allahan & Rice Insurance Group has a long-standing reputation within the community as
The business began in 1966 and was later purchased by Mark Rice in 1998. Now in 2025, the company is under new ownership.
Mark Rice has entrusted Landon Bentham, his son-in-law and longtime employee of the group, with carrying on the organization’s legacy.
“There is always a time to start
>> By Eddie Velazquez
Longtime Chef J’Kwan Fulmore wants to show Fayetteville that positive outcomes can have a snowball effect by turning blighted properties into productive spaces that foster food security, environmental sustainability and community pride.
The Fayetteville native founded Er’Body Eatz – a nonprofit that focuses on raising awareness on food insecurity in lower income communities by teaching urban gardening and farming, as well as sustainability – in 2024. Now, he wants to keep expanding and proving that showing signs of care, investment and positive change in a community can foster pride, respect and further improvements.
To do that, Fulmore is hoping to bring community education regarding urban farming through a new initiative: “From Traphouse to Greenhouse.”
Dubbed his ‘magnum opus,’ this new initiative will utilize areas with foreclosed properties, installing vertical gardening plots and using hydroponic setups to grow crops, addressing food insecurity and revitalizing neglected urban neighborhoods.
Fulmer shared that a vertical garden typically consists of growing plants upward on walls, or specially designed structures instead of traditional horizontal beds. Plants are grown in containers, pockets or modular panels attached to vertical surfaces, and they can go outside a home on walls and fences, or inside the home with proper lighting.
Initiative plans also include installing hydroponic gardens, a method of growing plants using a nutrient-rich water solution to make up for the absence of soil. This method requires that plants are placed on a growing medium like a coconut coir or clay pellets. Roots are then submerged in or misted with nutrient-rich water that delivers essential nutrients to the plants.
Leafy greens like lettuce, spinach and arugula are good examples of produce that can be grown through hydroponics methods. Other examples include basil, parsley, dill, peppers, tomatoes and cucumbers.
“It’s very replicable and repeat-
“
This is my way to give back. I don't mind doing the groundwork and being the person that does take the initiative to do something about it.”
— Chef J'Kwan Fulmore, Founder, Er'Body Eatz
able and doable, turning foreclosed and abandoned properties into green spaces within neighborhoods. These are homes that nobody cares to renovate or fix up because it’s not worth their time, energy and resources,” Fulmore said.
broken window theory.” He said he wants to dispel notions that suggest seeing bad outcomes in a community lead to equally bad outcomes and flip them on their head.
Cleaning up those areas and setting up gardens will have a transformative effect on residents’ outlook and pride in their neighborhood.
Fulmore calls this the “reverse
“The biggest mission that I have right now is to change the narrative that access to affordable and nutritious foods is unobtainable by everyone, because it absolutely is. The people that we are hoping to reach and the areas that we're hoping to improve are in more of those urban areas. Fayetteville is rapidly developing, and it’s kind of outgrowing the people that have been here for generations, and some of those people are watching their city turn into something that they have no ability to be a part of in a sense,” Fulmore said. “When it comes to access to fresh and nutrient-dense meals, they get overlooked.”
The produce Er’Body Eatz grows varies from season to season. The organization’s endeavor is also powered by community members donating their time.
“We have a lot of insight from people within the city already who are experts in gardening, farming and agriculture. It’s not something that we do alone,” he said. “Everybody is a resource for the community to be able to interact with, like our local farmers, butchers. They are resources that people may not get to see on the day to day.”
Immediate goals for the project include securing a single foreclosed property from the city to demonstrate the program’s potential, giving the ability for a community buy in, building trust and excitement among residents by hosting events and showing visible progress and producing a scalable model, using the pilot project as a blueprint to expand the initiative across other neighborhoods.
Fulmer shared that within the next five years, the goal is to provide access to foods to disadvantaged neighborhoods and build food pantries.
“I grew up around those areas,” he said. “I left Fayetteville for almost 10 years and I came back, and a lot of those areas are stuck in time. Nothing changes, and the city just keeps getting better. But these places are not, these neighborhoods are unmoved. This is my way to give back. I don’t mind doing the groundwork and being the person that does take the initiative to do something about it.”
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Hello and Happy New Year to you, dear reader! Now that we’ve passed all of the holidays and have already begun failing at keeping up with New Year’s resolutions (at least I have, working out every day has quickly dwindled to working out every three days but, I digress) I hope everyone is getting back into the swing of things smoothly!
One resolution I am keen on keeping is looking more closely at where and how I spend my dollars this year.
I’m not sure if anyone else has noticed, but over the past year or so I’ve noticed the quality and customer experiences lacking at certain corporate giants in the area. Everything from a lack of staff at checkout, to lower quality products, to just the realization that I dread walking into the establishments in question, really hit hard towards the end of 2024. That is why I am making a pointed effort to start shopping small locally and, if I’m being honest, probably more ethically.
According to the North Carolina Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC), small businesses (businesses with less than 500 employees) account for 99.6% of all businesses in the state, employing over 1.7 million people in various industries. I think there will be plenty of smaller options available to shop from!
When I think about how I want to improve my community, spending local does seem to be at the lower end of my list of priorities. However, according to Sustainable Connections, an organization based in Bellingham Washington which focuses on advancing a regenerative local economy, for every $100 spent at a locally owned business, $68 recirculates and remains in our local economy. In contrast, only $43 remains in our community when it’s spent at a national chain.
If I have to choose between shoveling my money into the endless capitalistic void that is a large faceless corporation, or helping a
local teenager save up for a car in the summer by patronizing a local business, then I know which one I’m going to do.
Speaking of keeping your dollars local, I hope area businesses are ready to be contacted for our upcoming Book on Business (BoB). Keep an eye on your inboxes!
In the coming days we’ll also be announcing the date of our first Power Breakfast of 2025 where we’ll be unveiling the 2025 BoB! I’m excited to continue hosting the event and am so incredibly grateful for the positive community response we’ve received so far!
