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This is the season when we are reminded of peace on Earth and goodwill toward all. And yet, historians say that over the past 3,400 years, humans have lived without war for only 268 years! It doesn’t sound like we are allowing the sentiment of the season to change our actions.
And you might ask, what does peace have to do with business anyway? Here are some thoughts on how peace and business are closely related.
ECONOMIC STABILITY:
A peaceful environment fosters economic stability, which is crucial for businesses to operate and grow.
INVESTMENT CAPITAL:
Peace attracts investment, as investors are more likely to put their money in stable and secure countries.
MARTY V. CAYTON is the publisher of the Greater Fayetteville Business Journal. 910-240-9697, Ext 101 • martyc@bizfayetteville.com bizfayetteville.com
SUPPLY CHAIN RESILIENCE:
Conflict can disrupt supply chains, leading to increased costs and delays for businesses.
PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS:
Collaboration between governments and businesses can address social and economic challenges, promoting peace and development.
It seems obvious that a peaceful environment enables businesses to flourish and contributes to efforts to create a better world.
In the context of human relationships, peace can be found in understanding, empathy, love and forgiveness.
Ultimately, the pursuit of peace is a personal journey that requires self-reflection, compassion and a willingness to engage with others in a spirit of understanding and respect.
I believe that this is the true heart of the season. A sense of tranquility and well-being that comes from the namesake of the holiday that has shaped culture like no other. Christmas is about peace that surpasses all understanding. This peace is not simply the absence of conflict, but rather a deep sense of inner peace and security that comes from knowing the true meaning of Christmas. So, here’s to peace in our businesses, our families and most importantly, our hearts!
Merry Christmas and happy holidays to you and yours!
PHOTO BY DEBBY HUDSON FROM PEXELS
Cuddles for a cause
CAPE FEAR VALLEY HEALTH’S NICU CUDDLER PROGRAM PROVIDES LIFESAVING TOUCH TO SOME OF THE HOSPITAL’S MOST PRECIOUS PATIENTS
The importance of physical touch for newborns cannot be overstated. It has been found by medical experts to be imperative to the optimal cognitive and physical development and well-being of infants. For parents that have to step away from their newborns, that integral human contact needs to be supplemented by a different caretaker.
For the smallest patients at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, that’s a big job that needs to be fulfilled. To answer the call, Marcia Garrett has taken the lead of Cape Fear Valley’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Cuddler program, a program dedicated to connecting infants in the NICU with life saving touch. For two years, Garrett has taken on organizing volunteers and dedicating her time as the Cuddler Coordinator.
Cuddler volunteers are trained in a model based on the ‘Eat, Sleep, Console’ (ESC) program. Developed at the Yale School of Medicine, the ESC Program focuses on the baby's ability to eat, sleep and be consoled and was instituted at Cape Fear Valley in March of 2022.
The ‘Console’ part is where the cuddlers shine. This practice expedites healing periods and results in less medication administered to fragile infants. “It’s making sure that as much as possible that if they’re not sleeping, they’re in an arm because they heal quicker,” shared Garrett.
Typical volunteer duties include soothing babies by holding and rocking them, talking, singing or playing with them. For these babies waiting to go home, a comforting touch and the presence of another person is more than enough.
“There’s no greater gift than being handed a baby in your arms and you can’t do anything else. You can't get up, you’re stuck,” said Garrett. “And I think that’s a gift, because that’s a peace, it’s a time where you just stop. It's just me, and a baby and it is peace that I can just focus over, pray over and love on and encourage that baby.”
In addition to the care of infants, cuddler volunteers work hard to assist nurses and help the day roll smoother. “The whole point is it’s
program are of paramount importance, as the positive effects of physical touch for these infants start from the first weeks in the NICU, and last until the infant has grown. The program provides a way for cuddlers to step in and make a difference for these infants in critical care.
not about us, the truth about being a cuddler is that you have to have a servant’s heart, and serve those nurses, because they’re the heroes,” said Garrett.
Garrett consistently redirects her successes back to her ‘village,’ the tremendously accomplished NICU nurses, staff members and her husband Mike Garrett. The NICU nurses and cuddlers are fiercely devoted to their jobs. “They’re so protective of those babies, and I’m protective of them,” shared Garrett.
