WilmingtonBiz Magazine - June 2021 issue

Wilmington B iz M A G A Z I N E

PA R K PROMISE

RIVERFRONT

AMY BEATTY ON THE DOWNTOWN PROJECT’S POTENTIAL REBUILDING THE BATTLESHIP

2021

PULSE: SPECIAL HEATH SECTION

SUMMER 2021

Published by

Greater WWilmington G Published by

reater ilmington BUSINESS BUSINESS JOURNAL JOURNAL

McKinley Building is thankful for our area’s Healthcare Heroes and values the relationship we have with them.

BUILDING ON A STRONG FOUNDATION FOR OVER 28 YEARS

(910) 395-6036 MCKINLEYBUILDING.COM

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S U M M E R 2021

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THE REGION'S HEALTH CARE INDUSTRY

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DIGITAL DIAGNOSIS

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TOP DOCS: THE LOCAL LIST

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IN PROFILE: CARLA TURNER

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PPD’s BIG DEAL

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR BIZ BITES BEHIND THE NUMBERS SOUND OFF NEWS DIGEST C-SUITE CONVO RESTAURANT ROUNDUP TAKEAWAY

F E AT U R E S

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SHIP SHAPE: REBUILDING THE BATTLESHIP DIVERSITY ROUNDTABLE

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COVER STORY: CENTER STAGE AT RIVERFRONT PARK

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LOOKING FOR AN OASIS: COUNTERING FOOD DESERTS

ON THE COVER

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Photographer Madeline Gray met Wilmington’s community services director Amy Beatty at the amphitheater stage for the city’s new Riverfront Park. At the time of the cover shoot, the park’s lawn was still under construction, but work has progressed quickly. The city is looking at July 4 for an opening ceremony.

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CONTRIBUTORS

M A G A Z I N E

SUMMER 2021 – $4.95

C E C E N U N N

Publisher Rob Kaiser

rkaiser@wilmingtonbiz.com

President

Robert Preville

CECE NUNN has been writing and editing for more than 20 years, currently working as the assistant editor and real estate reporter for the Greater Wilmington Business Journal. She lives in Wilmington with her husband and two daughters. In this issue, she details the work on the new Riverfront Park in “Center Stage” on PAGE 23.

rpreville@wilmingtonbiz.com

Editor

Vicky Janowski vjanowski@wilmingtonbiz.com

A s s i s ta n t E d i t o r Cece Nunn

cnunn@wilmingtonbiz.com

Reporters Johanna Cano

K E V I N MAURER KEVIN MAURER is an award-winning journalist and bestselling coauthor of American Radical and No Easy Day. A graduate of Old Dominion University, he is a regular contributor to The Assembly and other publications. In a joint project with Cape Fear Collective, where Maurer serves as director of community engagement, we explore the issue of New Hanover County’s food deserts in “Looking for an Oasis” on PAGE 28.

jcano@wilmingtonbiz.com

Christina Haley O'Neal chaley@wilmingtonbiz.com

Vice President

of

Maggi Apel

Sales

mapel@wilmingtonbiz.com

Senior Account Executive Craig Snow

csnow@wilmingtonbiz.com

Account Executives Courtney Barden

cbarden@wilmingtonbiz.com

Sydney Pope spope@wilmingtonbiz.com

MADELINE G R A Y MADELINE GRAY is a freelance documentary photographer based in Wilmington. With a master’s degree in photojournalism, her work is regularly featured in local and national publications.

Gray photographed this issue’s cover as well as a feature about the soon-to-open Riverfront Park on PAGE 23. She also photographed Sokoto House’s urban farm in “Looking for an Oasis” on PAGE 28. madelinegrayphoto.com and @madelinepgray on Instagram

Marian Welsh mwelsh@wilmingtonbiz.com

O f f i c e & A u d i e n c e D e v e l o p m e n t M a nag e r Sandy Johnson

sjohnson@wilmingtonbiz.com

Events Director Elizabeth Stelzenmuller

events@wilmingtonbiz.com

D e s i g n / M e d i a C o o r d i nat o r Molly Jacques

production@wilmingtonbiz.com

C o n t e n t M a r k e t i n g C o o r d i nat o r Morgan Mattox

mmattox@wilmingtonbiz.com

A R I S HARDING ARIS HARDING is a Wilmington-based freelance photographer. She moved to New York City after graduating from UNCW and returned to Wilmington to pursue her love of storytelling, specializing in editorial and portrait photography. Harding photographed Brooklyn Arts Center’s new owners for BizBites on PAGE 7, Rise Up Community Farm for “Looking for an Oasis” on PAGE 28 and Battleship North Carolina’s executive director for “Ship Shape” on PAGE 14.

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Contributing Designer Suzi Drake

art@wilmingtonbiz.com

C o n t r i b u t i n g P h o t o g r ap h e r s

T.J. Drechsel, Alan Cradick, Megan Deitz, Madeline Gray, Aris Harding, Kevin Kleitches, Terah Wilson

Subscribe

To subscribe to WilmingtonBiz Magazine,visit wilmingtonbiz.com/subscribe or call 343-8600 x201. © 2021 SAJ Media LLC

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

T H E MORE

H

YOU K N O W

ere are some of the random things my brain picked up this week from various sources.

• The B-29 was the most expensive undertaking of WWII, ahead of the Manhattan Project (via Malcolm Gladwell’s latest book, “The Bomber Mafia”).

• A guy in 1832 wanted to be mummified after his death for scientific reasons and can still be seen on display in England (via one of my 7-year-old’s creepier books).

• In 1966, amidst the marches against the Vietnam War, there was another protest wave – over inflation and specifically rising food costs (via The Wall Street Journal, on an article about signs of consumer prices rising again).

• Instead of using a knife, you can pop an avocado pit out by pushing on it from the back (via TikTok, because Gen X parents have swarmed yet another social media app originally intended for the young and cool).

Just a fraction of the daily inputs that have filtered past the ole gray matter in recent days.

And that doesn’t count all the local articles, interviews and press releases I comb through for my day job.

Information overload is a real risk these days. But for an information hoarder – I compromised with my husband on our last move and halved my collection of stored papers and magazines – these are the best of times.

Back in my day, I tell my glazed-eyed children, not only did I have to walk a mile to and from school in the snow (in Fayetteville, so there was only that one time it snowed), but then I had to hoof it another 5 miles to the bookstore to get a copy of the Times. There was no internet, much less Alexa. This is when they look at me in pity for my pioneer upbringing.

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About a decade ago, people started asking me would the web replace the printed newspaper. “Maybe,” was the answer then and still is for the future. But I just don’t think the web is going to replace news and getting out information – assuming we do our jobs right both on the reporting and business ends.

Take the story of New Hanover County recently adopting its budget for next year, a decision that caused some debate because of what the impacts might be on homeowners’ bills. Business Journal readers might have come across that info in print in our June 18 newspaper, online on our website or email newsletter, through a post on our Twitter feed or via a WilmingtonBiz Talk podcast featuring an interview with the county manager about it.

That’s a self-promotional case study, but, still, an example of how we disseminate info in this day and age.

So in that spirit, however this issue of the WilmingtonBiz Magazine is getting to you, we hope you pick up new information and learn something new.

