Greater Fayetteville Business Journal - August 11, 2023 Issue

COME ON DOWNTOWN

Daphne Sanitz, a Veteran entrepreneur, has made quite the name for herself through her work of “preserving what most throw away” here in Fayetteville. Sanitz has developed eight properties in downtown Fayetteville including the building at 108 Person St. which now hosts the popular restaurant CIRCA 1800.

Walking through vibrant Downtown Clinton, located in the heart of Sampson County, guests can see a combination of history, community and growth. This is due in part to the City’s cooperation with Main Street America (MSA), a nationwide program dedicated to preserving, building and showcasing downtown areas.

Sanitz spoke with the Greater Fayetteville Business Journal about her latest project, the Kress Lofts on Maxwell St.

Sanitz first began the steps to renovating the Kress building in 2017.

Established in 1980 as a program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, MSA was created as a way to address the myriad of issues

PHOTO PROVIDED BY: DARDEN JENKINS

An artist's rendering of the fully renovated Kress Lofts building. Daphne Sanitz has developed eight historic properties in Downtown Fayetteville.

Fayetteville native finds restoring historic buildings to be a rewarding outlet for her artistic expression

PHOTO PROVIDED BY GFBJ

rehabilitated buildings,

façade improvement projects, $6,544,000 in

volunteer hours valued at $257,127.

COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE

Sending piggies to the market

SMITHFIELD FOODS INC. REFLECTS ON THEIR IMPACT AS ONE OF THE LARGEST EMPLOYERS IN SAMPSON COUNTY AND THEIR LOCAL COMMUNITIES

Smithfield Foods, Inc., a pork producer and manufacturing company that was founded in Virginia in 1936, employs 60,000 people across the United States, Europe and Mexico. In the rural area of Sampson County, one of its facilities is reaching into a variety of sectors and community organizations to the benefit of the region.

According to the NC Pork Council, the hog and pork processing industry is booming in North Carolina. In fact, they report that for each “job in pork production, an estimated 2.2 additional jobs are created, meaning the industry supports more than 44,000 total jobs in North Carolina.”

Moreover, Sampson County ranks second in the state for hog production, and Sampson is the top county for agriculture in the state.

The organization says that the pork industry accounts for 6,100 jobs in the county; Smithfield reports that their pork-processing facility in Clinton employs approximately 1,600 people.

According to North Carolina Department of Commerce data, Smithfield Foods was the largest employer in Sampson County in 2022.

Smithfield Foods further boosts the agricultural landscape by partnering with more than 2,100 contract growers in the United States who raise hogs for the company.

“We are grateful for our partnerships with our contract growers. They play a vital role in our ongoing mission to produce good food the right way,” said Ray Atkinson, director of external communications for Smithfield Foods.

According to North Carolina’s Sampson County Economic Development Commission’s 2022 Annual Report, the top industry in the county is “agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting.”

The company hopes that their agricultural efforts will make an impact on the industry nationwide. “Smithfield Foods has pledged $10 million over the next three years to build a stronger, more inclusive agricultural future,” said Atkinson, “by financially and technically supporting America’s minority farmers.”

Smithfield has made great strides to improve their sustainability – something they have been a leader in for over 20 years. “We were the first in

our industry to announce an absolute greenhouse gas (GHG) emission-reduction goal and first to commit to becoming carbon negative by 2030,” Atkinson said.

In fact, as of last year, Smithfield Foods was on track to accomplish those goals. Across the country’s facilities, the company hopes to reduce GHG by 30 percent. They also aim to get 50 percent of their electricity needs met by renewable resources.

“We’re converting manure into renewable energy at our hog farms in North Carolina, Missouri and Utah, displacing methane emissions and powering local energy grids with clean, renewable low-carbon renewable natural gas,” said Atkinson.

In Sampson County, all of the Smithfield Foods facilities and farms are International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 14001 certified.

“ISO 14001 specifies the requirements for an environmental management system that organizations can use to enhance their environmental performance,” Atkinson said.

The ISO, based in Geneva, Switzerland, is an organization with a membership of 168 national standard

bodies. The independent non-governmental organization crosses international barriers to publish and develop standardization across several different sectors.

While Smithfield Foods’ impact reaches into the energy, agriculture, and manufacturing sectors, it doesn’t stop there. The company strives to serve the community through partnerships and other support. To name a few, here are some contributions made by Smithfield to Sampson County:

• A $20,000 contribution to the Clinton Police Department in 2022 to purchase a bomb-sniffing dog

• A F irst Responder Appreciation Luncheon to acknowledge the work of EMS, firefighters, and law enforcement

• Support in fundraising activities for Clinton Kiwanis and Clinton Rotary

• Support in fundraising activities for Sampson Community College Foundation and an additional annual donation of five $1,000 scholarships

• Support and assistance for fundraising efforts for the Sampson Regional Medical Center Foundation

• Sponsors of annual Coharie People’s Coharie Pow Wow.

The company also connected with a veteran engagement program called Helping Our Heroes. HOH aids veterans in finding employment and gaining career development skills. Smithfield Foods aims to hire 4,000 veterans by the end of 2025.

For the most part, the facility is fully staffed; when Smithfield is searching for new hires; however, Atkinson said there are ample reasons for job-seekers to apply. “We offer good pay and robust, flexible and affordable benefit plans and programs to support our employees and their families,” Atkinson said.

Additionally, full-time and parttime members of the Smithfield team are eligible for free tuition for a variety of degree and certificate programs as part of an education program in partnership with Guild. The partnership also offers partial funding for other learning programs.

