Greater Fayetteville Business Journal - February 28, 2025 issue
ayetteville’s newest bar seeks to provide a
space for adults to unwind, connect and shoot some pool. 8 Ball Pool & Jazz Lounge is located at 401 Suzanne St. at the back of Miyabi’s off Skibo Rd. The venue boasts four pool tables, a chess table, multiple TVs, 16 tables and 10 barstools. The new jazz lounge is owned by Willie Redmond and Alida Cash, a married couple who moved from California to Fayetteville in September of 2021. The building they’re in
DECEMBER UNEMPLOYMENT
Source: N.C. Department of Commerce
Cumberland Hoke Harnett Sampson Robeson Bladen Moore
2504 Raeford Rd, Fayetteville, NC 28303
910-240-9697
bizfayetteville.com
PUBLISHER
Marty Cayton martyc@bizfayetteville.com
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER/EDITOR
Faith Hatton faithh@bizfayetteville.com
ASSISTANT EDITOR
Stephanie Meador stephaniem@bizfayetteville.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Kate Griffin
Thomas Manning
Brian Miner
Jenna Shackelford
Rachel Townsend
Eddie Velazquez
CONTRIBUTING DESIGNER
Samantha Lowe samanthal@bizfayetteville.com
ACCOUNTING billing@bizfayetteville
SALES & MARKETING marketing@bizfayetteville.com
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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Call me sappy, but one of my favorite movies of all time is “It’s a Wonderful Life.” I know we are well beyond the Christmas season, but I think the theme is timeless, and it just so happens to take place at Christmas time when all of our emotions are typically at a tipping point.
Of course, most of us know the story. George Bailey, the central character, is having a crisis in his life which is causing him to question his value to his family and friends. He comes to a conclusion that everyone would’ve been better off had he not been born. And of course, Clarence, his guardian angel, allows him to see a glimpse of what his beloved Bedford Falls, and all of his friend’s and family’s lives would be like without him. I love the line from Clarence where he says to George, “You’ve been given a great gift, George: A chance to see what the world would be like without you.” Once George realizes his impact and worth, his entire attitude changes, and he realizes just how valuable his relationships are to himself and to others.
I’m sort of reliving this moment
On a different note, please be on the lookout for our 2025 Annual Book on Business in many of your mailboxes on March 7.
The 2025 Book on Business is a ninety-two (92) page, cover to cover, 11 x 14, 4 color gloss publicationshowcasing businesses and economic information within the Fayetteville MSA (Metropolitan Statistical Area) and its adjacent counties - which collectively we refer to below as the Fayetteville region.
As the fourth largest MSA in NC, the publication highlights the Fayetteville region as a significant economy. The publication also serves as an annual update to businesses and community leaders on initiatives that boost economic development.
In addition to being mailed to Business Journal subscribers, the Book on Business (or BoB) will be distributed throughout the year at different Business Journal events, by area Chambers, economic development groups and other institutions that support business development in the Fayetteville region.
currently in that my friend, co-worker and employee, Priscilla Nelson is retiring today. Her impact on the lives of her work family and friends, colleagues, vendors, customers, etc. has been indelible and she will be missed by our business for sure. Clearly my life and my family’s lives would have not been the same if we had not had Priscilla on our team for the past 30 years. Her impact at Greater Fayetteville Business Jour-
THE 2025 PUBLICATION INCLUDES:
• Ranked lists with information about leading companies in a range of local industries.
• Demographic and other statistical information in the Fayetteville region.
An annual report on several economic development initiatives in the region.
• Information on the leading economic drivers in the area.
OUR MISSION at Greater Fayetteville Business Journal is to provide actionable business news and information to our readers in Fayetteville/Cumberland County, as well as Harnett, Hoke, Moore, Robeson, Bladen and Sampson Counties. We offer online and print business news/information, in addition to compelling in person events.
Please consider requesting our 2025 media kit and see how you can become an online/ print advertiser and/or a sponsor of one of our signature events.
nal has been immense, too. Although our world at GFBJ will move on, it will be difficult to replace her steadfast commitment and dedication. We wish her all the best and hope she realizes that she has been an amazing asset to our team and community. We dedicate this issue to her, and hope she feels like the richest woman in town because of her friends and family and her impact on all of us during her career! Well done, Priscilla.
And please remember to share your newsworthy business stories with us.
E-MAIL US AT editor@bizfayetteville.com.
Finally, I would like to invite you to consider becoming a paid subscriber. You can do this by going to BizFayetteville.com/subscribe. With your subscription, you will receive: Z Unlimited access to stories on BizFayetteville.com.
Z The printed Business Journal which comes out twice per month
Z The annual Book on Business.
Thanks for your support. I look forward to hearing from you soon!
God bless you and yours!
PHOTO PROVIDED BY GFBJ
L to R: GFBJ Assistant Editor Stephanie Meador, Associate Publisher and Editor Faith Hatton, retired Office Administrator Priscilla Nelson and Publisher Marty Cayton pictured at the 2023 Health Care Heroes awards.
By Faith Hatton
History being made
FAYETTEVILLE STATE UNIVERSITY AND FORT BRAGG’S XVIII AIRBORNE CORPS
SIGN HISTORIC EDUCATION PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT
It was a day of fellowship, progress and a bit of rain on Wednesday, Feb. 12, when leadership at Fayetteville State University (FSU) and Fort Bragg’s XVIII Airborne Corps joined together on campus to solidify a historical partnership.
Chancellor Darrell T. Allison and Lieutenant General Gregory K. Anderson, commanding general of XVIII Airborne Corps and Fort Bragg, signed an official Education Partnership Agreement in the Military Affiliated and Veteran Student Resource Center located within the Broadwell College of Business and Economics building.
The partnership formalizes a collaborative effort to expand opportunities for FSU students and faculty in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), leadership, cybersecurity and national security innovation. The agreement will provide FSU students with access to hands-on military research projects, mentorship from defense professionals and enhanced academic and career pathways.
