Local Destination Clay Target Center a well-kept secret
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June 11 - June 24, 2021 Vol. 1, No. 2
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WEB EXCLUSIVE Pope Army Airfield
Fayetteville Regional to support Pope Airfield during construction bizfayetteville.com
Profile
Change in diet sparks new business Page 15
Tourism
Randy Fiveash tapped to lead visitors bureau Page 3
MORE INSIDE Cameo Art House Theatre and other businesses look for returning crowds. Page 13
Index Editor’s Note .......................................... 2 Commercial Real Estate ......................... 4 Achievers ............................................... 6 Health Care ........................................... 8 Profile ..................................................15 Biz Leads .............................................21 The List ................................................22
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PHOTOS BY ANTHONY WOOTEN
Downtown shops such as the Cameo Art House Theatre are happy to see visitors returning in the post-pandemic environment.
DOWNTOWN FAYETTEVILLE
BOUNCING BACK Summer expected to draw unprecedented crowds with numerous events BY JAMI MCLAUGHLIN
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ith most stores returning to near pre-pandemic conditions, the outlook in Downtown Fayetteville is changing. The imagery is bright, it is bold and it appears to be shedding the mood of the past year under COVID-19 restrictions, building what some are calling an increased momentum of resilience. Examples of a desire to feel normalcy again are beginning to shine. The shimmering, glowing public
art exhibit, Prismatica, is one of the many public art initiatives from this past year. Flags and banners line light poles. Fireworks light the sky every Friday home game at Segra Stadium with crowds cheering Fayetteville’s Woodpeckers baseball team. Colorful painted crosswalks introduce the four entrances to the core downtown area. Visually appealing public art sculptures line the public spaces and sidewalks to enhance an exhilarating downtown experience.. “It’s been a hard year,” said Bianca Shoneman, president and chief executive officer of the Cool Spring Downtown District. Some of the imagery appearing downtown is the result of new ideas
generated by a desire to shed the pandemic dreariness. “Thinking through recovery with other leaders in the downtown industry was key as we discussed strategy and secure responses to COVID and protests,” Shoneman said. Fayetteville Parks and Recreation added bright banners. The Public Art Commission through the city’s planning department has helped with adding 18 pieces of public art with plans to change them out to keep the sculptures and the like fresh and exciting. “As we worked through the downtown five-prong approach and started to really think through recovery, the vibe just kept coming up with the colorful images, public art and the new energy,” Shoneman said. “The vibe
See Downtown, page 13
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Greater Fayetteville Business Journal
| EDITOR’S NOTES | 4424 Bragg Blvd, Fayetteville, NC 28303 910-240-9697 bizfayetteville.com PUBLISHER Marty Cayton martyc@bizfayetteville.com EXECUTIVE EDITOR David Kennard davidk@bizfayetteville.com REPORTER/COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR Jenna Shackelford jennas@bizfayetteville.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Brian Miner Donna Lloyd Jami McLaughlin Jenna-Ley Harrison Kathie Harris Michael Futch Monica Kreber SALES Malia Allen maliaa@bizfayetteville.com CONTRIBUTING DESIGNER Samantha Lowe samanthal@bizfayetteville.com ACCOUNTING Priscilla Nelson billing@bizfayetteville
The Greater Fayetteville Business Journal is published twice a month throughout Fayetteville and the Cumberland County region. News related to the region’s business sector is posted daily at bizfayetteville.com. SUBSCRIPTIONS To subscribe to the Greater Fayetteville Business Journal, call 910-240-9697 or visit bizfayetteville.com. Subscriptions cost $9.95 per month or $95 per year. REPRINT For article reprints, plaques and more contact Jenna Shackelford at 910-240-9697. ADVERTISING For advertising information, please email us at marketing@bizfayetteville.com or call 910-240-9697. © Copyright 2021 Greater Fayetteville Business Journal
Find great tools from creative people inside BY DAVID KENNARD hank you for picking up this second edition of the Greater Fayetteville Business Journal. Our team here in Fayetteville has put in some long hours to bring you a mix of stories, all related to local business and industry. It’s my hope that you find the content interesting, helpful and engaging. We had a great response to the inaugural edition that was distributed at select locations throughout the area, so much so that even our surplus copies are beginning to run low. “Not to worry,” as my entrepreneurial father-in-law liked to say. You may remember Caractacus Potts from the classic film “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.” My wife’s father came from that same mold. He loved a challenge, and regardless of the obstacle, eventually he’d find a solution. With that in mind, if you missed the inaugural edition of the Greater Fayetteville Business Journal, you can find all the stories — as well as an electronic edition — online at bizfayetteville.com. By the time you read this, our team is already hard at work on the June 25 edition. But I’m getting ahead of myself. As you flip through this edition, you’ll want to make sure you don’t miss a few things. First, you’ll want to thumb over to page 15 to find the story about Yoniara Montoya and her Yo! Shee Vegan food truck here in Fayetteville. While many of us were busy hoarding toilet paper, Montoya was busy turning her passion into a unique business. Sure, you can sample many of her creations from her mobile restaurant, but you can find even more ideas, recipes and blog posts at yosheevegan.com. Look, I like meat as much as the next guy, but some of these vegan creations are truly amazing. With your tummy full, you’re going to want to learn more about the Fort Bragg Clay Target Center. Find that story page 23.
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This is a little-known community asset that is going gangbusters, and is becoming even more popular with the corporate crowd looking for team building fun. Take off your jacket, put on your safety glasses and earplugs and fire off a few shells not too far away from the artillery fire we’ve all come to know and love here in Fayetteville. Don’t have a shotgun? Don’t worry, the pro shop has you covered. Call ahead to make sure there’s room for you or your group, bring some extra cash for the shells and snacks, then go destroy some clay pigeons. A few other things you’ll want to find in this edition are the “Biz Leads” on page 21, “The List” on page 22 and the “Achievers” column on page 6. These are designed to be usable tools designed to help local business and industry leaders. Pay special attention to the “Achievers” column; this is a list that is supplied primarily by readers like you. We are always looking for folks in your organization that are making moves, receiving accolades or doing other things that you’re proud of. You can send your news items to me at editor@bizfayetteville.com. Now, on to the next edition… Coming in the next edition, you’ll find the return of the popular economic indicators that we’ve compiled. As I’ve been plugging in the numbers for many of the charts and other graphics you’ll find on page 3 of the June 25 paper, I discovered how very telling things have been over the last year. For instance, you’ll see that the unemployment rate remained relatively steady — well, except for the whole March-to-April anomaly that sent our local workforce and employers reeling. I should qualify the use of the word “steady.” With most economists considering full employment as anywhere between 4 percent and 6 percent, you can see that we’ve performed pretty well — even throttled by COVID-19. Of course we’ll have a much better idea once the state’s
Department of Commerce releases its May jobless report in late June. Replace graph with this: Watch for us to break that story online at bizfayetteville.com on June 30. You also can track us on Twitter at @ bizfayetteville, facebook.com/bizfayetteville/ and linkedin.com/company/ bizfayetteville. Speaking of economic indicators, you can really pay little attention to the gas prices listed in the chart coming on June 25, because, well, does anyone have any idea on what we’re going to pay at the pump? The only real data you’ll find there is how the average gas price has changed over the last year, but even that trend shows fluctuation that makes it hard to plan around. Back in the 1970s, when gas became scarce and I traded in my Chevy Nova for a Toyota Corolla to save money on both gas and repairs, my father-in-law invented something “very clever” to save money on a simple car repair. When his windshield wipers failed to wipe, instead of shelling out big bucks to replace the motor, he used some nylon string and shoulder power to yank on the wiper before it fwapped back into position. Caractacus Potts would have been proud. David Kennard is the Executive Editor of the Greater Fayetteville Business Journal. Contact him at davidk@bizfayetteville.com or 910-2409697, ext. 104.
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| IN THE NEWS |
PHOTO PROVIDED BY CONNECTICUT OFFICE OF TOURISM
Randy Fiveash, former director of the Connecticut Office Of Tourism, accepted an offer to run the Fayetteville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau as interim director.
Randy Fiveash tapped to lead visitors bureau Former Connecticut Tourism chief named interim director BY DAVID KENNARD n April, when Randy Fiveash retired after 13 years as director of the Connecticut Office of Tourism, he had planned to slow down and, maybe teach a class or two on the college level — after all, he’s been working in the tourism industry for more than four decades. It didn’t work out that way. “I was retired for about 20 minutes,” he said. That’s not far off. When Randy’s wife, Shari Fiveash, accepted the position of president and chief executive officer at the Greater Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce, he was happy to follow her along to North Carolina. During an interview with the Greater Fayetteville Business Journal in May, Shari Fiveash said that during her husband’s various career moves she was happy to follow him and find suitable positions that fit her skills. She said when she accepted the offer to come to Fayetteville, she and Randy found their traditional roles reversed. Little did they know at the time that now-retired Randy would find a niche of his own here in Fayetteville. Within days of their arrival, city
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and county officials tapped Randy to dive back into the tourism industry, this time on the county level. “I’m enjoying it,” he said. “This is what I’ve been doing for 40 years.” Fiveash replaces John Meroski, who left the position in March. His official title is Interim Director, a position he said has no end date. In his new role, Fiveash said he’s got a long list of things to review at the bureau. “There are a lot of things we need to dig into and review,” Fiveash said. “There is a great need to be more community active.” According to a 2020 audit report made available by Cumberland County, the visitors bureau “provides services to promote the development and expansion of travel and tourism.” Fiveash said he has received support and direction from the county — which provides the bulk of the bureau’s budget — and the bureau’s board of directions. The 11 members on the board also direct much of the focus for the bureau. “We are taking a real look and understanding of what the Convention and Visitors Bureau does,” Fiveash said.
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There are a lot of things we need to dig into and review. There is a great need to be more community active.” RANDY FIVEASH
interim director, Fayetteville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
He said he’s already made some subtle changes within the CVB office to help the staff operate smoother. Additionally, he said he wanted to perform some internal audits to make sure the bureau has its focus in the right place. “I believe in research based marketing,” Fiveash said. The bureau is involved in many local events, but Fiveash said “If the research isn’t there, [we] shouldn’t be allowed to do it.” He said the bureau is looking “through the lens of ‘Can you measure it?’”