“Smithfield offers more than 200 fully or partially funded programs across 60+ learning partners, including college degrees and certificates in high-growth areas like business, technology, engineering, sustainability and more; high school completion and college preparatory programs; and English language learning,” Atkinson said.

Some of the people on staff in Sampson County have been on board for 40-45 years, Atkinson said, with family members who have come to work at Smithfield Foods as well. The company looks forward to continuing to support and growing with their home in Clinton, NC.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY GFBJ

Smithfield reports that their pork-processing facility in Clinton employs approximately 1,600 people.

PHOTO PULLED FROM THE SMITHFIELD FACEBOOK PAGE Sampson County ranks second in the state for hog production, the Clinton Smithfield location a prime spot for the brand.

4424 Bragg Blvd, Fayetteville, NC 28303 910-240-9697

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Faith Hatton faithh@bizfayetteville.com

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

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Say cheese, Clinton, NC

One of the most fun parts of my job here at the Greater Fayetteville Business Journal is getting to explore the areas we report on.

For this Sampson County focused issue, I was able to really put on my photographer hat and make my way to Clinton, NC to capture photos for some of the most important stories featured in this issue including the City of Clinton's involvement in the Main Street America program (the cover story), the current Star Communications Clinton location to compare to their new headquarters coming to the area (page 5), R & R

Brewing and their new location coming to Downtown Clinton (page 11) and every other possible or potential story subject I could get my lens on. One thing I learned during my time as a broadcast journalist: You can never have too much B-Roll, particularly when going out to rural areas more than 30 minutes away. While I was in North Dakota, I made it a point to get B-Roll of any small towns, oil fields and agriculture related shots I could. That footage would later come in handy when we would have a story break about one of those particular subjects or in the outskirts of an area and it saved me

loads of time when cutting a story together.

I can say that I have pulled over on the side of a field and gotten footage of cows. They are lovely animals and are more curious than afraid of a camera than you would expect. I learned the hard way that they will lick if they are curious.

All I can say is that there is a lot going on in the City of Clinton and rest assured, I made sure to get photos of everything in that area so we are more than ready to help share the stories as they arise.

I hope you enjoy this issue and look forward to our next issues featuring Wonderful Waitstaff on Aug. 25 and Moore County on Sept. 8. Thank you, our readers, for following us throughout our coverage area and for sharing your stories!

We look forward to connecting with you for our next issues!

Star Communications on the rise

STAR COMMUNICATIONS IS MOVING FORWARD WITH EXPANSIONS FOR A NEW FACILITY, FIBER ACCESS AND BOUNCING BACK AFTER THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Star Communications, a member-owned telecommunications company operating in the counties of Bladen, Sampson, Cumberland, Duplin, and Columbus, is bringing its staff together at their new facility in the city of Clinton.

Star CEO Donna Bullard said the company has been resilient through the pandemic and staff displacements that occurred years ago due to the impacts of natural disasters. Now, the company is hoping to bring their staff back under one roof in Sampson County this fall.

“Our headquarters office flooded twice; once from Hurricane Matthew, and then once more a year later when Hurricane Florence came through and flooded our corporate office a second time,” Bullard said. “Since then we have had roughly 65 employees spread out over five temporary locations. That has now turned into five years.”

Bullard called her staff resilient, noting the company is elated to be able to bring everyone back at Star’s new headquarters.

“It's a beautiful, very modern, corporate office that 84 employees will be proud to call home,” she noted. “We were very resilient in the face of a disaster and a pandemic. The best parts are that we can bring everyone together and we can be more efficient.”

While the pandemic, and the resulting business shutdowns, affected many business operations directly, Star continued its work at a time when internet connection and other network services became most vital.

“With us being a utility company, we never really had the opportunity, per se, to be down,” Bullard said. “Members always expect us to be on. We actually work through it all. Our employees are very resilient.”

Bullard also praised the company for keeping its commitments to customers and upholding the company’s values through 63 years of service.

“It's a great feeling,” she said. “Our motto is neighbors serving neighbors. That’s exactly who we are and what we do.”

The depth of the company’s roots in the area is an edge against larger service providers, Bullard said.

“If a member has a problem, most of the time you're going to be able to

call and speak with someone locally that more than likely is their neighbor,” she said. “Our employees go to church in the area, we go to the local grocery stores, our kids are in local schools the same as our customer base. That is what sets us apart as a cooperative.”

Bullard added that having local headquarters is also a plus.

“You can drive into a local office and speak to someone face to face,” she said. “That means a lot.” On the business side, Bullard noted that those local ties also allow Star to better serve the customer. “The advantage we have is knowing our customers’ needs almost simultaneously as they recognize them.”

One of the company’s largest undertakings in the last 20 years is expanding fiber internet connections across North Carolina, with Bullard noting the “great strides” being made in fiber deployment.

Star was one of the companies who

received a Growing Rural Economies with Access to Technology (GREAT) grant as part of Gov. Roy Cooper’s announcement in early July. The latest round of grants, totaling $80 million, will add high-speed internet to 25,825 households and 862 businesses in 33 counties. Star received a GREAT grant to expand its services in Bladen County.

Star currently has roughly 65 percent fiber access to serviceable addresses, which total around 1,458 miles, with more progress expected. “We've come a long way,” Bullard said.

The company’s mission will be to ultimately reach 100 percent fiber service across the board.

“Star is doing as much as we can, as quickly as we can, to deliver broadband to all,” Bullard said. “That is the nationwide initiative. We would love for every member that we serve to have fiber today, immediately, but it does take time and resources.”

One of the challenges Star has faced delivering fiber is being able to source the cable necessary to connect their customers.

