Empowerment and Development (CEED) was able to shine a spotlight on up-andcoming entrepreneHERS with their fourth annual HERPitch competition.
On Thursday, March 6, the contestants, their supporters and community members all gathered at Blissful Alchemists in Fayetteville for the HERPitch final event.
PHOTO
Karla Jackson, Shatara Het Heru Bey, Anedra Walls, Miss
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MORTGAGE LENDER CONSTANCE PAZ SHARES HER ‘WHY’ BEHIND HELPING PEOPLE BECOME HOMEOWNERS
Homeownership can seem like a fantasy for many people, but with the right team of professionals it can be more than just a dream.
Flat Branch Home Loans is a division of Flat Branch Mortgage, Inc. founded by Jim Yankee in 2005. In 2021 Yankee decided to sell his majority stake in Flat Branch Home Loans and establish an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). The company’s journey and growth ultimately led them to Fayetteville, North Carolina, and the hiring of Constance Paz.
Constance Paz is the Senior Mortgage Banker at Flat Branch Home Loans, a new local mortgage company serving Fayetteville and the surrounding areas. To celebrate this new chapter, Flat Branch Home Loans held a ribbon cutting ceremony on March 6 at their new office located at 2504 Raeford Road Ste 202.
Paz graduated from college with a degree in marketing and communications but did not have a clear idea of the career path she wanted to pursue. Her cousin, who had over a decade of experience, introduced
Everything that I stand for in my business is to defy the statistics.”
her to the field of mortgage lending. As she considered the career option further it was clear that it aligned with her interests.
“I love math. I wanted something in numbers, and then I wanted something in sales,” remarked Paz.
Paz has now been a local lender for four years. She takes pride in helping individuals, families and real estate professionals navigate the homeownership journey with expert guidance and personalized mortgage solutions. Whether buying, selling
To celebrate this new chapter, Flat Branch Home Loans held a ribbon cutting ceremony on March 6 at their new office located at 2504 Raeford Road Ste 202.
or refinancing, Paz is detail oriented and takes the time to get to know the needs of each of her clients.
“I take the time. I hold my clients hands through it, and it probably doesn’t grow my business as fast as I want sometimes because I’m taking that extra minute to help them understand [things] like what an escrow account is or just giving them that extra explanation. But I truly believe when my borrowers close that they know how to buy a house, and they know the things to watch out for. And the next time they buy a house, if it’s with me…or if they’re in a different state and they end up with a different lender, they know the way that it’s supposed to be done,” shared Paz.
THERE ARE SIX STEPS IN THE LOAN PROCESS:
Pre-qualification
Contract
Processing
Underwriting
Approval
“I think that people don’t realize how much they’re actually able to buy a house. [They don’t realize]
how much assistance is out here, like down payment assistance, or different lenders that will help you with your credit repair or things like that,” remarked Paz.
There are many different types of mortgage loans and assistance programs available including: conventional, Federal Housing Administration, United States Department of Agriculture, Veterans Affairs, and more. Flat Branch also offers an exclusive program called “Community Champions” for public servants like firefighters, police officers, school staff and more.
“Everything that I stand for in my business is to defy the statistics. So if you are, on a piece of paper, statistically not supposed to buy a home because you’re a single parent and you’re low income…then those are the people I want to help the most,” shared Paz.
The work that Paz does is very personal to her. After her father passed away from cancer when she was 11, her mother struggled as a single mom to take care of them. Paz wishes that her mom had had someone like her to help guide her through the loan process and educate her about the assistance programs available.
In spite of grief and financial hardship, Paz’s mom remained resilient and taught her daughter to do the same. By having faith in God and giving herself and others grace, Paz was able to make remarkable strides in her career.
“I just never gave up, and I finally could start to see everything come together. I mean, I walked into a real estate office every single day for months before anyone in there even remembered my name. I was resilient. And I’m so proud of the name that I’ve established for myself here in just a short four years. I moved here with no one. I didn’t know anybody. So the amount of supporters I have in the real estate community blows my mind. But I’ve just been a good person, and if you’re good to people, they’ll remember you,” remarked Paz.
Paz is proud of her work ethic and the things she’s been able to accomplish at a young age, and she hopes to encourage others to follow their dreams too. She shares that the key to success is figuring out what drives you.
“Figure out what your ‘why’ is. What is your ‘why?’ Why do you wake up every day? Why do you push yourself? There’s something you’re trying to achieve, and my why is to let my mom relax, and myself,” shared Paz.
Though her dad is not here to see the great things his daughter has accomplished thus far, Paz is certain he’d be proud of her.
“I’m super pumped to make things in his legacy,” remarked Paz.
With four years under her belt and many more to go, Paz is only just getting started at making a difference in the lives of Fayetteville’s newest homeowners.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY GFBJ
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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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Happy Women’s History Month all! I hope you took some time to reflect on the important women in your life on International Women’s Day this past Saturday, March 8. I myself have had the unofficial theme song of the month “I’m Every Woman” by the irreplaceable Whitney Houston playing in my head since March 1 (hence the title). If that ever does come up for a vote, I’m more than ready.
