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April 17 - 30, 2020 Vol. 21, No. 8
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Duck days
Museum, others find ways to connect Page 6
Working through it
Pet store, more getting through Page 14
PHOTO BY MICHAEL CLINE SPENCER
New opportunities: J. Alexander, warehouse manager at Cape Fear Bonded Warehouse, uses a forklift to move a chemical used to make hand sanitizer, a new export product for the firm during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A TEETERING WORKFORCE
Index Economic Indicators .............................. 3 Technology ............................................. 4 The List ............................................5, 11 Hospitality ............................................. 6 In Profile...............................................10 Real Estate..................................... 12-13 Business of Life.............................. 18-19
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SOME INDUSTRIES SUFFER, OTHERS IN DEMAND BY CHRISTINA HALEY O’NEAL
C
ape Fear Bonded Warehouse has seen an uptick on the export side of its business as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. “We’re busy. And the port is active, all things considered,” said Will Stanfield, president of Cape Fear Bonded Warehouse, a third-party logistics service warehouse firm in Wilmington. While many industries such as leisure and hospitality are facing restrictions during the crisis, resulting in furloughs and layoffs, businesses deemed essential like those in the logistics, warehouse and distribution industries need extra help to meet increasing demands.
Hiring in the essential markets, however, may not be able to make up for more than a half-million people who have filed unemployment claims in just North Carolina alone. For Cape Fear Bond Warehouse, the pandemic has resulted in a new export product now handled by the firm, a liquid chemical that goes into the production of hand sanitizer, Stanfield said. “This product is made domestically by a private company. It’s a recent account picked up by an existing customer of ours. But I think it will be continued with what’s going on with this pandemic,” he said, adding that the company is seeing between 35 to 40 additional container loads
of the product weekly for export to Europe. The family-owned firm, which has been around since 1976, handles various kinds of imports and exports, mainly on the container side. Its business and warehouse sit on 14 acres at 810 Sunnyvale Drive in Wilmington. The firm, which has about 20 employees, has made a few additional hires recently to handle the increase in export activity. Stanfield’s sector isn’t the only that’s been hiring. Area grocers, pharmacies and other essential businesses are also adding employees because of the burgeoning demands for different types of products and See WORKFORCE, page 8
Page 2
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WE BUILD THIS B U S I N E S S . C O N N E C T I O N S . D I V E R S I T Y. S U C C E S S .
Cape Fear CREW is advancing the commercial real estate industry’s most talented and connected business professionals.
JOIN US capefearcrew.org
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Page 3
| ECONOMIC INDICATORS | FEBRUARY AIRPORT PASSENGER TRAFFIC
FEBRUARY UNEMPLOYMENT NEW HANOVER FEBRUARY 2020:
PENDER FEBRUARY 2020:
BRUNSWICK FEBRUARY 2020:
DOWN FROM FEBRUARY 2019:
DOWN FROM FEBRUARY 2019:
DOWN FROM FEBRUARY 2019:
4.0%
4.3%
6.0%
JANUARY SALES TAX COLLECTION (NEW HANOVER COUNTY)
SALES TAX COLLECTION JANUARY 2020
3.4% 3.7% 5.2%
$22,907,738 UP FROM SALES TAX COLLECTION JANUARY 2019 FEBRUARY 2020 DEPARTURES
FEBRUARY 2020 ARRIVALS
37,404
36,916
UP FROM FEBRUARY 2019 DEPARTURES
UP FROM FEBRUARY 2019 ARRIVALS
32,759 Source: N.C. Department of Commerce
300 300
350K
200 200
50K
2018
$345,694
250K
$322,305
250 250
$312,993
300K
100K
2019
2020
FEBRUARY ROOM OCCUPANCY TAX (NEW HANOVER COUNTY)
$749,074
$742,036 2019
Source: Wilmington 2020 CVB
Commercial
FEB. 2020
100 100
5050 00
2/19
219
3/19
319
4/19
419
5/19
519
6/19
619
7/19
719
8/19
819
9/19
919
10/19
11/19
1019
12/19
1119
1/20
1219
120
2/20
220
Source: Brunswick County Code Administration
SMALL & MEDIUM TRI-COUNTY BUSINESSES AT ECONOMIC RISK FROM COVID-19 IMPACTS 100%
HIGHER RISK
90%
2020
Residential
150 150
Source: Cape Fear Realtors
2019
Source: N.C. Department of Revenue
MONTHLY BUILDING PERMITS (BRUNSWICK COUNTY)
(SINGLE-FAMILY, TRI-COUNTY AREA)
150K
32,162
Source: Wilmington International Airport
MARCH AVERAGE HOME SALES PRICE
200K
$22,033,187
80%
61%
70%
5,730
60%
HIGHER RISK
72%
LOWER RISK
904
ESTABLISHMENTS
ESTABLISHMENTS
50%
$1.86
40% 30% 20%
39% 3,691
ESTABLISHMENTS
10% 0
LOWER RISK
28% 348
ESTABLISHMENTS
SMALL
1-19 EMPLOYEES
AVERAGE PRICE PER GALLON FOR REGULAR UNLEADED IN WILMINGTON ON APRIL 8, 2020:
MEDIUM
20-99 EMPLOYEES Source: Carolina Small Business Development Fund
AVERAGE PRICE PER GALLON FOR WILMINGTON ON APRIL 8, 2019:
$2.62 Source: AAA
Page 4
April 17 - 30, 2020
wilmingtonbiz.com
Greater Wilmington Business Journal
| TECHNOLOGY |
New app connects to basics
T
BY JOHANNA CANO
he novel coronavirus has immobilized people and many businesses as efforts to contain its spread are underway. One thing that has not been immobilized is technology, now being further used to work from home, communicate with others and pass the time with Netflix and YouTube. Local companies and residents are also using technology to provide new ways to continue to serve their clients and the community. A Wilmington resident recently developed StayNeighbor, a community platform connecting those in need of resources with those who can provide them. The idea for the web-based app originated in the shower and was developed more through Reddit, JOHANNA Sam Hilsman, originator of StayNeighbor, said. “My wife works in the nonprofit world, so I am acutely aware of the complexity around accessing resources and basic needs,” Hilsman said. “It’s not that those resources are unavailable, but getting in touch with the correct group for the correct set of resources in the correct area can be challenging. “I figured that having a central platform to request basic needs and services and a single queue for nonprofits and organizations to work from would maximize accessibility to those resources and maximize efficiency in meeting community needs,” he added. StayNeighbor has partnered with Crisis Cleanup, is a disaster work order management platform. Through the StayNeighbor website (stayneighbor.com), community members can fill out a request form to indicate a basic need or service; others can also request on their behalf. StayNeighbor feeds those requests to Crisis Cleanup where community organizations and nonprofits can log in and view the needs on a map and use their existing resources to fill those needs as they can. Hilsman is a system administrator at New Hanover Regional Medical Center and received help from people
CANO
INFO J U N K I E Laura Brogdon-Primavera Manager of programs and operations, UNCW CIE “I’m currently using technology more than ever to stay connected to family, stay healthy, find ways to entertain and educate three kids at home and further support and grow the entrepreneurship community,” she said.
IMAGES C/O STAYNEIGHBOR
Next-door aid: The StayNeighbor platform connects those in need of resources with those who can provide them during COVID-19.
from Texas to New York To Virginia and other places who donated their expertise to help develop the platform. He hopes the platform is able to help meet the needs of the community. “I think I can speak for the entire StayNeighbor team when I say that we hope to help as many people as possible during this crisis,” Hilsman said. “We don’t want any profits; we just want to leverage our skillsets to be a valuable asset to communities around the country.” Community organizations and nonprofits that wish to participate should go to crisiscleanup.org/ register. Meanwhile, one local company responded to COVID-19 by building a new program. CastleBranch, a Wilmington-based compliance management and infectious disease screening company, built a platform that helps screen individuals for COVID-19 symptoms at no cost to the health care education community through December 2020, according to a news release. The platform is called CB COVID-19 Compliance, which screens for common COVID-19 symptoms such as fever by asking participants to provide their temperature twice a day for 14 days before returning to a hospital, school or work. It also gathers information on an individual’s travel and exposure to the coronavirus. Another local company is reaching out to the business community during the pandemic. While CloudWyze offices are closed, workers are operating re-
motely, said Shaun Olsen, the CEO and president of the local business technology company and internet service provider. “I don’t think we’ve necessarily skipped a beat, and we actually practice this as part of our disaster planning,” Olsen said. “Our clients that we work with come to us for a reason. A big part of that is the ability to work from anywhere. A lot of our customers and clients are obviously taking full advantage of that right now.” Throughout the last month, CloudWyze rolled out an offer to businesses that signed up for cloudbased services, including free expedited migration and implementation and three free months of service and support. “There’s a lot of uncertainty, and we know budgets are already tight and people are having payroll and employee challenges,” Olsen said about why CloudWyze launched the offer. “We were trying to figure out ways that we can help to get people that have been on the fence of what they want to do or are now in a position where they need to pull the trigger but don’t necessarily know specifically what their entire budget is going to look like moving forward.” Besides extending offers to new clients, CloudWyze is working with current clients to ensure that they can survive these difficult times. “We have a number of customers that are going through some challenging times and obviously we’re working with them on payment delays and no fees,” Olsen said, “pretty much anything we can do in order to make sure that they are continuing to operate as a business.”