“Over the past two years, and this is not an excuse, there have been supply chain issues,” Bullard said. “Even with the funding that has been available, there was a shortage of fiber cable. We do see the supply chain getting better in 2023. It has gotten better, but we're not back where we were pre pandemic.”

During the pandemic, she added, the lead time on fiber orders had companies like Star waiting for about 52 weeks.

Some of those delays in material sourcing have been alleviated by the recent arrival of Corning in North Carolina. The New York state-based company recently opened a new optical cable manufacturing campus in Hickory that can help accelerate U.S. build outs of high-speed fiber broadband networks and connect rural areas.

The advanced manufacturing facility adds hundreds of jobs to Corning’s existing North Carolina workforce of more than 5,000. The new campus is part of a series of investments by Corning totaling more than $500 million since 2020, helping to meet growing fiber and cable demand and strong customer commitments, a press release issued by Corning states.

“High-speed internet is critical for North Carolinians to work, learn, get health care online, and connect with one another,” Gov. Cooper said in a statement. “Manufacturers like Corning know our strong workforce and economy make North Carolina the best place to do business, and we’re glad to partner with them to create more good paying jobs in Hickory.”

Lead times on sourcing fiber cable were reduced by about 60 percent for Star with the recent Corning plant opening, Bullard said.

“We were able to get truckloads of fiber most recently and that's been a big help in the mission of deploying fiber locally,” she noted.

Bullard assured consumers that the company is working hard to expand fiber coverage.

“We are coming,” she said. “It’s just a matter of time and resources.”

The advantage we have is knowing our customers’ needs almost simultaneously as they recognize them.

— Donna Bullard, CEO Star Communications

Donna Bullard

PHOTO PROVIDED BY STAR COMMUNICATIONS

A digital rendering of the new Star Communications headquarters, a new corporate office that will be the office for 84 employees.

>> By Faith Hatton

From DOWNTOWN, page 1

facing older and historic downtowns during that time.

Now, 42 years later, the program is working with a nationwide network of coordinating programs and local communities. MSA has also helped over 2,000 communities across the country bring economic vitality back to their downtowns, celebrate their historic character and bring communities together through a number of revitalization programs.

The City of Clinton was one of the first 12 communities designated as a Main Street community in 1982 and is one out of four downtown areas within the Greater Fayetteville Business Journal’s coverage area to be a part of the program. Other members include the City of Dunn, the Town of Aberdeen and the City of Lumberton.

The City of Clinton is continuing their partnership after renewing their status as a Main Street America Community Member receiving their 2023 affiliation status earlier this year, with plans to continue seeing economic growth.

“The NC Main Street Program requires us to report annual statistics for façade improvements, public and private investment, volunteer hours, etc. As of 2022, Clinton has reported 86 rehabilitated buildings, 146 façade improvement projects, $6,544,000 in public investment and $9,354,000 in private investment, 12,639 volunteer hours valued at $257,127,” shared Mary M. Rose, Planning Director/Main Street Director, Clinton Planning and Development Department.

MSA offers four tiers of membership: Main Street America Community Member, General Member, Friend of Main Street and Allied Member.

As a recognized MSA Community Member, the City of Clinton has access to benefits including eligibility to apply for the Great American Main Street Awards and other special awards and grant programs, access to MSA provided publications, resource guides and training materials, tools for commercial district revitalization and more.

“The Clinton Main Street Program has been a Nationally Accredited Program for several years and we look forward to pursuing National Accreditation again in 2024,” shared Rose, “To be designated as

a nationally accredited Main Street Program, it does involve participating in partnerships with other community organizations, investing in the promotion of the Downtown area, and maintaining and growing the volunteer base which enables the program to successfully support businesses, hold events, and beautify the Downtown area.”

City staff have utilized these resources over the past four decades to bring economic and commercial development to the area.

“The City of Clinton and Clinton Development Corporation have invested in three successful multi-million dollar streetscape projects since 2000. Our last project was completed in 2012 and as a capstone of that project, featured our award winning “Milling Around” public art piece,” shared Rose. “Each time public funds have been invested in these streetscape projects, private investment has followed.”

The City continues its work improving critical infrastructure thanks to funding from the MSA program and other projects through funding from the State of North Carolina.

The City of Clinton and Clinton Main Street Program are currently in the design phase for their Phase IV Downtown streetscape project

which will extend underground utilities and pedestrian improvements down Wall and Lisbon Streets just off of the Courthouse Square.

In addition, the City has recently been awarded a Rural Transformation Grant by way of the Department of Commerce in the amount of $350,000 to do interior and exterior improvements to the City owned Sampson Community Theater building on Fayetteville Street, the latest in a long string of progress.

Rose also shared that collaboration with other Main Street America members plays an important part in keeping new innovative ideas flowing.

“We often share ideas, and visit other Main Street communities to learn more about how they are successfully using the Main Street approach. In July a group of Clin-

ton Main Street Program Design and Promotion Committee members visited Kinston (another Main Street community) to learn more about their public art. Also in July, another group of staff and Clinton Main Street volunteers visited Wilson to learn more about their successful redevelopment projects. We often refer to these visits as “Main Street to Main Street” visits. Our fellow Main Street communities are always willing to share valuable information with us,” said Rose.

Rose shared that long term goals for the City include continuing to focus on expanding business support and recruitment efforts, building on the successful streetscape projects with additional Phase IV and V projects within the next 10 years, as well as growing special events and public art.

Another achievement which is close at hand is the creation of a 501c3 non-profit organization which will enable the City of Clinton to tap into additional funding resources to support these growing efforts.

“Each city and town in the National Main Street program utilizes the NC Main Street four point approach to address their own identified needs and goals. Clinton places a strong focus on small business support, promotional events, and public art and beautification efforts,” shared Rose. “All four points of design, promotion, organization and economic vitality are used to create a vibrant Downtown.”

