2019 Owned and Operated

Welcome to

Owned & Operated,

your local business journal that

showcases the people and places thatare the driving force of economic activityand heart and soul of communityengagement in the Twin Counties.These local business owners are the

people you know and trust to meet theneeds of you and your family every day— the dentist who fills your kids’ cavities,the auto mechanic who keeps your carrunning in top condition, the restaurantthat serves your favorite meals, theboutique where you find that one-ofa-kindgift for that special person, thehealth care professional who providesyour family’s medical care and all thestores, shops, car dealers, real estateagents, bakeries, plumbers, carpenters,electricians and repair services youdepend on for the necessities of dayto-dayliving and the finer things thatenhance your quality of life.While small businesses are the

biggest driver of job creation and thelocal economy, their impact in thecommunity extends well beyond that.Business owners and their staff are majorparticipants in area charity drives, suchas the United Way Annual Campaign,Toys for Tots, Salvation Army Angel Treeprogram, Operation Christmas Childand many other philanthropic efforts.They sponsor youth sports teams, areactive in civic organizations and theirlocal churches, serve on public boardsand commissions, lend support tolocal schools and nonprofit groups andvolunteer their time and resources to amyriad of special causes.Many of them are your friends and

neighbors. Here are some of their stories.Telegram flies

into the future

Staff photographer Sarah Louya holds the co-pilot controls of a small airplane during a photo assignment originating at the Rocky Mount- Wilson Regional Airport.

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he Rocky Mount Telegram editorial staff couldn’t be more excited about their new office overlooking the Tar River at the Rocky Mount Mills.

The only trouble is, they’re not there that much.

“I have never loved an office so much yet had less need to actually be there,” says staff writer Lindell John Kay. “But with technology the way it is, I’ve gone from a desktop to a laptop to a tablet to a smartphone to do my work.”

The Telegram’s recent move to the Rocky Mount Mills caps a series of ongoing changes the newspaper has undergone during the past decade to adapt to the ever-changing media market.

Smartphones and laptop computers have replaced the desktop computers that the staff used to have to work on in the old newsroom. They now have no need to return to the office to file their stories or photos. Many photos are shot and stories are written at the scene and filed electronically.

“I can sit in a meeting, take notes on my phone and turn in a story five minutes after the meeting is done,” Kay says. “I can take photos and write up an on-the-spot breaking news report that can be emailed to my editor to be posted online.”

Weekly staff meetings have been replaced by special ad-hoc meetings of select groups of staffers about a breaking news story, important local sports event, special project or particular story — often by teleconference

or text. Editors, news reporters, sports writers and photographers mostly rely on texts, cell phone calls or emails to communicate from disparate locations.

So it’s hard to say where they may be on any given day, which is how it should be — because that’s what their job is: To document what is going on in the area.

“I love being out in the community, meeting people and hearing their stories while photographing them living life in the Twin Counties,” says staff photographer Alan Campbell.

The new technology has allowed the staff to expand and boost their efforts and opportunities to cover the Twin

1151 Falls Road Suite 2008 PO Box 1080 Rocky Mount 252-366-8190

Customer Care 252-329-9505(Left) Local firefighters showstaff writer Amelia Harperhow to operate a fire houseduring a training exercise atNash Community College.(Bottom left) Staff writerLindell John Kay has a beerwith Gov. Roy Cooper duringthe governor’s visit to theRocky Mount Mills.(Bottom right) Sports writerPatrick Mason interviews LosAngeles Rams running backTodd Gurley during one of therushing star’s football campsin Tarboro.

Counties. “My job is never the same two days in a row,” says staff writer Amelia Harper. “And I love that.” But their mission remains the same. “I see my job as one that exposes truth and writes the historical record for generations to come,” Harper says. “In a world filled with sound-bites, opinions and self-interested leaders in all sectors of society, we still need journalists to ask the tough questions, expose the facts and act as guardians of the public interest.”

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just to name a few! If your car needs it Tharrington’s does it. Tharrington’s Auto Works & Collision Center works with all insurance companies. They will help you make that accident a much easier process! The company is a member of the Nash/Edgecombe Independent Garage Owners Automotive Service Association and is ICAR certified. The family side of the business has grown to include their oldest son, Kyle Tharrington. He graduated from NASCAR Technical Institute and is FORD Factory

Certified. Kyle specializes in diesel trucks of all kinds. He also loves to drag race them and work on diesels. Their youngest son, Dalton, also helps out after school and during the summers. Scott’s nephew, Zack, also works at Tharrington’s. He brings his knowledge of computers and mechanics to the shop. It is definitely a family affair! We say, there is always a Tharrington at Tharrington’s Auto Works for you!

