Greater Fayetteville Business Journal - June 14, 2024 Issue

Fayetteville prepares for celebration Page 15 Juneteenth Jubilee

epresentatives from the City of Fayetteville traveled across the Atlantic to continue to build on the 30 year partnership with our sister city of Saint-Avold, France. From May 23 through June 2, a delegation of City and economic leaders were able to join in on the overseas celebrations of Saint-Avold . The delegation included Fayetteville Cumberland Economic Development Corporation (FCEDC) Vice President Rob Patton, Greater Fayetteville Chamber CEO & President Nat Robertson, City of Fayetteville

PHOTO

All American Country

Carolina Country 100.1 WFAY plays All American Country for the All-America City. We love our country and we’ll never forget those who have died for our freedom. So we’re prou d to have always played our National Anthem straight up at 12noon every day.

Carolina Country 100.1 WFAY

>> By Faith Hatton

50 years young

THE ARTS

COUNCIL OF FAYETTEVILLE/CUMBERLAND COUNTY CELEBRATES

50TH ANNIVERSARY AT THE CAPE FEAR BOTANICAL GARDEN

CThe Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County celebrated “50 Years of Color” on Thursday, June 6 at the Cape Fear Botanical Garden. Over 200 people filled the venue as the organization celebrated this historic milestone. Guests were treated to an assortment of foods with an ‘International Food Festival’ which featured dishes from Mexico, America, Thailand and India along with live music, and a joint performance from the Fayetteville Symphony and Cape Fear Regional Theatre.

Arts Council supporters and past leaders were able to speak about the amazing accomplishments and future goals for the organization. Performer of the spoken word LeJuane Bowens (lovingly referred to as LJ by some in the crowd) was able to not only speak about the impact of art on his life and within the community, but also perform an original poem written just for the occasion.

Former Arts Council Executive Director Deborah Martin Mintz was also given the stage to speak on her time and work with the Council. Martin Mintz served on the Council for 25 years, 17 of which she served as Executive Director, before retiring in early 2019. She was and continues to be an avid supporter of funding the arts and is credited for stabilizing funding streams for the Arts Council through legislature and other avenues. Funding streams that, thanks to her powerful community impact, continue to this day.

“The Arts Council stands strong in 2024 due to the past and ongoing support from our State Legislators, County Commissioners, City Council Members, business sponsors, individual donors, our thousands of volunteers, the cultural community and incredible staffs over the years,” said Bob Pinson, President/CEO of the Arts Council. “We will always have another mountain to climb, but our potential is boundless as together we are making a positive difference in the lives of all those in Cumberland County.”

The night ended with the reveal of the Arts Council’s expanded footprint in Downtown Fayetteville in its new ARTS XLerator. Located in the armory building of the Fayetteville

Independent Light Infantry Company (FILI) at 255 Burgess St., just off Hay Street in Downtown Fayetteville. ARTS XL is a hub designed to nurture and empower the growth of artists and arts organizations.

This new facility will be located beside the FILI museum and will be an addition to the Arts Council’s current location at 301 Hay Street.

The Arts Council will be moving forward with plans to renovate the space into a 100-125 person multiuse space for rehearsals, performances and new office spaces for local arts based organizations such as The Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra, Sweet Tea Shakespeare, Cumberland Choral Arts and more.

“Right now, where do they get their mail? Where do they get their phone calls? Part of what we’re trying to do is capacity build these organizations and make their job easier. It also gives them an address and a point of contact and a kind of fixed home to be able to live out of and for people to access,” said Pinson. “We hope [to] use that multi use space for the cultural community for individual artists to be able to come into the downtown, and use it as an economic engine into our downtown… to bring tourism and visitors into Fayetteville into the heart of the downtown and kind of see who we are.”

ARTS XL will provide a supportive environment with resources specifically tailored to the needs of artists and arts organizations across various disciplines. Key features of ARTS XL will include: collaborative work environments, professional development opportunities and expanded exhibit and performance spaces.

“You see a lot of conversation about bringing business or bringing

industry into Fayetteville, you listen to a lot of those presentations and they’re about road networks and air travel and tax incentives and all this other sort of stuff. We in the arts community say: ‘What about quality of life?’ When a business is looking at two locations to try to figure out where they’re going to go, what’s going to tip the scale is going to be the quality of life that's going to be offered to that person and to that family moving into the area,” said Pinson.

The project is anticipated to launch in January 2025 and serve as a continuance of celebrating 50 years of the Fayetteville- Cumberland County Arts Council in the community.

“This 50th [anniversary] starts tonight, but we're going to continue it through the rest of the year and into the first part of next year. So it's not just a one night party and then we're going to forget about it. We want people to know what we as an Arts Council are doing. We want people to know what our communities are doing, we want people to be proud of our community,” concluded Pinson.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY GFBJ

Over 200 people filled the venue as the organization celebrated this historic milestone.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY GFBJ

The Arts Council revealed the proposed branding for ARTS XL on Thursday evening.

4424 Bragg Blvd, Fayetteville, NC 28303 910-240-9697 bizfayetteville.com

PUBLISHER

Marty Cayton martyc@bizfayetteville.com

EDITOR

Faith Hatton faithh@bizfayetteville.com

ASSISTANT EDITOR

Stephanie Meador stephaniem@bizfayetteville.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Kate Griffin

Diana Hansen

Thomas Manning

Jenna Shackelford

Rachel Townsend

Eddie Velazquez

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

MARKETING CONTENT

Stacie Borrello

CONTRIBUTING DESIGNER

Samantha Lowe samanthal@bizfayetteville.com

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Marshall Waren marketing@bizfayetteville.com

ACCOUNTING

Priscilla Nelson billing@bizfayetteville

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

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© Copyright 2024

Greater Fayetteville Business Journal

PUBLISHER'S NOTE

CEO no nos

SOMETIMES, SILENCE IS BETTER

I’m not sure if the rapid expansion of communication and technology has been a benefit or a hindrance in the world of business.