We have a packed and loaded issue to kick off Women’s History Month this time around! Check out our cover story where I had the privilege of joining the Women’s Business Center of Fayetteville at CEED for their fourth annual HERPitch Competition! I look forward to HERWeek every year and as many of you may have already noticed, I was able to confirm the unfortunate news that HERWeek won’t be taking
to take a step back this year to rest and recharge to bring the event back bigger and better next year!
I had some fun with the team planning for this issue. I was able to pull from an ever-growing list of contacts that I meet every day in our business community. For example, I was able to meet the new executive director of the Fayetteville Dogwood Festival Kaylynn Suarez (featured on pg. 10) at a quarterly meeting of the Downtown Alliance earlier this year, I had the pleasure of making the acquaintance of Ms. Nancy Blackman, director of the Dunn Area Committee of 100 Inc. (featured on pg. 12) at the first ever Harnett Business Summit held in late February and I am always glad to be able to keep up with our friends at the WBC of Fayetteville by Director Danice Langdon, who invited me to the HERPitch event again this year!
Last year I was actually a judge in the HERPitch event and I can tell
you from personal experience, that is a hard job to have. Each contestant has put in so much time, effort and thought into their business, it’s no easy task picking who to give funds to. This year I’m sure the judges had their work cut out for them, but it was wonderful seeing the level of support from the community, staff at WBC and even their competition. I know the contestants this year are in for a bright and successful future! We hope that you’ll keep the Greater Fayetteville Business Journal in mind throughout the month of March. The Journal’s Assistant Editor Stephanie Meador and I will both be on the hunt for more businesses to feature in our special issue coming out on March 28 which will also feature a special focus on women-owned businesses.
GFBJ’S FIRST POWER BREAKFAST OF 2025 PROVIDES ECONOMIC INSIGHTS
Hundreds of decision makers and leaders from a variety of industries gathered on Thursday, Feb. 27 at the Cape Fear Botanical Garden for the first Power Breakfast of 2025. The event featured a presentation from Tom Barkin, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, where he shared his perspective on key economic trends, challenges and opportunities in 2025.
Overall, Barkin remains optimistic about the current economy and he provided numbers to back this attitude up.
“The economy's in a good place. GDP grew 2.5% last year, that's a healthy number. Unemployment's at 4%. That's near most estimates of what is low, what a low rate would be. Consumers have jobs, real wages are growing, asset values are up, and with all that going on, consumers keep spending. We talked a lot about recession a year ago or two years ago or three years ago. You can't find anyone talking about recession today. At the same time, inflation's come down. The Fed's preferred method, the PCE, came in at 2.6% in December,” shared Barking during
his presentation.
Although these reported numbers offer some comfort to consumers and businesses, there remains a lot of uncertainty especially in regard to things such as policy changes, geopolitical tensions and natural disasters. How can people predict the effect these things will have on the workforce, pricing, consumer spending and more? By using economic analysis experts can give their best educated guess, but with so many independent variables it is impossible to say for certain how things will pan out.
“History does give us some guidance…So as an example would be tariffs. We've got very good economic analysis that goes back to 2018 and 2019 and it says all those tariffs ended up increasing inflation by about 30 basis points, so 0.3%. And, plus or minus, I think that's a pretty good number. You’ll remember, there was a lot of inflation in 2018. But the policies this time aren’t the same as the policies in 2018…we don't know whether having been through the inflationary experience of the last three or four years, whether that means businesses
are going to have more confidence to pass off these [cost] increases to customers, or if customers are going to be so frustrated with high prices they're going to have more energy to push it back. We just don’t know, and it’s tempting to try to spend a lot of time thinking all this out…But I prefer just to wait and see how the uncertainty plays out and how the economy responds,” reflected Barkin. The event was packed full of golden nuggets of wisdom for attendees to take with them and mull over as they continue to make important decisions for themselves and for their
businesses. Our team at the Journal is glad to have been able to host Tom Barkin along with our collaboration with the FCEDC and the continued support of our sponsors. We look forward to bringing you another insightful Power Breakfast in June!
For more regular updates curated by topic and the latest economic data and news, subscribe to the Richmond Fed Newsletters at www.richmondfed.org.
Editor's note. The statements used were reflective of the most current economic data as of Feb. 27, 2025.
PHOTOS TAKEN BY DANIEL COLEMAN
Left to Right: Following breakfast, featured Power Breakfast Speaker and President of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond Tom Barkin participated in a fireside chat with attendees, fielding pre-gathered questions from some of the area’s top industry organizations. FCEDC President & CEO Robert Van Geons, Tom Barkin, Power Breakfast MC Faith Hatton and GFBJ Publisher Marty Cayton pictured together after the event.
Inasmuch
Bread ‘n Bowls, an annual soup/chili fundraiser, makes this possible. Join us!
Neil Grant, Gary Futch, Patrick Murray and James Sherrill
>> By Faith Hatton
Contestants were graduates from the HERPitch training course, a regularly offered nine-week immersive online course to help current and future business owners better develop and refine their own business ideas. After graduating from the course, students are able to give their perfected pitches to a panel of judges to compete to win up to $2,500 to help them meet the needs of their businesses.
