2011 | imagesjohnstoncounty.com ®
What’s Online Learn more about Johnston County’s excellent schools and facilities.
Johnston County, north carolina
PAST PERFECT Museums keep their exhibits entertaining
Action Figures Business climate marked by expansion, new investment
Thanks A Mill Homegrown successes bolster agritourism
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2011 edition | volume 6 ÂŽ
johnston County, nc co nte nt s F e atu r e s 10 past perfect
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Museums keep their exhibits entertaining.
16 class(room) Act Schools, facilities benefit students from childhood to college.
24 action figures Business climate marked by expansion, new investment.
d e pa r tm e nt s 6 Almanac 20 Image Gallery 28 Biz Briefs 30 Chamber Report 31 Economic Profile 32 Local Flavor 34 Health & Wellness 36 Arts & Culture 38 Sports & Recreation 40 Community Profile
on the cover Atkinson Milling Co. in Selma Photo by Todd Bennett
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2011 | iMAgESJohnSTonCounTy.CoM ®
What’s Online Learn more about Johnston County’s excellent schools and facilities.
JohnSTon CounTy, noRTh CARoLinA
PAST PERFECT Museums keep their exhibits entertaining
ACTion FiguRES Business climate marked by expansion, new investment
Facts & Stats Dig deeper with in-depth data on industries, schools and more
SPonSoREd by ThE JohnSTon CounTy ASSoCiATion oF ChAMbERS oF CoMMERCE
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Homegrown successes bolster agritourism
Digital edition
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johnston count y, nc Project Manager Courtney Seiter Proofreading Manager Raven Petty Content Coordinator Jessica Walker Staff Writer Kevin Litwin Copy Editors Lisa Battles, Jill Wyatt Contributing writers Kevin Litwin, joe morris, Tiffany williams Media Technology Director Christina Carden
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Senior Graphic Designers Laura Gallagher, Jessica Manner, Janine Maryland, Kris Sexton, Candice Sweet, Vikki Williams Media Technology Analysts Chandra Bradshaw, lance Conzett, Michele Niccore, Marcus Snyder Photography Director Jeffrey S. Otto
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Senior Photographers Jeff Adkins, Brian McCord Staff Photographers Todd Bennett, Antony Boshier Web Content Managers John Hood, Kim Madlom Web Design Director Franco Scaramuzza Web Designer Leigh Guarin Web developer i Yamel Hall
PERFECT
Ad Production Manager Katie Middendorf Ad Traffic Assistants Krystin Lemmon, Patricia Moisan I.T. Director Yancey Bond
MUSEUMS KEEP JOHNSTON COUNTY’S CIVIL WAR, TOBACCO FARMING, TEXTILE PAST ON DISPLAY
Regional Sales Manager Charles Sweeney
STORY BY JOE MORRIS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY TODD BENNETT
Sales Support/Community, Business, Custom Rachael Goldsberry Senior Accountant Lisa Owens
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lthough it’s a very forward-looking place, Johnston County also treasures its past, displaying and honoring traditions and history so rich that visitors come from around the world to experience them.
Accounts Payable Coordinator Maria McFarland Accounts Receivable Coordinator Diana Guzman Office Manager/Accounts Receivable Coordinator Shelly Miller
Battle of Bentonville Site Recalls Civil War Era Leading the charge, literally, is the Battle of Bentonville. From March 19-21, 1865, the Confederate Army mounted what would be its last fullscale, tactical offensive in the largest battle fought in North Carolina. While the Confederates failed to stop Gen. William T. Sherman, their efforts over that three-day period bring visitors to the site every year for reenactments, reunions and other events
Integrated Media Manager julie cardwell Sales Support Manager Cindy Hall color imaging technician Alison Hunter Chairman Greg Thurman
The Benson Museum of Local History features items from the towns past, including memorabilia from the annual Mule Day and the Benson
President/Publisher Bob Schwartzman Executive Vice President Ray Langen
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IIM MAG AGE ES SJJO OH HN NS ST TO ON NC CO OU UN NT TY. Y.C CO OM M
J O H N STO N CO U NT Y
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Senior V.P./Sales Todd Potter, Carla Thurman Senior V.P./Operations Casey Hester Senior V.P./Client Development Jeff Heefner V.P./Content Development Teree Caruthers V.P./Custom Publishing Kim Newsom V.P./Visual Content Mark Forester V.P./Content Operations Natasha Lorens V.P./Sales Charles Fitzgibbon, Herb Harper, Jarek Swekosky Controller Chris Dudley Content Director/Travel Publications Susan Chappell Content Director/Business Publications Bill McMeekin Marketing Creative Director Keith Harris
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Distribution Director Gary Smith Executive Secretary Kristy Duncan Human Resources Manager Peggy Blake Receptionist Linda Bishop
Images Johnston County is published annually by Journal Communications Inc. and is distributed through the Johnston County Association of Chambers of Commerce and their member businesses. For advertising information or to direct questions or comments about the magazine, contact Journal Communications Inc. at (615) 771-0080or by e-mail at info@jnlcom.com. For more information, contact: Johnston County Association of Chambers of Commerce 1115 Industrial Park Drive • Smithfield, NC 27577 Phone: (919) 934-9166 • Fax: (919) 934-1337 www.smithfieldselma.com Visit Images Johnston County online at imagesjohnstoncounty.com ©Copyright 2010 Journal Communications Inc., 725 Cool Springs Blvd., Suite 400, Franklin, TN 37067, (615) 771-0080. All rights reserved. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without written consent. Member
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Almanac
Welcome to Johnston County An introduction to the area’s people, places and events
Grape Expectations Here is a toast to local wineries Hinnant Family Vineyards and Enoch Winery & Vineyard. Hinnant plants its grapes in the ideal soil of Johnston County. The winery has become known for its large variety of wines, among them scuppernong, a Tarheel Red and red muscadine juice. Prices are reasonable, ranging from $7.50 to a $12 bottle of chardonnay. Enoch Winery is a family farm just east of Benson. Six varieties of muscadine wine are produced there, along with sweet fruit wines like blueberry, apple and peach.
