Greater Wilmington Business Journal - Dec. 18 Issue by Greater Wilmington Business Journal / WILMA magazine

Shop talk Adapting to consumers Page 19

December 18, 2020 - January 7, 2021 Vol. 21, No. 24

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Taking off

Landing gear maker grows Page 7

Top tech stories of 2020

ntrepreneurial endeavors in the technology industry did not slow down this year, and the Wilmington region saw notable companies growing and making their names known throughout the region and the country. Possibly the most noteworthy tech news of the year was the successful IPO for local fintech company nCino. In July, the company went public with stocks soaring 200% on IPO day valuing the company at about $7 billion. While nCino certainly set an example of what local companies can accomplish, tech firms established milestones of their own when it comes to raising money and expanding. Apiture, another company that like nCino can trace its roots to Live Oak Bank, received JOHANNA $20 million in a 2020 round of fundraising. The company, which supports the digital banking services of various banks and credit unions, used the money to accelerate the development of banking technologies. Fintech companies in 2020 became more influential due to the COVID-19 pandemic pushing banks to enhance their online banking capabilities. This year Canapi, a local venture capital firm, invested in startups advancing banking technologies where “onboarding and servicing of new customers through digital channels has become critical on every bank’s roadmap,” Neil Underwood, partner at Canapi, said previously. The firm received $545 million from Canapi Alliance, composed of more than 35 banks and strategic investors. In October, Canapi funded five financial technology companies: Moov, Blend, Alloy, Laika and Greenlight. Meanwhile, other companies also completed fundraising this year. They include LifeGait, the parent company of SportGait and other entities, which raised $370,000 in 2020 that company officials at the time said would be used for corporate use, licensing and intellectual property. SportGait is a startup that has developed technology and an app to monitor concussion signs and symptoms in athletes.

CANO

In January, CloudWyze, offering internet and business technology services, raised $650,000 to aid in company growth. CloudWyze was also part of a local move to expand internet access in rural areas and locally to aid with the increased internet use at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. In August, CloudWyze was awarded a contract with New Hanover County allowing it to update the county’s technology network to increase internet access. This project would aid in the distribution of public Wi-Fi and is part of other works by the company to expand internet service to other areas of the state. Over the past couple of years, CloudWyze has received government contracts in Nash and Halifax counties to deliver wireless internet to unserved and underserved areas. In 2020, the company completed phase two of the Nash County project. Another local communications company, ATMC, also aims to bring high-speed internet to the region through a $21.6 million federal grant. The grant aims to provide internet access to more than 7,000 addresses in rural Pender County. As part of ATMC’s “Faster Pender” project, the communications company will contribute $7.2 million in funds, bringing the total investment to $28.9 million. Those that will receive internet access include residences, businesses, educational facilities, health care facilities, critical community facilities and agricultural operations. For two Wilmington companies, this year brought important achievements through exits. Wilmington-based NextGlass, the parent company of Untappd, received an undisclosed investment from Providence Strategic Growth, an equity firm from Boston. With this exit also came the departure of Kurt Taylor from his role as CEO with Trace Smith now filling that role. This year, the company also completed three acquisitions: Oznr, assets of BeerAdvocate and most recently, the acquisition of Hop Culture, a digital magazine and event company catering to craft beer enthusiasts. PlayerSpace is another company that had a successful exit this year with Daxko purchasing the sports management software firm for an undisclosed amount. In addition, Wilmington-based

LogicBay was acquired by Canadian firm Pluribus Technologies Inc. The local firm provides technology and service solutions that enable manufacturers. This year, the onset of the coronavirus pandemic also brought changes to local startup incubator tekMountain, which closed its physical space for the foreseeable future. The space transitioned into a virtual one and started a committee to ensure members stay connected and supported. While one business incubator closed its physical space, another opened. Genesis Block, founded by Tracey and Girard Newkirk, held its grand opening this year at its building in downtown Wilmington. Genesis Block aims to support entrepreneurs, including minority-and women-owned businesses in the region with the goal of creating 400 jobs and adding $13 million in investment in the area. 2020 also saw a shift in Cucalorus Connect, an annual conference that explored the intersection of technology and startups with social justice and humanity. This year’s conference focused on conversations around pressing social issues, leaving behind the technology and startup traditional aspect of the conference. Despite this, there is a possible separate event in the coming spring to bring back two events of the Connect conference, the 10x10 Challenge, which paired startups with filmmakers who were challenged to create a promotional video, and Rocket Pitches, which introduced innovative startups to an audience. Efforts to support life science innovation and startups also ramped up this year with the creation of the NC BIONEER Venture Challenge by N.C. Biotechnology Center Southeastern Office and UNCW’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurs and companies from the region competed in the inaugural challenge with Isosceles Pharmaceuticals Inc. taking the top award. Separately, health tech company Electronic Lab Logs won an NC IDEA SEED grant this year. Besides grants to support startups, NC IDEA also awarded a local organization a grant to support local entrepreneurs. Network for Entrepreneurs in Wilmington received an ecosystem grant that will help fund Preaccelerator, a new program to help entrepreneurs and startups prepare for grant and funding opportunities.

Page 3

INFO J U N K I E Amanda Cochran

Owner, Sylvan Learning Center Wilmington and Jacksonville As the new owner of the local Sylvan Learning Center, Cochran likes to keep up with education news. Websites she regularly checks for work include county and N.C. Department of Public Instruction websites. Her favorite magazine is Our State. “Carolina has so many treasures within our state borders and I love finding local shops and eateries,” she said. Cochran likes to listen to EntreLeadership for work. “I believe that in order to run an effective business and team, I first need to be an effective leader. This podcast is great for leadership development.” Another go-to podcast is This Grit and Grace Life, which touches on topics such as motherhood, marriage, working moms and more. A favorite to rewatch on TV is Gilmore Girls. She is currently reading “The 360 Degree Leader” where she is learning more about leadership. For pleasure, I enjoy Nicholas Sparks, Karen Kingsbury and Francine Rivers, to name a few. I am also a huge fan of children's books, especially Sharon Creech.” As a Disney fan, Cochran likes to follow Smart Moms Plan Disney on Instagram as well as Humans of New York on Facebook. Find Cochran on Instagram @ sylvan_wilmingtonnc and Facebook @wilmingtonsylvan

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December 18, 2020 - January 7, 2021

wilmingtonbiz.com

Greater Wilmington Business Journal

| HOSPITALITY |

Convention Center adapts, looks forward

venue that offers space for large events with hundreds of people is not exactly the prime business model during a pandemic. That, however, is the situation the Wilmington Convention Center has navigated this year. With many associations and corporations issuing travel restrictions, conventions and banquets have canceled or rescheduled for next year, leaving the convention center holding on for a post-pandemic recovery. The total event revenue loss since March, which includes event revenue loss in fiscal year 2020, as LAURA well as year-todate for fiscal year 2021 is “a little over $2.8 million,” according to Fredia Brady, the convention center’s general manager. The convention center received $190,000 in CARES Act funding, but layoffs were necessary. With this fiscal year ending June 2021, the Wilmington Convention Center looks forward to a fresh start. “We haven’t received any cancellations past June 2021, and the military balls are booking for November 2021, and we are seeing movement in a lot of the annual banquets we normally get past that time,” Brady said. Meanwhile, flexibility is key. The convention center has become the new site for all the city of Wilmington events and meetings. “All city council and planning board meetings are now held here since the space allows for social distancing with ample space and so forth,” Brady said. Much like the Wilmington Convention Center has made itself available for local government purposes, according to Brady, other convention centers across the country are utilizing their large, open spaces as an asset to the community for novel uses. “Convention centers are all being used in nontraditional ways. It is not a bad way to service the community, either as a hospital, distribution center … They are all being used in different ways,” she said. The Wilmington Convention Center’s resilience is reflected in the flexibility of its team members, Brady said. With the need for 26

MOORE

PHOTO C/O WILMINGTON CONVENTION CENTER

Convention loss: The Wilmington Convention Center has been coping with a loss of business with the goal of turning that around in the coming year.

layoffs, the 13 remaining staff are all doing different job functions to keep the center running smoothly. “The one thing we are learning is the strength and versatility of our team,” Brady said. “The difficult thing about seeing empty space is it means someone is not working.” One successful event that did go off without a hitch was the Wilmington Boat Show that took place at the convention center in October. Using the governor’s executive order with regards to retail, the event was presented like a boat dealership with the center, again, reflecting its flexibility. The event allowed for social distancing, a sanitizing plan was in place and masks were required, according to Brady, adapting to the new norms of the COVID-19 pandemic. Going toward the first quarter of 2021, Brady says that groups are still cautious with many potential attendees facing corporate travel bans that would prevent them from attending large-scale conventions out of town. For now, Brady said, events remain small or are not happening at all. “We understand the concern. Groups are still cautious. Between now and June 2021, we have maybe 30-40 events planned, and if they hold up, well, that remains to be seen,” Brady said. “Now, it’s all about small events that allow for

social distancing.” Industry talk suggests 2022 and beyond is when a bounce-back is anticipated, according to Brady. “We are excited about 2021. 2021 and beyond looks really good. And clients are excited. They know all this won’t be the norm,” she said. Wilmington Mayor Bill Saffo shares that excitement and is optimistic for a strong recovery. “We banked a lot of money in anticipation of hurricanes and things of that nature, but no one saw a pandemic that’s almost a year in duration on the horizon. Our reserve account takes into consideration events that may impact our budget, so it will cover the cost of any loss,” Saffo said. “That is the good news, the silver lining here. Thank goodness we set that aside to pay the debts.” The financial model the city laid out years ago was criticized for its conservative approach, according to Saffo, but “it is paying off now in dividends.” “It is unfortunate that we find ourselves in this situation in the hospitality sector with many conventions delayed or canceled, but we will work our way through it and get through it,” Saffo said. Even though room occupancy taxes (ROT) that fund the convention center were down more than 30 % year-to-date in the Convention Center District, according to Saffo,

area beaches saw high numbers of visitors, and revenue from those ROT should offset the other loss. “It is a good sign that people still want to come here,” Saffo said. Brady is ready to get back to business as usual. “There is a lot of fun and activity in what we do, and we love to work and have fun. There is certainly a thrill that comes with getting to find contracts,” Brady said. Officials hope to see people return to all areas within the Cape Fear region, specifically the downtown area for convention center events, as the pandemic becomes managed through vaccine rollout and other protective health measures. “We will continue to follow all the safety protocols that will allow people to feel good about returning,” Brady said. “And one day we will stop and think how we did things when we were in a pandemic.” Getting the convention center back to the hub of activity it was designed to be is the goal for the coming year. Saffo said he is confident that it is only a matter of time before that happens and the whole area benefits from its rebound. “The hospitality industry, which the convention center plays a huge role bringing in a lot of people into the hotels and restaurants in the area, and from my perspective, sooner hopefully rather than later, we will resume operations normally,” Saffo said. “We will bounce back pretty nicely.”