VICKY JANOWSKI, EDITOR vjanowski@wilmingtonbiz.com

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BUSTLING VENUE: Jay and Tara Tatum bought

the Brooklyn Arts Center events business in 2018, closing on their purchase of the downtown Wilmington venue itself in August 2020.

Although COVID-19 halted or shrank events at the BAC for several months beginning in March 2020, the center’s activity started getting back to normal as guidelines put in place to halt the spread of the virus were relaxed.

BAC hosts numerous types of events, including concerts and community events, but weddings are a mainstay, and COVID-19 led many to be rescheduled. Sometimes the BAC has two separate weddings going on at the same time.

Jay Tatum said, “We moved about 50 brides from 2020 to 2021.”

photo by ARIS HARDING

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NUMBERS

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WILMINGTON

BEHIND THE

PASSENGERS (JAN.-APRIL)

305,453

13 20 TO

199,811*

JUNE 1 MARKED THE START OF THE HURRICANE season this year.

For emergency officials – as well as local residents and businesses – that means it’s time to make plans they hope won’t be needed.

NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center forcasts another above-normal Atlantic hurricane season and a range of 13 to 20 named storms through Nov. 30. Last year’s Atlantic hurricane season was the most active on record.

Locally, Hurricane Isaias made landfall in August at Ocean Isle Beach and caused damage in Brunswick County.

Despite last year’s activity and this year’s prediction, sometimes it’s not the overall number that matters.

“No matter if it’s a slow season or a busy season, it only takes one storm to be a bad season,” said Tommy Batson, emergency management director for Pender County. “An example is: Hurricane Andrew was (during) a slow season (in 1992), but Andrew hit Florida. And you ask south Florida what happened when Andrew hit, it was the worst situation they’ve ever had.”

As officials in the Cape Fear region prepare, some of the questions they already are getting come from newer residents who have moved to the area.

“I think our biggest impact that we have now is our population growth … that we’re seeing such an influx of population and people coming to our county here that weren’t familiar with hurricanes,” said Edward Conrow, Brunswick County’s emergency services director.

In September 2018, Hurricane Florence caused widespread flooding that cut the Wilmington area off from the rest of the state. Changes for New Hanover County since then include establishing a stormwater services program to address drainage and forging contracts with more local companies to provide commodities and fuel during a disaster instead of relying on suppliers from outside the area.

“A lot of those prepositioned contracts doubling down on local business was a huge lesson learned from us,” said Steven Still, emergency management director for New Hanover County.

This conversation was part of a recent WilmingtonBiz Talk interview.

To watch to rest of it or to tune into the weekly livestreamed discussions, go to facebook.com/WilmingtonBiz. To catch up on previous talks, find the show on your favorite podcast platform.

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WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH

BY VICKY JANOWSKI

168,736

2021

2020

$6.4

$

$

MILLION

MAY HOME SALE THAT SET A NEW RECORD FOR MOST-EXPENSIVE SALE IN NHC

TRI-COUNTY AREA

REGION PREPS FOR ANOTHER ACTIVE HURRICANE SEASON

2019

BRUNSWICK

$163.9M

N E W HA N OV E R

$402.8M

PE N DE R

$49.3M

SALES AND PURCHASES I N M A RC H TA XA BLE

WILMINGTON MSA

NAMED STORMS PREDICTIONS FOR 2021

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*travel impacts from COVID-19 began in March

297,533

CURRENT CENSUS POPULATION ESTIMATE (NEW HANOVER AND PENDER COUNTIES)

440,353

POPULATION ESTIMATE IF BRUNSWICK COUNTY WERE INCLUDED IN THE MSA Sources: Wilmington International Airport, N.C. Regional Multiple Listing Service, N.C. Department of Revenue, U.S. Census Bureau

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INDIVIDUAL INVESTMENT

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HE GIFT OF HARDSHIP IS ONE WE WOULD ALL PREFER TO RECEIVE WITHOUT THE HARDSHIP. Anyone who has received a difficult medical diagnosis understands the very personal shift in perspective that accompanies it; maybe the pandemic is our societal version.

Individually, our epiphany is often the realization that we are not young anymore. Societally, we are recognizing that our economy has changed too, even if we struggle to find the words to describe it.

Google trends data show increasing interest in “income inequality” starting almost a decade ago with recent spikes and increased emphasis on searches for “racial inequality.”

These searches reflect the pandemic’s gift: a realization that our economy and the nature of opportunities are shifting; now we must use that gift for good.

In the early 1940s, service-producing employment slightly outpaced goods-producing employment by about 10% , 44% to 56%, respectively.

But over time service-sector employment has steadily grown as a percentage of employment, and today it is 86% of employment nationwide.

Yet our educational system and social constructs haven’t evolved as quickly. (Note: The shift to service employment is even more pronounced in Southeastern North Carolina).

Even the term “capitalism,” with its emphasis on ownership of factories and equipment, is reflective of a prior era. Today, the emphasis would

A D A M J O N E S be better placed on who owns the “human capital”, the skills, needed in a service economy. These valuable assets are owned by the individual, not some capitalist. But just like physical capital a century ago, human capital is not evenly distributed.

The pandemic laid bare the differences in human capital and opportunity. In the service-producing sector, those with higher levels of educational attainment and human capital were able to produce their intellectual services remotely, while those providing physical services were not.

Employment in leisure and hospitality fell by 50% during the pandemic, while professional services employment fell by only 10%, and finance and insurance employment barely budged at all!

Some households saw their financial position improve dramatically during the pandemic, while others faced down financial ruin with the most vulnerable in our communities bearing the brunt of the negative effects.

But the confluence of public health events, economic disruptions and political upheaval is driving a shift in social perspectives and policy, hopefully for the better.

To address the disparities exposed by the pandemic, we will need to consider alternatives to the structures of 80 years ago and recognize

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that individuals own, and are responsible for, their own human capital and their own career paths.

The key to economic growth regionally and higher incomes rests squarely on our ability to develop people.

Human capital is built in a variety of ways and is not equal to the number of days spent sitting at a school desk; simply expecting the schools to do more is not a viable solution.

Human capital is built through experiences, mentorship, internships and, yes, formal education too.

As a region strongly reliant on leisure and hospitality, some of the most promising opportunities are in supervisory roles requiring a skillset difficult to convey in traditional education but crucial for the career development of many.

For others, transitioning from an entry-level job to a career might require a micro-credentialling approach or certifications to show prospective employers a knowledge of software or other skills not reflected in prior work experience.

For example, many of our fellow residents have demonstrated wcustomer service skills but need a path to develop and signal competency in other skills required for their next opportunity.

A century-and-a-half ago, Karl Marx theorized that capitalism’s excesses would lead to revolt and its destruction as workers rose up to seize control. But economic evolution has opened a new path, one where the primary inputs into production are already owned by the workers – human capital.

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H O U S I N G YO U R W O R K F O R C E

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RE YOU HAVING TROUBLE FILLING THE ENTRYAND MID-LEVEL VACANCIES ON YOUR STAFF? IF YOU ARE, ONE EXPLANATION MIGHT BE THAT THE TALENT AT THOSE INCOME LEVELS CANNOT AFFORD TO LIVE HERE. Housing expenses meet the definition of affordable when they do not exceed 30% of gross income. So, a modest two-bedroom apartment ($1,000/ month) is technically affordable to those making at least $40,000 per year.