With that in mind, Fiveash said his office is looking very carefully to ensure current programs, events and contracts with vendors measure up. Randy Fiveash has an office inside the Fayetteville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau just off the square in downtown Fayetteville. From there it’s a 15 minute walk to Shari Fiveash’s office on Ray Street near Segra Stadium. Shari Fiveash joined the chamber as it’s president and CEO in March. While the couple works near each other, there is no doubt that their paths are going to cross professionally. Shari Fiveash recently summed up the professional relationship saying, “The Fayetteville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau works to bring people to Fayetteville. It’s the chamber’s job to help businesses once they are here.” Randy Fiveash acknowledged that while he and his new team have a lot on their to-do list, he’s confident that the bureau will remain a relevant tool for the Fayetteville area. When asked about his dream of teaching, he said simply, “I’ll get to it.”
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| COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE | Coworking spaces an alternative to traditional office BY JENNA SHACKELFORD
Bragg contractors, but The Common has features that may be ideal for a variety of entrepreneurs. To learn more about The Common or to book the space, visit www. thecommonworkspace.com or call 910-485-5900.
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ver the course of the year, companies across the world have reconsidered the traditional 9-5 office job, and many of them have introduced more modern ideas for running their establishments. One alternative to a typical office that has gained popularity in Fayetteville over the last few years is coworking spaces. Coworking spaces can take a variety of forms, but the common ground is that they allow staff and employees from different companies to work in the same workspace to accomplish their tasks. Often, coworking spaces can be more cost-effective than working in a typical office or even from home because many spaces provide access to resources that businesspeople or their employers would otherwise have to pay for themselves. Additionally, coworking spaces, because they are shared between multiple companies, are intrinsically networking-friendly. Fayetteville has four coworking spaces: Revolutionary Coworking, The CORE Innovation Center, The Common Community Workspaceand The Hub. While having multiple coworking spaces in town might sound like competition, the spaces complement each other because they serve different purposes.
REVOLUTIONARY COWORKING
Revolutionary Coworking, a nonprofit workspace, was founded in 2016. Core values of the space are education, economic development, connectivity, collaboration, innovation, workspace liberty and sustainability. A variety of businesspeople and visionaries utilize the space, to include military service members, veteran entrepreneurs, women-owned businesses, independent businesspeople, and non-traditional students. Aside from the networking opportunities at Revolutionary Coworking, the space provides several kinds of workspaces in addition to conference facilities. The environment also offers technology and telecom capabilities. For more information about Revolutionary Coworking or to learn about membership, visit www. revolutionarycoworking.com or call 910- 960-7765.
THE HUB
PHOTO PROVIDED BY THE HUB
Workspaces shared by different employers can often complement each other and share costs.
THE CORE INNOVATION CENTER
The CORE’s networking space was founded by the Fayetteville Cumberland Economic Development Corporation. “Originally, we started this journey into trying to build this center for conversation and collaboration around technology innovation and also offer coworking downtown,” said Robert Van Geons, CEO and president of FCEDC. As other coworking spaces began to sprout up around the community, FCEDC saw the opportunity to develop their specific niche. “We were presented an opportunity to expand and grow our space here on this floor and really what we’re looking to build here is a center for military contractors and innovators in technology,” Van Geons said. That audience is the key differentiator between The CORE and other coworking spaces. MetroNet provides gig-plus fiber-optic service in the space and individual offices have individual keys. The space features key card access to control for security. Van Geons said that if you can do your work on your laptop, you might be a better fit for another coworking space. “We are really looking at people who have data intensive needs who need an above-average secure location,” he said. The CORE has room for 11 individual operators in private workspaces but the ability to accommodate up to 75 people in conference-style seating and meeting rooms, as well as open coworking
spaces to meet and congregate. The scheduling is flexible whether people need the office space for a few days or a few months. “We believe that Fayetteville can be a center for applied innovation. It is that type of creativity and collaboration we look to be hosting here, including tech meetups and being a conduit for conversations and innovation in the meeting space,” Van Geons said. For more information, visit www. fayedc.com or email info@fayedc. com.
THE COMMON COMMUNITY WORKSPACE
The Common has two locations — one on Morganton Road in Fayetteville and one in Spring Lake. The spaces are great for local entrepreneurs or people travelling for business. The Common boasts of its affordability by offering its space hourly, daily, weekly, monthly and yearly to accommodate a variety of businesspeople. For business people who want a professional setting without the jarring costs of a commercial space, The Common has private rooms, training and meeting rooms, private rooms with multiple desks, or desks in a common open area. Additionally, there is free wifi, included utilities, smart locks in rented spaces and more. The close proximity to Fort Bragg makes the space accessible and optimal for military spouses and Fort
The Hub, which began conceptually in 2018, will open soon in downtown Fayetteville. “The Hub is a coworking and collaborative community that helps businesses grow and thrive from the heart of Fayetteville. We hope to be Fayetteville’s Community Connector,” explained Henry Tyson, the founder of the space. “I thought it’d be great to have a premium and professional workspace that would bring people together to inspire one another and support small business through meaningful resources and amenities,” he said. Tyson hopes that a variety of businesspeople will utilize the space, to include certified public accountants, lawyers, freelancers, remote workers, small business owners and non-profit executive directors to name a few. “The Hub is a space that is intentionally inclusive across industries and can support a vast array of entrepreneurs,” Tyson said. The plans that The Hub will offer are flexible to fit a variety of needs. “Members can work from home for part of the week and in the coworking space for the rest of it,” Tyson explained. “However, if they want to utilize the coworking space full-time, we also have membership plans that can support individual members or teams that need to work together or meet often in the same space. “We think that there is something special about human interaction that can’t be replaced by working from home exclusively or simply meeting on Zoom. People need each other.” The modern and comfortably designed space can accommodate up to 60 members. All plans include wireless internet, entrances and exits with electronic key access, 24/7 security monitoring, utilities and maintenance, a printer, copier and a scanner, and more. For more information about The Hub and the membership plans, visit www.hubfaye.com.
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June 11 - June 24, 2021
W E L C O M E FROM OUR LEAD SPONSORS Bob Smith CEO, Copiers Plus
My family and I came to Fayetteville in 1974 after moving across the south for work opportunities. I began Copiers Plus in 1985 and we have had the blessing of growing to five locations across the state since. In my time here, there has been something missing in the business community – a unifying voice. I am thrilled to see the Fayetteville Business Journal come to our area and I am proud to have Copiers Plus be a Founding Sponsor. The future of our city is strong and this investment in the business community is a big reason why.
Fayetteville Technical Community College was established in 1961 and has enjoyed a strong presence in the area, serving the citizens of Fayetteville/Cumberland County as well as business and industry by providing high-quality education conveniently offered at an affordable cost. Fayetteville Tech is unique in that its doors are open to all who desire higher education. The College has grown in campus size with locations at Fayetteville, Spring Lake and Fort Bragg serving a student body of over 35,000. FTCC offers over 300 academic programs leading to the award of associate degree, certificate, or diploma, plus a broad range of Continuing Education courses/programs.
FTCC
Jaron Cayton President, TeamLogicIT
Jeff Andrulonis Andrulonis Media
TeamLogic IT is proud to serve as a Lead Sponsor of the Greater Fayetteville Business Journal. We are excited to be a part of bringing this vital resource to our community and look forward to seeing Fayetteville stories and businesses reflected in the pages. Our staff at TeamLogic IT has served businesses in the Fayetteville area for many years. We are committed to supporting businesses with cybersecurity and technology needs.
On behalf of Andrulonis Media, I’d like to welcome the Greater Fayetteville Business Journal to our community. I founded my company with the purchase of a small AM Radio station here in Fayetteville back in 1995. From those humble beginnings, we’ve grown to 29 stations in five states. Fayetteville is a wonderful community to start and grow a business. And I’m looking forward to reading the Greater Fayetteville Business Journal each month to keep up-to-date on the business happenings in our CAN-DO community.
PWC is proud to be a founding sponsor of the Greater Fayetteville Business Journal. PWC is excited to see an expanding journalism landscape in Fayetteville and Cumberland County. Having a publication dedicated to the business community will fill a much needed gap connecting businesses to growth and development opportunities in our area. PWC is glad to see the launch of a dedicated business journal to help the community support, attract and grow business in the region. It is also our hope that this will be a positive forum to provide key utility updates and partnership opportunities to the business community.
Elaina Ball PWC
Dr. Barry O’Brien Dean, UNC Pembroke School of Businesses
The business community and economic developers are so excited that the Greater Fayetteville Business Journal will highlight business activity and many successes of the region. Recognizing the businesses and institutions that generate high paying jobs, economic vitality and confidence has been long needed in this region. A publication that spotlights the critical roll of markets, prices, and innovation dovetails nicely with the mission of the UNC Pembroke School of Businesses. We are proud to be a founding sponsor of the Greater Fayetteville Business Journal.
TO LEARN ABOUT BECOMING A FOUNDING SPONSOR, CONTACT THE BUSINESS JOURNAL AT 910.240.9697 OR MARKETING@BIZFAYETTEVILLE.COM.
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| ACHIEVERS | Send information about company hires, promotions or awards to editor@bizfayetteville.com
Kosto joins leadership of Blue Ridge Power Blue Ridge Power has announced the addition of four senior leaders joining the company, including TOM KOSTO as EVP of Pre-Construction. Kosto joins the company from Kosto Horne Brothers Construction, which was acquired by Blue Ridge Power, where he was the vice president of the solar division. He brings more than 24 years of experience in construction and sales management, where he’s overseen all types of renewable projects from large wind farms to a 262MW solar projects. Tom joined Horne Brothers in 1997 as a project manager for the wireless construction business. In the early 2000’s he left to work in the marine industry for several years before re-joining Horne Brothers in 2010 to lead the renewable construction and solar division, helping to grow the company to nearly 400 people and completing 4.6GW of solar projects. Now, as EVP of Pre-Construction for Blue Ridge Power, he will oversee all aspects of budget development, constructability reviews, scheduling, permitting and landowner coordination.