Garrett and her colleagues have made strides to improve not only the
Cuddlers’ training program, but also the interviewing process itself. It is a one-of-a-kind volunteer experience, and verifying the best fits for the job is no easy task.
“I do everything I can to make sure that the right people are up there,” said Garrett, sharing that the calling to be a cuddler is not for everyone. Garrett is dedicated to ensuring the infant patients receive only the best of care. “It is unique, it's not like any other volunteer job. You have your hands on the most vulnerable of humanity,” she said.
Garrett’s efforts with the Cuddler
Garrett’s tenacity and passion raises hopes for the future of professionals and care teams in the medical world. For Marcia and her husband Mike, there is no mountain too tall to scale for the NICU. Garrett’s passion for the NICU and the Cuddlers program is equal parts admirable and infectious. “If you are blessed enough to be able to do [work] where your passion lies, that is a gift,” said Garrett. “That’s where my passion lies, and I’m blessed enough to get to do that.”
Volunteers are welcome to join the program, but there are a few prerequisites. All cuddlers must be at least 21 years old and must fill out a volunteer application and complete an interview before approval.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY MARCIA GARRETT
From left to right: Santa (Rev. Mike Garrett) pictured with newborn and cuddle recipient Declan Nault, his mother Daphne Hault, father Adam Nault and Marcia Garrett.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY MARCIA GARRETT Marcia and Declan pictured together at his first reunion meet up. Today, Declan is a thriving two- year old who adores his nine month old baby brother.
>> By Stephanie Meador
Making new history
LUMBERTON COUNCILMAN SHARES PLANS TO BRING NEW LIFE TO HISTORIC DOWNTOWN BUILDING
Lumberton Councilman Owen Thomas recently purchased the historic Carlyle Building in downtown Lumberton with hopes to catalyze further growth in the city’s downtown. The building, located at 304 N Elm St., was built in 1910 and features a 3,100 square foot downstairs space and a 3,100 square foot upstairs space.
“What drew me to the building was that you had that beautiful mural, it’s got an open floor plan, it’s got an upstairs, because I'm very interested in the idea of having mixed use, having some residential upstairs with retail downstairs,” shared Thomas.
There will be two primary phases to the project. The first, Thomas shared, involves getting the first floor cleaned up and marketed to a retailer. Then for the second phase, unless the initial first floor tenant requires the upstairs space as well, Thomas intends to work towards developing the second level into apartments.
The closing date for the purchase is set to be in mid-January.
“I’ve already met with code enforcement and kind of walked through the building and got an idea of what requirements I have in that regard. So I’ve done my homework. I know what needs to be done,” added Thomas.
Once the space is cleaned up and ready for a new tenant, Thomas shared that he intends to allow the future occupant to play a large part in deciding what sort of renovations need to be done to cultivate the space for their business. With the building being historic, Thomas aims to maintain the charm and character of the space while simultaneously bringing it up to code and making it suitable for modern operations.
With appreciation for the downtown of the past, the community looks forward to the growth that will shape its future. One piece of history attached to the building is the Carlyle name plaque on the front, which Thomas shared he plans to keep.
“There is a lot of energy [being
“
It feels like being at the forefront [and being] someone that’s taking that leap of faith. I’m excited to see who else comes forward interested in being downtown, and who's going to be next to do something as well. We have a lot of buildings that need some love.”
— Owen Thomas Lumberton Councilman
put] into the downtown. We’re tied in with North Carolina Main Street and we’ve got committees downtown that have a lot of energy. We just had our tree lighting on Friday, and there were more people downtown than I’ve seen in a long time for that event, actually, probably ever for that particular event. From the Civic Center Annex that’s being constructed right now, that’s going to be a very nice space, to some stuff going on with the Plaza, we’re creating more parking spaces, we have a historic old fire department that’s being renovated currently, so there’s a lot of energy [going towards] it,” remarked Thomas.
Thomas is in his second term with city council. He shared that he has been a realtor for about five years now and has some other rental property in the area, but this initiative to revitalize the downtown area is very important to him.