I hope you enjoy our first issue of the year, and we look forward to a prosperous 2025!
Happy Reading!
North Carolina’s aviation industry has officially released the numbers showcasing how much local airports contribute to their local and statewide economy.
On Jan. 3, 2025, the N.C. Department of Transportation’s Division of Aviation released their 2025 State of Aviation report, announcing that the state’s aviation industry contributes $88 billion each year to the state’s economy and supports more than 427,000 jobs across a network of 10 commercial service and 62 general aviation airports, all publicly owned. The biennial report examines the extensive economic influence of the state’s aviation system and takes into account their vital role in supporting diverse sectors such as agriculture, military operations, emergency response and aerospace innovation.
Of that reported $88 billion in economic output, seven airports within the Greater Fayetteville Business Journal’s coverage area contributed a combined $1.4 billion, impacting over 7,000 jobs.
Those airports, (ranked from highest to lowest economic impact reported) include:
1. Fayetteville Regional (FAY) located in Fayetteville. This airport impacted 5,285 jobs, generated $276,980,000 in personal income, brought in $48,870,000 in state and local taxes and had a total economic output of $829,230,000.
2. Harnett Regional Jetport (HRJ) located in Erwin. This airport impacted 700 jobs, generated $59,400,000 in personal income, brought in $8,420,000 in state and local taxes and had a total economic output of $203,440,000.
3. Laurinburg-Maxton (MEB) located in Maxton. This airport impacted 635 jobs, generated $50,260,000 in personal income, brought in $10,403,000 in state and local taxes
Out of a reported $88 billion in economic output across the state, seven airports within the Greater Fayetteville Business Journal’s coverage area contributed a combined $1.4 billion.
and had a total economic output of $187,280,000.
4. Moore County (SOP) located in Pinehurst/Southern Pines. This airport impacted 650 jobs, generated $58,130,000 in personal income, brought in $7,114,000 in state and local taxes and had a total economic output of $135,520,000.
5. Curtis L. Brown Jr. Field (EYF) located in Elizabethtown. This airport impacted 170 jobs, generated $16,520,000 in personal income, brought in $4,304,000 in state and local taxes and had a total economic output of $62,590,000.
6. Lumber ton Municipal (LBT) located in Lumberton. This airport impacted 150 jobs, generated $12,030,000 in personal income, brought in $1,174,000 in state and local taxes and had a total economic output of $29,470,000.
7. Clinton-Sampson County (CTZ) located in Clinton. This airport impacted 55 jobs, generated $4,590,000 in personal income, brought in
$554,000 in state and local taxes and had a total economic output of $15,070,000.
In addition to the statewide report, two local airports shared further details on recent growth they’ve seen. FAY has seen additional flight frequencies added and growth in passengers, adding to the expansion of economic impact for the Fayetteville area. FAY leases space for 73 aircrafts, and in 2024 increased the number of daily flights offered to 22 with Delta Airlines adding a fourth daily flight to and from Atlanta, GA. FAY also held a ribbon cutting on Dec. 13, 2024 marking the completion of all main terminal renovations, a long term project which began in 2017. These were $61 million improvement projects that utilized federal and state funding to update gates in the B Concourse, create a VIP lounge for distinguished guests, expand seating options and add additional airline offices and employee lounges for new potential airline partners.
“It truly is such an exciting time to step into the role of Airport Director at FAY,” said Airport Director Andrew LaGala in a press release “We look forward to the next steps towards the future of FAY, including the groundbreaking of our International Arrivals facility and strengthening our commitment to travelers and our Fayetteville community.”
HRJ, which ranked ninth highest in North Carolina overall in economic output is seeing growth as the result of improvements to existing infrastructure to include a new 7,000+ square foot terminal, apron expansion and runway rehabilitation, all of which were completed and celebrated in 2024.
“Aerospace and aviation are big deals in North Carolina, and in Harnett County,” said Stephen Barrington, director of Harnett County Economic Development in a press release. “Over the course of one year, HRJ saw massive increases in multiple categories – an economic output increase of $56.78 million from the year before; state and local taxes grew by over $2.4 million; and personal income grew by approximately $16 million over the same year. HRJ is in the top 20% in each category across General Aviation Airports in North Carolina, with HRJ’s economic output being in the top 12%. Continued investments in HRJ will continue to benefit the county and new and expanding companies who rely on this asset as part of their transportation infrastructure.”
The full State of Aviation report includes details on the North Carolina Aviation Higher Education program, a breakdown of the state’s aerospace manufacturing and more. Read the full report online at www.ncdot.gov/divisions/aviation/Pages/state-of-aviation.aspx
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As a small business, you can save money on your energy bills with PWC’s Time-of-Use billing. Power used during Peak Hours is billed at higher rates (just four hours a day), and power used during Off-Peak Hours is billed at 29% lower rates. During the winter schedule – from November 1 through March 31 – Peak Hours are weekdays from 6:00 am – 10:00 am. Some things you can do to shift your usage and conserve power during Peak Hours:
• Use a programmable “smart” thermostat to keep your heat at the lowest comfortable temperature during Peak Hours and avoid allowing employees to adjust thermostats. Consider setting the schedule to preheat your building(s) during Off-Peak Hours (before 6:00 am), then lower the heat from 6:00 – 10:00 in the morning.
• Schedule non-essential equipment to run during Off-Peak Hours. When possible, schedule required equipment to run sequentially (not concurrently) during Peak Hours.
• Educate your employees on Time-of-Use, encouraging them turn off lighting and equipment they don’t need during Peak Hours and perform non-urgent, high energy-use tasks after 10:00 am.
• The Whole Business (Super Off-Peak) Rate will not be affected by the change to Winter TOU.
For more details on PWC’s Time-of-Use billing: FayPWC.com/Time-Of-UseRates-For-Non-ResidentialCustomers/ See Business Conservation Resources for more ways to save.