“Currently in the U.S., 42% of businesses are owned by women. One thing that we focus on with HERPitch is the equity investment, because women only receive 4.2% of capital funding that is out there for their businesses,” shared Executive Director of CEED Suzy Hrabovsky. HERPitch is funded in part by the North Carolina chapter of the Women of Power Society and their Annual Runway Extravaganza fashion show organized by local formal wear boutique An Affair to Remember. Each year, an Affair to Remember owner and Fayetteville Mayor Pro Tem Kathy Keefe Jensen has partnered with the WBC to fundraise money that will later be distributed to local business owners through CEED and at this event. With that combined effort, and the support of other sponsors such as Piedmont Natural Gas and the City of Fayetteville in 2025, the WBC has been able to put over $30,000 into the community.
“Every year we’ve been doing about $10,000 but we want to raise that next year,” said Hrabovsky.
MORE NEWS
“We want this to expand. We want that $10,000 to become $15,000 or $20,000 next year. Next year will be our fifth-year anniversary, and we’ll be putting in more, but we want to raise that every year.”
THIS YEAR, SIX HERPITCH GRADUATES AND THEIR BUDDING BUSINESSES WERE ABLE TO COMPETE. THOSE GRADUATES INCLUDED:
KARLA JACKSON
New Generation Reading Tutors
LONYAE MCCUNE
Queen of All Thingz
YENIZ
I-F.I.T. (Ideal Functional Integrative Training)
ANEDRA WALLS
Plush HQ, L.L.C
TIA WHITTLESEY
Spa Chicks
Each business owner was able to present before three judges who included Brittany Campbell, owner & founder of Sunshine Beauty & Bliss and Blissful Alchemists, Dr. Airaina Griffith-Knight founder and director of hAirlooms Academy and the LocksHouse and Tracey Ansley, senior financial services specialist from First Citizens Bank.
Contestants were given the daunting task of presenting their business idea, their business’ history, a problem in the community, their solution to the problem, their target market, current teams, current products and offerings, plans for any funding received and more all within a threeminute and 10 second time span. After the presentations, organizers of the event went to tally up the results while guests were able to hear from special speaker and Miss North Carolina High School America 2025 Abigail Dries as she highlighted her work while crowned and plans for the future.
“One of my biggest goals is to become a woman of power and hopefully one day become a successful entrepreneur,” shared Dries. “During my reign, I have been able to empow-
er youth and students in the community through the National Platform BRAVE, which stands for Building Respect And Value for Everyone, and also through my own anti-bullying initiative, Raise Your Hand. One in four students are victims of bullying, which directly impacts the statistic that 40% of middle school and high school students struggle with depression, sadness and suicide and that’s why I made it my mission to speak to students about the importance of being kind, raising their hand when they see bullying and being an upstander and not a bystander.”
After a heavy deliberation, four finalists were chosen from the six presenters: Andrea Walls, Lonyae McCune, Shatara Het Heru Bey and Yeniz Parton.
Traditionally, only three finalists are awarded, but due to continued support for the community, the program was able to add one more.
“We are excited about this next venture that you have going on, and we thank you for letting all of us be a part of it, and for putting yourself out there,” said Hrabovsky to the contestants. “Thank you to the community for the support, and go out there and support the women in your community.”
Learn more about the WBC, the history of
SHATARA HET HERU BEY
Divine Doula Goddess
PARTON
PHOTO PROVIDED BY GFBJ
During the HERPitch event, each contestant has three minuets and 10 seconds to give their perfect pitch to the judges. Contestant Tia Whittlesey shares eucalyptus-infused towels as part of her presentation.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY GFBJ
On Thursday, March 6, the contestants, their supporters and community members all gathered at Blissful Alchemists in Fayetteville for the HERPitch final event.
ACHIEVERS
Fayetteville PWC celebrates 120 years of service
On March 4, 2025, the Fayetteville Public Works Commission (PWC) celebrated 120 years of dedicated service to the residents of Fayetteville, Cumberland County and surrounding communities.
Throughout PWC’s 120-year history, their mission has remained clear: to provide safe, reliable and affordable services to the Fayetteville, North Carolina area. This is accomplished by the hard work and dedication of their employees, past and present, who have contributed to their success over the generations.
“We are celebrating 120 years of serving our community with pride and excellence,” said Timothy Bryant, CEO/General Manager of Fayetteville PWC in a press release. “We are making a big deal about it because it is a big deal! We remain focused on the future and continuing to provide reliable services for the next 120 years to come.”
PWC has grown alongside the community, positively influencing its development and offering support in many ways. PWC contributions range from supporting local businesses and community events to collaborating with non-profits. Over the past seven years alone, PWC has received more than 140 awards for its performance. Notable achievements include:
• Being the 36th largest municipal electric utility in the United States
• Being the only municipal utility in North Carolina to own and operate a power plant, Butler-Warner Generation Plant, capable of producing 265 megawatts of electricity
• First North Carolina municipal utility to offer community solar to customers
• First North Carolina utility to receive the Director’s Award for outstanding commitment to quality drinking water and has continuously received this recog -
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.”
nition for more than 24 years
• Recipient of the 2024 Gold Award for Exceptional Utility Performance by the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies (AMWA)
• National Association of Fleet Administrators Top 100 Fleets in America and much more!