PHOTO PROVIDED BY CITY OF CLINTON

The award winning “Milling Around” public art piece found in the heart of Downtown Clinton was installed in 2012 as a capstone of a multimillion streetscape project.

Clinton places a strong focus on small business support, promotional events, and public art and beautification efforts.”

— Mary M. Rose

“

ACHIEVERS

Sampson County Board Of Education announces new CTE/Federal Programs Director

The Sampson County Schools Board of Education approved the recommendation from SCS Superintendent Dr. Jamie King to promote JOHN GOODE, principal of Lakewood High School to SCS Career and Technical Education and Federal Programs director. The decision was made at their regular monthly board meeting held on July 24.

Goode moves into his new role with over 20 years of experience in education. Prior to serving as the principal of Lakewood High School since 2016, Goode was the assistant principal and principal of Midway Middle School from 2007 to 2016. He began his teaching career as a social studies teacher at Midway High School in 2002.

In addition to his work with Sampson County Schools, he has worked since 2014 as an adjunct instructor of History for Sampson Community College, Wayne Community College and the University of Mount Olive.

Before transitioning into public education, Goode worked for 14 years with the National Park Service and the North Carolina Department of Natural & Cultural Resources. He is certified by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission as a Hunter Education Instructor and Range Safety Officer.

Goode holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, completed 30 credit hours of master's level work in History at North Carolina State University and completed his Master of School Administration, Curriculum and Instruction from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke.

“We are excited to have Mr. Goode join our team in the central office and know that his experience in Sampson County Schools will serve us well,” said SCS Superintendent Dr. Jamie King in a press release.

Goode will remain principal at Lakewood High School until his replacement is hired.

NC Military Business Center welcomes Trent

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.”

Ensley as Business Development Professional for the Fort Liberty region

TRENT ENSLEY joined the North Carolina Military Business Center (NCMBC) at Fayetteville Technical Community College in July 2023 to support North Carolina businesses as a Business Development Professional. In this role, he connects North Carolina businesses and organizations to relevant Department of Defense and federal business opportunities; identifies lucrative and attractive solicitations and provides this information to NC businesses; helps match North Carolina capabilities with federal requirements; and helps North Carolina companies prepare, present and execute strategies to win federal business.

Ensley’s geographic area of responsibility includes: Bladen; Cumberland; Columbus; Harnett, Richmond, Robeson, Sampson and Scotland counties. He will monitor contracting activities with the Mission and Installation Contracting Command for: Fort Liberty; Fort Campbell; Fort Drum; Fort Stewart; Fort Moore; and Fort Eisenhower, as well as the Department of Defense Education Activity.

“The business development team is the heart of the NCMBC,” said Scott Dorney, NCMBC Executive Director in a press release. “Ensley’s experience - from both the business and government contracting perspectives - will serve him well in assisting businesses of all sizes and experience levels in competing for federal contracts.”

Ensley joins the team with over 30 years of experience at the federal and local government levels.

While in the US Army, he served in various assignments in the Field Artillery and the Army Acquisition Corps, including service as a contracting officer on the teams supporting the M109 Paladin Howitzer program and US Marine Corps/US Army Joint Lightweight Howitzer program.

Following his military service, Ensley held several positions as a contracting officer or procurement manager with the US Postal Service (USPS) and Department of Housing and Urban Development, culminating with service as the director of procurement policy for the USPS in Washington, D.C. Prior to joining the NCMBC, he served as the procurement manager for the Fayetteville Public Works Commission.

Ensley earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Western Carolina University and his Master of Science in Management, Acquisition and Contracting from the US Naval Postgraduate School.

Town of Lillington promotes new Assistant Director of Public Works Department

SKYLER RUSSELL was promoted to Assistant Director of the Lillington Public Works Department on July 17. The Town Board, along with coworkers and other staff, wished him all the best in his new leadership position.

Russell began work for the Town in January 2016 and he’s steadily progressed through the ranks since

then. He sets a high bar by example, standing out among his peers and he was awarded Employee of the Year in 2019.

“There’s a host of reasons for this well-earned advancement,” said Town Manager Joseph Jeffries in a press release, “And the common denominator with Skyler is a high quality work ethic”.

Jeffries said that Lillington routinely evaluates the most efficient provision of services and with rapid growth in residential development the staffing is a big focus in all departments. Russell is originally from Savannah, Georgia and he’s lived in North Carolina off and on since 1999. Now he and his family have made Harnett County their home.

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner joins FirstHealth Behavioral Services

FirstHealth Behavioral Health Services is thrilled to announce the addition of a new team member, SHELLEY ALLISON, PMHNP, a skilled and compassionate mental healthnurse practitioner.

With a strong background in nursing and a passion for behavioral health services, Allison brings several years of nursing experience and dedication.

Allison was inspired to pursue a career in nursing after witnessing a loved one’s battle with opiate addiction and pancreatitis. Recognizing the profound impact that nurses can have on individuals during their most vulnerable moments, Allison chose to study nursing and psychology.

She obtained her bachelor’s degree in nursing with a minor in psychology from Abilene Christian University in Abilene, Texas. She has eight years of experience in medical/surgical care, intermediate care, inpatient psychiatric and detox/residential nursing. Allison has experience caring for pediatrics, adolescents and adults with mental illness. She most recently served as charge nurse in the adult inpatient psychiatric unit at Moore Regional Hospital in Pinehurst.

Ensley

Goode

Russell

Allison

From ACHIEVERS, page 8

Driven by a desire to make a greater difference in the lives of patients and within the community, Allison pursued advanced education to become a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner.