Newspapers and magazines she regularly reads include the Greater Wilmington Business Journal, WRAL TechWire, Our State magazine, Working Mother magazine, Highlights, Fast Company and Entrepreneur articles. A favorite podcast is GaryVee Audio Experience by host Gary Vaynerchuk. “He is an entrepreneur, CEO, investor, and has an incredibly motivated and passionate drive and confidence that you can’t help but feed off of when listening to him.” Favorite TV shows include Chicago Med, Chicago Fire and Chicago P.D. One favorite author is Joyce Meyer. “My mother has always passed down her Joyce Meyer books. ‘Battlefield of the Mind’ and ‘Beauty for Ashes’ are the most recent. ‘Me and My Big Mouth!’ is one I really need to crack open next.” For devices, Brogdon-Primavera recommends a good pair of headphones and a smart TV. “I may be way behind the curve here but having to stay at home more than I’m used to, it’s time to upgrade to a smart TV so the kids can watch everything from the small-screen device on a large screen and not fight over seeing a screen!”
wilmingtonbiz.com
Greater Wilmington Business Journal
April 17 - 30, 2020
Page 5
| THE LIST |
Mortgage Firms
Ranked by number of local brokers/lenders RANK
FIRM ADDRESS
PHONE EMAIL WEBSITE
1
Alpha Mortgage Corp. 1320 Airlie Road Wilmington, NC 28403
2
Guaranteed Rate 1437 Military Cutoff Road, Suite 206 Wilmington, NC 28405/28403
www.guaranteedrate.com
3
Movement Mortgage LLC 700 Military Cutoff Road, Suite 201 Wilmington, NC 28405
4
Angel Oak Home Loans 1119-A Military Cutoff Road Wilmington, NC 29405
4
Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group 1712 Eastwood Road, Suite 210 Wilmington, NC 28403
6
TowneBank Mortgage 1022 Ashes Drive Wilmington, NC 28405
7
BB&T Mortgage now Truist* 101 N. Third St. Wilmington, NC 28401
7
SunTrust Mortgage now Truist* 1979 Eastwood Road, Suite 104 Wilmington, NC 28403
9
Corning Credit Union 3705 Federal Park Drive Wilmington, NC 28412
NO. OF LOCAL NO. OF LICENSED LOCAL FULL- AVERAGE PERCENT OF MORTGAGE TIME LOAN SIZE LOANS BROKERS/LENDERS EMPLOYEES IN 2019 REFINANCED
256-8999 info@alphamortgage.com www.AlphaMortgage.com 344-0304
45
130
$217,000
9%
SERVICES OFFERED
TOP LOCAL OFFICIAL/ YEAR LOCALLY FOUNDED
Conventional, VA, FHA, USDA, low/no money down options, jumbo loans, reverse mortgages
Michael Lopez President/Owner 1983 Christopher Hutchens, Branch Manager Suzanne Neblett, Branch Manager
17
41
$248,285
23%
Conventional, jumbo, FHA, VA, USDA, portfolio, bond and housing
262-1461 diana.johns@movement.com www.movement.com
13
17
$250,000
20%
Mortgage loan purchases, refinances, renovation loans, condo financing specialists, construction loans, jumbo loans
470-4065 Mariah.chamberlin@angeloakhomeloans.com angeloakhomeloans.com/advisors/#wilmington
12
17
$250,000
5%
Purchase and refinancing loans, portfolio loans, bank Trent Reed statement loans, conventional loans, FHA loans, VA loans, President USDA loans, jumbo loans, NCHFA loans, one day out of Senior Vice 2009 short sale and bankruptcy
444-0600 ginaandrews@atlanticbay.com www.atlanticbay.com
12
16
$285,000
20%
Purchase, refinance, conventional, construction, renovation, government loans and reverse mortgage
Gina Andrews VP of Strategic Growth 1996
11
47
N/A
15%
Conventional, jumbo, VA, FHA, USDA, N.C. Housing, FHLB, construction and renovation lending, lot loans, adjustable rate and reverse mortgages
Blair Young Sales Manager 2013
8
10
N/A
N/A
679-8200 wilmington.townebankmortgage.com 910-815-2835 www.bbt.com/lending/mortgage.html 910-509-5804 Melanie.Welsh@suntrust.com www.suntrustmortgage.com
Diana Johns Branch Manager 2010
Conventional loans, FHA, VA, USDA, New Construction to Melanie Welsh Perm financing, Jumbo loans, NC Housing, Affordable Loan Area Sales Manager products Traditional mortgage loans, conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, and N.C. Housing products; specialty portfolio products, Melanie Welsh private wealth services, 100% financing with no PMI for doctors and dentists, down payment assistance offering for Area Sales Manager low to moderate income buyers, a builder affordable product for new construction in certain geographies Chris Daniel Conventional, construction/renovation, adjustable rate Director of Real options, low down payment options, VA (eligible active-duty Estate Sales and service members and veterans in NC, NY, PA), vacation/ Business second home, investment property, lot loans, jumbo Development
8
10
N/A
N/A
7
45
$2,147,173
52%
5
7
$285,000
30%
All residential first mortgage products including conventional, VA, FHA, USDA, jumbo loans and construction/perm loans, agency high balance
John Russ III Owner 2002
5
8
$212,500
18%
Full-service mortgage banker; conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, jumbo; in-house processing, underwriting, closing and servicing
T. Patrick Moore Branch Manager 2008
5
9
$232,277
44%
Conventional, jumbo, FHA, VA and USDA investor specialty loans and line of credits for rehab
Patrick Stoy President 2005
5
12
$200,000
20%
509-0400 dhause@northstatebank.com northstatebank.com
4
10
$264,800
28%
(800) 677-8506 www.corningcu.org
10
Coastline Mortgage Consultants LLC 215 Racine Drive, Suite 105 Wilmington, NC 28403
509-1561 info@coastline-mortgage.com www.coastline-mortgage.com
10
Highlands Residential Mortgage 4130 Oleander Drive, Suite 105 Wilmington, NC 28403
www.HighlandsMortgage.com
10
MC Mortgage Group 1908 Eastwood Road, Suite 221 Wilmington, NC 28403
509-7105 pstoy@mcmortgagegroup.com https://www.mcmortgagegroup.com
10
OnQ Financial Inc 1613 Military Cutoff Road, Suite 100 Wilmington, NC 28403
14
North State Bank 1411 Commonwealth Drive Wilmington, NC 28403
15
Azalea Coast Mortgage Co. Inc. 7741 Market St., Suite E Wilmington, NC 28411
270-4663 sandyw@azaleacoastmortgage.com www.azaleacoastmortgage.com
3
N/A
N/A
N/A
Residential purchase and refinance
Sandra Wilson President 1993
15
Fairway Independent Mortgage Company 5710 Oleander Drive, Suite 104 Wilmington, NC 28403
679-6840 matthew.oconnor@fairwaync.com www.fairwaywilmington.com
3
4
N/A
N/A
Conventional loans, VA loans, FHA loans, USDA loans, adjustable rate loans, jumbo loans, N.C. Housing Finance Agency loans, reverse mortgages and renovation loans
Matthew O'Connor Branch Manager 2015
17
ABBA First Mortgage Inc. 5653 Carolina Beach Road, Suite C2 Wilmington, NC 28412
332-0650 RichSr@abbafirst.com www.abbafirst.com
2
3
$250,000
60%
Purchase, refinance, conventional, Jumbo, USDA, FHA and VA, ARM products, 100% financing, manufactured homes, 550 to 850 credit scores
17
Resource Financial Services Inc. 1205 Culbreth Dr., Suite 101 Wilmington, NC 28405
208-4792 Ahales@RFSemail.com www.resourcefinancialservices.com
2
3
$286,500
19%
313-0045
833-1943 apply.onqfinancial.com/north-carolina/ wilmington
List is based on voluntary responses to a Business Journal survey. *SunTrust and BB&T merged in December to form Truist.
Purchase centric lender: residential financing, conforming Richard Lytle loans, jumbo loans, USDA loans, FHA loans, VA loans, N.C. Producing Sales Housing Finance Agency loans, 203K loans, construction Manager loans, non-QM loans, renovation loans, non-warrantable 2011 condos, bridge loans, equity lines, manufactured loans Banking needs from checking, home equity and lot loans and residential mortgage loans; construction firm loans; Deb Hause Specialties: purchase and refinance transactions; conventional, FHA, VA, USDA and N.C. Housing Finance Mortgage Marketing Specialist Agency loans; conforming and jumbo loan amounts; no 2008 closing cost loan options; Small Business Administration loans
Richard Harold Biagini Sr. President/Owner 2005 Ashley Hales Certified Mortgage Conventional fixed and adjustable rate mortgages, Planning Specialist, conventional rehab mortgages, FHA mortgages, FHA 203k Certified Divorce rehab mortgages, USDA mortgages, VA mortgages, jumbo Lending Professional, mortgages, super jumbo mortgages, construction to perm Certified Veterans loans Loan Specialist 2010
Want to be considered for The List? Request an industry survey by emailing lists@wilmingtonbiz.com. The business Journal will feature the following lists in upcoming publications: Attractions • Event Transportation
Page 6
April 17 - 30, 2020
wilmingtonbiz.com
Greater Wilmington Business Journal
| HOSPITALITY |
Local attractions go online BY LAURA MOORE
and the May 6 performance has been rescheduled to Sept. 2 at 7:30 p.m.
W
ith several local attractions going virtual, being safe at home does not mean being bored at home. There are plenty of options to keep busy online thanks to many local favorites.
BELLAMY MANSION MUSEUM
CAMERON ART MUSEUM
A new #ConnectwithCAM initiative provides videos by local artists from Cameron Art Museum’s collection, art lesson plans for families and meditation sessions posted on the museum website each day. Connecting with the national museum and arts organization initiatives #MuseumfromHome and #ArtCanHelp, the CAM invites participants to follow them on social media. Connect with CAM with regular posts on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube. “More than ever during these tough times, it’s important for the museum to put a smile on our community’s face and continue to serve while our doors are closed,” said John McDonnell, Cameron Art Museum’s director of development. “We love seeing people’s comments on social media in regards to how this is helping them through such a tough time and helping put a smile on their face.” For families with kids ages 5 to 12, each Monday and Wednesday, family art lessons and supply lists are posted on social media and the CAM website. Monday’s lessons feature a work from the museum’s collection and Wednesday’s lessons feature a different famous work of art. For children under age 5, a popular Facebook Live session of Art Explorers is available at 10 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Adult offerings include Meditation and Writing on Mondays at 11 a.m. on Facebook Live, daily postings on social media about art from the museum’s collection and weekly art videos on social media and the CAM website. Another CAM initiative is a playful, yet serious campaign to encourage good hygiene during these trying times. Outside the museum itself and on its Facebook page, giant yellow rubber ducks remind people to “wash your webs” to draw attention to how important it is for everyone to keep their hands clean. “Who doesn’t love huge rubber ducks?” McDonnell said. For more info and resources, go to cameronartmuseum.org.
PHOTO BY CECE NUNN
Things are ducky: Cameron Art Museum's initiatives during the coronavirus shutdown include a rubber duck campaign, also taking place on the outside of the museum, to encourage hand-washing.
THALIAN HALL
The theater may be closed to visitors, but the celebrated movies provided by WHQR’s Cinematique are now available from the comfort of home. Thanks to the Cinematique Sofa Series, new independent, documentary, foreign and award-winning films can be streamed in the comfort of one’s home. New films will be introduced each week. WHQR.org will provide links via email that take customers directly to a website where they can then rent the curated movies for $12. The cost of this “ticket” will go directly to supporting Cinematique. Once the film is rented, it is available to view for five days and customers have 72 hours to finish the film once they have started watching it. Website: whqr.org/post/newcinematique-sofa-series
THE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF WILMINGTON
When the COVID-19 pandemic first hit, The Children’s Museum initially supplied “to-go” bags filled with materials for art and crafts and science experiments for would-be visitors. Now they have taken the fun online. Their social media posts are keeping kids active and engaged at home with activities that they would have normally done at The Children’s Museum. The Children’s Museum’s daily posts on Facebook and Insta-
gram model museum programs and provide activities that kids can do at home using materials they may have on hand.