CFVH Simulation Center honored as one of the “simulation and education programs to know”
Cape Fear Valley Health’s simulation center was recently recognized by Becker’s Hospital Review as one of the “simulation and education programs to know.” The healthcare industry publication recognized 64 hospitals and health systems across the country with “outstanding simulation and education programs.”
“These organizations are dedicated to advancing their workforce and service lines through innovative education and simulation initiatives. By offering realistic, safe and controlled environments, these programs enable learners to master essential healthcare skills. These efforts result in better patient outcomes, enhanced safety and lower healthcare costs,” Becker’s said in a release.
Cape Fear Valley Health’s simulation center, located within the Center for Medical Education and Neuroscience Institute at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, is a state-ofthe-art facility advancing healthcare education through cutting-edge simulation technologies and multidisciplinary training.
“We are honored that Becker’s Hospital Review has recognized Cape Fear Valley’s Simulation Center as one of the top in the country,” said Director of Workforce Development Mark Rose in
a press release. “This distinction underscores our unwavering commitment to excellence in medical training and patient care. By utilizing state-of-the-art simulation technology, we provide our healthcare professionals with hands-on, high-fidelity training that enhances their clinical skills, critical thinking and teamwork.”
The center is equipped with high-fidelity simulators, advanced surgical platforms and provides realistic training across specialties, enhancing clinical competency and patient safety.
UNCP student on track to earn teaching licensure before 20
HANNAH PEARSON grew up watching her mother change lives — one lesson at a time. Now, at just 18 years old, she’s following in those footsteps, well on her way to becoming one of North Carolina’s youngest teachers. What started as a passion for tutoring classmates in middle school has turned into an accelerated path to the classroom, proving that a love for teaching runs in the family.
As a dual enrollment student at Fairmont High School, Pearson got a head start on her college journey by earning college credits through Robeson Community College. By the time she officially enrolled at The University of North Carolina at Pembroke (UNCP) in spring 2023, she had already reached junior status, allowing her to jump straight into upper-level courses in the ele -
mentary education program.
The early college route to UNC Pembroke is one of several pathways afforded to aspiring teachers like Pearson, who was selected as a Brave Scholar after arriving on campus.
Now a senior at UNCP, Pearson is on track to graduate in December—poised to step into a classroom of her own before her 20th birthday.
“Hannah’s path from early college to the Brave Scholar Program showcases what’s possible with hard work and determination,” said Dean of the School of Education Dr. Tracy Mulvaney, in a press release. “She is an inspiration, and we have no doubt she will empower and shape the lives of countless students in her future classroom.”
Pearson credits her family and early experiences for igniting her passion for teaching.
“I’ve seen how some students struggle and how much of a difference encouragement and support can make,” she said in a press release. “I want to be that special someone in a student’s life, helping them realize their potential. Changing even one person’s life would mean I’ve achieved my goal.”
Hutchens Law Firm celebrates J. Scott Flowers’ induction into the Legal Elite Hall of Fame
J. SCOTT FLOWERS has been inducted into the Business North Carolina Legal Elite Hall of Fame for Litigation. This honor is bestowed upon attorneys who have consistently demonstrated excellence in their practice area and have received the most votes from their peers in the annual Legal Elite voting process. Flowers is the supervising partner for Litigation at Hutchens Law Firm. He practices in the areas of construction, land use, housing and business law and litigation. His induction into the Legal Elite Hall of Fame for Litigation underscores his reputation as a top litigator
Pearson
Flowers
From ACHIEVERS, page 8
in North Carolina. In addition to this recognition, Flowers has been named a 2025 Legal Elite Honoree for Litigation.
Hutchens Law Firm, based in Fayetteville, NC, and with offices across the Carolinas, provides quality legal services across various practice areas. The firm’s commitment to excellence is reflected in the numerous accolades its attorneys have received over the years.
Business North Carolina’s Legal Elite and the Legal Elite Hall of Fame are awarded to North Carolina lawyers as voted by their peers.
Christina Smart named Social Worker of the Year
CHRISTINA SMART , a social worker at Gray’s Creek Middle School, has been named the 2024-2025 Faye Huckabee School Social Worker of the Year.
The announcement was made during a special appreciation reception where social workers were honored for their dedication to supporting students and families. The celebration was part of National School Social Work Week, observed March 2-8, 2025, which highlights the vital role school social workers play in helping students overcome challenges and reach their full potential.
Smart, chosen by her peers for this prestigious recognition, is known for her passion for dropout prevention, mental health advocacy and student support. She has been instrumental in organizing CCS’ annual Children’s Mental Health Fair and Walk. She is also a strong advocate for students in transition, military families and those facing social and emotional challenges. Her leadership extends beyond her school as she actively serves on community boards, including Fayetteville Urban Ministry, Inc.
“Christina serves her students, parents, staff and community with fortitude and compassion,” said CCS Social Work Coordinator Pamela Story in a press release.
Gray’s Creek Middle School Principal Jennifer Jasinski added in a press release, “She is the kind of social worker you want on your team—someone who balances professionalism with genuine care.”
CCS proudly celebrates the invaluable contributions of school social workers and their unwavering commitment to student success.