The Education Partnership Agreement enables a wide range of opportunities, including:
Expanded Education & Research Collaborations
Hands-On Military Research & Innovation
Internships & Workforce Development
Technology Commercialization & Innovation
“This education agreement enables Fayetteville State University to not only do more through partnerships, but to be more through partnerships,” shared FSU Chancellor Darrell T. Allison. “The agreement lays the foundation for greatly expanded future collaboration. The future includes advances in collaboration of research, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, nano materials, supply chain and health. The future also includes our students [and] the expertise of FSU faculty and their exposure to better understanding military issues and how it impacts our community. This agreement also incorporates FSU collaboration with private sector businesses
to help meet emerging new defense priorities, which is expected to be a major catalyst for accelerated growth in defense innovation in the greater Fayetteville region and beyond.”
FSU was recently designated as a new hub for NCInnovation, a publicly funded initiative to increase research commercialization in the region. Even more, the agreement underscores FSU’s capabilities in defense-related education and research, further positioning the university as a catalyst for greater community collaboration.
“We are particularly excited to expand strategic initiatives through our Center for Defense & Homeland Security and Center for Enterprise Resource Planning and Advanced Analytics, these centers will serve as hubs for innovation, research and applied learning, driving advancements in artificial intelligence, supply chain management, cyber security, data analytics and more. By leveraging the expertise of our faculty and students, we aim to foster industry and government partnerships, enhance interdisciplinary collaboration and develop real world solutions to complex challenges,” said Dr. Pamela Baldwin vice chancellor for Strategic Enrollment and Student Success.
Fayetteville State University boasts one of the largest percentages of military-affiliated student
populations in the state and nation at 33%, while also being one of the few non-military institutions in the nation to offer four-year tuition-free scholarships to military-affiliated students, ensuring that every service member will have access to further education as a FSU Bronco.
FSU has offered free tuition to qualifying military-affiliated students through the military tuition scholarship since 2022 to reduce financial barriers for military connected individuals with no access to Department of Defense (DOD) tuition assistance. Active duty, members of the National Guard or Reserves with an honorable discharge, military spouses of active-duty service members or Veterans, children or other recognized legal dependents of active-duty service members or Veterans qualify for the military tuition scholarship. The University also received designation as a Silver Military Friendly School for the second consecutive year in 2024.
With an office located at Ft. Bragg’s Training and Education Center and an Air Force – Air University Associate To Baccalaureate Cooperative partnership in place, this partnership is yet another way FSU is continuing to dedicate its resources to those who serve.
“Fort Bragg is an integral part of this community, and I'm proud to formalize our partnership with Fay-
etteville State University. Countless soldiers and their families have been educated on this campus and off campus, and FSU maintains a world class facility on post as well, and a lot of soldiers utilize that tremendous resource. Thank you for that,” shared Lt. Gen. Anderson. “Our agreement here today is a natural extension of our past relationship, and I'm excited to see the impact it will have on our soldiers, our students and their community, and frankly, it could have far reaching effects to how we do business in the Department of Defense. I'm hopeful for that. We're definitely going to push towards that end.”
“This is a worldwide agreement, and it enables the XVIII Airborne Corps personnel anywhere in the world to take advantage of FSU’s offerings and research and training capabilities. The depth and breadth of this agreement, it's extraordinary. Seven different informational technology arenas, five different operational management areas, four different applications of emerging new technologies and two applications in health domains. And finally, but most importantly, this agreement represents the future for our soldiers and our nation,” concluded Allison.
PHOTOS PROVIDED BY GFBJ AND FSU
Left: FSU Chancellor Darrell T. Allison (left) and Lieutenant General Gregory K. Anderson (right) stand with a certificate of recognition after signing the agreement. Right: Lt. Gen. Anderson was also treated to a tour of the FSU campus led by FSU leadership before the signing ceremony.
The Strength of Advice®
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
>> By Stephanie Meador
From CUE, page 1
used to be Dunn's Nursery & Garden Shop, but Redmond could see the potential in the space even amidst the greenery.
“The day that I walked in this building, Mr. Dunn wasn’t here, his manager was here, it was just like dirt, flower pots and begonias hanging, Christmas trees all out in the backyard. But I saw the building, the structure, and I said, this building will be here 50 years from now, the core, the structure itself. I knew it was going to be work…the vision began to come together along the way. It changed here and there, but this was it,” shared Redmond.
Over the past several years the couple has worked together to renovate the space and cultivate a comfortable and welcoming environment.
“It was always the idea to create a place for adults, for mature people, to come in [and] have a good time. To create more a vibe than just a jazz club or a pool hall, just kind of more a vibe, a community vibe, that reflected the diversity of Fayetteville. We try to hire diverse staff to bring in that population,” stated Redmond.
The lounge is only for those ages 25+ and guests must bring their ID.
“This establishment is geared towards sophisticated, adult, mature people where they can come in, feel safe, [see] friendly smiles, and sit down. [There are] multiple TVs, and we say jazz lounge, but he plays all kinds of music,” shared Cash.
HOSPITALITY
There’s a $5 cover charge and pool tables are rented by the hour at $5 an hour (or $4 entry and $4 an hour rental for military). The bar serves up classic cocktails, beers and even the lounge’s signature drink, the 8 Ball. Guests can enjoy snacks during all regular hours, and on Fridays and Saturdays the lounge has partnered with Taste of The Midwest catering to sell plates of food. The menu changes but guests can expect favorites such as chicken wings, catfish or ribs, but the owners share updates on
their Facebook page to keep guests informed on what to expect. Cash also shared that at some point they’d like to partner with food trucks as well to bring them out to the venue.
The lounge has had a series of soft openings, but their grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony is scheduled for March 5 at 2 p.m. They recently updated their operating hours to Monday through Thursday from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 6 p.m. to midnight.
Community is very important to Willie and Alida.