Governor enacts more coronavirus restrictions Gov. Roy Cooper announced Dec. 8 that the state would begin a modified stay-at-home order due to the increase in coronavirus cases in North Carolina. The new order requires people to stay at home between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. starting Dec. 12 and will run until at least Jan. 8, according to a news release. Retail businesses, such as those that sell groceries, medication, health care supplies and fuel, can remain open outside curfew hours. But others, such as restaurants, bars, entertainment venues and personal care businesses will have to close their doors at 10 p.m., stated the release. In addition, the order states that alcohol sales for on-site consumption, including those at restaurants, must stop by 9 p.m. -Cece Nunn

Greater Wilmington Business Journal

wilmingtonbiz.com

December 18, 2020 - January 7, 2021

Page 5

| THE LIST |

Employers

Ranked by number of local full-time employees COMPANY RANK ADDRESS

PHONE WEBSITE

NO. OF LOCAL EMPLOYEES

INDUSTRY

TOP LOCAL OFFICIAL

YEAR LOCALLY FOUNDED

667-7000 www.nhrmc.org

7,477

Health care

John Gizdic, President and CEO

1967

254-4200 www.nhcs.net

4,187

Education

Dr. Charles Foust, Superintendent

819-5000 nuclear.gepower.com

2,650

Aviation engineering; nuclear energy

Jay Wileman, President and CEO, GE Hitachi Jason Swinny, Plant Manager, GE Aviation

1967

962-3000 www.uncw.edu

2,479

Education

Jose V. Sartarelli, Chancellor

1947

798-7184 www.nhcgov.com

1,850

Government

Chris Coudriet, County Manager

1729

251-0081 www.ppd.com

1,800

Contract research organization (biopharmaceutical services)

David Simmons, Chairman and CEO

1986

253-2900 www.bcswan.net

1,650

Education

Jerry Oates, Superintendent

1872

(704) 594-6200 www.duke-energy.com

1,100

Electric utility

John Elliott, Director-East Region

1907

253-2000 www.brunswickcountync.gov

1,097

Government

Randell Woodruff, County Manager

1764

City of Wilmington 102 N. Third St. Wilmington, NC 28402

341-7800 www.wilmingtonnc.gov

1,050

Government

Bill Saffo, Mayor Sterling Cheatham, City Manager

1739

Pender County Schools 925 Penderlea Hwy. Burgaw, NC 28425

259-2187 www.pendercountyschools.org

1,033

Education

Steven Hill, Superintendent

1837

Novant Health 240 Hospital Drive NE Bolivia, NC 28422

721-1000 www.NovantHealth.org/Brunswick

883

Health care

Shelbourn Stevens, President

2006

Wilmington Health 1202 Medical Center Drive Wilmington, NC 28401

341-3300 www.wilmingtonhealth.com

843

Health care

Jeff James, CEO

1972

nCino 6770 Parker Farm Drive, Suite 200 Wilmington, NC 28405

700

Fintech

Pierre NaudĂŠ, CEO

2011

Live Oak Bank 1741 Tiburon Drive Wilmington, NC 28403

790-5867 www.liveoakbank.com

600

Banking

James "Chip" Mahan, Chairman and CEO

2008

Cape Fear Community College 411 N. Front St. Wilmington, NC 28401

362-7000 www.cfcc.edu

586

Education

Jim Morton, President

1958

Pender County Government 805 S. Walker St. Burgaw, NC 28425

910-259-1200 www.pendercountync.gov

555

Government

Chad McEwen, County Manager

1875

CastleBranch 1844 Sir Tyler Drive Wilmington, NC 28405

(888) 723-4263 www.castlebranch.com

450

Employment Screening, Compliance Management, Infectious Disease Screening

Brett Martin, CEO

1997

Alcami 2320 Scientific Park Drive Wilmington, NC 28405

1-800-575-4224 www.alcaminow.com

450

Pharmaceutical development, manufacturing, and support services.

Walt Kaczmarek, CEO

1979

CFPUA 235 Government Center Drive Wilmington, NC 28403

332-6550 www.cfpua.org/

315

Water and wastewater utility

Jim Flechtner, Executive Director

2007

Dosher Memorial Hospital 924 N. Howe St. Southport, NC 28461

457-3800 www.dosher.org

302

Health care

Brad Hilaman, CEO/CMO

1930

MegaCorp Logistics 1011 Ashes Dr Wilmington, NC 28405

332-0820 www.MegaCorpLogistics.com

237

Logistics-transportation

Ryan Legg, CEO and Founder

2009

N2 Publishing 5051 New Centre Drive Wilmington, NC 28403

202-0917 n2pub.com

171

Media

Duane Hixon, CEO

2004

NHRMC 2131 S. 17th St. Wilmington, NC 28401

New Hanover County Schools 6410 Carolina Beach Road Wilmington, NC 28412

GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy and GE Aviation 3901 Castle Hayne Road Wilmington, NC 28401

University of North Carolina Wilmington 601 S. College Road Wilmington, NC 28403

New Hanover County Government 230 Government Center Drive Wilmington, NC 28403

PPD 929 N. Front St. Wilmington, NC 28401

Brunswick County Schools 35 Referendum Drive, Bldg. K Bolivia, NC 28422

Duke Energy 1451 Military Cutoff Road Wilmington, NC 28403

Brunswick County Government 30 Government Center Drive, NE Bolivia, NC 28422

ncino.com

List is based on voluntary responses to a Business Journal survey.(Corning also employs about 1,000 at its Wilmington plant but does not disclose employment numbers by location citing competitive reasons.)

Page 6

December 18, 2020 - January 7, 2021

wilmingtonbiz.com

Greater Wilmington Business Journal

| THE LIST |

Financial Planning Firms

Ranked by number of certified financial planners* RANK

COMPANY ADDRESS

PHONE EMAIL WEBSITE 256-3376

LOCAL NO. OF % OF CFPS/ RIAS/ CLIENTS: % OF LOCAL NO. OF ASSETS UNDER CORPORATE BUSINESS: FINANCIAL SERIES 7 LOCAL AND COMMISSION PLANNERS BROKERS MANAGEMENT INDIVIDUAL AND FEE

SERVICES OFFERED

TOP LOCAL OFFICIAL/ YEAR LOCALLY FOUNDED

10 17

N/A N/A

–

Comprehensive wealth management

Kelly Tinsley Ex. Dir., SVP, Branch Manager 1997

N/A 22

About $2 billion

Full-service investment and financial planning including retirement income planning, lending services and general investment planning

Rick Schomo SVP, Branch Manager

50/50

Financial planning, insurance, investments, business continuation planning, business succession planning, disability income planning, education funding, estate planning

Brian Cox Managing Director 1901

UBS Financial Services Inc. 1985 Eastwood Road, Suite 110 Wilmington, NC 28403

Wells Fargo Advisors, Private Client Group 6752 Parker Farm Drive Wilmington, NC 28405

wellsfargoadvisors.com

8 N/A

Northwestern Mutual 1111 Military Cutoff Road, Suite 251 Wilmington, NC 28405

256-3647 brian.m.cox@nm.com wilmington.nm.com

3 25

N/A 9

$150 million

IronGate Partners powered by HighTower 2601 Iron Gate Drive, Suite 201 Wilmington, NC 28412

791-1437 Nicole.Nelson@irongatepartnersinc.com www.IronGatePartnersInc.com

3 6

7 6

–

20/80

10/90

Investment management, comprehensive financial planning, risk management, ERISA/ 401K, estate and asset protection planning, institutional investment management

Stephen Coggins President 2004

Pathfinder Wealth Consulting 4018 Oleander Drive, Suite 102 Wilmington, NC 28409

793-0616 jason@pathfinderwc.com www.pwcpath.com

3 5

0 0

$360.7 million

10/90

0/100

Comprehensive financial planning, investment advisory services, insurance services

Jason Wheeler CEO 2005

Live Oak Private Wealth 1741 Tiburon Drive Wilmington, NC 28403

(844) 469-5679 info@liveoakprivatewealth.com liveoakprivatewealth.com

2 6

7 0

$578 million

0/100

Experienced wealth management guidance

Andy Basinger, Bill Coleman, Connor Keller, Bill Collier, Frank Jolley Managing Directors 2018

Old North State Wealth Management 1430 Commonwealth Drive, Ste 200 Wilmington, NC 28403

509-3800 pknott@onswm.com www.onswm.com

2 5

5 2

$243 million

2/98

3/97

Portfolio management, financial and tax planning

Paul Knott Manager 2008

Signature Wealth Strategies-Raymond James 371-0366 Financial Services Jon@signaturewealth.com 1022 Grandiflora Drive, Suite 110 signaturewealth.com/leland-nc-financialLeland, NC 28451 advisors

2 3

N/A 3

$150 million

10/90

5/95

Comprehensive financial planning, retirement planning, business planning, investment/wealth management, insurance services

Jon Tait Owner/Senior Wealth Adviser 2007

Cooke Capital Inc. 265 Racine Drive, STE 204 Wilmington, NC 28403

– ccooke@cookecapital.com www.cookecapital.com

2 2

N/A 3

$150 million

Comprehensive financial planning and wealth management

Charles Cooke 2008

815-2808 – BBT.com

2 2

N/A 26

–

20/80

Financial planning, investment management, banking, strategic credit and risk management