Critical positions in hospitality, child care and office administration often fall well below that salary.

When housing exceeds 30% of gross income, the household is considered cost-burdened and typically cannot meet all the family’s basic needs or save for the future.

From my vantage point at WARM (Wilmington Area Rebuilding Ministry Inc.), I see a symptom of this problem.

Young workers, some with children, find themselves unable to afford housing so they move back in with their parents.

Fortunately, the City of Wilmington is working on a complete rewrite of our Land Development Code (LDC) including robust incentives for workforce housing.

From my vantage point on the City of Wilmington’s Planning Commission, I hear many questions and concerns around workforce housing. Here are a few: WHAT IS THE SOLUTION? The new LDC does not have the solution. It has many strategies and re-

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J C L Y L E quires many participants. Our housing problems have many causes, from the skyrocketing cost of land and building materials to chronic social issues. These problems are too complex to be solved by one entity, one sector or one document. The role of the LDC is to propose strategies, like the ones below, that eliminate barriers in the current code and create new incentives for development of workforce housing.

The new LDC recognizes the important role of infill development in a thriving city. For example, the increased lot size and extra parking requirements for adding accessory dwelling units (ADUs) have been removed, making it more feasible to build a tiny home in the backyard for your mother-in-law or lease an apartment above your garage to The Fonz.

It is not legal to force developers to include affordable or workforce units. Instead, the new LDC provides incentives such as density bonuses for developers to include 10-15% workforce housing units in multifamily projects, dispersing (instead of concentrating) workforce units throughout the city. Per HUD calculations, the maximum rental rate on a workforce unit produced in New Hanover County this year would be $1,238 per month.

The city’s Create Wilmington Comprehensive Plan and the new LDC encourage greater density near existing adequate infrastructure and, in our thriving city, near services and jobs.

This reduces or eliminates high-cost M A G A Z I N E

water and sewer extensions, making low-cost housing more achievable.

WHY ARE THERE SO MANY APARTMENTS? In the past few years, many apartment complexes have been built in commercial districts on major corridors using Commercial District Mixed Use (CDMU) zoning. These projects have given our city hundreds of units within walking or biking distance of restaurants, stores and workplaces.

Due to the high visibility of these projects, it is easy to conclude that there are too many apartment buildings in Wilmington. The data does not agree. Based on the economic law of supply and demand, too many apartments would translate into lower rents.

Changes to the CDMU in 2020 included a density bonus for including workforce units in these projects in the future.

Wilmington does need more duplexes, townhomes and other “missing middle” products for households needing less than a detached single-family home but more than an apartment.

One strategy to encourage missing middle housing is a simpler approval process. Instead of requiring City Council approval on a case-by-case basis, the proposed process can be handled at staff level, reducing expenses and providing a more predictable timeline for the applicant.

Another strategy involves reducing setbacks and lot size requirements for missing middle projects. More of these units can be produced overall and the savings on the rising cost of land can be passed on to the future tenant or homeowner.

WILL DENSITY INCREASE TRAFFIC? These strategies above will lead to greater residential density throughout

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S PA R K IDEAS

EDITOR'S NOTE: The Greater Wilmington Business Journal and WilmingtonBiz Magazine publish a regular series of op-eds about ideas for sparking economic growth in the region. If you have a column topic to be considered, email editor@wilmingtonbiz.com.

REACTIONS, OPINIONS AND QUOTABLES FROM OUR ONLINE SOUNDING BOARDS

O N FA C E B O O K . C O M / W I L M I N GT O N B I Z yes

2021

CROWDSOURCING PLAN TO LIST YOUR HOME FOR SALE THIS YEAR?

PLAN TO BUY A HOME THIS YEAR?

NO

YES

NO YES

yes

the city. One concern is that density will make traffic heavier and lower the quality of life for current residents. The reality is, we cannot roll up I-40 and stop people from moving here. Building housing near the places people work and play makes Wilmington a better place for current and future residents.

I cannot say it any better than our planning director Glenn Harbeck: “It is often said that Wilmington does not have a traffic problem – the problem is getting the commuting traffic in and out of the city ... a greater density of development in the city – near jobs and services – is the best solution to the region’s traffic problem.”

HOW CAN I LEARN MORE? The full draft has been released for public review and comment. Visit wilmingtonnc.gov/ LDC. I encourage you to review and comment on the many regulations that may impact your business now or in the future: signage, building setbacks, frontage, parking – but don’t overlook the features that will help ensure all workers can live near opportunities offered by companies like yours.

JC Lyle is chair of the Wilmington Planning Commission and executive director of Wilmington Area Rebuilding Ministry Inc. (WARMnc. org).

W I L M I N GT O N B I Z . C O M

SOUND BITES NHC PROPERTY TAX RATES (BASED ON CENTS PER $100 VALUATION)

55.5

2020-21 TAX RATE

47.5 2021-22 TAX RATE

CALCULATED REVENUE-NEUTRAL RATE: 42.5* *The revenue-neutral rate reflected the county’s recent revaluation that resulted in an average increase of more than 30% for property values.

ON NEW HANOVER COUNTY’S $458 MILLION BUDGET FOR THE NEXT FISCAL YEAR (WHICH INCLUDES A PROPERTY TAX RATE OF 47.5 CENTS PER $100 VALUATION, LOWER THAN LAST YEAR’S 55.5-CENT RATE BUT STILL POTENTIALLY HIGHER TAX BILLS FOR SOME HOMEOWNERS BECAUSE OF HIGHER REVALUATIONS THIS YEAR). THE 2021-22 BUDGET PASSED JUNE 7 BY A VOTE OF 3-2.

“THE 47.5-CENT RATE IS “one of the lowest tax rates that we’ve ever had in the county’s history.” - JULIA OLSON-BOSEMAN, NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS CHAIR

“THE (TEACHER) SUPPLEMENT INCREASE (of $4,817 to an average of $9,000) takes the district from ranking 27th to No. 1 in the state, based on current fiscal year data.” - CHRIS COUDRIET, NEW HANOVER COUNTY MANAGER

“I BELIEVE WE CAN DO THAT (increasing education funding) without burdening our property owners.” - DEB HAYS, NEW HANOVER COUNTY COMMISSIONER

SIGN UP FOR DAILY NEWS UPDATES AND SUBSCRIBE TO THE GREATER WILMINGTON BUSINESS JOURNAL AT WILMINGTONBIZ.COM

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PHOTO BY MICHAEL CLINE SPENCER

MOLSON COORS INVESTS IN TRU COLORS BREWERY

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ilmington startup TRU Colors has partnered with national beverage company Molson Coors, which has made an equity investment in the local brewery to accelerate its growth.

The amount of the investment from Chicago-based Molson Coors Beverage Co. was not disclosed.

The partnership, however, will also involve the distribution of TRU Colors’ new brew.

TRU Colors plans to distribute its beer across North Carolina this summer and later this year in Virginia, with plans to expand nationally in about two years of launching the brewery operation, said George Taylor, chairman and CEO of TRU Colors.