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harrington’s Auto Works & Collison Center is located at 1212 Construction Dr, Rocky Mount and grew from Scott’s love of vehicle repair and drag racing. The company’s roots run to backto 1993 when Scott started his business. Scott and Lisa Tharrington selected the company’s Construction Drive site because of the central location in Rocky Mount and the opportunity to be able to expand at that location.

They opened their business there in 2001 moving from a previous location. The company flourished there adding more employees and expanding the facility. Today, Tharrington’s Auto Works & Collision Center has grown to a staff of 18 full time employees. They are a full service Auto repair and Body shop. Other services they offer are brakes, oil changes, state inspections, engine rebuilding, transmission rebuilding, front end alignments, and tires

1212 Construction Drive • Rocky Mount tharringtonsautoworks.com

We’ll get you back on the road... FAST!

GARDNER’S BARBEQUE

SOUTHERN BUFFET & CATERING

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he story of Gardner’s begins with James Gardner who founded Gardner’s Dairy in 1935 and sparked a passion in his sons pursuing careers in the food industry. One of the sons, Jim Gardner (Former Lt Governor), founded Gardner’s Barbecue in his hometown of Rocky Mount. The Gardner’s Barbecue Chain is now on the third generation of Gardners and is part of the fabric of this great city. Gardner’s success is firmly built on our community.

Our staff is long tenured and we take pride in each team member reaching their full potential. All of our management has been promoted from within the company which we believe builds a firm foundation for success.

We steadfastly support locally made NC products and businesses and want to continue to see our beloved city of Rocky Mount grow.

From all of us at Gardner’s, we are thankful for your continued support throughout the years and we hope to see you for many more.

A Reputation You Can Taste at Gardner’s Barbecue!

Eastern NC Barbecue We source whole hogs from a local family owned farm and handcraft our cue’ with a secret blends of vinegar and spices. Also available in Turkey.

Gardner’s Chicken Our locally sourced chicken is hand breaded with flour from a local mill and fried crispy when you order. We also offer baked & with BBQ sauce chicken.

Chicken Pastry Dough is rolled by hand daily and our stock is made in house using the best ingredients for a homemade taste.

Collards Greens Our best-selling side is hand washed and hand cut every day.

Sweet Potato Jacks Individually made by hand with one of NC top producing crops.

Gardnerfoods.com - Order Online We Cater, Any Size Party

Brunswick Stew Hearty house made stew made with chicken, pork and lots of veggies.

Gardner’s Catering & Wholesale 1331 N Wesleyan Blvd Rocky Mount, NC 27804 252-252-442-9688

Gardner’s Flagship Store 301 1331 N Wesleyan Blvd Rocky Mount, NC 27804 252-446-2983

Gardner’s Westridge 3651 Sunset Ave Rocky Mount, NC 27804 252-443-3996

Gardner’s Fairview 835 Fairview Rd Rocky Mount, NC 27804 252-442-5522

CANCER CARE beyond d iagnosis and treatment

Top medical care lives here

Vidant Health is part of your community

Here in Edgecombe and surrounding counties, you can count on the network of services Vidant Health brings to you. You’ll find expert medical and surgical care, emergency services and skilled, compassionate nursing at Vidant Edgecombe Hospital. A variety of physicians and surgeons serve our community, including our family medicine specialists in Pinetops and Tarboro. They’re all part of Vidant Health’s long-standing commitment to the Edgecombe region. With local medical practices plus tools like Vidant MyChart, which gives patients 24/7 access to their health records, you can get the care you deserve, here at home.

Local services offered by Vidant Medical Group providers: Cardiology • Endoscopy Family Medicine • General Surgery • Immediate Care • Internal Medicine • Oncology Pediatrics • Pulmonology • Sleep Lab • Urology • Women’s Care

Call toll free 855-MYVIDANT (855-698-4326) to make an appointment.

VidantHealth.com

If cancer is part of your life, a place of comfort and healing awaits you at Vidant Cancer Care-Edgecombe.

Our cancer program, nationally accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer, has always provided quality care. Now, in our new, spacious facility, you’ll also experience a comforting, soothing atmosphere complete with healing gardens and spa-like infusion chairs along with a compassionate, skilled team to support you every step of the way.