Stocked Market Out of arugula? The Clayton Farm and Community Market debuted in 2010 on the downtown Town Square, with sales of locally grown produce on Saturday mornings. The market launched April 4 and ran through Oct. 31. Plans for the 2011 market are to move it to the corner of Lombard and Main Street for its second year. During 2010, the farmers’ market started with six vendors and finished with 15. Besides fresh produce, goods sold throughout the year included honey, plants and flowers, farm-fresh eggs, candles, bakery items and handmade crafts.
Hollywood in Smithfield Ava Gardner was raised in a boarding house near Smithfield and later studied to be a secretary. But eventually she traded steno pads for scripts, and the hometown Ava Gardner Museum assures the star will always be remembered. Gardner (1922-1990) starred in more than 50 films. There are more than 100,000 items in the museum collection, including movie posters, photographs, magazine covers, costumes, newspaper clippings, paintings, books and personal items. Her grave is located in Sunset Memorial Gardens, approximately two miles from the museum. The Ava Gardner Museum welcomes approximately 12,000 visitors each year.
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Unique Antiques
Fast Facts
The Selma Antique District is like a dream come true for avid shoppers. The town’s downtown area is filled with antique dealers, art shops and special retail stores that have revitalized Selma’s district over the past several years. The town even welcomes several antiques-related national events, including an annual Selma East Coast Show that attracts dealers specializing in tools, books, furniture, coins and Confederate money. The district itself is home to more than 100,000 square feet of antique shops and malls, all within walking distance of each other. Antique dealers work cooperatively to market Selma as a shopping destination.
n Johnston County is located midway between New York and Florida on I-95. n The county has 11 municipalities: Benson, Clayton, Four Oaks, Kenly, Micro, Pine Level, Princeton, Selma, Smithfield, Archer Lodge and Wilson’s Mills. n The Tobacco Farm Life Museum in Kenly showcases agriculture as it was in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Johnston County At A Glance POPULATION (2008 ESTIMATE) Johnston County: 167,367 Clayton: 15,841 Smithfield: 12,965 Cleveland Township: 11,900 Selma: 6,948 Benson: 3,495 LOCATION Johnston County is in eastcentral North Carolina, about 30 miles south of Raleigh. BEGINNINGS Johnston County was formed in 1745 and named after Gabriel Johnston, a royal governor of the state. FOR MORE INFORMATION Greater Smithfield-Selma Area Chamber of Commerce 1115 Industrial Park Drive Smithfield, NC 27577 Phone: (919) 934-9166 Fax: (919) 934-1337 www.smithfieldselma.com See page 31 for chamber list.
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Raleigh Clayton Cleveland Area 50
JOHNSTON
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Kenly
Selma Smithfield
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Benson 701
n Johnston County ranks first in the state of North Carolina for the number of operating farms. n Pharmacist Lunsford Richardson grew up near Selma in the mid-1800s, and he developed the formula for the cold salve called Vicks VapoRub. n Johnston County is the nation’s largest grower of sweet potatoes, and the North Carolina Sweet Potato Commission is headquartered in Benson.
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Johnston County
What’s Online Take a virtual tour of Johnston County, courtesy of our awardwinning photographers, at imagesjohnstoncounty.com.
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Going Swimmingly
Walk This Way In March 2010, the Smithfield Neuse Riverwalk & Buffalo Creek Greenway officially opened. The 3-mile greenway travels from the downtown area to Smithfield Community Park, and links two schools and four town parks as well as northern and southern historical residential neighborhoods. The greenway also serves as a link in the North Carolina Mountainsto-Sea Trail. The $1.2 million expanse, open to the public, was funded by various sources, including the Town of Smithfield, the North Carolina Trails Division and the North Carolina Department of Transportation.
The Smithfield Recreation & Aquatics Center is the first facility of its kind in Johnston County. The facility is a joint venture between Johnston County Schools and the Town of Smithfield, a partnership formed in 2001. The 71,000-square-foot center opened in 2009, and benefits students and residents of Smithfield and surrounding Johnston County. Open seven days a week, it offers an eightlane competition swimming pool, a children’s play pool, indoor track, two racquetball courts, double gymnasium and a strength-training room. The Smithfield Recreation & Aquatics Center features an annual membership.