She obtained her master’s degree in nursing in the psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner program at Walden University in 2022.

“I love that I am able to develop deeper relationships with patients while partnering with them to work toward their mental health goals,” she said in a press release. “It is inspiring to walk with someone through challenging times and celebrating their victories. I find joy in supporting such journeys.”

Originally from Texas, Allison found her way to the Sandhills area in 2020 due to her husband’s military service.

When she’s not caring for patients, Allison enjoys expressing her creativity through painting and embroidery and maintaining a healthy lifestyle through running. Additionally, she and her husband cherish

bizfayetteville.com

quality time with loved ones, including their two furry companions.

Greater Fayetteville Chamber welcomes two new members to its Board of Directors

The Greater Fayetteville Chamber is pleased to announce the addition of two individuals to its Board of Directors. With their extensive expertise and unwavering commitment to the community, these new board members will undoubtedly contribute to the Chamber's vision of building a prosperous & resilient community through business leadership in the Greater Fayetteville area.

The Greater Fayetteville Chamber’s Board of Directors plays a vital role in guiding the organization's strategic initiatives, supporting local businesses and advocating for a thriving business environment.

The addition of these two new members further strengthens the Chamber's leadership team, bringing fresh perspectives and proven local ideas to the table.

MR. RALPH HUFF – Huff Family

Office, formally of H&H Homes, one of the largest builders of new homes for sale in North and South Carolina. They build new homes and new home communities in Fayetteville, he currently develops lots for local, regional & national builders. HFO currently develops in excess of 350 apartments a year regionally.

MR. WILLIAM (BILL) HEDGEPETH II – Consultant, former Chief Executive Officer and President of a local community bank for 18 years with a demonstrated history of opening banking institutions and working in the financial services industry for 38 years in and around the Fayetteville area.

Mr. Hedgepeth has served many positions on the Chamber Board

Nighttime Could Be the Right Time to Save.

With PWC’s New Super Off-Peak Rate

On May 1, PWC introduced a new optional Whole Business rate that features significantly lower rates (more than 46% lower than our current Off-Peak rates) for electricity used during Super Off-Peak Hours, 9:00 PM – 5:00 AM 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 PM and 5:00 AM

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.

of Directors in the past including Chairman.

“These two individuals bring an impressive wealth of experience, expertise and dedication to our Board,” said Gary Rogers, the Chairman of the Chamber’s Board of Directors in a press release. “We are excited to have them join our esteemed Board and look forward to the valuable insights they will provide as we continue to advocate for our business community and strengthen our Chamber’s voice for our members.”

The Greater Fayetteville Chamber remains committed to serving its members and fostering an environment where businesses can thrive. Through networking opportunities, advocacy and educational resources, the Chamber works tirelessly to support economic development and prosperity for their members.

“The addition of Mr. Huff & Mr. Hedgepeth as board members strengthens the Chamber's ability to meet the evolving needs of our business community and helps to further solidify the strength of the Chamber in the Fayetteville area,” concluded Rogers.

Expansion into Sampson

SAMPSON MEDICAL GROUP OF SPIVEY’S CORNER OPENS ITS DOORS TO NEW PATIENTS IN THE AREA

Sampson Regional Medical Center announced the opening of its newest primary care practice, Sampson Medical Group of Spivey’s Corner on June 26, 2023.

Located in the heart of Spivey’s Corner, this facility aims to provide comprehensive medical care to individuals of all ages, ranging from newborns to older adults.

Spivey’s Corner is the third location for Sampson Medical Group, with additional locations in Clinton and Newton Grove.

Healthcare leadership offered insight on why the hospital selected Spivey’s Corner as the next site for Sampson Medical Group’s expansion:

“We understand the importance of quality and convenient healthcare services, especially in rural areas,” explained Dr. Shawn Howerton,

Chief Executive & Chief Medical Officer of Sampson Regional Medical Center in a press release. “Our aim is to make primary care services closer to home for residents across Sampson County, saving patients valuable time and ensuring access to top-notch healthcare.”

The Company prides itself on having a team of dedicated healthcare professionals and a patient-centered approach. Sampson Medical Group of Spivey’s Corner strives to establish long-lasting relationships with each individual under their care.

The lead provider for the newest location is Dr. Susie Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald was a provider at Sampson Convenient Care located in Clinton and said she looked forward to her transition to the new practice location. “I’m excited to meet the residents of Spivey’s Corner and local communities. I have a passion for

rural healthcare and making connections with each of my patients,” stated Fitzgerald in a press release.

Dr. Fitzgerald is known for her commitment to patient well-being and her expertise in providing comprehensive primary care services. With her extensive knowledge and compassionate nature, she will play a pivotal role in delivering exceptional

medical care to the community.

“We are proud to offer a wide range of services at our practice, including routine check-ups, preventive care, chronic disease management, immunizations, and much more. We also understand the urgency when patients are not feeling well and will offer same-day sick visits to ensure timely treatment for those in need,” shared Fitzgerald in a press release.

Fitzgerald also has a strong interest in women’s health and offers many in-office procedures and evaluations that address women’s health concerns through each stage of life.

“I invite the residents of Spivey’s Corner and the surrounding areas to experience our compassionate care and convenience firsthand. We look forward to meeting each of you as we open our doors to the community,” concluded Fitzgerald.

The new location in Spivey’s Corner is the third location for Sampson Medical Group, with additional locations in Clinton and Newton Grove.