“Since I’ve gotten on council, it’s been part of my goal to see downtown come back to life, because I know how important that is to the community,” Thomas added.
In purchasing the Carlyle building
and bringing new business to the area, Thomas hopes to inspire other business people in the area to invest in the growth of the downtown as well.
“It feels like being at the forefront [and being] someone that’s taking that leap of faith. I’m excited to see who else comes forward interested in being downtown, and who's going to be next to do something as well. We have a lot of buildings that need some love. So I’m excited to see who else is going to come forward to invest in what we have going on,” shared Thomas.
Thomas is eager to find a tenant to settle into the space and make it their own. He shared in his initial announcement to LinkedIn: “If you’ve been looking for a place to launch or grow your business—or have a vision for what this space could become— let’s talk! This is a unique opportunity to be part of the exciting transformation happening in Lumberton.”
Potential future tenants can reach out to Owen Thomas by phone 919-889-2514 or email owenthomas@remax.net.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY SKY MEDIA
The historic Carlyle building in downtown Lumberton will be ready to welcome a new tenant in the new year. The beautiful mural on the side of the building was painted by Chapel Hill based artist Scott Nurkin in 2019.
ACHIEVERS
School Board Chairwoman Deanna Jones elected to NCSBA Board of Directors
Cumberland County Board of Education Chairwoman DEANNA JONES has been appointed to the North Carolina School Boards Association (NCSBA) Board of Directors. The announcement was made during the NCSBA’s 2024 Delegate Assembly Annual Meeting, where officers and board members were elected to guide the association’s mission and goals.
The NCSBA Board of Directors provides leadership to ensure the association’s activities and programs support its mission of advancing public education in North Carolina. Board members also serve as communication links between their regions and the association, fostering collaboration and shared priorities.
Jones has been a member of the Cumberland County Board of Education since May 2020 and has served as its chairwoman since December 2022. Her appointment reflects her dedication to educational equity, her experience in school board governance and her collaborative approach to leadership.
“I am honored to serve on the NCSBA Board of Directors and look forward to working alongside my colleagues to support students and educators across the state,” Jones said in a press release. “Together, we can create opportunities that strengthen public education for all.”
Cumberland County Schools congratulates Chairwoman Jones on this achievement and appreciates her continued commitment to serving students, families and educators in the local community and beyond.
Fleet Feet Fayetteville
recognized as a top running store in the country
Fleet Feet Fayetteville was recently honored as one of the top running stores across the country at The Running Event, North America’s premier run and outdoor specialty conference and trade show.
The 2024 Best Running Stores garnered more than 12,500 nominations from customers, employees and industry professionals, representing nearly 250 retailers and 29 states across the U.S. Through a detailed evaluation process, stores were assessed on criteria such as community engagement, sustainability efforts,
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.”
inclusivity, mentorship opportunities, employee benefits and innovation. The final determination of winners included secret shopper evaluations of the in-store experience.
During the Industry Awards Dinner at TRE held in November, 63 Best Running Stores were celebrated for their exceptional contributions to their communities and the running industry.
Fleet Feet Fayetteville celebrated this recognition with a post on their LinkedIn page stating:
“We are so blessed and grateful to have some amazing friends and community partners who helped us get to where we are right now! I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to everyone who supports us throughout our journey, my team who have been the greatest people ever putting up with my dreams to be the best in class!! Special thanks to Johnny Wilson with Fayetteville Urban Ministry, Inc. for presenting our video at The Running Event’s awards dinner for the Best Running Stores!”
David
McLean
named as trustee at Sandhills Community College
HUGH “DAVID” MCLEAN was sworn in as a trustee member on the Board of Trustees at Sandhills Community College, on Dec. 3, 2024. He assumes the position held by the late George Little, past trustee and board chairman for more than 40 years. McLean is a graduate of Sandhills Community College and built a 36-year career with UPS honing in on a specialty in supply chain logistics and leadership.