Dean of Optometric Medicine at UNCP honored with national award
DR. RICH CASTILLO , founding dean of the College of Optometric Medicine at UNC Pembroke, has been honored with the Heart of America Eye Care Congress’ (HOAECC) 2025 Vision Service Award for his outstanding dedication and service to the field of optometry.
The award recognizes his contributions to advancing optometric education, patient care and the
profession. Dr. Castillo’s innovative approach to curriculum development and student mentorship has earned widespread recognition.
Castillo was presented the award in Kansas City, Missouri, at the 64th annual Heart of America Eye Care Congress, held Feb. 7-9. The HOECC provides continuing education, professional networking and the latest advancements in eye care.
“I was very humbled to receive this award,” Dr. Castillo said in a press release. “I’m in the company of some people who have done a lot to move the profession forward, so it was humbling for me to be considered.”
Castillo is the founding president of the American Society of Optometric Surgeons, a Diplomate of the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners and certified by the National Board of Examiners in Optometry. He is also a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Academy of Optometry.
Castillo joined UNCP in July 2024 as the founding dean of the university’s newly approved College of Optometric Medicine. UNCP is
ACHIEVERS
the first and only university in North Carolina to grant this specialized four-year degree. Castillo is leading UNCP’s efforts toward earning accreditation for the optometry program with the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE). He will also guide the college’s efforts to establish a community clinic, ensuring students have access to hands-on patient experience under the supervision of experienced clinical faculty.
UNCP received approval in May 2024 from the UNC System Board of Governors to establish an optometry program. Castillo was appointed in July after serving as senior director of clinical examination development and administration with the National Board of Examiners in Optometry. Before that, he served three decades at Northeastern State University Oklahoma College of Optometry as a clinical professor, assistant dean and chief of surgical services.
Castillo
PHOTO PROVIDED BY CCS
CCS' 2024-2025 Faye Huckabee School Social Worker of the Year Christina Smart (left) poses with Gray's Creek Middle School Principal Jennifer Jasinski (right).
On a mission
KAYLYNN SUAREZ IS READY TO ENGAGE WITH THE COMMUNITY AS THE NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE FAYETTEVILLE DOGWOOD FESTIVAL IN 2025
Kaylynn Suarez became executive director of the Fayetteville Dogwood Festival in December of 2024. Since then, she has outdone herself at every turn. But it’s not just all her experience, Suarez’s positive, go-getter attitude paves the way for success. With her varied, specialized background and heart for the community, the Dogwood Festival couldn’t be in more capable hands!
GFBJ: Can you tell us a little about yourself? Where are you from, and what’s your connection to the Fayetteville community?
SUAREZ: I’ve had the incredible experience of living all over the U.S., Germany and Kuwait, but if I had to call one place home, it would be Lampasas, TX—the longest place I’ve ever lived! My husband PCS’d to Fayetteville in 2016, and I followed in 2017. We built a life here until 2021, then took off for adventures in Miami and Kuwait courtesy of the Army and now we’re back! When we found out we would call Fayetteville home again, it was exciting. We genuinely enjoyed our time here in 2017-2021 and look forward to making more memories the second time around.
GFBJ: What inspired you to pursue a career in event planning and festival management?
SUAREZ: Honestly, it was by chance. A dear friend saw the application and told me I needed to apply because he felt I was meant to be in this role. Sometimes, your friends and family can see the things you can’t in yourself and give you the push you need. Little did he know, I set a goal to be a part of a non-profit in 2025... I just didn’t think it would be as the executive director for the Dogwood Festival! Before this role, I have planned events, worked large fundraisers, been in charge of budgeting, [and] helped organize multiple day events. I have a very eclectic background. I just wanted to take those skills and use them to find a way to give back to my community.
Q&A
GFBJ: Of all your past experiences, which ones—professional or personal—prepared you most for this role?
SUAREZ: Planning events in Kuwait was more than just a turning point, it lit a fire in me. It showed me the power of bringing people together, of building connections that stretch across cultures, backgrounds and experiences. I feel so incredibly blessed to have had the chance to create moments where people from all walks of life could come together and celebrate what unites us.
My husband and I have always been known for our get-togethers (his brisket is absolutely delicious), but beyond the good food and laughter, what matters most to us is the lesson we’re passing down to our girls.
GFBJ: Is there an achievement or milestone in your career that you’re especially proud of?
SUAREZ: Truth be told, I have many things I am proud of and have received some pretty cool awards. But, the greatest achievement in life is being a mom. No award or achieve-
ment will ever top that.
GFBJ: What are your main goals for the festival this year?
SUAREZ: My biggest goal for this year’s festival is simple but powerful: to bring the community together. I truly believe we’re at a point where people don’t just want to watch things happen... They want to take action, get involved and make a difference.
Planning this festival in such a short time has been a whirlwind, but it has also been an incredibly eye-opening as well as a humbling experience. I’ve seen firsthand just how many people are out there ready to put in the work, looking for a way to contribute and eager to be part of something bigger than themselves.
GFBJ: How are you keeping the festival fresh and relevant for the community?
SUAREZ: Easy! Talking to members of the community outside of my circle. Because everyone has an opinion and I want the community
to know I am listening. I may not be able to do everything, but I will make an effort! And having such a strong board by my side has given me the ability to do so much in such a short amount of time.