During the last few months, I've seen not just one but two CEOs land their companies in hot water over their own words/ public interviews.

On Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2024, Kellogg’s CEO Gary Pilnick suggested “Cereal for Dinner” was an 'on trend' solution for poor families. Kellogg’s even created marketing campaigns going as far back as 2022 to promote this as a realistic option for families with the ad encouraging people to ‘give chicken the night off.”

In response, a mass boycott has been called together under the campaign name “Let them eat cereal” reminiscent of the phrase “let them eat cake” widely recognized as a term coined by (but never actually officially proven to have been said by) former Queen of France Marie Antoinette.

This boycott is calling for a buying freeze of all Kellogg’s

products for a full quarter from April 1 to June 30, 2024.

Chipotle CEO Brian Niccol appears to be next on the public chopping block. The restaurant chain has been facing accusations of smaller portion sizes being served while consumers are also noticing higher food prices. In response to this, Niccol did a video interview on May 29 with Jim Cramer on CNBC's “Mad Money,” in which he told consumers that all they have to do to get more of a portion of an item is give a wide eyed look to the employee and make an odd neck gesture.

Not only was this answer from a C-suite official met with a rigorous roasting on social media platforms (which I have to say has been hilarious to watch and dissect) but now people are convinced that if you record the employee making your order, they’ll give you more food to avoid more bad press. Internet complainers are also encouraging people to walk out mid order if the portion sizes still aren’t to their liking.

After watching both of these things go down, I really have to wonder if hearing from the CEOs of these companies has been a help or a hindrance? I am curious to see if Kellogg’s felt an impact come the end of June, and to see what happens as consumers continue to visit Chipotle.

On a happier note, we hope that you enjoy this issue! This is our first issue of Volume 4 for the Greater Fayetteville Business Journal! You’ll find a recap of the Arts Council of Fayetteville/ Cumberland County’s 50th Anniversary Celebration, a sneak peak of the upcoming Juneteenth Jubilee coming to downtown Fayetteville and other business developments from our area. We hope to see you at our upcoming Power Breakfast on June 18 but for now,

Happy reading!

POWER BREAKFAST

Challenges BIG BIG Challenges

Part of the panel

POWER BREAKFAST PANELISTS TO TACKLE "BIG CHALLENGES" WITHIN FAYETTEVILLE

The Greater Fayetteville Business Journal is taking a look at how area businesses are solving problems within our community. Tickets are now on sale for the latest in the Greater Fayetteville Business Journal's 2024 Power Breakfast series titled “Big Challenges.”

When it comes down to it, businesses solve problems. In doing so, they improve the lives of their customers, employees and communities. People don’t normally think about how businesses can address big problems like crime, homelessness and the opioid epidemic, but those problem-solving skills can also be applied beyond business.

Join us at the Cape Fear Botanical Garden as we hear from panelists on how businesses can help with BIG Challenges.

THE FOUR PANELISTS FOR THE POWER BREAKFAST ARE:

CHIEF KEMBERLE BRADEN

CHIEF OF POLICE FOR THE CITY OF FAYETTEVILLE

STACEY BUCKNER

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND FOUNDER OF OFF-ROAD OUTREACH

LOUIS C. LEAKE JR.

CLINIC DIRECTOR FOR THE CAROLINA TREATMENT CENTER OF FAYETTEVILLE

CRAIG MORRISON

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOR FAYETTEVILLE AREA OPERATION INASMUCH

“I’m looking forward to sharing the stage with several of our community leaders as we explore strategies

I’m looking forward to sharing the stage with several of our community leaders as we explore strategies & solutions to some of our communities most pressing issues.”

– Craig

Morrison

Executive Director for Fayetteville Area Operation Inasmuch

& solutions to some of our communities most pressing issues,” shared Morrison.

Join us as we get to know these local leaders and learn what we can do to help them help our community.

“As Fayetteville’s Chief of Police, I am pleased to speak at the Greater Fayetteville Business Journal Power Breakfast event to address crime, homelessness, and the opioid epidemic. The Fayetteville Police Department takes a proactive approach to these issues, and we look forward to collaborating with the business community to make our city safer,” remarked Chief Braden.

With just a few days remaining, don’t hesitate to get your tickets. Secure your seat by going online to fayettevillepowerbreakfast. com.

GREATER FAYE TT E VILLE BUSINESS JOURNAL

>> By Faith Hatton

From BONJOUR,

page 1

District 2 Representative Malik Davis, District 3 Representative Mario Benavente and District 8 Representative Courtney Banks-McLaughlin.

The group touched down in Frankfurt, Germany before making their way to Saint-Avold to meet with the City’s delegation just in time for the annual Lafayette Ceremony. The ceremony takes place in front of the Marquis de Lafayette statue, a tribute to the ties between Saint-Avold and Fayetteville.

For the entire week, the group was treated to a lineup of historic and cultural events that aligned with their trip including the city’s American Week celebration which lasted from May 24 through June 2.

On Sunday, May 26, the city observed Memorial Day with a ceremony at the Lorraine American Cemetery, Europe’s largest American cemetery. The grounds span 113.5 acres and holds over ten thousand American soldiers who gave the ultimate sacrifice in World War II, including Private William M. Shaw Jr., a Fayetteville native.

