Greater Fayetteville Business Journal - February 14, 2025 issue
In 1825, Fayetteville’s namesake forged his path across a fledgling nation, spreading the spirit of liberty and unity. Now, Fayetteville prepares to honor this prominent figure of the American Revolutionary War with a celebration 200 years in the making. The Lafayette Society, in partnership with the American Friends of Lafayette are excited to announce the Lafayette Farewell Tour Bicentennial Celebration, taking place on March 4 - 5. This celebration encompasses
PHOTO
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>> By Stephanie Meador
Legacy builders
HOME BUILDERS ASSOCIATION OF FAYETTEVILLE HOSTS FIRST EVENT IN NEW INDUSTRY INSIGHT
SERIES
The Home Builders Association of Fayetteville (HBAF) hosted real estate professionals from the area at Segra Stadium’s Aevex Veteran’s Lounge on Feb. 6 for the first event in their newly created Industry Insight Series.
This event titled “Building the Past: Legacy Builders Panel” featured four industry veterans, all of whom once served as president of the HBAF. Murray Duggins, Ralph Huff, Harold Kidd and Billy Wellons took to the stage to share about their experiences, challenges and the evolution of home building in the region over the past 50 years.
Shawn Groover, the creator of the event series, served as the moderator for the event. One of the highlights of this discussion and one of the reasons Groover proposed that the first event in the series feature these real estate veterans was the emphasis on the benefits to having a mentor in the field. Mentorships and partnerships were mentioned frequently throughout the discussion as these four men discussed what helped them achieve success.
“These guys are all local builders, and part of the Home Builders’ mission is to bring people together in the industry…we’re excited to have everybody here. I see a lot of friendly faces. I see a lot of people that I know from the industry, but the coolest part is I see a lot of people that I don't know, and I think that's exciting for our association,” shared Groover.
KEY TAKEAWAYS FOR YOUNG PROFESSIONALS IN THE INDUSTRY INCLUDED:
Be responsible.
In the end, hard work pays off. Business partners will remember the people who made good on their word and followed through on deals that had been agreed to. “Be sure to have a good relationship with your bankers, and keep in mind they're in the business to make money…the main thing is to do what you say you’re going to do. Pay your notes off,” shared Ralph Huff.
Prepare for the ups and downs. Multiple panelists emphasized the
Kidd, Murray Duggins and Shawn Groover.
industry veterans joined the inaugural panel for HBAF’s first Industry Insights event to share valuable lessons from their decades of expertise.
importance of recognizing that even if things are going really well they can quickly shift towards going very badly. In an industry such as this where risk is part of the game, strategy is key. Have some backup money for the time when things go south and the bank comes knocking at your door. Billy Wellons shared that one of the things he wished he’d known when getting started was “[when] things are going really good, how fast it can turn really bad. And that all depends on how leveraged you are. It depends on how much money you owe. It depends on how diversified you may or may not be.”
Employ a diversification strategy.
Take actions such as investing in different locations and property types to mitigate risk and optimize spending. “Young builders here, as fast as you can, get something diversified, [something] income producing that will help you when times go by the wayside,” remarked Harold Kidd. This concept follows the old saying of “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.” Remain flexible and observant so that as the market changes you have the means and the
knowledge to adapt with it.
Choose your partners and employees carefully.
Harold Kidd shared that when picking a partner it’s important to “make sure that they’re strong and they’ve got as much to lose as you have.” No person achieves success on their own. Every person learns from the successes and failures of those that came before them and must choose who to go into business with in order to maximize their potential. “You have to hire people that have skill sets better than yours. If you think you’re better at everything than everybody else, you’re making a mistake,” remarked Murray Duggins.
Lead in a way that earns respect; respect your competitors and the work they do.
The Home Builders Association serves as a platform for fostering relationships with fellow industry professionals. The panelists emphasized the importance of connecting with other local builders and not letting your ego interfere with potentially beneficial conversations and relationships. “You can run your business,
you can think it’s successful, but if you're going to be respected in the community by your peers, then you’re going to be a part of this organization. And when you become a part of it, you’re going to be responsible and be a part of it and work in it…Everybody’s got their own way of making their things work, but at least when I see another builder in town, I don’t walk up to him like I’m scared of him because he’s my competitor or anything. I respect what he does. And when you sit down and have a conversation with him, most of the time you’re going to take something away from that conversation,” shared Billy Wellons.