GFBJ: Can you give us a sneak peek of any new events or activities this year?
SUAREZ: This year we are bringing back some past favorites of the community: Cork & Fork as well as the Car, Motorcycle, and Truck show! As for new, we are adding Cooking for a Cause: Wing Cook Off to highlight food and togetherness. It will allow us to give back to two more non-profits in the area.
GFBJ: How do you personally define success when it comes to organizing a large-scale event like this?
SUAREZ: Some might measure success by awards or the amount of money raised, but for me, it’s about something much deeper.
Success isn’t about numbers... It’s about the impact we make. It’s about the moments of joy, the connections formed and the way the festival brings our community together. If we can create an experience that leaves people smiling, brings families closer and makes someone’s day a little brighter, then we’ve done what we set out to do.
GFBJ: Lastly, is there anything you’d like to share with the business community?
SUAREZ: To the business community, the greatest advice I can give is this: never lose sight of your WHY. It’s easy to get caught up in the daily grind, buried under to-do lists, challenges, and expectations. Over time, the weight of it all can get heavy and blur your purpose. But your WHY, the reason you started, the impact you want to make... that’s what should keep you going.
Your WHY will evolve as you and your business grow, and that’s a good thing. Embrace the change, but always stay connected to the purpose behind it all.
PHOTO BY RAYMIE DAY PHOTOGRAPHY
Getting things done in Dunn
NANCY BLACKMAN REFLECTS ON HER CAREER IN SUPPORTING AND FUNDING SMALL BUSINESSES IN RURAL NC
In the landscape of regional rural economic development, Nancy J. Blackman stands out for providing financial opportunities to hundreds of small businesses and helping them to forge a path forward in uncertain times. As director of the Dunn Area Committee of 100, Blackman addresses critical gaps in traditional financing structures that fosters entrepreneurship and strengthens rural economies.
“Our mission is to create and save jobs,” Blackman explained.
A Harnett County native, Blackman began her career with an accounting degree and practical experience as a small business owner in the agriculture and transportation sectors, granting her firsthand experience with the challenges facing rural entrepreneurs.
As she advanced in her career, Blackman worked at the Dunn Chamber of Commerce, where she earned recognition for her financial acumen and passion for giving small businesses the resources they need to thrive. Her work at the Chamber led to being named the Director of the Triangle South Enterprise Center (TSEC) in 1990. As the new leader of the second oldest business incubator in the state, her first task was to help the organization become financially secure for the long-term.
With a keen sense of how to gather resources, Blackman cultivated relationships with federal agricultural development programs.
“When I first met with the [United States Department of Agriculture] office to start a loan program, I was told I didn’t have enough experience and ‘maybe in a few years,’” shared Blackman. Undeterred, she negotiated an initial $100,000 USDA grant instead, which established a foundational pool of capital that became a seed for rural business development throughout the Dunn and greater Fayetteville regions.
After repaying USDA’s initial grant fund and proving her organization’s excellence in financial stewardship, Blackman progressively expanded TSEC’s pool of capital resources by successfully securing larger USDA loans and absorbing nearby small business loan funds. She also partnered with the 1-95
continues to support the
recently appeared on a lending Panel at the
three speakers: Blackman, John Parker – Chief
Small Business Development Fund.
corridor economic development coalition.
Under Blackman's leadership, TSEC helped 225 local businesses secure essential cash flow through 2024, saving countless jobs across diverse industries from manufacturing to marinas. TSEC also served as a lifeline for businesses heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, including restaurants, childcare facilities and beauty shops.
With the backing of the successful loan fund she built, Blackman enjoys being the person who can say “yes” to struggling small businesses.
“I don’t have to turn anyone down,” shared Blackman.
TSEC addresses shortfalls in rural and small business financing while maintaining prudent risk management and underwriting standards. Focused on preserving jobs and rural economies, the long-standing small business incubator expands access to capital for businesses that may otherwise face insurmountable barriers in conventional lending environments.
While traditional lenders can be prohibitively cautious about funding rural startups and other early-stage businesses, Blackman sees these applicants through the lens of opportunity. The financing structure she has developed accommodates borrowers
with credit profiles beginning at 600, while offering extended amortization periods of 10-20 years, without balloon payment structures that frequently threaten small business cash flow management.
The fund’s interest rates remain highly competitive, typically within a 6%-7% framework, and never exceeding 9%. The organization also offers flexibility for businesses that are experiencing periods of revenue volatility.
“Nobody goes into business to fail,” Blackman said. “We can help them restructure their debt so they can survive and build their business back up.” As the director of the Dunn Area Committee of 100, Blackman continues to administer TSEC while innovating new ways to promote economic growth throughout the region. Currently working out of temporary offices at 107 North Wilson Ave. in Dunn, she is excited to move back into the organization’s fully renovated permanent facility at 600 South Magnolia Ave. in July.
The newly designed space will offer many ways to support business development and workforce readiness. For instance, TSEC rents office spaces at or below market rate to help guide small business startups or
those experiencing financial challenges. The facility also will provide skills training tailored to local workforce needs and a new small business incubator space focused on the technology sector.
Guided by her long-held drive to empower rural and start-up businesses, Blackman will undoubtedly identify new ways to raise capital to fulfill her mission of preserving rural jobs.