The group toured the city of Strasbourg, the capital of the Grand Est. Region to see firsthand the town’s beauty with historical buildings, stained-glass windows and the area’s architecture.

Also included in their tour was a special trip to Natzweiler-Struthof, a Nazi concentration camp that was liberated in 1944 by the French First Army as part of the U.S. Sixth Army Group, an act that the community is forever grateful for and a historical highlight of their relationship with the Americans.

Wrapping up the trip, the group toured the Mine Museum, learning about Saint-Avold’s historical coal mine that shut down over 20 years ago before being joined and treated by Saint-Avold’s delegation and local benevolent clubs, to a farewell dinner.

“We got to connect with the council members in the area, meet with some local business owners and develop relationships to keep the relationship of our sister city ongoing,” shared Representative Davis. “We had a lot of conversations with René Steiner, the mayor there. They really wanted us there to show representation from the City of Fayetteville. It's always important to continue to build relationships, not only in your city, but in different countries, because it builds a unity that’s beyond us.”

The trip was a return experience after a delegation from Saint-Avold

visited Fayetteville, NC in the fall of 2023. During their trip, the SaintAvold delegation attended the ceremony of renaming “Walter Street” in Fayetteville, which became SaintAvold Avenue and Mayor Steiner was presented a key to the city by Fayetteville Mayor Mitch Colvin. Our Saint-Avold friends were also treated to a tour of Fort Liberty where the delegation was able to experience the 82nd Airborne Division War Memorial Museum, provided a historical tour of Long Street Church and meet with base leaders Lt. Gen. Chris Donahue, Canadian Army Brig. Gen. Pete Huet and Col. John Wilcox.

“It was just a great trip, it was great to get to know Mayor Steiner and in return, he asked for a contingency from Fayetteville to also visit with him and Saint-Avold,”

shared Representative Benavente. “I think there’s this historical aspect that Fayetteville takes pride in, that Saint-Avold takes pride in, and when you put two and two together, you just get that much more out of the cultural exchange.”

But the trip was far from a vacation. The group also visited City Hall in Saint-Avold and met with business leaders to discuss their economic and industrial projects. They were also introduced to their local energy provider and have been able to make connections with local utility partners here.

During the last half of the trip, the group traveled to various places in the region visiting educational, commercial and cultural sites. Starting in Saarbrücken, Germany they met with representatives from CISPA, the region’s largest cyber-security company, along with the Mayor and other government representatives. Robert Patton traveled to Metz where he toured Georgia Tech-Europe, then headed north to Porcelette, meeting business executives at Composite Park, home to nine technical companies. He also visited Lorraine University to explore the potential for future educational partnerships.

“My purpose for being there was to start having some engagements with community leaders, educational leaders at colleges and business engagements in Saint-Avold, as well as in some of the other cities; to

see where we could potentially do some relationship building, networking, idea exchanges and potentially business development between our community and the communities we visited,” shared Patton. He also shared that he was examining potential trade opportunities for local businesses from both cities.

“The mayor of Saint-Avold, one of his goals is to get products from Saint-Avold sold here. We’d already had discussions on companies in France coming here to open up potential facilities, but are there opportunities to export our companies or business over to their area as well,” shared Patton. “There’s no deals on the table yet, these things take [a] little bit of time because there are so many facets to it, but there are some very promising leads that we have that we are working on right now and with any luck, we might see some firm things develop.”

“This trip strengthens the 30-year friendship between Fayetteville and Saint-Avold and expands our international business relationships,” said Robert Van Geons, President and CEO, FCEDC. “We identified a number of opportunities that could benefit both communities significantly.”

The Fayetteville - Saint-Avold Friendship Alliance was given credit for coordinating the trip. You can learn more about the group and their work to keep the partnership alive on their Facebook page: www. facebook.com/FayettevilleSistercity.

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY FCEDC

Clockwise: Patton (right) pictured with Composite Park Manager Mathieu Monville and Saint-Avold’s Deputy Mayor Raymonde Schweitzer on a tour of Composite Park; L to R: Georgia Tech-Europe President Abdallah Ougazzaden, FCEDC VP Robert Patton, Saint-Avold’s Deputy Mayor Raymonde Schweitzer and additional Georgia Tech-Europe staff. This is one of several solo trips taken by Patton in pursuit of economic partnerships and development.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY CITY OF FAYETTEVILLE

The 30th anniversary of the sister cities relationship was celebrated with a Street Sign Unveiling Ceremony as Walter Street became St. Avold Avenue during a visit from the Saint-Avold delegates in 2023.

ACHIEVERS

PWC announces hiring of new Director of Communications & Community Relations

The Fayetteville Public Works Commission (PWC) has hired TYLER C. PATTON as the new Director of the Communications & Community Relations Division. Patton took over leadership of the division after Carolyn Justice-Hinson was named the Chief Customer Officer for PWC in March. Patton’s first day with PWC was May 13, 2024.

“I’m excited to be joining PWC and the Communications & Community Relations Team,” said Patton. “PWC is an award-winning organization and a national leader in providing safe and reliable utility services. I look forward to serving the customers of PWC and the greater Fayetteville community.”

Before joining PWC, Patton served as the Regional Director of State Government and Community Affairs for Verizon Communications and was a member of Verizon Maryland’s Senior Leadership Team. Patton holds a master’s degree in Higher Education Policy and a bachelor’s degrees in political science and communications, both from Salisbury University. In addition, Patton has served on the Board of Directors for the Maryland Technology Council, the Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation and Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County.