During the Q&A portion of the event the panelists were asked about what they predict from the market this year and the year’s to come. Ralph Huff stated and other panelists concurred that interest rates will continue to slowly be reduced. The anticipation is that eventually interest rates will stabilize at about 5%. Once the audience had finished asking questions the crowd gathered for refreshments and networking, fostering those relationships that will help them see success and growth that carries them forward another 50 years.
The sold out event proved a great success and the association is prepared to build off of this momentum. The next event in the series, “Building the Present: Current Builders Panel,” will take place on May 15. Panelists will include Jamie Godwin from A&G Residential, Adam Furr from Furr Construction, Jay Johnson from JSJ Builders and Pat McKee from McKee Homes. These leaders will discuss contemporary building practices, market trends and their vision for the future of home building.
PHOTO BRANDON BOGGS, LIGHTHOUSE VISUALS
Pictured left to right: Adam Furr, Billy Wellons, Ralph Huff, Natalie Fryer, Harold
Four
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You gotta love February, between Black History Month, Valentine’s Day, Groundhog Day, Chinese New Year and the much lesser known National Tortellini Day (also on Feb. 14, mark your calendars for next year) there is so much to celebrate in the month of February!
I would like to thank the community for the outpouring of love and support I received after the news broke of my promotion. For at least three days I received posts across social media, cards, handshakes and more and I am glad to be able to continue my work with the Greater Fayetteville Business Journal in this new role as Associate Publisher. I will also still be working as editor for
the publication and will continue to bring the latest news to the Fayetteville area!
We hope you’ll be able to join us for our upcoming Power Breakfast, the first in 2025, where we’ll hear from Tom Barkin, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond. We will once again be in the Cape Fear Botanical Garden and will be introducing a new format to the event (see page 5 for more).
We hope you enjoy this issue. We explore the upcoming Farewell Tour Bicentennial, a two day event hosted by The American Friends of Lafayette and The Lafayette Society coming up in March. I was introduced to the society and their events last year at the height of Bridgerton’s popu-
larity and look forward to participating this year. We also give a recap of the Home Builder’s Association of Fayetteville and their first ever Industry Insight Series event (page 3).
We hope you enjoy a beautiful Valentine's Day and a wonderful February and don’t forget to find us on www.bizfayetteville.com for the latest updates and development in Cumberland and our surrounding counties!
THE GREATER FAYETTEVILLE BUSINESS JOURNAL IS PROUD TO WELCOME THE COMMUNITY TO THE FIRST POWER BREAKFAST OF 2025
he First Power Breakfast of the year is here. The business community is invited to join the Greater Fayetteville Business Journal (GFBJ) at the Cape Fear Botanical Garden in the Ralph and Linda Huff Orangery on Feb. 27 from 7:30-9:30 a.m.
To break in the new year, attendees will gain valuable insights into the evolving economic landscape from a leading voice in monetary policy. Tom Barkin, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, will share his perspective on key economic trends, challenges and opportunities in 2025.
Barkin has held the position of president and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond since 2018.
Barkin serves on the Fed’s chief monetary policy body, the Federal Open Market Committee and is responsible for the Richmond Fed’s bank supervision and the Federal Reserve’s technology organization. He is “on the ground” continually in the Fed’s Fifth District, which covers South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, D.C., West Virginia and Maryland. His engagement in the region has brought real attention to areas facing economic challenges.
Prior to joining the Richmond Fed, Barkin was a senior partner and CFO at McKinsey & Company, a worldwide management consulting firm, where he also oversaw McKinsey’s offices in the southern United States. Barkin is passionate about engaging firsthand with business, civic and community leaders in the regions served by the Richmond Fed.
Barkin earned his bachelor’s, MBA and law degrees from Harvard University.