TRU Colors looked at several “significant brewery partners” but chose Molson Coors because of its commitment to diversity, inclusion

and social justice, Taylor said.

TRU Colors is a for-profit brewery that hires Wilmington gang members and those involved in the gang community to help combat street violence.

The brewery will be distributing its beer exclusively through Molson Coors’ network of distributors, Taylor said.

“They’re one of the top two or three players in the world, certainly in the U.S. And so, when you partner with someone like MolsonCoors and you begin speaking with large grocery chains or venue chains it gives us a leg up in helping share the message and share why our beer is important,” Taylor said. “So from a distribution standpoint, it really makes a big difference to have Molson partnering with us.”

- Christina Haley O’Neal

TO STAY I N T H E LO O P O N T H E L AT E ST AR E A B U S I NE S S H A P P EN IN G S , CHECK OUT OUR DA I LY A F T ER NOON NE W S L E T T E R . S I G N U P AT WILM IN GTON BIZ.COM .

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SPORTS PARK NETS $1.3M SPONSORSHIP Cloud banking firm nCino is paying $1.3 million for the long-term sponsorship of a Wilmington sports park.

The nCino Sports Park is expected to draw tens of thousands of parents and players when it opens.

The complex is expected to hold 11 fields, including an artificial turf field. Seven fields already exist as part of the Cape Fear Regional Soccer Park, which will be incorporated into nCino Sports Park.

The new park, on 65 acres at 205 Sutton Steam Plant Road, is part of the 2016 voterapproved parks bond, which allocated $10 million for the project.

Wilmington Hammerheads Youth Soccer donated the land, and the park is expected to be complete by the fall of 2022.

- Cece Nunn

$19

MILLION

Cost of the Port of Wilmington’s refrigerated container yard expansion.

$221MILLION

Total cost of N.C. Ports’ capital improvement plan, which includes the yard expansion.

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‘A M AT T E R O F T I M E ’

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N 2019, GREENSBOROBASED THE CARROLL COMPANIES SUBMITTED PLANS FOR A MAJOR MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT OFF MILITARY CUTOFF ROAD. Dubbed The Avenue, plans called for 10 buildings making up more than 425,000 square feet of residential and commercial space, including a Westin Hotel.

Class A office space and 500 luxury apartment units were included in the proposals.

Fully transforming the area, which once housed a mobile home park and an industrial building, into an upscale live-work-play enclave was always expected to take some time. And the disruption from the COVID-19 pandemic prompted developers to reassess their plans for what to build first.

But company founder Roy Carroll said recently that the project is ready to move forward this year.

He said in January that the Westin, with more than 230 rooms, will still be built but construction would likely start in a later phase of the multi-phased project. In a newer plan for an upscale spa on the property, the spa could be located on an island in a lake built next to the hotel and connected by a bridge.

Instead of starting with the hotel, he said at the time, crews could begin by working on residential space in buildings that would be located in

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BY VICKY JANOWSKI

HAVE YOUR DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES CHANGED AS A RESULT OF THE PANDEMIC AND IF SO, HOW?

ROY CARROLL PRESIDENT

Owner The Carroll Companies

the back of the 44-acre site.

Here is some more from Carroll on the project’s progress.

WHAT’S THE LATEST UPDATE ON THE AVENUE MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT PROJECT OFF MILITARY CUTOFF ROAD?

“We had a slight pause in our plan(ned) development on the Avenue project last year due to COVID. We have, in the last several months, released the engineers and architects to proceed at full speed in completing the Avenue plans.

We still believe that Avenue will be a great addition to Wilmington, and we are excited to be able to reveal our plans in the near future.”

DO YOU HAVE A TIMEFRAME IN MIND TO START CONSTRUCTION?

“We will start the demolition of several buildings on the site in the next month or so,” Carroll said in early June. “We expect phase 1 to begin in the fourth quarter of this year.”

“Not much has changed on our plans. The only small change is less retail but not a significant change in the retail square footage. Avenue never had the amount of retail that some were stating.”

THE CARROLL COMPANIES HAS SEVERAL PROJECTS UNDERWAY, FROM AN INDUSTRIAL PARK IN ROCKINGHAM COUNTY TO APARTMENT DEVELOPMENTS IN OTHER STATES. WHAT FIRST ATTRACTED YOU TO THE WILMINGTON MARKET FOR THE AVENUE SITE IN 2019? HAS THE MARKET CHANGED SINCE THEN FOR YOU?

“We are now developing over $1 billion in new projects in eight states.

We pick great markets to invest in.

We look for markets that are exciting in creating great jobs and livable spaces.

Wilmington in my mind is an ‘undiscovered gem.’ I believe The Carroll Companies’ $250 million Avenue investment is a solid bet.”

DO YOU THINK YOU’LL PLAN OTHER PROJECTS IN THE WILMINGTON AREA?

“Yes, once we invest in a market, we always look for other opportunities. We have recently made offers on several fronts in the Wilmington market. So far, none have worked out.

But that’s just a matter of time.”

-Assistant editor Cece Nunn contributed to this article.

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A MULTI-MILLION-DOLLAR PROJECT TO REPAIR AND UPDATE THE BATTLESHIP NORTH CAROLINA MAKES HEADWAY

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BY CHRISTINA HALEY O'NEAL PHOTOS BY ALAN CRADICK

n 2009, the U.S. Navy gave two directives: either make plans to scrap the USS North Carolina or set out to restore the World War II-era warship.

So launched the multi-year Generations Campaign to fund work on the aging vessel that today has racked up over $23 million in public and private funds.

“It’s the most successful public-private partnership in the history of the Battleship North Carolina,” said Capt. Terry Bragg, executive director of the attraction. “We’ve had other fundraising campaigns, but not of this scale or of this success.”

Now celebrating its 60th year docked at the Cape Fear River spot, the Battleship North Carolina is nearing the conclusion of the second phase in the project to update and preserve the vessel as an anchor attraction for the area.

BATTLESHIP PROJECTS

The Generations Campaign was conceived to support the greatest challenge that the battleship has experienced in its modern life as a state memorial: the deterioration of its hull and issues that have come with climate change, Bragg said.

The ship’s preservation was paramount to keeping the ship a historical monument moored in the Cape Fear River.

“According to the Navy, the battleship is supposed to have significant hull repairs every 20 years,” Bragg said. “However, the Battleship North Carolina was never dry docked or has had significant hull repairs since 1953.”

In response to the Navy, battleship officials planned and executed several projects through the campaign. Those included an $8.5 million cofferdam, $3.6 million Memorial Walkway and $2.5 million in hull repairs. The campaign also helped the battleship to install additional educational features for visitors at a cost of about $2 million.

The walkway and cofferdam were completed in 2018, with the final repairs to the hull to wrap up soon.

The cofferdam, a watertight structure built around the battleship, allowed water to be pumped out so that major work could take place on the hull in a dry workspace.

Battleship officials hired Wilmington-based Bowman Murray Hemingway Architects as the architect and Neal Andrew of Andrew Consulting Engineers as the battleship’s consulting engineer for the walkway and cofferdam projects. They are also the design and engineering team for the hull repairs, Bragg said.