Cape Fear Valley Health Foundation presents scholarships
JOHN CARRAGHER, EMT-P; TRENIKA CRUMPLER, NA II, Bladen Outpatient Surgery; KELLEY GRANT, BSN, RN, Health Pavilion North Express Care; and NANCY TYNDALL, MSN, RN, Bladen Clinical Nurse Educator. The $1,500 Nursing Education Scholarships are given to employees who are pursuing a nursing education at any level. The Nursing Education Scholarships come from an endowed fund held by Cape Fear Valley Health Foundation. Two registered nurses from Cape Fear Valley Medical Center’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), ROXANNE ESPINOSA CERGA, BSN, RN III; and LIZA HOWLE, BSN, RNC-NIC, were this year’s recipients of the Joan Lucas Memorial Scholarship. Both are pursuing their master’s degree in Neonatal Nurse Practitioner. Cerga has been accepted in a master’s program at the University of Alabama and Howle has been accepted in a master’s program at East Carolina University. The Joan Lucas Memorial Scholarship is named in honor of a longtime Neonatal Nurse Practitioner in the Cape Fear Valley Medical Center NICU. Through the Cape Fear Valley Health Foundation, it provides individual awards of $1,500 to Averitte NICU nurses pursing a degree as a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner. Two staff members also received $1,000 scholarships from the Victoria Baskett Patient Safety Foundation. These scholarships were presented by Victoria Baskett and given to Respiratory Therapy Education Coordinator Michael Whitney and Mikayla Olsen EMT-P. Whitney
Front row, from left, Roxanne Espinosa Cerga, Liza Howle, Mikayla Olsen and Trenika Crumpler; back row from left, Nancy Tyndall, Michael Whitney, Kelley Grant and John Carragher.
Several Cape Fear Valley Health staff were recently awarded scholarships. The scholarships were presented May 12, as part of Nursing Week. Four staff members received Nursing Education Scholarships:
is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Respiratory Therapy and Olsen is pursuing a degree in Nursing. A local high school student, CAROLINE AVERITTE, was also recently awarded scholarships through Cape
Fear Valley Health Foundation. Averitte received a $1,000 Caduceus Scholarship and a $500 Partners for Life Scholarship. After graduating from Cape Fear High School this year, she will be attending Fayetteville Technical Community College for an Associate Degree in Nursing.
Haughton plans for grand opening NICKOY HAUGHTON of Fayetteville has announced that the grand opening of 876 Flavaz will take place at 1 p.m. on June 19 in front of 6243 Yadkin Road, No. 103 in Fayetteville. Born and raised in Montego Bay, Jamaica, Haughton migrated to the United States at age 17 to pursue a bachelor’s degree in supply chain management. Haughton was quickly inspired to start his own business combining his passion for business operations and love for authentic Jamaican cuisine. Haughton started to consult with the Women’s Business Center of Fayetteville to help turn this vision into reality. He met with business consultant Sara Marada-Kanady from start to finish. “He worked incredibly hard creating his business plan. As soon as he was ready to apply for his first business loan CEED was happy to assist him,” said Marada-Kanady. His new business venture “876 Flavaz” derives from the area code of the beautiful island of Jamaica and the unique flavors of spices and herbs that make up his authentic Jamaican dishes. 876 FLAVAZ is dedicated to providing mouth-watering, home-cooked meals for residents in and around the Fort Bragg/ Fayetteville area. The Women’s Business Center of Fayetteville at CEED provides small business economic development in North Carolina, through business services for start-up businesses and expansion of established women-owned small businesses especially for socially and economically disadvantaged women-owned firms. Find more about the center at wbcfay.org. Find more information about 876 Flavaz on Facebook at 876Flavaz.
Davis honored for work in NICU at Cape Fear Valley Health MICHELLE DAVIS, BSN, RNC-NIC, RNIV has been named the 2021 winner of the NICU’s Anastasia Cashwell Award, an award that is given for excellence in professional develop-
ment and education in neonatal nursing at Cape Fear Valley Health. Davis has worked at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center for Davis 32 years and has spent 31 of those years in the NICU. Originally from Michigan, she is a graduate of the nursing program at Fayetteville Technical Community College and went on to receive her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Atlantic Christian College in Wilson, NC. She has maintained her national certification in high risk neonates through the National Certification Corporation since 1991.
UPS team honored for ground delivery On May 22, Fayetteville went “live” on Saturday Ground Delivery. The company honored several staffers for making the date memorable for others. Chellie Redinbo spent time preparing the team for the launch using various connections. Support and guidance also came from Jeff Schroyer, John Haub and the entire Weekend Services Team.
Robinson earns recognition for lifesaving actions Brosnan Security Officer Mickeeyn Robinson was recently awarded the Regional SPOT Award for his hard work and dedication to help people in need.
Mickeeyn Robinson, left, accepts an award from Jim Myers, district manager for North and South Carolina at Brosnan Risk Consultants
On March 15, Robinson performed lifesaving tactics to assist a male in distress until paramedics and law enforcement arrived on scene to transport the male to the hospital. The award spotlights Robinson as a valuable member of the Brosnan team for his service to both his client and the management team for the Fayetteville.
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| HEALTH CARE | FSU tackles COVID-19 crisis University teams up with state, county to offer vaccine clinic BY KATHIE HARRIS igher education institutions hope to keep campuses open and students and staff healthy, despite hesitancy among the college-aged consumer to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Fayetteville State University is tackling this in several ways, including participating in a UNC system-wide effort to vaccinate the community. Through a partnership with the county and state health departments, FSU began offering the Johnson & Johnson vaccine in April. “Our hope was that through a partnership with the Cumberland County Department of Health, we’d be able to support county and state efforts to get people vaccinated,” said Melvin Lewis, director of emergency management at FSU. More than 400 vaccinations have been provided since then. With the end of the spring semester, FSU dropped the site’s operating hours from five days a week to one. The school is currently offering the Moderna vaccine. The vaccinations are free and open to the public.
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HIGHER EDUCATION STRUGGLES
COVID-19 cases spiked when college campuses re-opened and their respective counties dealt with the fallout. While the country waited for students to become eligible for the vaccine, cases nationwide linked to college-campus infections shot up 64 percent in the spring. Some 260,000 coronavirus cases have been recorded since Jan. 1. Unlike some state schools, FSU continued to hold some in-person classes and house students on campus to meet student needs. After an initial drop in cases last fall, FSU saw a 156 percent leap in COVID-19 infections in the spring, compared to the previous year. Since the pandemic began, 399 total cases were recorded, 243 of which have occurred since January. Lewis said 203 of those were student infections. The school has also dealt with four clusters. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
deemed college students a priority population. They became eligible for the vaccine in April. The UNC System jumped at the opportunity and began offering vaccinations on campus at two dozen colleges and universities, including FSU. In a statement, the system said it was prioritizing underserved and rural populations. Through March, more than 27,000 vaccinations had been administered statewide. FSU encouraged its students and staff to get vaccinated in several ways. Vinette Gordon, director of student health services at FSU, and Dr. Jennifer Green, the Cumberland County Health director, hosted a virtual question-and-answer session with student-athletes in March. Gordon said many vaccine myths were dispelled after students asked questions. Gordon and the student health center also created short educational videos explaining the benefits of vaccination and the different vaccine options. The school offered gift cards as incentives if students got vaccinated. Lewis said in May that 29 cards had been handed out so far, most of them to students. The school has also offered paid time off to permanent and temporary employees to get vaccinated during work hours.
VACCINE ACCESS IS ESSENTIAL
Lewis said the school plans to continue educating and offering incentives to encourage vaccination. “We’re hearing from our students the same hesitancy factors that are being discussed nationally,” said Lewis. “We’ll continue to educate our student population through a variety of resources, including working with community partners.” Gordon said the school is plan-
PHOTOS BY ANTHONY WOOTEN
Priscilla Fuller administers the Moderna vaccine to Cameron Barfield June 3 at Fayetteville State University. The university has made a concerted effort to get its students vaccinated from COVID-19.
ning to offer various vaccination options as FSU prepares for the fall semester. Gordon thinks that once the FDA officially approves the vaccines, as opposed to emergency authorization only, more people will feel safer getting vaccinated. While some schools, like Duke University, are mandating vaccination for students before they return in the fall, state schools aren’t requiring them, including FSU. FSU also follows the UNC protocol that asymptomatic vaccinated people don’t have to participate in surveillance testing. Gordon said access to the vaccine has been the most significant benefit of having a site on campus. At
a school where first-year students don’t have transportation, getting vaccinated can involve much planning and effort, which acts as a deterrent. “By giving the students access, it helps them with choices,” said Gordon. “It’s convenient.” The vaccination site runs Thursdays from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the J.W. Seabrook Auditorium at 1200 Murchison Road. Vaccinations are free and open to the public. “Fayetteville State University is committed to providing for the health and safety of Broncos and our neighboring community,” said Lewis.
Greater Fayetteville Business Journal
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June 11 - June 24, 2021
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| TOURISM | Local artists display work in annual exhibition BY JENNA SHACKELFORD
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he Arts Council and Fayetteville Public Works Commission will open the 16th annual Public Works Exhibition from May 28 to July 17 displaying work in a variety of mediums from artists across the state. “We’ve been doing this since 2005,” said Carolyn Justice-Hinson, the communications and community outreach officer for PWC. That year, PWC celebrated its centennial. “During the year, we were looking for different ways to celebrate a hundred years of service … At the time, the Arts Council had their annual public exhibit. … The event fit and since the exhibit is open to everyone, artists of all ages, it just made a good match.” Eligible artists from Bladen, Cumberland, Harnett, Hoke, Lee, Montgomery, Moore, Richmond, Robeson, Sampson and Scotland counties, Fort Bragg and Pope Field were invited to enter to have their pieces exhibited. The exhibit is one of the biggest that the Arts Council offers each year, not to mention one of the most popular. This year, like other years, was a huge success. “We had 70-plus artists submit for Public Works,” said Antonio Renteria, the director of operations at the Arts Council. “We have 100-plus pieces hanging in our gallery.” In addition to the display that is open for public viewing, the region-
al works have been put up for sale unless noted otherwise by the artist. The Arts Council retains a 30 percent commission. Through June 26, in-person visitors or viewers on the website can vote on their favorite pieces of art for the “People’s Choice.” The highest-voted piece will be featured on the Arts Council’s Facebook page in addition to recognition from PWC. Winners will also receive a gift basket from local vendors in Downtown Fayetteville. While Justice-Hinson notes the importance of PWC’s services, she believes that serving the community in other aspects is just as important. “Prior to COVID, we probably participated in 40-50 events a year. We supported over 400 different organizations through bottled water contributions,” she said. “With our educational outreach through career days, speakers, tours of our facility — over probably a hundred a year. “Our tagline is Fayetteville’s Hometown Utility, and it is not just a tagline,” said Justice-Hinson. “We believe fully in supporting the community that we live and work in…. We are invested in the community and we care about this community in all aspects of it.” Renteria sees firsthand how the Public Works exhibition empowers and encourages people throughout the region. “I think it’s important to have a community show like Public Works because it not only shows the
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PHOTO PROVIDED BY PUBLIC WORKS COMMISSION
The Arts Council has partnered with Fayetteville Public Works Commision to present the 16th annual Public Works Exhibition that runs through July 17.
level of talent we have in Fayetteville across the community, but it also at least once a year any artist of any age in Cumberland County and surrounding counties have a chance to exhibit artwork in a professional gallery,” he said. Hinson said PWC values the arts and sees how supporting organizations that fuel artistry in the community benefits the region.