Building potential

R & R BREWING OWNER RYAN ROBERTS DREAMS BIG FOR NEW SPACE COMING TO HISTORIC DOWNTOWN CLINTON

Amajor new addition is on its way to Historic Downtown Clinton as plans progress for Sampson County’s first ever taproom coming soon to 104 Fayetteville Street.

R & R Brewing, a microbrewery originating in Mount Olive, NC specializing in over 10 house made brews is continuing to make progress towards officially breaking ground on their second location which will be located in the historical Henry Vann Building.

Built in the early 20th century and the previous home of the Vann Motor Company, the Henry Vann Building will soon be a place for members of the community to Rest- Relax- Enjoy in the new R & R Brewing taproom, restaurant area and community hangout space.

Originally announced by the City of Clinton in early 2023, Owner and head of “Hoperations” Ryan Roberts shared that early structural work has begun to pave the way to begin fully renovating the space.

The new location will be an increase in space for R & R Brewing, with their Mount Olive location measuring around 1,000 square feet of taproom space (excluding the brewery) and their new location measuring to around 8,000 square feet.

Standing in the large, hollowed out space, Roberts’ voice echoes as he describes his dreams for the building.

“There will be two large stairwells there so you can’t see into that area,” said Roberts gesturing to a wall on the left. “This would be what we

would refer to as more of the kitchen side or the restaurant side. I don't really want to call it a restaurant per se because it's still kind of attached,” he says walking through the rustic doorway into the future food service area. “And then there will be a sidewalk entrance there and we're going to have a parking lot entrance here," he says, gesturing to the front doors.”

Working on a historic building doesn't come without rules and regulations.

“We've almost finalized the engineered plans from the architect. Because it is a historic building, there's a bit of a slower process before you

can go in and start swinging hammers. Basically, the local construction company has been able to go in and do some fortifying efforts to make sure that no further roof debris can fall down and kind of stop some of the ‘bleeding’ that may be going on there,” said Roberts.

While the concept plans for the space are still coming together, they currently include a stage space for live music, a place for the community to come and grab a brew and catch a game, an area for games such as skee ball and cornhole , a kitchen area to serve lunch and dinner and an open, dog friendly area.

Remnants of the building's history can be found throughout the space including old storage compartments and even an old car elevator from the building’s time as home of the Vann Motor Company. These are elements that Roberts said he would like preserved.

“We're going to try to incorporate it as much as possible in the redesign and so whether you're on the restaurant side or the foodservice side or the taproom side, if you're going to the restroom, you get a chance to check out this cool piece of history and it makes a good photo op,” said Roberts admiring the car elevator.

Renovations will expand onto the second floor of the building, which is

planned to be converted into a number of apartments and living spaces, with more history also available for the future tenants to see. A steel beam contains a piece of history with Henry Vann’s autograph and a small message proudly on display on one of the ceiling beams.

“You get so used to names of buildings being people that you've never seen, will never meet, will never relate to. And it's funny that you’ve got the name carved on the front of the building and then you actually see where, at one point this person called and placed an order for steel high beams,” said Roberts.

Roberts shared that the choice to move to Clinton really came from a reaction for the community and the amazing level of support they’ve received thus far.

“We've looked at Smithfield and Goldsboro and all these places and Clinton really kind of came up as the front runner there. Being kind of the hub area for the Sampson County demographic and then just really coming over myself. We have a couple of customers in the area, we have a steakhouse here that sells our beer and people love it,” shared Roberts. “It's just intense, the size of it. It's got high ceilings, we've got all the square footage, so it's a great opportunity and it's a large undertaking for sure.”

PHOTO PROVIDED BY GFBJ

R & R Brewing Owner and “Hoperations” Manager Ryan Roberts stands in the future home of their second location in the Henry Vann Building.

PHOTO PROVIDED GFBJ

The future R & R Brewery will take up the entire bottom level of the Henry Vann Building, with the second floor meant to be renovated into apartments.

Largest Employers - Sampson County

Saving time

HISTORIC SAMPSON COUNTY COURTHOUSE CLOCK RESTORED

In an endeavor to revive a cherished piece of history, the Sampson County Public Works came together with timepiece expert Mr. Daniel Williams and began a restoration project for the iconic clock at the Sampson County Courthouse. The Courthouse, which was constructed from 1904 to 1905, has long been graced by the presence of this remarkable timepiece.

Manufactured by Seth-Thomas Clock Co., the clock, with the serial number 1268, was installed on Nov. 10, 1904. Serving as a testament to the craftsmanship, this antique timekeeping masterpiece has captivated generations of courthouse visitors with its traditional and elegant design.

However, the passage of time had taken its toll on the clock's intricate mechanisms. The last maintenance work performed on the clock dates back to the late part of 2021. Several attempts had been made to revive it over the years. The wear and tear on the clock's major components necessitated a more extensive approach to

restore its full functionality.

One of the most significant challenges faced during this restoration endeavor is sourcing suitable replacement parts and conducting routine maintenance for the clock. Although

the team is fortunate to have successfully located the required components this time, the task is becoming increasingly difficult as the clock ages and compatible parts become scarcer. This poses a continuous challenge

for the maintenance team, who are determined to preserve the clock's historical significance for years to come.

Recognizing the importance of minimizing disruptions to the daily operations of the courthouse, the Sampson County Public Works coordinated with the Clerk of Court to schedule all repair and restoration work. The aim was to carry out major repairs during periods when the courthouse is not in session, ensuring minimal impact on the court's proceedings.

Fully restored on June 19, 2023, the Seth-Thomas clock continues to grace the courthouse, reminding visitors of the rich heritage and the past stories it represents.

Sampson County Public Works and Sampson County Clerk of Court remain committed to this precious relic, ensuring that future generations can experience the greatness of this antique masterpiece while preserving an important piece of the courthouse's history.