>> By Stephanie Meador
business. That process is appropriate for most businesses. For us, it was a decision made mutually between me and Landon. He had a strong interest in owning his own business. Landon has done exceptionally well in this industry. I have been in the industry for 38 years and can see that he will take our business to a completely different level than where we are right now. So it really made sense to do that, and the timing felt right,” explained Mark Rice.
Bentham spoke highly of Rice, making sure to acknowledge the foundation that his boss has paved for the success of the company presently and the possibility for growth moving forward.
“Mark approached me, initially as his son-in-law, and secondly as a trusted person in his business, with the idea that after him he needed a perpetuation plan. And that's a humbling place for me to be, to have your father in law, and also, your boss, come to you and say, ‘Hey, I want you to take the reins of this thing.’ And it's been a very slow, deliberate process to get to this place,” shared Landon Bentham, the new owner of Callahan & Rice Insurance Group.
to Mark’s professionalism and his commitment to legacy,” added Bentham.
Rice will continue to be involved with the business in a decreased capacity.
“I will continue to be involved… our account managers will continue to work just like they’ve been working. It’s really more just of a change in ownership, and less of a change in operations, so to speak. Landon will be making all the decisions as the business owner, but I'll still be here helping clients,” stated Rice.
With new ownership comes new goals. Bentham aims to build upon the already existing success that Rice has seen with the business.
“I want to pay a good amount of respect to Mark. I look back at his career, and he took a risk in running a small business 30 plus years ago, and developed this company into the best version it could be. And I give him a lot of credit for that. I think where I'm looking to take it is, it's now my turn to take that risk. To look at the market, and say, ‘Where do we go from here?’ How do
“
Bentham initially began working with the company in 2015. Over the past 10 years he’s learned the ropes of the field, allowing him to grow into this new leadership role within the company.
“It was clear to me, within the first two to three years of his time working with us, that he had what it took to run this operation and to grow it significantly,” shared Rice.
Bentham has a great level of respect for Rice and the positive relationship and established sense of trust between the two professionals allowed for a seamless transition.
“In family business…transitions can sometimes be a little rocky, a little bumpy, and this was anything but that, and I think that speaks
It was clear to me, within the first two to three years of his time working with us, that he had what it took to run this operation and to grow it significantly.”
— Mark Rice, Insurance Consultant, Callahan & Rice Insurance Group, Inc.
“
... it's now my turn to take that risk. To look at the market, and say, ‘Where do we go from here?’ How do we develop new revenue lines? How do we help more people? In what niches do we help people?’”
— Landon Bentham, President/CEO, Callahan & Rice Insurance Group, Inc.
& Rice values their clients and the relationships they have built with them. Both Rice and Bentham emphasized that clients will continue to receive the level of service they are accustomed to.
we develop new revenue lines? How do we help more people? In what niches do we help people?’” shared Bentham.
Moving forward, Bentham hopes to maintain the culture that Rice has created while expanding operations and growing the business’s customer base. Currently, the business has one location in Fayetteville with 13 employees and they’ve served over 4000 customers.
“I would love to see Callahan & Rice have an office location in every major metropolitan area in North Carolina in the next five years,” remarked Bentham of his ambition for the business. “I want to be known to have a ranking of one of the best places to work in the state for our size company... Mark has developed an incredible culture here, and this is just an unbelievable opportunity that he’s allowed me to have to continue to take [it] and run with it.”
While prioritizing growth, Bentham assured his investment in the local community will remain strong. In speaking with both the former owner and the new owner of the business, it is clear that Callahan
“I am a huge supporter of small business in general and the Fayetteville-Cumberland County community. We sell all over the world, [but] it’s also important to understand that we primarily help residents of Cumberland County, and that's a huge focus of ours. Our area is unique, and the insurance needs of our area are unique, from flooding to high wind hazards because of hurricanes, we have to be on point with what we're offering our customers locally and we’re very, very focused on that. One of the ways that we do that is to have the best slate of companies available to our customers. We bring in new insurance companies into our agency to be able to pair those customers up with them. Mark has been a master at that over the years, and that's something I hope that we can continue to do,” explained Bentham.
At Callahan & Rice, transparency and relationships are key to their continued success. Bentham understands that insurance is confusing for many people, and as they grow they intend to continue fostering personal connections with customers to meet their insurance needs.
“Our approach here is to be as educational and informational and helpful as we can. We’re trying to be as transparent about the insurance buying cycle and insurance pricing as possible. If we can do that, we’ve done our job,” added Bentham.
The transition of ownership is complete and operations are continuing smoothly under Bentham’s new leadership and Rice’s continued involvement in the business. To learn more about Callahan & Rice Insurance Group visit their website: www.callahanrice.com.
The Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) earned a pair of tourism marketing awards at the annual North Carolina Tourism Industry Association (NCTIA) conference held on Dec. 4-5 at the JB Duke Hotel in Durham.
The CVB won a Gold Award for Best Leisure Marketing for its “Drive for Style” Sweepstakes in partnership with golf and lifestyle apparel company johnnie-O in advance of the 2024 U.S. Open. The organization also won another Gold Award in the Best Community Stakeholder category for its “Paradise in the Pines” podcast. According to NCTIA, a total of 80 entries were submitted from destination marketing organizations from across the state for consideration among four separate categories.
“We are extremely proud to be recognized by NCTIA for our team’s dedicated efforts to highlight and market our amazing destination,” said Phil Werz, president and CEO of the CVB, in a press release. “As the official destination marketing organization for Moore County we are storytellers, but without a talented staff and great marketing partners like we have from MediaOne, our success would not be possible. Our job is to tell the world about our little slice of heaven here in the Sandhills, so our visitors and residents can enjoy our unique small towns and tourism-related businesses throughout Moore County.”