“We realize that the arts play such an important role in our community and economic development and just the quality of life,” Justice-Hinson said. “This exhibit introduces art or makes it available to even the youngest of artists and gets them interested early on. It gives them the chance to showcase what they do. Even refrigerator art makes people feel special and important.”
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COMING SOON FAYETTEVI LLE, NORTH CAROLI NA
RALEIGH « MOREHEAD CITY « GREENVILLE « WILMINGTON « CHARLOTTE « SANFORD
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Page 11
| IN THE NEWS |
Pine Gate Renewables launches Blue Ridge Power Company to focus on clean energy ‘turnkey project solution’ BY MONICA KREBER wo North Carolina-based companies have come together on a platform that is constructing solar projects across the nation. Now one of the largest solar construction companies in the country is operating out of North Carolina, with a large portion of its employees in Fayetteville and other areas of the state. Pine Gate Renewables, which is based in Asheville, has launched Blue Ridge Power, a new EPC company (engineering, procurement and construction) that will house Pine Gate’s current in-house EPC operations. In addition to that, Blue Ridge Power has acquired the solar division of Horne Brothers Construction, which is based in Fayetteville. Pine Gate Renewables is a utility-scale solar company that provides renewable energy for local communities across the country. Horne Brothers Construction is known as one of the largest and highest-rated mechanical and civil contractors in the country; they have been in business more than 60 years. Pine Gate Renewables previously announced the launch of its new EPC company via a press release issued May 17. The Blue Ridge Power team will be led by CEO Chris Dunbar and a management team from the Pine Gate EPC team combined with senior leadership at Horne Brothers Construction. Jack and Charles Horne will remain with the company after the acquisition in strategic leadership roles. “This strategic shift allows us to serve a broader market and cater to the needs of clients looking for a turnkey project solution,” Dunbar stated in the press release. “With a completely integrated team we bring a very competitive product to the market. We’re excited about the continued growth of the solar industry and the role that Blue Ridge Power will play in the ongoing energy transition for a cleaner planet.” Following the spinoff, Blue Ridge
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ZBYNEK BURIVAL/UNSPLASH
Page Solar, located in Willow Springs is a 1.8 megawatt project that is also part of the SolarCulture initiative. In 2018 the site was specifically chosen as a test site for wildlife-permeable fencing because of its proximity to sizable areas of forestlands, where a higher diversity of species and their habitat are located as compared to sites that are surrounded by agricultural land, roads or other development. This fencing includes larger holes at the bottom to allow critters such as rabbits, squirrels, and raccoons to pass through.
Power will have a continued partnership with Pine Gate, serving as their exclusive EPC contractor. Pine Gate Renewables expects to construct more than 5 gigawatts of projects over the next three years. Dunbar said Pine Gate Renewables has focused on this transaction since last September, and the strategic initiative for spinning off the EPC for Pine Gate has gone on for more than a year now. Pine Gate has worked with Horne Brothers and other companies for more than eight years; Dunbar said Pine Gate officials have always thought very highly of the Horne Brothers team. “We just couldn’t be more impressed with the company that they’ve put together,” Dunbar said. “The fleet of equipment and the talent that they’ve been able to assemble allows us to execute at the scale that we’re looking to execute at, which is roughly a gigawatt of solar install per year.” Pine Gate Renewables CEO Ben Catt said Pine Gate will utilize Blue Ridge Power for all projects it is developing and financing (and ultimately working) with Blue Ridge to
construct. “Two North Carolina-based companies coming together and forming this national platform is really…a cool thing to see,” Catt said. Catt said in the press release that Pine Gate looks forward to the continued partnership. “We look forward to a long and prosperous partnership with the team at Blue Ridge Power to execute our solar construction projects across the country,” he said. Pine Gate Renewables constructs large solar grid farms in open fields. Pine Gate has established hundreds of them across the country. In some situations, energy produced by these solar farms is purchased by utility companies; Pine Gate will build these farms and then contract with the utility companies to buy the energy produced by the farms, and then that energy goes out to that utility company’s retail customers. There are other situations where Pine Gate sells directly to corporations and individual buyers who are interested in their company having a green footprint. An individual large-scale solar farm equals anywhere from 20 to 100
megawatts. A gigawatt equals 1,000 megawatts. As a combined entity, Blue Ridge Power has more than 5 gigawatts across an eight-year span of utility construction experience. It has 700 megawatts currently under construction with 2,500 megawatts forecasted within the next year or so. Blue Ridge Power will operate from its headquarters in Asheville and maintain other offices in Fayetteville and Charlotte, as well as Midland, MI. The company has a national footprint with more than 370 projects across 17 states from Oregon to Massachusetts. Catt said Pine Gate and Blue Ridge Power are looking forward to doing a lot more in the future. “The companies will continue to get larger and that is a positive for everybody when we’re hiring more folks,” Catt said. Pine Gate Renewables was represented by Gibson Dunn on the transaction. Truist Securities, Inc. served as financial advisor to Horne Brothers Construction and Smith Anderson provided legal representation.
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| FROM THE COVER | From Downtown, page 1
downtown is leading the way to our post recovery stage. The five-prong approach to downtown management includes economic vitality, marketing and promotions, design and placemaking, programs and events and community. Shoneman said each facet works together as a balance, or like a coordinating puzzle piece. Open shops and restaurants need people to experience, in turn people want a beautiful place to explore. Cool Spring Downtown District State of District Report 2020, report is one of the major steps in letting the public know about the message and the strength of partnership in the downtown area. Each step is not isolated and every organization, business and municipal service all work together to create the goal of a fun-filled experience downtown. The recent painting underneath the Maiden Street bridge with colorful shapes and other painted storefronts have passed through the Historic Resources Commission and added to the Cool Spring Downtown District as a destination for arts and entertainment. Anyone headed downtown can feel what Shoneman described as a “vibe,” but they can also see the visible effects of the last few years. Since the Cool Spring Downtown District was created in 2017, more than $125 million in investment has been completed or is under way including 45 new businesses, more than 54,000 gross square feet of new residential space and the opening of Segra Stadium. The new post-recovery energy is coming out with the opening and reopening of new businesses and economic development. Along with that growth, the Municipal Tax District has seen a 12.3 percent increase in collections from 2016 to 2019. The district, which was created in 1978, encompasses the core downtown area for businesses within the district to raise money earmarked for beautification efforts and other downtown projects such as streetscape improvements and marketing to help promote business investment and tourism. Along with the business growth, events are a major part of getting more of the “feet on the street and diners in their seats” objective. Primastica alone increased foot traffic downtown by 30 percent during that same period, according to the district report. “We are coming out of the pandemic going from 24 public events to 60 this upcoming year along with the
new overall marketing campaign that will touch a variety of media,” said Shoneman. The District Summer Market is one of those initiatives under the approach. Planned to take place every Thursday evening in Festival Park through Aug. 26, the event has about 25 vendors selling products each week. Sellers include farmers, ranchers, artists, makers and other creative types as a part of the “Can Do” community, each helping create the Cool Spring Downtown District as a viable arts-and-entertainment, one-stop shop. Also planned are a host of food trucks, outdoor games and live music. “The vibe is celebration and we should celebrate,” Shoneman said. “We are quantifying jobs and inspiring new investment.” Shoneman explained how jobs may be created. “One of our many food trucks coming to the District Summer Market could be our next bricks and mortar restaurant,” she said. “It is almost like an incubator for entrepreneurs.” Betsy McElwee, the marketing and events coordinator for the Fayetteville Downtown Alliance, said that the DTA has also had to adapt and get really creative. Outdoor events such as their scavenger hunts helped get people on the sidewalks again. “People were able to do the scavenger hunts while socially distanced and outside,” McElwee said. “I think it made people feel safe, which was important to us,” “Our Grinch event “the Green Grump who Stole Fooville” blew us away in December. We have so many more people downtown than we expected. People are looking for a bit of normal again.” The outdoor, scavenger hunts are just part of the upcoming events that the Downtown Alliance is planning along with the other events partnered with the Cool Spring Downtown District, the Arts Council and more downtown. “We have the Chocolate Stroll coming up on June 17-19,” McElwee said. “We have various activities with chocolate being the core focus. We will have chocolate tastings, special menus in our restaurants and samples offered in stores or under tents outside. It’s going to be fun. We even have business like The Sweet Palette transforming into Willy Wonka-esque experience for the weekend. It helps our businesses when we bring tons of people downtown with these events. Events and our social media marketing, promoting our small businesses, it all works together.”
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Cameo survives tough year Downtown businesses hopeful for returning crowds BY JAMI McLAUGHLIN
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ive performing venues and activity centers were one of the worst hit by COVID-19 across the nation, but also closer to home in downtown Fayetteville. In the past year, the Cool Spring Downtown District, has shown support for its businesses, residents and property owners creating downtownfaystrong.com. Curbside delivery was highlighted with signs and designated parking spaces. Radio and print ads went out letting the public know alternative ways to support local businesses. Online ordering options were publicized. An electronic downtown gift card was also created and launched for 30-plus participating businesses and “downtown dollars,” a virtual, street-level campaign was designed and given to downtown supporters to encourage shopping small and local. “We’ve really worked hard to show our businesses support through this,” said Bianca Shoneman, the president and chief executive officer of the Cool Spring Downtown District. The Cameo Art House Theatre, a longtime business closed its doors when the pandemic forced business restrictions. Unable to show their movies or have patrons in the doors could have kept the screens dark for good, but creativity kept the business going. “We have amazing staff who helped us weather the storm even as we had to reinvent ourselves with virtual online streaming and curbside concessions,” said Chris Kuenzel, who with his wife Nasim, opened the Cameo Art House Theatre 20 years ago at 225 Hay Street. “We also have avid patrons who donated, which was huge because the bills didn’t stop even as our doors were closed. Kuenzel said the business is happy to be on the other side of the pandemic. “We are glad to be back,” Chris Kuenzel said. “It’s great to be able to turn on the lights and pop the popcorn.” The Cameo has not only shown hundreds of indie, art and classic films, they have also hosted engagements, weddings, special events and live music.
PHOTO BY ANTHONY WOOTEN
Chris Kuenzel, together with wife Nasim, have endured the pandemic and are now seeing customers return.