“We’re excited about teaming up with Fayetteville Cumberland County Economic Development Corporation to bring Tom Barkin to Fayetteville! Our next Power Breakfast’s title, “Economic Horizons,” is appropriate in that we believe bringing someone of Tom‘s caliber to our area will help us shorten the distance of what the current economy looks like on a national level,” shared Marty Cayton, Publisher of GFBJ. “It’s definitely a must attend event for
TOM BARKIN President & CEO Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond
business owners and executives.”
The event will begin with a networking opportunity from 7:30 a.m. - 8:00 a.m. Following a delicious meal provided by Two Brothers Catering, Mr. Barkin will provide an informed analysis along with an expanded Q&A time from Greater Fayetteville Business Journal and the audience.
Organizations across leading industries in the Fayetteville area will be providing questions to see what unique impact the economy may have on them in the new year. These questions will be featured in a new ‘fireside chat’ format hosted by Power Breakfast MC Faith Hatton.
Following the fireside chat, the audience will be invited to ask questions live.
“I think this will be another entertaining way to deliver information to our audience,” shared Hatton. “Our attendees have really enjoyed the more talk show interview style format we implemented last year.
This is another way we’re working to keep the Power Breakfasts fresh and engaging.”
Space is filling up fast. Get your tickets while they last!
>> By Kate Griffin
From PARTY, page 1
multiple locations around Fayetteville with different educational opportunities at each spot.
“The American Friends of Lafayette four years ago decided this would be a way to educate more people about Lafayette and their goal was threefold, to commemorate, celebrate and educate,” said President Emeritus of the Lafayette Society Dr. Hank Parfitt.
Marquis de Lafayette, the town of Fayetteville’s namesake, served an integral role in the Revolutionary War, and The Lafayette Society aims to educate others on his contributions.
“That was the motivation for this celebration and it’s our goal as the Lafayette Society because a lot of people have forgotten Lafayette was manifold. Not only was he a military leader, he became a very good military strategist who was willing to learn. He was a brash young man but instead of thinking he knew everything he said ‘I am here to learn from you’ when he spoke to George Washington,” said Parfitt.
The Bicentennial Celebration will officially start with a live historical interpretation of Lafayette’s arrival to Fayetteville which will take place at noon on March 4 at Cross Creek Park in downtown Fayetteville. Lafayette will enter town in a horsedrawn carriage, accompanied by his son George Washington Lafayette and Hutchins Burton, the governor of North Carolina in 1825. The Fayetteville Independent Light Infantry will march beside him in uniform as his bodyguard, just as they did in 1825.
Crowds are encouraged to watch the reenactment and to help bring history to life, The Lafayette Society will be sending commemorative, historically accurate ribbons to interest-
ed participants to wear throughout the celebration.
“A lot of people have seen the little ribbons that people wore for presidential elections in the 1800s, so we created one that’s based on a real ribbon, and it’s just an update to reflect that it is the federal tour of 2025,” said Parfitt.
The evening of March 5, a formal ball will take place at the Cape Fear Botanical Gardens complete with Dance Master, Charles Steplively, to teach historically accurate dances of that time period.
Live music by historical music group, Syllabub, will be providing the background atmosphere and dancing music, with all historically accurate pieces from the time period.
A theater element of historical scenes written by Jeremy Fiebig, founder of
Sweet Tea Shakespeare will also be included.
Throughout both days of the event, opportunities to view authentic artifacts and historic replicas will be available, including Methodist University’s Lafayette Collection and the armory museum located downtown which houses the carriage that Lafayette himself journeyed in.
The Lafayette Society has spared no effort in remaining historically accurate in these interpretations. With multiple historical experts involved in composing these scenes and referencing historical documents, the Bicentennial Celebration has a sheer authenticity that is not cheaply replicated.
“We had a good guideline which was a report on the newspaper of the day, which was the Carolina Observer, of course that became the Fayetteville Observer, so we had a contemporaneous report of someone who was there when Lafayette visited Fayetteville in 1825. So this has been very helpful and we have a description of everything from the time he crossed the Clarendon Bridge to cross the Cape Fear River to when he came up Person Street to have his welcome reception,” said Parfitt.