THE WILSON CENTER
Although the Wilson Center at Cape Fear Community College is closed “for the foreseeable future,” that has not stopped center officials from giving everyone hope for brighter days with the announcement of rescheduled events previously canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Working in close collaboration with the tours, the Wilson Center has rescheduled the following postponed shows: CIRQUE ÉLOIZE – HOTEL: The STAR Series presentation of Cirque Éloize HOTEL scheduled for March has been rescheduled to April 15, 2021, at 7:30 p.m. CATS: The PNC Broadway Series presentation of the national Broadway tour of Cats March 24 performance has been rescheduled to June 29 at 8 p.m., March 25 to June 30 at 8 p.m. and March 26 to July 1 at 8 p.m. RAIN – A TRIBUTE TO THE BEATLES: The STAR Series presentation scheduled for April 13 has been rescheduled to Feb. 18, 2021, at 7:30 p.m. BLUE MAN GROUP: The STAR Series presentation of Blue Man Group May 5 performance has been rescheduled to Sept. 1 at 7:30 p.m.
As a result of the social distancing and stay-at-home orders issued locally and throughout the U.S., some landmarks are offering virtual tours, including the Bellamy Mansion Museum in downtown Wilmington. “The Bellamy Mansion Museum thrives and sustains on revenue from admissions. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the museum is closed to the public for the foreseeable future, but you can still virtually tour the site,” the mansion’s website stated. “Begin by watching the 10-minute introductory video, then virtually tour through all five levels of the mansion. Finish up with the 30-minute video tour of the entire site, and you will have had a remotely comprehensive trip to the Bellamy. “Suggested ‘admission’ prices are $6 for students, $10 for adults, or a simple $40 flat rate for families. Give what you can. No donation is too large or small, and every one is appreciated.”
N.C. Fourth of July festival canceled for this year This year’s N.C. Fourth of July Festival in Southport, celebrated for more than 220 years, has been canceled. “This year, due to the need for instituting public health mitigation measures for the protection of our city, our citizens, and our state, it is my recommendation during this COVID-19 Pandemic, that the Fourth of July Festival in 2020, this celebration of independence and freedom, be canceled to assist in stopping the spread of this contagious disease,” said Southport Mayor Joseph Hatem, who is also a doctor, in a news release. “This was a difficult decision, but the most prudent one and will overall prevent disease and save lives.” The event has grown over its lengthy history to attract over 60,000 visitors each year. The release said the festival’s mission to promote patriotism to the U.S., the state of North Carolina, county of Brunswick and the city of Southport, as first evidenced by the celebration of the nation’s independence by the military personnel at Fort Johnston and the local townspeople recorded in 1795, is expected to return in 2021.
Greater Wilmington Business Journal
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| ACHIEVERS | Send information about company hires, promotions or awards to editor@wilmingtonbiz.com
Bell joins CSH Law Cranfill Sumner & Hartzog LLP has welcomed STEPHEN BELL to the firm's Wilmington office. Bell is an associate attorney, who focuses his practice in civil litigation, Bell officials said. He has previously worked with firms in the Raleigh and Charleston, South Carolina areas. Bell has more than seven years of experience litigating complex commercial matters for plaintiffs and defendants in state and federal courts and before administrative bodies. Bell was selected as a South Carolina Super Lawyers’ Rising Star for 2019 and 2020. He graduated from Wake Forest University School of Law.
CresCom Bank promotes Robbins to exec job CresCom Bank has promoted CHRIS ROBBINS to regional executive of its Eastern North Carolina market. Robbins previously served as a credit risk officer for CresCom Bank’s Robbins Eastern region. He is a tenured banking professional with more than 25 years of experience. In his new role at CresCom Bank, Robbins will be responsible for commercial and profitability goals for the eastern part of the state and will focus on business development and public relations in the region.
CloudWyze adds three members to its team CloudWyze has added SAM JACKSON, SHELLEY GUPTON and RONI SCHNUR to its team. Jackson has joined the firm’s client solutions team. He recently moved to Wilmington from the Raleigh-Durham area where he was with Spectrum. Jackson has also worked in the audiovisual and presentations industries. Gupton is working primarily with the firm's finance department. She has accounting and administrative
experience. And Schnur is an account manager with the firm. She has a customer service background.
April 17 - 30, 2020
PROFESSIONAL ONLINE DEVELOPMENT TRAINING
Two join Physical Therapy For Women Physical Therapy For Women Lymphedema & Pelvic Rehab Center has added EMILY WINEINGER and ALEXANDRA RICHARDS, two pelvic rehabilitation therapists, to the practice. Wineinger attended Clarke University where she completed her undergraduate and graduate degrees. Wineinger Richards earned her bachelor’s degree in kinesiology with a concentration in public health from William & Mary. She earned her doctorate degree in physical therapy Richards from Emory & Henry College.
Novant Health welcomes Winfree
Page 7
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MICHAEL WINFREE, a family nurse practitioner, joined Novant Health Oceanside Family Medicine and Convenient Care in February. Winfree received a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Charleston Southern University and a master’s degree in nursing from the University of South Carolina. He earned a doctorate in nursing from East Carolina University.
CopyPro names document application consultant ALLISON JONES is CopyPro Inc.’s first document application consultant. Jones started with the firm in 2015 as part of its administrative team and was responsible Jones for special projects, HR administration and customer database management. Jones graduated with a bachelor’s degree in marketing from the University of North Carolina Wilmington. The firm has locations in Wilmington and Greenville but provides service to all of Eastern North Carolina.
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April 17 - 30, 2020
Greater Wilmington Business Journal
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| FROM THE COVER |
PUBLISHER Rob Kaiser rkaiser@wilmingtonbiz.com PRESIDENT Robert Preville rpreville@wilmingtonbiz.com ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Judy Budd jbudd@wilmingtonbiz.com EDITOR Vicky Janowski vjanowski@wilmingtonbiz.com ASSISTANT EDITOR Cece Nunn cnunn@wilmingtonbiz.com REPORTERS Johanna Cano jcano@wilmingtonbiz.com Christina Haley O’Neal chaley@wilmingtonbiz.com SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Craig Snow csnow@wilmingtonbiz.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Ali Buckley abuckley@wilmingtonbiz.com OFFICE & AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Sandy Johnson KEN sjohnson@wilmingtonbiz.com
LITTLE
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From WORKFORCE, page 1
services in the time of the COVID-19 crisis. Some retailers are still hiring such as Lowe’s, the Mooresville-based hardware chain, which is adding 30,000 people in U.S. stores. Grocers, including Publix and Harris Teeter, as well as Instacart, a grocery delivery and pick-up service, have seen an increase in consumer demand since the pandemic and are hiring as a result. For example, Instacart announced in late March it was bringing on 300,000 new full-service shoppers over the next three months in the U.S. and Canada. And Matthews-based Harris Teeter also announced that it would hire more than 5,000 to fill retail and distribution center positions in March. But some big firms have faced losses, resulting in furloughs and layoffs. General Electric corporate announced in March a 10% reduction to GE Aviation’s U.S. workforce, an effect of the crisis on the aviation industry. Unemployment claims across the nation have skyrocketed. In North Carolina, between March 15 and April 14, there were 598,798 unemployment claims with 518,939 of them COVID-19 related, according to the N.C. Department of Commerce. To make up for wage losses across the country, the federal government in the historic $2.2 trillion stimulus package, known as the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, included increasing unemployment benefit payments and extending the benefit period. Also, in that act is the Paycheck Protection Program, an SBA loan intended to help keep the workforce employed during the crisis. And more federal relief could be on the way. Gov. Roy Cooper issued an order that required bars and restaurants to close off their dining rooms to the public (leaving still curbside pick-up and delivery), and later added a stayat-home order that further limited business. Those particular sectors, and nonessential businesses, were impacted by additional restrictions in New Hanover County. The owner of Front Street Brewery at 9 N. Front St. decided to close the establishment’s doors soon after Cooper restricted restaurants, and had to lay off his more than 80-employee workforce.
DAILY UNEMPLOYMENT FILINGS: MARCH 14– APRIL 13 SOURCE: N.C. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
MARCH 20 34,706
35,000 30,000 25,000 20,000 15,000 10,000 5,000 0
MA RC H MA 14 RC H MA 15 RC H MA 16 RC H MA 17 RC H MA 18 RC H MA 19 RC H MA 20 RC H MA 21 RC H MA 22 RC H MA 23 RC H MA 24 RC H MA 25 RC H MA 26 RC H MA 27 RC H MA 28 RC H MA 29 RC H MA 30 RC H 31 AP RI L1 AP RI L2 AP RI L3 AP RI L4 AP RI L5 AP RI L6 AP RI L7 AP RI L8 AP RI L AP 9 RI L1 AP 0 RI L1 AP 1 RI L1 AP 2 RI L1 3
219 Station Road, Suite 202 Wilmington, NC 28405 (910) 343-8600 Fax: (910) 343-8660 wilmingtonbiz.com
The move came after first creating social distancing measures inside the downtown Wilmington restaurant. Front Street Brewery decided to discontinue options for pick-up or delivery for the safety of its employees and because the business volume needed didn’t materialize, said Tom Harris, who has owned the restaurant since 2006. Other such businesses across the Cape Fear region have had to make similar calls, including the retail and hospitality sector, because of restrictions aimed at keeping coronavirus patients from overwhelming the area’s health care facilities and workers. “Hospitality and retail have been impacted. But on the other hand, there are things that are on the upside of this,” said Mike Youngblood, president and CEO of Hire Scene, a staffing solutions company. Hire Scene has been in business in Wilmington since 1986. Logistics companies, construction, health care and other sectors have open job listings with the firm, Youngblood said. “Certain positions require training and certification, and others do not. So it’s a good time for a job seeker to be flexible,” Youngblood said, adding that during this time, job hunters should try to get out of their comfort zone and be willing to consider different job options. Hire Scene has a brick-and-mortar facility at 2517 Delaney Ave., as well as an online solution and app that connects employers with job seekers. The company is expecting more
business in the coming weeks. “Our volume has been on an increase from even preCOVID-19 restrictions. Some of that has been the result of projects we already had in place, and some of it is a reaction to the demand as a result of COVID-19,” Youngblood said. “We’re putting people literally to work every day and now at an accelerating rate. It’s going to be interesting for us as we look forward to one day when the restrictions are eased and we can go back to some form of normality. We are expecting a very sharp upturn.” But the expansion of some opportunities locally won’t make up for a significant loss in the core sectors of the Wilmington-area economy, said Adam Jones, a regional economist with the University of North Carolina Wilmington. In 2018, the last full year of data, for example, grocers and wholesalers in Wilmington employed about 3,000 people, while the leisure and hospitality sectors, a big business for the area, employed about 18,000 people, Jones said. “Just take a quick guess: Assume 50% unemployment in the leisure and hospitality sector and grocers double in employment – both are likely optimistic assumptions – that means expansions of grocers would only employ a little over a third of the jobs lost in leisure and hospitality,” Jones said. “The expansion of opportunities in a few sectors,” he said, “won’t make a very large dent in the number of folks that have lost their jobs.”