One of the upcoming live shows they have is a double bill with the Peter Lamb Trio and Helen Gillet on June 23. Tickets are $25 for general admission, or $20 for Cameo Film Society Members with tickets available at cameoarthouse.com. “These are two big names at the same time,” Nasim Kuenzel said. “Helen was doing a tour on the East Coast and she is amazing. They both are. The Cameo is anticipating a great year, according to Nasim Kuenzel. “This holiday season is going to be truly exciting. Everyone is ready. Everything that has been held is coming out,” said Nasim Kuenzel. “We’ve done everything we could and now we hope everyone comes to see the movies, comes to enjoy the performances. There is a lot of competition now with online options. It is a struggle for the theatre and live performance industry, but we can find exclusive times before movies hit other theatres or streaming. We are open for business and hope everyone supports it all.” Along with the Cameo returning, the Woodpeckers have a full season, the Gilbert Theater, which has performed throughout the year, is offering workshops and summer camps and recently announced its 2021-2022 season with a ton of great performances promised. The Climbing Place is also offering summer camps, and other live music venues are opening back up as well.
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Providing Essential Lines of Business in Fayetteville PWC utility lines provide the essential services – power, water and wastewater treatment – that enable area businesses to operate. As a public power electric provider, our local control means the greatest ability to meet our customers’ needs. Our highly competitive rates, exceptional quality and reliability of our services – plus substantial treatment capacity – are also benefits for local businesses and incentives that attract new business. No matter what your line of business, you can count on ours. With the utility service value delivered through our lines, we help businesses and industry achieve a better bottom line. For more information on PWC development incentives, visit us online at www.faypwc.com. 17173
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| PROFILE |
Change in diet sparks new business BY JENNA-LEY JAMISON
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ess than two years ago, Yoniara Montoya, her husband Robert Harris and their children were living in a hotel. They were homeless, jobless and uncertain of their future. At the time, Montoya filled the role of a stay-at-home mom and Harris was dealing with injuries related to an on-the-job accident that left him unable to work. The year was 2019 and both were desperate — in search of a financial miracle. “We didn’t have any income coming in,” Montoya said. That’s when the mom of three began meal prepping for friends and family to secure quick, easy under-the-table money. To help cover the cost of the hotel room, the couple purchased two cooking burners to do more meal prep orders. Montoya also looked into the business license process to ensure she was conducting her work legally. About a year earlier, the pair had made a drastic life change. First, Montoya switched to a vegan diet in 2018 then convinced her husband to follow suit. However, she had already been eating meatless for two years. Montoya began her food lifestyle change in 2016, after having her second child. Overweight and battling high blood pressure, she faced a real fatal threat — the shocking diagnosis of acute congestive heart failure. At 310 pounds, her body was suffering, and she knew her years were limited if she continued her unhealthy eating patterns. “My health was…horrible,” Montoya said. After researching some diet changes online, she stumbled across a friend’s social media post about a 21-day plant-based challenge. However, her first attempt at following the unique diet didn’t go as planned. “I was like, ‘Man, I can’t do this,’” Montoya said, “so then I stayed vegetarian for a while.” She eventually ventured into full veganism and dropped 135 pounds between 2018 and 2019. With Montoya’s weight loss transformation also came a name change — “Yoshee Vegan” — a catchy nickname that’s gained quick popularity among friends and food truck customers. Her husband is known as “Robb Vegan” and their children, ages 5, 6 and 17, have been dubbed the “kiddie vegans.”
PHOTO PROVIDED BY THE VEGAN SPOT
Yoniara Montoya’s The Vegan Spot food truck came as a result of a diet lifestyle change.
“Everybody was asking what I was doing as far as to lose weight, and I had told them I had gone vegan and everything,” Montoya said. “I had gone meatless and I was just like (looking) in the mirror one day, and I was like, ‘Yo, she vegan now.’” All the while, still in need of a permanent home, the couple continued brainstorming ways to make money — Montoya awake at all hours, tossing and turning in bed. “I couldn’t even sleep at night because I had so many ideas,” she said. While the couple was initially searching for a brick and mortar spot to set up their area’s one-of-akind spot for nutritious vegan grub, their budget at the time was unable to support that lofty plan; and they considered alternative options. It was while visiting family in Atlanta, Georgia, a city known for diverse and quality cuisine, that the eager duo spotted a vegan food truck. “I was like, ‘Yes, that’s exactly what we could do!’” Montoya said. The moment sparked the early beginnings of their now-successful business venture, The Vegan Spot — the pair’s very own food truck operation serving the Greater Fayetteville region. But the budding entrepreneurs, though ambitious and passionate about vegan food, knew nothing about running a business or operating a food truck. That’s when the couple recruited some help from Orozco’s Design and Building in Wendell in mid-February, a month after finally obtaining their business license. The company turned a bread truck into the couple’s brand-new food truck. Fast
Print & Design NC decked out the truck in green camouflage print, bringing Montoya’s long-held branding and marketing vision to life to match the area’s military pride and proximity to Fort Bragg. “This is a military town so we got to do it all big for the military,” she said. The couple has incorporated military language into their customer service. “Whenever they come to The Vegan Spot, we tell them, ‘Thanks for coming to enlist today; you’ve been recruited,’” Montoya said. “When customers leave, they hear a similar soldierly farewell: ‘We’ll see you when you come to report for duty.’” “And they always come back with more ‘troops,’” Montoya said. The Vegan Spot officially opened its window to the community on April 1 and has been wildly successful. As the region’s only vegan food truck, The Vegan Spot routinely encounters locals and out-of-towners “from all over,” including Wilmington, Dunn and Charlotte, owners said. “The community has a lot do with our success,” Montoya said. “I’m very thankful for the community for showing up and trying something new.” In addition to Fayetteville and the Cumberland County area, the food truck sometimes ventures on days off to Montoya’s hometown of Clinton. The truck operates Tuesdays through Saturdays. Each day the owners issue a community text to a group of 600 members, telling them the truck’s exact location and hours. This month
only, food truck fans can also find The Vegan Spot setup every Sunday at the Vegan Vibe Music Series food truck festival in Concord. Even though all Vegan Spot menu items are plant-base and dairy-free, that doesn’t mean customers have to skimp on all their non-vegan favorites—including bacon. “I just veganize everything,” Montoya said with a laugh. Two of the truck’s top menu items include the “Captain Supreme”—a pizza burger with a plant-based patty, complete with the special secret “pow” sauce—and the “Submarine,” which Montoya likened to a vegan Philly cheese steak. As for leftover scraps—they never go to waste. The couple said they often feed local homeless, remembering their own humble beginnings just a short time ago. “I don’t like throwing away food,” Montoya said. After years of feeling “lost,” Montoya said the food truck has finally revealed her passion and purpose in life. “I didn’t know what I wanted to do,” she said. “I didn’t finish college. I was just punching clocks every day and I was like, ‘There’s got to be something more than this.’” Montoya now considers herself as more than a business owner; she a community lifesaver. “There are a lot of people out here who don’t know that just by eating a plant-base diet, they can either prevent (heart disease) or reverse it,” Montoya said. “If I serve the community...and they start eating healthier, then I feel like I have done my purpose here on earth. …I’m just going to continue living my life’s purpose and feeding healthy meals to people and doing something to save lives without them knowing it—and raising awareness.” And the husband-wife duo still have their eye on their initial prize—a brick and mortar restaurant “coming soon hopefully,” Montoya said, with a goal to one day expand across the state. “It only goes up from here,” she said. “I don’t see us going anywhere; I think we’ll be around for a long time.” For more information, follow The Vegan Spot on Facebook and Instagram at @TheVeganSpotFayNC.
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Page 17
| PROFILE |
Sani finds unique South Asian market BY JENNA SHACKELFORD
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or businesses that were taking off before the start of the pandemic in March last year, finding new niches and ways to expand was a challenge; two Fayetteville natives who artfully handled the unfortunate turn of events were Rikita and Niki Shamdasani with their South Asian clothing company, Sani.
PHOTOS PROVIDED BY SANI
Rikita and Niki Shamdasani made it through the pandemic by focusing on specialty clothing though their South Asian clothing company, Sani.
Sani began in 2017 because of a personal need that the Shamdasani sisters had — they needed formalwear for an Indian wedding. Niki was living in New York at the time and Rikita was in high school in Fayetteville. “[The wedding plans] kind of happened last minute, and we were trying to scramble for outfits,” Niki explained. “I went to Edison, New Jersey, which is a huge hub for the Indian community … [Rikita] went to Charlotte, she went to Atlanta. We looked online. We just couldn’t find outfits that we liked that sort of represented some of what we were seeing on Instagram and some of the latest styles in India sort of brought over here, and in addition to that, outfits that were actually comfortable,” she said. According to the sisters, cultural formalwear often tends to be uncomfortable. Part of the problem is that many of the designers in India are men, so they are unfamiliar with how the clothes feel to the women who are wearing them. After struggling to pull together outfits for the wedding, the sisters finally found something at the last minute. Afterwards, Rikita visited her sister in New York and they
started brainstorming. According to Niki, they asked themselves, “‘If we could create exactly what we wanted, what would that look like?’” From there, the innovators assembled a portfolio of what their ideas could become. They later traveled with their mother to India, with the mission in mind being to get some of their ideas designed so they would have them for future formalwear opportunities. When the sisters posted pictures of the clothes on Instagram, the outfits were a hit. From there, the sisters hosted a pop-up shop in Fayetteville that had great success with the first 12 outfits they made. Then, the idea transitioned from a side project to a bigger concept. Niki moved back to North Carolina to pursue Sani further with Rikita. Today, Rikita is a rising junior at N.C. State University at the Wilson College of Textiles. She is currently based in Fayetteville for the summer. Niki goes back and forth between Fayetteville and Durham but during the pandemic, she has been in Fayetteville more. Rikita says that, as women designers growing up in the US, she and her sister offer a new perspective on South Asian formalwear. With new takes on comfortable formalwear and expert customer service skills, the sisters are determined to showcase South Asian craftsmanship with a special, Sani twist. “We were really looking to combine our Western sensibilities with our Indian heritage,” Rikita explained. “We have pockets on all of our formal wear ... Our attention to detail when it comes to our lining … We use a lot of silky lining so it’s not itching any part of you. We try to use materials that are comfortable. “We also try to implement design and innovations wherever we can. If we can’t fix something right off the bat, we’ll tell our customers, ‘You can fix it by putting a safety pin here and attaching it like that.’ It’s not just about how we make the clothes but how we communicate with our customers about ways to make this
kind of clothing feel comfortable.” Niki and Rikita are hands-on when it comes to making sure the quality of their clothes are satisfactory — so hands-on, in fact, that pre-pandemic, the sisters would travel to India 1-2 times per year to pick out fabrics from the markets to deliver to the factories with the designs. While the pandemic has slowed down the ability to produce the clothes in India, Niki and Rikita are content with formalwear being made-to-order for now to maintain high quality standards, keep waste control in check and be deliberate about scaling up as the company grows. Additionally, Niki points out the importance of trying on the sample items. “For us, even wearing [them] around for a day. In a five minute fitting, you can’t tell if something is going to be really itchy, but we’ll wear it around and we’ll say, ‘Oh, this fabric has a lot of sequins so it’s really hurting me, so that means we need to pad it even more.’ There are really simple things that come from just paying attention to what just doesn’t feel good,” she said.
