Fun inside
Board games gain in popularity Page 23
November 20 - December 3, 2020 Vol. 21, No. 22
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Veteran-owned
Fire and security firm in growth mode Page 10
Sweet stuff
Candy company has good taste Page 11
Index Economic Indicators .............................. 2 Technology ............................................. 3 The List .................................................. 4 Hospitality ..........................................8-9 In Profile...............................................10 Real Estate...........................................12 Business of Life.............................. 22-23
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PHOTO BY MICHAEL CLINE SPENCER
Light entertainment: Lucas Barnes (from left) and Emanuel Davis adjust strands of lights for the upcoming Enhanted Airlie event at Airlie Gardens, which will include changes this year because of COVID-19.
DISTANT HOLIDAYS I t’s beginning to look like, well, no holiday season we’ve ever seen seen – Santa’s donning a mask, Black Friday is now the whole month of November. Even Wrightsville Beach’s popular Holiday Flotilla has been grounded.
Since it began circulating here last spring (the first local case was reported on Friday the 13th of March) COVID-19 has roared through the area like a giant bowling ball, taking out major events and disrupting holidays and major events – including the Azalea Festival, Easter services,
Fourth of July festivities and now Thanksgiving and Christmas, perhaps the virus’s biggest targets yet. With COVID-19 cases already surging nationwide, health officials are urging holidaymakers to not let down their guard. As much as people want to see family, attend parties and other gatherings, or hit the sales, the best gift you can give – and receive – this year is to take safety guidelines seriously, providers warn. On the immediate horizon is Thanksgiving. Although not always the busiest air travel day of the year – a handful of summer weekend days are busier – the day before Thanksgiving is consistently in the Top 10. After the bottom fell out in the early days of the pandemic, passen-
ger numbers at Wilmington International Airport have risen slowly but steadily. Levels are now at around 50% of normal. The pandemic also has affected the number of destinations and daily flights. “Last year we had seven destinations and over 20 flights per day each way,” ILM director Julie Wilsey said recently. “This year we are at five nonstop destinations and 1417 flights per day each way due to COVID.” The numbers won’t be anywhere close to typical, but Wilsey still expects heavy passenger loads this Thanksgiving, especially on Wednesday and Sunday. The airport’s carriers, American, See HOLIDAYS, page 14
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November 20 - December 3, 2020
wilmingtonbiz.com
Greater Wilmington Business Journal
| ECONOMIC INDICATORS | SEPTEMBER AIRPORT PASSENGER TRAFFIC
SEPTEMBER UNEMPLOYMENT NEW HANOVER SEPTEMBER 2020:
PENDER SEPTEMBER 2020:
BRUNSWICK SEPTEMBER 2020:
UP FROM SEPTEMBER 2019:
UP FROM SEPTEMBER 2019:
UP FROM SEPTEMBER 2019:
3.1%
3.4%
4.5%
6.5% 6%
7.8%
$23,169,925 UP FROM SALES TAX COLLECTION AUGUST 2019 SEPTEMBER 2020 DEPARTURES
19,794
Source: N.C. Department of Commerce
20,431 DOWN FROM SEPTEMBER 2019 ARRIVALS
Commercial
250 250
$347,316
2018
$305,832
$290,389
300K
2019
2020 Source: Cape Fear Realtors
AUGUST ROOM OCCUPANCY TAX
$1,993,144
$2,067,060 2020 Source: Wilmington 910CVB 2
SEPT 2020
150 150 100 100
5050 0
0
9/19
919
10/19
11/19
1019
1119
12/19
1219
1/20
120
2/20
220
3/20
320
4/20
420
5/20
520
6/20
620
7/20
720
8/20
820
9/20
920
Source: Brunswick County Code Administration
Value of prodcution
00002019 002
2019
200 200
0ANNUAL 000052 NC TURKEY PRODUCTION & VALUE
(NEW HANOVER COUNTY)
0202
Residential
300 300
350K
50K
Source: N.C. Department of Revenue
MONTHLY BUILDING PERMITS (BRUNSWICK COUNTY)
(SINGLE-FAMILY, TRI-COUNTY AREA)
100K
43,192
Source: Wilmington International Airport
OCTOBER AVERAGE HOME SALES PRICE
150K
$22,866,925
SEPTEMBER 2020 ARRIVALS
44,524
200K
(NEW HANOVER COUNTY)
SALES TAX COLLECTION AUGUST 2020
DOWN FROM SEPTEMBER 2019 DEPARTURES
250K
AUGUST SALES TAX COLLECTION
0000051
Turkeys raised
$674,882,000 31 M
2018
$609,960,000 0000001
32.5 M
2017
000005
$739,024,000 32.5 M
*Based on turkeys placed between September and August of the reporting year
0
AVERAGE PRICE PER GALLON FOR REGULAR UNLEADED IN WILMINGTON ON NOVEMBER 13, 2020:
$2.00 AVERAGE PRICE PER GALLON FOR WILMINGTON ON NOVEMBER 13, 2019:
$2.38 Source: AAA
Source: USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service
Greater Wilmington Business Journal
wilmingtonbiz.com
November 20 - December 3, 2020
| TECHNOLOGY |
T
CANO
INFO
The VR way to train
he problem: Corporate training is not effective due to slide presentations, classroom-style settings and Zoom meetings that create low engagement. The solution: providing employee training through immersive virtual reality. That is a quick snapshot of Jenson8 provided by founder Jena Davidson during a presentation introducing and welcoming the England-based company to Wilmington. Jenson8 is a human resources technology company that is establishing its United States base at the University of North Carolina Wilmington Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. This was facilitated through a partnership with Seahawk Innovation, a public-private organization that funds startups with the goal of helping JOHANNA them launch, grow and exit. “Long before the pandemic began, Jena anticipated that remote working was not simply a fad and would become the new normal,” Tobin Geatz, co-founder of Seahawk Innovation, said in an email. “Knowing that dispersed teams need real experiences to improve together, she developed the Jenson8 Apollo Virtual Reality platform for training and leadership development.” Jenson8 has developed a platform that allows participants to learn skills like teamwork, problem-solving, communication and more while participating in a gameplay scenario such as launching a rocket. Through using the Oculus VR headset, participants can experience training through navigating a virtual environment complete with 3D graphics. What makes the experience more effective than traditional corporate training, according to Davidson, is the ability to participate live – and virtually – with teammates, review what you did right and wrong through personalized feedback and practice skills through repetition. Being able to have engaging training is even more important now with employees working remotely during the pandemic, Davidson said. “How do you engage people? In a workshop, it’s much easier to do that when you’ve got them in the same room, where you can kind of
Page 3
J U N K I E Jerod Patterson
Communications Director, City of Wilmington In July, Patterson was hired as the communications director, where technology has become an integral part of his work. “As technology allows us to do so much more virtually, I also try to balance that with the importance of human relationships.” PHOTO C/O PIXABABY
Engaged trainees: Jenson8, a startup with U.S. headquarters at the UNCW CIE, aims to better engage participants through corporate and leadership training that is refashioned with virtual reality.
look them in the eye and ask them questions,” Davidson said during the presentation. “But when you’re in a position where everyone is sitting at home and you need to engage people and keep them engaged, that’s a really difficult thing to do. “This is where Jenson8 has a real clear competitive edge in the markets. We’ve been able to create a platform that very much is about experiential learning in a virtual way. We are able to keep our clients engaged,” she added. Davidson is an entrepreneur who has had a nearly 20-year career as an executive coach and team leadership development consultant. One key component of the program is the psychometric report that participants are able to get based on their performance, she said. Jenson8 formed a partnership with the UNCW psychology department earlier this year that funded the installation of a full VR lab for leadership development. “This partnership has resulted in research that proves the validity of the system for assessment, training and coaching,” Geatz said. Data is provided through its Apollo Client Feedback Report, which includes an overview of onboarding psychometrics guided by Jenson8’s ability to predict workplace performance, according to its website. “This is where Jenson8 and the university really came together to create something exceptionally different and it’s a real differentiator in the market,” Davidson said. “So not only can we learn through doing, but at the end of that, you had your psychometric report.”
The company has already garnered a local client, Bill Treasurer of Giant Leap Consulting in Asheville, a firm that provides leadership development, strategic planning, team building and more services to businesses. “She [Davidson] showed me what was going on and I was like, ‘Oh, wow, this is really futuristic. It’s where training needs to go because we need distributed ways of reaching people,’” Treasurer said. “It’s way more economical than flying people into a workshop location.” Its partnership with Seahawk Innovation has helped drive the company’s growth, Davidson said. “Where we are now to where we were nine months ago, I think that the business is so much more, and we have moved quicker than I ever thought we would. It’s becoming something that I didn’t even know we were going to get to,” Davidson said. “That is certainly down to the relationship that I’ve built with Tobin and the relationship as well with the university.” To continue this growth, Davidson hopes to get investors and appeal to its target market: large training companies and business schools around the world. Jenson8 was slated to have a formal launch at the CIE this fall but was unable to due to the pandemic. Of her earlier visit to Wilmington, Davidson said she enjoyed her time. Geatz said, “Despite the pandemic, Wilmington continues to be a shining star, attracting entrepreneurship through our quality-of-place benefits and the resources of the university.”