“David has a true desire to serve
the community in which he was raised, and the Sandhills Board of Trustees is a very natural way for that to happen,” said President Alexander “Sandy” Stewart in a press release. “He is a graduate of Sandhills and started his 36-year career with UPS while a student so he knows the value of the college and has experienced first-hand balancing the demands of college and career at the same time, as so many of our students do. We are fortunate to have David serve on our Board of Trustees and look forward to working with him.”
McLean currently serves as the Chairman of the Moore County Planning Board, the Carolina Loggers Association Board, and is a volunteer firefighter with Cypress Pointe Fire and Rescue in Vass. He is a resident of Cameron, North Carolina.
“I look forward to being a valued contributor to the College and making a difference in the lives of our students by the decisions we make at the board level,” McLean added in a press release.
Jones to succeed longtime Divinity School dean in 2025
DR. BARRY JONES will be the next dean of Campbell University Divinity School — beginning June 1, 2025 — and will succeed longtime dean Dr. Andy Wakefield, who will return to the Divinity faculty next summer.
The announcement was made by Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Dr. Michael Adams.
“Dr. Jones brings a wealth of academic and pastoral experience to this role,” said Adams in a press release. “And he succeeds a man
in Dr. Wakefield who has been an integral part of the Divinity School, shaping its programs and mentoring students for over a decade. We thank Dr. Wakefield for his dedicated service and look forward to his continued contributions in the classroom as he enters the next phase of his career.”
Jones joined Campbell University’s faculty in 2000 after earning his undergraduate degree from Campbell and graduate degrees from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and Duke University, where he earned his Ph.D. He previously taught at Mars Hill University and was pastor of Park View Baptist Church in Durham.
Chasse Bailey-Dorton, M.D. to lead new Integrative Oncology & Survivorship program at FirstHealth Cancer Center
FirstHealth of the Carolinas is excited to announce the arrival of CHASSE BAILEY-DORTON, M.D., to the FirstHealth cancer care team. Dr. Bailey-Dorton will lead FirstHealth Cancer Center’s new Integrative Oncology & Survivorship Program, a groundbreaking service that offers evidence-informed integrative therapies to support patients’ cancer treatment. Working in close collaboration with each patient’s oncologist who directs and oversees the primary cancer treatment plan, Dr. Bailey-Dorton helps patients manage symptoms, improve quality of life and foster overall wellness.
Dr. Bailey-Dorton’s journey into integrative oncology was influenced by her own experience as a patient. “I was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 39 and went through surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and endocrine therapy. I was drawn to this field first to help myself and, ultimately, to better help my patients,” she explained in a press release.
Dr. Bailey-Dorton earned her medical degree from East Carolina University School of Medicine, completed her family medicine residency at ECU Health Medical Center and pursued advanced training in integrative medicine through a fellowship at the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine in Tucson, Arizona.
McLean
Jones
Jones
Bailey-Dorton
Building education
FSU HOSTS GROUNDBREAKING FOR NEW $69.3M COLLEGE OF EDUCATION BUILDING
Fayetteville State University (FSU) faculty and staff along with members of the greater Fayetteville community gathered together on Thursday, Dec. 12 at noon to celebrate the groundbreaking of a new addition to the campus in the form of a new academic building.
Founded in 1867, FSU is the second oldest public university in North Carolina. With $136 and a dream of launching a school of higher education, seven founders set the foundation for this legacy that continues to foster the next generation of educators. What began as “The Howard School” for training teachers has grown and developed into a thriving university that serves over 7,000 students.
“Today's event marks more than just the beginning of construction. It represents the continuation of a vision, one that runs deep within Fayetteville State's history. For years, the G.L. Butler Building has served as home for our College of Education, nurturing countless
The facility’s four stories will feature a blend of classrooms, conference rooms and faculty offices resulting in over 30 dedicated learning and collaboration spaces and more than 60 private office spaces in the new building.
educators who have shaped minds across our state and beyond. Today, we stand ready to build upon that legacy with a state of the art facility that will reiterate the university's founding as a teacher training institution,” shared Dr. Kimberly Jeffries Leonard, FSU Board Chairwoman.