As an Ambassador Elite member with more than 30 years of continuous affiliation with the Dunn Chamber of Commerce, Blackman also serves the community as a board member for regional institutions including CommWell Health, Dunn Woman's Club and Friends of the Howard House.
For comprehensive information regarding the Dunn Area Committee of 100 and the Triangle South Enterprise Center capital access programs and business development services, visit www.dac100.com or call 910-892-2884.
PHOTOS PROVIDED BY CCCC & NANCY BLACKMAN Blackman
community by educating business owners wherever and whenever she can. Blackman
inaugural Harnett Business Resources Summit in February. The panel included
Credit Officer of KS Bank and Jonathan Collins (not pictured) of the Carolina
Back to Bragg
FORT BRAGG ARMY BASE HOLDS REDESIGNATION CEREMONY IN EARLY MARCH
U.S. Army Soldiers, Veterans and military leaders gathered for the redesignation ceremony of Fort Liberty to Fort Bragg, March 7, 2025. The change honors Pfc. Roland L. Bragg, a World War II Paratrooper whose actions during the Battle of the Bulge earned him the Silver Star, the nation’s third-highest award for valor in combat. The event featured remarks from family and senior leaders, as well as an unveiling of a plaque and picture of Bragg in the XVIII Airborne Corps Headquarters building.
The day began in the Corps’ Headquarters building with an intimate ceremony between Bragg’s family members, Secretary of the Army Hon. Dan Driscoll, and Lt. Gen. Gregory Anderson, the Commanding General of XVIII Airborne Corps and Fort Bragg. A photo alongside a plaque honoring Bragg and his heroism was unveiled inside the Headquarters building, which will serve as a reminder to our Soldiers and leaders of Bragg’s legacy and bravery.
A larger ceremony open to the Fort Bragg community was held on
the grounds of the Headquarters building with many VIPs in attendance, including: Secretary of the Army Hon. Dan Driscoll, North Carolina Senator Ted Bud, North Carolina Representative Richard Hudson, North Carolina Representative Pat Harrigan, North Carolina Lt. Governor Rachel Hunt, Commanding General of U.S. Army Forces Command Gen. Andrew Poppas, and many more leaders from Fort Bragg. Lt. Gen. Anderson spoke on the importance of the redesignation.
“For over 100 years, our citizens have come here from every corner of the nation and every walk of life to serve others,” Anderson said. “Fort Bragg is the place where ordinary people transform into heroes. Ordinary people like Private First Class Roland L. Bragg.”
During the ceremony, Army officials and Bragg’s family unveiled the updated Headquarters sign, signifying the installation’s redesignation. As part of the transition, Fort Bragg Army Garrison cased the Fort Liberty Colors before uncasing the Fort Bragg Colors. The change was set in motion on Feb. 10, 2025, when
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth signed a memorandum officially renaming the installation.
“Fort Bragg has a long and proud history of equipping, training and preparing our soldiers to fight and prevail in any operational environment,” Hegseth said during a briefing on the matter. “It’s about that legacy; it’s about the connection to the community, to those who’ve served.”
Roland Bragg came from humble beginnings. Growing up during the Great Depression, he sold vegetables from his family’s farm to help pay the mortgage. A few months after his high school graduation, he enlisted into the Army as an Infantry Paratrooper and was stationed at Fort Bragg.
Bragg served with the 513th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 17th Airborne Division, demonstrating exceptional valor during the Battle of the Bulge by driving a captured German ambulance through fire to evacuate his fellow Paratroopers. He carried four of his fallen comrades into the vehicle and headed to an Allied hospital in Belgium. For his efforts, he was awarded a Silver
Star for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action and a Purple Heart for injuries sustained during the battle.
Bragg went on to be a successful business owner and family man. At the time of his death, Bragg was survived by his wife Barbara, and three daughters: Linda French, Debra S. Townsend, and Diane L. Watts. There were 23 family members present at the redesignation ceremony.
“I think if my granddad were here today, he would encourage folks here to work hard in school and beyond,” said Rebecca Amirpour, granddaughter of Roland Bragg. “He would want them to appreciate the importance of giving back and making an impact on your own communities when you’re done with your service to your country.”
Disclaimer: The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.
Article is a Courtesy Story released by the XVIII Airborne Corps Public Affairs.
PHOTOS BY U.S. ARMY PHOTO BY SGT. NOLAN BREWER
Left: Members of the XVIII Airborne Corps color guard stand at attention during the base redesignation ceremony in front of the newly unveiled Headquarters XVIII Airborne Corps and Fort Bragg sign on Fort Bragg, N.C. March 7, 2025. The name Fort Bragg carries a deep history, which is now tied to a Soldier who embodied the Army values of selfless service and personal courage. Right: Rebecca Amirpour, the granddaughter of Pfc. Roland L. Bragg, delivers a speech in honor of her grandfather during the base redesignation ceremony on Fort Bragg, N.C.
Hitting pause
CUMBERLAND COUNTY COMMISSIONERS CALL FOR CONSTRUCTION PAUSE ON NEW CROWN EVENT CENTER
Cumberland County Commissioners have announced a 30-day construction pause on the Crown Event Center project currently being developed in downtown Fayetteville.