Founded in 1981, The Lafayette Society has been a constructive power in the Fayetteville community. Their beneficial impact extends from scholarly fundings, education and important community resources. In addition, they strive to uphold the legacy of Lafayette, offering knowledge about his valuable participation in the American Revolutionary War
as a military leader and political figure.
“Realizing the value of Lafayette’s vision concerning slavery, human rights, leadership with integrity and women’s rights is aligned with my personal values and [I] am happy to amplify these ideals in our community and use the platform of our event to elevate these values even more,” said Dr. Gwenesta Melton, president of the Lafayette Society. “These current times are chaotic and challenging, [so] looking to commemorate a previous leader with extraordinary leadership is so vital today.”
The Lafayette Society has worked hard to create an immersive, educational experience that has drawn audiences from up and down the East Coast to an elegant and multilayered event, unique to Fayetteville.
“Lafayette, to me, is a symbol of hope and inspiration to our nation. I believe it was a testament to his greatness when President Monroe invited him to visit when our nation needed unity and inspiration during troubling times, much like today,” said Janelle Preman, Co-Chair of the Lafayette Society.
As Fayetteville prepares to honor its unique place in history, the legacy of Lafayette reminds us that liberty, justice and unity are ideals worth celebrating--today, tomorrow and always.
To learn more about the events, make reservations and purchase tickets, go online to www.lafayettesociety.org/ the-grand-tour-bicentennial.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY THE LAFAYETTE SOCIETY
The celebration on the evening of March 5 will feature a theater element of historical scenes written by Jeremy Fiebig, founder of Sweet Tea Shakespeare.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY THE LAFAYETTE SOCIETY
Throughout both days of the event, opportunities to view authentic artifacts and historic replicas will be available.
ACHIEVERS
TRP
Sumner celebrates Trent Williams’
earning CPA license at 21
TRP Sumner proudly recognizes the outstanding achievement of TRENT WILLIAMS, who has officially earned his Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license from the North Carolina State Board of CPA Examiners in the last quarter of 2024.
At just 21 years old, Williams has demonstrated an extraordinary level of dedication and perseverance in his career. After earning his Master’s in Accounting, he successfully passed all four sections of the CPA exam and fulfilled the rigorous licensure requirements, marking a significant milestone in his professional journey.
“Trent’s commitment to excellence is truly inspiring,” said Taylor Stephenson, managing partner, at TRP Sumner in a press release. “His work ethic, drive and passion for the profession reflect the values we uphold at TRP Sumner, and we are thrilled to see him achieve this well-deserved milestone so early in his career.”
“Williams’ achievement highlights the next generation of accounting professionals who are making a profound impact in the industry. As he continues his career at TRP Sumner, we look forward to the contributions he will make in serving our clients with expertise and dedication,” shared the company in a statement.
Devin Heath selected to serve on Destinations International committees
Destinations International (DI) has announced the new members of its 2025 Advocacy Committee and 2025 Social Inclusion Committee members.
These members will work together to recommend partnerships, best practices and resources to communicate the value and impact of destination organizations to their leadership, stakeholders and community.
Among those appointed as members was Fayetteville NC’s very own DEVIN HEATH, president & CEO of DistiNCtly Fayetteville.
Destinations International is the world’s largest and most respected resource for destination organizations, convention and visitors bureaus (CVBs) and tourism boards. With more than 8,000 members and partners from over 750 destinations, the association represents a powerful
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.”
forward-thinking and collaborative community around the world.
Heath will be one of 103 Advocacy Committee members who will, on behalf of the Association, and working with the Association leadership, provide robust support for policies that positively affect the industry and speak out on issues of concern.
Heath will also be one of 83 newly appointed members serving on the Social Inclusion Committee (SIC), working to make the tourism industry a welcoming place for everyone. The SIC is a diverse group of people from all levels of DI’s member organizations, working together to create inclusive environments where everyone feels they belong. They are committed to diversifying the workforce, using research and insights to drive change and building strong partnerships.
