Blvd Fayetteville Agent: Teresa Striblin

SBA Lenders

READYCAP LENDING,LLC

200 Connell Drive Berkeley Heights ,N.J.7922 https://readycapital.com/

THE FIRST BANK AND TRUST COMPANY 359 W Main St Lebanon, Va. 24266 https://www.firstbank.com/

LENDINGCLUB BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION 2701 N Thanksgiving Way Lehi , Utah 84043 https://banking.lendingclub.com

$10,165,800 1 Shiv Shakti Lumberton LLC, Lumberton 6

$3,750,000 2 Dupree Farms Produce LLC, Angier 97

$3,666,750 1

Elite Family Adventures III LL, Fayetteville 180 4

LIVE OAK BANKING COMPANY 1757 Tiburon Dr Wilmington , N.C.28403 https://www.liveoakbank.com/

Lori's Ace Home & Hardware, Fayetteville, Bawi Chum, Carthage, 95 Storage and RV LLC, Lumberton 17 5

CUSTOMERS BANK 99 Bridge St Pheonixville,Pa. 19460 www.customersbank.com

$3,569,250 3

$2,792,500 2 Route 1 Properties LLC, Fayetteville; Route 1 Cigar Group LLC, Fayetteville 12 6

US METRO BANK 9866 Garden Grove Blvd Garden Grove , Calif. 92844 https://www.usmetrobank.com/

$2,550,000 1 Shri Ram LLC, Lumberton 19 7

PINNACLE BANK 150 Third Ave S, Ste 900 Nashville,Tenn. 37201 https://www.pnfp.com/ $1,099,500 1

DIAMOND OAK FARM LLC 13 8

BYLINE BANK 180 N LaSalle St, Ste 300 Chicago,60601 www.bylinebank.com $750,000 1

Enhanced IT Inc., Fayetteville 2 9

MECHANICS & FARMERS BANK 2634 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd Durham,N.C.27707 www.mfbonline.com $684,000 1

My Local CFO Inc, Southern Pines 13 10

TRUIST BANK 214 N Tryon St Charlotte, N.C.28202 www.truist.com

$564,000 1 Anthony Kimbrell & Associates, Fayetteville 33 11

CAPSTAR BANK 1201 Demonbreun St Nashville,Tenn. 37203 www.capstarbank.com $364,350 2 Val Inc, Fayetteville 30 12

FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF PENNSYLVANIA 166 Main St Greenville,Pa. 16125 www.fnb-online.com

$339,225 1 HP & CH LLC, Fayetteville 2

PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION 222 Delaware Ave Wilmington,Del. 19801 www.pnc.com $319,000 3

HOMETRUST BANK 10 Woodfin St Asheville, N.C.28801 www.htb.com

Landart Solutions LLC, Fayetteville, K & C Contractors, Red Springs, Carpentry & Floor Contractors, Southern Pines 1

$262,500 1 Olivetree Services LLC, Fayetteville 18

THE BANCORP BANK 409 Silverside Rd, Ste 105 Wilmington,Del. 19809 www.thebancorp.com $262,425 1

Wasden Food LLC, Fayetteville 18

FIRST FINANCIAL BANK 214 N Washington El Dorado ,Ark.71730 https://www.first-online.bank/ $172,500 2 Callicutt Poultry, Carthage, Tluang Poultry, Carthage 4

SOUTHSTATE BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION 1101 First St South Winter Haven,Fla. 33880 www.southstatebank.com

NEWTEK SMALL BUSINESS FINANCE,INC. 1981 Marcus Avenue Lake Success, N.Y.11042 www.newteksbfinance.com

UNITED MIDWEST SAVINGS BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION 101 S Main St De Graff,Ohio43318 www.umwsb.com

WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

101 N Philips Ave Sioux Falls,S.D.57104 www.wellsfargo.com

$150,000 1 NEELAY LLC, Dunn 0

$134,250 1 Wine and Design Fayetteville, Fayetteville 7

$97,750 1 Brock Home Solutions LLC, Fayetteville 6

$22,500 3

BLAZING BREAKERS LLC, Fayetteville, BRIGHT STAR 3 LOGISTICS LLC, Fayetteville, YENIZFIT LLC, Fayetteville 0