“I could not have asked for anyone better to lead the Communications & Community Relations Division,” said Timothy Bryant, CEO/General Manager of Fayetteville PWC. “Tyler brings a wealth of knowledge, skills and experience to the table that continues to promote transparency and foster trust with the people who matter the most, our customers.”

FCEDC welcomes new board members, realigns staff

The Fayetteville Cumberland Economic Development Corporation is pleased to share that TIMOTHY BRYANT and DR. ULYSSES TAYLOR have joined the company’s Board of Directors. Additionally, staff members JENNIFER HAMMOND and BRITTANY TSCHIDA are serving the company in new roles. Timothy Bryant became the CEO/

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

Greater Fayetteville Business Journal wants to hear from you and your business to shine a spotlight on your accomplishments. To nominate someone for GFBJ’s Achievers section, email editor@bizfayetteville.com with the subject line “Achiever.”

General Manager of Fayetteville Public Works Commission in August 2023. Before joining PWC, he worked for Southern Company in Birmingham, AL, and served in numerous leadership roles at Florida Power and Light Company.

Dr. Ulysses Taylor is the Dean of Broadwell College of Business & Economics at Fayetteville State University. In his role at FSU, Taylor is responsible for all undergraduate and graduate business programs. Dr. Taylor is the chairman of the Fayetteville State University Development Corporation and a board member and treasurer of The Capitol Encore Academy.

Members are appointed to the FCEDC Board by public and private partners, the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners, the Fayetteville City Council, and the Community Development Foundation. Dr. Taylor, appointed by the County and Mr. Bryant, appointed by the CDF, will work with the Board to promote economic growth and prosperity in Fayetteville and Cumberland County.

“With their diverse expertise and commitment to our community, Timothy Bryant and Dr. Ulysses Taylor will undoubtedly enrich our

endeavors as we continue to drive economic growth and prosperity,” said Kathryn Cox, chairwoman of the FCEDC Board of Directors in a press release.

In addition to Board changes, two FCEDC staff members are serving in new roles. Jennifer Hammond, who joined the team in September of 2023, is stepping into the Manager of Business Services position, supporting existing business employers. Brittany Tschida, who joined the company in December of 2023, is now FCEDC's Marketing Manager. In this role, she will be working to promote Fayetteville-Cumberland County as a premier business location.

“Timothy Bryant and Dr. Ulysses Taylor will be great additions to our dynamic Board,” said Robert Van Geons, FCEDC President & CEO, in a press release. “Additionally, we are excited to have Jennifer and Brittany in their new roles. Their lifelong ties to the community make them valuable members of our team.”

Local nonprofit leader Stacey Buckner honored with the Tom Miller Advocacy Award

SourceAmerica®, an AbilityOne® authorized enterprise that creates employment opportunities for people with disabilities, has announced the winners of its national achievement awards.

The SourceAmerica achievement awards recognize nonprofits, employees and business partners for their exceptional work ethic, success and leadership in advancing inclusion for people with disabilities in the workforce.

Local nonprofit Founder STACEY BUCKNER is the recipient of the Tom Miller Advocacy Award, which recognizes an employee with a disability who has demonstrated outstand-

ing achievement and remarkable passion for self-advocacy on a local, state or national level. After suffering a stroke and traumatic brain injury in 2008, Buckner faced a long and difficult recovery. She worked with ServiceSource to secure employment within the AbilityOne Program at Fayetteville Veterans Affairs Medical Center. There, Buckner took a deeper interest in the needs of homeless Veterans. Through partnering with ServiceSource, Buckner has launched several nonprofits focused on the mental and physical health of local Fayetteville Veterans, including Off-Road Outreach, a program that provides showers, laundry, clothing and meals; Veggies for Vets, a fresh food program serving more than 50 Veterans weekly; and the Big Tiny Project, a planned tiny home community granting up to 180 days of free transitional housing to homeless and at-risk Veterans in Fayetteville.

Cape Fear Valley Medical Center named “Best Regional Hospital for Equitable Access”

Cape Fear Valley Medical Center was recently recognized as one of 53 hospitals in the country named a “Best Regional Hospital for Equitable Access” by U.S. News & World Report. The new accolade for success in caring for patients in historically underserved communities was announced at a special event in Washington, D.C., “The State of Equity in America.”

Cape Fear Valley Medical Center is the flagship hospital of the Cape Fear Valley health system. It opened in 1956 as a 200-bed county hospital and now includes 544 acute care beds and 78 rehabilitation beds. In the fall, it will complete a $110 million expansion that will add 100 beds and two floors to the Valley Pavilion section of the medical center.

“We’re honored to be included in this new recognition,” said Cape Fear Valley Health CEO Michael Nagowski in a press release. “There are a lot of exciting changes happening on our campus, but this latest recognition is a special acknowledgement of a lot of the work we’re doing that doesn’t typically make headlines. When we say our mission is providing exceptional healthcare for all our patients, the emphasis is on ‘all’ just as much as it is on ‘exceptional.’ That’s what we work toward every day.”

PHOTO PROVIDED BY FCEDC

L to R: Timothy Bryant and Dr. Ulysses Taylor, Jennifer Hammond and Brittany Tschida.

Patton

Buckner

Off to work they go

FAYETTEVILLE

PWC SENDS

LINE WORKERS IN SUPPORT OF NAVAJO NATION

Twelve line workers from the Fayetteville Public Works Commission (PWC) left on June 1 to spend two weeks helping to build electric infrastructure within the Navajo Nation. In this region of the country, there are thousands of families whose homes have never had electricity. This is the second year that PWC workers have participated in the mutual aid effort, Light Up Navajo, a collaborative effort organized by the American Public Power Association.