Greater Wilmington Business Journal
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April 17 - 30, 2020
Page 9
Sponsors’ Content
OUTDOOR LIVING SPACE BECOMES PREFERRED DESIGN TREND A panel from the local building and design industry got together to discuss the emerging trend of outdoor living spaces and the new products on the market that are satisfying this need. Because of our area’s mild climate, more home buyers are investing in either improving or creating outdoor areas to utilize and entertain.
[ Discussion Moderator ] S C OT T BY E R S President and CEO Majestic Kitchen & Bath Creations
C R ESS B E LL President Bell Custom Homes
C E E E DWA R DS President Markraft Cabinets
J O S H S MY T H Director of Sales
C HA R L I E T I P TO N
Majestic Kitchen & Bath Creations
PulteGroup
SCOTT BYERS: Has anyone noticed more client interest in outdoor living spaces? CHARLIE TIPTON: We’ve seen an increase in the amount buyers are investing in the exterior − that indoor-outdoor living concept. It proves just how significant the porches are on the front and the back − double porches, large porches, sliding doors, and outdoor fireplaces. Buyers seem willing to compromise a little bit on the heated square footage of the home, but they’re not willing to forego those indoor-outdoor features for sure. CRESS BELL: And to expand on that, we’re doing a lot now with the products that are available to design outdoor spaces. We can open up a 20-foot wall into a space so that we bring that indoor-outdoor kind of culture to a house. So, we do a lot of that and it’s an extension of the house. From Charleston up, we benefit from winters that average 55 to 80 degrees, so these spaces can be used all year round. CEE EDWARDS: We’ve got two outdoor lines that we’ve brought in for that reason, because the demand for outdoor living is there. People want to entertain inside and out and we’re in a spot in all our locations, where the weather allows for outside entertaining year-round. People want to hang out outside and entertain while using outdoor countertops and gathering around an outdoor island. SCOTT LECHTRECKER: One question I get a lot
S C OT T L E C HT R E C K E R Owner Ocean 3 Design
is, “How big can we get the windows?” I mean, that’s my constant question so there’s a lot of that bringing the outside in for sure. CEE EDWARDS: And the outdoor cabinet lines have expanded. We have a lot of designs now where really nice outdoor kitchens can be created, with L-shaped islands and more. Before you could only get a certain amount of designs and now we’re designing big outdoor kitchens. The base material is all PVC and the hinges and glass are all stainless, plus we can incorporate louver or shaker doors. SCOTT BYERS: And the countertop materials have obviously changed as well, so the ability to use porcelain type products indoor and outdoor as well as quartz is changing the way our industry has done things in the past. JOSH SMYTH: Quartz has grown immensely, but there’s also a newer product called Dekton®, an “ultra-compact surface” where the natural materials are heavily compressed into slabs. The manufacturer has essentially recreated the metamorphic process. The product has the
Coastal Carolinas Division President
highest resistance to UV, scratching, staining, heat – in fact you can light a fire on it and wipe off the residue and the surface will be undamaged. This new material is unbelievable. Someone mentioned the salty air ─ while granite is a great product, if you put it outside, you can expect some oxidation depending on the geological makeup. With Dekton®, you’re not going to get that at all. Whether you’re dealing with a single homeowner who wants a high-design natural marble look, or someone who is building a thousand homes a year, there is consistency of product from the samples to the slabs to the final product - and we’re able to offer that with this product at Majestic. SCOTT BYERS: I would say three years ago our business was probably 65 percent natural stone, and 35 percent of that was quartz, and now it’s almost flipped. We’re starting to see a push towards porcelain products such as Dekton® for both indoor as well as outdoor because it has some really unique designs. They’ve done some really cool things with porcelain products to almost make it look natural, but without losing the durability that’s needed.
SPONSORS’ CONTENT BROUGHT TO YOU BY MAJESTIC KITCHEN & BATH CREATIONS (910) 762-2225 | www.GoMa jestic.com | 3317 Kitty Hawk Rd #300, Wilmington, NC 28405
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Greater Wilmington Business Journal
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| IN PROFILE | Filmwerks folds in emergency products BY CHRISTINA HALEY O’NEAL
R
ocky-Point based Filmwerks has a foothold in the events and entertainment industry. So when COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, began to spread and mass gatherings started being canceled worldwide, the pandemic put a stop to many upcoming projects for the company, said Michael Satrazemis, president of Filmwerks LLC. Filmwerks builds sets and provides an array of other services and equipment for the broadcast, events and entertainment industry. But during the pandemic, the company has registered as a disaster vendor with 46 states in the U.S. for regional, state and federal disaster relief, with organizations such as FEMA, American Red Cross, U.S. Department of Defense, and the Department of Homeland Security. The year was heavy with events on Filmwerks’ books, but while working the Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass, a large PGA Tour golf event, Filmwerks felt the impact of the pandemic after the tour pulled the plug after the first round of play for the remainder of the tournament in March. That was the first big hit for the company, Satrazemis said, which already had people and gear on-site. “One by one, even without the phone calls, we could see what was beginning to occur once the virus had really spread,” Satrazemis said. “We started watching the news. We knew that large, mass gatherings were probably going to be precluded everywhere in the world. And our core business is providing the infrastructure for mass gatherings.” While the company has maintained business so far with limited event work and builds some sets internally, some hard decisions could be made in the future, he said. To bring in more business and to fill facility needs during the current crisis, Filmwerks is now marketing a couple of unique conceptual options for disaster response. One option is a temporary hardwalled, multi-story structure that can be built in any size up to 20,000 square feet. The structure includes power and temperature-controlled infrastructure, such as HVAC options. Crews could also be provided to build, service and maintain the
MADE
Great Goods from Greater Wilmington
MADE Great Goods from Greater Wilmington
FILMWERKS LLC
589 Carver Drive, Rocky Point
PHOTOS C/O FILMWERKS
Disaster works: Filmwerks is marketing its multi-story temporary structures (pictured above) as an alternative option for hospitals, offices and other spaces during the novel coronavirus pandemic.
structure. The first such building was used last summer as a computer center and production offices for the broadcast of a U.S. Open tennis event, Satrazemis said. The company has a big inventory of the material needed to build the buildings and is now marketing the structures as an alternative option for hospitals, medical test centers, office spaces and quarantine space. The structures are a steel construction with high wind and capacity loads, Satrazemis said. The company has put the word out and sent pictures to various government and hospital agencies, including New Hanover Regional Medical Center. But Filmwerks has not yet had any buys for disaster relief. “I’m certainly hoping it doesn’t go on and hope it peaks and nobody needs this. But as it goes on, we have a structure, a very viable structure, that could be used to augment into
a hospital or in whatever capacity,” Satrazemis said. Filmwerks has designed and built the structures in Rocky Point. The firm has also modeled another one of its disaster response options after a temporary hospital set up at the Javits Center in New York City, he said. The company has mocked up a stadium type-scenario for its wall dividers with power distribution, that could link together in any configuration, with options also for a ceiling. The interior and exterior are made for easy cleaning and disinfecting. The wall structures could be used for offices, bedrooms or hospital rooms, he said. Both disaster facility options are customizable. “There just seems to be a potential need for controlled environments for people to work in with this virus,” Satrazemis said. “And we have that kind of space. We can create that kind of environment.”
No. of employees: 150 Year founded: 2002 Products made locally: Filmwerks has started to market its temporary building and spacedividing structures for COVID-19 relief needs. The firm typically builds structures for temporary film and TV sets, staging and concert; scenic and set manufacturing; installation of TV sports and news sets; and electrical power for film, television and live concert production. Products distribution: Worldwide What made the company decide to make goods locally? Michael Satrazemis: “We have been able to grow as a result of exceptional work ethic and craftsmanship in this area. As we have grown into an international business we have opened other sites around the country, but Wilmington remains our HQ for all operations, mainly because of the talent that is here. Much of our equipment is very specialized and not readily available in the marketplace; therefore, we manufacture or modify here in our Rocky Point facility.” What has changed since the COVID-19 crisis? Satrazemis: “Lack of work in our field. [We’re] now converting our products and skills to aid in virus pandemic.” What’s next? Satrazemis: “We will continue to attempt a meaningful role in this medical emergency. We will resume our place in concert and TV production. We will look to diversify into other segments of the market that can utilize our manufacturing capability.”
Greater Wilmington Business Journal
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April 17 - 30, 2020
Page 11
| THE LIST |
Credit Unions
Ranked by number of local members RANK
COMPANY ADDRESS
PHONE EMAIL WEBSITE
TOP LOCAL OFFICIAL/ YEAR CHARTERED
NO. OF LOCAL MEMBERS
NO. LOCAL OFFICES
NO. OF NATIONAL MEMBERS
(919) 839-5000 info@ncsecu.org www.ncsecu.org
79,764
11
2,465,313
$41.4 billion
Dusty Adams Lisa Smith, Senior Vice Presidents 1937
NATIONWIDE ASSETS
1
State Employees' Credit Union 119 N. Salisbury St. Raleigh, NC 27603
2
Corning Credit Union 3705 Federal Park Drive Wilmington, NC 28412
(800) 677-8506 mailus@corningfcu.org www.corningcu.org
26,578
5
113,777
$1.5 billion
Robin Davis Director of Operations and Member Experience, NC 1936
3
Excite Credit Union 237 Racine Drive Wilmington, NC 28403
(800) 232-8669 rdecrescente@alliancecu.org www.alliancecu.org
17,905
2
40,515
$513.8 million
Richard DeCrescente Vice President, Retail Experience NC 1952
4
Local Government Federal Credit Union 3600 Wake Forest Road Raleigh, NC 27609
(919) 755-0534 info@lgfcu.org www.lgfcu.org
12,437
11
356,277
$2.2 billion
Maurice Smith President and CEO 1983
5
Sharonview Federal Credit Union 3212 Oleander Drive Wilmington, NC 28403
(800) 462-4421 fsc@sharonview.org www.sharonview.org
11,046
1
88,245
$1.6 billion
Barbara Hicks Branch Manager 1955
6
Self-Help Credit Union 307 S. College Road Wilmington, NC 28403
791-0140 chase.faircloth@selfhelp.org www.self-help.org
3,818
1
79,874
$1.1 billion
Melody McBroom Regional Director 1979
7
Piedmont Advantage Credit Union 3815 Park Ave. Wilmington, NC 28403
398-6355 info@pacu.com www.pacu.com
3,625
1
40,692
$347 million
Lin Spears Regional Manager 1949
Asset information is from the National Credit Union Administration Data Summary. Membership numbers were compiled by voluntary responses to a Business Journal survey.