Sani easily could have gone under last year when the pandemic began. Sani was just starting to take off and even launched on Rent the Runway in early 2020, but when the events quickly came to a halt, so did the need for Sani’s products. “Formal wear became a dead product,” Rikita said. “What came next was our loungewear collection… I think going forward, we are going to continue doing more of these casual clothing categories because we want our clothing to be for everyone and casual clothing is more accessible.” Sani was founded on the goal of increasing visibility of South Asian craftsmanship and techniques. Switching gears and producing loungewear created opportunity for Sani to reach women who might appreciate South Asian styles, but who don’t necessarily need traditional, cultural formalwear for a wedding. The loungewear collection opens the door for more women to celebrate the Shamdasani’s beloved culture. “We want people who are non-South Asian to be wearing our clothing,” Rikita noted. “I know sometimes there is a fine line between being worried about cultural appropriation versus appreciation … Sani is for everyone, not necessarily just South Asians.”
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| FROM BIZFAYETTEVILLE.COM |
Tourism industry banks on hotel tax collections This is a sampling of stories from the Greater Fayetteville Business Journal’s Daily Update. Subscribe at bizfayetteville.com
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ny person who has lived or stayed in a hotel, AirBnB, or apartment community for a short-term stay under three months in Cumberland County has been charged a 6% occupancy tax. The county and city tax rate, which cannot exceed 6% each, is imposed by the North Carolina Travel and Occupancy Commission. How is that money used? While these taxes are imposed statewide, in a transient community like Cumberland County, the impact of the revenue generated is relied upon by the Tourism Development Authority to bring new people into the community, which in turn, brings new revenue to the area. “A visitor who stays at an area hotel is much more than a head in a bed,” said Angie Brady, director of tourism and client relations of the Fayetteville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. “In addition to paying occupancy tax, which is distributed to local organizations via the Tourism Development Authority, visitors spend money at our lodging, attractions, restaurants, retail and other area locations. All state and local taxes collected from visitor spending benefit Cumberland County’s economy.” Occupancy taxes are written differently across the state for each county. One commonality between the different requirements is that each tax dollar should be used for marketing of the community to increase overnight visitation. In Cumberland County, half of three percent of the six percent tax goes to the Crown Coliseum, and half of three percent goes to the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County. The remaining three percent goes to the Tourism Development Authority. Ninety percent of the money that goes to the TDA goes to the FACVB for marketing and tourism. The TDA keeps the remainder for funding different grant requests that target marketing and tourism. Whatever is left is essentially used for grants and other means of bringing people from the outside of Cumberland county to visit. Some of these events include the Cumberland County Fair, the International
Folk Festival, the Holly Day Fair, the Indigo Moon Film Festival and the Dogwood Festival, to name a few. In 2019, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, domestic travel expenditures in Cumberland County totaled $601.12 million. State and local taxes collected from visitors totaled $44.59 million. This translates into a $134.14 tax savings per county resident, according to a study prepared for Visit North Carolina by the U.S. Travel Association called, “The Economic Impact of Travel on North Carolina Counties.”
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Local tourism events rely on hotel taxes to provide for events and local destinations.
“The FACVB strives to provide a positive visitor experience, which leads to longer stays and ultimately, more expenditures,” says Brady. The Tourism Development Authority was created by the North Carolina state statute regarding occupancy tax. It is a governing board over the occupancy tax usage. Each Tourism Development Authority is different across the state. Each county has different regulations on how that money would be appropriated out. In Cumberland County, two of the slots on the board are people in the hotel industry that have 100 units or more. Two of the people are in the hotel industry and have 100 units or less. One is a public figure not related to tourism that can apply for the position. There is also a county manager as a voting member, and the Chamber of Commerce has a position as well. In Cumberland County, there are 72 properties that contribute to the occupancy tax. Two assets of the community are the existence of both a major interstate and a military base. In mid-May, FACVB published a detailed visitor profile for fiscal year 2021. The report showcased data from July 1, 2020 to May 11, 2021 and will continuously be updated. According to the document, 42% of visitors came to the area to vacation, 11% came to visit friends and family,
15% were relocating; eight percent were travelling through the area; and four percent were travelling to see a specific attraction. The remainder of the visitors were here for conventions, events or festivals, business, or other reasons. With less events and festivals due to the pandemic, those numbers are not as hearty as they could be. But Vivek Tandon, current chair of the TDA, hopes to see improvement, although they are moving forward with an abundance of caution. More requests for grants are coming in this year than last year, and the TDA continues to monitor COVID infection rates and state regulations. Tandon sees the value in how each recipient of the tax works to bring in visitors. “I don’t think anybody understands what the CVB does, but they have been the only leg until recently doing solely marketing and promotion of tourism in Cumberland County. They’re the only leg that goes after group business and big events and sporting events that try to supply hotel rooms to the hotels by bringing big groups in, whether they’re religious, sports, larger festivals … and that’s where the TDA has helped a lot. “We’ve supported many festivals over the years and artistic events … We’re trying to see cultural tourism grow.” Some events do not get any support unless they have sponsorships, so the grants oftentimes are a driving source behind many community gatherings. The TDA also supports the marketing efforts of the Fayetteville Cumberland Economic Development Corporation. “We like to see (places) grow,” Tandon said. “We like to compete with Raleigh, and Charlotte and Greensboro and Wilmington… We’ve been an advocate to see the progression of Fayetteville and Cumberland County’s growth.”
Proposed Fayetteville sports complex touted as new tourist attraction
The City of Fayetteville and Fort Bragg officials have signed off on an agreement to construct a new sports complex on 70 acres of undeveloped property near Interstate 295 and McArthur Road. The project, which was one of several Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks and Recreation Bond Projects in development, was approved in a Fayetteville City Council meeting in
October with support from Mayor Mitch Colvin. Some of the remaining Bond Projects that have yet to be started or are in progress include a tennis center, the Western Senior Center, a splash pad at E. Melvin Honeycutt and Cape Fear River Park, to name a few. The overall budget for the bond projects is $35 million dollars. The current budget for the sports complex is $3.67 million dollars. “We are excited to bring this project one step closer to fruition, but we are even more excited about this new partnership with Fort Bragg that will provide us with 70 acres of additional park land conveniently located along I-295,” City Manager Doug Hewett said in a press release. “Once completed, this facility will provide athletic fields not only for local teams, but for hosting larger athletic tournaments and sporting events. I want to thank Lt. Gen. Erik Kurilla and Col. Scott Pence for making this partnership possible.” Aside from athletic fields, the masterplan for the complex features a playground, restrooms, storm water ponds, trails, parking spaces and open areas. “This is a win-win for Fort Bragg and for the City of Fayetteville and we appreciate their partnership,” said Col. Scott Pence. “More than 70 percent of our service members and their families live in Fayetteville and the surrounding communities. Providing the land for the complex directly benefits our service members and families, as well as the 100,000+ Veterans and family members who reside here.” The projected completion of the design of the complex is December 31, 2021. The initial construction period will begin in 2022.
Fayetteville Regional to support Pope Airfield during construction
The Fayetteville Regional Airport announced this morning that it will be supporting Pope Army Airfield Operations starting in June. United States Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) Flight Company’s fixed wing aircrafts are currently displaced at the airport as construction is ongoing at Pope Army Airfield. The construction, which includes runway repaving and other construction, is expected to continue into early 2022. The airport welcomes the opportunity to lend a hand during See bizfayetteville.com, page 19
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June 11 - June 24, 2021
ship association of Cape Fear Valley Health Physicians, Emeritus Physicians and affiliated area physicians.
First Bancorp acquires Select Bancorp Inc.
PHOTO BY AIRMAN ALEXIS WADE , 179TH AIRLIFT WING
Crews from Pope Army Airfield will operate from Fayetteville Regional Airport beginning in June.
that time frame, according to Director Toney Coleman. “Fayetteville Regional Airport always stands ready to support our military neighbors and are happy to support the USASOC Flight Company and other aviation units based on Fort Bragg and Pope Army Airfield over the next few months,” Coleman said.
Cape Fear honors trio for work ethic, character
Cape Fear Valley Health recognized three of their medical staff with awards this month due to their work ethic and character. The medical institution recognizes outstanding members of their staff once per quarter. The recipients are as follows: Physician of the Quarter David Stewart, M.D., P.A.; Resident of the Quarter Ryan Huttinger, D.O.; and Advanced Practice Provider (APP) of the Quarter Meaghan Eddy, FNP-C. Dr. Stewart’s nomination was inspired by the care and compassion that he and his staff offered patients while fighting COVID-19 on the frontlines. In particular, the hospital noted that Stewart encouraged and aided patients in the vaccination process. Dr. Huttinger, a third-year General Surgery resident, was qualified to receive the honor because of his ability to instruct junior residents and medical students in general surgery. Huttinger is also a member of the Harm Event Analysis Team and an active participant in the health system’s other initiatives and programs. Eddy was nominated for her thorough and hard work to serve her patients and fellow staff. because she is a diligent, hard worker who cares immensely about her patients and coworkers. In particular, her nomination recalled that she would volunteer to help the medical staff and cover extra calls of her own volition. Awards were presented on May 3, and the recipients will be considered for an annual story that will be awarded on Doctor’s Day. All of the awards are sponsored by The Caduceus Society of Cape Fear Valley Health Foundation, a leader-
First Bancorp announced the acquisition of Select Bancorp Tuesday. First Bancorp is the parent company of First Bank and Select Bancorp is the parent company of Select Bank and Trust Company, which has the leading community bank market share in Fayetteville, NC. Bill Hedgepeth, who is the president, CEO, and director of Select, said he is excited about the coming partnership. “We have long admired First Bancorp, and our combined company will be positioned to capitalize on an enhanced presence in exceptional markets, talent, and financial strength,” Hedgepeth said. The CEO of First Bancorp, Richard Moore, echoed Bill Hedgepeth Hedgepeth’s sentiments, seeing Select Bank’s reputation as a bonus in the deal. “Select Bank is a high quality institution with a long-standing history of service and strong community banking relationships. We are thrilled that the Select Bank team will be joining First Bank, and we look forward to the opportunity to serve their customers,” Richard Moore Moore said. First Bancorp is headquartered in Moore County in Southern Pines. The company operates 102 bank branches, 96 of which are in North Carolina. Select Bancorp, Inc., headquartered in Dunn, has 22 full-service locations throughout the Carolinas and Virginia. The merger agreement will allow First Bancorp to acquire Select in an all-stock transaction with a current value of roughly $314.3 million, or $18.10 per share. Under the deal’s agreement, which will be finalized in the fourth quarter of this year, Select shareholders will receive 0.408 shares of First Bancorp’s common stock for each share of Select common stock. Once the agreement is finalized, between Bancorp and Select, the merged company will have more than $9 billion in assets, $6 billion in loans and $8 billion in deposits.