More Than Pottery Carolina Pottery, a family-owned business launched in 1983 in Smithfield, now owns three additional outlets in the Southeast. The Smithfield location is on Industrial Park Drive. Departments include home dĂŠcor, wicker furniture, dinnerware and glassware, kitchen, lawn and garden, silk flowers and greenery, and seasonal items for Christmas, Thanksgiving and Easter. Carolina Pottery is also known for its reasonable prices. Hours are Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-9 p.m. and Sundays 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
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Past
Perfect
Museums keep Johnston County’s Civil War, tobacco farming, textile past on display Story By Joe Morris | Photography By todd bennett
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lthough it’s a very forward-looking place, Johnston County also treasures its past, displaying and honoring traditions and history so rich that visitors come from around the world to experience them. Battle of Bentonville Site Recalls Civil War Era Leading the charge, literally, is the Battle of Bentonville. From March 19-21, 1865, the Confederate Army mounted what would be its last fullscale, tactical offensive in the largest battle fought in North Carolina. While the Confederates failed to stop Gen. William T. Sherman, their efforts over that three-day period bring visitors to the site every year for re-enactments, reunions and other events
From left to right: Benson Museum of Local History; Tobacco Farm Life Museum in Kenly
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The Tobacco Farm Life Museum gives visitors a glimpse into the life of early tobacco farmers in North Carolina.
commemorating the battle. The site is also part of North Carolina Historic Sites, a program of 27 sites around the state that highlights various aspects of its history. Tobacco Farm Life Museum Recalls Area’s Agricultural Roots Many of those soldiers went on to be farmers, and even today tobacco growing is synonymous with North Carolina. While many are now raising other crops, the cultural tapestry created by tobacco here is celebrated at the Tobacco Farm Life Museum in Kenly. The museum is a combination of modern facilities and a restored, early 20th century farmstead. A 12
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4,000-square-foot gallery showcases eastern North Carolina farm life; the remainder of the facility is given over to permanent and rotating exhibits on everything from Southern medicine to social life. Permanent exhibits include Cultivating Minds, a look at education in rural North Carolina; From Chores to Church, which explores textile manufacture and use in this part of the state; Community Caregivers, a tribute to the rural doctors who served many vital roles in small communities; and The Tobacco Warehouse, which explores the buying and selling of tobacco and the industry surrounding the golden leaf after it left the farm. Out on the property, the farmstead features a smokehouse, log tobacco barn, milk shed and more in a
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collection of buildings donated by several people in the local community. The buildings hold exhibits depicting rural Carolina farm life during the Great Depression era. Johnston County Heritage Center, Benson Museum of Local History Keep Local Lore Alive All this and more is revisited at the Johnston County Heritage Center, which acts to preserve all aspects of the county’s history and culture. The center was formed in 1997 as a department of the county government, and is operated by the county and an 18-member commission. It opened in 2000, in the renovated former First Citizens Bank in downtown Smithfield, and has exhibit space, artifact storage and, as its centerpiece, the Johnston County Room, a varied and compre hensive collection of local history and genealogy. Preserving all things local is the mission of the Benson Museum of Local History as well. The museum, established in 1987, features a collection of railroad memorabilia, antiques and quilts, as well as a diverse and growing array of farming and hardware artifacts. The museum’s pictorial and newspaper collection, at its new downtown Main Street location, chronicles the lives and events of significant local families.
Clockwise from top left: Tobacco Farm Life Museum; Benson Museum of Local History; Tobacco Farm Life Museum
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Class (room)
Act
Schools, facilities benefit students from childhood to college
Story By Joe Morris
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ifelong learning is more than a catchphrase in Johnston County, where the youngest citizens are set on a highquality educational path that leads them through elementary and high school to college and beyond. Partnership for Children Aids Johnston County’s Youngest The county’s youngest learners benefit from the programs run by the Partnership for Children of Johnston County. It administers state Smart Start
and More at Four funds for the county, and also actively solicits private donations to provide additional programs and services for families and young children. “We understand that our young children are a big piece of the economic development of the community,” says Dwight Morris, executive director. “Children who arrive at school prepared are much better students, and they eventually will be a more effective and more productive workforce.” That preparation includes playtime and social interaction as well as
learning, and so the partnership’s current flagship project is building an inclusive playground that will include a “miracle field” ballfield and play area for children with special needs. Johnston County Schools Opens New Facilities, Posts Top Scores When these young people head into Johnston County Schools’ classrooms, their educational enrichment continues. The district has more than 32,000 students in 44 schools, including two brand-new high schools, says
The Workforce Development Center houses six classrooms, three science labs, three computer labs and much more.
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Johnston Community College
Terri Sessoms, public information officer. “We continue to be in the top 20 percent of the state in terms of student performance,” Sessoms says. “Our SAT scores are at 1022, which is eight points above the national average, and 14 points above the state average.” Neuse Charter School Focuses on International Studies Academics are just as rigorous at the Neuse Charter School, the county’s first charter learning center. Neuse serves students in grades K-8, and offers an international-studies focus. Neuse Charter School is a free public school, 18
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and works to keep class size around 20 students. Johnston Community College Expands to Meet Growing Enrollment Local graduates don’t have to cross the county’s borders for an outstanding college education either. Johnston Community College posted a record 4,183 students in fall 2010, and it continues to offer quality training in facilities like the 12 specialized labs in the new 23,800-square-foot addition to the Health Science Building. It also is putting the finishing touches on the new Learning Resource Center, a 33,000-square-foot facility that will
house the college’s library and distanceeducation programs and is the college’s first LEED-certified building. JCC also has received a $200,000 grant from the Golden LEAF Foundation to begin development of a virtual hospital on campus, a facility that will work with both students and the college’s regional health-care partners. “Johnston Community College is growing by leaps and bounds, and we are doing our absolute best to accommodate the needs of our unprecedented number of students during a climate of declining resources,” says Dr. David Johnson, president.
Johnston County Workforce Development Center Offers Training In the postgraduate world, community members and employers alike take advantage of the Johnston County Workforce Development Center, a collaborative effort between Johnston Community College, the county, Johnston County Economic Development, the school district and local biopharmaceutical industries. The 30,000-square-foot state-ofthe-art educational and technical skills training center focuses on life sciences programming, business training and workforce development in biotechnology and other sciences.