NCTIA provides resources for anyone interested in issues relative to North Carolina’s travel and tourism economy. NCTIA members work in lodging, travel promotion, convention and visitor bureaus, attractions, restaurants, outdoor recreation, the media, advertising and public relations, associations, vacation sales and rentals and in companies supplying these businesses.
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.
To nominate someone for GFBJ’s Achievers section, email editor@bizfayetteville.com with the subject line “Achiever.”
James Walker, M.D., Neurosurgeon, honored as FirstHealth
FirstHealth of the Carolinas is proud to announce that JAMES WALKER, M.D., neurosurgeon at FirstHealth Neurosurgery & Spine, has been awarded the FirstHealth Ambulatory Physician of the Year Award. This award recognizes Dr. Walker’s exceptional commitment to patient care, his contributions to FirstHealth and its team of health care professionals and his dedication to delivering an uncompromising person-centered experience.
The FirstHealth Ambulatory Physician of the Year Award celebrates physicians who excel in achieving optimal patient outcomes, fostering teamwork and embodying the mission, vision and values of FirstHealth. Selection criteria include exemplary patient care, effective collaboration, proactive problem-solving and serving as a role model for the FirstHealth community.
Dr. Walker was praised in numerous nominations for his tireless dedication to both patients and colleagues.
Dr. Walker joined FirstHealth Neurosurgery & Spine in 2018, bringing a wealth of experience in general neurosurgery, minimally invasive spine surgery and brain tumor surgery. At FirstHealth Neurosurgery & Spine, Dr. Walker continues to advance neurological treatment and improve the lives of patients across the region. He was published recently in Surgical Neurology International Journal for pioneering a new minimally invasive approach to a rare spinal cord lesion. The case was confirmed as the first-ever described
minimally invasive approach for treating such a lesion worldwide.
“FirstHealth is honored to recognize Dr. Walker as this year’s Ambulatory Physician of the Year,” said Dan Barnes, D.O., president of FirstHealth Physician Group, in a press release. “His tireless dedication, leadership and excellence embody the very best of FirstHealth and our commitment to patient care.”
Cumberland County Schools is proud to announce that HALEIGH BAKER, the district's 2025 Beginning Teacher of the Year, was recently selected as a finalist for the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching's (NCCAT) 2025 Burroughs Wellcome Fund NC Beginning Teacher of the Year Award.
A nomination form submitted on behalf of the Cumberland International Early College High School (CIECHS) math teacher highlighted that Baker exudes genuine enthusiasm for teaching and demonstrates a deep passion for her subject matter. Her contagious love for learning serves as an inspiration to her students.
The nomination highlighted Baker’s exceptional dedication and perseverance during her first year of teaching. She successfully taught End-of-Course (EOC) tested subjects, contributing to increased school proficiency rates. Going above and beyond, Baker tutored students before and after school, analyzed assessment data to identify learning gaps and integrated small-group instruction into her daily lessons.
The nominator praised Baker’s
remarkable confidence as a beginning teacher, stating in a press release: “Most importantly, she [Baker] is confident in her ability to break content into manageable, attainable pieces, which, in turn, fuels her confidence that her students can succeed. Her unwavering belief in them shifts their mindsets and sparks their belief in themselves.”
On March 27, Baker will join the other award finalists at a special ceremony on the campus of the University of North Carolina-Greensboro for the announcement of the 2025 NCCAT Burroughs Wellcome Fund NC Beginning Teacher of the Year Award recipient.
TRP Sumner is honored to announce that TRP Sumner’s Firm Administrator, TAMMY GOODWIN MBA, JD, has been selected to serve on the Board of Directors for the CPA Firm Management Association (CPAFMA). Goodwin has been an active member of the organization for several years.
“As a longtime member of CPAFMA, Tammy is well-prepared to contribute to its mission of empowering CPA firm leaders through connection, education and resources. Please join us in congratulating Tammy on this incredible achievement! We are confident that she will bring valuable insights and leadership to the CPAFMA Board,” shared the company in a released statement.
The CPAFMA is a national organization comprised of managers and administrators of CPA firms. The CPAFMA empowers and equips their members to succeed by providing community connections, inspiring to advocate and elevate members, sharing resources and tools, offering education and knowledge and exchanging strategy implementation.
For more than 185 years, we’ve forged personal relationships with our customers and communities, funding economic development and rallying around the causes that are important to our neighbors. With local bankers you know and trust, businesses and individuals throughout the Carolinas continue to choose United Bank.
As a non-profit organization dedicated to “transforming people’s relationship with plants and the natural world,” the Cape Fear Botanical Garden has a very unique mission to educate and provide programs and events to connect the people of Fayetteville and its surrounding areas with nature. To help with that mission, the Cape Fear Botanical Garden welcomed a new Director of Philanthropy, Shannon Bell, in August of 2024. Bell has a decade of experience fundraising for higher education, nonprofit and healthcare organizations and has brought that valuable experience to help the Garden reach its philanthropic goals. The Greater Fayetteville Business Journal got to know more about Bell, her history and her vision for 2025 in her new position.
GFBJ: How did you get your start in philanthropy?
BELL: For a long time, I wanted to practice law so I could help people and channel my strong sense of justice and love for community. While I was in school, I had a frank conversation with my boss at the time, John Raper, and he counseled me in a meaningful way. He assured me there were other ways to make the impact I wanted to make. I was going to school at night during that time and he encouraged me to stop trying to work full time, take care of a child and go to school; he said I should focus on finishing school, so I did. I transferred from Fayetteville Technical Community College to the University of North Carolina (UNC) and graduated with a degree in public policy.
While at UNC, I was the beneficiary of scholarship and programming created by donors at UNC. As a student, I spent a lot of time talking to donors to tell my story, and was pretty certain I wanted to go into nonprofit work after graduation. My mentor at the time, Steve Farmer, asked if I had ever considered working in development based on what he observed in my volunteer work and interactions with donors. My first job after graduation was in fundraising where I learned how to build a
plish with your giving? These are some of my favorite questions to ask when I’m getting to know a donor. Becoming a philanthropist really means you get to understand yourself better and what motivates you.