Tyler Thomas Senior Vice President 1872

financialservicesinc.ubs.com/branch/ wilmingtonwk 509-5240

Truist Financial Corp. (formerly BB&T and SunTrust) 101 N. Third St. Wilmington, NC 28401

CAPTRUST 1209 Culbreth Drive Suite 100 Wilmington, NC 28405

256-8882 info@captrust.com captrust.com/locations/wilmington-nc

1 5

N/A N/A

$604 million

4/96

0/100

Comprehensive wealth management and financial planning services for high-net-worth families and investors, entrepreneurs, and corporate executives

Vinton Fountain Principal, Financial Adviser 1998

Sterling Wealth Management 2715 Ashton Drive, Suite 102 Wilmington, NC 28412

202-4656 bwilliams@sterlingwealthllc.com www.sterlingwealthllc.com

1 2

2 2

$370 million

20/80

Wealth management, retirement planning, college planning, estate planning

Bert Williams Bruce Moskowitz Principals 2009

Seacoast Wealth Management 1908 Eastwood Road, Suite 217 Wilmington, NC 28403

207-0509 sgaskins@seacoastwealthwilmington.com www.seacoastwealthwilmington.com

1 2

2 2

$110 million

20/80

5/95

Investment management, financial planning, trust and estate planning, and insurance

Stephen W. Gaskins CEO & Founder 2016

686-8241 tholzwarth@securitiesmail.com N/A

1 1

N/A N/A

20/80

95/5

Financial planning, investments, insurance

Teresa Holzwarth Owner 1993

Carolina Capital Advisors (a financial advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services LLC) 7741 Market St., Suite F Wilmington, NC 28411

821-9010 Creighton.Hayworth@ampf.com ameripriseadvisors.com/team/carolinacapital-advisors

0 3

N/A 2

$150 million

Comprehensive financial planning

Creighton Hayworth Steve Felton Associate Financial Adviser Financial Adviser –

Corning Credit Union Wealth Strategies (Services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Inc.) 3705 Federal Park Drive Wilmington, NC 28412

(800) 505-5292 Roswell.Steadman@raymondjames.com www.raymondjames.com/ccu

0 1

1 1

$49 million

10/90

7/93

Holistic approach to wealth management offering investment and retirement planning services

Roswell Steadman Financial Adviser 1994

Rogers and Holzwarth Associates

Pierpoint Drive 14 301 Wilmington, NC 28405

15 16

List is based on voluntary responses to a Business Journal survey. *In case of ties, firms are ranked by total number of local financial planners.

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: Private Schools • Fitness Centers

Greater Wilmington Business Journal

wilmingtonbiz.com

December 18, 2020 - January 7, 2021

Page 7

| IN PROFILE | Aviation manufacturer lands growth BY CHRISTINA HALEY O’NEAL

Brunswick County manufacturer of landing gear components for the aviation and aerospace business continues to grow despite the overall impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the industry. HSM Machine Works, a division of the Italy-based Magnaghi Aeronautica Group, has been updating equipment, growing capabilities and aggressively working to train and upgrade the skills of its workforce to support work at the firm’s Leland facility, said James Flock, general manager of the local operation. HSM Machine Works has been in the Cape Fear area since 1991, Flock said. HSM merged with Blair Industries in the late ’90s. MAGroup acquired what is now New Yorkbased Blair-HSM in 2018. Blair-HSM made the decision to establish the Leland manufacturing facility “to complement and support the activities going on in New York,” said Flock, who has 40 years of experience in the aerospace manufacturing industry, specializing in the engineering, programming and machining of complex aerospace components. The two branches together make the entire landing gear assembly, Flock said. The Leland site focuses on the heavy machining of landing gear components and uses innovative techniques and sophisticated technology to make torque arms, drag braces and hydraulic cylinders. The firm makes its products from a variety of materials, including aluminum, steel and titanium. In New York, final assembly of the landing gear takes place, as well as finishing and testing, he said. HSM collaborates with big customers such as Boeing, producing components for the 747-8, 767 and 777 aircraft. It also produces components that go into military aircraft such as the Boeing AH-64, Sikorsky MH-60R and Lockheed Martin F-35, which is the firm’s “bread and butter,” Flock said. “Most of our stuff right now is on the defense end of things. But we do commercial and military – fixed and rotary wing, meaning helicopters. And we are in a good half a dozen platforms,” Flock said. “Our products are in aircraft all over the world

MADE

Great Goods from Greater Wilmington

MADE Great Goods from Greater Wilmington

PHOTO BY MICHAEL CLINE SPENCER

Landing business: James Flock, general manager and director of operations at HSM Machine Works, stands inside the Leland shop where the firm makes landing gear parts for the aviation industry.

right now.” The defense industry is a big market for the firm, supporting much of its growth and stability through the pandemic, he said. There is also some work coming in from its parent company for projects going on in Europe. “We haven’t had the same kind of setbacks that a lot of the people in the commercial aerospace field have had,” Flock said, adding that he has hired a couple new staff members in recent months. On top of growing business, improving the workforce at HSM Machine Works is a big focus. It also has a goal to expand the facility, create 17 jobs and invest $150,000 – a move supported by a recent award of a $100,000 state infrastructure grant. The need to improve the workforce is due to a combination of factors. A HSM’s 40,000-square-foot facility, it has grown to 25 CNC machining centers, all of different capabilities and sizes. To take full advantage of the machines, Flock said they need a well-trained workforce. “We’re working with the local

community college now, and the Cape Fear Workforce Development Board, and taking advantage of the various programs that they offer in order to be able to perform more sophisticated work,” Flock said. The move to build employees’ skills and add machines are to complement the goals of the firm to do more complex work at the Leland facility and integrate new products. “It really makes us more competitive. It enables us to support our customers and our own company’s needs a lot better. And we’ve integrated all this fancy [equipment], we’ve trained our staff to be able to handle all the different tasks that we do. And we have a lot of support from New York and our corporate group,” Flock said. “I think we are headed in the right direction here,” he said. “We are very competitive. We’re positioned very well in the marketplace. I believe there’s not a lot of companies out there that have the skills sets that HSM has, Magnaghi Aeronautica Group, in particular.”

HSM MACHINE WORKS 2613 MT. MISERY ROAD LELAND, NC 28451

No. of employees: 20 in Leland Year founded: Founded in 1959; North Carolina facility was established in 1991 Top local official: James Flock, general manager and director of operations Company description: HSM Machine Works is a USA manufacturer of landing gear, mechanical and hydraulic systems for the defense and commercial aviation market. Products made locally: Assortment of complex machined aircraft components, including torque arms, support braces and hydraulic cylinders What made the company decide to make its goods locally? James Flock: “Rising costs in the Northeast, along with decreasing margins and increased competition, mandated that our company take steps to maintain our competitiveness within the market. The combination of lower costs, and a ready and skilled labor force, along with the highly desirable climate and lifestyle in the Cape Fear region, made the decision an easy one.” What’s your target market? Flock: “Our target market continues to be leading manufacturers in the aviation industry.” What’s planned next? Flock: “Here in North Carolina, we are working closely with corporate leadership to increase our capacity through the addition of capital equipment and staff. We have recently added a large new vertical machining center and have plans to add at least one more new machine in 2021 that will complement existing capabilities and aid in the integration of several new long-term projects to our work scope.

Page 8

Greater Wilmington Business Journal

wilmingtonbiz.com

December 18, 2020 - January 7, 2021

| FROM THE COVER | From YEAR, page 1

we were able to secure those for our theaters, so we were very happy and very pleased that we were able to continue to keep our employees on the payroll and provide them with eight weeks of consistent income,” said Dale Coleman, vice president of Stone Theatres, in August. But later, the movie theater industry’s struggles continued as it also lobbied for federal government assistance. No further help for movie theaters nor any kind of second stimulus had come to fruition as of press time. “I believe 2020 has been a year of surprises, one after another. Through each week, we have been presented with new challenges,” said Natalie English, president and CEO of the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce. “Some sectors of our economy have been impacted in ways that they haven’t, or may not, overcome. Others have either innovated or changed in order to survive. Still, others have capitalized on the changing economy. “As I reflect, we’ve learned many things,” she added. “Going forward, we will need to assist small businesses, those that currently exist and those that will be created, to apply those things toward future sustainability and success.”

TOURISM TRENDS

Susan Riggs, owner of The Savannah Inn at 316 Carolina Beach Ave. North, saw nothing but negatives at the start of the pandemic when her business was shut down in March and April, a normally busy time. “With the pandemic and everything, I really thought that this year was going to be horrible,” Riggs said. But since May, when hotels were allowed to reopen, “I have never been busier,” Riggs said. “It’s been a bizarre year, very busy, very successful, higher rates, higher percentage of people coming and longer stays.” The beach drew visitors even in off-season months, as people were able to work from anywhere and kids didn’t have to be physically in school to receive instruction. “I guess people had cabin fever and they just needed to get out of the house,” Riggs said. “It’s looking like the offseason is going to be busy too. I got a lot of business over Thanksgiving. Christmas and New Year’s, I’m full.” But success for small hotels and short-term rental owners was not indicative of the tourist industry as a whole.

FILE PHOTO BY MICHAEL CLINE SPENCER

Order up: Tony Platt serves food to customers at SeaWitch Tiki Bar in Carolina Beach. Restaurants had to adapt to changing restrictions this year.

Shifts due to visitor concerns about safe travel have “created a tale of two destinations for Wilmington and Beaches,” said Kim Hufham, president and CEO of the New Hanover County Tourism Development Authority. “During the summer months and into fall New Hanover County’s Room Occupancy Tax collections have increased over the prior year; however, the distribution is uneven,” Hufham said. “ROT at our island beaches is up over the prior year, yet Wilmington ROT remains significantly down. This is because travelers during COVID-19 are opting for wide, open spaces and vacation rentals, most of which are located at our island beaches. “Visitors are opting for beach over urban vacations, and also because meetings, conventions, groups and events are still on hold due to gathering size restrictions, Wilmington lodging has been more negatively impacted than beach lodging.”

faire tenant that had a second location at Hanover Center on Oleander Drive, also closed its doors for good. National clothing retailer SteinMart, which also had a location at Hanover Center, held its store closing sale in August. But even as some national chains shuttered, others began welcoming Wilmington shoppers as they established a presence here. Discount grocer Lidl opened at Independence Mall on Nov. 18. “In just under one year, Lidl has successfully opened two stores within our community,” said Wilmington Mayor Bill Saffo at the time. The other Lidl is on Eastwood Road. The grocery store was part of a multi-million-dollar redevelopment of Independence Mall that has replaced the Sears and Sears wing with exterior-facing storefronts. Another national retailer, Five Below, joined Lidl and Dick’s Sporting Goods as one of the new mall tenants, opening in September.