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Greater Wilmington Business Journal
| REAL ESTATE |
Some home sales continue, despite virus BY CECE NUNN he residential real estate market, like many industries, feels the negative economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic. But locally, it had not ground to a halt as of the beginning of April. “I’ve listed two [houses for sale] this week, and I’ve got a third one coming possibly,” said Don Harris, Realtor with Wilmington-based residential real estate firm Intracoastal Realty, on April 7. “They’re all vacant so the people who have properties that are vacant and are ready to sell, want to sell or need to sell, we’re putting those on the market.” And as in times past, the popular price range is still popular. “Anything under $300,000 is going rapidly,” Harris said. “The dayson-market are in the single digits [for that price range] a lot of times depending on the house.” The rates of showings for the state and locally are down, Harris said, but some people are still looking for homes to buy, particularly because of low interest rates. Realtors are taking this spring’s selling season week by week because of the impact the coronavirus pandemic is having on the economy. Home showings slowed during the first week of April in the Cape Fear region. “If we look at our 2020 weekly average for the year, we’re down 34.5%,” said Anne Gardner, CEO of Wilmington-based Realtors’ association Cape Fear Realtors, referring to showings. According to a CFR news release at the start of April, March began as a strong month for the Wilmington area. In the tri-county region of New Hanover, Brunswick and Pender, the overall median sales price was up 5.7%, to $260,000, from March 2019, the release stated. Closed sales increased 4.6% among all property types over last year as properties continued to sell quickly with an average of eight fewer days on market, according to the release. The pace of pending sales remained steady. “By the second half of the month the effects of COVID-19 were apparent in housing market activity,” the release stated. “To prevent the spread of the virus, rapid changes were made in the way Realtors conduct business to protect the
T
PHOTO BY CECE NUNN
For sale: Home sale activity is continuing in the Wilmington area but with fewer showings and more guidelines in place to help stop the spread of the novel coronavirus.
health and safety of their clients and customers.” Changes have included limiting face-to-face interactions for real estate tasks whenever possible. State and local groups lobbied to be deemed essential before more restrictions were put in place to help slow the spread of coronavirus COVID-19. “Through the efforts of Realtor advocacy, real estate services, including brokerage, were declared essential under the governor’s stayat-home order,” said CFR President Tony Harrington in the release. “This order will allow pending transactions in our immediate area to continue without interruption.” He added, “Realtors are taking actions every day to protect their clients and community while making sure that essential housing is available to everyone.” Had certain essential pieces of the puzzle not been declared essential, real estate activity could have stopped altogether. In addition to working as a broker and owning The Property Shop real estate firm in Wilmington, Harrington is also an appraiser. “I’ve only had one property that a client said that they did not want me to come in the house. Others have given me the opportunity to get in the house. But of course I’m wearing
face masks, gloves, the whole ball of wax. Doors are open and lights are on, so I don’t touch anything as I go through,” he said. “So as an essential service from the appraisal side, if I hadn’t been able to go in, that might’ve stopped the cog of the wheel moving.” Other key players include the register of deeds, attorneys who facilitate closings and inspectors, to name a few. “There’s so many different aspects to what lead up to making the transaction happen,” Harrington said. “And if we didn’t have all of us as essential services, the market would’ve stopped, and it would’ve been a huge economic impact.” Gardner said state estimates put that impact of pending transactions statewide in March at $1 billion. Even for the first week of this month, there appeared to be bright spots in local housing statistics, she said. On April 9, Gardner said, “We still have a strong amount of pending business that already is coming in the pipeline for April.” Realtors are doing more virtual showings, Harrington said. “I think all of the firms are embracing and advertising that we can do more virtually ... We’re marketing it more now than we ever have been,” he said.
Harrington said he’s told his brokers, “We needed to be maintaining the safe guidelines and making sure if it’s at all possible that you can hold right now and not show properties in an environment where homeowners are still living in the residence and that we need to practice the guidelines that are out there or we’re going to lose the essential services label by not following the guidelines.” As challenging as the new economy is for Realtors, it also presents some opportunities, Harris said. “This is a time for us to do the chores in our daily business that we don’t normally do or we’re too busy to get to, like cleaning out the databases, reaching out to our sphere of influence and making sure they’re OK,” he said. “We’re not trying to contact our clients and trying to get them to sell … It’s all about care and concern.” Harris and other Realtors in the local market are remaining optimistic about the future, even as it is unclear when stay-at-home orders and social distancing guidelines might be eased. “We’re confident,” he said, “that once they allow us to open back up and start the economy going again, we think real estate is going to be an integral part of the recovery because of the pent-up demand for housing.”
Greater Wilmington Business Journal
| This is a sampling of stories from the Business Journal’s Real Estate Update. Subscribe at wilmingtonbiz.com.
March sale stats rise in luxury home sector Luxury home sales in March rose in New Hanover County from last year despite the coronavirus pandemic. But last month also saw some deals fell through, and pending contracts are down, according to a recent report. “New Hanover County luxury home sales somehow managed to record their best month in well over a decade,” stated a report from Just For Buyers Realty, a Wilmington-based residential real estate firm. In March, 20 properties with a sales price of $1 million or more were sold countywide, according to the report. “The transactions collectively totaled $44.9 million,” stated the report, which is compiled by Kathleen Baylies, broker in charge of Just For Buyers Realty, from the N.C. Regional MLS. “That makes March the third best month ever recorded,” she said.
wilmingtonbiz.com
REAL ESTATE
In June 2005, 27 luxury homes sold in New Hanover County and 23 sold in July 2005. “New Hanover County was very close to matching the all-time record for monthly sales, but six deals fell through this past month,” Baylies said in the report. “We can also see the number of luxury homes that went under contract was significantly lower than last March. So not surprisingly, it appears the growing concerns about the virus are changing the strong trajectory we’ve been seeing in the high-end market.”
Entrepreneurial couple plan collaborative space In downtown Wilmington, an entrepreneurial couple plans to bring a modern vision to life in an historic building facing the Cape Fear River. Tracey and Girard Newkirk have leased the second floor, nearly 4,800 square feet, of 5 S. Water Street for their latest venture, Genesis Block. The concept will include offices and coworking areas, along with event space and a networking lounge, and its tagline is, “community, collaboration and creativity.” Tracey Newkirk said, “We want it
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to be a place where people who have creative thoughts about solving some of our community’s toughest issues could come and collaborate.” Girard Newkirk said, “Our focus is on small businesses, entrepreneurs, social impact organizations and organizations that are built around community.” The Newkirks are already part of the Wilmington business community. Tracey Newkirk is the founder of consulting business UNEXO and a certified personal resilience coach who said she is focused on helping leaders build high performance teams. Girard Newkirk is CEO and founder of KWHCoin, a firm described as merging cryptocurrency and renewable energy to provide affordable energy access. 5 S. Water St. was built in the 1890s and renovated last year. The Newkirks said they’d like to have Genesis Block up and running by early summer. Terry Espy, president of MoMentum Companies, was the sole broker in the transaction.
Architectural firm earns awards for local projects LS3P, an architecture, interiors
and planning firm, has earned several design awards, according to a news release. LS3P had four award-winning projects for design excellence. The awards were presented during the American Institute of Architects Wilmington’s annual Design Awards event held in February. The firm was awarded, in the Nonresidential Category, the Merit Award for work on a new four-building campus for the Girls Leadership Academy of Wilmington campus. It also received an award in the Renovation Category, garnering the Merit Award for its work on an adaptive reuse project for the Wilmington headquarters of Monteith Construction Corp. The firm also earned the Merit Award in the Unbuilt Category for work on the Hurricane Resilient Hospital Conceptual Study, an “indepth study on resilient hospital design explored what it means to design and build coastal resilient healthcare facilities not just in NC, but in coastal and low-lying communities everywhere,” stated the release. It also earned the Honor Award in that same category for the N.C. Coastal Federation’s headquarters.
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Greater Wilmington Business Journal
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|WORKING THROUGH IT| Editor’s note: The Business Journal will be running regular features on area businesses and how they are adjusting operations, innovating and coping in general with the economic impacts of the coronavirus. Some of the information below may have changed since first reported. For story or subject suggestions, email newsroom@wilmingtonbiz.com.
from Wilmington. A lot of the products that we produce from Wilmington are our smaller, food processing products. And so that’s allowed us to really keep our staff and keep our facility in Wilmington operational and running because that sector of the business has not significantly slowed down.” GWBJ: How do you feel about the future? VRABLIC: “We are very hopeful. Our holding company, along with our executive staff here in Wilmington, have made some really strong decisions over the past say two to five years that have allowed us to put ourselves in a position to really weather the storm quite well. We run a relatively lean operation. We’ve diversified our product line, so that when one side of the business is a bit slow, another side of the business is growing. And because of that, we don’t see any reason why we won’t really come out on the other side of this a bit stronger.”
Taking care of a vulnerable population Plantation Village, like other retirement communities in the region, has adapted to life during the coronavirus pandemic in a variety of ways. Zane Bennett, executive director of the community at 1200 Porters Neck Road, shared some of the actions Plantation Village has taken for its more than 300 residents. In mid-March, the Plantation Village staff started a grocery delivery service. “This [the grocery service] has been extremely effective in reducing the person-to-person contact and reducing the exposure risk to residents,” Bennett said. The staff frequently cleans all areas in the community, where the team is following all federal, state and local guidelines and regulations, he said. Efforts that take into account health and well-being have included virtual fitness classes through Plantation Village’s in-house TV network, chef-prepared meals delivered daily and virtual museum tours, Bennett stated in an email. “During this time of great uncertainty, our mindfulness meditation class has been extremely popular, along with our Tai Chi and Zumba classes,” Bennett wrote. “In addition, Plantation Village is working closely with its management partner, Life Care Services, to capture best practices and exciting ways to keep residents active and engaged.”