FirstHealth of the Carolinas proudly welcomes certified Physician Assistant LINDSEY HUCKBODY to the Cancer Care team. Huckbody will serve patients in the gynecologic oncology team alongside Michael J. Sundborg, M.D., FACOG and Brian T. Burgess, D.O., PH.D., FACOG. Huckbody has previously served patients in gastroenterology, general and bariatric surgery and family medicine. She earned her Master of Science in Allied Health from Methodist University in 2007. Huckbody said she is excited to join the FirstHealth team and called caring for women with
cancer “an honor.”
“Whether it be treating for a cure, extending life or maximizing quality of life, it all matters. I’m excited to work with a group that offers state-of-the-art treatment with minimally invasive robotic surgery and clinical trials; we offer the same care for women as a larger academic center,” she said in a press release. “What has impressed me the most and what I'm most excited about are the people. From the moment you walk into the Cancer Center, the positivity is palpable. A diagnosis of cancer is scary and devastating, but as Mr. Rogers urges in the face of tragedy, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’ Our Cancer Center is filled with helpers and I look forward to being considered one of them.”
Methodist University grad crowned Miss Fayetteville
Methodist University is showing its pride for MU graduate KATIE STRAIN ’21 who won the Miss Fayetteville 2025 Pageant in early February.
“The title of Miss Fayetteville means so much to me,” said Strain in a press release.
Strain earned an Elementary Education degree at MU and is a second-grade teacher at Overhills Elementary in Spring Lake.
Strain was very involved as a student at MU. She was a student ambassador for student scholarships, a sister in Alpha Delta Pi and a member of the cheerleading squad that won the Cheerleading Canam Nationals in 2019.
“Methodist University is more than just a school to me. MU is home,” Strain said in a press
release. “From the moment I stepped on campus, I knew MU was exactly where I needed to be. Navigating college can be overwhelming, but the support I found here made all the difference.”
Strain’s efforts are a testament to never giving up and believing in yourself even when times are hard.
“When I first competed for the title of Miss Fayetteville seven years ago, I struggled with self-confidence and self-worth,” Strain said in a press release “I walked out of the interview room in tears, saying I would never do it again. But I refused to give up. Through hard work and determination, I kept pushing forward… Some goals take a little longer to achieve, but the journey itself is the most rewarding part.”
Long-time CCS employee named Eastern Regional Orchestra
Director of the Year
Cumberland County Schools (CCS) proudly recognizes JANICE R. SWOOPE, lead orchestra director at Reid Ross Classical School, for being named the North Carolina Music Educators Association (NCMEA) Eastern Regional Orchestra Director of the Year. This prestigious honor marks a historic milestone as she becomes the first African-American female to receive this award. Nominees for this award are selected from the North Carolina Orchestra Section which features a group of highly dedicated music educators, committed to fostering musical talent and expanding opportunities for students statewide.
Swoope, an innovator in music education, has served the district for more than 40 years since 1983. Under her leadership, CCS orchestras have consistently achieved top honors at both the state and national levels, which is a testament to the district's excellence in the arts.
Swoope commented about her outlook after being honored in a press release stating:
“I hope that it will inspire those teachers who come behind me to continue to work and persevere. I'm humbled and honored to receive this award.”
Strain
Heath
Williams
Huckbody
Swoope
Promoting a president FIRST BANK APPOINTS ACTING PRESIDENT TO NEW CEO
The Board of Directors of First Bancorp (NASDAQ - FBNC), the parent company of First Bank (the “Bank”), have announced the promotion of G. Adam Currie from President to Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Bank. Currie will replace Michael G. Mayer, who will remain as President of First Bancorp until early 2026.
“This transition is the culmination of a succession plan that has been in place for many years,” said Richard H. Moore, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors of First Bancorp in a press release. “It is my privilege to hand over the reins to Adam at this stage of our Company’s 90-year history. He has demonstrated his astute knowledge of our business and industry and has been instrumental in positioning First Bank for another 90 years of success.”