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| 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. Pardue Enterprises LLC 900 Hope Mills Road Fayetteville 28304 Agent: `Omayra D Coon
South Atlantic Cotton LLC 770 Cross Link Dr. Angier 27501 Agent: Emily E Wade
Blush & Beige Boutique LLC 234 Tiverton St Fayetteville 28314-1256 Agent: Alyssa R Cienega
The Ladder To Succeed Bail Bonding LLC 217 Paula Dr Angier 27501 Agent: Tanya Sampson
G&M Properties Of Fayetteville 4245 Tabor Church Road Fayetteville 28312 Agent: Graham W Bell Ii Wesmore Inc 3057 Boone Trail Fayetteville 28304-3805 Agent: Paul Matthew Mair America’s Best Home Services LLC 236 Angel Dr Fayetteville 28306-9006 Agent: Quaderius M Jones Uncle Andre’s Trucking LLC 1513 Quail Hollow Court Fayetteville 28304 Agent: Andre Green Glogirl Scrubs 7000 Dalehead Ct Fayetteville 28306 Agent: La Tannia Tannia Ballard Promise U Exclusive Hair LLC 6228 Milford Rd Fayetteville 28303-2602 Agent: Latiesha Linen Vanguard Technical LLC 229 Old Street Fayetteville 28301-5035 Agent: Brandon S Patton Scoe910 Pressure Washing 5331 Mesa Court Fayetteville 28303 Agent: Rahmed Simard Clifton The Clothing Pallette LLC 602 Hollins Dr Fayetteville 28306 Agent: Jodie D Jones
Sunshine Mobile Detailing 208 Huntley Ct Raeford 28376 Agent: Curtis A. Blake Jr Total Property Improvements LLC 751 Fletch Mcphaul Rd Red Springs 28377-8379 Agent: Nathaniel Lamar Greene Jr Liberty Hill Farm 1004 Carthage Rd West End 27376-8738 Agent: Michael O’connor A & J Landscape Designs LLC 1143 Greenbriar Drive Vass 28394-9199 Agent: Adam Michael Gately Signs Of The Pines Incorporated 109 Millstone Rd. West End 27376 Agent: Jonathon L. Walter Jaf Solutions LLC 8 Pirate Cove Cameron 28326-6285 Agent: Jonathan Xavier Flores Medina Crocadon Incorporated 428 Green Links Drive Cameron 28326-4500 Agent: Andrew Reinertsen Crazylegacync Inc. 101 Stoneykirk Dr Pinehurst 28374 Agent: Michael A Askwith
The Ville Productions LLC 1043 Gatesville Dr Hope Mills 28348 Agent: Chance Glover
Honey Bee Properties Of North Carolina 120 Applecross Road Pinehurst 28374 Agent: Rmr Services LLC
Wellspa and Massage LLC 541 Bonanza Drive Unit 108 Fayetteville 28303-6342 Agent: Numchai Srivutipunya
Rabit Logistics 2545 Gray Goose Loop Fayetteville 28306 Agent: Mekka Tucker
Zion Church Road Concord 1181 Middle Road Fayetteville 28312 Agent: Brent M Morehouse Rock-Steady Trucking LLC 449 Birch Avenue Spring Lake 28390 Agent: Robert Earl Bell Michael S. Elmore & Co. 307 Eason Elmore Road Dunn 28334 Agent: Michael S Elmore
Rasheya’s LLC 1028 Ancestry Dr Apt 2 Fayetteville 28304 Agent: Rasheya Brown Dws Property Preservation LLC. 6519 Tampico Ct. Fayetteville 28303-2334 Agent: Vickie D Washington Scott Carla’s Legacy Boutique LLC 816 Bedford Road Fayetteville 28303
Agent: Nicole Mitchell Hero Mold LLC 829 Pepperwood Dr Fayetteville 28311 Agent: Corporate Service Center Inc K’s Tasty Creations LLC 6416 Greengate Hill Rd. Fayetteville 28303-2117 Agent: Lindsey Petrese Ruffin Coleis 2543 Ravenhill Drive Suite C Fayetteville 28303-5459 Agent: Jennifer K Fincher Idispatch Freight LLC 3350 Footbridge Ln Ste 124 #115 Fayetteville 28306 Agent: Karniesha J Herbert The Bare Complex LLC 3411 Dorado Circle Fayetteville 28304-0633 Agent: Jared Jovan Hamilton Queen’s Logistics LLC 5724 Pepperbush Dr Fayetteville 28304-4827 Jasmine S Douglas Agent: Srt Family LLC 6451 Yadkin Rd Suite C Fayetteville 28303 Agent: Thaworn Krapoochai Intuitive Beauty LLC 7310 Southgate Road Fayetteville 28314 Agent: Tyneisha Travers Ann Logistics LLC 144 Linwood Rd Fayetteville 28306 Agent: Demetrius L Kirby Russell Community Development and Pet Rescue 5701-114 Yadkin Rd Fayetteville 28303-2722 Agent: John E Russell Balkuver Foods Inc 2404 Paron Court Hope Mills 28348 Agent: Alpeshkumar S Patel K&M Soul Ii Soul Catering LLC 66 Columbus Ct Springlake 28390 Agent: Kenisha Handy Jng Transported LLC 313 Laurel Dr Spring Lake 28390 Agent: Jesus Saavedra Love Unity Divine Ministries 164 Mcquage Rd Raeford 28376 Agent: Blue Catherine Dr. Kris Williams-Falcon 310 Birch Street Raeford 28376-3297 Agent: Kris Williams Falcon Arc Inspections 156 Eulon Loop Raeford 28376-9674 Agent: Cody Paul Oclair
B Blash Solutions LLC 475 West New Jersey Ave Southern Pines 28387 Agent: Matthew P Blashford A Bridge To Soluciones 2800 Raeford Rd #2 Fayetteville 28304 Agent: Andrea J Richardson Presley Consulting and Design Inc. 4271 High Stakes Circle #305 Hope Mills 28348 Agent: Jennifer Moran Jap’s Detailing LLC 2714 E Brinkley Dr. Spring Lake 28390 Agent: Dianne Allen Davcar Marketing LLC 4419 Ferncreek Drive Fayetteville 28314-2545 Agent: Melissa Hope Cromer A&J-Bey Logistics LLC 3853 Harden Rd. Hope Mills 28348-8983 Agent: Johnny Mcarthur Tahitalee Design LLC 268 Crabapple Circle Unit #55 Fayetteville 28303-2497 Agent: Tawana T Green Lmnphotographystudio 362 N Reilly Road Fayetteville 28303 Agent: Lester R Mitchell Global Emergency Medical Solutions P LLC 233 Murray Hill Rd Fayetteville 28303 Agent: Aleksandr Pevtsov
Emmanuel’s Landscaping and Tree Service 604 North Layton Avenue Dunn 28334 Agent: Emmanuel Mcneill Dakara Reiki LLC 278 Gold Ct Broadway 27505-8192 Agent: Krista R Trevino Mumbrec 254 Gold Court Broadway 27505-8192 Agent: Marshall R. Mitchell Galicia Exteriors 218 Fred Mcleod Ln Coats 27521-8605 Pedro Galicia Acc Professionals 401 S 7th St Erwin 28339-2218 Agent: Charles Allen Humphries A&J Creationz LLC 903 Old Fairground Road Dunn 28334-2201 Agent: Jennifer Jones Gr Construction Of Nc 204 2nd St Erwin 28339 Agent: Dylan Giovanni Paz Mendez Sharpes Cleaning LLC 108 Mary Ct Angier 27501 Agent: Christopher Sharpe Jr
The Best Nonprofit Organization Inc. 6833 Roslin Farm Road Hope Mills 28348 Agent: Mike Canady
Melmontson LLC 323 Declaration Dr Raeford 28376-7643 Agent: John Carter Wilson
Twisted Tyme Productions LLC 4729 Cedar Pass Drive Hope Mills 28348-8136 Agent: Chelsey Dawn Mellick
Plan It Wright Logistics LLC 286 Wind Swept Street Raeford 28376-9141 Agent: Danice Green
Smiley Unity 2803 Cambric Drive Hope Mills 28348-8014 Agent: Tanya Michelle Ortiz
Two Wings LLC 805 Mcdougald Drive Raeford 28376 Agent: Brandi Ellis
Nuk Nuk Cakes LLC 1018 Brookhollow Dr Apt 6 Fayetteville 28314-1107 Agent: Shaquola Danielle Gordon
Body By Baby LLC 116 Beech Dr Raeford 28376-6461 Agent: Brittani Pair
Boundless Brokerage LLC 1850 Broadell Dr. Fayetteville 28301 Agent: Sohusirys Villar Ladysha Harrell Ark Transport LLC 6877 Faircloth Bridge Rd Stedman 28391-8993 Agent: Timothy James Murphy Sr Property Mogul LLC 100 Poe Avenue Spring Lake 28390 Agent: Elizabeth Brantley
Caddell and Crawford General Contracting Inc. 1500 Cranes Creek Rd Cameron 28326 Agent: Brian Scott Caddell
Chrissy Luvs Delectable Delites 512 Mcarthur Rd Fayetteville 28311-6930 Agent: Christina Smith
Titan Echelon LLC 10 Mulbren Ct Pinehurst 28374 Agent: Gregg Brock
Taes Tow Service LLC 1522 Berriedale Dr Fayetteville 28304 Agent: Jerry Mcdonald
The Princess Principle LLC 216 Commerce Ave #529 Southern Pines 28387-7059 Agent: Princess Johnson
Plant Daddy 245 Westlake Road Fayetteville 28314-4866 Agent: Shenae Lasandra Whitehead
Graham Transportation 1 2589 Gotts Lane Fayetteville 28306-2676 Agent: Corey D Graham
Route 47 Trucking LLC 915 E Prospect Ave Raeford 28376-2327 Agent: Jeremy Haynes Conrad Kontagious Kulture Shoes and Apparel LLC 111 Sherman Ct Raeford 28376 Agent: Shaleta Champagnie Cortazar Framing LLC 131 Madison Dr Raeford 28376 Agent: Ana Lilia Ferrera Martinez All About The Money LLC 142 Beltons Loop Raeford 28376 Agent: Jacquesa Braddy Herz Playhouse LLC 142 Beltons Loop Raeford 28376 Agent: Tahlisha Braddy Forcyte LLC 355 N Ashe St. Apt. 6 Southern Pines 28387-0003 Agent: Chris Crenshaw J.Cruz Trucking LLC