Local pet store works to embrace latest changes Aunt Kerry’s Pet Stop owner Kerry Bradley is working with the ‘new normal.’ She started curbside pet supplies pickup last week at her store at 3600 S. College Road in Wilmington. Bradley has been in business for 14 years and has worked in the local pet industry for more than 20 years.
PHOTO C/O AUNT KERRY’S PET STOP
Fur food: Aunt Kerry’s Pet Stop off South College Road has been providing curbside service to customers amid coronavirus restrictions.
The all-natural pet store, which carries dog and cat supplies, has stocked up on inventory, and along with new curbside services, the business could soon implement delivery, Bradley said. GWBJ: How is the new business model working out for you? BRADLEY: “We’re trying to figure out this new normal. We’re taking it day-by-day really. It seems to be working out great. Our curbside, people are very receptive to it and happy that we’re there at least to still provide them what they need for their fur babies. I’ve stocked my store like I haven’t stocked it ever. We’ve been through a few big hurricanes now with my store and I have never had that amount of product come in at one time. “It was definitely great to see people taking it seriously, get the necessities they need for their fur family. And I feel like a lot of people are trying to make sure they shelter in place.” GWBJ: Have you seen steady business? BRADLEY: “We still have seen a pretty steady flow. We do expect it to eventually decrease because people have stocked up.”
Production facility keeps things rolling Wilmington-based Rulmeca Corp. has been recognized as providing essential critical infrastructure by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. That’s because the company’s production and maintenance of motorized pulleys in the United States serves vital industries, including food producers. Employees such as Brian Vrablic, sales and marketing director, and Rulmeca President Michael Gawinski are working remotely. The local company has been ‘very fortunate’ that it’s been able to keep the firm’s entire 11-member Wilmington staff employed and busy, some at its facility at 3200 Corporate Drive, Suite D, Vrablic said. GWBJ: How has your production or service changed? VRABLIC: “Our food processing business … appears to be still moderate to strong. So the companies that we are providing equipment to for the food processing industry appear to still be spending on at least maintenance projects and some new capital. That is a lot of what we do
Keeping a retail dream going during pandemic The grand opening of Sydney Slaska’s clothing store in Porters Neck, previously set to take place this weekend, is on hold indefinitely as a result of measures to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus. But Slaska remains excited about her plans to run her own high-end women’s clothing boutique, Cloth + Design. She leased 1,400 square feet of space at Porters Neck Center for Cloth + Design, and her address is Unit BB, 8211 Market St., which was formerly occupied by clothing and gift store Honeybee. “The good thing about retail is that you can launch it online,” Slaska said. “I’m still getting my store ready so when we can open our doors, we can open them along with everybody else.” While the coronavirus pandemic put her brick-and-mortar opening on hold, Slaska said her other options are personal shopping, virtual shopping and local and nationwide deliveries. She is updating Cloth + Design’s Facebook page and Instagram account, @clothanddesign.com. “At the end of the day, I feel like everything happens for a reason,’ she said. ‘I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be right now, and I’m not losing hope at all.”
Greater Wilmington Business Journal
wilmingtonbiz.com
April 17 - 30, 2020
Page 15
RESOURCE ROUNDUP
B
usinesses in the region may be negatively impacted as efforts to stop the spread of the coronavirus have required non-essential companies to shut down. As a response, many organizations and government institutions have established programs to help business owners through the COVID-19 hurdle. Here are some resources for small businesses impacted by COVID-19.
SBA
Local small business owners whose business has been impacted by COVID-19 are now able to apply for a Disaster Assistance Loan through the U.S. Small Business Administration. Small businesses in all counties in the state can now apply for a loan, according to a notice by the SBA. Economic Injury Disaster Loans provide working capital to help small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private, nonprofits of all sizes meet financial obligations that cannot be meet as a result of the coronavirus, according to the SBA. Loans of up to $2 million are
available with a maximum interest rate of 3.75%. If a business, however, is a major source of employment the administration can waive the $2 million limit. The deadline for loan applications is Dec. 18 this year. Online applications can be found at disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. Applicants can also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba. gov.
GOLDEN LEAF FOUNDATION
The Golden LEAF Foundation is providing $15 million in funding for a rapid recovery loan program as a response to the coronavirus. Eligible businesses can get loans of up to $50,000 with zero interest and no payments for six months. The NC COVID-19 Rapid Recovery Loan Program is aimed at helping small businesses recover from the economic impact they have experienced due to the spread of the virus. Loan sizes are capped at two months of current revenue. After the initial six months, the loan must be repaid through 48 months of principal and interest payments of 5.5%.
Loan money must only be used for maintaining or restarting a business. To apply for the program, business owners can visit ncrapidrecovery.org. Applicants should be able to provide tax returns, profit and loss statements and bank statements.
FAMILIES FIRST CORONAVIRUS ACT
Small and midsize employers can get immediately and fully reimbursed for the cost of providing coronavirus-related leave for their employees. Under the Families First Coronavirus Act, signed by the IRS and U.S. Department of Labor, employers are allowed to use two refundable payroll tax credits to get reimbursed. Those include 100% reimbursements to employers for paid leave, including paid childcare leave when schools are closed and childcare is not available. It also includes health insurance costs. Employers with fewer than 500 employees are required to pay up to 80 hours of paid leave due to COVID-19, under the act. Those with 50 or fewer employees qualify for an exemption.
CARES ACT
Nonprofits and cultural organizations in the state are eligible to apply for grants from the National Endowment for the Arts. Nonprofit organizations that have received funding by the NEA in the past four years are eligible to apply for a direct grant. Funds can be used for staff salary support, fees for artists or contractual personnel and facilities costs, a release stated. The direct grants will not require a cost share or match and will be for a fixed amount of $50,000. The deadline to apply is April 22 with the announcements of grant award or rejection rolling out by June 30. For more, visit arts.gov.
SMALL BUSINESS GRANTS PROGRAM
In other funding opportunities for small businesses, Facebook has launched a Small Business Grants Program to support businesses struggling as a result of the coronavirus. Facebook is offering $100 million in cash grants and advertising credits to up to 30,000 eligible small businesses.
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April 17 - 30, 2020
Greater Wilmington Business Journal
wilmingtonbiz.com
| BIZ LEADS | Reader’s Guide BizLeads is a collection of information gathered from greater Wilmington courthouses, state government offices and informational websites. These 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 that were recently incorporated in the state of North Carolina. All information is gathered from the North Carolina Secretary of State website. Addresses listed may not be the actual address of the business.
NEW CORPS March 26 April 10
17TH ST. UPHOLSTERY LLC 721 S 17th St Wilmington 28401 Agent: Wayne Dickson 1PRODUCTIONS LLC 7126 Loqust Dr Wilmington 28405 Agent: Deepak Melwani
Agent: Tonya Nesselroade ARBORETUM VILLAGE OWNERS ASSOCIATION INC. 10 S Cardinal Dr Wilmington 28403 Agent: Robert J Hollis ARTESANIAS Y DULCERIA OAX LLC 523 Colon Circle Wilmington 28403 Agent: Diego HernandezLopez
2 STROHS LLC 2901 Caliber Ct. Wilmington 28405 Agent: Dana L. Helton
BAREFOOT ISLAND TREASURES LLC 5505 Pine Glen St Southport 28461 Agent: Sandra Williams
209/211 CORAL COA INC 605 N. Channel Drive Wrightsville Beach 28480 Agent: Lori Rosbrugh
BATCHELOR VISIONS L.L.C. 1800 Eastwood Rd #240 Wilmington 28403 Agent: William Matthew Batchelor
405 TENNESSEE AVENUE TOWNHOMES OWNERS ASSOCIATION INC. 499 Tibbys Drive Wilmington 28411 Agent: Kathryn P Long 5 STAR PLUMBING LLC 290 Koolabrew Drive NW Calabash 28467 Agent: Steven A Mills A TASTE OF SUNRISE LLC 14669 US Hwy 17 N Hampstead 28443 Agent: Erich J Fritz ABOVE GROUND PROS INCORPORATED 7304 Champlain Dr Wilmington 28412 Agent: Chad Smith AMP LANDSCAPING SERVICES L.L.C. 1747 Deerwood Trl NW Supply 28462 Agent: Apolinar Pantaleon Jaimes ANCHOR MARINE ELECTRONICS & SERVICE LLC 1275 Hickman Rd NW Calabash 28467 Agent: Jason Bellamy ANCHOR SERVICES AND CONSULTING LLC 6063 Chancellorsville Dr Wilmington 28409