We’re part of a network of hope called Vidant Cancer Care that brings advanced technologies and promising clinical trials, backed by one of the nation’s most dynamic health systems. Because we believe in life without cancer.

Experience it at VidantHealth.com/Cancer.

EDUCATIONPREVENTIONINNOVATIONACCESS

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252.231.1660 1107 FALLS ROAD ROCKY MOUNT, NC 27804

Koi Pond Brewing Company was founded to provide high quality, interesting and delicious craft beer while utilizing as many local ingredients as possible and highlighting the culture and history of eastern North Carolina.

In addition to great craft beer, they have a wide selections of wines available by the glass.

Their taproom “The Pond” (opened in early 2016) is family friendly and dog friendly, so round up the crew and come join the fun!

A typical week at The Pond may feature Trivia, Open Mic and Live Music. Hungry? They offer light snacks, something salty, something sweet. However, feel free to bring food with you from your favorite restaurant, from home, or try out one of the neighboring restaurants at the Rocky Mount Mills.

Mary and Eric Ghiloni, Matt and Deborah Sperati and Josh Parvin, along with their families and staff have put their hearts and souls into making Rocky Mount a destination for locals and travelers alike.

Turning Your House Into A Home

Davis Furniture Company is celebrating its 30th Anniversary this year!! This second-generation furniture store is a family-owned business started by Doug Davis in 1989. He worked in the furniture industry for almost 40 years before his passing. He taught his daughters, Melanie and Meredith Davis the importance of customer service and hard work. Melanie and Meredith have carried on the tradition of a family atmosphere and top-rated customer service. At Davis Furniture, you are treated like one of the family!

Their 16,000 sq ft show space is in a beautiful historical building on Main Street. On your next trip to historical downtown, you must walk through this piece of Rocky Mount’s history! Their anchor store is truly a sight to be seen.

For 30 years now, Davis Furniture has continued their foundational mission of great selection and good fair prices with excellent customer service. Visit Davis Furniture to see their wide range of affordable home goods and decor. Their variety is surpassed only by our quality. They offer in-store and NO INTEREST financing! There is something for everyone, and the experienced staff stays up-to-date on the latest trends and styles. They enjoy helping your make your house a home. Come get inspired!

Davis Furniture

163 SE Main Street, Historical Downtown Rocky Mount, North Carolina 27801 (252) 446-0163

AHHC employs quality caregivers to assist individuals and families in their homes.

ABLE HOME HEALTH CARE, LLC

Able Home Health Care is a locally owned and operated in-home health care service employing quality caregivers to assist individuals and families in living dignified, independent lifestyles in their own homes.

Proudly serving the clients of Nash, Edgecombe, and surrounding counties, we provide innovative, high-quality home care services and respite care to our clients.

Since our beginning in 2000, we’ve made our clients a promise, based on our family’s values and commitment to excellence.

We are dedicated to helping our clients lead dignified, independent lifestyles in the comfort and safety of their own homes

Personal Care Services:

• Bathing • Grooming • Dressing • Toileting

• Hygeine • Walking • Mobility • Eating

Respite Care: Community Alternatives • Programs for Disabled Adults (CAP/DA)

Compassion. Integrity. Respect. Expertise. Cost-compassion. Able Home Health Care prides itself on a passion for compassion.

www.AbleHomeHealthCareNC.com

Call us today for a complimentary consultation... we will come to you! (252) 535-4400 • (252) 973-8534

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With Takyla’s 18 years of experience in the insurance industry, Key Insurance Solutions provides peace of mind while helping you understand and enroll in LIFE and HEALTH insurances. We’re here from birth to burial to help protect you and your loved ones from financial devastation with major medical, Medicare Supplements & Part D, dental, vision long-term care, disability and life insurances.

Takyla is dedicated to making sure her clients are taken care of and that their needs are met. She brings many years of experience helping her clients. The many referrals she gets from previous clients and colleagues are a true testament to her commitment to making sure you’re always taken care of.

Relationships are KEY are the foundation that Key Insurance Solutions is built upon. It’s our goal to help you understand your benefits, your options, and your choices because let’s face it insurance can be difficult. Just remember that we are here to help you navigate and protect you and those that depend on you. We offer extended hours and evening and weekend appointment are available to accommodate your schedule.