He keeps up with local news by using the city of Wilmington’s social media and reading the Greater Wilmington Business Journal, StarNews, WECT, WWAY and WHQR daily. His favorite pleasure reading is Garden & Gun magazine. Patterson calls himself an “NPR junkie” and enjoys TED Radio Hour, Radiolab, Hidden Brain, and On Being, and on the lighter side, This American Life and The Splendid Table. “During the fall, ESPN’s College Football podcast keeps me grounded in what really matters,” he joked. As part of a cord-cutter household, Patterson enjoys streaming The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, old episodes of Cheers and the CBS Sunday Morning show. Reading fiction books with his kids is one of his favorite pastimes. Current reads include “The Voyage of the Dawn Treader,” “The Mysterious Benedict Society” and “The Dragonsitter.” “Life is stressful right now, and there’s no better medicine than laughing with a kid,” he said. Find Patterson on Facebook @ cityofwilmington, and Twitter/Instagram @CityofIlm.
Page 4
November 20 - December 3, 2020
wilmingtonbiz.com
Greater Wilmington Business Journal
| THE LIST |
Architecture Firms
Ranked by number of local licensed architects RANK
PHONE WEBSITE EMAIL
FIRM ADDRESS
LOCAL LICENSED ARCHITECTS/ LEEDTOTAL ACCREDITED LOCAL ARCHITECTS STAFF
NO. LOCAL OFFICES NO. TOTAL OFFICES
SERVICES
1 8
Civic, health care, K-12, higher education, commercial, multifamily, recreational, senior living, retail
NOTABLE PROJECTS
TOP LOCAL OFFICIAL/ YEAR FOUNDED
Girls Leadership Academy of Wilmington (GLOW), Christopher Boney, Chief CFCC Union Station and Fine Arts Center, Live Oak Relationships Officer Bank, Lower Cape Fear Hospice, NHRMC, Carolina Bay Laura Miller, Office Leader at Autumn Hall 1922
1
LS3P Associates Ltd. 101 N. Third St., Suite 500 Wilmington, NC 28401
2
Bowman Murray Hemingway Architects PC 514 Market St. Wilmington, NC 28401
2
Kersting Architecture 4022 Market St., Suite 201 Wilmington, NC 28403
4
Becker Morgan Group 3333 Jaeckle Drive, Suite #120 Wilmington, NC 28403
5
Dietsche + Dietsche Architects PC 112 N. Front St. Wilmington, NC 28401
5
Sawyer Sherwood & Associate Architecture 124 Market St. Wilmington, NC 28401
910-762-0892 www.s2a3.com info@s2a3.com
3 –
6
1 1
5
Urban Design Architects PA 6740 Netherlands Drive, Suite F Wilmington, NC 28405
256-5076 www.udarch.com urbanj@udarch.com
3 –
12
1 2
8
Studio Three Architects LLC (dba S3 Architects PLLC) 321 N. Front St. Wilmington, NC 28401
910-269-3024 S3architects.com info@S3architects.com
2 –
2
1 —
Architecture and historic rehabilitaion
8
Hipp Architecture & Development PC 228 N. Front St., Suite 301 Wilmington, NC 28401
910-763-8968 www.hipparchitecture.com clark@hipparchitecture.com
2 –
3
1 1
Expo 216 rehabilitation, Indie Ice House apartment Architecture, planning, development renovations, Farmin' on Front, The Lakes Golf Clubhouse, WAVE Transit site redevelopment
821-0084 www.b-and-o.net scott@b-and-o.net
1 1
2
1 1
Green/sustainable design, residential, landscape/architecture, urban/site planning, commercial upfits
Tonbo Meadow, Midori on 29th, Scandinavian house, various residences.
Scott Ogden Lara Berkley Partner/Architect 2005
509-3131 www.designele.com msaieed@designele.com
1 1
4
1 1
Commercial, industrial, hospitality, mixed-use facilities, multifamily residential
Holiday Inn Express-Porters Neck NC; Fairfield InnWeaverville NC; CORNING; Campbell Soup Supply Co.; Skytown Brewery; Ruth's Chris Steak House; College Road Animal Hospital; Surf City Pet Hospital
Michael Saieed Architect 1992
790-9901 www.ls3p.com michellemarks@ls3p.com
14 15
38
762-2621 www.bmharch.com murray@bmharch.com
5 1
15
1 1
Battleship North Carolina Hull and Tower Repairs, Higher educational, health care, Landfall Dye Clubhouse Renovation, Atlantic Packaging recreational, exhibit buildings, historic Corporate Office, Noble Middle School Renovations, preservation and renovation, local and Davis Community Wellness Building, Slice of Life state government buildings, residential Porters Neck, RCC Emergency Classroom Building, Pine Vally Country Club Renovation.
763-1348 www.kerstingarchitecture.com michael@kerstingarchitecture.com
5 0
11
1 1
High-quality custom building design, commercial and residential.
910-341-7600 www.beckermorgan.com info@beckermorgan.com
4 0
11
1 4
EmergeOrtho Brunswick Forest, Bradley Creek offices, Lumberton Resource Ctr/Police, Corning Credit, Government, health care, educational, West HGTC Grand Strand campus, North/West/South public safety, commercial, hospitality, Brunswick High School additions, UNCW Film Studies, land-planning Cape Fear Community College Buildings A, S & N, Wilmington Fire Station #6
Ernest W. Olds Vice President 1983
910-251-8340 www.dietschedietsche.com Anna@DietscheDietsche.com
3 0
4
1 1
Architecture, planning, interior design, development consulting
Chuck Dietsche Principal 2000
Wrightsville Beach Yacht Club Marina Restaurant, Black Pearl Residence, Surrender Residence, Medac 3, Summit Center, Modern Baking Condo, The Switchyard, Run Ashore, Mother Boat House, On Water, Dragonfly, Waterline House, Surf Gallery House
–
New Hanover County Health and Human Services building, Laney High School gym and media center, Commercial, government and Surgeon City Environmental Education Center, residential architectural services Wrightsville Beach Elementary School Addition & Renovation, Brunswick County Courthouse Addition & Renovation Life Church, Anchor Baptist Church, Southport Architecture, construction-design build Presbyterian Church, St. Philip's Episcopal Church, The (2 Licensed General Contractors), Gathering Baptist Church, Port City Community Church, master planning, religious, hospitality, Anderson Ocean Club-M.B., Patricia Grand Hotel-M.B., restaurants, retail, residential, historic Starbucks-Conway, Carolinian Resort-M.B., Barclay preservation. Residence, Brooks Residence, UNCW-Congden Hall, Facilities, Warwick Center. Miscellaneous projects for Cape Fear Community College, Brooklyn Arts District, Boiling Spring Lakes Police Dept. More in the works!
John Murray President 1955
Michael Kersting President 1995
John Sawyer President 1981
John Urban President 1994
Brian Hollars Principal Architect 2007 originally, 2019 in Wilmington
Clark Hipp Principal Architect 1991
10
B + O Design Studio, PLLC 1319-CC Military Cutoff Road PMB#221 Wilmington, NC 28405
10
Design Element Inc. 1213 Culbreth Drive Wilmington, NC 28405
10
Goodrich Architecture P.A. 3142 Wrightsville Ave. Wilmington, NC 28403
343-1065 www.goodricharchitecture.com ga@goodricharchitecture.com
1 0
4
1 1
10
Hostetler Architecture PLLC 3967 Market St. Wilmington, NC 28403
910-612-1119 www.hostetlerarchitecture.com info@hostetlerarchitecture.com
1 1
3
1 1
10
Kevin Pfirman Architect PLLC 307 Martin St. Wilmington, NC 28401
538-2170 www.pfirman.com kevin@pfirman.com
1 0
2
1 1
Single and multi family residences, clubhouses, recreational facilities
Futch Creek residence, Waslo residence, LaRue Townhomes, Hurlburt residence, Bluffs Clubhouse
Kevin Pfirman Principal Architect 2002
10
Michael R. McLeod, Architect, P.A. 72 S. End Ct. Hampstead, NC 28443
270-9778 www.mcleodarchitect.com mike@mcleodarchitectpa.com
1 1
3
1 1
Architectural design and services for commercial, church and residential architectural projects
New Hanover Medical Group, Stevenson Honda, Coastal KIA, Bald Head Island Bed & Breakfast Inn, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Holly Springs, Raeford, Pittsboro, Hampstead, Wilmington and other locations.
Michael McLeod President 1986
High-end beach and inland community homes as well as low-income housing Burnt Mill Business Park Phase III; 7 Beach Bay, Figure along the East Coast; commercial Eight Island; David Residence, Bald Head Island; Duke projects include several churches and Energy BNP Education Center; Victory Gardens Business activity centers, restaurants, veterinary Center clinics, dentist offices, simple fit-ups and 40,000-square-foot office buildings St. James - Club Villas Condominiums, Franklin Forest Apartments, Pacon Manufacturing Brunswick Industrial Campus, Cape Fear Moto Group Motorcycle Dealership, Architecture, planning, interior design Cape Fear Heart Associates - St. James, Jaguar Land Rover Cape Fear, Abbotts Run Clubhouse, Oak Court mixed use, Upstate Freight corporate headquarters, Grey Commons Condominium Homes
H. Blair Goodrich Principal 2002
Shawn Hostetler Principal 2017
List is based on voluntary responses to a Business Journal survey.
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: Assisted Living Facilities • Financial Planners
Greater Wilmington Business Journal
wilmingtonbiz.com
November 20 - December 3, 2020
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT
Congratulations to the 2020 Health Care Heroes!
DR. DANIEL GOTTOVI Co-Founder, Wilmington Health & Lower Cape Fear LifeCare
COMMUNITY ACHIEVEMENT
INNOVATION IN HEALTH CARE
ELIZABETH BARNES Co-Founder and Executive Director,
JEFF JAMES CEO, Wilmington Health
Hope Abounds Cancer Network Inc.