BBDDREA LLC 7332 Pamlico Court Wilmington 28411 Agent: Robert Fain BLUE SEA 08 LLC 405 Water Oak Wynde Sunset Beach 28468 Agent: Teresa T. Peed BLUE TELEPSYCH URGENT CARE PLLC 8406 Fiddlestick Way Wilmington 28412 Agent: Anna Margaret Jazayeri BPMS INVESTMENTS LLC. 321 N. Front St. Wilmington 28401 Agent: Jerry C. Steven II BRANCH & BRUSH DEBRIS DEPOT LLC 21435 U.S. Hwy 17 Hampstead 28443 Agent: Rick Tunner Braso Properties LLC 169 Carolina Farms Blvd Carolina Shores 28467 Agent: Matthew Moen BRIDAL STYLES BY KRISTEN LLC 187 N Palm Dr Winnabow 28470 Agent: Kristen Casselberry BRUNSWICK BREWING
CO. 2017 Woodwind Drive Leland 28451 Agent: Mark Sameeh Said
1221 Floral Parkway Ste 104 Wilmington 28403 Agent: W. Cory Reiss
BWEKAREN LLC 802 Greenhowe Dr Wilmington 28409 Agent: Sawni Keday Moo
COMPETITIVE EDGE (LZE) LLC 508 Millhouse Rd Castle Hayne 28429 Agent: Lisa Zeigler Edge
C. PARKER HOUSE LLC 1221 Floral Parkway Suite 104 Wilmington 28403 Agent: W Cory Reiss
COMPLETE QUALITY GROUP INC. 1519 Corcus Ferry Road Hampstead 28443 Agent: Bruce A. Rains
C&A TREE SERVICE LLC 2020 Daniel Boone Trl Wilmington 28411 Agent: Cecillio Pastrana Rodriguez
COOPER ART STUDIO LLC 9277 Cassadine Ct Leland 28451 Agent: David Cooper
CAROLINA TEASER INC. 808 Cape Fear Blvd Carolina Beach 28428 Agent: Jason Henry White CB BUSINESS PARK 2 OWNERS ASSOCIATION INC. 340 Wild Rice Way Wilmington 28412 Agent: Terry L Greer
COYLE SOLAR LLC 6436 Green Arbor Lane Wilmington 28409 Agent: Eugene F. Mack Coyle CUT ABOVE RENOVATIONS LLC 1402 Robinhood Rd Wilmington 28401 Agent: Blaine Shofner
CB BUSINESS PARK I OWNERS ASSOCIATION INC. 340 Wild Rice Way Wilmington 28412 Agent: Terry L Greer
CYPRESS VILLAGE HOMEOWNERS‚ÄÔ ASSOCIATION INC. 110 Dungannon Blvd Suite 160 Wilmington 28403 Agent: Mary J. Johnson
CHERRY PROPERTY HOLDINGS LLC 5254 Christian Dr Wilmington 28403 Agent: Khalll K Cherry
D ANDERSON CONSTRUCTION LLC 331 NE 49th St Oak Island 28465 Agent: David Anderson
CIRCLE 701 LLC 1413 Heron Run drive Wilmington 28403 Agent: William J. Batuyios
DC CUSTOM COMPANY 6323 Circular Dr Wilmington 28403 Agent: Daniel Ross Cameron Jr
CJ PRESSURE WASHING LLC 9841 N Olde Towne Wynd Leland 28451 Agent: Victor Jimenez CLASS A RV CUSTOM PAINT AND REPAIR L.L.C 519 1/2 Silver Lake Rd Wilmington 28412 Agent: John Ross Carney COASTAL CAROLINA CLEANERS LLC 239 Beachwood Drive NW Calabash 28467 Agent: Melissa Grumeli COASTAL CAROLINA ELECTRICAL SERVICE INC 1200 N 23rd St Wilmington 28405-1826 Agent: Robert B. Shider COASTAL CHOICE INSURANCE GROUP LLC 1508 Military Cutoff Rd. Ste 206 Wilmington 28403 Agent: Brent Franklin Hayes COASTAL JUL CHARTERS LLC 3010 Maco Rd NE Leland 28451 Agent: Jo Waddell COLLINS CHESTNUT HOUSE LLC
DGH THISTLE LLC 1815 Olde Thistle Club Road Sunset Beach 28468 Agent: William Haberman DIMPAD INC. 437 Morning Glory Ct Wilmington 28405 Agent: Tommy Sullivan DIRECT WELLNESS PLLC 905 Arboretum Drive Wilmington 28405 Agent: Christian Page Daniel DIXONS INC. 310 Garnercrest Road Wilmington 28411 Agent: Bruce A Rains DK5 TRUCKING LLC 3800 Prices Ln Wilmington 28405 Agent: Krystal Singleton DUNE DIGITAL LLC 1446 Parkview Cir Unit 307 Wilmington 28405 Agent: Samuel Strickland E. SWAY STYLES LLC 5725 Little Prong Rd NW Ash 28420 Agent: Emily Simmons EAGLE PRECISION AERIAL LLC 2444 Meridian Rd. NE
Leland 28451 Agent: Christopher Andrew Pilloton
5142 Christian Drive Wilmington 28403 Agent: Chase Andrews
ELDERBERRY MAMAS LLC 3535 Atwater Ct. Wilmington 28412 Agent: Misti Rae Rusk
HARTWOOD TREE CARE LLC 4213 Wrightsville Ave Wilmington 28403 Agent: Thomas Moore Hart
FAITH HOPE LOVE AND DOGS LLC 4310 Stratton Village Ln Wilmington 28409 Agent: Michael Jamison Casey FARM AND GARDEN LLC 3907-100 Wrightsville Avenue Wilmington 28403 Agent: Samuel B. Potter FAST MARKETING SOLUTIONS LLC 5731 Whitestocking Rd Burgaw 28425 Agent: Daniel Stewart FIRE & WATER DAMAGE RESTORATION INC. 1904 Eastwood Road Ste 301 Wilmington 28403 Agent: Wesley S Jones FIRST MINTON MANSION LLC 261 New Bern Rd Southport 28461 Agent: Kendall Fincher FOUNDAATION FOOTWEAR LLC 426 Alpine Dr Wilmington 28403 Agent: Michael Langston G54 MANUFACTURING LLC 2841 Carolina Beach Rd. Suite 6 Wilmington 28412 Agent: Richard Perbeck GALORE PROPERTIES LLC 7778 James Way NE Leland 28451 Agent: Shawnta Smith GATEWAY VISION CARE OD PLLC 1213 Culbreth Drive Wilmington 28405 Agent: PMI Professional Management Inc. GOMEZ TRIM LLC 8924 Black Chestnut Dr Leland 28451 Agent: Lelis G Gomez Ruiz GREAT AMERICA OUTDOOR LIVING LLC 1239 Kenningston St Wilmington 28405-1348 Agent: Jesus Macedo HAMPSTEAD PLUMBING INC. 609 Ravenswood Road Hampstead 28443 Agent: Robert Allyn Dalton HAPPY SOLES FLOORS & MORE LLC 337 Batson Rd Hampstead 28443 Agent: Elvis Sheahan HARBOR CREEK FINANCIAL LLC
HERRERA FITMEAL CONSULTING INC 7124 Murrayville Rd Wilmington 28411 Agent: Cynthia Isabel Herrera HIGH-GRADE LLC 9085 Black Chestnut Drive Leland 28451 Agent: Vernon Cody Whitehead HONEY HEAD FILMS LLC 507 North 5th Avenue Wilmington 28401 Agent: Erika Arlee Edwards HOPE CREEK COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION INC. 2018 Eastwood Road Wilmington 28403 Agent: Premier Management Company HOPELIFE INDUSTRIES INC. 5127 Sun Coast Dr Wilmington 28411 Agent: Gregory Kleinfelter HURRICANE COAST BREWING COMPANY LLC 5919 Dutchman Creek Rd Southport 28461 Agent: Phillip Mabe ILM FREELANCE LLC 301 Poplar Grove Road Wilmington 28411 Agent: Monica B Sholar J. DAIL CONSTRUCTION INC. 5006 Glen Cove Drive Southport 28461 Agent: Jason Dail J&G PATRIOT HOME BUYERS LLC 3154 Wild Azalea Way SE Southport 28461 Agent: Grant Rogers Hussey JA 38 NORTH LUMINA LLC 104 S. Channel Drive Wrightsville Beach 28480 Agent: Jerry Lachman JARED SPEIGHT INSURANCE SERVICES INC 1159 S. Brook Rd. Winnabow 28479 Agent: Jared Speight JENNIFER UPCHURCH LCSW PLLC 7741 Market Street Wilmington 28411 Agent: Jennifer Upchurch JLP CONSULTING INC. 1061 Sandy Grove Pl Leland 28451 Agent: James Lavern Partlow
JRUSSO INC. 218 Palmer Way Wilmington 28412 Agent: Joseph A Russo JUST 4 KIDZ SENSORY GYM INC. 107 Kilarny Road Wilmington 28409 Agent: Linda Trujillo JW RESEARCH CONSULTING LLC 6300 Fox Run Road Wilmington 28409 Agent: Justin R. Wishon K & W AUTO REPAIR L.L.C. 2010 N Kerry Ave Wilmington 28405 Agent: James Jones KILLIN IT CLEAN LLC 1 W South Shore Rd Southport 28461 Agent: John Tomak KINGDOM HOLDINGS NC LLC 3639 Merestone Drive Wilmington 28412 Agent: Bradley Cotton KORNBLUM CAPITAL L.L.C. 433 Esthwaite Dr SE Leland 28451 Agent: Zachary Alan Kornblum KRW CONSULTANTS LLC 1231 Traditional lane Wilmington 28411 Agent: Kara Williamson LANDMARK AT LIGHTHOUSE COVE HOA INC. 1628 Doctors Circle Wilmington 28401 Agent: Randy Norris LAURA LAMAINE REALTY LLC 3070 Beachcomber Dr Southport 28461 Agent: Laura Lamaine LELAND LADIES FOR LEGISLATIVE LEADERSHIP 9397 Night Harbor Drive Leland 28451 Agent: Debra Gill LEVER DRAG SPORTFISHING CHARTERS LLC 6804 Murrayville Road Wilmington 28411 Agent: Joseph Wade Currie LEXINGTON PROPERTY LEASING LLC 405 Raleigh Street Wilmington 28412 Agent: Donald Puryear II LONGLEAF SURETY INC.
3972 Old Ocean Hwy #G Bolivia 28422 Agent: Kenneth Sharpe MADE 28 LLC. 39 E. Bailey Lane Hampstead 28443 Agent: Sara Hogwood MARANTHA PROPERTIES LLC 3239 Chalmers Dr Wilmington 28409 Agent: Michael Ferner MAVERICK 27 PROPERTIES LLC 3 Inlet Hook Road Wilmington 28411 Agent: Allison Semenza King MEOW MEOW LLC 3427 Sparrow Hawk Ct Wilmington 28409 Agent: Charlie Lian MJC CONSTRUCTION & BUILDING LLC 4366 Flagship Ave SE Southport 28461 Agent: Francisco Raygoza Ortiz MKR UNLIMITED INC. 127 Wild Berry Lane Hampstead 28443 Agent: Gina Nee MMC INSURANCE GROUP LLC 1985 Eastwood Rd. Suite 200 Wilmington 28403 Agent: R Blake Moore MONICAL ENTERPRISES INC 499 Lea Drive Hampstead 28443 Agent: Walter A Monical MORPHDB LLC 936 Baldwin Park Dr. Wilmington 28411 Agent: Karl Ricanek Jr. MOSQUITOS PLUS LLC 518 Tanbridge Rd. Wilmington 28405 Agent: Brian Grady Shelburne MOUNTAIN PASSAGE LLC 1055 Military Cutoff Road Suite 201 Wilmington 28405 Agent: Steven F. Siegel MSD Aero LLC 1612 Military Cutoff Road Suite 101 Wilmington 28403 Agent: Dave Sweyer MV CONSTRUCTION GROUP CORP 509 Cobblestone Drive Apt 107 Wilmington 28405 Agent: Martiniano Miguel
GET ALL THE DATA! Receive a weekly Data Feed with new corporations, people in new positions, contracts up for bid, press release roundups, real estate transactions and building permits. Learn more and subscribe at WilmingtonBizData.com
Greater Wilmington Business Journal
wilmingtonbiz.com
April 17 - 30, 2020
Page 17
| IN THE NEWS |
CastleBranch buys its HQ in joint venture BY CECE NUNN astleBranch completed the purchase recently of its headquarters at 1844 and 1845 Sir Tyler Drive in Wilmington, as well as the building next door at 1838 Sir Tyler Drive. The purchase was part of a joint venture with SHP Acquisitions, the previous owner of the buildings, according to an announcement April 1. Excise taxes listed on the deeds value the real estate transaction at $28.5 million. CastleBranch, a compliance management and infectious disease screening company, moved to The Cotton Exchange in downtown Wilmington with 32 employees in 2002. In 2009, the company had grown to 125 team members and leased 1845 Sir Tyler Drive, building 1844 Sir Tyler Drive in 2014. With a current roster of 425 employees, CastleBranch’s purchase signals the next step in the company’s development, according to a news release.