“We don’t believe just in profit, believe that. We believe in community. If a business doesn’t serve a community, it won’t last long, period. And history has shown it,” added Redmond.
They’ve joined the Greater Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce and have also entered into a partnership with the Crown Complex so that concerts that come whose genre fits with the lounge will be having after parties there.
Just as they intend to be there for the community and reflect the community, Alida and Willie expressed their gratitude to local organizations who have supported them as they’ve gotten established. The chamber of commerce, the team at local radio station 106.9, Avalon Realty, John Dunn, the Crown Complex, Lisa Rivera, CEO and broker- in charge of Avalon Realty Group, Wiregrass Community Voices and additional local officials and professionals have all helped them kickstart their
ness.
“It was a labor of love… I walk in the door [and] I just kind of remember walking in that door for two years, contractors, electricians, plumbers, everybody over here one by one by one. We’re ready now to try to get people through that door,” remarked Redmond.
To learn more about the lounge, follow their Facebook page: 8 Ball Pool & Jazz Lounge.
busi-
PHOTO PROVIDED BY GFBJ
The new jazz lounge is located in what was previously Dunn's Nursery & Garden Shop. The venue boasts four pool tables, a chess table, multiple TVs, 16 tables and 10 barstools.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY GFBJ
The bar serves up classic cocktails, beers and the lounge’s signature drink, the 8 Ball. Guests can enjoy snacks during all regular hours, and on Fridays and Saturdays the lounge has partnered with Taste of The Midwest catering to sell plates of food.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY GFBJ
8 Ball Pool & Jazz Lounge is located at 401 Suzanne St. at the back of Miyabi’s off Skibo Rd.
ACHIEVERS
Dr. Jennifer Green receives Outstanding Government Service Award
DR. JENNIFER GREEN , director of the Cumberland County Department of Public Health (CCDPH), has been selected by a panel of judges as the recipient of the 2025 American Medical Association Award for Outstanding Government Service in the Career Public Service at the State or Local Level category. Dr. Green was nominated for this prestigious award by Commissioner Glenn Adams.
L to R: AMA Government Service Award recipients U.S. Rep. Neal Dunn, M.D., of Florida, Tennessee State Sen. Richard Briggs, M.D., Cumberland County, N.C. Public Health Director Jennifer Green, PhD, MPH, Georgia State Rep. Michelle Au, M.D., MPH, and Major Gen. (ret.) Paul Friedrichs, M.D., FACS.
Established in 1989, the American Medical Association Awards for Outstanding Government Service honor elected and career public servants at national, state and local levels who have made outstanding contributions to “promote the art and science of medicine and the betterment of public health.”
Dr. Green received the award in recognition of her exceptional leadership and superb level of public service with CCDPH. Selected as the director of CCDPH in the fall of 2019, Dr. Green faced the unprecedented challenge of leading the department through the COVID-19 pandemic. Her ability to coordinate strategic responses with federal and state authorities played a pivotal role in the County’s pandemic response.
In addition to managing the pandemic response, Dr. Green oversaw the opening of a Women, Infants and Children (WIC) clinic at Fort Bragg, expanding access to critical health services for mothers and babies. She also led the creation of the Healthy Conversations program and was instrumental in launching the Connected Care and Maternal Health pilot initiatives.
Dr. Green was presented the award at a ceremony in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025.
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.”
“I am deeply honored and humbled to receive this award. It is a privilege to serve the citizens of Cumberland County, and I share this recognition with the incredible team at the Cumberland County Department of Public Health,” said Dr. Green in a press release. “Together, we continue to improve the health and well-being of our community. I look forward to continuing to make a positive impact on the lives of those we serve.”
Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County welcomes Southeastern Artist in Residence Lady
Natalia Perez Lozano
The Arts Council of Fayetteville/ Cumberland County extends a warm welcome to its latest Southeastern Artist in Residence (SEAR), LADY NATALIA PEREZ LOZANO . Lozano was selected via a competitive process that included applicants from Cumberland, Hoke, Robeson, Sampson and Scotland counties.
She is the second artist in residence as part of a yearlong process funded in part by the National Endowment for the Arts to build an arts education strategy for the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County.
Lozano is a painter whose work incorporates themes of nature and is deeply rooted in the power of emotions. Another central theme in Lozano’s work is duality and the balance between life and death.
“I believe that emotions are the driving force behind humanitythey shape our experiences, our relationships and our understanding
of the world,” Lozano explained in her artist statement. “During the residency, I will be focusing on my second series, in which I explore the various instincts inherent to human nature (survival, resilience, vulnerability, ego and fear) through the expressive power of body language and carefully constructed scenes.”
Lozano will also lead arts education activities such as exhibit tours and gallery talks throughout the spring.
“Based on her demonstrated artistic excellence, Natalia was selected as our second artist in residence,” expressed Bob Pinson, President and CEO of the Arts Council, in a press release. “I feel her project will resonate with artists and will engage a wide variety of people across the region.”
ECU College of Education to honor CCS Superintendent Dr. Marvin Connelly, Jr. with Educators Hall of Fame induction
Cumberland County Schools (CCS) Superintendent DR. MARVIN CONNELLY, JR. , a trailblazing leader in North Carolina education, is set to receive one of the industry’s distinguished honors--induction into the prestigious East Carolina University (ECU) College of Education Educators Hall of Fame.
“I am deeply honored to be inducted into the Educators Hall of Fame and incredibly grateful for this recognition,” said Dr. Connelly in a press release. “Education has been my lifelong passion and this honor is a testament to the many mentors, colleagues and students who have inspired me along the way. I take great pride in knowing that our collective work has made a lasting impact and I remain committed to supporting the next generation of educators and leaders.”
Before joining CCS in 2018, he held leadership roles in the Wake County Public School System, serving as chief of staff and assistant superintendent for student services. He began his career as a special education teacher assistant and worked as a teacher, assistant principal and principal at both the middle and high school levels.