A message from Jim Hansen, PNC Regional President for Eastern Carolinas
It is difficult to recognize and celebrate the 2020 Health Care Heroes without reflecting on just how much our world has changed this year. In many ways, “hero” cannot adequately express the impact and contributions of our region’s health care professionals. And “thank you” cannot fully express the extent of our gratitude. At PNC, we often discuss health in the context of financial wellness. But we also know that a strong local health care sector is foundational to a dynamic local business landscape. That’s why PNC helped the Greater Wilmington Business Journal establish Health Care Heroes — an opportunity for the business community to show appreciation for Wilmington’s health care professionals — in 2013. The honorees we’re celebrating this year have not only made a difference in the lives of their patients; they are integral to the quality and sustainability of our community — and to a future of resilience and recovery. To the 2020 Health Care Heroes, thank you from all of us at PNC.
Jim Hansen
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
NURSE
TR NUNLEY Program Coordinator, Wilmington Transgender Support Services
MITCHELL WATSON RN, New Hanover Regional Medical Center
FIRST RESPONDER
NURSE PRACTITIONER/ PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT
BETHANY HART Flight Paramedic, NHRMC AirLink/VitaLink Critical Care Transport
LAURA QUARINO Family Nurse Practitioner, Brunswick County Health Services
HEALTH CARE EXECUTIVE
PHYSICIAN
RYAN ESTES Treatment Operations Director, Coastal Horizons Center
HENRY PATEL Electrophysiologist, Cape Fear Heart Associates
HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL
VOLUNTEER
NOVA SWANSTROM Therapist, Delta Behavioral Health
DAN KOPCHICK Volunteer, Lower Cape Fear LifeCare
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November 20 - December 3, 2020
wilmingtonbiz.com
Greater Wilmington Business Journal
2020: A year of Health Care Heroes STAFF REPORTS his was certainly the year to recognize the work of health care providers, and the winners selected for the 2020 Health Care Heroes reflected that. While some worked directly with COVID-19 patients, others made their impacts on other health issues. Because of the pandemic, the Business Journal downsized its annual Health Care Heroes Awards to honor the 35 finalists at an outdoor event at Cloud 9. Category winners were announced this week with the release of a video that included surprise presentations from winners’ co-workers. “Thank you for this recognition and honor. Really, the true pleasure is doing the work for the community and seeing it get healthier and stronger,” Ryan Estes, treatment operations director for Coastal Horizons Center, said after being presented the Health Care Executive award by Coastal Horizons president and CEO Margaret Weller-Stargell. The awards announcement video also includes an interview with the family of the late Henry Patel, who won the Physician category.
T
PHOTO BY MICHAEL CLINE SPENCER
Career of impact: Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Dan Gottovi talks about helping start Wilmington Health and Lower Cape Fear LifeCare hospice.
“His No. 1 passion was patient care,” said his wife, Shital Patel. Henry Patel, an electrophysiologist with Cape Fear Heart Associates, died unexpectedly in August. “This community has supported us especially with what happened this year,” Shital Patel said. “Cardiology was his family; it was his dream.” The family set up a fund in his
honor to support providing comfort and patient care; education; and random acts of kindness – pillars that Henry Patel emphasized. (give.nhrmc. org/campaign/tribute-to-dr-henry-patel/c297663) Other category winners were: COMMUNITY ACHIEVEMENT: ELIZABETH BARNES, co-founder and executive
director of Hope Abounds Cancer Network Inc.; FIRST RESPONDER: BETHANY HART, flight paramedic for NHRMC AirLink/VitaLink Critical Care Transport; INNOVATION IN HEALTH CARE: JEFF JAMES, CEO of Wilmington Health; VOLUNTEER: DAN KOPCHICK, volunteer for Lower Cape Fear LifeCare; COMMUNITY OUTREACH: TR NUNLEY, program coordinator for Wilmington Transgender Support Services; NURSE PRACTITIONER/PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT: LAURA QUARINO, family nurse practitioner for Brunswick County Health Services; HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL: NOVA SWANSTROM, therapist for Delta Behavioral Health; and NURSE: MITCHELL WATSON, RN at NHRMC LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT: DAN GOTTOVI, co-founder of Wilmington Health and Lower Cape Fear LifeCare To see the video, go to the Business Journal’s Facebook page (facebook. com/WilmingtonBiz) or YouTube channel (youtube.com/user/WilmingtonBizJournal).
Greater Wilmington Business Journal
wilmingtonbiz.com
November 20 - December 3, 2020
Thanks for making our health today’s biggest priority.
The well-being of a community hinges on the health of the people who live there. We’re proud to congratulate the 2020 Health Care Heroes for making the Wilmington region a healthier place, one person at a time.
pnc.com
©2020 The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. All rights reserved. PNC Bank, National Association. Member FDIC CON PDF 0618-0106
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November 20 - December 3, 2020
wilmingtonbiz.com
Greater Wilmington Business Journal
| HOSPITALITY |
Survey: Visitors come back for more BY LAURA MOORE t is not news that tourism is an essential part of the local area economy, but the true impact of the tourism and hospitality industry is clearly reflected in the results of the latest Convention and Visitor’s Bureau Visitor Profile and Expenditure Research Study. Ninety-five percent of surveyed visitors to Wilmington and area beaches reported being satisfied with their experience. Feedback provided will guide decisions in coming months as the tourist destination hopes to rally from a setback due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The study to research target visitor markets, prepared on behalf of the Wilmington and Beaches CVB by Destination Analysts, a market research company that specializes in travel and tourism research, aims to serve as a compass for the CVB’s newly adopted three-year Strategic Destination Plan. A total of 2,157 completed responses were collected between
I
PHOTO BY CECE NUNN
Parking pass: The local CVB is developing a new tourism website that will, among other things, help direct visitors to available parking areas.
April 6 and May 3 this year, of which 1,227, or 57%, were from recent visitors who took a trip to the Wilmington area and its beaches during the 12-month period between March 2019 and March 2020. “The data gathered from this study indicates that the vast majority of recent visitors are highly engaged, loyal and mostly repeat visitors, with 91.5% of them having taken 14.1 trips to Wilmington and its beaches. The value of repeat visitors to a destination cannot be overstated, and retaining this strong base is vital to growth,” said Kim Hufham, president/CEO of the New Hanover County Tourism Development Authority, which does business as Wilmington and Beaches CVB. Aligning with the timeframe of the Visitor Profile and Expenditure Research Study, Wilmington and local beaches experienced record visitor spending and tourism employment during 2019. County-
WE’RE MORE THAN HOMES. we build communities.
For more than 55 years, we have served as the voice of the building & development industries in Southeastern NC Learn more about the value of a 3-in-1 membership
910-799-2611 | www.wcfhba.com
3801-5 Wrightsville Avenue | Wilmington, NC 28403
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November 20 - December 3, 2020
Page 9
| HOSPITALITY | wide room occupancy tax collections also set a record in 2019 with $15.5 million in total collections, representing a 9% increase over the prior year. The research period ended in early 2020 just before the outbreak of COVID-19. “This study is especially timely as repeat visitors are highly valuable during the pandemic as we implement our current strategic recovery plan to reach visitors who are more familiar with the destination, more receptive to messaging and most likely to return for a visit,” Hufham explained. Visiting the beaches (82.2%), dining (82%) and shopping (67.7%) were the top activities that were part of a trip to the area, and the city of Wilmington was the most commonly visited destination as part of a Wilmington and beaches trip. The average travel party to Wilmington and the area’s beaches spent nearly $520 per day. In addition, the tourism/hospitality industry in New Hanover County employed more than 6,680 people in 2019, according to the CVB. “Our repeat visitor numbers are off the charts, so it is important to
keep it fresh and offer new experiences. There are a lot of different ways that visitors can experience destinations,” Hufham said. Recognizing the value of repeat customers encourages businesses and attractions to keep visitors interested in return trips by offering new incentives. The pandemic has allowed many destinations to reimagine how their attractions are shared with their visitors. “It has been a chance to rethink, as an industry, how we attract visitors back. Many have adjusted completely in the short term, hopefully not forever, but as visitor confidence rises, especially with our drive-in market that is very strong for us, people will return and feel safe doing so,” Hufham added. Most visitors come from in-state or contiguous states. Over half of respondents who reside in the United States live within the state of North Carolina (58.6%). About 5% or more of survey respondents reside in Ohio (6.1%), Virginia (5%) and Pennsylvania (4.5%). Visitors who reported being satisfied or very satisfied with their experience stated that the reasons
for their level of satisfaction were the relaxing experience, quality of restaurants, friendly locals, beaches and the beauty of the area. “This information helps us when we market because it gives us an idea of who are visitors are and who we should appeal to,” Hufham said. “Overall, the results are positive. We are not surprised by any of the results. We knew that one of the areas we can improve in is parking. We have had parking issues for years.” Parking was the top recommendation for enhancing the visitor experience in the Wilmington area, including better parking (16%), free parking (9%) and more parking (8%). “Businesses who read the study can take a lot away from the study. They can use the results to advocate for better signage and more parking,” said Connie Nelson, CVB communications/public relations director. “It provides a good perspective on who visitors are and what they are wanting.” To address this issue, the CVB is developing a new tourism website that will help direct visitors to available parking areas by expanding
content to include parking options and maps. Making sure that visitors feel safe and comfortable traveling to the area will be pivotal to a healthy recovery moving forward, officials said. Ensuring that businesses and individuals are working diligently to maintain safety protocols is the main goal. The survey’s results have been shared with local town leaders to provide them with information they can use in regard to regulations and infrastructure, as well as an overall approach to welcoming visitors. “Positive and negative feedback from repeat visitors is also essential as we address their needs and concerns to provide a more satisfying visitor experience, along with ongoing marketing of all that’s new to see and do,” Hufham said. The mild year-round weather with plenty of outdoor activities to sustain a tourist market throughout all four seasons, combined with safety protocols, makes Hufham confident the area is headed toward a strong recovery. Hufham said, “The survey’s positive results as a whole tell us that the industry is doing something right.”