“Last year, our crews were moved by the direct and immediate impact their work had on the lives of the 13 families who finally had access to electricity in their homes,” said Jonathan Rynne, PWC’s Chief Operations Officer for the Electric Systems Division in a press release. “Despite the challenges of working in a

desert environment with rocky soil, each of the crews came back sharing stories about their experiences and were touched by the kindness and appreciation shown to them while they were there.”

The project has brought together crews from across the country since 2019 to support the Navajo Tribe Utility Authority (NTUA) in their efforts to make sure every member has access to electricity. NTUA is a public power provider and its 27,000 square mile service territory covers four western states. Within the vast service area, there are over 13,000 families that still do not have basic access to electricity, water or broadband internet.

“I would like to thank our Linemen for volunteering to represent the PWC team as they bring public power to those who truly need it most in the Navajo Nation” said Timothy Bryant, CEO/General Manager of Fayetteville PWC in a press release. “This speaks to the dedication of our crews and their volunteerism as they support this life-changing project. Their commitment to service is truly exceptional.”

Last year, PWC workers were a part of Light up Navajo IV which included 26 crews from 16 states who connected 130 families to electric service.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY FAYETTEVILLE PWC

Twelve line workers from the Fayetteville Public Works Commission (PWC) left on June 1 to spend two weeks helping to build electric infrastructure within the Navajo Nation.

Welcome home LUMBEE TRIBE OF NC HOLDS RIBBON CUTTING FOR

EXPANDED TRIBAL HOUSING

The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina is celebrating the newest additions in their affordable housing efforts.

On Thursday, May 30, the community came together for a ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony for Dreamcatcher Arrow Point, a recently completed rental community and the newest section added to the Arrowpoint Lumbee Tribal Community.

During the ceremony, the first six families received the keys to their new rental properties adding in the mix of homeowners and renters in the community.

“Affordable housing is an important thing for people's quality of life because we all know, if you've got somewhere to stay, it improves your ability to be an economic driver. You can go to sleep with peace of mind. You’ve got a roof over your head and running water, that's important. Housing is fundamental,” said Rudy Locklear, District 20 Tribal Representative.

The new homes include three bedrooms and two bathrooms, a full kitchen, living room and carport. The Tribe worked with Tise-Kiester Ar-

L to R: The new homes include three bedrooms and two bathrooms, a full kitchen, living room and carport; During the ceremony, the first six families received the keys to their new rental properties adding in the mix of homeowners and renters in the community

chitects, PA, to design the homes, and partnered with local contractors and construction agencies to transform the space from a field to an extension of the Arrow Point neighborhood, bringing the total number of homes within the subdivision to 112.

Tribal leadership also shared that the work for affordable housing is still in progress with additional plans for increased homeownership and senior homes on the books.

“I can tell you this now, that the council has approved additional housing opportunities and we're moving forward with additional housing subdivisions throughout the territory,” said Lumbee Tribal Chairman John L. Lowery. “As my administration is preparing our budget for the upcoming year, we're going to have more money in there to do infrastructure and other things with our other subdivisions that we're planning

so we do have many more of these coming.”

The DreamCatcher communities include homes built on three different sites throughout the Lumbee Tribal Territory and are made of both homeowners and renters. These communities were built with funding from the Golden Leaf Foundation, a HUD Title VI Loan and NAHASDA funds.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY GFBJ

Tribal Chairman John L. Lowery holds the ribbon as Tribal Councilman Rudy Locklear cuts the ribbon to the newest Lumbee Tribe Community.

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY GFBJ

BIZ LEADS

Reader’s Guide

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

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

CUMBERLAND COUNTY

Student Recruitment

Solutions LLC

725 Middle Bridge Dr Apt 26

Fayetteville Agent: Aaron Hargrove

Busch Rentals LLC 5342 Yadkin Rd

Fayetteville Agent: Risa Quinn Feldbusch

Three G's Logistics LLC

514 Platinum St

Fayetteville Agent: Robert Alfonso Gray Jr

Storm Factor Inc

3719 Bragg Blvd

Fayetteville Agent: Stephen M Collopy

Extravagant Exotic Hair LLC

1119 Maple Merry Ln

Fayetteville Agent: Nicole L Walton

All American Farmstead LLC 7711 Concord Church Road

Autryville Agent: Nicholas Seth Joyal

Carolina Construction of the Sandhills LLP 6920 Tayberry Court

Fayetteville Agent: Michael Morgan

MoQs Logistics LLC 634 Maxine Street

Fayetteville Agent: Edward J Barideaux Jr

Johnson Health Services PLLC

1016 Leslie Dr Fayetteville

A Blink Of Beauty LLC

6413 Rhemish Dr

Fayetteville Agent: Dinesha M Campbell

GABI PERSONAL FIT LLC

5702 MCDOUGAL DR

Fayetteville

Agent: GABRIELA LIMA FERREIRA NUNES

Mars Hill Presbyterian Church USA

5990 Hwy 301 S

Agent: Natasha Marie Johnson

Essence's Beauty & Essentials LLC

3011 Town Center Dr. Ste 130 Unit #191

Fayetteville Agent: Essence Emani Lawrence

Rachael G. Smith Counseling PLLC 727 McGilvary St

Fayetteville Agent: On the Road Again Inc

Project STEMkits Inc. 4723 Flintcastle Rd

Fayetteville Agent: Connette Pearl McMahon

QuickBolt LLC 646 Heathrow Drive

Spring Lake Agent: Jordan Celine Smoot

BNWDE LLC 313 Thorncliff Drive

Fayetteville Agent: Nancy M Martin

Premier Street Jeepz 469 Bristlecone Drive

Fayetteville Agent: Frank A. Fogg

BRUES

CONSTRUCTION LLC 5702 McDougal Dr Fayetteville Agent: Bruno Kethellen Barros Nunes