A proud Veteran, Dr. Connelly served in the U.S. Army, including time with the 82nd Airborne Division. His military service helped shape his focus on leadership, discipline and service.
As a highly regarded educator, Dr. Connelly served as the first National Superintendent Chair for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, further highlighting his commitment to education and community service, and he received the 2024 A. Craig Phillips North Carolina Superintendent of the Year Award.
This recognition, which acknowledges the service of individuals who have extensively contributed to the field of education and had a decisive impact on the lives of others, will celebrate Dr. Connelly’s contributions to the field of education and his unwavering commitment to equity, innovation and excellence. The induction ceremony, scheduled for Friday, March 14, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. in the Fletcher Recital Hall on the campus of East Carolina University, will bring together his esteemed colleagues, supporters and educational leaders to celebrate this well-deserved achievement. Dr. Connelly will receive a personalized plaque that will be permanently mounted on the Educators Hall of Fame wall in the Speight Building.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY CCDPH
Connelly
Lozano
“The Educators Hall of Fame embodies a core value of East Carolina University’s College of Education: honoring those who have dedicated their lives to shaping minds, building communities, and advancing the field of education,” said Dean and Professor of ECU’s College of Education Dr. André M. Green in a press release.
Theresa “Terri” Dennison announces new role of Small Business Center Director at BCC
THERESA “TERRI” DENNISON has announced she will be taking on a new role to help further small business development throughout Bladen County.
Dennison, who was hired in October 2019 to take on a joint position of Director of Communication and Marketing for the Town
of Elizabethtown, was also in charge of managing the local Chamber of Commerce. Now, she has joined the team at the Small Business Center at Bladen Community College to continue her work.
“After having worked with the Town of Elizabethtown and the Chamber of Commerce for several years, I have decided to try a new challenge. Recognizing that the spirit of entrepreneurship is very much alive here and that small businesses are important to the past and future of Bladen County; I have accepted the position of Small Business Center Director at Bladen Community College,” shared Dennison in an email to her network, alerting them of the change.
“In my new role, I will remain active with the Chamber of Commerce and the Tourism Promotion Committee. I hope to use my connections with local, county and state agencies for the benefit of potential and existing businesses,” she added.
Fayetteville Technical Community College welcomes Susan Evans as Associate Vice President for Instructional Programs
Fayetteville Technical Community College is pleased to announce that SUSAN EVANS has joined the College as its Associate Vice President for Instructional Programs.
Evans came to FTCC from Wytheville Community College in Wytheville, Virginia, where she most recently served as Dean of Transfer and Educational Partnerships.
Evans brings a wealth of experience, passion and dedication to FTCC. Highlights from a long list of her accomplishments and responsibilities include curriculum management, college catalog accuracy and updates, Canvas LMS Administrator, program compliance, use of assessment data to drive continuous improvement efforts, faculty evaluation and implementing successful dual enrollment programs. Her recent successes in senior administration were built on 20 years of experience and recog -
ACHIEVERS
nition in teaching, leading faculty and curriculum development in mathematics.
Outside the workplace, Ms. Evans serves as a peer evaluator for SACSCOC (the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges) and has offered presentations at many local, state and national conferences.
During the spring 2025 semester, Ms. Evans expects to reach a lifetime goal of earning her doctorate by defending her dissertation, which is focused on improving student retention and program completion in associate degree nursing programs.
Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Services Dr. Murtis Worth said in a press release, “We look forward to the wealth of knowledge and experience she brings to our institution, and we are excited to see the positive impact she will have on the growth and success of our academic programs, students, faculty and staff.”
“I couldn’t catch my breath; I knew something was wrong.” – Sondra
One afternoon, Sondra Bemesderfer had trouble catching her breath. She worried it might be COVID-19 or bronchitis. She had no idea she was suffering a heart attack caused by a blood clot.
Heart attack symptoms in women present differently and can include shortness of breath. Because she called 911, first responders were able to start lifesaving measures immediately, even before she reached the hospital, and saved her life.
Learn more about Sondra’s journey and treatments available at our heart center at capefearvalley.com/heart And if you have chest pains, don’t wait. Call 9-1-1!
Dennison Evans
Festival of fun
TFAYETTEVILLE
he Fayetteville Dogwood Festival, a long running festival based on food, fun and community, will be returning to Festival Park and the downtown area from April 25- 27, 2025.
New leadership with the nonprofit organization gathered together vendors, members of the media and supporters of the event on Saturday, Feb. 22 to give them the inside scoop on all the new and returning things happening at this year’s festival.
This free community event will start on Friday, April 25 from 5 p.m. -11 p.m. Festivities will continue Saturday, April 26 from 12 p.m.11 p.m. and will conclude Sunday, April 27, with final day fun lasting from 12 p.m. - 6 p.m. This will be the 43rd year for the festival which will be continuing to provide food, music and a fun time to the community.
“The dogwood festival isn't just an event, it's a tradition, a staple here in the heart of our city and a true reflection of our community. And this year, community is exactly what we're going for, and that is
DOGWOOD
FESTIVAL RETURNS FOR 43RD ANNUAL EVENT
the unofficial theme for this year's festival,” shared Executive Director Kaylynn Suarez.
Returning events include Cork and Fork taking place on Thursday, April 24. This food and wine event hosted in Festival Park is held exclusively for sponsors and ticket holders and gives guests the opportunity to sample local chef small bites and sip on beer, wine or, this year’s signature drink, Sangria.
This year the wine is being donated by Cypress Bend Vineyards out of Wagram, NC. Cocktails will be available to purchase courtesy of Veteran-owned businesses Sip Happens Mobile Bar and Wana Navu Kava Bar in Fayetteville.