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| IN PROFILE | With growing firm, veteran secures jobs BY TERESA MCLAMB ostess Cakes brought D.J. Oates to North Carolina; fire kept him here, where he founded Optimum Fire & Security six years ago.
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Beginning with two employees, he has built the business to more than $5 million in annual revenue and 36 employees working in more than two dozen states on federal, commercial and residential jobs. The company’s federal division is in more than 20 states overseeing fire protection projects, primarily for military bases. The commercial division handles installation from fire alarms to security to access controls. The service division maintains everything the commercial division has completed. The newer residential services division “takes everything we’ve learned on these very large projects and scales it to the residential piece, so you’re getting the home project with the same knowledge base as the multi-million-dollar projects,” Oates said. Born in Illinois, Oates moved to Hope Mills, North Carolina, with his extended family when his grandfather bought the southeastern sales and distribution rights to Hostess Cakes. Several family members also moved and worked in the business. Oates attended middle and high school in Hope Mills and worked summers for his uncle’s fire and security business in Charleston. After graduation, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps. He anticipated a military career and an education paid for by the government. “Unfortunately, while I was in boot camp, the towers came down. That changed everything.” He was 18, alongside many other 18-year-olds watching horrifying videos of world events on the squad room TV. By March 1, they were in Iraq. Over the next four years, Oates was deployed for two-and-a-half years. That changed his notion of making the military a career. He left the military and went into fire alarm and security training, building on the experience working for his uncle. Much of his work was out of state for long stretches. Meantime, he had married a Wilmington resident and their first child was on the way, so he traded working away from home for
PHOTO BY MICHAEL CLINE SPENCER
In good company: D.J. Oates, founder of Optimum Fire & Security and U.S. Marine Corps veteran, has grown his business from two employees to 36. Seventeen of them are veterans.
a steady gig with a local territory. That job placed him overseeing a priority project at Camp LeJeune, where local commanders were getting a lot of media scrutiny. “I did a pretty good job on it, enough that the fire chief recognized it,” Oates said. A little later, he was hired directly to work with the base’s fire department taking care of its fire protection system, which includes, he said, the gamut of protection systems. After five years, he transitioned to a Wilmington-based General Services Administration operation specialist position for federal courthouses on the East Coast. He oversaw all the mechanical and janitorial contractors for those buildings. While there, he started Optimum with the intention of working toward his 20-year military retirement while building his after-retirement business. Last year, a change in the law changed all that. “I couldn’t do both,” Oates said. To work until military retirement, he would have to shut down Optimum, which was then five years old
with 25 employee families depending on him. He said, “I turned in my resignation [to the government] and pushed all of my eggs into this basket. The company will be six years old in February.” Oates said technology now allows development of a security system to meet almost any situation. He explained how a simple security system can provide oversight for an elderly parent or for a child going off to college. For the elderly, or infirm, the system includes an under-mattress mat that records when the person gets into and out of the bed. It monitors the medicine cabinet. It learns the person’s expected routine and matches activity to it. The same video analytics can be used to automate a house so lights and temperature are automatically adjusted and more. “The systems we selected are multi-functional. If you’re more concerned about saving money we can do a lot of things to save you money in your home,” Oates said. “It will recognize if you’re home. It’s using
the technology that’s available to us for a good purpose. It’s all information data gathering to predict what’s going to happen next to provide a secure network.” He has 36 employees now, 17 of whom are also veterans of all service branches except the Coast Guard, he noted. Oates is working with Cape Fear Community College to create an internship program that will make Optimum the first fire alarm company in the state to have an internship program. Oates said, “It allows us to take our vets getting out of the military and utilize their GI Bill for this so they can learn a trade while getting paid.” The proximity to Fort Bragg and Camp LeJeune makes it a natural fit. He’s also seeking to acquire another local company to expand, especially on the residential side. “It’s our newest side. We put a lot of time and effort into it,” Oates said. “We have perfected the security side of it. I know what we’re selling is second to none.”
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November 20 - December 3, 2020
Page 11
Making the area sweeter CAROLINA CANDY COMPANY & GIFTS MADE Great Goods from Greater Wilmington
1045 S. Kerr Ave., Wilmington
expanded the store to ‘Carolina Candy Company and Gifts!’ where you will find a selection of unique specialty foods and artisan gifts not found anywhere else in town that are ready to be gifted or enjoyed by local foodie lovers. Best part is everything is either made right there in the store or from other small businesses across the country.”
MADE Great Goods from Greater Wilmington
No. of employees: 2 full-time and seasonal employees Year founded: 2007 Top local officials: Charles and Kimberly Smith, owners, and daughters Lauren Rich, manager, and Brooke Harrell, assistant manager Company description: Carolina Candy Co. is family-owned and operated maker of gourmet toffees and chocolate confections. Its retail store features specialty foods and artisan gifts from around the country that are made solely by other small businesses. The store offers gift boxing in-store, corporate gifting and shipping. Products made locally: Gourmet toffee, peppermint bark, maple bacon bark, pretzel crunch bark, dipped chocolate candies: pecan and salted turtles, “Carolina Buckeyes,” a jumbo peanut butter truffle, and “Hurricane Hash,” a salted peanut and marshmallow treat
PHOTO C/O CAROLINA CANDY COMPANY & GIFTS
Special treatment: Candy made locally by Carolina Candy Company & Gifts includes gourmet toffee. Product distribution: Kerr Avenue store location or online at carolinacandy.com What made the company decide to make its goods locally? Lauren Rich: “As Wilmington natives, the Smith family wanted to create a unique and delicious experience
where a customer would be able to get the most delicious, fresh, highquality gourmet candies available and see right where they are made daily. Fourteen years later, the Smith family is still making everything fresh per order right in their store located on South Kerr Ave in the South Kerr Village Shopping Center. They have
What’s planned next? Rich: “We would love to expand the store to include even more unique and diverse specialty food and gift selections and be able to offer even more options to our loyal customers. We have been very grateful for the support our customers have shown us and continue to show us both online and in the store through the years and especially this year. As a small family business, the patronage of our customers means everything to us. We could not be more appreciative and grateful to be able to have our business continue right here in our beautiful town.” EDITOR’S NOTE: To be considered for the Greater Wilmington Business Journal’s MADE feature, contact editor@wilmingtonbiz.com.
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| REAL ESTATE |
A look at the future of Brunswick Forest BY CECE NUNN AND CHRISTINA HALEY O’NEAL esidential and commercial growth are coming to the master planned community of Brunswick Forest in Leland and the town itself.
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“We have found that the rate of residential and commercial growth has actually increased during the COVID pandemic due to an influx of new residents that we are seeing move here from larger cities, primarily in the Northeast, who have been affected by the COVID crisis to a much larger degree than our area,” said Gary Vidmar, the town of Leland’s community and economic development director. The developer of Brunswick Forest is working with builders and other developers on a long-term plan to sell the remaining land of the Brunswick Forest parcel. That’s according to an Oct. 27 update from developer Jeff Earp of Funston Land & Timber to Brunswick Forest residents. The update also said that “the Developer will continue to remain as the Declarant of Brunswick Forest and in control of the Brunswick Forest Master Association and the developer-appointed Board of Directors for many years” as the sell-off takes place. Earp had no further comment on the update. The update does not say exactly how many developable acres are left of the 4,500-acre master planned development in Leland, but mentions current or future plans for nearly 1,000. More than 3,000 lots have already been developed in Brunswick Forest. Another portion of the update appears to provide some insight as to why the sell-off is happening now: “Brunswick Forest Realty has some restructuring that will take place January 1st, 2021. Jerry Helms, the current Sales and Marketing Director, will be taking over that business as his own endeavor. All sales agents will be remaining with him, and he will be taking on more resales and business outside of Brunswick Forest. The Developer will no longer be funding marketing and retail sales of individual lots. Brunswick Forest will be focusing on sales to builders who will offer lot/home packages in Brunswick Forest. “With regard to the preferred
PHOTO BY CECE NUNN
Lots of sales: Master planned community Brunswick Forest, in the northern Brunswick County town of Leland, is experiencing residential and commercial changes.