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Image Gallery
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Howell Woods Environmental Learning Center, part of Johnston Community College Photo by Todd Bennett
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Image Gallery
The Hall and Gardens at Landmark Staff Photographer
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Sunset on the Neuse River Staff Photographer
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Making Room
for More Johnston County business climate marked by diversity, expansion, new investment Story By Joe Morris | Photography By todd bennett
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n recent years, Johnston County has stepped up its efforts to bring in new businesses while also helping its existing companies grow. As a result, the local economy is emerging from the recent national downturn more robust and diverse than ever. Talecris Biotherapeutics, Becton, Dickinson Add to Biotech Sector Local economic development officials have high-end biotech firms on their radar, most recently helping to grow Talecris Biotherapeutics, which develops and manufactures criticalcare treatments for individuals with life-threatening disorders. The firm, which will expand its manufacturing facilities near Clayton, will invest almost $270 million over the next seven
Custom Assemblies, Inc. in Pine Level has more than 20 years of experience in the medical manufacturing industry.
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years. The plant expansion will create at least 259 new jobs, with an average annual salary of around $51,000. Talecris benefits from the nearby Johnston County College Workforce Development Center, which trains biotech workers for the firm. The company will receive a $3.66 million Job Development Investment Grant from the state if it meets job-creation targets, and another $250,000 from the One North Carolina Fund if local governments provide matching funds. Another medical technology firm, Becton, Dickinson and Co., also has tapped Johnston County on the shoulder. It will build its East Coast distribution center in Four Oaks, a $38 million facility that’s expected to 26
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hire 187 workers beginning in 2012. Becton, Dickinson, which develops, manufactures and sells medical supplies and devices, is the first company to move into Four Oaks’ new 400-acre industrial park, and it also will receive state grants if it meets job-creation and investment targets. Northeast Foods, SONA, PGI Showcase Diverse New Investments All those workers will need to be fed, and if they want a Big Mac they’ll be glad to know that Northeast Foods Inc., a Maryland-based supplier of hamburger buns to McDonald’s, is building a new $25.4 million bakery in Clayton. The facility will create 84 jobs
at the outset, and will serve two Golden State Foods distribution centers in Garner and Lexington, S.C. The One North Carolina Fund was a factor in Northeast’s decision to locate here, according to company officials, as it will provide $350,000 in incentives. Northeast’s new workers can expect a starting salary of almost $42,000 a year, nearly $10,000 more than the county’s current $31,000 average annual wage. In Selma, the SONA Group is expanding its facility. The company, formerly a division of ThyssenKrupp Technologies, has hired 40 new employees since October 2009. Now known as SONA BLW Precision Forge, the company says it will need at least 30 more hourly and salaried positions once
the expansion is complete. Expansion is also the order of the day at Polymer Group Inc. in Benson, which plans to invest up to $20 million in new nonwoven-product manufacturing equipment at its facility. The Benson site employees almost 300 people, and the new machinery will update and modernize the operation, making those jobs much more secure in a competitive industry. Add the ongoing improvements and enhancements at such thriving local employers as Carolina Electronic Assemblers; Custom Assemblies, Inc.; Novo Nordisk and others, and it’s easy to see why businesses are looking at – and coming to – Johnston County to grow.
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Biz Briefs Businesses – both large and small – that help define johnston county’s economic climate
Scorecard Business At A Glance
$1.2 billion Annual retail sales
$8,785 Retail sales per capita
$107 million Annual hotel and food sales
9,781 Total number of firms Source: U.S. Census QuickFacts
PERNELL INC. Biz: Heating and air conditioning Buzz: This company has been in business since 1977, providing comfort to the local community through climate solutions. Pernell Inc. is also actively growing its geothermal options, which use the free, renewable energy found in a customer’s own backyard to enable home heating and cooling. By utilizing a geothermal unit, customers receive considerable cost savings compared to a traditional furnace or air conditioner. www.pernellinc.com 28
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FOUR OAKS DRUGSTORE Biz: Pharmacy Buzz: Located in the Four Oaks Commercial Historic District, this longstanding drugstore’s storefront dates back to 1937. Its original cabinets and display cases are still in use, and an oldfashioned soda fountain was added in 1947. The store is not only a drugstore, but a tourism site. Owner Bill Canaday has been the druggist for decades, taking over from his father, Ralph Canaday, before him. (919) 963-2155 MEDLIN AND DORMAN ACE HARDWARE Biz: Hardware store Buzz: Medlin and Dorman Ace Hardware has long been a mainstay for Benson area residents in need of home improvement supplies. The store in downtown Benson offers hardware, electrical and plumbing supplies, power tools, lawn and garden tools, accessories and more. The independent store is still often-visited today because of its friendly and expert service. (919) 894-3164
Johnston County
a great place to work
and play!