“I am working with local restaurants and various owners to provide tapa style dishes for you guys to pick up and walk and go through with, so that way you're not stuck to one plate. I want you to try a little something from everybody,” shared Suarez. “One of the fun things we'll be adding to Cork and Fork this year is Anstead's [Tobacco Company], one of our sponsors has been
fantastic, and they're donating a free cigar rolling class. So if that is something that tickles your fancy, 10 out of 10 recommend showing up so you can participate in that.”
This year the Dogwood Festival is partnering with local nonprofit Off- Road Outreach, a service organization which looks to provide aid, peer support, suicide prevention services and address food insecurity for homeless Veterans.
“Thank you to all you guys for supporting us. Make sure you buy those tickets, because those go directly back into the programs that serve our Veterans. As you know, we have a huge Veteran population here in Fayetteville. We're the largest neighbor to the largest military base in the country. So we got to support our Vets,” shared Off-Road Outreach Founder and Executive Director Stacey Buckner.
Tickets for Cork and Fork are expected to go on sale in the coming weeks.
Along with plenty of vendors, food trucks and entertainment taking place on Hay Street, the Dog-
wood Festival will include a free kid zone, DJs at the Park and carnival rides.
Dogwood Festival organizers also announced their mainstage acts who will be performing on stage at Festival Park. On Friday, April 25, local bands The Simpletones, FEAR STATE and headliner ECHOSTONE will be playing from 6 p.m. - 11 p.m.
On Saturday, April 26, headliners Josh Ross and Drew Baldridge, featuring The Guy Unger Band and Nicholas Vernon, are scheduled to perform from 2 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Tickets and more information on this year’s Dogwood Festival will be available online on the Dogwood Festival’s website: www.thedogwoodfestival.com
GRAPHIC COURTESY OF THE FAYETTEVILLE DOGWOOD FESTIVAL
Fayetteville Dogwood Festival headliners Josh Ross and Drew Baldridge, featuring The Guy Unger Band and Nicholas Vernon, are scheduled to perform on Sat. April 26 from 2 p.m. - 11 p.m at Festival Park.
Geranium Geospatial Solutions
FAYETTEVILLE BASED COMPANY UTILIZES GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS TO PROVIDE “SMARTER SOLUTIONS THROUGH STRATEGIC INSIGHT”
Geranium Geospatial Solutions is ready to blossom in Fayetteville and elevate how the local government and business communities think about data-driven decision making.
Founder and CEO Austin Erron Joseph, a young entrepreneur born at Fort Bragg, returned to Fayetteville to sow the seeds for his new business, which he opened in 2024. Geranium, Joseph said, is an innovative geospatial intelligence, data analytics and AI-driven solutions company.
The company empowers organizations to make informed, data-driven decisions by providing precision mapping, investigative analytics and tailored training services. These services translate into the enhancement of urban planning to support public safety and operational intelligence. Geranium combines cutting-edge technology with expertise to deliver impactful solutions for businesses, government agencies and communities.
Some of the company’s previous partnerships include the United Way of Greater Atlanta in Georgia, as well as the local Real Estate Maximums (RE/MAX) of Henry County, Georgia.
“We helped their regional office with some surveying on that side,” Joseph said.
The company is looking to grow its local customer base, Joseph said. Geranium has three main pillars where it can truly use its mastery of data and digital operations; urban planning, real estate and logistics and operations.
“We provide crime and risk analysis, that would be like heat maps, predictive crime modeling, and urban safety planning for public safety,” Joseph said of some of the applications of Geranium’s services. “For public safety or neighborhood crime we use instruments to help show and tabulate the statistical data of burglaries, robberies and all those types of things.”
On the real estate side, the company helps with development mapping.
“This would be like site selection analysis, property insights and then land use planning,” Joseph said.
“That’s different from the architect/ engineering side of surveying where
they actually do parceling.”
For logistics and operations streamlining, Geranium helps with transportation optimization. “That’s more so like route planning, supply chain geospatial intelligence,” Joseph said. “And a big piece that we’re working towards is our drone survey and aerial intelligence. That’s just high resolution aerial imagery, and terrain analysis using drones that have light detection and ranging capabilities.”
Clients in the public sector can also take advantage of Geranium’s data optimization and infrastructure planning.
“We tap into the environmental infrastructure for mapping, so helping with parks and recreation and things like that,” Joseph said. “We want to do outreach and programming, being bigger players within the community involved in GIS.”
Joseph believes that Fayetteville could be a more automated city using the resources already available locally.
“This is something the average resident would be able to see and benefit from with relative ease,” Joseph said. “Just access to more services and things that the city provides via apps on your phone, or being able to have more georectified things in the city, QR codes on
lamp posts or things like that, to pull information on certain areas of the city,” he said. “This would help easily find businesses and services that the city offers.”
Outside of commercial applications, the company currently contracts with the U.S. Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security.
Joseph shared that the story of Geranium, much like his story, is a story about Fayetteville.
“I was born on Fort Bragg. My parents were both military, so I spent a good portion of my time here. Then my parents retired. I came back here after college and worked for a bit before joining the military,” Joseph said.
He shared that he originally enlisted with hopes of becoming a linguist.
“I wanted to be a linguist, because I studied German in school. German is my second language,” he said. “I came to the recruiter and geospatial analyst was the only job that met my criteria for what I wanted for a job. I didn’t know anything about it. But I always liked maps and history growing up. My career just took off from there once I learned the job and I fell in love with it.”
Now, Joseph said, he wants to grow his business. He said he hopes it germinates at the same time as
Fayetteville continues to grow.
“Just like the military cycle people come and go and leave Fayetteville, but a lot of us, we always wind up back here,” Joseph said. “So with us being back here, we also have to keep our money here as well. I see Fayetteville as a good starting point.”
He also noted that Fayetteville has the perfect population size “for business in a market.”
“But also the city is small enough that a small company like ours can take on the challenge of trying to make smarter solutions and aspects of how things are run, and it would be a great model to the rest of North Carolina and the region as a whole, if we’re able to implement some of our things,” Joseph said.
team at
Geospatial Solutions is always looking for their next opportunity to help shape a more sustainable, efficient and resilient future. Learn more about the company and its mission at www.gerniumgeospatial.com.