builder program, this is projected to continue, and the current builders will continue building in Brunswick Forest and some may provide their own sales and marketing in conjunction with Jerry Helms’ organization.” The update said that next year, the majority of residential development will be in Phase 9, “which is the area across the railroad and beyond the water tower behind Park West, and to the left of Egret Cove. Funston has entered into a contract for Heron Pointe where a single builder will be buying 202 lots, closing on half of them this year and the remaining half in 2021. “Our current focus will be on developing additional lots in the Phase 9 area. Just before the water tower, on the right across from Park West, there will be about 82 lots, where the plan is to break ground in the next 60 days.” Those lots will be sold to a builder once infrastructure construction is completed, according to the update. In one of the biggest potential developments mentioned in the document, a contract is being finalized with another developer that would build a neighborhood separate from Brunswick Forest, on about 400 acres, with the possibility of con-
structing 1,000 homes. “It will have its own contained amenity package and Association. Access will be off Kay Todd Road, off Hewett-Burton Rd, and Hwy 17, and also out through the traffic circle. This is currently projected to break ground next fall, with home prices likely in the $300 - $400[k] range,” the update stated. The Brunswick Forest Master Association Architectural Review Committee, according to the update, will continue to establish design standards for each neighborhood and review designs from individual builders for the neighborhoods within the master association. Other highlights included in the update: • In the vicinity of the Cape Fear National golf course (Phase 3), there are 90 lots remaining that will become a new neighborhood association. “The Developer will start working on those lots next spring and anticipates completing them next fall. These Lots will also be sold to a builder(s) and are not projected to be included in the CFN HOA. These lots will have a separate HOA that provides landscape services.” • “With regard to Phase 4, which is about 500 acres, in the area south of
The Lakes, there are not any current plans for development. It is anticipated that development in this area is several years out.” • For Phase 7, in an area near U.S. 17, “the plan is to set some land aside in that area for the possibility of a school or a hospital, or large retail development ... ” In commercial news, Pizzetta’s Pizzeria will grow on its success in Brunswick Forest with a stand-alone building, one of many commercial developments slated to come to Leland. The Wendy’s fast-food chain has purchased property and plans to break ground in the coming months, and Wrightsville Beach Brewery plans to bring a craft brewery and restaurant to the area. “This uptick in commercial activity is a result of the tremendous residential growth that has occurred in Brunswick Forest during the past 10 years and the residential growth that has been taking place throughout all of Leland during the same period,” Vidmar said. “In addition, Leland businesses are beginning to get customers from other cities nearby such as Wilmington who find the traffic conditions in Leland to be far more tolerable than across the river.”
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PRESENTING SPONSORS:
WILMINGTON’S MOST INTRIGUING PEOPLE OF 2020
CORPORATE SPONSORS:
For this year’s final Power Breakfast, seven of our region’s most intriguing people from 2020 will deliver TED-style talks about their new ideas, projects and approaches for our area.
BARB BIEHNER AND SPENCE BROADHURST
GIRARD AND TRACEY NEWKIRK
on BIG DECISIONS
on BUILDING THE ENTREPRENEUR CLASS
The co-chairs the Partnership Advisory Group will talk about how their group reached a consensus to recommend selling NHRMC.
The Newkirks, who founded Genesis Block, will talk about creating and growing an entrepreneurial ecosystem.
DR. PHILIP BROWN
TERRY ESPY
on WILMINGTON’S BEST FUTURE: DESTINATION HEALTH
on KEEPING DOWNTOWN ALIVE
Brown, NHRMC’s chief physician executive, will talk about improving our community’s health beyond COVID-19.
Espy, who helped lead the Downtown Alive effort, will discuss lessons learned and ideas to keep downtown active.
ADAM JONES
on ZOOMING INTO A POST-COVID ECONOMY
PARKING SPONSOR:
Jones, UNCW’s regional economist, will discuss disruption, lessons and the economic structure for future success.
DECEMBER 10, 2020 at 8 A.M. WilmingtonPowerBreakfast.com Tune in December 10 at 8A.M. to the Business Journal’s Facebook Live broadcast!
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Greater Wilmington Business Journal
| FROM THE COVER | 219 Station Road, Suite 202 Wilmington, NC 28405 (910) 343-8600 Fax: (910) 343-8660 wilmingtonbiz.com 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 VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Maggi Apel mapel@wilmingtonbiz.com SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Craig Snow csnow@wilmingtonbiz.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Ali Buckley abuckley@wilmingtonbiz.com KEN
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OFFICE & AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Sandy Johnson sjohnson@wilmingtonbiz.com CONTENT MARKETING COORDINATOR Morgan Mattox mmattox@wilmingtonbiz.com EVENTS/DIGITAL ASSISTANT Elizabeth Stelzenmuller events@wilmingtonbiz.com CONTRIBUTING DESIGNER Suzi Drake art@wilmingtonbiz.com DESIGN/MEDIA COORDINATOR Molly Jacques production@wilmingtonbiz.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jenny Callison, David Frederiksen, Kyle Hanlin, Jessica Maurer, Laura Moore, Scott Nunn FOUNDER Joy Allen SUBSCRIPTIONS To subscribe to the Greater Wilmington Business Journal, call (910) 343-8600 x201 or visit wilmingtonbiz.com. Subscriptions cost $9.95 per month or $95 per year. REPRINTS For article reprints, plaques and more, contact Jennifer Martin of Wright’s Reprints at (877) 652-5295. ADVERTISING For advertising information and rates, call (910) 343-8600 x203 © Copyright 2020 SAJ Media LLC
From HOLIDAYS, page 1
Delta and United, each have different COVID-19 policies, so travelers should check with their airline. All three do, however, require passengers to wear masks while on board. Masks also must be worn inside the ILM terminal. Since some people have not flown lately, Wilsey encourages travelers to be sure their IDs have not expired. “Same with passports,” she said, adding that the requirement to have a Real ID driver’s license or identity card will not be enforced until next October. The key to a safe and less-stressful flight is to arrive early, Wilsey said. Airlines suggest at least two hours before departure. And remember that with the current surge in COVID-19 cases, rules could change at any time. (A good resource for information istransportation.gov/ flyhealthy) Two popular holiday gifts to the area are still on, but will be delivered in new wrapping paper. Every holiday season, over a million sparkling lights replace azaleas and camellias as the stars of Airlie Gardens. Enchanted Airlie, which began in 2005 as a fundraiser for the 67-acre (ideal for social distancing) garden oasis carved out along Bradley Creek. For one, there will be no food and beverage vendors. To keep crowds smaller, it has been spread out over more days – Nov. 27-29 and Dec. 4-22. But there’s coal in the stocking: The seasonal seaside tradition is sold out. “Ticket sales have been very robust, and we did sell out quickly,” said Janine Powell, director of donor relations at the county-owned park. By expanding the number of nights and making other admissions changes for the event, Powell said the 2020 edition will be a successful one. “Enchanted Airlie remains one of our signature fundraising events and we feel very fortunate to be able to have it this year and to not lose the revenue,” Powell said. (Airlie’s annual oyster roast, the biggest fundraiser for the foundation that supports environmental education programs, was canceled). Around the bend from Airlie, the N.C. Holiday Flotilla each year transforms the Wrightsville Sound area into a nighttime “holiday parade on water.” Boats trimmed with colorful lights and coastal-holiday themes ply the waters, drawing upward of 50,000 spectators.
Because of the need for social distancing and uncertainty about funding and other resources amid the pandemic, organizers canceled this year’s version of the nearly 40-year-old tradition. “We were very hesitant to encourage folks to congregate in large crowds ...” board member Linda Brown wrote in a recent announcement. Although the boats have been grounded, the group is sponsoring a “Door to Dock” decorating contest for docks along the Flotilla route. Boaters can cruise the waterway to take in the scenery. For those stuck ashore, live video will be streamed from a boat and those watching can vote for their favorites via text message. The COVID-19 outbreak has lasted long enough for retail outlets and restaurants to adapt their business spaces, as well as their business practices, for relatively safe shopping and dining. From tiny shops that can safely accommodate only a few customers at a time, to larger spaces such as Independence Mall, most businesses are following well-established policies that health officials say are needed to keep people safe and to try to curb the spread of the highly contagious disease. Certain businesses know they will be popular holiday destinations for virus-weary people longing for a taste of “normal.” Independence Mall’s website lists a stockingful of ways shoppers can safely enjoy the enclosed center. Spot Holder, for example, allows shoppers to join “virtual waiting lines,” either at the store or from home or elsewhere. Shoppers choose the time they want to start shopping and stores hold the spot. At Mayfaire Town Center, Santa arrives on Black Friday and is expected to stay through Christmas Eve. But talking with the Jolly Old Elf won’t be the same as previous years. First of all, shoppers will need to schedule their visits, and can use the center’s online platform, mayfaire. com/content/santa. “You’ll select a date and time, purchase your photo package, and then head to Mayfaire for your pictures. All visitors must wear masks before, during, and after photos,” according to a news release from Mayfaire. The news release also stated, “Visits will be contactless, with families sitting six feet away to ensure proper distancing.”
PLAY IT SAFE
FOR THE HOLIDAYS The latest numbers are sobering and getting worse. It’s clear that COVID-19 is not taking a holiday. And with traditional celebrations and gatherings just around the corner, officials with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and elsewhere are advising people to break with – or at least modify – parts of those traditions. Here are some CDC tips for a safer holiday season.
ATTENDING A GATHERING? • Bring your own food, drinks, plates, cups and utensils. • Wear a mask, and safely store your mask while eating and drinking. • Avoid going in and out of the areas where food is being prepared or handled. • Use single-use items such as salad dressing and condiment packets, and disposable items such as food containers, plates and utensils.
HOSTING A GATHERING? • Have a small outdoor meal with family and friends who live in your community. • Limit the number of guests. • Have conversations with guests ahead of time to set expectations for celebrating together. • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and items between use. • If celebrating indoors, open windows. • Limit the number of people in food preparation areas. • Have guests bring their own food and drink. • If sharing food, have one person serve food and use single-use options, like plastic utensils.
TRAVELING? • Check travel restrictions. • Get your flu shot before you travel. • Always wear a mask in public settings. • Stay at least 6 feet apart from anyone who is not in your household. • Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer. • Avoid touching your mask, eyes, nose and mouth. • Bring extra supplies, such as masks and hand sanitizer.