FSU’s new College of Education building cost $69.3M and will encompass a total of 72,027 square feet. The facility’s four stories will feature a blend of classrooms, conference rooms and faculty offices resulting in over 30 dedicated learning and collaboration spaces and more
than 60 private office spaces in the new building. With expanded space comes the opportunity to expand programming as well. Dr. Chandrika Johnson, Dean of the College of Education, explained that the new building will allow them to expand their reading clinics, have more space for teaching fellows and introduce a new special education program.
Dean Johnson, an alumnus of the school herself, confirmed that there are currently 820 students enrolled in FSU’s College of Education. FSU has partnered with Metcon Construction Inc. to build the new facility. Construction is expected to be complete in time for a ribbon cutting in summer 2026 and to welcome students into the new building for the fall 2026 semester. FSU has also partnered with Metcon to construct a new residence hall that is set to open in fall of 2025.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY FSU
PHOTO PROVIDED BY CUMBERLAND COUNTY
FSU recently broke ground on its new College of Education set to be complete and open to students in fall of 2026.
Time for Your Business to Save with Time-of-Use Rates
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 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.
BLADEN COUNTY
Feb. 1, 2024: Vulcanair aircraft announced that it would be establishing its headquarters manufacturing facility and maintenance operations at the Elizabethtown Corporate Airpark, located at the Curtis L. Brown Jr. Airfield. The facility will be producing the Vulcanair V1.0 aircraft, which has been in production since the late 1960s. A combined $7 million is invested in the facility, which will be part of the new Elizabethtown Corporate Airpark being built on the south side of the industrial park. June 12, 2024: Major construction projects were underway at Curtis L. Brown, Jr. Airport. Due to grants totaling $5.7 million, significant improvements have been made, enhancing safety and efficiency for all airport users including runway replacement, apron and taxiway replacement and a full reconstruction of Taxiway “C.” An announcement was also made sharing that Sovereign Aerospace, which joined the airport in April of 2023, would begin full-service maintenance operations onsite beginning June 15, 2024. Dec. 2, 2024: Town of Elizabethtown Town Manager Dane Rideout provided an update on the highly anticipated “Live, Work Play” project, a collaborative $160 million plan for developing Elizabethtown Industrial Park into commercial, residential and hospitality-based properties. It was announced that The Estuary, a sustainable "Live, Work, Play” community will bring 284 energy-efficient
homes to the area. The Estuary will include two, three and four-bedroom homes and aims to provide reasonably priced options for the workforce that is not dependent on government assistance programs. The Estuary will be located on a 50-acre tract within the Town’s Industrial Park.
CUMBERLAND COUNTY
Jan. 29, 2024: Booz Allen Hamilton held a ribbon cutting for new Joint Tech Acceleration Facility in Fayetteville. The Facility was developed to create and field operationally relevant capabilities for the U.S. military and its warfighters. The nearly 8,000-square-foot facility provides resources and connects other lab facilities within Booz Allen Hamilton, provides training opportunities and provides access to other capabilities that are being developed across the firm.
July 23, 2024: The Fayetteville Cumberland Economic Development Corporation (FCEDC) announced that Project Aero has chosen Cumberland County for its aerospace-grade titanium mill. The company’s project in Fayetteville will establish a 500,000-square-foot facility and campus that is purpose-built to melt, roll and finish titanium, create over 300 jobs, with an average salary of $123,476 and have an investment of more than $867.8 million in buildings and equipment.
Oct. 25, 2024: Construction officially began on the Crown Event Center. Cumberland County Board of Com-
missioners held a groundbreaking ceremony in the parking lot in front of the Judge E. Maurice Braswell Cumberland County Courthouse located at 117 Dick Street in Fayetteville. The new Crown Event Center will feature a three-story main event hall with the capacity to seat 3,000 guests, a VIP level with suites and a lounge and a rooftop terrace. The project kicked off in April 2022 with site selection and design, and the new Crown Event Center is expected to open in Spring 2027.