Johnston County Board of Commissioners Wade M. Stewart, Chairman
Allen L. Mims, Jr.,
Jeffrey P. Carver W. Ray Woodall
ViCe-Chairman
DeVan Barbour
Cookie Pope
Tony Braswell
QUALITY DOLL FURNITURE Biz: Doll sales, repairs Buzz: In the Garner community, Quality Doll Furniture owner and operator Shirley Sharber creates intricate worlds in her woodworking shop. Not only does she make some dolls for girls, but she creates unique and painstaking dollhouse furniture and accessories. Several of her finished pieces are for sale to the public. The woodworker also creates toys for boys, such as handcrafted cars and trucks. home.rr.com/qdftoys MORNING GLORY INN Biz: Bed-and-breakfast Buzz: The inn is a 6,400-square-foot Victorian mansion, built in 1907, in the heart of Clayton. There are five large guest suites, each with its own private bathroom and independent temperature control. Each room has either a queen- or king-size bed, and a full gourmet breakfast and afternoon tea are offered each day. There are also separate ladies’ and men’s parlors on-site. www.morning-glory-inn.com
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Leading the Way Program continues to groom leaders
K
elly Wallace says several recent Leadership Johnston graduates have volunteered to join the board of directors at Boys & Girls Clubs of Johnston County. Wallace, director of operations with the Greater Smithfield-Selma Area Chamber of Commerce as well as facilitator with Leadership Johnston,
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says the program not only helps participants become better leaders, but encourages graduates to become civically involved with their community. “This program also allows participants to meet people they don’t already know from across the county, and they often form strong bonds,” she says. “Many become lifelong
friends, business partners and associates once they graduate.” Leadership Johnston annually welcomes 20 participants, who meet in all-day sessions once a month from October through May and attend one weekend retreat. The day sessions occur on the first Wednesday of each month. The mission is for participants to become better leaders in the workplace, and learn what they can do to better their community through volunteerism and perhaps even holding public office some day. The program is sponsored by the Johnston County Association of Chambers, which includes the individual chambers of Greater Smithfield-Selma, Benson, Clayton, Four Oaks, Greater Cleveland and Kenly. Johnston Community College is also part of the program. “Our participants often come from companies that have identified people who have leadership potential, or a company might choose someone new to the community,” Wallace says. “We get a lot of bankers, financial advisors, real estate agents, school system officials, people involved with nonprofits and small-business owners. Individuals as young as 20 years old have been in the class.” The monthly sessions feature expert speakers as well as field trips to various sites throughout the county. “One month might highlight education, the next month health care, then local government … and participants hear from leaders of organizations, companies and public service groups,” Wallace says. “Speakers might talk about obstacles they’ve overcome, climbing the corporate ladder, and issues they had to address personally and in their professional lives.” “Leadership Johnston also conducts a personality profile early in the program so that specific areas can be addressed to help a person become a good professional and community leader,” Wallace says. “This program builds our community’s future by building leaders.” – Kevin Litwin
economic profile Business climate Johnston County offers a workforce development center and is close to the renowned Research Triangle Area, as well as three nationally known research hospitals. It is one of the fastestgrowing counties in the United States.
Johnston County Airport 3149 Swift Creek Road Smithfield, NC 27577 (919) 934-0992 www.jnx-airport.com Selma Historic Union Station/AMTRAK 500 Railroad St. Selma, NC 27576, (800) 872-7245
Economic Resources
Tax Structure
2.5% County Sales Tax
5.25% State Sales Tax
7.75% Total Sales Tax
income
$18,839 Per Capita Income
$45,095 Average Total Household Expenditure
Transportation Johnston County Area Transit System 309 E. Market St. Smithfield, NC 27577 www.jcats.org
Greater Smithfield-Selma Area Chamber of Commerce 1115 Industrial Park Drive Smithfield, NC 27577 (919) 934-9166 www.smithfieldselma.com Kenly Area Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 190, Kenly, NC 27542 (919) 284-5510 www.kenlynorthcarolina.com Four Oaks Area Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 415 Four Oaks, NC 27524 (919) 963-4004 www.fouroaksareachamber.com Benson Chamber of Commerce 303 E. Church St. Benson, NC 27504 (919) 894-3825 www.benson-chamber.com Clayton Chamber of Commerce 301 E. Main St. Clayton, NC 27520 (919) 553-6352 www.claytonchamber.com Downtown Smithfield Development 200 S. Front St. Smithfield, NC 27577 (919) 934-0887 www.downtownsmithfield.com
Greater Cleveland Chamber of Commerce 5533 NC 42 W., Suite A4-1 Garner, NC 27529 (919) 773-8448 www.greatercleveland chamber.com Johnston County Economic Development 212 E. Market Street Smithfield, NC 27577 (919) 989-5007 www.johnstonnc.com Johnston County Visitors Bureau 1535-A Booker Dairy Road Smithfield, NC 27577 (919) 989-8687 www.johnstoncountync.org Research Triangle Regional Partnership 1000 Trade Drive, Suite 124 RDU International Airport, NC 27623, (919) 840-7372 www.researchtriangle.org
major employers 1,000+ Employees Johnston County Schools Talecris Biotherapeutics Inc Johnston Health Inc. County of Johnston 400-999 Employees Wal-Mart Associates Inc Asplundh Tree Expert Co Sysco Food Services Flanders Airpure NC Division Johnston Community College Caterpillar Inc
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Local Flavor
Homegrown Successes
A stone grinding wheel from the Atkinson Milling Co. used to grind cornmeal – the same method used since before the American Revolution.
Todd Bennett
Agritourism brings foodies to Johnston County farms
Sure, Johnston County has plenty to brag about when it comes to food. And these days, that menu’s more well-rounded than ever. Eastern Carolina barbecue brings ’em in from far and wide, and for good reason. The Pound Cake Co. has put Benson on the radar of dessert-lovers everywhere, while Johnston County Hams take the county’s name into kitchens and dining rooms around the world. Here at home, local meat-and-threes serve up those products with side orders of vegetables that are as hot a commodity as the meats and desserts they complement.