The
Geranium
PHOTO BY GERANIUM GEOSPATIAL SOLUTIONS
Left: GGS can help you camp smarter leveraging geospatial technology to enhance your camping experience by offering custom mapping & route planning, weather & environmental monitoring, resource & accessibility mapping and more! Right: GGS Founder and CEO Austin Erron Joseph is a Fort Bragg native who wants to use his business to help grow the community.
>> By Stephanie Meador
PAs pioneering change
NEW MENTORSHIP PROGRAM PROMOTES A MORE DIVERSE HEALTHCARE WORKFORCE
Fayetteville physician associates and local students are participating in a national effort to help diversify the healthcare workforce.
The American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) is piloting a new program called PAthways to connect minority students and recent graduates with a local physician associate/assistant (PA) mentor who can provide valuable insights into the PA profession and help students navigate the process of applying to and completing PA school. The program began in January with 20 mentors and more than 30 students taking part. Students participating represent four universities, one of which is Fayetteville State University.
Local mentor Rashadah Jordan works as a PA in outpatient psychiatry. She has sought to provide mentorship to students for years and said she jumped at the opportunity to participate in PAthways when she found out about it.
“When I graduated from PA school in December 2018 I started my own mentorship program, and I did that up until last year. That was the first year we didn’t take in a new cohort, and I missed meeting with people and hearing what they’re interested in and reading over personal statements. So when I saw this opportunity come up–an opportunity for me to just be a mentor and not do all the stuff on the business side of things – I was like…I’m gonna apply and pay it forward in some type of way. And luckily, I ended up getting selected for the program,” shared Jordan.
Jordan has two mentees, one actively applying to PA school and one still in college. After an initial meeting to get to know her mentees and learn about their goals, Jordan now checks in with each of them weekly to see how they are progressing and how she can be of help to them.
“Sometimes outside things do distract you. So sometimes you forget to do things that you plan on doing. And so with her texting or calling to remind us about our weekly goals and our ultimate goals, it's like, okay, I need to snap back into what
Rashadah Jordan serves as a mentor in AAPA’s new PAthways program. The PAthways program connects minority students and recent graduates from Fayetteville State University with a local physician associate/assistant (PA) mentor who can provide valuable insights into the PA profession, and help students navigate the process of applying to and completing PA school.
“
It means the world that our national association is putting this on, and it should make people who are black and brown and of color feel good about being a part of this profession…not a lot of professions really take the strides to talk the talk and walk the walk. And AAPA is really making strides to make sure that we’re not left out.”
— Rashadah Jordan
I said that I was going to do and get back on track,” stated Tamera Robinson, one of Jordan’s mentees.
Robinson graduated from Fayetteville State University in December. Despite only knowing each other for a few months, Robinson said Jordan has already been extremely influential as she prepares for PA school.
“[Having a mentor] allows me to have true insight on the application process [and] the career itself. Also [I’m able] to reach out to her to connect me to other people that are in her profession that could also help me out. Plus it also helps me have, like an outlet, somebody that I can talk to, because not many people that I know are in the medical profession or even thinking about PA school in general, so they don't really understand the process and how long it takes…having a mentor that understands what I’m going to go through, it’s very helpful, and it eases the mind in a way, because you have somebody that you can vent to and always go back to to say, ‘I need your help. I don't know what I'm
doing. Can you guide me?’ And they can just shine a light, and then you know what to do,” shared Robinson.
Representation matters, and this program opens doors for valuable connections that will help shape successful careers.
“It means the world that our national association is putting this on, and it should make people who are black and brown and of color feel good about being a part of this profession…not a lot of professions really take the strides to talk the talk and walk the walk. And AAPA is really making strides to make sure that we’re not left out,” shared Jordan.
Robinson shared that she’d be happy to step into the role of mentor for other PAs in the future. Whether in a formal role or just answering questions, she wants to continue to assist in removing barriers to people pursuing a career as a PA. Jordan and Robinson both emphasized the importance of utilizing tools such as social media to reach out to established PAs and ask questions or seek guidance.
“It’s not easy finding someone that’s a PA just out in the open sometimes…reach out to those on social media if you’re not able to find a [local] mentor…I will also tell readers that if they are in the process of thinking about PA school or trying to apply, know that your process won't be the same as others, and that you shouldn't compare yourself to others that are going through the process or have gone through the process…you just should always just believe in yourself,” shared Robinson.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY RASHADAH JORDAN
Building her own path
CATHERINE WARREN IS USING HER PASSION TO ENHANCE LIVING SPACES BY CREATING
The City of Fayetteville is a unique city with unique needs.
The transient nature of Fayetteville means that homes are always in demand, and affordable homes can be just a dream. Catherine Warren, contractor and owner of Warren Construction & Demolition LP seeks to fulfill those needs with her company’s services.
Focusing on demolition, construction, excavations, grading and land clearing, Warren uses her passion for building affordable housing coupled with her business acumen to make her company a formidable force in the industry.
Warren Construction and Demolition has been in business since October of 2023. Since then, Warren and her company have been able to transform areas people normally wouldn’t take a second glance at. She leaves no stone unturned and no opportunity hanging in her pursuit of making housing available to people.
“We have so many soldiers that are stationed here, a soldier and [their] family should be able to come to this area and buy a home,” said Warren. “That’s increasing money, taxes, home ownership, a sense of community – if we want people to come here and build Fayetteville, we have to have safe, clean, affordable housing,” said Warren.
Prior to the company, Warren had a career in nursing for 16 years, and owned a hair salon and clothing store. While Warren’s background may not have been the classical route to construction, it all culminated into a perfect repertoire of experience and understanding for her company now.
Her love for Fayetteville and passion comes from a personal place.