GFBJ: What are the biggest challenges you see facing philanthropy today?
strong fundraising program. Solving public problems requires resources and, while we can indeed generate revenue to solve some problems, philanthropy is where people come together to bridge a gap and fill a need. It’s fulfilling to help people and strengthen our community and that’s what I’ve always sought out to accomplish.
GFBJ: After holding positions in Harnett County, Chapel Hill, NC and Virginia, what brought you to Fayetteville?
BELL: My mother is the baby of six and my grandfather retired here, so Fayetteville is our home. I met my husband at UNC where we were both fundraising. Unexpectedly, he was presented with an opportunity to come to Fayetteville State to do some really important work in our community. So when we attended Garden Gathering, an annual event to raise support for the Cape Fear Botanical Garden, I learned they had recently posted their director of philanthropy position and was asked to throw my name in the hat. It turns out, the Garden checked nearly all the boxes I needed professionally and I could do some really important work right here at home while also working in the same town with my husband and building a life for our family.
GFBJ: What are some of the philanthropic needs of a non-profit organization like CFBG?
BELL: We find that the two places that are the hardest to generate revenue are education and horticulture; these two areas are directly aligned with our mission to connect people with nature. While we do generate revenue from grants, memberships and event rentals, educational programs and maintenance to beautify our gardens are supported predominantly by our donors.
Memberships are a great way to experience the benefits of the Garden and support general operations to keep our garden growing, all puns intended, [they are also] a great way to be an annual donor and that is a great need for us.”
GFBJ: As a philanthropist, what motivates you?
BELL: When I give and when I lead a giving initiative, I am motivated by seeing an impactful project through to the end and reading or reporting back that positive change was the result. I generally want to see individuals and groups of people become the highest and best versions of themselves in the most independent way. Seeing that change happen is my purpose in the world.
GFBJ: What advice would you give to someone considering philanthropy for the first time?
BELL: Let your decision to give be led by ‘why.’ Why do you want to give? What do you want to accom-
BELL: The next generation of philanthropists are giving less because it’s habitual and the ‘right thing to do because my parents gave.’ Our young people are demanding more transparency, and greater impact. They are more aware of their power to make change by giving and see themselves as the conduit to accountability. Growing up with unlimited access to information through the internet has given them access to understanding what the issues are and they have more of a global mindset. I actually see these things as a positive in forming their identity as a philanthropist and reducing corruption.
GFBJ: As we go into the new year, what are some of your philanthropic goals for the Garden?
BELL: First and foremost, I want to continue to meet all our high level donors in person so I can deepen their engagement with our work and connect them to the impact they want to make through the Garden. I want our donors to be well informed about their investment in us. Meg Suraci and I would like to increase our memberships and the number of grants we’re applying for to support our education programming. I’d also like to meet new folks in the community who are looking for a place to make change when it comes to education and wellness so I can be the conduit for them to make those visions become a reality.
Editor’s note: Questions and answers may have been shortened for formatting reasons. We look forward to posting an extended version of this article online for the community on Thursday, Jan. 23.
The Cool Spring Downtown District (CSDD) is looking to fill a crucial leadership position following the departure of its previous CEO Bianca Shoneman.
In mid December, Shoneman announced to the CSDD Board of Directors in an official letter that she would be resigning from her position.
“It is with a heavy, heavy heart that I am writing to formally announce my decision to resign from my position as CEO with the Cool Spring Downtown District effective Jan. 2, 2025. This decision was not made lightly and it comes with deep gratitude for the opportunity to serve this incredible organization and community,” said Shoneman in her letter.
Shoneman will be moving forward with a new position as Vice President of Community Development with the NC East Alliance, a regional economic development organization representing 29 counties in eastern North Carolina. NC East Alliance has a history of economic development in eastern NC since the early 1990s.
As Vice President of Community Development, Shoneman will oversee the Alliance’s initiatives aimed at community development planning and impact, leader and talent engagement and regional systems outreach.
“Bianca’s proven track record of fostering economic vitality through innovative initiatives and her passion for rural development make her an exceptional fit for our team,” said Todd Edwards, chair of NC East Alliance in a press release. “Her leadership will be instrumental in furthering our mission to enhance the quality of life and economic opportunities across eastern North Carolina.”
Shoneman began her time with CSDD in September of 2019. Since then, she has been able to foster growth within the organization. Her achievements include tripling the CSDD budget and seeing a 21% increase in the value of the Municipal Service District. She and her team curated over 100 free community events and numerous placemaking initiatives. Previously, she also led Uptown Greenville through signifi-
During Shoneman’s tenure, the Cool Spring Downtown District was able to expand their event offerings including their monthly Fourth Friday and Night Circus NYE Spectacular events and advocate for and launch Fayetteville’s social district downtown.
cant revitalization efforts, attracting over 600,000 square feet of new residential and commercial development.
SOME OTHER ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF THE CSDD INCLUDE:
Being recognized by the NC Arts Council as a premier Arts Organization and securing three years of administrative funding.
Bringing both permanent and temporary placemaking initiatives to life, including Prismatica, Mi Casa, Su Casa, 2.0, the Old Street Oasis Mural, several additions to the City’s Holiday Decor and most recently, the Hay Street Deck Lighting Project.
Designing, launching and financially stabilizing the Safety Engagement Ambassadors program, one of the state’s only in-house Downtown Ambassador programs.
Purchasing, managing and circulating the Can-Do Coldwell Banker Trolleys to enhance connectivity downtown.
Curating and hosting large format signature events, such as Juneteenth Jubilee and the Night Circus, a District New Year’s Eve Spectacular and more according to her resignation letter.