Currie has served as president of the Bank since November 2023. Previously, he was the chief banking officer beginning in 2021 and served as a regional president for the prior six years. He was hired to expand the Bank’s presence into Charlotte in 2015 after serving as a
managing director of the Financial Institutions Group at PNC Capital Markets and chief operating officer of commercial markets at RBC Bank. He started his career in banking at Bank of America. He has been a key driver of the Bank’s success in multiple regions of our footprint as his territory has ex-
panded over his tenure at the Bank.
“I am honored to assume the role of CEO at First Bank and grateful to lead a company committed to serving our customers, our shareholders, our communities, and each other. As we look to the future, First Bank is poised to thrive thanks to the hard work and insight of Mike Mayer over the last eleven years as CEO.
I am honored to assume the role of CEO at First Bank and grateful to lead a company committed to serving our customers, our shareholders, our communities, and each other.”
— G. Adam Currie CEO, First Bank
I look forward to continuing the Bank's legacy and guiding this company into its next period of growth,” said Mr. Currie in a press release.
Mr. Moore added, “This is an exciting time for First Bank as we see our succession plan come to fruition. Our Board looks forward to supporting Adam as he takes this Company into its next phase.”
Currie, born and raised in Charlotte, NC and currently located in Greensboro, NC, holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and is a graduate of the Graduate School of Banking program at Louisiana State University.
First Bancorp also announced that it, First Bank (collectively, the “Companies”), and Mr. Mayer have entered into an Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, effective Feb. 7, 2025 reflecting the change in Mr. Mayer’s title and responsibilities. The Companies and Christian Wilson also have entered into an Employment Agreement, effective Feb. 7, 2025, setting forth the terms of his role as the chief operating officer.
First Bancorp is a bank holding company headquartered in Southern Pines, North Carolina, with total assets of approximately $12.2 billion. Its principal activity is the ownership and operation of First Bank, a state-chartered community bank that operates 113 branches in North Carolina and South Carolina. First Bank also provides SBA loans to customers through its nationwide network of lenders.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY FIRST BANK
The First Bancorp headquarters building located at 300 SW Broad St. in Southern Pines, NC.
Time for Your Business to Save with Time-of-Use Rates
As a small business, you can save money on your energy bills with PWC’s Time-of-Use billing. Power used during Peak Hours is billed at higher rates (just four hours a day), and power used during Off-Peak Hours is billed at 29% lower rates. During the winter schedule – from November 1 through March 31 – Peak Hours are weekdays from 6:00 am – 10:00 am. Some things you can do to shift your usage and conserve power during Peak Hours:
• Use a programmable “smart” thermostat to keep your heat at the lowest comfortable temperature during Peak Hours and avoid allowing employees to adjust thermostats. Consider setting the schedule to preheat your building(s) during Off-Peak Hours (before 6:00 am), then lower the heat from 6:00 – 10:00 in the morning.
• Schedule non-essential equipment to run during Off-Peak Hours. When possible, schedule required equipment to run sequentially (not concurrently) during Peak Hours.
• Educate your employees on Time-of-Use, encouraging them turn off lighting and equipment they don’t need during Peak Hours and perform non-urgent, high energy-use tasks after 10:00 am.
• The Whole Business (Super Off-Peak) Rate will not be affected by the change to Winter TOU.
For more details on PWC’s Time-of-Use billing: FayPWC.com/Time-Of-UseRates-For-Non-ResidentialCustomers/ See Business Conservation Resources for more ways to save.
Can Do Academy
DISTINCTLY FAYETTEVILLE LAUNCHES NEW TOURISM ACADEMY
DistiNCtly Fayetteville, the destination marketing organization (DMO) for the Fayetteville and Cumberland County, North Carolina region, has announced the launch of The Can Do Academy, a transformative online training program created to equip the local community with the knowledge to deliver engaging visitor experiences.