252.210.4KEY (4539) Takyla W. Smith 120 N. Franklin St. Suite G, Rocky Mount www.KeyInsuranceSolutions.com #InsureYourLove #RelationshipsAreKey

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ounded in 2016, Arkham Comix is the one stop shop for all of your comic book and geekery needs! We strive to be the BEST in our area. From comic books, to toys, to collectibles and so much more. If you want it--we’ll get it!

We offer subscription boxes, so that no customer will ever have to miss an issue. We are a licensed Sideshow Collectable, and Pop Vinyl dealer, which means we get to provide you the very best, and very coolest, statues and figurines for you to display.

We are a sanctioned Magic: The Gathering store through Wizards of the Coast.

We take pride in helping shine a spotlight on our local comic book creators (artists, illustrators, and writers). We have Local

Artist Days or a special event for the release of new comic books. It is a fun way for YOU to meet these talented creators, and get a chance to have them sign their work for you personally, as well as Draw With The Artist events where you can sit in with the artists and creators to learn how the craft is done!

Arkham Comix is committed to being a positive force in the community (we think heroes are everywhere, not just on the page) and we are continually working with various charitable organizations to help any way we can. We also like to have fun, so we’re happy to sponsor various special events in and around the area

At Arkham Comix, it is about the customer... and enjoying the world of comic books together!

ROCKY MOUNT 3010 Sunset Ave, Rocky Mount, NC 27804 (252) 316-8046

WILSON 3710 Peppermill Dr suite F, Wilson, NC 27896 (252) 281-5684

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90 years ago, back in 1929, my grandfather, David Davenport, started an “automobile agency” in downtown Rocky Mount. Little did he know that Davenport Motor Company would eventually come to span four generations, expand to a 12-acre autopark site, grow to employ and support over 60 associates and their families and invest millions in the local community. As we celebrate our dealership’s 90th anniversary this year, may we remember the man who made all this possible. Here’s to you, “Pop”! Your family and the community will be eternally grateful for what you made possible so many years ago. May your legacy live on and may we continue to support our community and carry your torch in a way that would make you proud!

Thank you Rocky Mount for allowing our family to serve you for over 90 years!Neill, Graham, Joe and the entire Davenport team

MOTORSPORTS & MARINE

252.977.2191 2800 N. WESLEYAN BOULEVARD ROCKY MOUNT, NC 27804

F or more than 50 years, Twin County Motorsports has been committed to its mission: providing you with the best products and service for everything from motorcycles, ATVs, boats, 4 wheeled vehicles, golf carts and so much more. This year, we’re bringing you even more than before, with the opening of our indoor marine showroom featuring all-new boats.

We’ve grown even into another field as well--you can now count on Twin County as your first and best stop for RVs as well. We pride ourselves on having a wide selection, and we back that up with knowledgeable staff who will meet your needs and exceed your expectations.

We’re determined to be your #1 motorsports vehicle destination. Come by and see how we’re growing now!

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In victory, you deserve Champagne.In defeat, you need it.

177 Nash Street • Rocky Mount252-210-3127info@binandbarrelwine.com

Bin & Barrel, Rocky Mount’s newest wine bar and retail shop! We are a unique and specialized shop, providing the areas best selection of exclusive wines. Our knowledgeable staff can personalize your shopping and tasting experience to your individual taste preferences. A variety of wines will be offered to taste daily, and changing regularly.

We look forward to serving your wine shopping and tasting needs. Please contact us if you have any questions regarding specific wines, upcoming events, or renting our space for your next event.

Barley and Burger is a bold and refined kitchen and bar, carefully crafted to nurture the human spirit, one burger, one beer, one person at a time.

We serve hand-formed burgers cooked to perfection on a grill, local craft beer, artisan sandwiches, housemade appetizers, handspun milkshakes, freshly chopped salads, and more.

Our speciality is our gourmet, chef-driven burgers and local craft beer created with the ingenuity and passion inspired by the dangerously good flavors of classic American cuisine.

Our burgers are sourced from the highest quality black angus whole muscle cuts of short rib and chuck, produced by world renown butcher and chef Pat Lafrieda.

In addition to our authentic food, we strive to provide impeccable service and make every customer feel at home. Come and experience burgers and beer our way.

Great Food.Great Beer.Made Simple.