Bohannon Investment Group LLC

4060 William Bill Luther Drive

Hope Mills

Agent: Reginald Dewane Bohannon JR

DYYME AND CO LLC

100 Hay Street Ste 503

Fayetteville Agent: Abundant Living Consulting Corporation LLC

Agent: Derrick D White

PGF Contracting Solutions LLC 11956 Broadwater

Bridge Rd

Roseboro Agent: Jorge luis Perez rivera

YouthTHRIVE 907 Hay Street Suite 201

Fayetteville Agent: Integrity Nurse Consultants PLLC

Hope Mills

Agent: Bennie H Williams

Daniel E Thompson Jr LLC 2615 Larwood Dr

Fayetteville Agent: Daniel Eugene Thompson Jr

MMM 52 DISTRIBUTION INC.

319 NEAL ST

Fayetteville Agent: ANNA LEILANI JAMES

Parties R Us LLC 2785 Forestwood Court

Linden Agent: Shareka Lanae Garcia

The Golden Bulls Alumni Association of E.E. Smith High School 7517 Paxton Dr Fayetteville Agent: Kevin Ashton

FWC-GYN LLC 2029 Valley Gate Drive Suite 101

Fayetteville Agent: Myron S. Strickland

MAISIE LLC 51 PINNACLE DR

Spring Lake Agent: XIAOQING GUAN

Apex Software Inc. of NC 3417 Castlefield Ln

Fayetteville Agent: Rajesh Lele

Cool It Of North Carolina LLC

3116 Deaver Circle

Hope Mills Agent: Rodney Watson

SunDance

Transport & Logistics LLC

3215 N Main Street Unit 691

Hope Mills

Tranquila Skin LLC 1626 Sandra Dr

Fayetteville Agent: Deatura Everlyn-Jean Joquin

Airway Enterprises LLC 1735 Calista Circle

Fayetteville Agent: Elijah Brendan Wess

Poulard Family Care Home LLC 2903 Frontera Place

JODI D FRAZIER LLC

700 MCPHERSON AVE

Fayetteville Agent: JODI D FRAZIER

NA REPRESENTACIONES LLC

100 Hay Street Ste 503

Fayetteville Agent: Abundant Living Consulting Corporation LLC

Argenis L.L.C 5075 Morganton Rd Suite C

Fayetteville Agent: Sara M Maldonado

2 H Lawn Care & Landscaping LLC 508 Law Road

Fayetteville Agent: Hannah Price

Vaska Freelancing LLC 1628 Strickland Bridge Rd

Fayetteville Agent: Menishen Afriyie

Git R Done Sportfishing LLC 912 Cedar Creek

Fayetteville Agent: G. Michael Evans Jr.

A & K Still Truckin' LLC 5108 Hayden Ln.

Fayetteville Agent: Alexis Monet Watson

Blooming Lilies LLC 3960 Pleasantburg Drive

Fayetteville Agent: Siti Shukura Ricks

Kw transport & logistics LLC 5608 Island View

Hope Mills Agent: Kelvin Henry Williams

BARBER LLC

984 S. OLD MCPHERSON CHURCH ROAD

Fayetteville Agent: ROBIN BARBER

Unique Learners Service Group 6380 Cliffdale Road #27230

Fayetteville Agent: Jamailya Denae Mathews

Fayetteville Agent: Robert Fritz Poulard

NJD Contractor LLC 1936 Shiloh Drive

Fayetteville Agent: Julio Enrique Rivera

POKI CAFE INC 1677 OWEN DR #102

Fayetteville Agent: SHI PENG LIANG

Miles Realty LLC 639 Executive Pl Ste 100

Fayetteville Agent: Susan Leonie Mejias

Yomisgma big haul LLC 5902 Lillytrotter

Hope Mills Agent: Jasmine Candice Clarida

Guardian Appliance Repair & Sales LLC 501 Anona Dr Fayetteville Agent: John Edward Gibson Sr

Purpose Driven Kings LLC 616 Cassell Drive Apt 204

Fayetteville Agent: Christopher Williams

The Law Offices of Harding & Andrade PLLC

230 Donaldson Street 300B

Fayetteville

Agent: Desmon L Andrade

Free To Be

Counseling

Services PLLC

4140 Ferncreek Drive

Building 300 Suite 314

Fayetteville Agent: Bionca Bright

THE BUSINESS OF

Agent: Curtis Smith

K&J Design LLC 2367 Zollie Jones Rd

Fayetteville Agent: katelin patricia vandyke

Liberty Auto LLC 150 N. McPherson Church Rd. Ste B

Fayetteville Agent: George D. Regan Jr.