SHOPPING? • Shop online sales the day after Thanksgiving and days leading up to the winter holidays. • Use contactless services like curbside pick-up. • Shop in open air markets staying 6 feet away from others. - Scott Nunn Source: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Greater Wilmington Business Journal
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November 20 – December 3, 2020
Page 15
NORTH CAROLINA’S
MEDICAID
TRANSFORMATION
Presenting Sponsor
Supporter Sponsors
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M O D E R AT O R
November 20 – December 3, 2020
MICHEALLE GADY, JD PRESIDENT, ATRÓMITOS
DEAR READER: ATRÓMITOS IS HONORED TO HAVE SPONSORED THE “INSIGHTFUL DISCUSSION ON MEDICAID TRANSFORMATION.” We are grateful to Dave Richard, NC DHHS Deputy Secretary, and Kelly Crosbie, Director of Quality and Population Health, NC Medicaid for participating in this panel and to the supporting sponsors who helped bring this discussion to our community.
PANELISTS
Page 16
Despite a few delays, Medicaid Transformation is coming to North Carolina. This represents a notable change for providers, patients and the nonprofit organizations that support our communities. But more importantly, it represents tremendous opportunity. Through the Advanced Medical Home program and Healthy Opportunities, we will return greater clinical and operational autonomy to providers and create meaningful partnerships between providers, communitybased organizations (CBOs) and other stakeholders to help patients achieve their best health. This is going to be a new world requiring all of us to adjust, adapt and iterate rapidly to minimize disruption. As you confront these challenges and opportunities, it is important that you begin with a strategy. The team at Atrómitos offers 70 years of collective experience in Medicaid, and in managed care and change management, specifically. Headquartered in Wilmington, NC, we understand the unique challenges that North Carolinians are facing. When navigating new waters, it is important to have a partner you can trust. We are passionately and fearlessly committed to helping you do big things. We would be honored to support you through this time of tremendous opportunity.
KELLY CROSBIE
DIRECTOR OF QUALITY AND POPULATION HEALTH, NC MEDICAID
PETER FREEMAN, MPH
SENIOR CONSULTANT, ATRÓMITOS
SARAH JAGGER, JD, MPH VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS, ATRÓMITOS
DAVE RICHARD
DEPUTY SECRETARY, NC DHHS
TINA SIMPSON, JD, MSPH PRINCIPAL, ATRÓMITOS
Sincerely,
Michealle Gady, JD PRESIDENT, ATRÓMITOS, LLC
+
VIEW THE WEBINAR Go to NCMedicaidTransformation.com and register to watch this Insightful Discussion webinar.
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Page 17
NORTH CAROLINA’S
MEDICAID TRANSFORMATION
Medicaid covers about 65 million people nationwide, and in North Carolina it covers over 2 million people, which is about 20 percent of our population. Medicaid covers about 65 million people nationwide, and in North Carolina it covers over 2 million people, which is about 20 percent of our population. Medicaid is the unifying center point of our social safety net. It typically represents one of the largest line items in any state budget and in North Carolina, where it represents over one-third of the state's budget at about $15 billion dollars per year. Medicaid is the primary payer for long-term care, and
it accounts for one-sixth of all healthcare expenditures nationally. Given the significance of Medicaid to North Carolina, its upcoming transformation is an important issue for all stakeholders.
Understanding Medicaid Transformation
The overall goal of Medicaid transformation is to achieve greater financial sustainability and predictability, improve outcomes for enrollees, and to empower providers in new ways. Originally, Medicaid transformation was slated to happen in February 2020, but has since been pushed back to July 2021. This complex endeavor involves many significant changes but can be broken down into four main building blocks. The first building block is the transition to managed care, meaning Medicaid is going to be administered by private health plans that are contracted with the
State. The second building block is the Medicaid delivery system, which will allow the primary care provider to take on the role in providing care management directly to their patients. The third building block is value-based payment which will happen over a five-year shift and it relies on the standardized HCPLAN (Health Care Payment Learning & Action Network) framework that is well-recognized and currently used Continued on page 18
KELLY CROSBIE Director of Quality and Population Health, NC Medicaid
“THE MORE FLEXIBLE SPENDING THAT WE HAVE, THE MORE PEOPLE WE HAVE IN VALUE-BASED ARRANGEMENTS, THE BETTER WE ARE ABLE ADDRESS NON-MEDICAL DRIVERS OF CARE.”
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Page 18
November 20 – December 3, 2020
DAVE RICHARD Deputy Secretary, NC DHHS
“WE MADE AN ABSOLUTE COMMITMENT TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY THAT WE WOULD GET THIS DONE. AND FROM MY STANDPOINT, WHEN YOU TELL SOMEBODY YOU’RE GOING TO DO SOMETHING AND YOU CAN, AND YOU AGREE TO A DEAL, YOU DO EVERYTHING IN THE WORLD TO MAKE THAT HAPPEN. OUR TEAM IS, IS RUNNING FAST. I THINK WHEN WE LOOK AT WHERE WE ARE WE’RE VERY CONFIDENT WE CAN MAKE THIS WORK.”
in other States. The fourth building block relies on the previous three and it is quality strategy, which focuses on better care, healthier people, and smarter spending.
What Providers Need to Know to Prepare for Transformation
Medicaid providers in North Carolina have a lot to learn as these changes roll out. Challenges inherent to such a large-scale implementation cannot be avoided. From a purely operational perspective, implementing managed care will require a massive technology implementation. As each plan works to implement multiple systems with a myriad of functions, challenges will arise. And while managed care plans have been operating nationally for several decades, each state has differences with their existing systems, rules, and policies. These plans must adapt to specific systems to incorporate their unique requirements. Another challenge will be for Medicaid providers who have never engaged in managed care to learn how to operate in a managed care environment. There are a lot of moving parts to this transformation and ways for things to go wrong, but there are also ways to minimize some of the disruption through preparation. First is credentialing. Federal Medicaid regulation requires providers receiving payments to be credentialed. This means that their licensure and certifications must be verified. And while today there are existing processes in place through the Department of Health and Human Services
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(DHHS) to meet these requirements in North Carolina, the transition to managed care does require additional verifications be made. This means additional paperwork and information needs to be gathered as the PHPs (Prepaid Health Plans) must meet accreditation standards that are above and beyond the current credentialing requirements.
Lessons from Other States
The DHHS has learned from these challenges in other states and is working towards implementing a data management solution through a centralized credentialing vendor that will act as a one-stop shop for providers. This vendor is not yet operational, but the DHHS is working to create a streamlined process for providers
Out-of-date and inaccurate provider credentialing data can lead to things like disenrollment from the program, non-payment of claims, and a series of other challenges for the PHPs, providers, and patients. The good news about this is that you can begin the process to minimize these challenges. Developing internal checks and balances to ensure your administrative staff have policies and procedures that will help them verify and update this information on a regular basis greatly reduces disenrollment.
them, and you can develop policies and procedures to facilitate your internal processes. This holds true for not just claims payment processes, but anywhere you need to be sharing and engaging in data and information sharing with the PHPs. These resources will hopefully alleviate most of the disruption for your organization. Another significant change will be that providers now have to contract with managed care organizations. As providers are contacted by the PHPs about these agreements, what do they need to know? Understanding each of the contracts that are provided by the PHPs and reviewing them with detail is the first step. Next, take the contracts to your legal team, your financial team, and your operations team and have them go through them line-by-line so that they understand every component of the contract. Because this transformation is going to change how you operate, develop a plan for how you are going to adapt to these new changes. Being prepared and empowered as a contract negotiator is a critical component to success.
Atrómitos is an SBA-certified woman-owned business headquartered in Wilmington, NC. Their team, collectively, has approximately seventy years of experience combined working in health law and policy operations and implementation, and their work falls within four particular areas: strategy and innovation, policy and research, fundraising and development, and marketing and communications. Atrómitos works with organizations of all
Claims payment has been, and is one, of the most common barriers to a smooth implementation of Medicaid managed care. Plans must comply with federal and state standards requiring them to Continued on page 20 pay claims on time, which in North Carolina will mean 90 percent of claims within 30 days of receipt. As we have seen in many states when there are system issues, processes SARAH JAGGER, JD, MPH, Vice President of Operations, fail, payments are delayed, and the Atrómitos impact to providers can be extensive. For instance, if you have a local clinic or a community-based provider left trying to make payroll and con“THERE’S A LOT GOING ON THAT CBOS tinuing to deliver services according CAN GET INVOLVED IN AND THE TIME to their contractual requirements, the situation needs to be remedied IS RIGHT NOW TO REALLY LOOK AT fairly quickly. Rather than crossing THESE OPPORTUNITIES AND THESE our fingers and hoping that North Carolina’s Medicaid transformation INITIATIVES, AND FIGURE OUT WHERE is different, we all need to be proacYOU CAN CURRENTLY PLUG INTO THE tive and prepare for these challenges.
Next Steps
So, what can you do? There are a few things you can make sure your office support team reviews. One example is the claim submission requirements for each PHP you contract with. There will be differences amongst
SYSTEM, BUT ALSO THEN PUSH YOURSELVES TO CONSIDER WHAT OPPORTUNITIES MIGHT BE ACHIEVABLE IN THE FUTURE THROUGH PARTNERSHIPS AND SUPPORT FROM THE PHPS AND THE STATE.”