“These successes are a testament to the collective efforts of the board, staff, community partners and supporters, all of whom have contributed to the transformation and vitality of downtown Fayetteville,” Shoneman shared in her letter. “I am grateful for the trust, support and collaboration I have experienced during my time with Cool Spring Downtown District. I remain deeply invested in our mission and will do everything I can to ensure a smooth transition.”
Before departing, Shoneman collaborated with the CSDD Board to present an updated job description and provided input on where to announce the job opportunity. To begin to address the question of new leadership, the CSDD Board has formed a Transition Team composed of members from the CSDD Executive Committee, the Arts Council and the City of Fayetteville. This team will lead the organization as it leans into its recently adopted strategic plan.
It was announced at the top of the year that Ashanti Bennett has been appointed Interim President of CSDD. Bennett initially served
as director of special projects for CSDD and successfully curated significant community events, including the Juneteenth Jubilee and the Night Circus. A creative connector with a passion for the arts and humanities, Bennett brings nearly 20 years of experience in nonprofit arts administration to her role.
As Interim President, Bennett looks forward to building on Shoneman’s legacy and amplifying Downtown Fayetteville as a premier destination to live, work, play and invest.
As of Jan. 13, 2025, no announcement has been made regarding new leadership within CSDD.
Ashanti Bennett has been appointed Interim President of CSDD.
As Interim President, Bennett looks forward to building on Shoneman’s legacy and amplifying Downtown Fayetteville as a premier destination to live, work, play and invest.
Longleaf Pine REALTORS® (LPR) invites real estate industry professionals and community leaders to the 2025 State of the Real Estate Market Luncheon, which will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 18, at 11:45 a.m. at the Crown Complex. This flagship event will deliver essential insights into the current and future local real estate landscape while fostering connections across the industry.
The luncheon will feature a review of 2024’s local real estate trends, actionable strategies and expert predictions for the coming year. Attendees will gain insights from Bowen Research’s statewide Carolina Core Housing Needs Assessment and learn about regional economic development initiatives that impact the real estate market. Featured speakers include LPR President David Zeitz, who will open the event with reflections on 2024 and opportunities for growth in 2025; Patrick Bowen of Bowen Research, who will present key findings from the Carolina Core Housing Needs Assessment; former LPR President Dave Evans, who will give an overview of local MLS statistics and trends; and Robert Van Geons, President & CEO of Fayetteville Cumberland Economic Development Corporation (FCEDC), who will share updates and insights on local economic development.
“The State of the Real Estate Market Luncheon is a cornerstone event for Longleaf Pine REALTORS®,” said LPR President David Zeitz in a press release. “Every day, we strive to provide the tools and resources our members and the community need to navigate the local housing market, and this luncheon is an excellent opportunity to share vital market insights and trends that shape our region.”
The Longleaf Pine REALTORS® Association has been hosting the State of Real Estate Luncheon since 2010. Last year, a total of 300 members of the Fayetteville area real estate industry gathered at the Crown Event Center to learn more about the economic forecast and what short term and long term factors would affect the market.
“The State of the Real Estate Market Luncheon is a cornerstone event for Longleaf Pine REALTORS®. Every day, we strive to provide the tools and resources our members and the community need to navigate the local housing market, and this luncheon is an excellent opportunity to share vital market insights and trends that shape our region.”
— David Zeitz, LPR President
Featured guest speaker, Chief Economist Dr. Lawrence Yun, with the National Association of REALTORS®, examined the real estate market from a country wide, state and local level. Dr. Yun cited a lack of inventory following the COVID-19 pandemic, low interest rates and payroll roll numbers as major factors affecting the real estate economy.
Following Dr. Yun, the Carolina Core’s Regional Economic Development Director Loren Hill gave a forecast into future real estate needs in the area following the successes of the organization in 2023. Those successes included taking part in the Carolina Core Housing Needs Assessment survey, announcing that Cumberland County successfully
submitted properties to be converted into potential megasites and launching the More In The Core North Carolina advertising campaign to attract new workers from outside of the state to join the local workforce.
Join LPR on Feb. 18 to gain the knowledge and connections that will empower you to navigate the real estate market with confidence in 2025 and beyond.
Attendees will enjoy lunch and the presentations. Tickets are at NO-COST for members and community leaders. Reserve your spot today at https://longleafpinerealtors.my.canva.site/2025sotrem.
Afresh look will soon be coming to the “eat fresh” brand. Subway®, one of the world's largest restaurant chains, is introducing "Fresh Forward 2.0." Rolling out globally in 2025, the next iteration of its global restaurant image is designed to further enhance the guest experience, improve convenience and help drive franchisee profitability.
A local Subway® storefront located at 3020 N Main St. in Hope Mills has been chosen as the first store to receive the newest version of the rebrand, and will lead the way for other stores to adopt the look as well.
Co-owners Amer Dastgir and Robert Seefeldt are excited to be able to bring the refreshed look to their customers. After taking over the Hope Mills location, the rebrand is the latest in positive changes the two have brought to the store since acquiring it in July of 2024.
“We got in there and we cleaned house. We got rid of all the old inventory, we scrubbed that thing top to bottom, literally several times. We’ve got good staff, we trained them and they give everybody a chance,” shared Dastgir.
Since the launch of the initial Fresh Forward design in 2017, over 20,000 restaurants worldwide have remodeled or built new locations in Subway®'s modern image, helping reset brand perceptions, grow sales and reenergize franchisees and their teams. Fresh Forward 2.0, builds on that foundation, with added brand personality and vibrant décor elements, including bold wall graphics, localized messages and signage, elevated lighting and warmer wood
tones, as well as better support of Subway®’s growing digital sales channels.
“This is the brand new remodel. We will be the first store in the nation to get it, and we're targeting [getting started in] March,” shared Dastgir. “We’re going to be one of the first, if not the first, in the nation and it's exciting. I can't wait for all of you to see a nice, new Subway® when you go in there. Yes, we’ve got pretty decent customer
service. We’ve got good food. But now, we want a good environment for all of you to come in and sit down and eat.”