PHOTO PULLED FROM SAMPSONNC.COM

While restoration efforts were underway, the courthouse remained fully operational as the Sampson County Public Works coordinated with the Clerk of Court to schedule all repair and restoration work.

PHOTO PULLED FROM SAMPSONNC.COM

The passage of time had taken its toll on the clock's intricate mechanisms.The wear and tear on the clock's major components needed more work to restore its full functionality.

Thursday, November 2, 2023

Highland Country Club, Fayetteville, NC

OUR ECONOMIC FUTURE

Ted Abernathy, a nationally respected economic strategist based in North Carolina, will talk about the Fayetteville region’s competitive strengths and weaknesses as well as how the changing landscape in global trade, technology and demographics will impact our community in 2023 and beyond.

Ted Abernathy is the Managing Partner of Economic Leadership, which helps communities and other clients analyze competitiveness, develop strategies and reimagine the future.

In the past nine years, Abernathy and his team have worked on 146 projects in more than 20 states and internationally. He currently serves as economic advisor to the Council of State Chambers and previously held a similar position to the Southern Governor’s Association.

The Ralph and Linda Huff Orangery

Cape Fear Botanical Garden

Fayetteville, NC 28305

TED ABERNATHY Managing Partner Economic Leadership

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.

SAMPSON COUNTY

Zeal Venture LLC

9161 Nor th Salemburg Highway

Roseboro

Agent: Toni Britt Herring

You’ve Got it Maid LLC

7887 Keener Rd

Clinton

Agent: Lara Stephen Johnson

T imeless Traditions LLC

182 Clarke Pl Clinton

Agent: Davina Heaven Frick

Southern Strategies Group LLC

508 Pineview Rd

Clinton

Agent: Marcus Bass

SOUTHERN LAND HARVESTING LLC

546 FIVE BRIDGE RD

CLINTON

Agent: ALEJANDRO GONZALEZ

SnapSource LLC

8490 Keener Rd

CLINTON

Agent: Melissa Grabowski

Sir Burns All Welding LLC

516 Lucas Rd

LES CERAMIC LLC

100 MARGIE LANE UNIT #2

DUNN Agent: EDUARDO HERNANDEZ ALVARADO

Junior J Transportation and Hauling LLC

and Country Club Inc

1127 Offshore Dr

Fayetteville Agent: Janene

Aul

W indsor Trace Property Owners Association Inc.

1216 Hunters Trail

Unique Lear ners Academy LLC

803 Stamper Road Suite E

Fayetteville Agent: Jamailya

Denae Mathews

T iny Veins Solution LLC

3350 Footbridge

Ln Ste 124

Agent: Winton Cornelius

Gilmore

Sensor yScape Studios LLP

201 S. McPherson Church Rd. Suite 226

Fayetteville Agent: Kiona Autry

PINESTAR1014 LLC

5075 MORGANTON RD STE 10C

Fayetteville

Agent: Haywood J Davis

Peace By The River Coaching and Consulting LLC

2543 Ravenhill

Drive Fayetteville

Agent: John J White

Nobility Car riers LLC

1018 Anarine Road

Fayetteville Agent: Steven Sang

Roseboro

Agent: Sean Karl Kincaid II

Sandy Creek Kennels L.L.C.

2297 Charles Newland Rd Dunn

Agent: SANDRA BREWINGTON

PoorBoy Kennel's LLC

599 Parnell Rd Godwin

Agent: Franklin Kyle Parrish

Overhead Bucking Bulls LLC

1766 Feed Mill Road

Roseboro Agent: Jonathan Carl Wilks

N.H.A DREAM HOME CORPORATION

504 Southeast Blvd

CLINTON Agent: ASHRAF AWAWDEH

MSDEL LLC

8490 Keener Rd

CLINTON Agent: Melissa Grabowski

Magnolia Flying Service LLC

410 Coharie Dr Clinton

Agent: Hugh Austin Cundiff

72 Greentree Clinton

Agent: Rafaela Serrano

Glamour & Grace Salon LLC

1197 Lees Chapel Church Rd Dunn

Agent: Christy Bass Walsh

Dark Horse Futures Foundation

300 Westover Road Clinton Agent: Vevlyn Parks Lowe

Carolina Advertising LLC

8490 Keener Rd

CLINTON

Agent: Melissa Grabowski

Blue Oak Investment Group LLC

3254 Har nett Dunn Hwy Dunn

Agent: William Corey Lee

Ar mas Home Remodeling LLC

99 Nor thgate Ln Clinton

Agent: Andres Antonio Armas

Torres

CUMBERLAND COUNTY

Woodlake Golf

Hope Mills

Agent: Gregory G McLean

WHIT MCCOY LLC

6225 TABOR CHURCH RD

FAYETTEVILLE Agent: ROBERT

ALEXANDER MCCOY

West Services Inc.