“Doing hull repairs on the Battleship North Carolina is no simple task … There is no other project like the repairs of the battleship in the world,” Bragg said.

“There was not a naval shipyard or an architect, so we have done this all with homegrown talent in Wilmington.”

With the repairs to the battleship hull coming to an end this year, officials are turning their sights on phase three of the Generations Campaign: a project to construct a living shoreline, install wetlands and improve drainage and the elevation of the battleship site. The projects, collectively, have been dubbed the Living with Water initiative.

“We had been focused on the repairs to the ship, but climate change accelerated around 2015 and is even more dramatic today with the number of flooding events in the whole coastal plain. So we added Living with Water as phase three of the Generations Campaign,” Bragg said.

The battleship has secured $2.3 million in state and federal grants specifically geared toward the Living with Water initiative.

“But we have essentially established an ultimate goal of $5 million for that Living with Water project for the battleship,” Bragg said.

The battleship hired Moffatt & Nichol, which is designing plans for the project with work expected to begin in 2022.

“We’re going to build a living shoreline, a new high-tech, environmentally sensitive way to protect the grounds of the battleship,” Bragg said. “And we are going to build a constructed wetlands. Right now, the water washes over the road, comes over the marsh and goes everywhere. So we are going to build a pathway for that water to transit our properties.”

The other element is the redesign of the grounds’ drainage systems and possibly elevating the parking lot, Bragg said.

There is also $1 million the

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USS NORTH CAROLINA HULL DAMAGE DOCUMENTED AS REPAIR WORK BEGAN IN JULY 2020

GENERATIONS CAMPAIGN FUNDING

$8.5

MILLION

COFFERDAM, A WATERTIGHT STRUCTURE TO CONTROL WATER AROUND THE SHIP FOR HULL REPAIRS (COMPLETED 2018)

$2 MILLION EDUCATION INFRASTRUCTURE, INCLUDING WIFI, DISPLAY CASES AND OTHER ADDED FEATURES

$2.5M

HULL REPAIRS

(SET TO BE COMPLETE THIS YEAR)

$3.6 MILLION

MEMORIAL WALKWAY

(COMPLETED 2018)

$5M

FUNDING GOAL FOR LIVING WITH WATER , A SET OF PROJECTS TO HELP CONTROL WATER AT THE SITE (WORK EXPECTED TO START IN 2022)

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Capt. Terry Bragg, executive director of the Battleship North Carolina, inside the ship PHOTO BY ARIS HARDING

battleship received in federal relief funds for Hurricane Florence repairs such as repainting needed on the battleship mast, which is outside of the campaign initiative, he said.

“We have a lot going on; we have construction going on, visitation is booming and we’re prosperous,” Bragg said.

BAT T LE S HI P A N NUA L V I S I TO R S

SOURCE: BATTLESHIP NORTH CAROLINA

250k

200k

150k

100k

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 * 2019 ** 2020 ***

VISITORS

50k

closed for a few weeks due to Hurricane Florence closed briefly from Hurricane Dorian and flooding; visitors center at least partially closed for months for renovations *** closed starting March 17 due to COVID; reopened main deck and above only May 26; and reopened the full public tour route Sept. 5 *

**

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THE CAMPAIGN

Battleship officials launched the initial fundraising campaign in 2016, with a goal to reach $18 million for the project’s first two phases.

Through public and private support, the total has reached more than $23 million, and donations are still coming in, Bragg said.

Funds remaining in the campaign account and additional donations anticipated to come in will support closing out the hull project and extensive painting of the ship. Extra funds also will go toward the final price tag for the Living with Water initiative and future educational features.

A gift phase was launched in 2012 seeking the support of statewide leaders for the Generations Campaign’s start, while a public gift phase was rolled out later.

M A G A Z I N E

Large financial donors to the campaign include the State Employees Credit Union Foundation, BB&T (now Truist) and Duke Energy, on top of other banks and smaller donors over the years. The state of North Carolina also allocated $10 million in funding for the cofferdam and hull projects, Bragg said.

On top of the financial support, North Carolina-based Nucor Corp. donated all of the steel plating for repairing and preserving the battleship’s hull.

The Generations Campaign also received support from federal lawmakers, including U.S. Rep. David Rouzer (R-NC).

Bragg said Rouzer’s office and others were key in supporting the battleship in obtaining a $200,000 federal maritime heritage grant, which at the time was the largest such grant in the nation and helped support hull repairs.

The battleship’s preservation and other important pieces of war history have added to Wilmington’s appeal to visitors, Rouzer said in a statement.

It also aided in Wilmington being selected in 2020 by the National Parks Service as the first American World War II Heritage City.

BATTLESHIP’S ARRIVAL WAS A BOON TO WILMINGTON’S ECONOMY In March of 1524, explorer Giovanni da Verrazzano navigated his three-masted ship La Dauphine up the Cape Fear River, sailing past the bluffs we know today as Wilmington. In the ensuing 500 years, ships have continued to make their way up and down the Cape Fear. None, however, has had a bigger local impact than the former USS North Carolina, which was towed up the river to stay in 1961 (shown right).

The ship has sat idle for 60 years, but its reach has been far and wide, not only for Wilmington’s economy but also its identity.

Today, the Battleship North Carolina is arguably the area’s most-visible and well-known landmark. And although the ship is the pride of Wilmington, it still carries North Carolina’s name. (The entire state rallied to save the ship, which was headed to the scrapyard in the late 1950s.)

As much as it serves as a tourist attraction and living history lesson, the ship is foremost a memorial to the state’s World War II veterans and the 11,000 North Carolinians who died during the war.

Described on its website as “moored in quiet dignity and majesty across the river from downtown Wilmington,” that setting wasn’t always as

The USS North Carolina was officially dedicated as the Battleship North Carolina in April 1962.

appealing as it is today – on either side of the river.

Once a bustling maritime/ industrial site, by the mid20th century the west side of the Cape Fear River was mainly barren other than the thick vegetation that had re-emerged on marshy Eagles Island. On the east side of the river, downtown Wilmington was on a downward trajectory, reeling from the 1960 departure of its biggest employer, the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad.

Amazingly, only a year after the decision was made to bring the ship from a New Jersey shipyard to North Carolina, on Oct. 2, 1961, the 730-foot vessel was standing watch over the Port City, carrying on the maritime legacy of Verrazzano, as well as the hundreds of World War II Liberty Ships built a few miles south.

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PHOTO C/O BATTLESHIP NORTH CAROLINA

BY SCOTT NUNN

Although the battleship is in many ways Wilmington’s “brand,” it wasn’t always a given it would end up here. Early on, Morehead City, Swansboro, Southport and Carolina Beach were also in the running to host the ship. Wilmington had one important advantage: a protected harbor farther away from the worst effects of hurricanes.

Wilmington was down but not out, the arrival of the battleship seemed to say.

Much work had to be done before the ship opened to tourists, including the removal of much of the deck armament and building a boarding system.

As a busy port and railroad city, Wilmington itself had little history as a tourism destination – a local sector pretty much isolated to the beach towns. With the railroad

gone, area leaders felt that the city’s location near the beach was one of the best cards it had to play. But since there was no Wilmington tourism industry as we know it today, the city would have to build its own.