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Agritourism, Pick-your-own Operations Growing
Johnston County Offers Variety of Produce, Workshops
Agriculture has long been a mainstay of Johnston County’s economy, and these days many farmers are not only selling their crops at local farmers markets like Clayton’s, they’re also opening their fields to a growing number of citizens who want to pick their own produce. Throw in some hayrides, add a few seasonal lectures and workshops on healthier living, and you’ve got a revamped local industry that boosts the economy while also trimming waistlines.
Take Boyette Farms in Clayton, where every fall the Clayton Fear Farm offers a pumpkin patch, corn maze, hay playground and Halloween-themed events. Then there’s the Lazy O Farm in Smithfield, which hosts educational tours for children and families as well as special events. Those looking for a little more colorful experience can stop by Toad Song Farm in Clayton, which grows a broad array of herbs, perennial plants and
i mag e s j o h n s t o n c o u n t y. c o m
Jeff Adkins
919.934.1504
vegetables, and holds workshops throughout the year. Then mix it up with some friendly critters at Arrowhead Farm, where you can milk a goat, hunt for green eggs and more. The Atkinson Milling Company is the last water-powered gristmill operating in eastern North Carolina. Take a trip to the historic gristmill in Selma or visit the website at www.atkinsonmilling.com to learn the rich history and order some quality corneal products.
Year-round Opportunities for Produce During most warm months, the pick-your-own industry is bustling here. Beasley’s Berries offers strawberries from mid-April through mid-June; Hill’s Peach and Berry Farm & Jan’s Strawberries does as well, along with blackberries, peaches and watermelon in season; blueberries are a specialty at Middlecreek Farm, where trees, birds and cattle also can be had; and Smith’s Nursery in Benson is open yearround with blackberries, blueberries and strawberries in season, and home-produced honey, produce and much more. Want to explore more? The Johnston County Visitors Bureau keeps an up-todate listing of agribusiness sites and is adding more all the time. – Joe Morris
| Fax: 919.934.1668 | www.willowrunvet.com
Dr. William E. Smith Dr. Eileen P. Langdon
Complete Companion Animal Care Dentistry On-site Diagnostic Laboratory
Dr. Scotty A. Gibbs
Elective Surgeries Orthopedic and Soft Tissue Surgeries Geriatric Care Wellness and Preventative Medicine Digital Radiology Ultrasonography and Endoscopy Intensive Care Hospitalization
An accredited member serving Johnston County since 1952.
Boarding with Luxury Suites Microchipping
Willowrun Veterinary Hospital 1417 S. Bright Leaf Blvd. • Smithfield, NC 27577 Located across from Harper’s Flea Market Mall on Hwy. 301
Southland Realty II
Voted #1 in Johnston County
5160 NC Hwy. 42 W. • (I-40/42 Exit 312) Garner, NC • (919) 773-0991 www.southland4042.com
Toll-free: (800) 325-1845
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Health & Wellness
Stellar Health Care
photos by Todd Bennett
Johnston County Has A Variety Of Health Care Options
An apple a day keeps the doctor away, but Johnston County residents don’t mind visits so much, thanks to quality health-care facilities and top-notch patient care.
Eastern Carolina Medical Center Located just 20 minutes away in Benson is Eastern Carolina Medical Center, offering a number of services all under one roof. Diagnostic services such as radiology and ultrasound testing are available, as well as on-site services such as acute and chronic pain management, bone-density testing, CAT scans, EKGs, mammograms, MRI and much more. The center also offers a variety of health education programs. Free asthma, cholesterol and weight management classes are available, as well as programs that focus on diabetes, congestive heart failure and many others with a physicians’ referral.
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Johnston Medical Center With state-of-the-art operating rooms, expanded cardiology services, a modern intensive care unit, advanced technology, including a 64-slice CT scanner and digital mammography at its main Smithfield location, Johnston Medical Center is known for its commitment to service and excellence. The center’s five-story tower, completed in 2009, has 101 private suites, each equipped with flat-screen TVs and pull-out twin beds to accommodate overnight guests. A lobby, gift shop, chapel and food court were also included in the renovations. More than 200 physicians make up the JMC staff, providing services in internal medicine, gastroenterology, general surgery, mammography, cardiology, urology, physical therapy, nuclear medicine and much more. In addition to the center’s many inpatient services, they also operate family care centers at Johnston Professional Plaza and in Kenly. They have an urgent care center, called QuikMed™, a wellness center, day-care facility and many community education classes all located inside the Johnston Medical Mall in Smithfield. Not far from Smithfield is JMC’s Clayton location, which opened its doors to patients in October 2009. This facility features an emergency department, diagnostic imaging suite, operating rooms and lab services.
A Necessity Becomes Reality secu hospice house of Johnston Health opened its doors in Smithfield in 2010 with no debt. That’s the result of donations received from more than 1,000 individuals, businesses and towns within Johnston County, in addition to a $1 million grant from the SECU Foundation. The importance of having a facility of this nature in Johnston County is evident through the financial participation of all 10 incorporated towns within the county. The Hospice House is a 13,689-square-foot, 18-bed in-patient and residential center that will serve the terminally ill in Johnston County by providing 24-hour medical and nursing care, along with pain and symptom management, social work and bereavement services. The facility is located on a 7.4-acre site on Hospital Road, behind the hospital in Smithfield.