1535 George P Rd Robbins 27325 Agent: Jimmy Lee Cruz Fall Line Farm LLC 1244 Martin Road Jackson Springs 27281-8148 Agent: Brittney Martin Mays Sprout’s Learning Center LLC 110 Forest Pl Aberdeen 28315-4458 Agent: Miranda Chavis Northview Holdings 135 E. Massachusetts Ave Southern Pines 28387-6131 Agent: Robert J Gallagher Kountry’s Pork Skins 637 Tokay Drive Fayetteville 28301-3378 Agent: Furman Howell III Nicole Diana Martin LLC 115 Preston Ave Fayetteville 28301 Agent: Nicole Diana Martin So Xclusive Nails and Beauty LLC 5353 Nessee St Fayetteville 28314-8588 Agent: Shanika Shantara Olden Ohsheglobal Boutique LLC 3853 Harden Rd Hope Mills 28348-8983 Agent: Ayanna Rakell Mcarthur Goers Properties 3215 N Main St. #1226 Hope Mills 28348-1830 Agent: Jordan E Goers T&K’s Dogs ‘N’ Things LLC 1915 Ernest Street Fayetteville 28301 Agent: Tonya M Mcgill Smallwood Transport & Logistics LLC 1903 Middle Rd Eastover 28312-9751 Agent: Demitra Lacole Earls Tomeika’s Braids LLC 6300 Thistle Court Fayetteville 28303-2055 Agent: Tomeika Shantay Everett Hmj The Label Co 2007 Horseshoe Bend Rd. Erwin 28339-8571 Agent: Haley Marie Johnson Us Urgent Cares Company 121 Great Lane Raeford 28376-3261 Agent: David Hasan Inventive Solutions Group 142 Citation Ct. Raeford 28376-1108 Agent: Antonio Luis Santini Rivera Broken Arrow Investments 10 Salem Lane Pinehurst 28374-9205 Agent: Kelly Anne Blackford C.T. Spencer Transport 615 Clark Street Southern Pines 28387-3405 Agent: Carter Thomas Spencer Spencer Standard Holdings LLC 3016 Niagara Carthage Rd Whispering Pines 28327-7114 Agent: John Robert Spencer
Fayetteville 28304-1432 Rosa Claretta Smith
Lillington 27546-4831 Agent: William Keith Studley
2dw Designs LLC 3235 Gainey Rd. Fayetteville 28306-3374 Agent: Diana L Whiteaker
910 Heat LLC 810 N Mckay Ave Dunn 28334-3337 Agent: Thomas E Walker
Stamped Collection 5866 Century Oaks Drive Apt A Fayetteville 28314 Agent: Deja Ziegler
Become A Better U LLC 203 Oakwood Ave Suite B Raeford 28376-3333 Agent: Deneka J Mcmillan
The Child Who Holds Their Own 1024 Cain Road Apt G Fayetteville 28303-4000 Agent: Bransford William Bradley Elmore
Bahiratravel.Com LLC 305 W Elwood Ave Raeford 28376 Agent: Bastianna B. Berrio
Stymbet 3011 Hayfield Road Wade 28395 Agent: Peyton Rental Properties LLC Hoods and Tassels 6438 Touchstone Dr Fayetteville 28311-7125 Agent: Melanie Cassandra Shorter Lemongrass Hair Studio LLC 3262 Northgate Drive Fayetteville 28311-4600 Agent: Dustin Thomas L&Fs Kickback LLC 6848 Winchester St Fayetteville 28314-5633 Agent: Leslie Rye Dwelds Logistics LLC 2176 Quailridge Drive Fayetteville 28304 Agent: Richard Darnell Schools II Destined 2 Thrive LLC 1930 Harcourt Circle #103 Fayetteville 28304-0585 Agent: Charmaine Nicole James Clover Trucking LLC 1205 Brickyard Dr Fayetteville 28306-3171 Agent: Gary Lee Murphy Jr Blameitonmyyouth LLC 3071 Stone Carriage Cir Fayetteville 28304 Agent: Emmett Blow Felicia Urum Md P LLC 2517 Clear Pines Court Fayetteville 28304 Agent: Felicia Urum Vets For Youth Inc 1048 Christina St. Fayetteville 28314 Agent: Dejon Jones Bowens & Mosley LLC 5829 Chason Ridge Apt #A Fayetteville 28314 Agent: Mekka Mosley Success Is A Marathon Inc 3725 Alson Road Apt 202 Fayetteville 28314 Agent: Kwame Stover Builders Blvd 130 Builders Blvd Fayetteville 28301 Agent: Richard R. Allen Jr. Jd Pendergrass Enterprises LLC 816 Elm Street Unit 35652 Fayetteville 28303-0118 Agent: Jamie D Pendergrass
Francisco’s 4 Star Cigar Company 318 Andover Rd Fayetteville 28311 Agent: Timothy Mack
K Speedy Mart LLC 719 E Broad St Saint Pauls 28384-2621 Agent: Kimberly S Robinson
Uniquely Created Ro LLC 4837 Durango Ct
Reef Dog LLC 86 Parkside Dr
It’s Sugar Rush 435 Foxcroft Cir Jackson Springs 27281 Agent: Abrilya Ewings Citation Commercial LLC 910 N Sandhills Blvd Aberdeen 28315-2547 Agent: Jason A Morton Sandhills Premier Roofing 455 S Ashe St Southern Pines 28387 Agent: Jackson Smith Ken Strickland Hauling LLC 157 Boone Dr Carthage 28327 Agent: Kenneth Strickland Rgw Solution 6619 Carloway Drive Fayetteville 28304 Agent: Ricardo W. Walcott Stgermain Logistics LLC 6489 Sudbury Drive Fayetteville 28304 Agent: Marie St Germain Luxmihaire LLC 2301 Cumberland Gap Drive Apt 105 Fayetteville 28306-2462 Agent: Cecilia Brito Corlee Courier LLC 4433 Bishamon Street Hope Mills 28348-2856 Agent: Corey Willingham Cmv Logistics Solutions LLC 1220 Bombay Dr Fayetteville 28312-9516 Agent: Joscar Paredes Elevation Financial Services LLC 380 Bubble Creek Court Unit 12 Fayetteville 28311-1402 Agent: Levar Teron Cassaberry Glamadix LLC 6112 Lochcarron Drive Fayetteville 28304-2960 Agent: Felix Moore Goetz Traction LLC 10049 Ramsey Street Linden 28356 Agent: Benjamin Thomas Goetz Mlw Property Services LLC 5875 Ridgecrest Dr Hope Mills 28348 Agent: Michael Owen Winters Wilmin & Co. LLC 6717 Pacific Ave Fayetteville 28314 Agent: Dayvonia Minnis Almighty Detailing LLC 6591 Brookshire St Fayetteville 28314 Agent: Jessica Roots M.A.L.T Styles and Beauty LLC 7693 Beverly Drive Fayetteville 28314 Agent: Ashley D Medley
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bizfayetteville.com
| THE LIST |
Greater Fayetteville Business Journal
Greater Fayetteville Business Journal
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June 11 - June 24, 2021
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| BUSINESS PROFILE |
PHOTO PROVIDED BY THE FAYETTEVILLE AREA CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU
The Fort Bragg Clay Target Center plays host to regional tournaments as well as military and family events.
Clay Target Center seeing more corporate events Fort Bragg facility serves military and civilian shooters BY BRIAN MINER ust outside of Fort Bragg in Spring Lake is one of the best kept secrets for locals and military personnel interested in shooting sports. The Fort Bragg Clay Target Center is one of the largest and most accessible shotgun shooting facilities in the state of North Carolina. The facility boasts 12 competition level skeet fields, and six overlaid with competition level trap fields, more than enough to whet your appetite, improve your skills or participate in or host a professional level tournament. The Clay Target Center hosts tournaments throughout the year, from the US Juniors to local military training events and tournaments. It is a state-of-the-art facility, with a voice release system for trap shooting, skeet and 5-stand events and a lighted range. The center is open to the public (military and civilian), but you must be at least 8
J
years old to shoot. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult 21 years of age or older. If you are new to the shooting sports, basic shotgun instruction is available upon request. However, reservations are recommended, and an instruction fee will be charged. Reservations are also accepted for shooting events and company or unit functions. It is reportedly one of the most affordable facilities of its kind as well, with annual family memberships ranging from $60 per year for military personnel, to $90 for civilians. Individual and group rates are also available depending on what kind of shooting you want to do, and how many rounds you want to run. Shotgun rental is available, and ammunition is also available to purchase on site. If the shooting facilities alone are not enough to convince you to come and try it out, the center has much more to offer, including 28 partial
service RV sites (30/50 amp electrical and water hook-ups, with a dump station on-site, free of charge for registered campers, with stays up to 60 days from April to September, and 90 days from October to March, $20 per night with water and electric, or $15 per night with electric only), a covered pavilion ($50 rental fee) with a PA system, and gazebos equipped with barbecue grills. It also has a pro shop to outfit you and your group with all the gear you may need, and a snack bar to help you recharge between events. If you work up a sweat, there is also a shower house with coin operated washers and dryers, primarily used by those staying at the RV Park ($20 per night with water and electric, or $15 per night with electric only). The Fort Bragg Clay Target Center is becoming popular with the corporate crowd as well, with many corporate and team-building events scheduled throughout the year.
If you are looking to do something new, different and memorable for your company, team, or family this year, contact the Center at 910-436-9489, or visit their website at www.bragg.armymwr.com/programs/clay-target-center. Find the center on Facebook at FortBraggMWR. The Fort Bragg Clay Target Center is located at 651 E. Manchester Road, BLDG OH-651, Spring Lake. Hours are 4-8 p.m. Thursday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday-Sunday.
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