C
PHOTO C/O CASTLEBRANCH
Staying power: Wilmington compliance management and screening company CastleBranch bought its headquarters buildings and a third office building in its complex recently in a joint venture.
“SHP Acquisitions has been a proud partner of CastleBranch since 2012,” said Dan Smith, founding member of SHP, in the release. “Together we’ve seen tremendous change and growth, including the development of a new building for Castle-
Branch in 2014, and we’re excited to further our partnership with this joint venture.” Brett Martin, CEO of CastleBranch, said in the release that the transaction represents years of effort, dedication and planning.
“The purchase of our headquarters is further proof of our commitment to the city of Wilmington and our intention to remain here for generations,” Martin said in the release. “More importantly, it serves as a reminder that, as turbulent as the COVID-19 storm appears to be today, we’re confident that it will pass, and Wilmington will continue to be a strong and vibrant community.” CastleBranch’s staff is working remotely as a result of the coronavirus. The company released a product to address COVID-19 and workforce screenings to its slate of offerings. Its COVID-19 Compliance lets employers “electronically collect daily temperature readouts, signed attestations disclosing possible exposure to COVID-19 and travel to COVID-19–impacted areas, and provide additional skills and educational training to employees before they return to work,” according to the company, which added that the process follows relevant FERPA, HIPAA, CCPA and FCRA rules and regulations.
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Page 18
April 17 - 30, 2020
Greater Wilmington Business Journal
wilmingtonbiz.com
RESTAURANT ROUNDUP
BUSINESS OF LIFE
This is a sampling of stories from the Business Journal’s weekly Restaurant Roundup email. Subscribe at wilmingtonbiz.com.
Health department still on restaurant tasks
WILMINGTON CLEANING SOLUTIONS
While officials at the New Hanover County Health Department’s environmental health division said they are trying to limit in-person interactions amid the COV ID-19 outbreak, they are open for business and working to keep restaurants safe and informed. “We’re answering calls and sending out mass emails to keep business owners updated on the latest regulations imposed at the state and local levels in regards to COVID-19,” said Alicia Pickett, environmental health supervisor. Pickett said that while many of the Environmental Health Department’s employees are working from home, supervisors continue to work from the department’s headquarters. And while regularly scheduled heath inspections have been suspended, the department is looking into any and all complaints. Additionally, the department is continuing to review and write permits for new establishments and conduct on-site inspections for new and transitional businesses. Despite the outbreak, the department is still allowing new restaurants to open. “It’s important that people be able to move forward with getting restaurants open,” Pickett said. “Of course that means they will have to open with just curbside pick-up or delivery as opposed to what they were originally planning, but they will still have the opportunity to open.”
Q&A: Slice of Life owner shares virus response
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As part of a series featuring conversations with local restaurant owners, Slice of Life Pizzeria & Pub owner Ray Worrell spoke with the Business Journal about his decision to temporarily close all four of his pizzerias because of the coronavirus crisis. GWBJ: By mid-March, Slice of Life had closed its Porters Neck and downtown locations, and on March 28, it was announced that all locations would be closing March 30 in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. It seems that Slice of Life is fairly well set up for take-out, so why not
continue with that model? Worrell: “My main concern was for my employees. Things seemed to be getting worse around the country, and after a lot of consideration, I felt this was the best way to protect them. Also, you think of pizza places as mainly take-out and delivery, but we’re different; we have over 100 seats in some of the restaurants and because of that, we’ve never been set up for delivery.” GWBJ: How difficult will it be to get all four locations up and running again when the executive orders are lifted? Worrell: “For us it won’t be too bad. Unlike a hurricane where there’s food spoilage and damage, we won’t be dealing with that. We’re taking advantage of this time to clean and make updates and repairs so that we are ready to reopen in the best possible shape. We will likely reopen one location at a time, and are looking at possibly reopening the Pine Valley location in early May for takeout and delivery.” GWBJ: As a leader in the business community, do you have any advice for other business owners or the community in general? Worrell: “Try to take care of your employees as best you can and do what’s right for your business. Try to mitigate the damage that has been done by helping others.” Read more of Worrell’s interview on the Business Journal’s website, wilmingtonbiz.com.
NourishNC, other groups work to fill food gaps With New Hanover County Schools providing thousands of meals each week to students throughout the county, NourishNC is just one of many local organizations that has answered the call to provide supplemental meals for the food-insecure. NourishNC’s director, Steve McCrossan, said the organization’s mission has not changed in the wake of the virus, but what has changed is the way it’s being carried out. Nourish has partnered with New Hanover County Schools, GLOW Academy, Ring and Run, the Latino Alliance, Coastal Horizons, Kids Making It, the Brigade Boys and Girls Club and the YWCA, and together they have distributed over 1,250 emergency food boxes and 313 grocery bags (63,852 meals) at a drive-thru. -Jessica Maurer
Greater Wilmington Business Journal
wilmingtonbiz.com
April 17 - 30, 2020
Page 19
| BUSINESS OF LIFE | Restaurateurs turn to auction experiences BY KYLE HANLIN hether via their on-location signage, media advertisements or community involvement such as sponsorships of youth sports teams, restaurants typically are very visible foundation blocks of neighborhoods and cities. They serve as gathering places for business lunches and nights out with friends and bring flavor – both literal and figurative – to their communities. But the COVID-19 pandemic has forced the closure of dining rooms and moved thousands, if not millions, of food service workers to the unemployment rolls nationwide. Restaurants in the Cape Fear region and their employees are no exception. “We have gone to a complete furlough of our entire team to make them immediately available for unemployment,” said Craig Love, owner of Surf House Oyster Bar & Surf Camp in Carolina Beach. “Some of them are still awaiting unemployment, so we are trying to supplement those dollars where we can.” Finding ways to help their furloughed employees has had Love and other restaurateurs getting creative. “We auctioned off three oyster roasts and shrimp boils that will happen in late summer or early fall,” Love said. “We also auctioned off a home cooking course and threecourse dinner where we will come to a person’s home and cook dinner for six people. With those four auction pieces, we did $6,000.” Dean Neff, well-known for his time as managing partner and executive chef at Wilmington’s PinPoint Restaurant, and his business partner and fiancée, Lydia Clompton, also have auctioned unique culinary experiences to raise money to assist furloughed employees of Clompton’s popular Love, Lydia Bakery. “The restaurant business is challenging in a lot of ways, and one of the ways is human resources,” Neff said. “We really try to create a relationship with our staff, communicate a lot when hiring people and really try to be communicative during the process of people working there. We value the people that work with us.” Last month, Neff offered the highest bidder an in-home dining experience with him serving as chef and lead dishwasher for the special evening. Then, a friend of Neff’s
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RESTAURANT RO U ND U P
PHOTO BY MICHAEL CLINE SPENCER
Meal deal: Craig Love, owner of Surf House Oyster Bar & Surf Camp in Carolina Beach, has auctioned off meals and dining experiences as restaurants struggle to help their employees and stay afloat.
weighed in on the auction’s Facebook thread and sweetened the deal. “I have a really good friend named Fredrick Corrlier who is a French wine importer,” Neff said. “We didn’t plan it at all, but, on the last day of the bidding, he chimed in and said, ‘I’m going to bring my wines for this dinner.’ He also offered a magnum bottle of his to the winner, so, that was a really cool motivator for getting some people excited about it, and it was super generous.” The auction fetched $1,750, from top bidder Suzie Trivisonno, and Neff and Trivisonno have already touched base about initial planning. “She knows that I cook very seasonally,” Neff said. “So, she said that, when we see an end to this, then we will start planning the menu, because the date has everything to do with what will be on the menu. Within three days of the auction’s end, Clompton had disbursed 100 percent of the funds to Love, Lydia Bakery’s eight furloughed employees. Other bidders quickly reached out in hopes to match the high bid and arrange similar experiences. “There have been a couple of people who have reached out and have
wanted to purchase the same thing,” Neff said. “We’re still in the early stages of planning with those.” Love said that Surf House’s recent fundraising offerings have been tailored to its guests’ expectations. “The challenge and trick in all of this is that you’re always trying to find new ways to be creative and have some ingenuity to create a connection back to your guests,” Love said. “We have been progressively trying to figure out how to generate interactions to keep that connectivity between our guests and the feel and the culture of our hospitality experience in our restaurant.” To that end, Love has utilized social media. “We did a virtual happy hour on Instagram Live,” said Love. “We did a demonstration of four different cocktail recipes and encouraged guests to try to execute them at their own house so, if they were missing that favorite cocktail this would be a kind of way for them to recreate that in their own home. “We asked those guests to donate basically the same amount that they otherwise might spend if they were in our bar, enjoying a cocktail and
then tipping a bartender. So we got a range of donations and ended up raising $1,700.” Along with raising money to help his furloughed employees, Love has been reaching out to those in the medical community. “Anyone in the medical community that is engaged in this fight, we are providing three-day meal plans free of charge,” said Love. “So, if they call us and say, ‘Hey, I’m a nurse at New Hanover [Regional Medical Center],’ or, ‘I’m a personal care physician,’ they can contact us with what day and time they can come pick up a three-day meal plan, and we’re providing them those with kids’ meals included to kind of take away the burden of having to think about what they are going to make for their family that night or that day. We are trying to do as much of that as we can. “We also had one of our guests reach out and wanted to anonymously buy 100 meals for the Boys and Girls Brigade of Wilmington. So we were able to do that through one of our guests that reached out and coordinated that with us.”
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April 17 - 30, 2020
Greater Wilmington Business Journal
wilmingtonbiz.com
RESCHEDULED DATE SEPT 2
4-9PM WILMINGTON CONVENTION C E N T E R
12
th annual
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