In addition to improving the overall ambiance of Subway® restaurants, Fresh Forward 2.0 supports the acceleration of Subway®'s digital transformation journey. Selfserve kiosks, order ready screens and kitchen display systems are currently being tested in markets around the world, offering added convenience for guests and streamlining restaurant operations for franchisees and their teams.
“Each restaurant design has represented a significant milestone for Subway®, leading us to where we are today,” said Global Chief Development Officer of Subway® Mike Kehoe in a press release.
“Fresh Forward 2.0 stands out as a design with the potential to make the greatest impact on our guests and franchisees as it brings our marketing, culinary and digital efforts to the forefront.”
In the coming months, Fresh Forward 2.0 locations will begin rolling out around the world.
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.
From Pebbles to Mountains
5075 Morganton Rd. Suite 10C
Fayetteville Agent: Monica Bowens
Resilire Investments L.L.C.
100 Hay St Ste 704 # 1004
Fayetteville Agent: Jonnell Robinson
KnowsTC LLC
4635 Duncastle Rd Apt 2G
Fayetteville Agent: Brandie Mae Bunce
Organize With Harmony LLC 3713 Damien Drive Unit 225 Hope Mills Agent: Brenda Lee Ruffin
Active Moss LLC
4258 Cher ry Hill
Ln.
Fayetteville Agent: Shae Brandy Belt
Confident Rides and Deliveries LLC
2925 Polo Drive
Fayetteville Agent: Neal M Fashimpaur II
Masachi Wellness L.L.C. 359 Conifer Dr
Fayetteville Agent: Jamie C Clapp
Fayetteville Agent: Alicia Yvette Lee
Spark the F irm LLC
429 Person St. Suite 1-A
FAYETTEVILLE Agent: BossLady Corporate Services LLC
Mizzfitz Fastpitc 2704 Plum Ridge Rd
Fayetteville Agent: Richard Jarvis Gregroy
EIMY LLC 469 Kingsford Rd
Fayetteville Agent: Eimy Rojas deBeck
NC Shibam Inc 3513 Birkdale Ct
Fayetteville Agent: Hussam A Alsaidi
Ali & Co. Creative LLC 1017 Buckland Dr
Fayetteville Agent: Allison M de la Vega
Too Cool Man LLC 573 Christmas Ber ry Ct
BRANDNUFILMS LLC
3006 BRAGG BLVD
FAYETTEVILLE Agent: MARVIN SUTTON
LLC 1307 General Lee Avenue
Fayetteville Agent: Kellie Elizabeth Artis
Faithful Over Few LLC
9565 Cliffdale Road #144
Fayetteville Agent: Rachel Dyann Townsend
HAMOUDI TAHA LLC
3664 LEGION RD
Hope Mills
Agent: Abdelrahman Khaled Taha
King Ranch K9 Resor t LLC
6651 Parkton Rd Parkton Agent: Mary
Elizabeth King
Fresh Star t Rehab LLC
100 Hay Street Ste 503
Fayetteville Agent: Abundant
Living Consulting Corporation LLC
America the Magnificent LLC 205 WESTWOOD
SHOPPING CENTER
FAYETTEVILLE Agent: Omar Yahya Alsaidi
Kenralex LLC Elliot Farm Road
Fayetteville Agent: Lynne Dawkins Smith
Proven Solutions Investments LLC 4644 WOODLINE DR
FAYETTEVILLE Agent: Lella Elizabeth Jacobs
Empire Gold LLC
4500 Scenic Pine Drive
Hope Mills Agent: Elisa Denisses Vando
Lady Gt Boutique LLC
1002 Mar tindale Drive
Fayetteville Agent: Gladys Tyler
Strategic Nursing Solutions LLC 2413 Painters Mill Drive
Fayetteville Agent: LaVondra Lynette McLaughlin
Crespo Auto Paint And Mechanic LLC 5110 Bragg Blvd
Fayetteville Agent: Carmelo J Crespo
GAM Management LLC 4317 Ramsey Street
Fayetteville Agent: Davis W Puryear
Bound & Vine
COLLABO Planning LLC 100 Hay Street Ste 503
Fayetteville Agent: Abundant
Living Consulting Corporation LLC
MG Proper ty
Maintenance and Services llp 5836 Crepe Myr tle Dr
Hope Mills
Agent: Matthew Charles Thompson
PEGDEWENDE IMPORTS & EXPORTS LLC 1628 Strickland Bridge Rd
Fayetteville Agent: PEGDEWENDE MARC SAWADOGO
Black Sheep Customz LLC 1517 Ber riedale
Fayetteville Agent: Timothy Robinson
F & L Farms LLC 7336 Faircloth
Bridge Rd Stedman
Agent: Jeffery Hugh Long
Paws at Home Foundation Inc. 2304 W ingate Road #48368
Cumber land Agent: Nicole Limongiello
Clean V iew
Pressure Washing LLC
6869 Old Bunce Road
Fayetteville Agent: Avery Halston Myers
Sims Quality Engr-Const Consultant PLLC 5338 Clubhouse Lane
Hope Mills
Agent: Carl P Sims
NC FINEST LOGISTICS LLC 137 N Reilly Rd
Fayetteville Agent: Lisle Dore
DrapeV ine Soirées LLC
6025 SHANNON WOODS WAY
HOPE MILLS Agent: ANGELA LANORA MADISON
TVP Contractor LLC 6829 Towbridge Road
Fayetteville Agent: Tirth Vasudev Patel
MAMA LUPES TAQUERIA LLC 3710 MORGANTON RD STE 110