HARNETT COUNTY
June 7, 2024: The Harnett Economic Development Corporation received a $547,885 award from the Golden LEAF Foundation Board of Directors through their SITE Program
- Development. This SITE Program funding supports various site preparation activities, including clearing, grubbing, grading and erosion control. Grant funding also allowed for the completion of a title opinion and utility capacity analysis for a 25acre site in Edgerton Industrial Park. Harnett County expects that attracting industry to this site will generate around 80 new full-time jobs and $10 million in private capital investment. Sept. 17, 2024: Harnett County Government, in collaboration with the I-95/I-40 Crossroads of America Economic Development Alliance (Alliance), announced the acquisition of land for the County’s first Class A industrial park. The new development, Harnett 95 Industrial Center (Harnett 95), will be located in Dunn and span 60 acres. The project’s first phase will feature a 162,000-squarefoot speculative industrial building, with the Samet Corporation serving as the project developer. Once completed, this facility will be the first of six planned Class A industrial buildings at Harnett 95. Construction is set to begin in the first quarter of 2025.
Nov. 19, 2024: Revels Turf & Tractor, one of John Deere’s largest global distributors, announced they have chosen Harnett County to relocate their operations to a new 30,090-square-foot facility at 5118 Rawls Church Road in Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina. The new facility in Harnett County doubles the size of the previous location on US Highway 401 (North Main Street) in the Town of Fuquay-Varina. After two years of careful planning, the company opened its doors to the newly constructed operations center in late November.
HOKE COUNTY
Feb. 29, 2024: Hoke County held a
The Harnett 95 Industrial Center (Harnett 95), will be located in Dunn and span 60 acres and feature a 162,000-square-foot speculative industrial building.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY FCEDC Community and military business leaders line up to cut the ribbon for the new facility.
PHOTO BY GFBJ
Kenny Flowers, Assistant Secretary of the NCDOC’s Rural Economic Development Division, spoke on the state’s dedication to aerospace infrastructure during a press conference at the Mac Campbell Jr. Terminal at the airfield.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY THE SAMET CORPORATION
groundbreaking ceremony for the new Hoke County Justice Center at 250 N. Main Street in Raeford. The project, headed by Silling Architects, features the design and construction of a new 51,000-square-foot courthouse and a 19,000-square-foot administration building. The new three-story courthouse will include five courtrooms serving the Superior and District Courts with their attendant holding cells and jury deliberation rooms. It will also host the Clerk of Courts, District Attorney, Public Defender, jury assembly at the lowest level and five judge’s chambers. The two-story administration building will include the county’s Tax Collector and Assessor, Human Resources,
Finance and IT departments, as well as administrative offices and a boardroom for the Commission.
MOORE COUNTY
May 16, 2024: Officials of Autoport announced their intentions to create a haven for automotive enthusiasts in Moore County in the form of a firstof-its-kind driving resort. The resort will be located on Leech Road north of NC Highway 24-27 and south of Spies Road just a few miles east of the Montgomery County line and Interstate-73/74 in the area previously planned for the Heart of North Carolina Mega Park. In total, Autoport will invest over $100 million and
create at least 32 full-time jobs and 100 part-time jobs, at an average salary of $48,000. Another 50 to 100 part-time employees will be used to staff events at the resort.
Aug. 15, 2024: Reliance Packaging, LLC, a manufacturer of printed plastic packaging, announced it will invest more than $7.4 million to expand its operations and increase its capacity in the Town of Aberdeen. The company, which has been operating in Aberdeen since 2014, will add 32 new jobs in Moore County. This expansion includes building improvements and two additional multi-layer film extruders for the 180,000-square-foot manufacturing facility. The expansion is also expected to add new positions with an average annual wage of $53,000. These new jobs could potentially create an annual payroll impact of more than $1.6 million.
ROBESON COUNTY
MAY 29, 2024: Lumbee River EMC (LREMC) and Robeson Community College (RCC) announced a partnership to introduce a Lineman Program in Robeson County. The initiative represents a collaborative effort between LREMC, a trusted provider of reliable electric service to communities throughout the region, and RCC, renowned for its commitment to workforce development and educational excellence. The Lineman Program offers comprehensive training and hands-on experience in the essential skills required for a successful
career as a lineman and the program provides opportunities for real-world application through internships and cooperative learning experiences with Lumbee River EMC.