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November 20 – December 3, 2020
Page 19
HOW ATROMITOS CAN HELP
CONTRACT NEGOTIATION STRATEGY DEVELOPMENT AND SUPPORT
OPERATIONAL READINESS ASSESSMENT
IMPLEMENTATION AND CHANGE MANAGEMENT
INNOVATIVE PARTNERSHIP AND PROGRAM DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION
ATRÓMITOS TEAM
MICHEALLE GADY, JD PRESIDENT
•Nearly 20 years’ experience in health law and policy, program design and implementation, value-based care and change management •Worked at state and federal level in legislative and policy change across Medicaid programs and practical implementation of such changes •More than 4 years working with North Carolina stakeholders to understand and prepare for Medicaid Transformation
PETER FREEMAN, MPH SENIOR CONSULTANT
•Six years’ experience supporting providers in optimizing performance within their respective Medicaid programs •Over a decade of experience interpreting data to inform program design, with an emphasis on models of care delivery •Former member of two statefacilitated Advisory Councils on the delivery of care management services to Medicaid beneficiaries
SARAH JAGGER, JD, MPH VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS
•Served as Director of Policy for Indiana Office of Medicaid Policy and Planning •Attorney and public health professional with more than a decade experience working with health plans, providers, and CBOs to assess readiness for program changes and implementation processes and procedures to achieve program goals •Extensive experience identifying and implementing traditional and nontraditional partnerships among Medicaid stakeholders
www.AtrómitosConsulting.com
·
910.274.4075
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TINA SIMPSON, JD, MSPH PRINCIPAL
•Fifteen years’ experience in health law and policy at both the federal and state level, with specific focus on federally funded programs •Former Chief Compliance Officer and Director of Contracts at Emtiro Health, a population health company focused on supporting North Carolina providers in Advanced Medical Homes •A Certified in Healthcare Privacy Compliance Professional (CHPC), Tina is proficient in strategically aligning both legal and business risks
Page 20
November 20 – December 3, 2020
TINA SIMPSON, JD, MSPH Principal, Atrómitos
“CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS IS ABOUT KNOWING YOUR POINTS OF LEVERAGE, YOUR POWER, AND UTILIZING THAT…DON’T JUST SIGN WHAT IS PRESENTED TO YOU.”
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TOP 5 WAYS TO PREPARE FOR MANAGED CARE
CONTRACTING Managed care comes down to effective contract negotiation and contract management. Know your needs and priorities and develop a contract negotiation strategy aligned with those priorities. Exercise available points of leverage in your negotiation. After execution, scrupulously monitor contract performance.
shapes and sizes, predominantly in the health and human services sector. Their specialty really is in working with organizations that are going through some form of change — whether it's big or small change, change coming from the inside, or change coming from the outside. Healthcare policy and procedure remains in a constant state of change, but what drives the team at Atrómitos is ensuring that communities are achieving their best health and wellbeing. This is the main reason why they focus so much on the Medicaid program and its significance in our community. Atrómitos can help your business or non-profit prepare for the new Medicaid transformation. From contract negotiation, operational readiness, and ongoing support — their team of professionals is ready to get you started. Visit their website at www. AtromitosConsulting.com or call them today at 910274-4075 to schedule your free, 30-minute consultation. To watch the entire Medicaid transformation webinar, please visit NCmedicaidTransformation.com.
CREDENTIALING Verify your enrollment as a NC Medicaid Provider. Review all required information in NCTracks and ensure that it is up to date prior to go-live. Put in place an ongoing process to regularly review credentialing information and ensure that it is continuously up to date.
CONDUCT AN OPERATIONAL READINESS ASSESSMENT Really (really) know the strengths and weaknesses of your operation and existing resources. Line that up against new contract requirements and operational adaptations under managed care. Determine information technology needs and make any needed updates or changes. Identify who is responsible from your team to manage the implementation of these transitions. Make sure that they have the resources necessary and hold them accountable on a routinized basis. If needed, hire additional staff to meet upcoming needs.
ENGAGE WITH PATIENTS Engage proactively with patients on what they can expect during this period of transition. Inform them of which plans you are contracted with and help them identify organizations that can help them in their selection of the right PHP for them.
PETER FREEMAN, MPH Senior Consultant, Atrómitos
“IF A PROVIDER SUB-DELEGATES SOME OR ALL OF ITS RESPONSIBILITIES FOR CARE MANAGEMENT OR OTHER ACTIVITIES TO A CIN, IPA OR OTHER PARTNER, THE PROVIDER IS STILL THE RESPONSIBLE PARTY.”
CLAIMS SUBMISSION Develop a plan to master each PHP’s claims submission process. Participate in PHP trainings and ask to test systems with PHPs prior to go-live. Develop internal policies and procedures to facilitate your organization’s claims submission process. Allocate resources to address this growing need (it will pay off).
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November 20 - December 3, 2020
Page 21
| 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 Oct. 19 - 30
114 S. CARDINAL DRIVE LLC 1509 Country Club Road Wilmington 28403 Agent: George Edward Holt IV 210 TIMBER PARTNERS LLC 3414 Wrightsville Ave Wilmington 28403 Agent: Robbie B. Parker 231 WOOD DALE DRIVE LLC 1509 Country Club Road Wilmington 28403 Agent: George Edward Holt IV 336 SABRA LLC 10 S Cardinal Drive Wilmington 28403 Agent: Rob Hollis AG MOTORWERKS LLC 2070 Country Club Drive Hampstead 28443 Agent: Amanda Kadala ALIGN MEDICAL DEVICES LLC 1210 Athena Court Wilmington 28411 Agent: Britini Werling ANVIL CONTRACTING LLC 4101 Appleton Way Wilmington 28412 Agent: Lisa Norris BLACKGIRLSGARDENING LLC 623 Sharease Circle Wilmington 28405 Agent: Amber Stafford BRAHMA ACRES LLC 254 N. Front Ste. 100 Wilmington 28401 Agent: Ross E. Hamilton BREATHE DEEP BIRTH SERVICES LLC 2501 Troy Drive Wilmington 28401 Agent: Jessica Kornegay
819 Kenneth Ave Carolina Beach 28428 Agent: Kevin Neal Welborn CAPE FEAR GENERAL STORE L.L.C. 1024 Sandy Grove Pl Leland 28451 Agent: Brad B Carter CAROLINA BRUSHES LLC 4910 Bridger Rd unit 15 Shallotte 28470 Agent: Laura Baez CATHERINE LEA GALLERY LLC 619 Jenoa Dr Castle Hayne 28429 Agent: Catherine B Lea CHAMPION POOLS AND SPAS INC 1083 Indigo Branch Rd SW Supply 28462 Agent: Tyler James Champion CLOUD CITY CRAFTED LLC 1541 Stones Edge Loop Wilmington 28405-8452 Agent: Calandra Riley Toothman COASTAL CUTTING LLC 128 Mill Creek Rd SE Bolivia 28422-8624 Agent: Michelle S Mena DAVIS FARMS NC LLC 5937 Inland Greens Drive Wilmington 28405 Agent: Jonathan G. Davis DAWNED PROPERTIES LLC 8599 Dalmellington Road Leland 28451 Agent: Dawn Carlson DOUGLAS E RUHLIN INC 123 N Cardinal Dr Suite 100 Wilmington 28405 Agent: Douglas E Ruhlin
C. R. LUTZKE LLC 524 Kingsworth Lane SE Leland 28451 Agent: C.T. Shaw
DR PIEDMONT HOME INSPECTION SERVICES LLC 1029 N Lake Park Blvd Carolina Beach 28428 Agent: Geoff Kirby
CAPE FEAR FENCE COMPANY LLC
DRY POND VENTURES LLC
5208 Woodscape Drive Wilmington 28409 Agent: Paul Connor ERULIA PUBLISHING LLC 3920 Wilshire Blvd Wilmington 28403 Agent: Peter John Neiger FLY TRAP PROPERTIES LLC 1478 Greenfield Rd NW Supply 28462 Agent: Phyllis McCoy GIMMZI LLC. 1105 Jordan Lake Court Leland 28451 Agent: Brandon Hill HAILO LLC 505 Ocean Dr Oak Island 28465 Agent: Charles Henry Burnside II HARRIS UTILITY SERVICES LLC 124 Elder Drive Wilmington 28405 Agent: Adam Harris HOPE STREET REALTY LLC 137 Bretonshire Road Wilmington 28405 Agent: William Clay Ritter ICON CUSTOMS LLC 2902 Hobart Dr. Wilmington 28405 Agent: Jason Wagner ILM BIKES LLC 400 Carl St Suite 201 Wilmington 28403 Agent: Tyndall Holdings Company LLC INFINITY 2020 LLC 1122 Country Club Rd Wilmington 28403 Agent: Abraham Laham ISLAND PRIDE LLP 402 E Yacht Dr Oak Island 28465 Agent: Ronaldo Tanag ISLAND VIBES CALABASH LLC 2154 Ridge Forest Drive Supply 28462 Agent: Sylvia Diane Horne J.MOORE CONSULTING INC 3819 Park Ave Wilmington 28403 Agent: Scott Scarola JURISTRAT LLC 4631 Main Street Shallotte 28470 Agent: Tonia Trest Twigg KINGSTREE MHP MANAGEMENT LLC 20 W Salisbury St Wrightsville 28480 Agent: Damon C Lilly LECOMPTE HERITAGE LLC 307 Charlotte Avenue Carolina Beach 28428 Agent: George K. Lecompte LOSER LLC 609 Piner Road, Ste A #530 Wilmington 28409 Agent: Melvin Siaki M RAMIREZ
LANDSCAPING LLC 4910 Bridger Rd Unit 15 Shallotte 28470 Agent: Laura Baez MOMENTUM GLOBAL ENTERPRISES LLC 810 South 10th St. Wilmington 28401 Agent: Adrian Robinson
We Put the Reality in Dream House
NAUKIN LLC 6317 Stearman Ct Wilmington 28409-4443 Agent: Kevin P Nauta OHANA PLUMBING AND DRAIN SERVICE LLC 2840 South College Road #412 Wilmington 28412 Agent: David Riggs OPERATION CULTURE L.L.C. 513 Flagler Drive Wilmington 28411-7269 Agent: Daniel Rodriguez OPTIMUM VITALITY ACUPUNCTURE AND CHINESE MEDICINE LLC 1328 N. Lake Park Blvd. #106B Carolina Beach 28428 Agent: Juan Orraca OTH REALTY II LLC 232 Causeway Dr. Suite 1c Wrightsville Beach 28480 Agent: Jason Ruegg
Since 1975
910.350.0554
chambliss-rabil.com
PAMLICO MANAGEMENT GROUP LLC 4631 Main Street Shallotte 28470 Agent: Tonia Trest Twigg PICTURE PERFECT MAINTENANCE LLC 582 Heartwood Drive Winnabow 28479 Agent: Jameril L White PIZZA CAKE LLC 209 Marsh Oaks Drive Wilmington 28411 Agent: Nigel Langstone PORT CITY ESCAPE LLC 3819 Park Avenue Wilmington 28403 Agent: GM Entity Services Inc. PREMA INVESTMENTS LLC 6208 Towels Road Wilmington 28409 Agent: Tamal Dodge PRINCE EMPOWERMENT SERVICES 1130 Aschroft Dr NE Leland 28451 Agent: Tameika Prince PROGRESS COUNSELING PLLC 7413 Champlain Drive Wilmington 28412 Agent: Alexis Steele QUARTER MILE RYDERZ MOTORCYCLE CLUB 4385 Owendon Dr Shallotte 28470 Agent: Terrence T. Clarida RESURRECTION AIR LLC 4605 Whiteweld Ter Wilmington 28412 Agent: Belinda P Graves
WE RESOLVE.