FAYETTEVILLE Agent: ALVITA GRAHAM MCNEILL
Lions Den Shipping LLC 3532 Kelbur n Drive
Fayetteville Agent: Ashley Sow
Ramsey Express LLC
6140 Woodspring Drive
Hope Mills
Agent: Curtis Antwan Ramsey
Choppers Trucking LLC 3835 Sturbridge Dr
Hope Mills
Agent: Tommy Lewis Bennett Jr
Revolve360 Corporation 904 Emor y Court
Fayetteville Agent: Kevyn Elizabeth Bethel-Maultsby
FUSE LLC NC 6044 Clinton Rd. Stedman Agent: Jon Allen
ABS Realty LLC 1490 Draw Bridge Ln
Fayetteville Agent: abhishek Namani
PRADA&CEPERO LLC Dalstrom Ln
Hope Mills Agent: Betsabe Prada Montero
GFC 1020 LLC 5912 Whitebridge Lane
Fayetteville Agent: Gwendolyn Faith Carter
209 Haverhill Dr. LLC
209 Haverhill Dr
Fayetteville Agent: Gwynyth Wimmer
C's Heavenly Treatz LLC
236 Croydon Ave
Fayetteville Agent: Cynthia Lyvonr Miller-Jenkins
Davis Consulting Advisors LLC
7585 Rufus Johnson Road
Fayetteville Agent: Michael Lynn Davis
F&H Trucking LLC
100 Hay Street Suite 704
Fayetteville Agent: Frank Mclendon
Cheeky Cleaning LLC
128 Eagle Street
Fayetteville Agent: Erin Zynda
Eloquent Divas Cheer And Dance Company
6425 Independence Place
Drive Apt 122
Fayetteville Agent: Alexus Breana Bowers
HOUSE OF YISRAEL MANAGEMENT LLC
136 Nair n Street
Fayetteville Agent: Shomriyah Yisrael
V isionEd 5760 Yadkin Road
Fayetteville Agent: Keith Tillett II
Resilient Recovery PLLC
100 Hay Street Ste 503
Fayetteville Agent: Abundant Living Consulting Corporation LLC
Media Shield LLC
201 HAY ST # 401C
FAYETTEVILLE Agent: MBC
Holding Group Inc
Elite Investment Solution LLC
8969 Colliers Chapel Church Rd
Agent: Linden
Cedric Dale Mcleod
Rashedrentals
LLC
8917 Cliffdale Rd
Fayetteville Agent: Phyllis Ernestine Abdur-Rashed
J&P Unified DMC
1745 Eille Ave
Fayetteville Agent: Jerry Creekmore
Prayer and Faith Worship Center - Church
2741 Meadowmont Ln
Fayetteville Agent: Rodger Sims Sr
ABW Proper ty Professionals Corp.
815 Jack Pine Street
Hope Mills
Agent: Travis J Bullard
Quality Sound & V ideo Inc.
835 Bragg Boulevard
Fayetteville Agent: Eric Lee Bell
Brock RV Rentals LLC
6753 Goldsboro Road
Wade Agent: Dwight Lewis Brock
REEL SHARP
LAND CARE LLC
7325 Bar n HART RD
FAYETTEVILLE Agent: Matthew Ryan Hart
Notable F inances LLC
515 Standingstone Dr
Fayetteville Agent: Jaa’Ymica Williams
Vogue In Tee LLC 849 Falling Creek Lane
Fayetteville Agent: Latoya Brown
Black River Farm LLP
7115 Goldsboro Rd.
Wade Agent: Mark Reynolds
Mighty McCall Trucking LLC
3100 Ron st
Fayetteville Agent: Darryl Lamont McCall
Two Inspire LLC
307 Stuart Ave
Fayetteville Agent: Courtney Spikes
QUOCNGUYEN LLC
8325 English Saddle Dr
FAYETTEVILLE Agent: QUOC NGUYEN
Lawn & Order Lawncare LLC 5518 Brown St Hope Mills Agent: Aaron Kyle Bennett
Rainbow Pediatrics of Fayetteville P.A.
304 Summertime Road Fayetteville Agent: Taner Esensoy
Ps 44 Training LLC
2243 Hackney Loop
Fayetteville Agent: Herbert L Meeks IV
Bastion Properties LLC
539 Summer lea Dr
Fayetteville Agent: Richard Leon Cruikshank
Dalker Inc.
1971 Rock Hill Rd
Eastover Agent: Cora E Parker
TS Luxe Tax Services LLC
332 Bubble Creek Ct Unit 5
Fayetteville Agent: Tiara Shanae Stribling
LaModrez Powe Investments LLC
1900 Sir Michael Dr
Hope Mills Agent: LaModrez Powe
MILLER BROS FARMS INCORPORATED 3117 COPE STREET
FAYETTEVILLE Agent: WALTER MILLER
Darkroom Creative Studios LLC
2840 Compass Cour t APT 107
For t Liberty Agent: Carlos Rafael Pena-Agosto
Boop Unlimited LLC
3855 Hear tpine Dr
Fayetteville Agent: Karen Denise Tillery
STAZZ LLC 1102 Simpson street
Fayetteville Agent: Shalik El'Java Thomas
Red's Auto Repair LLC
1709 Gardenia Ave
Fayetteville Agent: Vania Ayaka Flinn
A&J Blessed Landscaping LLC
6609 Hillbrook Rd
Hope Mills Agent: Robert Hughes
Justified Wellness 360 LLC 430 Shawcroft Road
Fayetteville Agent: Phylis Aleatha Robinson
SMOOTH LLC
5075 Morganton Rd 10C
Fayetteville Agent: Moshe Piatt
JA SERVICES ENTERPRISES INC.
6830 Shawcross
Lane
Fayetteville Agent: Jerrick Jerrell Adams
Tsur umi America Inc
5149 Tern Pl
Fayetteville Agent: Charles Small
Studio Gar ni LLC 5512 Kenmure Place
Fayetteville Agent: Anna Grace Bowles
N & D Tools Inc
839 Whispering Pines Road
Fayetteville Agent: Jonathan Booyer
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