BARLEY & BURGER

2921 Zebulon Road • Rocky Mount, NC 27804 • (252) 443-7339

Mon-Thur: Lunch 11am - 2:30pm, Dinner 5pm-10pm • Fri-Sat: 11am-11pm • Sun: 11am-4pm

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on Bulluck Chevrolet has been in business since 1917. We provide our services to Rocky Mount, Nashville, Wilson, Roanoke Rapids, Raleigh and surrounding areas and have even sold vehicles as far away as Alaska. It is our goal here to make sure that all of our customers are completely satisfied! Shop our new or pre-owned inventory, pre-qualify for your next vehicle or schedule you next service appointment with our expert technicians. If you feel more comfortable speaking to our team over the phone, give us a call at (252) 977-3355.

We invite you to visit us in person and see why your neighbors chose us to be their partner in their vehicle ownership.

HWY 301 N. 1920 N. Wesleyan Blvd, Rocky Mount, NC 27804 (252) 977-3355 www.bulluckchevrolet.com

What’s better than playing golf in one of

the most beautiful settings in Eastern NC? LIVING HERE.

201 Belmont Club Way | Rocky Mount, NC 27804 | 252-442-8900www.belmontlakepreserve.com

Manufactured, modular and mobile homes offered with unparralleled options, comfort and quality at all price points.

Opening Doors to a better Life... One Home at a Time!

252-442-9988 2120 N. Wesleyan Blvd., Rocky Mount NC 27804

No matter the level of hearing impairment, your best interest is our main concern. Noise induced hearing loss and affordable hearing aids are our speciality.

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wned and operated by Victoria Brattain, Down East Hearing is dedicated to helping our patients achieve better hearing and understanding through professional assessments, counseling, and trouble-shooting hearing loss problems.

We take a personal interest in helping those with hearing loss to be able to hear and understand better so that they may have the quality of life that they and their

loved ones deserve. We do not justfit hearing aids, we are a familyownedbusiness that is here to helpothers to achieve a better qualityof life through better hearing, andletting you know about the full rangeof therapeutic and technologicaloptions available to you.

If you're looking for personalattention, specialized hearing careand professional service,

Call today for a NO CHARGEhearing consultation.

Quality Hearing Care Guaranteed!

Rocky Mount 252-442-3335 or Knightdale 919-217-6009 Hours of Operation: Monday - Thursday 9 am to 5 pm and Fridays 9 am to 2 pm.

CELEBRATING 17 YEARS Come join us to celebrate 17 years of service and better hearing for thecommunity on March 5th 2019. Refreshment and giveaways will be available,we would like to show our appreciation for the many years of support.

Black Cat

Harley Davidson

Black Cat Harley-Davidson® is a full-service dealership located in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. We’re family-owned and we’re dedicated to providing our customers with a dynamic and unforgettable experience. We maintain the largest selection of new and used Harley-Davidson® motorcycles in the area and offer a full array of financing options. Our professional sales staff is ready to help you realize your dreams! Enjoy browsing our large selection of both new and pre-owned Harley-Davidson® motorcycles or shopping for parts and apparel.

928 N. WINSTEAD AVE ROCKY MOUNT, NC 27804

252.446.7292

Your Home Is My Business... And I Take It Seriously!

I’m very proud to be a part of the Moorefield Real Estate team. I’ve spent the last 31 years in sales and marketing. My skills will help you sell your home or get you into the “Dream Home” that you’ve always wanted. Please take full advantage of my years of marketing experience by putting me to work for you!

Jay Hooks was referred to me by my daughter when she and her husband sold a townhouse several years ago. Jay was extremely aggressive in promoting the sale of their home and sold it in a short period of time. I contacted him when my wife and I decided to sell. He promoted well, held multiple open houses and advertised consistently. He was creative and sold my home in a reasonable time. We were very pleased with Jay’s performance. I highly recommend Jay as a professional realtor.

Willis Lamm

Satisfied Customer

Jay Hooks

Selling Real Estate in the Rocky Mount, Nashville, and Edgecombe areas for more than 10 years

252-230-3406 • jayhooks43@yahoo.com

Experts in:

YOU

Leading you to better health.

At Wilson Medical Center, we understand that your health care journey is unique. And that’s why we’re dedicated to being experts in YOU. From personalized orthopedic solutions to patient-centered heart care, we’re here for you every step of the way. As a part of Duke LifePoint Healthcare, we have a wealth of expertise and resources to strengthen the already excellent quality of care our hospital delivers. At Wilson Medical Center, we’re not just experts in health care. We’re experts in your health care.

Find a doctor today. 800.424.DOCS

WilsonMedical.com