RETAIL UPS AND DOWNS

STRUGGLING TO SURVIVE

Wilmington lost locations for large retailers this year, some that had already been struggling and for which COVID-19 seemed to be the last straw. They include children’s clothing retailer Justice, which had a store at Mayfaire Town Center on Military Cutoff Road and another at Independence Mall, 3500 Oleander Drive. Pier 1 Imports, another May-

The restaurant industry, which was booming in Wilmington before COVID-19, was hit especially hard by state restrictions imposed to slow the spread of the virus, from a ban on indoor dining to later only being able to open at 50% capacity. Revenues plummeted for many establishments, and some restaurants, especially those that were struggling already, couldn’t survive. One that

closed early on was downtown Wilmington restaurant and bar Stalk & Vine. “Our 9 months of operations were riddled with a short first summer, Hurricane Dorian, the first slow winter, and then the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Stalk & Vine owner Zac Brown in a Facebook post on May 29. “The fact of the matter is Stalk & Vine didn’t have enough time to develop the foundation needed to navigate that series of events, particularly this pandemic.” On Dec. 7, the National Restaurant Association shared its findings that 87% of full-service restaurants (independent, chain, and franchise) were reporting an average 36% drop in sales revenue. “What these findings make clear is that more than 500,000 restaurants of every business type – franchise, chain, and independent – are in an economic free fall,” said Sean Kennedy, the association’s executive vice president for public affairs, in a letter to Congressional leadership. “And for every month that passes without a solution from Congress, thousands more restaurants will close their doors for good.” The association reported that as of Dec. 7, 17% of all restaurants in the U.S. – 110,000 – had permanently closed. In Wilmington, some restaurants found an outlet with outdoor dining, including downtown restaurants taking advantage of the Downtown Alive program that closed streets and allowed the eateries to use parking spaces to expand. But restaurants need help on a much larger scale if more are going to be able to survive, according to the national association. Kennedy said, “In short, the restaurant industry simply cannot wait for relief any longer.” Despite the bad news, Jones sees hope for the future, especially as a vaccine is introduced. “We’re at a point now where we can use this disruption, setting aside the way we used to do things to completely rethink, step forward and open up the options, as these technological constraints are relaxed,” Jones said. “But the social aspect of us isn’t going away. So this summer, when things start opening up, watch out, as people come to Wilmington and the beaches and head to the mountains, as we all try and fill that hole that’s sitting there from this lack of social interaction over the last year. That said, I can’t wait to get to 2021, and the opportunities that come with it.”

Greater Wilmington Business Journal

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December 18, 2020 - January 7, 2021

Page 9

| ACHIEVERS | Send information about company hires, promotions or awards to editor@wilmingtonbiz.com

Atrómitos hires Simpson TINA SIMPSON has become a principle at Atrómitos, a women-owned management services consulting firm. In her role with Atrómitos, Simpson guides the firm’s business practices “in providing Simpson its partners with support and resources in the most efficient and effective manner possible,” officials said. Simpson is a former North Carolina assistant attorney general. Simpson held previous roles as the executive director of a firm dedicated to assisting health care providers, and later as the chief compliance officer and director of contracts for a North Carolina-based startup population health company. Simpson earned her Juris Doctor from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Law and a master’s degree from UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health.

Human Capital Solutions adds Marinelli Latham AMANDA MARINELLI LATHAM has joined Human Capital Solutions Inc. as managing director of business development. Marinelli Latham will focus on developing new business partnerships, expanding from Latham Wilmington to the Triangle and Triad regions, officials said. Marinelli Latham is a Wilmington native and Raleigh-area resident, supporting both markets at the firm, officials said. She has completed an international MBA. She is also a guest speaker for N.C. State University’s graduate and undergraduate business programs.

Peedin joins realty firm Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage has added KELLY PEEDIN to its real estate team. Peedin, who lives in Hampstead, started her real estate career two

years ago, officials said. “Kelly is a wonderful professional with superior communication skills and a long history of service to the community,” said Amy Helm, manager of the Hampstead Peedin office of Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage. Before her transition into real estate, she worked for more than 12 years in the areas of health care management, sales, women’s health, community service and human rights. She previously served as co-country program director with Natural Doctors International in Nicaragua and worked in laboratory management at Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School.

We Put the Reality in Dream House

Novant Health welcomes Tyson to Shallotte practice TIFFANY “HOPE” TYSON, a board-certified family nurse practitioner, has been added to the Novant Health Oceanside Family Medicine & Convenient Care practice in Shallotte, according to a news release. Tyson joined the clinic, which provides care for a wide range of family services, in December, officials said. Tyson earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing and a master’s degree from the University of North Carolina Wilmington. She also completed the post-master’s family nurse practitioner program at UNCW.

LS3P adds Bramstedt LS3P has hired MATT BRAMSTEDT to its Wilmington team. Bramstedt joins as the firm’s K-12 sector leader and comes to LS3P with over 13 years of Bramstedt experience designing significant and award-winning projects. “He has an extensive portfolio of work for K-12, higher education, commercial, government, and international design projects,” officials said. He most recently was a design architect for a Michigan firm. Bramstedt has earned both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in architecture from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

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| TOP STORIES OF 2020 | EDITOR’S NOTE: ON THE FOLLOWING PAGES ARE RECAPS OF THE YEAR’S NEWS STORIES THAT WENT BEYOND THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC.

For NHRMC, a year like no other

BY SCOTT NUNN ith nothing less than its very future up for public debate, 2020 already was stacking up as the most momentous year for New Hanover Regional Medical Center since 1967, when seven infants became the first patients at the new county-owned hospital. Not long after its first meeting in 2019, the 21-member Partnership Advisory Group – the special committee tasked with exploring future options and a possible sale of the county-owned health network – saw its work disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Beyond stalling the process and shifting deliberations to a virtual world, the unprecedented challenges of the coronavirus outbreak provided real-time lessons in the vulnerability of even a well-positioned institution such as NHRMC. Interviews with key people involved in exploring NHRMC’s future found that the impact of the pandemic ultimately helped influence the decision to recommend selling the 7,000-employ-

FILE PHOTO BY MICHAEL CLINE SPENCER

A time of change: Officials agreed this year that New Hanover Regional Medical Center should be sold to Novant Health.

ee system to Novant Health, a Winston-Salem based private, not-for-profit corporation. The NHRMC Board of Trustees and the New Hanover County Commissioners agreed, and signed off on the deal in October. If the $5 billion deal passes regulatory scrutiny and closes – expected to take place in early 2021 – it will be governed by a private board that

appoints its new members. As the sale exploration dominated the news headlines, COVID-19 remained the biggest challenge for NHRMC. Like other health care facilities, NHRMC struggled to beef up supplies of personal protective equipment and implement social-distancing, screening and other protocols. As a regional health-care facility, NHRMC

had to prepare not only for the 230,000 people in New Hanover County, but for six surrounding counties, as well. After a suspension of elective surgical procedures in the early months of the pandemic, NHRMC regained some normalcy, while, at the same time, remaining prepared for a possible surge in cases of the virus. Well before the pandemic surfaced locally, a new patient tower was going up at the main campus, on 17th Street. The addition is partially open, and NHRMC spokesman Julian March said some of its 108 beds are being used for general medical care “as a more definitive direction is determined for the future.” NHRMC also filed a Certificate of Need request with the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services in 2020, seeking approval for a 66-bed hospital in the rapidly growing Scotts Hill area in coastal Pender County. NHRMC also opened an outpatient lab location in Leland and expanded services offered in Brunswick County with the opening of NHRMC Cancer Services in Leland.

Area’s public companies soar

BY CHRISTINA HALEY O’NEAL

he region’s short list of publicly traded companies grew in 2020 with the additions of PPD Inc. (Nasdaq: PPD), a global contract research firm, and nCino (Nasdaq: NCNO), a financial technology company, to the market. Before the year started, Wilmington-based Live Oak Bancshares was the only public firm in the region. It started trading as LOB on the Nasdaq in 2015. PPD, headquartered in downtown Wilmington, sold 60 million shares in an initial public offering in February, raising more than $1.6 billion. The move marked the firm’s return to the public market. PPD became a private company in 2011. David Simmons, PPD’s chairman and CEO, said this year that the IPO helped position PPD “to continue to invest in innovation and differentiating services, from a strong financial foundation, to help our customers provide life-changing therapies and pursue our mission to improve health.” PPD this year has also been a player in the development of COVID-19 vaccines and treatments.

FILE PHOTO

Initial public offering: Wilmington-based banking software firm nCino debuted on the Nasdaq this year.

The firm had strong results for its year-to-date revenue in its third-quarter earnings report. For the nine months ending in September, revenue increased 11% to $3.3 billion, compared to the $3 billion for the nine-month period in 2019. Its clinical development services segment had a revenue of $2.7 billion, growing 8.3%, and laboratory services had a revenue of $622.4 million,

growing 25.6% when compared to the nine-month period in 2019, stated the report. The firm has more than 25,000 global employees with about 1,800 in Wilmington. Shares of nCino, a spin-off of Live Oak Bank, soared when the firm debuted on the Nasdaq in July, offering 8 million shares. Its IPO valued the company at the time at roughly $7 billion.

nCino, with more than 900 employees, has maintained rapid growth this year despite the COVID-19 pandemic. The firm, along with Live Oak Bank, also played a role in the SBA’s $525 billion Paycheck Protection Program this year. nCino in its third-quarter financials reported total revenues of $54.2 million, a 43% increase from $37.9 million in the third quarter of the previous fiscal year. Live Oak reported its 2020 third-quarter net income at $33.8 million. Pierre Naudé, nCino’s CEO, said one of the reasons the company went public was to “get more notoriety, as well as the visibility for people in other countries to see the real nCino, and get insight into the financials, the background of the company, the description of the company, etc.” “Because if you can imagine, if you go into Europe with a brand new company and a brand that is not known, then how do they know that the company will be around one, two, three years from now?” he said in September. “And we believe that the IPO has given us that gravitas and that notoriety.”