Mondrell's Social Lounge LLC 130 Person Street

Fayetteville Agent: Mondrail Myrick

Target Engagement LLC 3017 S Kilchattan Drive

Fayetteville Agent: Marshall Lindsay Brink

Dream-Field Home Care Agency LLC 2020 LUNSFORD DR Fayetteville Agent: Alexander Okoh Amoah

Global Outreach TeleRehabilitation Inc 4219 Cherry Hill Lane Fayetteville Agent: Rosalind Alexandria Woods

Norma Jane Boy Lawn Care Service LLC 4624 Kirk Shaw Rd Hope Mills Agent: Kevin Imes

Broken Branch Timber Farm L.L.C. 3316 Mccoy Cross Fayetteville Agent: Bryce Edward Bouwens

Simmons and Hill Legal Group PLLC 117 Person St. Fayetteville Agent: Michael Simmons

Liberty House Flippers & Investors LLC 8616 English Saddle Dr. Fayetteville Agent: Elysia Isabel Carrasco

Precision Prints LLC 2055 BlackWash Lane Hope Mills Agent: Madison B Miller

KCs Transportation LLC

2306 Tolgate Rd Fayetteville

Running for a Cure

2150 Baywater Dr

Fayetteville

Agent: William L Fuchs

VSG EXPRESS CARRIERS LLC

5640 Pepperbush Drive

Fayetteville Agent: Willie DuBose

Swing Zone Enterprises LLC

3839 MARKSBURY DR UNIT 305

Twist Chic l.l.C 1919 United Dr Unit H

Fayetteville Agent: Omeika Onlissa Williams

Luxe Body Butters LLC

100 Hay St. Ste. 905 Fayetteville Agent: Knashonda Eiland

Gordon Radiology PLLC 4609 WEAVERHALL DR Fayetteville Agent: Daniel Solomon Gordon

Find Your Freedom L.L.C. 1630 Stonewood Dr

Fayetteville Agent: David E Frotton

Julie Renee Digital Boutique LLC 116 Post Ave

Fayetteville Agent: Julie Renee Moore

Kings Gutter Solutions LLC 313 Longview Dr Fayetteville Agent: Gavin Moran

Kenderlin Kelly Enterprises & More LLC

4805 Cedar Pass Dr Hope Mills Agent: Kenderlin J Kelly

Stanback 'N Watch LLC

350 Offing Drive

Fayetteville Agent: Kelly Stanback

Fayettenam Brawlers LLC

5710 Azure Drive

Hope Mills Agent: Timothy Louis Bright

HarvestPen LLC

6394 Touchstone Dr

Fayetteville Agent: Kristina Polley

Fayetteville Agent: ANNIE KIM

413 Owen Drive LLC 2224 Bayview Drive Fayetteville Agent: Richard King

Breeden Plumbing South Inc

2530 Matthew Thomas Cir Apt F Fayetteville Agent: Patrick Benet Erickson

NY hero mart llc 3616 Ramsey st Fayetteville

Agent: Monir Ahmed

Hamzah Express LLC

6414 Barwick Dr Fayetteville Agent: Hamzah Rashaad EL

Key to Your Health LLC

6692 Foxberry Road Fayetteville Agent: Nakiya Smith

SPNS CONSULTING LLC

811 ASTRON LN UNIT 204 Fayetteville Agent: SYLVIA SCOTT

SRTA&SESA-LLC

5808 Tuckertown ln. Fayetteville

Agent: Spencer Robert Alvares

Avan Envia Acessoria em Compras e Redirecionamento de Mercadorias LLC

1221 Snowy Egret Dr Fayetteville

Agent: Vanessa Fernandes Oliveira

Flexible Courier Solutions LLC

3450 Sandystone Circle Fayetteville

Agent: Edward Whitfield

Nighttime Could Be the Right Time to Save. With

PWC’s Super Off-Peak Rate

Optional Whole Business rate features substantially lower rates for electricity used during Super Off-Peak Hours, 9:00 p.m. – 5:00 a.m. daily, all year long. Business customers who sign up for this option pay a slightly higher basic facility charge and Peak rate, while benefiting from much lower rates during the nighttime hours. Your business may be able to lower your electric bills with this rate plan. Some of the ways you can save money with this plan include doing things like:

• Charging fleet-managed EVs, or providing managed EV charging for multi business/residential units, during Super-Off Peak hours

• Performing power-hungry tasks or running large machinery/ non-essential equipment between 9:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m.

For more information, visit: FayPWC.com and click on the TOU Rates for Business in the business section of the website. Or call 910-483-1382 to speak with a PWC representative and learn how our new Whole Business electric rate may benefit your business

Super Off-Peak Hours

Super Off-Peak Hours For PWC Business Customers

>> By Kate Griffin

Juneteenth Jubilee

THIRD ANNUAL CELEBRATION OF BLACK HISTORY RETURNS TO DOWNTOWN FAYETTEVILLLE

The Cool Spring Downtown District, sponsored by the City of Fayetteville, is proud to announce the third annual Juneteenth Jubilee: Their Wildest Dreams. Starting in 2021 after President Biden’s federalization of Juneteenth as an official holiday, the Juneteenth Jubilee is spotlighting and uplifting local Black talent and voices through the celebration.

“It was an opportunity to bring that to light to the community for the folks who had already been celebrating it with their families for years and folks who had no idea what it was and really just providing an opportunity to educate folks on that history,” said Ashanti Bennett, director of special projects for Cool Spring Downtown District, and lead curator for the two major city-sponsored events: the Juneteenth Jubilee and the New Year’s Eve Night Circus.

This Juneteenth Jubilee honors the day June 19 in 1865 when the last administration of the Emancipation Proclamation reached Texas, the last state in confederacy to end slavery.

Fayetteville joins in celebrating this monumental step towards freedom with a huge celebration in the heart of downtown, including music, dancing, food, education and showcasing the talent, accomplishments, and artistry of Black people, both local and famous. The theme itself, “Their Wildest Dreams” also honors a legacy.

“[It] is a piece of a larger quote that people may have seen out there on merchandise and social media,” said Bennett. “It is the idea that we, the current generation of Black Americans in the country, are our ancestors' wildest dreams. We are in a space living a life setting accomplishments and achievements that our ancestors may have hoped for and dreamed for but did not get to see themselves.”

The Jubilee will take place in downtown Fayetteville on Saturday, June 15 from 1-9 p.m., with music on the District Vibe stage, services offered by nonprofits and vendors lining the streets offering a wide range of gifts, food and exciting activities for all to enjoy.