The announcement came from Board of Commissioners Chairman Kirk deViere, following their regular meeting held on Wednesday, March 5, during a press conference.
According to commissioners, the pause is meant to allow for a comprehensive project review. This proactive measure is being taken to ensure the project's long-term success and maintain the highest levels of transparency, accountability and public trust.
Chairman deViere further elaborated that it was a matter of being able to thoroughly review all aspects of the project by bringing in an independent third party to conduct a comprehensive review of the project’s progress, evaluate all aspects of the current work and address any concerns that may exist.
Cumberland County has acquired independent third-party counsel, Scott Flowers of Hutchens Law Firm, to provide an unbiased assess-
ment of the status of the project and to address any concerns. The County is committed to ensuring that every aspect of the Crown Event Center project is managed with the utmost integrity.
“Their role is to help assess where we stand, provide recommendations and assure all aspects are aligned with our standards for transparency and accountability,” said deViere during the press conference. “At the end of this review period, we will come back to you, probably in this format or something similar, [to] talk about any findings and what the next steps are. We'll continue to look at those next steps and then we’ll come back to you as a board and update you along the way with any results.”
Cumberland County leadership has said they remain committed to maintaining open lines of communication during this review period. Regular updates will be provided through various communication channels, including the County’s website, cumberlandcountync.gov, social media platforms and press releases. Residents are encouraged to submit any concerns or questions through the designated email link on
the Crown Event Center webpage.
The heavily anticipated Crown Event Center has been in the works since early 2022 when leadership decided to replace the previous Crown Event Center currently located at 1960 Coliseum Drive, in southeast Fayetteville. After announcing the new facility would be coming to downtown Fayetteville in November 2022, the project has since been through increased levels of development in order to open in spring 2027.
The full project is estimated to be 134,000 square-feet and, following a revised building program and conceptual design approved by previous commissioners in January 2024, will include a main event hall with a capacity of almost 3,000, luxury box suites, a VIP lounge area and a large multi-purpose room with two additional meeting rooms. The full project is expected to cost $145 million.
“We are fully dedicated to completing this project within the original timeline and will ensure that all necessary steps are taken to avoid delays,” said County Manager Clarence Grier in a press release. "Transparency and public trust are at the core
of everything we do, and this 30-day pause is a responsible, proactive approach to ensure we deliver a project the community can be proud of."
Commissioners held a groundbreaking event for the project on Oct. 25, 2024 and have already begun early stages of construction including clearing the parking lot in front of the Judge E. Maurice Braswell Cumberland County Courthouse.
According to the Crown Event Center webpage, the pause is not expected to impact the overall timeline for the project and the original Crown Theatre and Arena is still slated to close by November 2025.
Cumberland County is confident that once the review is complete, the Crown Event Center project will continue on course and be a valuable asset to the community for generations to come. An update will be issued at the conclusion of the 30day review, outlining next steps and celebrating the resumption of work on the project.
For more information about Cumberland County and the Crown Event Center project,visit cumberlandcountync.gov.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY CUMBERLAND COUNTY
Outside rendering of the future building. The full $145 million project is estimated to be 134,000 square-feet and will include a main event hall with a capacity of almost 3,000, luxury box suites, a VIP lounge area and a large multi-purpose room with two additional meeting rooms.
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 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.
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.
CUMBERLAND COUNTY
DeJayla's Beauty School
L.L.C. 101 Indian Drive
Fayetteville Agent: Dewanna Carroll-Whitted
East Coast Carriers L.L.C. 2501 j Herbert road Eastover Agent: Brandon L Brock
Luminous
Skincare LLC 6415 Brookstone Lane Suite # 103
Fayetteville Agent: Maria Castillo-Powell Dr
Poole Woodlea Rentals LLC 1710 Winterlochen Road
Fayetteville Agent: Gwen P Bell
R&R Behavioral Health & Consulting PLLC 205 N. Eastern Blvd. Suite A Fayetteville
PLLC 1405 Vergeland Drive
Hope Mills Agent: Nicole Williams
Agent: Melinda Frederick
R. Thompson Consulting LLC
1622 Van Buren Avenue
Fayetteville Agent: Ronald Thompson
WELL MAX LLC 1686 South Reilly Road
Fayetteville Agent: Eugene Manuel
JMG Services Corp 5225 Thruway Rd
Hope Mills Agent: Juan Manuel Garcia
Pine Grove Development LLC 350 Wagoner Drive
Fayetteville Agent: Neal McLeod
LEK auto LLC 905 Greenleaf Dr #g
Fayetteville Agent: Latasha E Kellum
Nicole Vega
TEE Business Management LLC #1067 5075 Morganton Rd. Ste 10c
Fayetteville Agent: Eric Siaunco Towns
Silk Petal Factory LLC 6936 Wickersham Dr
Fayetteville Agent: Kamyce Johnson
FORGED BY FIRE COUNSELING SERVICES LLC 1532 Vandenberg Drive
Fayetteville Agent: Mary Lynn Campbell
MH Construction LLC 2514 S Edgewater Dr
Fayetteville Agent: Jacob M Lowrey Vzab LLC 4705 Bent Grass Dr