Dec. 9, 2024: The Golden LEAF Foundation announced Robeson County as the recipient of a $1.5 million grant for clearing and grading, erosion control, adding backfill and creating an access road for a site in the COMtech Business Park as part of their SITE Program. COMtech Business Park is a 700 acre site within Robeson County that serves to attract people of various industries and gather them all in one centralized location.
SAMPSON COUNTY
Oct. 22, 2024: Phinite, Inc., a leader in agricultural technology and sustainable fertilizer manufacturing, announced it will establish its next-generation manufacturing plant in Sampson County, creating 23 new jobs. The company will invest $5.5 million in Turkey, NC for a new facility that will occupy approximately 69,000 square-feet of the former Allen Canning Company and enhance Phinite’s capabilities in producing its biofertilizer. Phinite, Inc. was awarded a Building Reuse Grant in the amount of $180,000 that will support the upfit and repurposing of the building located in Sampson County.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY THE COUNTY OF HOKE
Hoke County leadership partnered with J&K Contractors staff members to break ground.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY RCC
A groundbreaking ceremony was held May 29 to celebrate the milestone program.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY KOONTZ JONES DESIGN
The Uwharrie Motorsports Park and Resort will include a 20,000 square-foot clubhouse, restaurant, retail shop and more.
Experts in the fields
HANDS-ON LEARNING AT SCC PREPARES STUDENTS FOR AG CAREERS
In Sampson Community College’s (SCC) Agribusiness Technology & Applied Animal Science programs, hands-on experiences like field trips and lab activities are shaping the next generation of agricultural professionals. Through immersive learning opportunities, students gain real-world insights, connect with potential employers and prepare for successful careers in the ever-evolving agricultural industry.
“Many of our students learn best by ‘seeing or doing,’” said Chet Bass, Department Chair of Agricultural Technologies at SCC, in a press release. “Field trips to local agri-businesses expose them to real-world applications of classroom concepts while also introducing them to potential employers who may offer work opportunities during school or after graduation.”
Recent field trips have included visits to a sow farm, the MFV digester and the Phinite facility—each
providing a unique perspective on cutting-edge technologies in agriculture. “The students found the sow farm trip especially educational and a one-of-a-kind experience,” Bass shared in a press release. “These excursions not only deepen their understanding of key concepts but also prepare them to step confidently into the workforce.”
The success of the programs is evident in its alumni. One graduate has returned as an adjunct instructor for SCC’s Agriculture Department, while others currently thrive in local agri-business roles or transferred to a four-year institution to continue their agricultural education. These accomplishments underscore the program’s commitment to preparing students for real-world success.
To ensure the curriculum remains relevant, SCC instructors continually integrate current industry trends and emerging technologies into their teaching. Strong partnerships with
local agri-businesses enhance the program further by offering internships, work-based learning opportunities and invaluable support for field trip initiatives.
“At SCC, we believe hands-on learning bridges the gap between education and employment,” remarked Bass in a press release. “Our partnerships with local businesses are vital to ensuring our students graduate prepared for meaningful careers in agriculture.”
With certificate, diploma and degree options, SCC’s Agribusiness Technology program prepares individuals to manage agricultural businesses and agriculturally related operations within diversified corporations. Graduates should qualify for a variety of jobs in agricultural businesses such as equipment, feed and agricultural supply sales; store management; farm operations; wholesale and retail produce management; nursery operations; and environmental and agricultural education.
Similarly, the Applied Animal Science program is designed to prepare students for careers in the production, processing and distribution of livestock, swine and poultry and their products. Graduates should qualify for entry-level jobs as herd or flock managers, field service persons, feed salespersons, equipment salespersons, feed mill workers, buyers of poultry and livestock, owners/operators, farm managers, department supervisors, field service representatives and waste management technicians.
For more information about Agriculture programs at SCC visit, www.sampsoncc. edu/programs or contact Chet Bass at cbass@sampsoncc.edu.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY SCC
Swine Production students recently toured a Prestage sow farm, gaining hands-on insight into pig care. They observed piglets being born, explored the stages of growth and discussed the journey from farm to market.
BIZ LEADS
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.