The battleship was one of those early efforts, building on the Azalea Festival. The Showboat, as it was known, was officially dedicated as the Battleship North Carolina in April 1962 and is one of the top tourist destinations in the state.

With the battleship anchoring the west bank of the Cape Fear, the redevelopment of downtown and the riverfront as a tourist/ recreation destination was the next big step, a movement capped by the construction of the Riverwalk in the 1980s.

Gene Merritt, a major player in the revitalization of downtown Wilmington, was a senior at New Hanover High School the day the ship arrived.

“I skipped school to see the ship dock,” Merritt said, calling the battleship a “very positive social and economic force for Southeastern North Carolina and downtown Wilmington.”

“It has clearly played a significant role in the evolution of tourism in our area,” Merritt said. “It is a major source of pride for the state of North Carolina, a cultural and economic asset that should be nurtured and encouraged.”

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“This designation, along with the USS North Carolina as its most prominent cornerstone, helps preserve Wilmington’s war effort contributions and will continue to bring visitors from across the state and nation to appreciate the history of our region for years to come,” Rouzer said.

ATTRACTING VISITORS

This April more than 20,000 people visited the attraction, more than during any other April in the past 10 years, Bragg said.

Visitation to the battleship has grown over the years but slowed last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The Battleship North Carolina is recovering from COVID. It’s in a bit of a renaissance, and revenue is ramping up very quickly,” Bragg said. “We expect to have a very strong visitors season for the summer.”

According to the Wilmington and Beaches Convention and Visitors Bureau, the battleship consistently ranks as New Hanover

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County’s third-most visited “nonpark attraction” based on figures provided by area attractions. It’s also a top attraction for the state, said Kim Hufham, president and CEO of the New Hanover County Tourism Development Authority, doing business as the Wilmington and Beaches CVB. The site draws visitors from across the state, nation and abroad, she said.

Maintaining the battleship for the future will continue to promote it for visitors for years to come, she said, through interpretive exhibits, photographs, mementos, oral histories, online resources and special events.

“The Battleship North Carolina’s active role in our community was among the criteria that led to Wilmington being recently selected as the nation’s first WWII Heritage City,” Hufham said.

“The battleship’s commitment to ongoing maintenance and repairs helps to improve the visitor experience and ensure that the

M A G A Z I N E

Battleship North Carolina will be here to enjoy for decades to come.

New exhibits, the walkway, special events and programming provide repeat visitors with new ways to experience the ship.”

Raising $23 million for the effort was no small feat, Bragg said.

“The hull repairs, the education, the walkway and the Living with Water will preserve the destiny of the Battleship North Carolina to continue decades into the future as the state’s memorial, as an attraction and a center for education,” he said.

“I predict in the decades to come, most of the historic ship fleet – of about 175 historic ships around the world – most of them will start to succumb to the challenges of corrosion and deterioration and an inability to raise the capital funds at this level,” Bragg said. “And that in 100 years, there will be a very small handful of historic ships representing the World War II history of the country that will still survive. One of them will be the Battleship North Carolina.”

DIVERSITY in BUSINESS L

BY VICKY JANOWSKI

A ROUNDTABLE CHECKING IN ON THIS YEAR’S EFFORTS

AST SUMMER, MANY BUSINESSES AND ORGANIZATIONS PLEDGED TO IMPROVE THEIR DIVERSITY EFFORTS.

T H E PA N E L

ZEDRICK APPLIN PROGRAM MANAGER OF DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION AND COMMUNITY (NCINO)

JOE CONWAY DIRECTOR OF HEALTH EQUITY AND HUMAN EXPERIENCE (NHRMC)

DARION JERALDS GENERAL MANAGER SOURCING AND CHIEF DIVERSITY OFFICER (GE HITACHI NUCLEAR ENERGY)

LINDA THOMPSON CHIEF DIVERSITY AND EQUITY OFFICER (NEW HANOVER COUNTY)

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Those came in the aftermath of the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis while in police custody that sparked protests nationally and internationally and prompted conversations about the state of race relations around the country.

On May 25, a year after Floyd’s death, the Business Journal talked with a panel of diversity officers from some of the area’s largest employers about what some of those conversations have been like since last summer – both in the community and at work – and what comes next. Here are excerpts from that panel talk. For more from the roundtable, go to WilmingtonBizMagazine.com.

HOW AND WHY DID YOUR ROLE COME ABOUT?

ZEDRICK APPLIN, WHO IN MARCH WAS NAMED FINTECH COMPANY NCINO’S FIRST-EVER PROGRAM MANAGER OF DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION AND COMMUNITY:

“This role, the genesis of it started the end of our last fiscal year. We have a company kickoff every February to talk about the goals of what the company does for the year. So back in 2020 when we had our company kickoff, our CEO (Pierre Naudé) expressed his importance of really wanting to put an emphasis on diversity, equity and inclusion even before all of the events of last summer happened. … I was a part of a council of probably about nine

employees across different departments that advised our CEO on D&I topics, discussions, informed them about what our employee base was thinking. And as we continued to have these conversations, not only with our CEO, but then he started having them with the board of directors, their emphasis was we need to hire somebody specifically to really manage and do this for us for the company.”

DARION JERALDS, WHO SERVES AS GENERAL MANAGER FOR SOURCING AT GE HITACHI NUCLEAR ENERGY BUT IS ALSO THE COMPANY’S CHIEF DIVERSITY OFFICER:

“After the events that happened in the spring and summer of last year, (GE CEO) Larry Culp put out a message to all employees and reaffirmed his position S U M M E R 2021

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W E ’V E G OT TO S E E O URS E LV ES AS MORE T H A N J U ST A CO MMU NIT Y F O R O N E G RO U P O F PEO P L E .

LINDA THOMPSON

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CHIEF DIVERSITY AND EQUITY OFFICER (NEW HANOVER COUNTY)

in support of diversity and inclusion and developed the CDO role for the company. That is Mike Barber, who represents us as a global company. In addition to that, he wanted to make sure that we had focused efforts around this in each business, and so diversity leaders were named within each business. Our president for nuclear reached out to me and asked if this was something that I’d be interested in leading. I’d led our African American forum in the past – highly engaged with our community efforts – and so I was thrilled to step into this capacity to support the business.”

LINDA THOMPSON, WHO BECAME NEW HANOVER COUNTY’S FIRST CHIEF DIVERSITY AND EQUITY OFFICER LAST YEAR:

“Last August, the county decided to hire a diversity and equity chief.

The discussions had been coming a little prior to George Floyd. In June, … county commissioners as well as the county executive leadership team decided it was time to create an Office of Diversity and Equity for New Hanover County. I was hired in August of last year. … They decided to create the diversity and equity office to, first of all, train and educate not only our 1,800-plus employees but to also reach out and train and educate our community, companies and businesses, and not-for-profits throughout our community. And to also look at the way we distribute services and how we operate on a day-to-day basis as a county government. And then lastly how we engage as a community, especially in those communities that are often

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overlooked, those demographics that just don’t come up around the table all the time when we were discussing our services.”