“Growing up, I didn’t have stable housing, I grew up in the projects in New York in Brooklyn and that’s something that stuck with me and I just thought to myself ‘how can I serve people, take my passion, take what I’m good at and really make an impact?’”
By entering into the world of construction, Catherine Warren has broken ceilings – literally and figuratively – for Black women in the industry. She advocates strongly for acquiring advanced licensures regarding heavy construction equipment, and experi-
CLEAN,
SAFE AND FUNCTIONAL HOUSING
Since opening in 2023, Warren and her company have been able to transform areas people normally wouldn’t take a second glance at.
ence with the machinery.
“The equipment is what allows women to now step into the arena because it’s about operation, it’s not about strength, it’s about knowing your machine and its capabilities,” said Warren. “And I love seeing women in our industry.”
Warren Construction and Demolition stands apart because of Warren’s empathy for the story behind the demolition sites she works on.
“I think that’s what I bring to construction as a woman is compassion,” said Warren. “Everything’s not just an abandoned house, some
people’s houses have burned down, they’ve lost mostly everything, they haven’t been able to go inside, and I will take the time to have my guys sift through or if I find pictures of their family or things that I feel like are salvageable, we’ll set those things aside.”
Warren’s approach spans every project, treating each demolition site not just as another job, but as a repository of memories. “I try to be very compassionate because this was someone’s home, this was their business, this was their dreams, like some of these homes, their husbands
built them for their wives years ago, they all have a story! I try to be very compassionate to the family,” said Warren.
Warren and her company’s efforts emphasize sustained affordability in housing developments for the financially disadvantaged, utilizing her smaller scale business to keep it affordable as well.
“It’s not about the money for me, we gotta make money and we have to pay our bills. I don’t want to build to make money and say ‘how much is the most we can sell this for,’ I want to build and put people in a safe, clean, stable, functional environment,” said Warren. “If they’re handicap, let’s build them a handicap accessible unit that works for them so they can have the highest quality of life. Sometimes something as simple as a ramp can change someone’s life and offer them mobility.”
For Warren, improving the quality of life for homeowners and renters is the goal.
“That’s my motto, I love Jesus and I serve people. I’m not perfect at all, I’ve worked really hard to change my financial outlook and I just know if you use the tools that are available, if you go to these seminars, workshops – if you talk to people, we can really make a huge impact in your community.”
Warren appreciates her tight-knit network of Fayetteville’s entrepreneurial community and city officials, acknowledging their support and how it has been instrumental in her success.
“Fayetteville has been everything to me,” said Warren. “There’s so many women down here shaping and making decisions about our city and how they allocate the different funds and for my industry removing the blight and abandoned areas and making way for new construction and new builds – I wouldn’t be in construction if it wasn’t for the City of Fayetteville along with economic development [staff member] Mr. Matthew Hall. Everyone has been so engaging, so inviting; they’ll go the extra mile for me.”
Through her compassion and leadership, Warren is transforming empty lots into homes, and lives and communities along the way.
PHOTO BY CATHERINE WARREN
Reader’s Guide
BizLeads is a collection of information gathered from greater Fayetteville courthouses, state government offices and information websites. The listings are intended to help the business community find new customers and stay on top of happenings with current customers, vendors and competitors. New Corporations lists firms from the Greater Fayetteville Business Journal region that were recently incorporated in the State of North Carolina.
CUMBERLAND COUNTY
Warren Construction & Demolition LP
4220 Locks Creek Church Road
Fayetteville Agent: Catherine Warren
Rocha Family Travel LLC
6013 Daybrook Ct
Fayetteville Agent: Amy
Rojas Rocha
South River Home Solutions LLC 7311 Maxwell Road Stedman Agent: Dustin Watkins
ZenMotive LLC
2504 Spinnaker Drive
Hope Mills Agent: Mario Renaldo O'Brian Haughton
Spartan Mobile Solutions LLC 4030 Summer -
LLC 3059 North Main St Ste 19 PMB 120
Hope Mills Agent: ROLANDE DELINOIS
BIZ LEADS
3710 Morganton Rd Ste 110
Fayetteville Agent: Alvita Graham McNeill
berry Dr
Fayetteville Agent: Skye Zalewski
ALL PROFESSIONAL PAINTING SERVICES LLC 3423 Marty Cir
Hope Mills Agent: DAMASIA VALENCIA CRUZ
The Vine Realty Group LLC 4843 Murchison Rd
Fayetteville Agent: Sheva Burrow
MileStones
Over Fayetteville LLC 6977 Nexus Ct Ste 102
Fayetteville Agent: Cory Elliott
Race Chase Inc.
5406 Outer Banks St
Hope Mills Agent: James A Capps Jr
Bright Beginning Boutique
J&J Remodel Fay LLC 2439 Dartmouth Dr
Fayetteville Agent: Junior Rafael Mendez MacMan Investments LLC 916 Arsenal Ave Ste B Fayetteville Agent: David Wells Alderman IV
TEA WITH BRI LLC 7446 Clinton Rd Stedman Agent: Curtis Wayne Allen FaithWorks Consulting LLC 1131 Curry Ford Dr Fayetteville Agent: Tiara Rivers
All Pro C ontracting Inc.