As one of the first DMO’s in North Carolina to launch this initiative, The Can Do Academy underscores DistiNCtly Fayetteville’s commitment to positively impacting the destination’s tourism economy. The Can Do Academy is a free, interactive learning experience open to anyone. It features 37 comprehensive lessons primarily designed to empower front-line workers at hotels, attractions, restaurants and retailers with a deeper knowledge of Cumberland
County’s tourism assets. The curriculum offers an in-depth exploration of the region’s cultural and historical landmarks, dining establishments, entertainment venues, and community events, ensuring that participants gain a well-rounded understanding of the area. Through multimedia content and real-world scenarios, learners will develop the skills needed to confidently share Fayetteville’s unique experiences with visitors.
“At DistiNCtly Fayetteville, we recognize the vital role that exceptional hospitality plays in shaping our region’s reputation and economic success,” said Devin Heath, CEO of DistiNCtly Fayetteville in a press release. “Cumberland County has so much to offer visitors — from worldclass museums and attractions to our diverse restaurants and breweries — and we are proud to launch The Can Do Academy to empower individuals
to provide an excellent visitor experience.”
DistiNCtly Fayetteville chose to collaborate with Learn Tourism to develop its ambassador course because of the nonprofit’s proven expertise in designing innovative, research-driven training programs tailored to the tourism industry.
Learn Tourism leverages science, psychology and adult learning methodologies — combined with advanced instructional design — to create customized courses that engage, inspire and empower stakeholders. By incorporating behavioral insights and cutting-edge learning techniques, the program ensures participants gain practical knowledge and confidence to enhance visitor experiences and strengthen the local tourism economy.
“We are thrilled to see DistiNCtly Fayetteville launch this impactful
ambassador program,” said Stephen Ekstrom, CEO & Co-founder of Learn Tourism in a press release. “By investing in education and community engagement, they are setting a new standard for destination stewardship and visitor hospitality. We’re proud to have played a role in building a program that will leave a lasting impact.”
For more information about The Can Do Academy, visit: www.fayetteville.thinkific. com/courses/thecandoacademy.
County Commissioners and members of the leadership team brainstorm strategic plans. Pictured from left to right:
Commissioner Jeannette Council, Budget and Performance Director Deborah Shaw, Assistant County Manager Sally Shutt, Board of Commissioners Chairman Kirk deViere, Strategic Planning Facilitator Rebecca Jackson, and Commissioner Henry Tyson.
A productive getaway
CUMBERLAND COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ESTABLISHES COUNTY’S STRATEGIC PRIORITIES AND GOALS DURING TWO-DAY RETREAT
The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners held a twoday strategic planning retreat on Jan. 30 and 31.
The retreat was facilitated by Rebecca Jackson of True North Performance Group and Chris Rey of RC Strategy Group, and brought together Commissioners, County Management and department heads, representatives from the County’s State and Federal legislative delegation and stakeholders to identify community needs and set the County’s strategic direction for the next three years.
In addition to refining the County’s Vision and Mission statements, and Core Values, Commissioners identified seven key strategic priority areas under which they developed goals and actions with measurable outcomes aimed at moving the priorities forward.
The seven priority areas focused on fostering Economic Prosperity, encouraging Quality, Smart Development, championing Responsive, Transparent Government, supporting a High-Performing Education System, providing increased Culture & Recreation opportunities, enhancing Health & Wellness and ensuring
a Safe Community for all residents.
"As this Board works together to move Cumberland County forward, it’s critical we have a shared understanding of where we want to go and how we want to get there, and that our County staff, community partners and residents also understand our priorities,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Kirk deViere in a press release. “This Strategic Planning process allows us to come
together as a Board and set that direction, and I am extremely proud of the work we’ve done over the past two days to ensure we are moving toward our true north of addressing the most critical needs of our community and ensuring a prosperous future for all of our residents.”
During the retreat, Commissioners reflected on the County's achievements over the past year and emphasized the importance of celebrating
these successes. They discussed strategies for effectively communicating accomplishments to residents both locally and across the region and state.
“Cumberland County is doing a great deal to lift our community up and it’s important that all of our residents know what’s going on in their community and how it affects them,” said Board of Commissioners Vice Chairwoman Veronica Jones in a press release. “This is not just our Strategic Plan – it’s the community’s plan – and we truly value everyone’s perspective and participation in the work of improving our County. I look forward to turning this document into real progress across this County.”