JOE CONWAY, WHO BECAME NHRMC’S DIRECTOR OF HEALTH EQUITY AND HUMAN EXPERIENCE IN 2017 WHEN THAT WAS A NEW POSITION FOR THE HOSPITAL:

“In 2017 … I had been roped into the diversity and inclusion part of new employee orientation, and I loved it. I mean it’s always been my forte, even back when I was at a hospital in Mississippi, I roped myself in there too. … I was a lean facilitator at the time (at NHRMC), who was beginning to organize employees on my own throughout the organization that just wanted to see a difference … To make a long story short, we formed a team known as Health Equity Advisory Team.”

(Around that time, then-incoming hospital CEO John Gizdic signed the #123forEquity Pledge to Act national campaign for hospitals and health systems to take actions on health disparities.)

“My role gets created. I apply for it, get it Sept. 11, 2017, and been running ever since.”

WITH THIS BEING A YEAR AFTER THE DEATH OF GEORGE F LO Y D, W H A T H A S Y O U R C O M PA N Y O R O R G A N I Z A T I O N B E E N D O I N G I N T H E PA S T YEAR?

APPLIN (NCINO) – “Shortly after, we started building out some of our ERG (employee resource groups) . The first one we built was our diaspora group, which is centered around our African American employees and those who represent the African diaspora. We had our nPride group that we built out around our LBGTQ community. And then our veterans networks for all of our former armed services and families that represent the armed services and build out those ERG groups. What we’re actually in the middle of right now, we’ve hired in an outside consultant to help us measure where we stand currently from a D&I (diversity and inclusion) M A G A Z I N E

perspective.”

THOMPSON (NEW HANOVER COUNTY) – “Certainly we can’t avoid the conversation of talking with our law enforcement community and trying to educate our community about the relationship and what changes need to be made. Just recently, our office hosted a Know Your Rights seminar. It was a webinar with our local law enforcement community … We probably had about 60 or 70 individuals from the community who signed on to be a part of that discussion. They went through a presentation, sharing exactly what citizens’ rights are when they engage with police officers. After about a 30-minute presentation, people were able to ask questions of police officers, of the DA, of the public defender, and so those questions were answered … Our goal in our office since George Floyd is to certainly have the conversation that seems to be the elephant in the room. We want to try to lead our community into having those conversations, and people want to talk. They just don’t know how; they’re afraid to. They’re afraid they’re gonna get accused of things, but they want to understand.”

”

(IT’ S BEEN ) A LOT OF IN TERNAL TR A IN IN G, TA LKI NG , H EA R IN G STORI ES, TA L K IN G SOME MORE A N D H EA R IN G MORE STOR IES.

”

JOE CONWAY

DIRECTOR OF HEALTH EQUITY AND HUMAN EXPERIENCE (NHRMC)

CONWAY (NHRMC) – “You remember when it was White Coats For Black Lives, that was actually organized by our physician residents … who just wanted to do something to communicate to the community

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WE ’RE W O R K I N G WIT H O U R H R T E A MS TO B E M O R E PROACT IV E IN DE V E LO PING TH E CA NDIDAT E PO O L. DARION JERALDS

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GENERAL MANAGER SOURCING AND CHIEF DIVERSITY OFFICER (GE HITACHI NUCLEAR ENERGY)

that, ‘Hey, we hear you; we see you.’

And then there’s been other things.

We’ve still got our Everyday Bias (for Healthcare Professionals course) going. We’re right at about 43.8% as of last month of the organization being trained. … We’ve had a Day of Understanding, which several CEOs across the country have committed to.

Carl Armato, our CEO, has definitely made that commitment, and he led that Day of Understanding. … I want to tag on to what everybody else has said: a lot of internal training, talking, hearing stories, talking some more and hearing more stories.”

JERALDS (GE HITACHI) – “For nuclear, we developed a four-pillar strategy. We wanted to put something in front of employees that they could understand and continue to hang on to throughout the process.

And so, those four pillars were culture; affinity networks – or ERGs, employee resource groups is what we’re starting to move toward calling them; partnerships; and development.

If I think about culture, a lot of that one is around how we measure things. At GE we say, and I’m sure a lot of other companies say, you measure what matters. … And so those metrics that we’ve put in place around representation of females and underrepresented minorities at the top level are being managed by each business CEO, and it waterfalls down the organization. So that was a big piece to start at the culture. …From a partnership perspective, a lot of that is with universities and

trying to build the pipeline to pull in diverse talent into the business. With HBCUs and Hispanic- and Latinoserving institutions is where we’ve been mostly focused, but within that partnership pillar, we also talk about supplier diversity … How are we helping to empower economically our underrepresented groups around the communities? Where are we spending our money?”

IN TERMS OF RECRUITING T A L E N T A N D E M P LO Y E E S , WHAT HAS THAT BEEN LIKE, S P E C I F I C A L LY J U S T T H E W I L M I N GT O N S I T E S N OT T H E OT H E R O F F I C E S ?

JERALDS (GE HITACHI) – “For us, it’s a challenge for multiple reasons. Wilmington itself isn’t the most diverse place to move to. We’re working with our HR teams to be more proactive in developing the candidate pool. … We saw a good amount of conversion from applied, to interview, to award the job, and so we’ve been focused in on how we cultivate more interest and make sure that we’re pulling the qualified candidates into our pool.

I would say the pandemic has been a gift and a curse (for hiring).

I think we’ve seen a lot of folks be more open to assignments that aren’t located in Wilmington. So when you think GEH as an organization and our diversity, it’s been a plus in ways where we’ve been able to offer roles to folks that did not want to move or didn’t want to move at this time. It has allowed us to pull in great, diverse candidates from across the country or the world. But at the same time, we’ve seen that be a detractor as well, where you have local talent or existing employees that were previously thinking, hey this is one of the best organizations in Wilmington, but now they have the opportunity to go wherever and work remotely for other organizations. So we’ve seen kind of the give and take there.”

APPLIN (NCINO) – “I think we can echo at nCino that same

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challenge, especially in a lot of our technical roles. We get a lot of applicants, and what we’re pressing upon our hiring managers and our recruiters is as you’re going to the interview phase, making sure that those people that you’re bringing it into the interview phase of the job, have a diverse pool of candidates. And if you don’t, don’t move into that phase yet. … I think the biggest hurdle that we’re trying to jump is those mid- to senior-level candidates and trying to recruit them to Wilmington … And what we’re finding is that it’s harder, especially those with families to get them here versus going somewhere like a Charlotte or Atlanta or even a Raleigh.”

THOMPSON (NEW HANOVER COUNTY) – “Beaches are wonderful, but that’s not what attracts diverse groups of people. … We need to enhance the social and cultural experiences of diverse communities in order to attract a diverse population.

But if you’ve got something that will attract young adults, you’ve got something that is going to keep them here and show them there’s an opportunity to move up in this community, they’re going to come. … And so the challenge is, how do we rebrand our community so it’s more attractive than just the beach. There is so much more to this community. And we’ve got to see ourselves as more than just a community for one group of people. We need a makeover when it comes to attracting professionals.”