Se r v
ing J oh n st
th an o n C o un t y with qualit y care for more
e 20 y
a rs
S. Marzbani, MD • E. Perez, MD T. Foster, MD • T. Woodard, OGNP • H. Smith, WHNP
Johnston County Council on Aging With eight senior centers in Johnston County, there’s no shortage of opportunities for the young at heart to stay healthy and active. These senior centers, all operated by the Johnston County Council on Aging, include Carolina House of Smithfield and the SummerWind Plantation. Carolina House of Smithfield offers assisted living and a memory-care unit. Residents receive help with daily tasks such as grooming, taking and ordering medications and more. Patients also have the option of participating in activities ranging from yoga to gardening, to going shopping or out to lunch with friends. SummerWind Plantation is equipped with a golf course, fishing pond and wellness center, giving residents plenty to do to stay fit and healthy. – Tiffany Williams
Board-Certified OB/GYN Specialists Affiliated with Johnston Medical Center and Wake Med
Obstetrics/Routine High-Risk Care Gynecology • Infertility Treatment • 4D Ultrasounds Preventative Care • Urogynecology Minimally Invasive Surgery Laparoscopic Surgery Convenient In-Office, Same-Day Surgeries Newest Technologies in Women’s Care Accepting New Patients We Participate with Most Major Insurances 520 North St. • Smithfield, NC 27577 Smithfield: (919) 934-3015 • Clayton: (919) 359-3050
www.johnstonobgyn.medem.com
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Arts & Culture
Music, Fun & Festivals
Todd Bennett
Johnston County Offers Something To Do For Everyone
There are more than 100,000 square feet of antiques within walking distance of Selma
With festivals, museums, antiques and music galore, there’s something to do year- round in Johnston County.
Johnston County Arts Council With the Johnston County Arts Council promoting the importance of art and culture through dance, music, theater, storytelling, literary arts, visual arts, folk arts and its Artists-in-the-Schools program, art is virtually everywhere.
Festivals and Celebrations
Staff Photo
Each April, the town of Cleveland hosts a Strawberry Festival, with events and activities celebrating the juicy red fruit. On every first weekend of May, Smithfield hosts its annual Ham & Yam Festival. Smithfield is also home to an annual Friends of the 4th Independence Day commemoration at the historical Smithfield Town Commons. The town of Benson hosts the annual, four-day Benson Mule Days celebration, drawing as many as 70,000 spectators for rodeos, mulepulling contests, bluegrass shows and carnival rides. The Harvest Festival in Clayton features rides, food vendors, arts and crafts, and live entertainment in September. Ending the year, in December, is the weeklong Johnston County Festival of Trees, which features a variety of decorated Christmas trees on display in Smithfield’s Medical Mall.
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Preserving History Those wanting to take a journey back into a simpler time can choose from a variety of museums in Johnston County, such as the Johnston County Heritage Center and the Ava Gardner Museum, both in Smithfield; the Benson Museum of Local History and the Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site. Also, the Selma Antique District, while not a museum, still preserves history with its array of antique shops and malls, all within walking distance of each other.
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Realtor®, GRI, CRS – Broker in Charge Smithfield Office
Realtor®, SRES – Broker/Manager Clayton Office
“Don’t Settle for Less – Experience the Gold Standard” Music and More The Clayton Center features musical theater performances, some concerts, author appearances and more. In Selma, visitors and residents can enjoy the American Music Jubilee. Nearby Benson also draws music lovers every June at the State Annual Singing Convention. And in Smithfield, Johnston Community College stages performances at its Paul A. Johnston Auditorium and hosts the popular Country Music Showcase, a bimonthly show that allows local singers to perform.
www.SellingJohnstonCounty.com
visit our
advertisers Building Blocks Childcare & Development Center www.bbchildcare.net Campbell University www.campbell.edu Carolina House of Smithfield www.brookdaleliving.com
Theater The Neuse Little Theatre, a local actors group, holds four performances each year at the former American Legion Hut in Smithfield. The theater also offers a two-week summer drama camp where young students learn the basics of acting, makeup, costuming, lighting, sound and more. The Benson Little Theatre is located in the W.J. Barefoot Auditorium and offers a 350-seat performing arts auditorium for concerts, assemblies, pageants and theatrical productions. – Tiffany Williams
www.SellingClayton.com
Century 21 Suburban Real Estate www.sellingjohnstoncounty.com EconoLodge www.choicehotels.com/hotel/no229 Four Oaks Bank www.fouroaksbank.com Johnston Community College www.johnstoncc.edu Johnston County Board of Commissioners www.johnstonnc.com Johnston Health www.johnstonhealth.org
Johnston OB/GYN Associates P.A. www.johnstonobgyn.medem.com Neuse Charter School http://neusecharterschool.weebly.com Novo Nordisk www.novonordisk-clayton.com Perry Bros. Tire Service www.perrybros.com Rainbow Lanes Family Fun Center www.rainbowlanesclayton.com Re/Max Southland Realty II www.southland4042.com Town of Benson www.townofbenson.com Town of Selma www.visitselma.org Town of Smithfield www.visitsmithfield.org Willowrun Veterinary Hospital www.willowrunvet.com
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Sports & Recreation
On The Move residents, visitors have plenty of activities to choose from
Recreation destination is a fitting label for Johnston County, with several attractions and activities to choose from. Here is a sampling:
Smithfield Recreation & Aquatics Center A joint venture between the Town of Smithfield and Johnston County Schools, the community center has an eight-lane swimming pool, children’s play pool, walking track, two racquetball courts, strength training room and aquatics programs. The SRAC is an annual membership-based facility with affordable rates.
Smithfield Community Park The park consists of three softball fields, one baseball field, tennis courts, basketball courts, horseshoe courts, sand volleyball court, youth soccer fields and a mile-long walking trail. There is also a tiny tot playground and picnic areas with grills.