The information gathered during the Board’s Strategic Planning Retreat will be compiled into an official Strategic Plan that will be brought before the Board for approval and then used by the Board, County Management and departments as a tool to drive decision-making and initiatives.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY CUMBERLAND COUNTY
Pictured left to right: Commissioner Pavan Patel, Facilitator Chris Rey, Vice Chairwoman Veronica Jones, Facilitator Rebecca Jackson, Chairman Kirk deViere and Commissioner Henry Tyson.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY CUMBERLAND COUNTY
A cool new build
COLD STORAGE COMPANY TO BUILD $85 MILLION FACILITY IN LUMBERTON
Cold-Link Logistics, a cold storage management firm, will create 123 new jobs in Robeson County. The company will invest $85.5 million to build a cold storage warehouse in Lumberton.
“North Carolina is consistently ranked as a top state to do business thanks to our skilled workforce, robust transportation infrastructure, and friendly business climate,” said Governor Josh Stein in a press release. “We are proud to welcome Cold-Link Logistics to our state and to partner with them to bring more jobs to Robeson County.”
A subsidiary of family-owned Mandich Group, Cold-Link Logistics is a full-service third-party logistics cold storage company. Headquartered in Florida, the company’s cold storage locations provide customized product handling, storage, order picking and load preparation, blast freezing, and other value-added logistics services. Cold-Link Lumberton will be a modern 233,000-squarefoot temperature-controlled building that will serve the local and regional poultry business, as well as a broad variety of other food companies, manufacturers, and distributors. The company is building on 55 acres in the new Southeast Crossroads Industrial Park.
“We are excited to expand our footprint into the great State of North Carolina,” said Managing Partner of Cold-Link Logistics
Michael Mandich in a press release.
“We have listened to our customers and their need for additional cold storage warehousing in the Southeast regions surrounding Lumberton. There's a strong interest among the protein and other food manufacturers in this area
to work with a family-owned and operated company like Cold-Link that can offer first-class, value-added services. The Robeson County Community has welcomed us with open arms. After looking into many areas to expand our business we knew this was the right place to locate our 10th facility.”
...There's a strong interest among the protein and other food manufacturers in this area to work with a family-owned and operated company like Cold-Link that can offer firstclass, value-added services.”
— Michael Mandich, Managing Partner, Cold-Link Logistics
New positions for the company include managers, supervisors, warehouse staff and shipping and receiving personnel. Wages for the positions will vary, but altogether, the average annual salary will be $50,128, which exceeds the Robeson County average of $42,964. These new jobs could create a potential annual payroll impact of more than $6.1 million.
A performance-based grant of $375,000 from the One North Carolina Fund has been awarded to MG88 Lumberton Cold Storage, LLC, which does business under the name Cold-Link Logistics Lumberton, LLC, to support the project locating to Robeson County. The OneNC Fund provides financial assistance to local governments to help attract economic investment and to create jobs. Companies receive no money
upfront and must meet job creation and capital investment targets to qualify for payment. All OneNC grants require a matching participation from local governments, and any award is contingent upon that condition being met.
“Cold-Link’s decision to build in the Southeast Crossroads Industrial Park is yet another symbol of the strong collaboration to grow our state’s economy,” said Representative Jarrod Lowery in a press release. “We are grateful for all the state, regional, and local partners that helped prepare the site and Robeson County for economic development wins such as this.”
In addition to the North Carolina Department of Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, other key partners in this project include the North Carolina General Assembly, North Carolina Community College System, Golden LEAF Foundation, Electricities, Robeson County, Robeson County Committee of 100, North Carolina’s Southeast, and the City of Lumberton.
For more information, contact Kristin Johnson at kljohnson@campbell.edu, or 910-893-7982.
PHOTOS PROVIDED BY COLD LINK LOGISTICS
The new cold storage warehouse is expected to open in the second quarter of 2026. The first phase of development is expected to be 233,000 square-feet of a multi-phase plan of up to 750,000-square-feet.
BIZ LEADS
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