“What we wanted to do was create this joyous celebration that really

The third annual Juneteenth Jubilee will feature an assortment of activities for all guests to enjoy as well as headlining performers two-time Grammy nominated artist, Pierce Freelon and maternal grandson

Skip Marley as the marquee headliner.

does uplift the contributions of Black Americans to the US not just in history, but today as well, including contributors from Fayetteville, Cumberland County and the surrounding area really just leaning into that idea of coming from a darker chapter in our history and all of the progress that has been made since then and that we will continue to push forward,” said Bennett.

Probably the most anticipated guests of the Juneteenth Jubilee are Pierce Freelon and Skip Marley, who will be working the stage with their musical expertise.

“Pierce works with music history to teach Black history and he works a lot with youth, so what he’s going to do on stage is kind of take us through a musical journey of Black history from the earliest stages,” said Bennett. “Skip Marley is carrying on in the tradition of his family, he’s a reggae artist, and will be bringing a lot of that sound but he is also a little bit more hip hop and pop. He’s developed his craft along the way following in the footsteps with the rest of his incredibly musically talented family.”

In addition to the stellar lineup of headliners hitting the stage are some

local favorites handpicked by the CSDD team to keep the good vibes going all day long.

Along with the vendor fair, there will be non-partisan voting registration, the Fredrick Douglass Foundation will be present, and health and wellness opportunities like the Vision Screening Project will also be available. The Can-Do Coldwell Trolley in downtown Fayetteville will be running 30 minute tours focusing on the local history and achievements of Black people in Fayetteville of the past. The historical trolley tour was created by Archivist Nicole Young St. Leone and history professor Charles Anderson of Fayetteville State University.

Additional activities include a student art show to showcase the talent of artists in Fayetteville run by FSU Professor of Fine Arts and CSDD Board Member Dwight Smith. Authors of Fayetteville will be highlighted with a book fair made possible by a partnership with the Cumberland County Library and The Wanted Outlaws, an all Black local equestrian group, will be present to educate the public on horse care and the importance of equine therapy.

“Events like these don’t happen in a vacuum, it is definitely not done by magic elves, we always need volunteers,” said Bennett. Business owners can get in on the action promoting their presence by reaching out at the website, www.downtownfayetteville. com for volunteer and partnership and vendor information and vendor opportunities. Interested parties can also email at info@coolspringfay. org.

Mark your calendars for the Juneteenth Jubilee! Downtown Fayetteville will be alive with celebration and artistry all day, so come on down, find a new favorite song, learn something new and have a good time.

“It reminds me why I do what I do, I do it to bring joy to people’s lives,” said Bennett. “One of the things I’m most proud of is we work hard to encourage and design events that everyone feels welcome at, and when I look at our events, I see the full diversity of our community doing just that. That makes every late night email and last minute run to the store worth it, because it’s all about the joy.”

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY COOL SPRING DOWNTOWN DISTRICT

of Bob Marley,

>> By Stephanie Meador

Happy anniversary!

DOGWOOD STATE BANK CELEBRATES FIVE YEAR ANNIVERSARY; FAYETTEVILLE BRANCH BOASTS GROWTH OVER

FIRST YEAR AND A HALF IN OPERATION

Dogwood State Bank, a North Carolina state-chartered community bank, celebrated its five year anniversary in May of 2024. The bank’s CEO Steve Jones shared some statistics about the bank in light of the anniversary:

Over the course of five years, Dogwood State Bank has:

Grown from three markets in NC to 10 markets in the Carolinas.

Provided total credit of over $2.6 billion to individuals and businesses in our communities, including $300 million in PPP loans.

Established an SBA division that is currently ranked #2 in the state of NC and #26 in the nation.

Grown deposits by $936 million (358 percent).

Grown loans by $966 million (448 percent).

Grown tangible book value per share from $7.58 to $10.82 (43 percent).

Raised $157 million in capital, increasing the price per share in the stock offerings from $10 to $20.

“As you can tell from these results, it is obvious that the entire Dogwood team remains focused on top-tier performance. Our culture of love and respect remains a guiding force shaping our actions and interactions with both customers and each other. Without your tireless efforts and unwavering support, we would not be where we are today. The coming weeks and months present another exciting time for our company, and I look forward to our pending merger with Community First Bank,” shared Jones in a

statement regarding the anniversary.

At the end of 2022 Dogwood State Bank announced the opening of its newest location in Fayetteville, NC. The full-service branch is located at 225 Green Street and works to continue the bank’s vision of revitalizing community banking through the development of long-lasting relationships.

“The overall performance of the Fayetteville location is really, from a personal perspective, it’s humbling. The response from the community, from the customers has been more than I could have ever expected,” remarked Greg Reames, Dogwood State Bank Regional President for Eastern North Carolina.

Since its opening, the Fayetteville branch has grown to over $135 million in total portfolio; $63 million in loans and $72 million in deposits.

“That growth is pretty exemplary,” added Reames. “I mean, it’s just

fantastic to see how the community has embraced Dogwood and the team and really liked what we have to offer.”

Dogwood State Bank opened their Fayetteville branch in the former Systel building, a landmark in downtown Fayetteville.

“Keith Allison and the entire Allison family are great members of this community and they’re unbelievable landlords. We love being in that iconic building…to be in that landmark, [and] to see its kind of revitalization, they’re doing a lot of work on it and to be part of that is fantastic.” remarked Reames.

PHOTO BY GFBJ

Dogwood State Bank CEO Steve Jones and Regional President Greg Reames.