TO TRANSFORM HEALTH CARE. By working to improve care and saving our members nearly $1 billion in the past three years, we’re making health care better. Learn more at BlueCrossNC.com/Transform
#WeResolveNC
Page 22
November 20 - December 3, 2020
Greater Wilmington Business Journal
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RESTAURANT ROUNDUP
BUSINESS OF LIFE
This is a sampling of stories from the Business Journal’s weekly Restaurant Roundup email. Subscribe at wilmingtonbiz.com.
Wilmington gets ready to see cookies Crumbl The Martschenko family of Cary plans to bring Crumbl Cookies, a nationwide cookie franchise, to 311 S. College Road in December. Dan and Christy Martschenko, along with their daughter Abby, who will be relocating to Wilmington to run the bakery, first experienced Crumbl Cookies while visiting relatives in Utah. The franchise, which now includes 122 locations across the country, was founded just three years ago in Logan, Utah. The Wilmington location will be the fifth in the state. Other North Carolina locations are in Charlotte, Morrisville, Raleigh and Southern Shores on the Outer Banks, Dan Martschenko said the family chose Crumbl because it’s a fast-growing franchise with a product they love. He said they selected the space next to the Starbucks in front of Best Buy because it’s a high-traffic area that’s close to the University of North Carolina Wilmington as well as neighborhoods and retail outlets. Crumbl offers a rotating menu of four cookies each week, as well as a milk chocolate chip and a frosted sugar cookie that are always on the menu. It also serves four to six flavors of ice cream weekly, most of which contain cookie crumbles.
Cafe owner plans to open another Riverlights eatery
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Tammy Tilghman, owner of Magnolia Social Café in the Marina Village at Riverlights, is on track to open a second restaurant, Girls With Dough, also in Marina Village, just across the courtyard from the cafe. Tilghman is working with chef Juan Vargas on a concept that will feature small plates, pastas, pizza and items from the grill, with the aim of providing a little something for everyone. Following several delays with permitting, the building is now under construction and Tilghman hopes to open in December. Magnolia Social Café is located at 109 Pier Master Point in River-
Lights; Girls With Dough will be located at 204 Arcadian Row.
Doing away with tips in favor of teamwork Sweet n Savory Cafe has a new model for serving customers – one that no longer involves leaving tips for servers. Owner Rob Shapiro said earlier this year when the restaurant was closed for in-house dining, he saw how his employees who remained on staff and were paid hourly came together and worked as a team. Shapiro said he believes that the system of customers leaving gratuity for servers creates inequities in the level of service provided. Shapiro now pays his servers $15 per hour, and customers can no longer leave gratuity. The price of each menu item, including alcohol, includes all hospitality, services and sales tax. So if an item is listed at $12, that’s exactly what you pay. “It’s the system that’s been used in Europe for years,” Shapiro said. “It takes the guesswork out of it for customers and the staff is no longer competing for tips.”
Getting on board with cheese at downtown spot David Rishel and Brad Nuzoff are bringing a unique shop to Old Wilmington City Market at 119 S. Water St. in downtown Wilmington. The Cheese Board, located in the first unit on the right as you enter the City Market from South Water Street, could be the first eatery in the market’s history, which dates back to 1880, when it was a produce market. The shop is regulated by the N.C. Department of Agriculture, which means it follows a different set of rules and regulations than traditional restaurants that must follow county health department guidelines. That being said, The Cheese Board is not a bar or restaurant, but a retail cheese shop that also carries wine and craft beer, all for on- or off-premise consumption. The shop will offer around 40 varieties of cheese by the pound, as well as several cheese boards, each featuring five cheeses and garnished with items such as fruit, olives, cherry peppers, mixed nuts, preserves and local honey. -Jessica Maurer
Greater Wilmington Business Journal
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November 20 - December 3, 2020
Page 23
| BUSINESS OF LIFE | Keeping it real with board games BY LAURA MOORE hese days, for work, school and even socializing, everyone is spending a great deal of time in front of various screens. Offering an escape from computers, TVs and phones, board games have made a formidable comeback. Games of both strategy and silliness are flying off the shelves of local shops. There are many fun options for kids of all ages seeking real interaction with real people. “I noticed, and it was true for our family as well, that people are watching more Netflix, more TV, more movies together, but it gets old and you crave interaction again,” said Heath Newton, owner of Cape Fear Games on Oleander Drive in Wilmington. “Board games and puzzles, things you can do with family and close friends, give us the interaction that our bodies need.” When the pandemic first kept people at home, the first jump in popularity that Newton noticed was with puzzles. “Previously, we had sold some, but that was slower than many sections in the store, but within days of reopening with our curbside pickup and call in and order online option, we sold out of every single puzzle we had,” Newton said. “We were scrambling. It was pretty wild. Each shipment that came in, we would sell out again.” Board game popularity shot up, too, with an uptick in games of strategy like Rivals for Catan or card games like Exploding Kittens. “We have sold a whole lot of these very social games. Players can interact by getting to barter with each other or with silly card games that do not require a lot of thought or strategy,” Newton explained. A return of old favorites includes a blast from the past, Dungeons & Dragons, a fantasy role-playing game that has increased in popularity once again, according to Newton. Whether players meet in person, play over webcam, or meet in a park to play, it is clear D&D, a franchise since 1974, has made a comeback. “So many people who may have played way back in the day didn’t know it was still around, but with podcasts and YouTube videos coming out about it, people see how really approachable it is now,” Newton
T
PHOTO BY MICHAEL CLINE SPENCER
Not bored: Board games and puzzles have increased in popularity during the pandemic, says Heath Newton, owner of Cape Fear Games in Wilmington.
said. “Many families are playing it with their kids.” These games of strategy also get parents excited to give their kids an alternative to video games. “It is a good way to get kids to think outside the box. These games present kids with a situation, and they have to figure out how to get out of that situation where video games have a very clear path,” Newton said. For Newton, the popularity of these games has allowed Cape Fear Games to thrive during this difficult time for most businesses. He knows this all too well considering his other business, The Sideboard, Wilmington’s first board game cafe, has had to close its doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “The Sideboard has been the complete opposite. It is a terrible business model during COVID,” Newton said. “Eating and playing games with people during COVID is not the best business model. We are planning to reopen, but we are not sure when that might happen.” Mark Fair, owner of Learning Express Toys in Wilmington, has seen a similar increase in popularity
of family-friendly games. “We have definitely seen an increase in, a coming back to, more traditional games,” Fair said. “People seem to be moving away from electronic games and going back to more family-oriented games.” It seems, according to Fair, that game nights and pretend play have returned to take center stage amid the pandemic. “With the kids learning from home and in front of screens all day, customers are looking for ways to get kids to do something else. Outdoor stuff has been flying off the shelves, and it has been difficult to keep inventory up,” Fair explained. Customers seem to be exceptionally appreciative of these options to keep kids active and interactive, which Fair, as a father himself, said needs to remain a clear focus of families. “From the perspective of a dad, it is very important to spend time with kids and do things to engage their imaginations. A lot of what we offer spawns the love of play and learning and engages them in a way video games do not,” Fair said.
Toys that reconnect family and friends are among the top hits. One example is the Toniebox, which plays music and tells stories and enables loved ones to share in the fun from afar. With games in such high demand this year, Fair encourages people to get their holiday shopping done earlier rather than later. Fair describes a number of toys and games gift ideas that are sure to be a hit. “The Genius Square is a great one and it was popular last year and has been this year also, but it is a fun, strategy-based game,” Fair said. The Genius Square promotes STEMbased problem solving skills, and its newest iteration is The Genius Star. “For those who have purchased The Genius Square in the past, this is a new one that is logic-based.” From storytelling speakers to logic-based games of strategy, staying engaged is at the heart of these interactive activities. Fair said, “We can’t lose sight of kids learning how to talk with their peers.”
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November 20 - December 3, 2020
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