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| TOP STORIES OF 2020 |

Community talks race issues

BY VICKY JANOWSKI eorge Floyd’s killing in Minneapolis on Memorial Day launched conversations about race relations across the country, including in Southeastern North Carolina. On the heels of other high-profile cases of Black people killed this year, including Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor, Floyd’s death while in police custody sparked protests around the country. That included in downtown Wilmington, which at times over the months of daily protesting saw tense moments and use of tear gas from law enforcement, but largely avoided widespread property damage and violence that occurred in some other cities. Floyd’s death also factored into discussions about law enforcement reforms. Wilmington’s new police chief, Donny Williams, who started the job June 24, on his first day fired three officers who were taped on video using racist language. Williams said recently that the police department is undergoing an “internal cultural reset,” including items such as

FILE PHOTO BY MICHAEL CLINE SPENCER

Seeking justice: Prompted by the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, protesters took to the streets of downtown Wilmington earlier this year.

bringing in policing implicit bias training; involving citizen panels to help select lieutenant and captain candidates for promotions; and partnering with the Georgetown University Law Center to implement project ABLE, or Active Bystandership for Law Enforcement, to train department personnel on ways to intervene if they see employees making mistakes such as officer misconduct.

“WPD is one of the first departments in the country to offer this program and the first in Southeastern North Carolina,” he said. “This type of training has been used for years in other industries but is new to law enforcement.” Businesses nationally and locally responded with statements against racism, and leaders pushed companies to examine their own organizations.

“I hear our businesses putting out statements left and right … but there’s an old cliché that I live my life by: ‘You must walk the talk,’” YWCA Lower Cape Fear CEO Velva Jenkins said in June, two weeks after Floyd’s killing and the start of the protests. “If we’re going to say it and put it in writing, then we must do something.” The events nationally did prompt some companies to seek out implicit bias training and look at the diversity of their hiring and promoting practices. Others in Wilmington, which has its own complicated history on race and discussions around the 1898 massacre, are working to help grow the area’s base of minority business owners. Backed by investment from CastleBranch, Genesis Block launched this year to create programs to help minority- and women-owned businesses, including a searchable directory of Black-owned businesses in the region. “Our goal is to have 1,000 of these companies by the end of 2021,” Girard Newkirk, who along with his wife, Tracey, co-founded Genesis Block, said about the Genesis List directory.

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| TOP STORIES OF 2020 |

Home sales remain on the rise

BY CECE NUNN hile other industries struggled this year after the coronavirus pandemic shut the economy down in March, real estate remained strong throughout the year, helping to keep the economy moving forward, said Anne Gardner, CEO of Cape Fear Realtors. “We’ve seen strong growth in our region year-over-year, with an increase of 20.8% in closed sales, 24.5% in pending sales and 4.6% in new listings,” Gardner said Dec. 9. Tom Gale, who will be president of CFR in 2021, said Realtors “have done an incredible job pivoting from their once in-person business transaction to a much more virtual working environment. They are now using video for home tours, open houses and client meetings.” Even in a usually slow time for home sales, the Cape Fear region’s residential real estate numbers were climbing. According to a CFR news release, November activity showed increases in all major categories, including closed sales (up 36.7% over November 2019),

PHOTO BY CECE NUNN

Sales up: The yard in front of a house near Mayfaire held a “for sale” sign recently.

pending sales (up 44.5%) and new listings (7.9%). Gardner said the median price in November for both townhouse/condo and single-family homes was $281,810 which is an increase of 10.9% over last year. “Although we can’t predict what the future will hold, we are certain

that mortgage rates and inventory will remain low, continuing to drive buyer demand,” stated Tony Harrington, CFR president, in the release. “I believe this winter will be one of the strongest [for] sales activity we’ve ever seen.” Gardner said mortgage rates have “motivated first time homebuyers and current homeowners looking for a

change.” Millennials were the largest group of homebuyers in 2020 and were driving competition for single-family homes. Gardner said, “Remote working is also a strong factor with buyers having the ability to live and work outside of major metropolitan areas.” In Brunswick County alone, the residential real estate market also saw sharp increases in both homes sold and total sales volume in November, including the highest number of homes sold in any November on record. “Total sales volume spiked 59.6% last month compared to November 2019, and the number of homes sold jumped 38.4%,” according to a Brunswick County Association of Realtors news release. BCAR CEO Cynthia Walsh said on Dec. 9, “Our market has remained incredibly strong and consistent despite the adversity 2020 has thrown our way. Pending sales are up, homes are selling for more than the asking price, and we are only $72 million dollars away from hitting $2 billion in total residential home sales this year.”

Film activity finishes strong in 2020

BY JENNY CALLISON fter a promising start in early 2020, and then a bust when COVID-19 shut it down in March, film activity has come roaring back to Wilmington in the second half of this year. “We have not been this busy in years,” Bill Vassar, executive vice president at EUE/ Screen Gems in Wilmington, said Dec. 8. Johnny Griffin, director of the Wilmington Regional Film Commission, put a number to that. “Our last big year was 2014 when local projects spent $270 million,” he said this month. “We have not been near that – even half that – since then.” After a very strong 2019 that carried over into the early months of 2020, the outlook is much improved now, thanks to strict coronavirus protocols governing how filming is done, and both Vassar and Griffin are optimistic. Guy Gaster, director of the N.C. Film Office, concurs. As of Dec. 9, five projects were underway or just wrapping in the area: feature films Scream 5 (dubbed Parkside during its production phase), Static and International Space Station,

FILE PHOTO BY MICHAEL CLINE SPENCER

And action: Crews filmed the Hallmark movie USS Christmas in downtown Wilmington in September.

as well as TV series Hightown and This Country. Earlier this fall, Hallmark Movies & Mysteries’ USS Christmas filmed part of its television movie here before moving to Charleston, South Carolina, for the remainder of the project. “Parkside is wrapping and will be out mid-December,” Vassar said.

“Hightown producers are encouraged; it should be very successful, based on the way it looks and is testing. Static is moving in. The crew will build the sets in January and shooting will start in February. “International Space Station has moved into offices here and is building sets on two of our stages. It should

shoot starting in February.” This Country, a Lionsgate Television project for the Fox Network, recently received the go-ahead to produce 14 episodes, according to Griffin. The project, which is not using EUE/ Screen Gems facilities, planned to take a break for the holidays and return in early January, he added. “This Country was one of the pilots that attempted to shoot here in the spring,” Griffin said. “They were able to shoot only part of one day before things were shut down, but they were happy with their experience here and the project was given the go-ahead.” All six projects will receive N.C. Film and Entertainment grants, said Gaster. Information about three of those grants was released in September; the most recent three are still in discussions with the N.C. Department of Commerce to determine the amount of their potential grant eligibility, he added. USS Christmas is eligible to receive a grant rebate up to $1.1 million; Parkside could receive as much as $7 million; and the second season of Hightown has been approved for up to $12 million.

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December 18, 2020 - January 7, 2021

Page 13

| TOP STORIES OF 2020 |

April 29th, 2021 • 11:00AM • Wilmington Convention Center

> Call for Entries for

Commercial Real Estate Awards! FILE PHOTO BY MICHAEL CLINE SPENCER

Voter changes: New Hanover County Board of Elections workers fielded more absentee ballots this year.

A look at unique election results

BY SCOTT NUNN ew Hanover County voters leaned Democratic at the top of the ticket in the 2020 General Election, but, as with many other states and locales, the coattails of federal and statewide candidates didn’t extend far into races closer to home. Two open seats on the county board of commissioners remained occupied by Republicans, and the GOP fared well in the area’s General Assembly elections. As with much of everything else in the Year of COVID, the 2020 general election was one like no other – not so much in its final outcome but in how the results actually were reached. Consider this: In New Hanover County, of the nearly 132,000 total votes, only about 17,000 were cast on Election Day. In a pattern that played out nationwide, supporters of Donald Trump came out in force on Election Day. The president received 9,853 votes in New Hanover County on Nov. 3, easily beating Joe Biden’s 6,426. Trump also won the in-person early voting (technically considered absentee), with about 46,000 votes compared to about 40,000 for Biden. Absentee by-mail voting was a completely different story, however, with Biden receiving about 19,600 votes compared to about 7,300 for Trump, enough for Biden to win the county by a 2% margin. (Trump carried North Carolina by a margin of 49.9% to 48.6%, winning 75 of the state’s 100 counties. Biden won in all of North Carolina’s largest counties). Compare the 2020 methods of voting to 2016, when only about 5,000 votes were cast absentee by-mail (num-

ber split almost exactly half for Trump and opponent Hillary Clinton). Most voting in 2016 still was via in-person early voting (70,343) and 35,668 voted on Election Day. A similar scenario also played out in New Hanover County in the race for governor, with Republican Dan Forest getting the most votes on Election Day (9,213 compared to Roy Cooper’s 6,973) as well as from early voting (43,454 to 42,053). Cooper’s 20,338 to 6,451 margin in absentee by-mail votes easily got him re-elected by a comfortable margin of 53% to Forest’s 45%. Statewide, Cooper’s margin was 51.5% to Forest’s 47%. New Hanover County voters also favored Democrat Cal Cunningham over incumbent Thom Tillis for U.S. Senate, although by a razor-thin 287 votes. Statewide, Tillis won, with a 49% to 47% margin. Rep. David Rouzer was easily re-elected to represent North Carolina’s 7th District in the U.S. House. But, once again, New Hanover County was an outlier – Rouzer’s 20% margin of victory over Democrat Chris Ward was achieved with only a 3% advantage in New Hanover. In local races, Woody White and Pat Kuseck didn’t seek re-election as county commissioners, but fellow Republicans Bill Rivenbark and Deb Hays were elected to the five-member board. Jonathan Barfield barely defeated former commissioner Skip Watkins to keep Democrats in control, though Democratic board member Julia Boseman has at times voted with the other side on key issues, such as the NHRMC sale.