4050 Billy Joe Lane

Linden Agent: Christopher L West

Wells Plumbing Experts LLC

5026 Cameron Rd

Hope Mills Agent: Clarence Wells

W A C Construction LLC

5704 Nassau Dr

Fayetteville Agent: Will A Caballero Martinez

VANDAN ENTERPRISE LLC

3417 Hayston Ct

FAYETTEVILLE

Agent: INTUITIVE ENTERPRISES LLC

Uptur n Real Estate LLC

3950 Toot St.

Linden

Agent: Terri Leigh Kane

Fayetteville

Agent: Brianna

Danielle Sterling

T idy 90 Nine LLC

2508 Sickle Way

Fayetteville Agent: Cedric Rice

The Branding Boss LLC

290 Shads Ford Blvd

Fayetteville Agent: Selena

Delia Kehleay

Tennessee Walker Investments LLC

639 Executive Place Suite 400

Fayetteville Agent: James

Patrick Raynor

Sycamore Dair y Apartments LLC

2709 Thor ngrove Court Suite 1

Fayetteville Agent: R.J. Williams

Sumthin Major Inc

5909 Hirams Court

Hope Mills

Agent: Sharjuan P. Burgos

Stoley's Trucking LLC

8121 Galwood Drive

Linden

RESIDENCES BLV LLC

325 N COOL SPRING STREET

APT 16

FAYETTEVILLE Agent: BRENDA

VANDERBILT

Reliable Truck Transporters LLC

6101 LOUISE ST

Fayetteville Agent: Philomina

Cheruiyot

Realty with Kyaira LLC

413 Preston Ave

Fayetteville

Agent: Kyaira J Secord

Ray Real Estate Enterprise Inc.

6853 TOWBRIDGE RD

Fayetteville Agent: George T Ray

Pure Serenity LLC

100 Hay Street

Ste 503

Fayetteville Agent: Abundant Living Consulting Corporation LLC

PM Holdings LLC

400 Westwood Shopping Center

Ste 210

Fayetteville Agent: Lonnie M. Player Jr.

Dr. Ste E

Fayetteville

Agent: Andrea M Hayes

Patience Amour LLC

5075 Morganton Rd STE 10c

#1075

Fayetteville Agent: Latrise Danielle Derricks

OUR VERY OWN TRUCKING COMPANY LLC

1120 Torrey Dr

Fayetteville

Agent: EVAN

JOVAN DODSON

OJ Pressure Washing LLC

610 Birdsong Ln. #108

Fayetteville Agent: Roberto David Ortiz

OGV ibes NC LLC

1017 Hope Mills Road

Fayetteville Agent: Shavarous

Antyone Inman

Odyessey Webb PLLC

946 Pecan Grove Loop

Hope Mills Agent: Odyessey Webb

Nor th Carolina

Sports Officials Association LLC

4068 Ardenwoods

HARNETT COUNTY

KHB Recovery Inc

347 W ilson Rd. Sanford

Agent: Rhonda W Tyner

TLC International Ser vices Inc.

150 True Blue Dr. Broadway Agent: Tasha Lavette Ellis

Backroad Babies LLC

8238 NC 27 Coats

Agent: Felicia Quick

Finishing Touch Painting Services LLC

770A greenleaf rd Suite A

Angier Agent: Elisaac John Hart

Wizard Vinyl Siding LLC

325 N Willow Street

Angier Agent: Oakland J Grady

KTB Utilities Inc.

257 Porch Swing Ln.

Fuquay Varina

Agent: Krystle

Lynn Matthews

Holding down the healthcare fort

SAMPSON COMMUNITY COLLEGE CELEBRATES THE SUCCESS OF ITS NURSING STUDENTS

It’s no easy path and certainly not the fit for everyone, but those who pursue a career in nursing are essential to our communities and the wellbeing of our society. Becoming a nurse is an honorable aspiration, and it takes hardwork and dedication to get there.

Sampson Community College, located in Clinton, NC, offers programs such as two-year degrees, college transfer, continuing education and workforce development options and early college education. The institution is also home to a thriving nursing program.

According to the college’s website, the Associate Degree Nursing curriculum at SCC provides knowledge, skills, and strategies to integrate safety and quality into nursing care, to practice in a dynamic environment and to meet individual needs which impact health, quality of life, and achievement of potential.

Over the course of four semesters, students complete work that builds upon the domains of healthcare, nursing practice and the holistic individual. Following graduation, students are equipped to find employment within a variety of oppor-

tunities within the global health care system.

Sampson Community College’s ADN program earned a 100 percent pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). SCC’s 2023 graduating class of nurses was one of the largest since the onset of the pandemic, making the accomplishment even more notable.

According to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), out of the 22 N.C. associate degree programs represented, Sampson Community College was in the top 10 largest groups to obtain a 100 percent NCLEX pass rate during

January - June 2023— with each of its candidates succeeding on the first try.

Each of the 35 Spring graduates is now prepared to practice as an entry-level nurse.

Dr. Veronica Stevens, Division Chair of Health Programs at SCC, elaborated in a press release, “The class of 2023 received the west version of the exam. The Next Generation NCLEX focuses on clinical judgment and assesses the ability to analyze patient data and make sound clinical decisions. The test was more difficult with an increased focus on caring for more critically ill pa-

tients. The faculty worked tirelessly to ensure that students were prepared for the substantial changes.”

With a shortage of healthcare workers across the nation, there is a great need for passionate, well-educated nurses to serve members of the community.

“I am extremely proud of our students for achieving a 100 percent passage rate on the National Council Licensure Examination,” Stevens congratulated in a press release. “This is an amazing accomplishment in light of significant challenges presented by the pandemic as well as faculty turnover. We are grateful for continuous strong administrative support. We could not successfully administer our programs without the help of the entire SCC family.”

Students enrolling in for-credit curriculum courses and seeking financial assistance can apply for multiple forms of aid to help pay for school such as Federal Student Aid and SCC Foundation Scholarships.

More information about the ADN program at SCC and how to apply, can be found online at www.sampsoncc.edu/ adn.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY GFBJ Sampson Community College offers programs such as two-year degrees, college transfer, continuing education and workforce development options and early college education.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY SAMPSON COMMUNITY COLLEGE Sampson Community College’s Associate Degree Nursing program Class of 2023.

MILITARY AFFILIATED AND VETERANS STUDENT RESOURCE CENTER