540 McKay Dr Spring Lake Agent: Dale W Griffin
AMPAYS
Custom Comfort Home Services LLC 3343 Quarry Dr
Fayetteville Agent: Neal Calder
Our Part LLC 228 Odell Rd Spring Lake Agent: Matthew C Thompson II
DynastyMotorz LLC 3911 Bragg Blvd
Fayetteville Agent: Luis Morales
All About Auto
transport LLC 1366 Shadbush Ln
Fayetteville Terrill Smith
ElIVate Hydration and Wellness PLLC 611 Grand
Wailea Dr Apt 225
Hope Mills Agent: SaVoya
L Stewart
Aneu Sound and Video LLC 908 Axis Cir Hope Mills
Agent: Eric Lee Bell
Revive Ready LLC 439 Westwood
Shopping Center Apt. 335
Fayetteville Agent: Tonya Burks
Fresher Than Fresh Cleaning Services LLC 1616 Morehead Ave
Fayetteville Agent: Jamal Jarvis
Extra Duty Lawn Company LLC
2421 Bankswood Ct.
Fayetteville Agent: Jose Javier Fuentes
Trimmer's LLC 1703 Nutley Dr
Fayetteville Agent: Ericka Jackson
RONESTONE ENTERTAINMENT LLC
5731 Danville Dr
Fayetteville Agent: RONEY HOOKS
PushLab LLC 6880 Big Wood Rd
Fayetteville
Agent: Timothy Aaron Parks
Pearlight LLC
1002 Pine Hill Rd
Fayetteville Agent: Anne Clymer
New Shield Consulting LLC
100 Hay St Ste 704
Fayetteville Agent: David Foster
Taps Empire LLC
3508 Lionel Ln
Fayetteville Agent: Tyler Peuster
Aasha Enterprises Inc. 4039 Summerberry Dr
Fayetteville Agent: Muhammad Saqib
The Hive of Hope Mills Inc.
3402 Wipperwill Dr Fayetteville Agent: Kevin A Grant Hay Street United Methodist Church Inc.
320 Hay St
Fayetteville Agent: Diane McChesney Parffit
New South Realty & Management LLC
602 Poplar Dr
Fayetteville Agent: Barbara L Rice
Martinez Petrichor LLC 3440
Torrington Way Apt 2
Fayetteville Agent: ALEXANDER
MARTINEZ
Lamar Medical LLC
847 Scotch Hall Way Apt 106
Fayetteville Agent: Donald Lamar Dennis
JMG Services Corp 5225 Thruway Rd
Hope Mills Agent: Juan Manuel Garcia
SouthernChicBoutiqueLLC 826 Shortridge Road
Fayetteville Agent: Giana Elizabeth Latimer
Illuminology LLC 5600 nix rd
Fayetteville Agent: Charles Porter II
JMP DISTRIBUTORS LLC 1064
WINSLOW ST
Fayetteville Agent: JOEL
MARTE PEREZ
LoLiPop LLC
816 Sumner Dr. Apt 15
Fayetteville Agent: Aubrey Leigh Barrios
Wilder Transportation LLC
105 Giza Dr Apt 7C
Fayetteville Agent: Wilder Stainfort
Sarah Sphere Solutions LLC
2715 Raeford Rd Unit 10
Fayetteville Agent: Sarah Jackson
Cease Factory LLC
10 Victory Way
Fort Liberty Agent: Dave Michael Canzius
Better Mental Health PLLC 2322 Pridgeonfarm Rd
Fayetteville Agent: Sarah Lynn Kress
LCSW
Guided Growth Bookkeeping LLC
4664 Cameron Rd
Hope Mills Agent: Darcy L LaClaire
Life's A Stitch Embroidery Co. LLC 306 Damsel Ct Linden Agent: Catharine Victoria Vaughan BLT Hauling LLC
806 Marchbanks Pl
Hope Mills Agent: Rodney Lee TremmelII
North Carolina Big Brothers Association LLC
4702 Pamlico Rd
Fayetteville Agent: Tony Ulysee Brown
SHATOYA Mercer LLC 1703 Ramsey St ayetteville Agent: SHATOYA BLUE
Keith Productions LLC 951 S McPherson Church Rd Ste 110
Fayetteville Agent: Shazada Keith
309 Marquis Rental LLC
1008 Hay St
Fayetteville
Agent: Eric M Ditmore Zen 7 LLC 1534 McArthur
Fayetteville Agent: Hilda Diane Burgos
RES SYSTEMS LLC
7711 S Raeford Rd Ste 102
Fayetteville Agent: RODREAKA SALES
Prestige Wellness and Health LLC 6493 Green Meadow Rd
Fayetteville Agent: James Melvin Smith Sr
Almeida Behavioral Therapy LLC 5431 Trade St
Hope Mills Agent: William Raeford Davis Jr
Abundant
Grace Home Care Services LLC 8501 Cedar Creek Road Fayetteville Agent: Kendra Machelle Monroe
Rico Inked 'Em LLC
605 Regina Dr. Spring Lake Agent: Gary J
Steward
Provident Business Solutions Inc. 9816 Turnbull Rd
Fayetteville Agent: Samantha A Hitchings
Ewing Imagery LLC
3509 Grenedine Dr
Fayetteville Agent: Robert Brian Ewing
ValerieAnn LLC 2333 Gray Goose Loop
Fayetteville Agent: Christopher Rashad Foster AREA SQUATCH LLC 2413 Robeson St Ste 6
Fayetteville Agent: Alexander James Abbott
Sa4 Consulting LLC 1728 Emma Ct Eastover Agent: Angelo Saffore
Neely's NC Notary Service LLC 3315 Arrowhead Rd Spring Lake Agent: Angela Burgos Neely
MNRTrading
L.L.C.
5813 Lady Way
Hope Mills
Agent: Nicholas Rivera
Tina's Gourmet Gatherings LLC
5886 Aftonshire Dr
Fayetteville Agent: Christina Leia Strange
K&J Builders of NC L.L.P 4160
Marshwood Lake Rd
Fayetteville Agent: Kameryn Horne
Traid Management LLC
602 Poplar Dr
Fayetteville Agent: Barbara Lorine Rice
DWA Residential Investments LLC
916 Arsenal Ave Ste B
Fayetteville Agent: David Wells Alderman IV Backwoods Explorers LLC
100 Hay Street Ste 503
Fayetteville Agent: Abundant Living Consulting Corporation LLC
UNC & NC State Play-by-Play.
The Radio stations of Andrulonis Media are carrying every game for the UNC Tarheels on Carolina Country 100.1 WFAY and the NC State Wolfpack on The River / 106.5 WMRV.