Submit your project/deal for consideration. Membership not required – open to ALL. Deadline January 29th, 2021 • www.capefearcrew.org Dealmaker Award

Recognizes a person or team who demonstrated excellence, resourcefulness, collaboration and industry best practices while working on a successful transaction.

Economic & Community Enhancement Award

Honors projects that promote economic development and/or enhance communities by improving quality of life and fostering the overall social and economic interest of those communities.

Best Interior Award

Recognizes exceptional interior design and the intentional and impactful design decisions that were part of a project in the Cape Fear Region.

Career Advancement for Women Award

Recognizes a company or individual who consistently exemplifies Cape Fear CREW’s commitment to elevating the status of women by supporting the advancement of the careers of women and who has shown leadership in encouraging and promoting women within the leadership team.

Placemaking Award

Recognizes a team who worked together on a development, major renovation, or redevelopment project in the Cape Fear Region that demonstrates excellence in functionality, aesthetics and relationship to surroundings.

Evolve Award

Awarded to a company or team that has efficiently and successfully adapted their business strategies and practices in response to the COVID-19 health crisis and has evolved their business model and achieved success with it. * Projects/Deals need to have achieved Certificate of Occupancy or substantial completion between January 1, 2019 and December 31, 2020 to be eligible for submission and must be located in New Hanover, Brunswick, Pender, Onslow, Duplin, Sampson, Columbus or Bladen counties.

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Gold Partners

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Silver Partners

Capital Design First National Bank North Carolina’s Southeast

Bronze Partners

KW Communications Clarendon Properties

Page 14

December 18, 2020 - January 7, 2021

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Greater Wilmington Business Journal

| REAL ESTATE | Building in a COVID-19 world

“T

PHOTO BY CRYSTAL GLASS C/O PBC DESIGN + BUID

Making a splash: Custom homes, such as this one by PBC Design + Build at Wrightsville Beach, are more often being built with pools.

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BY CECE NUNN here’s a surprise every time you turn a corner.”

That’s how Heath Clark, owner of Bill Clark Homes and Legacy Homes by Bill Clark, recently summarized adapting to COVID-19 as a homebuilder. The first facet Clark mentioned as he spoke this month at a Wilmington-Cape Fear Home Builders Association event: personnel. “Now something happens, two weeks are gone,” Clark said, referring to a coronavirus quarantine period. How key a person is to the job, such as those working in skilled trades, makes a big difference, he said. “When that person leaves, then who fills in? There is no one because I have people who have been here a long time, and there is no replacement,” Clark said.

He also mentioned having to wait longer on materials for new houses, including 11 to 14 weeks for windows and 12 weeks for cabinets. “I’ve got 50 or 60 houses out there with no windows that are built, waiting. That is big. I mean that’s big,” Clark said. “And it hurts.” While some of the changes that have happened during the pandemic, including a massive increase in lumber prices, are making the job harder and more expensive for builders of all kinds, some are changing how houses and commercial space are built. For example, remote working is expected to be part of the home plans at East & Mason, a master planned community coming to 7500 and 7420 Masonboro Sound Road in Wilmington. The East & Mason community, under development by Robuck Homes, is expected to contain 170

Greater Wilmington Business Journal

| homes, including single-family, traditional neighborhood design and active-adult homes, according to a news release. A community clubhouse with a pool, multiple open spaces and pocket parks are also planned. “Our vision is to create a place where families and active adults can live, work and play with great access to all that Wilmington has to offer. East & Mason will have distinctive architecture and diverse streetscapes that will provide a modern lifestyle atmosphere that brings people together,” said Chip Bishop, general manager of Robuck Homes. He said the homebuilder is “really trying to focus on the remote-work-

“

Our clients aren’t necessarily as focused on such a large home, but they do want a better home.” Dave Spetrino founder & president PBC Design + Build

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REAL ESTATE

ing experience because even before COVID, Wilmington had a large contingent of work-from-home employment. And so our home plans are designed around that. It seems like there’s a lot of people who live in Wilmington and work all over the country … Even with our amenity, we’re going to have space built into the amenity for those who work from home but every once in a while need a conference area to have some sort of collaboration.” In the custom home market, swimming pools have made a comeback in a big way. “We went from building 20% to 30% of our clients with pools; that number has doubled. … More than two thirds of our clients are building swimming pools,” said Dave Spetrino, founder and president of PBC Design + Build. “And a lot of that is because they’re there [at home]. They’re not out or they’re not socializing; they’re not vacationing, and that pool, coupled with a low interest rate, is basically an appendage to the house and has become the norm.” John Lennon, director of operations for River Bluffs Development Corp., said the homebuilding indus-

December 18, 2020 - January 7, 2021

Page 15

try adapted quickly to COVID in the beginning, tweaking “everything from internal staffing to the way builders manage their trades on the job sites. I think everybody got pretty smart in being COVID-aware early on,” Lennon said during the WCFHBA panel discussion. “And then we saw the first wave of people calling from out-of-market saying, ‘What do you have available?’ [The reply:] We have beautiful home sites. ‘No, what do you have available right now?’ And so it was a challenge because with spec houses, there’s not a lot of them.” He also said, “The other thing that was really strange locally was that we saw a huge increase in downsizing. For whatever reason, this pandemic has motivated people to go ahead and make that move, where they’re moving out of a larger home into 1,700-1,800 square feet.” Spetrino has seen a similar trend. “Our clients aren’t necessarily as focused on such a large home, but they do want a better home. So what they’re not saying is ‘more and more and more’; What they’re saying is, ‘Give me spaces I’m going to use, but I want those spaces to be really well

done,’” Spetrino said. “And so they’re not necessarily spending less than they were before, but they’re building less, and then they’re spending those same dollars on finishes, details and creature comforts, things that they can actually see where their money is because they are recognizing that they’re spending more time at home.” Changes because of the coronavirus pandemic are also evident in commercial building, either through retrofitting existing spaces or in new structures. The renovation of the historical building at 226 N. Front St. in downtown Wilmington by East West Partners, in partnership with coworking firm Common Desk, is an example. “In the COVID era, there’s a lot of no-touch protocols and systems,” said Margee Herring, public relations consultant for East West Partners. “HVAC has been calibrated to recognize how to better clean the air … It’s been very nice for East West Partners because they’ve had [Texas-based] Common Desk learning on the site with their other locations the protocols and processes and systems that will accommodate this new era in which we live.”

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Greater Wilmington Business Journal

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| BIZ LEADS | 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 EXECUTIVES Craig Snow csnow@wilmingtonbiz.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Courtney Barden cbarden@wilmingtonbiz.com KEN Ali Buckley abuckley@wilmingtonbiz.com Marian Welsh Mwelsh@wilmingtonbiz.com OFFICE & AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Sandy Johnson sjohnson@wilmingtonbiz.com

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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. ADVERTISING For advertising information and rates, call (910) 343-8600 x204 © Copyright 2020 SAJ Media LLC

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. 30 - Nov. 15 COOPWORX LLC. 411 Landmark Dr. Wilmington 28412-6303 Agent: Wallace Thomas Carter DCB MANAGEMENT INC. 4079 Ruby Way NW Shallotte 28470-6500 Agent: Kiah Johnson DEFENDER LLC 575 Military Cutoff Rd Suite 106 Wilmington 28405 Agent: Jillian Blanchard DELEON’S CONSTRUCTION LLC 5233 Castle Hayne Rd Castle Hayne 28429 Agent: Jeeseka Morales DERELICT HOTEL L.L.C. 4708 Patrick Ave Wilmington 28403 Agent: Raven Lehman DESIGNED-2-WYNN ENTERPRISES LLC 1017 Ryans Court Wilmington 28412 Agent: Tammy Wynn

Leland 28451 Agent: Kurt Lynch FARRY D KITCHEN L.L.C. 209 Boyce Rd Rocky Point 284577660 Agent: Sylvia Hagans FIRST CHOICE DRAIN CLEANING & REPAIR LLC 2235 Brookstone Dr SE Bolivia 28422 Agent: Alex Devaughn FLEECES TO PIECES LLC 308 Chatham Place Wilmington 28412 Agent: Audrey Kruse FRAMERS GUZMAN LLC 6509 Greenville Loop Rd Wilmington 28409 Agent: Byron Rene Guzman Reyes FRIEDRICHS PROPERTIES NC LLC 575 Military Cutoff Rd. Wilmington 28405-8703 Agent: Jennifer D. Scott FROBERG AEROSPACE LLC 1015 Nutt St. #338 Wilmington 28401 Agent: Steven Berg

DEYTIME DESIGNS LLC 7219 Twin Ash Court Wilmington 28411-8007 Agent: Christopher Dey

GILLESPIE REAL ESTATE LLC 344 Shipyard Blvd Wilmington 28412 Agent: Anthony S Nobilio

DIRTTI ERFLIN SPORTSWEAR LLC. 625 Julia Dr. Wilmington 28412 Agent: Dwight Harris

GLEITER AND SONS EPOXY INC 25 Strawberry Fields Way Hampstead 28443 Agent: Wesley Gleither

DM TECH ENTERPRISES LLC 13 Lakeview Court Carolina Shores 28467 Agent: Daniel Morrow

GO MACNAIR ADVISORY COMPANY LLC 1704 Trey Court Wilmington 28403 Agent: Michael MacNair

ELM COLLECTIVE LLC 1109 Baldwin Park Drive Wilmington 28411-2202 Agent: Joanna Jacobus Brown EXOTIC PRESSURE WASHING LLC 501 Macon Court Wilmington 28412 Agent: Charity Beeson FARM NC LLC 1451 Green Hill Rd NE

GOOSE POND HOLDINGS LLC 8525 Bald Eagle Lane Wilmington 28411 Agent: Shannon McCrery Lee HANNAH TRAVIS COUNSELING PLLC 3617 Merestone Drive Wilmington 28412 Agent: Hannah Travis HEATHER ASHWORTH LLC