Legend Park This Clayton attraction is known for its 8-mile mountain bike trail that is ideal for beginners to advanced riders. The multi-directional trail offers rock gardens, boulders, jumps and bridges. The facility can also be used by hikers, and admission is free. A ball field is also part of the park.
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Golf Courses Country Club of Johnston, located south of Smithfield along picturesque Holt Lake, offers fairways and challenging approach shots. The par 72 course is home to PGA golfer Neal Lancaster. Pine Hollow Golf Club is a par-71 course in Clayton. Its manageable 6,333-yard length and affordable rates make it a popular venue. Riverwood Golf & Athletic Club offers a 27-hole, championshipquality layout near Clayton. It measures 7,200 yards. The Neuse features an 18-hole championship layout that has received many accolades over the years, including a 4.5-star rating from Golf Digest.
Clemmons Educational State Forest The first of North Carolina’s Educational State Forests, Clemmons features self-guided trails as well as ranger-conducted classes. It has been developed as a living outdoor classroom that is open from mid-March to midNovember.
Howell Woods Environmental Learning Center This 2,856-acre outdoor classroom contains a mature bottomland hardwood forest, swamps, a natural cypress-tupelogum swamp and longleaf pine forests. There is a bird-feeding demonstration area, bluebird box trail and nearly 25 miles of unpaved roads and trails.
Neuse River Travelers to Johnston County can experience canoe trips and eagle sightings on the Neuse River. The Neuse flows 200 miles, with 50 miles through Johnston County. There is also a three mile Neuse River Walk in Smithfield for scenery lovers. – Kevin Litwin
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Community profile Snapshot Smithfield and Johnston County offer a winning combination of small-town charm and easy access, to big-city attractions in nearby Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill. The area has great health-care facilities and many great opportunities for recreational activities.
transportation
cost of living
Median Travel Time to Work 29 minutes
$53,651
Nearest Airport Raleigh-Durham International Airport 2400 W. Terminal Blvd. Moorisville, NC 27560 (919) 840-2123, www.rdu.com
household information
167,367
Climate
Total Population
The temperature in Johnston County remains temperate year-round, with four distinct seasons and a lengthy growing season for flowers and vegetables. Summer highs and winter lows can be extreme but are of very short duration.
29.6 F
43,525 Households With a Family
Non-Family Households
89 F
23,987
July High Temperature
Households With Children
47.31”
35,447
Annual Precipitation
Households Without Children
27.9%
time zone
Age Less Than 18
Eastern size in square miles
796
9.4% Age 65 and Greater
50.2%
Johnston County
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Median Resident Age
15,909
January Low Temperature
40
34.2
Females
Median Household Income
$144,000 Median Home Sale Price
$779 Estimated Gross Rent for a Two-Bedroom Apartment
numbers to know Driver’s License, Vehicle Registration North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (919) 715-7000 www.ncdot.org/dmv Voter Registration Johnston County Board of Elections (919) 989-5095 www.johnstonnc.com/ elections Cable Television Time Warner Cable (866) 489-2669 www.timewarnercable.com DIRECTV (888) 777-2454 www.directv.com Water and Sewer Johnston County Public Utilities Department (919) 989-5075 www.johnstonnc.com/utilities Town of Smithfield Public Utilities (919) 934-2116 www.smithfield-nc.com
Ad Index
19 Building Blocks Childcare & Development Center
8 Campbell University
C3 Carolina House of Smithfield
37 Century 21 Suburban Real Estate
8 EconoLodge
27 Four Oaks Bank
15 Johnston Community College
29 Johnston County Board of Commissioners
C2 Johnston Health
35 Johnston OB/GYN Associates P.A
C3 Neuse Charter School
C3 Novo Nordisk
8 Perry Bros. Tire Service
C3 Rainbow Lanes Family Fun Center
33 Re/max Southland Realty II
29 Town of Benson
39 Town of Selma
30 Town of Smithfield
33 Willowrun Veterinary Hospital
605 West Noble St. Selma, NC (919) 965-8088
“Class … Does anyone know which school this is?”
“Yes! … Neuse Charter School!”
“Congratulations to Director Dr. Patricia Harris, the staff and students, parents and the many community supporters and volunteers for Neuse Charter School.”
• Ranked Seventh in the State for K-8 Charter Schools
• Offers Three Foreign Languages – Chinese, Spanish and Latin
• Composite Scores of 92.34% (2010)
• Offers Music, Art, Drama, Band, Chorus and Sports
• Exceeded Annual Yearly Progress Goals by State (2010)
• 100% Highly Qualified/Certified Teachers
• Scored 100 in Algebra State Testing (2010)
• A Paideia School
• An Honor School of Excellence (2010)
• Scored 100 in Fifth Grade Science State Testing (2009, 2010)
OW LANES INB RA
www.NeuseCharterSchool.org
STAMP OUT BREAST CANCER WITH YOUR FEET.
FAMILY FUN CENTER
850 Hwy. 42 W. Clayton, NC 27520
(919) 553-4-FUN www.rainbowlanesclayton.com
Learn more about the Komen Race for the Cure by visiting www.komen.org or calling 1-877 GO KOMEN. This space is provided as a public service. ©2008 Susan G. Komen for the Cure®
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MOVING SCHOOLS
Just the facts, please. Many factors will determine your move, and now you’re just a click away from all the basic facts you’ll need. Visit imagesjohnstoncounty.com for our enhanced Facts & Stats section, now rich with quick, pertinent details about the community.