3406 Talon Court Wilmington 28409 Agent: Heather Ashworth HENSON LOGISTICS LLC 160 Heron Cove Road Hampstead 28443-7812 Agent: Michael Hendy HERON COVE OF OAK ISLAND HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION INC. 4912 E Oak Island Dr Oak Island 28465 Agent: David Purser HEWETT CATTLE AND EQUINE LLC 4152 Ash Little River Rd Ash 28420 Agent: Michael Ethan Hewett HIGH CLASS SMILES LLC 720 N Wright ST Burgaw 28425-5416 Agent: Daisha Rene Williams HOOKED-UP PROPERTIES LLC 191 NC-210 E Hampstead 28443 Agent: Mark Gabriel IL SERENO 2071 NC Highway 210 East Hampstead 28443 Agent: Olivia B Chaban IMPERIO CONSTRUCTION SERVICES CORP 226 Shelley Drive Wilmington 28409 Agent: Juan Manuel Bautista Guerrero INTEGRITY BUILDING COMPANIES LLC 1393 Goldengrove Ln Wilmington 28411 Agent: Reed Westra J SCHIMBERG TAX INC. 8804 Old Overton Way Wilmington 28411 Agent: Jeffrey C. Schimberg JANAMEKE LLC 146 Grey Beard Dr. Rocky Point 284577200 Agent: Charnice Hines JC TIRE & AUTO SERVICE LLC 1301 Dawson St. Wilmington 28401 Agent: Aaron Andres Leon Maldonado JENNIFER CLINARD CPA PLLC 1724 Tall Mast Court Wilmington 28409 Agent: Jennifer Clinard JOURNEI OF KISMET LLC 5700 Fulton Ave Castle Hayne 28429 Agent: Jacqulyne R Hayes KEITH STATON LLC 875 Highlands Dr Hampstead 28443 Agent: Rozani Staton KENTUCKY PROPERTY LEASING LLC 405 Raleigh Street Wilmington 28412 Agent: Donald Allen Puryear II

KINGFISHER MAINTENANCE LLC 314 Walnut St Ste 100 Wilmington 28401 Agent: Addison Palanza KURTIS BRYAN DMD PLLC 4091 Lark Bunting Court Southport 28461 Agent: Kurtis Bryan LEAD MENTOR DEVELOP LLC 6 Palmetto Dr Wrightsville Beach 28480 Agent: Laura Lunsford LKX3 Carpentry LLC 4631 Main Street Shallotte 28459 Agent: Tonia Trest Twigg LOTUS INTEL INC. 1017 Club Ct. Belville 28451-7448 Agent: Morgan Mehler LUDUS SOCIAL CLUB LLC 3414 Chalmers Drive Wilmington 28409-6910 Agent: George Rongotes LULU KHAOS BAIL BONDS LLC 3972 Old Ocean Hwy Bolivia 28422 Agent: Kenneth M Mcclary JR LUSCIOUS PLUS LLC 828 St Andrews Dr Wilmington 28412-8382 Agent: Candice Alston MANDA DS TRANSPORT LLC 107 Black Water Dr Watha 28478-8147 Agent: Amanda Artis McDuffie MANDI REN’E LLC 9455 Cottonwood Lane Leland 28451-1728 Agent: Mandi Ren’e Meade MARINERS WACCHE GROUP LLC 1914 Goose Creek Road SW Unit 2302 Ocean Isle Beach 28469-6520 Agent: Robert L. Sands

Agent: Devin Tramel MITCHELL EQUINE LLC 232 Causeway Dr #2-C Wrightsville Beach 28480 Agent: Mark D Mitchell

PERFUMERIA REGALOS Y NOVEDADES LLC 800 Shipyard Blvd Ste 13 Wilmington 28412 Agent: Joelia Bautista Perez

MJ POOLS LLC 1319 Military Cutoff Road Suite CC 211 Wilmington 28405 Agent: Mark R Johnson

PERIWINK INK LLC 7205 Wrightsville Ave Unit 103 Wilmington 28403 Agent: Theresa Stevens

MJ VERTICAL LLC 1319 Military Cutoff Road Suite CC 211 Wilmington 28405 Agent: Mark R Johnson

PHO VANHLY GROUP INC. 208 Porters Neck Rd Ste 120 Wilmington 28411 Agent: Lai Somsnith

NC DOCKS LLC 5221 Peden Point Rd Wilmington 28409 Agent: Curtis Bowen

PHOENIX MANAGEMENT LLC 1410 Forest Hill Dr Navassa 28451 Agent: Scott McCaffrey

NEW GENERATIONS LANDSCAPING OF WILMINGTON LLC 5140 Carolina Beach Rd Wilmington 28412-2506 Agent: Hortencia Bello Villegas NEW HOPE HEALTHCARE & RECOVERY INC. 1213 Culbreth Drive Wilmington 28405 Agent: Corbin Loflin NO QUIT LIFESTYLE LLC 5110 Fitzgerald Dr Wilmington 28405 Agent: Alex Saidenstat NOLES II LLC 5700 Oleander Dr Wilmington 28403 Agent: Rick E. Graves NUGENT MULTIMEDIA LLC 3615 Sir Galahad Dr Apt 308 Wilmington 28403-2689 Agent: Tayler Camplin OBLIGATION NATION LLC 106 Cedar Ave. Hampstead 28443-2815 Agent: Ashley A Carter OKI HANDYMAN SERVICES LLC 120 NE 8th Oak Island 28465 Agent: Tim Zaruba

MARKER 23 INSHORE ADVENTURES LLC 718 Azalea Dr. Unit 453 Hampstead 28443 Agent: Anthony Osborne

OLD BELL PROPERTIES LLC 1106 Lord Thomas Rd Wilmington 28405 Agent: Michael S Bolick

MARKET STREET PROFESSIONAL CENTER LLC 1213 Culbreth Dive Wilmington 28405-3639 Agent: Eric Goldfarb

OUT THE MUDD TRANSPORTING LLC 269 Red Tip Ln Willard 28478 Agent: Norman Jamar Dixon

MASONIC HOLDINGS LLC 1325 Goldengrove Ln Wilmington 28411 Agent: James Oliver Kidd Jr

PBI TRUCKING LLC 528 Brewster Ln Wilmington 28412-2655 Agent: Richard L Powell

MEADOWS MOTORSPORTS LLC 4816 Indian Corn Lane Castle Hayne 28429 Agent: Clayton Meadows MELÄÔS TRUCKING L.L.C. 3303 N Woolwitch Ct Castle Hayne 28429

PELICAN CONCRETE COATINGS LLC 133 Ludlow Dr Wilmington 28411 Agent: Perry Deluke PELICAN OUTDOOR LLC 502 Old Mill Road Castle Hayne 28429 Agent: Kristy Burnette

PHYPHR LLC 4306 Cedarwood Ln Apt. C Wilmington 28403 Agent: Nicholas Jordan Locke PINK SPUR RANCH LLC 4152 Ash Little River Rd Ash 28420 Agent: Hayley Bullard PLEX CITY LLC 1105 Jordan Lake Court Leland 28451 Agent: Brandon Hill PREMIER CABINET SOLUTIONS LLC 2518 Crooked Run Rd Willard 28478-6560 Agent: Russell C. Cavenaugh PRENTICE ANN LLC 6233 Greenville Sound Road Wilmington 28409 Agent: Nicholas Balding PROFESSOR WITH A PEN LLC 2553 7 Croquet Drive Wilmington 28412 Agent: Sabrina T Cherry QUENCH MARKETING & CONSULTING LLC 8525 Bald Eagle Ln Wilmington 28411 Agent: Joshua Lee RBH FAMILY PROPERTIES LLC 2603 Legend Dr. Wilmington 28405-2106 Agent: Carmen Smith REEL SHENANIGAN’S LLC 2219 Bowman St SW Supply 28462-6109 Agent: Daniel Matthews RODGER ROGERS LLC 2049 Albert Cir Wilmington 28403 Agent: Diane Rodger ROLLING TIDE MARINE CONSTRUCTION LLC 411 Sumter Avenue Carolina Beach 28428 Agent: Ashley Mac Bride RS COASTAL CAROLINA CONTRACTING LLC 209 Forest Hills Dr Wilmington 28403-1121 Agent: Shelby Ane Felia

Greater reater WilminGton ilmington Business usiness Journal ournal

wilmingtonbiz.com

December December18, 18,2020 2020- January - January8,7,2021 2021

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ful DISCUSSIONS Sponsors’ Content Distributed By Greater Wilmington Business Journal

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In what ways has the office technology industry evolved? It used to be that the most important thing a company in the office equipment industry should focus on was equipment. What we call speeds and feeds, was all about how fast a user can print or copy, the attachments available to handle paper capacity and/or finishing, and the life of consumables. Today, at least for Copiers Plus, we focus on outcomes. How our clients utilize documents matters much more because it allows us to identify workflow solutions that we can implement to bring them increased productivity and security. While the equipment we sell is still important, it is not the driving force behind our deals because all copiers print

We bring tailored solutions that fit your workplace. We believe that each work environment is unique and deserves to be treated with a discovery mindset. By approaching each opportunity without a pre-set mold, we are able to continually fine tune our solution offerings to match different verticals and emerging markets. Whether it be increased printing controls through badge authentication, the ability to bill back for printing via software, controlling who in the organization can print what and how much, scanning to and from cloud programs such as OneDrive, and even the ability to integrate with specialized electronic record management systems, we can find a custom solution for any sized organization. Additionally, our footprint across the state of North Carolina and our great relationship with our key vendor, Kyocera, strategically allows us to be competitive on price and an ability to meet the needs of organizations with multiple locations with reliable service.

How do you help organizations address document

and data security? Through our analysis process we are able to document security compromises and suggest options that would bring greater compliance and intensive security measures. Many offices we consult with do not have a method of authentication at their devices. This is one of the greatest steps an organization can take to deter security threats. Authentication protocols will not only help cut down on sensitive documents being left out and excessive printing behaviors, but also produces audit trails of all activity by users to include printing, faxing and scanning. We also can provide options for encryption that include AES-256 bit and overwriting of up to the DoD (Department of Defense) method.

What advice would you give an organization investing in office technology? When evaluating your organization’s technology needs, it is important that you partner with a vendor that understands and adheres to your specific needs. Making sure a proper assessment is carried out and the results are analyzed for customization is paramount to ensuring your unique situation is represented in a proposal and implementation process. Often times businesses will request a proposal from a dealer over email and just compare them based on device specifications and prices,

SPONSORS’ CONTENT DISTRIBUTED BY GREATER WILMINGTON BUSINESS JOURNAL

though this is not a holistic way of ensuring your work environment is adequately represented. A key benefit of engaging in a consultative analysis is that you will gain invaluable knowledge of employee behaviors, security liabilities and potential workflow bottlenecks that can then lead to a more detailed solution than that of requesting a price on a 30 page per minute color copier. For instance, noticing that your accounting department is printing 2,000 color documents a month and then implementing software that limits color printing per user at organizational deemed thresholds would boast significantly greater cost savings and would only be discoverable through an analysis of your environment.

How has COVID-19 impacted your business? Each business has had a different experience, but as for us, the time freed up due to the pandemic has provided us an opportunity to fine tune our internal processes and technology. In much the same way, we have seen many of our clients and prospects diving into how to further their document and data security and focusing on ways to make their workflows as streamlined as possible in order to increase productivity and align with a more remote-work model. We have been blessed to have been able to keep our entire staff fully employed throughout the pandemic and have even increased our staff to better serve our growing customer base.

Page 18

December 18, 2020 - January 7, 2021

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RESTAURANT ROUNDUP

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WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

Indochine Express opened recently at 5120 S. College Road in Monkey Junction. It’s a satellite restaurant of Indochine on Market Street, both owned by Solange “Niki” Thompson. Thompson said her main restaurant, at 7 Wayne Drive in Wilmington, has remained busy throughout the pandemic. She had been considering a satellite location for some time, and credits the strength of her staff with allowing her to move forward with the plans. She said she is proud to have been able to create 15 part- and full-time jobs at a time when many are facing unemployment. While the menu at the new location contains only about half of Indochine’s original menu offerings, there are still well over 30 items to choose from, many of them customizable with a choice of chicken, beef, pork, shrimp, tofu or vegetables. She’s included several appetizers, soups and salads, as well as favorites such as the imperial pineapple rice, pad thai, pad ki mao, Hokkien hot noodles and yellow, red and green curry – one of Thompson’s personal favorites. For those who may be looking to try something new, Thompson suggests the Vietnamese pho, Bun bo Hue or tom yum soups as perfect choices for the colder months.

Tama Cafe set to close but tea production continues Almost five years to the day of opening, Tama Cafe at 1127 Military Cutoff Road in The Forum will close its doors for good Dec. 23. Co-founders Rocco Quaranto and Wells and Kelly Struble opened the cafe in Wilmington on Dec. 22, 2015, followed by a downtown Raleigh location in 2018. Now both locations will be closed by the end of the year, having been impacted by COVID-19. “The truth of the matter is that people just don’t want to hang out in cafes right now,” Quaranto said. Quaranto said the partners made the decision to close the Raleigh location in May, primarily due to the fact that it was dependent upon

foot traffic from those who normally work in the area. With the majority of businesses shifting to work-fromhome scenarios, Quaranto said Fayetteville Street became a ghost town. Following the closure of the Raleigh location, the partners put all of their energy into keeping the Wilmington location afloat, but it was just a matter of time before they felt the impact of the virus from all angles. Now they will focus on Tama Tea, the craft brewed, tea-based sparkling beverage developed at the cafe. Having launched the line in early 2019 and partnered with a national distributor earlier this year, Tama Sparkling Teas are now sold by hundreds of retailers up and down the East Coast and include three flavors: Lemon Lavender, Mango Verde and Peach Pear. Distribution of the tea has been impacted by the pandemic as well, said Quaranto, with many of their restaurant accounts dropping significantly. On the bright side, however, as of March 2021, the tea will be sold at 46 Whole Foods stores across the Southeast.

Primal BBQ serving up dishes on Eastwood Road Almost a year since signing a lease for his space in Lumina Commons, James Romano was putting the finishing touches on Primal BBQ and planning a soft opening for mid-December. Romano experienced a range of delays, including unforeseen repairs and construction setbacks due to COVID-19, as well as a general concern for opening a new restaurant during a global pandemic. But Romano is confident that between the news of vaccinations on the horizon and the fact that his model works well for carryout, his concept will be well-received. He plans to offer brisket, St. Louis-style pork ribs, pulled pork and smoked chicken wings, thighs and drumsticks. He makes four hand-crafted rubs and eight sauces as well as all of Primal’s sides in-house. Sides will include braised cabbage with bacon, cole slaw, beans, mac and cheese and mashed potatoes, with additional rotating selections down the road. “We’ve put a lot of time into perfecting our smoking process,” Romano said. “And I think people are really going to love our sauces.” -Jessica Maurer

Greater Wilmington Business Journal

wilmingtonbiz.com

December 18, 2020 - January 7, 2021

Page 19

| BUSINESS OF LIFE | Seeing a different shopping season BY SCOTT NUNN ranted, the indoor section of The Transplanted Garden makes for tight quarters, but the expansive, plant-filled grounds are a social-distancing dream. That’s likely a big reason that the Wilmington business at 502 S. 16th St. has had sales “pretty much where they should be” in recent months, according to co-owner Tom Ericson. A few blocks over, the Historic Wilmington Foundation (HWF) reported brisk sales at its outdoor Holiday Gift Market, held annually at the organization’s Legacy Architectural Salvage store. The store’s site, at 831-B Dawson St., behind Stevens Ace Hardware, provided a large, open-air area for vendors. The LAS warehouse also was open for those looking for everything from antique doors to doorknobs. “This was our most successful market to date,” LAS manager Deb Helms said of the Dec. 5 event. “We were thrilled to have the space outdoors to offer a socially distanced shopping experience showcasing local makers, artists and vendors,” said Beth Rutledge, executive director of HWF. And many of the attendees were discovering the unique shop for the first time, she said. Ericson, who opened The Transplanted Garden 20 years ago with Allen Sabin, said sales were strong all summer and fall. And in what is likely a common refrain for retailers everywhere, Ericson added, “it is just a very different holiday all the way around.” At Wrightsville Beach, the town’s farmers market also has proved popular at a time when outdoor shopping venues have some added appeal. Although inclement weather kept some vendors away at times, the generally moderate climate in the Lower Cape Fear means the market can extend its season – it will be open from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. on Dec. 21. Ericson said that December is not one of The Transplanted Garden’s busiest months (though “it is certainly busier than January”), but he has discovered a holiday niche for an area rich with retirees. “We sell gifts, candles and a few Christmas set-abouts,” Ericson said. “I have given up on Christmas ornaments after several slow years of sales in that category, but trees and shrubs are still strong sellers” this

PHOTO BY MICHAEL CLINE SPENCER

Open-air browsing: Sandra Siemering (left) and Cindy Leighton stop at Lori Wilson’s booth at the Legacy Architectural Salvage’s Holiday Gift Market earlier this month.

time of year. And why? “Retirees just do not need ‘stuff’ at that age,” he said. “So they give one another gifts for the yard. Garden statuary and fountains and pottery are generally good sellers at this time of year, as well.” And with serious gardeners already plotting strategies for spring, “gift certificates are always good sellers,” Ericson said. “Always.” Businesses that already had an outdoor presence have felt less of an impact from COVID-19, but many indoor-only retailers have been quick to adapt to keep things humming in enclosed stores. Nearly 10 months into the pandemic, store managers have continued to tweak the shopping environment as necessary, not only to make it safe, but to try to give shoppers a normal-as-possible experience, according to Matthew Shay. The CEO of the National Retail Federation (NRF) said stores have had to pay closer-than-ever attention to shoppers’ needs and expectations. The key for retailers has been to “meet the consumer where, when and how they shop at the prices they want to pay,” Shay said, including

accommodating online purchases. That effort appears to have paid off. Despite the pandemic, 186.4 million consumers shopped in-store and online over the 2020 Thanksgiving holiday, according to a survey by the NRF. That was down from 189.6 million last year, but well over the 165.8 million people who made purchases in the same period in 2018. Back at The Transplanted Garden, Ericson and his crew have kept the whimsical but admittedly cramped indoors section closed, so it was important to be able to get plenty of those items outside for customers to see – and, hopefully, purchase. Although a green gardener isn’t likely to get rich on Black Friday, Ericson believes gardening has played a unique and valuable role during the pandemic, serving as a sort of therapy for folks suddenly at home more than ever. It’s not just local home-related businesses that are doing well. Third-quarter same-store sales at Lowe’s were up 30% from last year, including a doubling of online sales. Home Depot saw a 24% jump in sales from a year ago. And Lowe’s is looking to add

customers who are looking for more than drywall and power tools. The Mooresville-based company is adding new items such as scooters, trampolines and exercise bikes and expanding its offering of kitchen items, according to its Q3 earnings call. People not only are working on outdoors landscapes and home-improvement projects, they also are focusing on what’s growing indoors, The Transplanted Garden’s Ericson said, noting that sales of houseplants – already a hot category – have been three times more than in a typical year. Michelle Conely, who owns Going Local at Mayfaire, has been pleasantly surprised with the sales at this year’s Holiday Market, which features works from over 60 local artisans and runs through Dec. 27. “The traffic might be lighter, but those who do shop in-store are finding all locally made and affordable gifts that suit the needs of everyone on their list, and therefore are purchasing multiple items,” Conely said. “Considering the year we’ve all had, to us this signals a brighter future.”

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December 18, 2020 - January 7, 2021

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EXTRAORDINARY EFFORT LEADS TO EXTRAORDINARY SUCCESS. The potential for progress is unlimited in North Carolina. And with the help of EDPNC, your business can reach new heights. From COVID recovery resources to grant and loan expertise, we can connect you to world-class services that will set you up for success. Because when it comes to building the future, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re moving onward as one. Let us help you. Visit EDPNC.com/onward

The Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina is a publicprivate entity created by the NC Department of Commerce with the purpose of helping businesses launch, grow and locate in and across NC.

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