”

I TH IN K TH E BI G G EST H UR DL E TH AT WE’RE TR YIN G TO J UMP I S TH OSE MID- TO SENI ORL EVEL CA N DIDAT ES AND TR YIN G TO R ECRUI T THEM TO WILMINGTON. ZEDRICK APPLIN

”

PROGRAM MANAGER OF DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION AND COMMUNITY (NCINO)

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YMCA sponsors’ content

Methods for Escaping the Pandemic Blues Aside from causing the waistlines of many individuals across the Cape Fear to rapidly expand, the pandemic has also resulted in large numbers of people reporting increased feelings of loneliness, depression and isolation. “By September, we started seeing huge impacts on mental health that were wholly caused by the pandemic,” said Dr. Brian Lanier of Promina Health. “Though some found ways to stay active, there has been a tremendous loss of the sense of community and fellowship provided by training in a group environment.”

Lanier has been intrigued by the interconnection between mental/physical well-being and as the founder of an innovative, membership-based practice, he is able to spend an hour with each of his patients. This allows for ample time to discuss current issues, future challenges and ways to improve.

“The benefits of training in a group environment go far beyond the physical,” says Lanier. “There is a significant emotional/spiritual benefit that comes from interacting with others.”

Apart from the accountability aspect that comes from consistently training with the same group of people, Lanier says that doing so helps to eliminate feelings of isolation and increase emotional bonds: “When you’re training in a group, if someone doesn’t show up, the others will often check in to see if they’re OK. This helps to create a sense of connection with people.”

Lanier added that the Y has been there for the community throughout the pandemic, that even while gyms were closed, it was offering child care for essential workers, outdoor recreational programs and a variety of other services that support the community. “This is not just a gym, it’s an organization that makes the community better,” he said. “If we want to get back to normal, there’s very few ways to do that, other than re-engaging with the Y.” YMCA President and CEO, Dick Jones adds, “The pandemic really taught us how to be flexible, every day. It also highlighted what has always been important about the Y and what Dr. Lanier is talking about.

The YMCA focuses on being a place for all people of all ages and backgrounds to come together and build connections through fitness, sports and other shared interests.”

With that in mind, the YMCA has developed and implemented a variety of classes and programs to ensure that everyone can achieve greater health and wellness, regardless of age or ability.

These classes and programs utilize a wide array of equipment for all skill levels, and are offered in addition to the support services and outreach methods already provided by the organization.

To help children and adults form new social ties, get active and enjoy a sport they love, the Y offers: •Adult sports programs including basketball, soccer, pickle ball, masters swim, racquetball and handball.

•Youth programs including soccer, basketball, flag football, dance, t-ball and volleyball.

•Abundant opportunities for children and families to spend enjoyable time with one another, through exercise, swimming and sports.

Reconnect with others at the YMCA. Learn more about our local YMCA programs and services at www.ymcasenc.org or call 910-251-9622.

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M A G A Z I N E

CENTER STAGE

Wilmington's Riverfront Park and amphitheater are set to make their debut, with expectations they will bring another bump to downtown

BY CECE NUNN | PHOTOS BY T.J. DRECHSEL AND MADELINE GRAY

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he idea of a $37 million baseball stadium on the waterfront in downtown Wilmington didn’t hit it off with Wilmington voters in a 2012 referendum. But four years later, $38 million worth of park projects did.

The crown jewel of the projects made possible by that 2016 bond referendum is Riverfront Park on the Northeast Cape Fear River, a landmark expected to bring in visitors and dollars and satisfy residents’ recreational demands. The park and its concert venue, Riverfront Park Amphitheater, are situated on the 6.6-acre site where the minor league baseball stadium might have been built.

“I’m glad that the city council made the decision to buy the property after baseball failed,” Wilmington Mayor Bill Saffo said of the city’s $4.1 million purchase in 2013. “Even though we lost (the baseball vote), I think at the end of the day, the city has won because the city turned around and said, ‘You know what, not too interested in baseball, but we’re really interested in music, in a nice park on the river.’”

BUILDING AN ACTIVE PARK In addition to the concert venue, for now called the Riverfront Park Amphitheater, and greenspace, the park is set up to be able to meet a variety of recreational and event

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demands, including wide lawns, a large plaza, a playground, a splash pad, trails and gardens.

“I remember when we first unveiled our master plan, somebody said it looked like we had thrown everything but the kitchen sink into the concept,” said Amy Beatty, community services director with the city, who has been spearheading the creation of the park and amphitheater. “But that gets back to that feeling of it being an active park.

We want the park to be just as busy on a Tuesday morning or a Thursday night or a Saturday afternoon. And so we need to be able to provide people with areas of the park that are programmed.”

Those programs will be paid for in part from the proceeds the city receives from concerts and events.

The amphitheater, a Live Nation venue managed by Venue Nation, can hold 7,200 people – 2,400 seated and 4,800 on the lawn. Within minutes of opening ticket sales, the amphitheater’s first act, rock band Widespread Panic, sold out all three of its July shows.

National performers aren’t the only benefits the nearly $35 million park is expected to bring to Wilmington.

“I think it’s going to be a great economic development engine for not only the city but for the region,” Saffo said. “Because when people come here, whether they’re vacationing or living in Brunswick County or Pender

County or even Horry County (in South Carolina), you’re going to be able to come here and see first-class entertainment in a first-class venue on the Cape Fear River.”

CONSTRUCTION COSTS

The park’s evolution came with challenges.

Its initial $20 million price tag ballooned as the cost of construction and materials skyrocketed, particularly after Hurricane Florence hit Wilmington in 2018. The cost went up to $31 million, with Live Nation kicking in $4 million. Of that, the concert promoter contributed $2 million as a result of reduced production costs achieved by the park having permanent structures, including a restroom building.

Permanent structures eliminate the need for things like tents, storage units and portable toilets cluttering the park during concert season, officials said.

Approving an additional $11 million also allowed the use of high-end materials for the park and amphitheater, including steel, brick, granite and locally harvested Southern cypress.

“As we were at final design, we presented different options to city council with some cost containment strategies, looking at changes in materials, looking at phasing parts of the park, etc.,” Beatty said. “And city council believed in the project and believed that it needed to be high-

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end, first-class and reflective of the emerging northern downtown district and surrounding investment, so they went for the full project with the high-end materials.”

”

WE WA N T TH E PARK TO BE J UST AS BUSY ON A TUESDAY MOR N IN G OR A TH UR SDAY N IGHT OR A SATUR DAY A FTER N OON .

”

AMY BEATTY Community Services Director City of Wilmington

As a result of its design and components, the park became the first outside of New York to achieve a resilient waterfront design certification from the New York Citybased nonprofit Waterfront Alliance.

“Resiliency is always a core component of our design process.

At (Riverfront Park, formerly called North Waterfront Park), we chose materials based on longterm durability and resistance to flood damage,” said Jennifer Sage, partner at one of the park’s design team members, Sage and Coombe Architects, in a Waterfront Alliance

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THE LINEUP

RIVERFRONT PARK AMPHITHEATER STAGE PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

JULY 16-18

WIDESPREAD PANIC:

7 P.M. FRIDAY • 7 P.M. SATURDAY • 6 P.M. SUNDAY AUGUST 14 SEPTEMBER 4

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announcement.

Sage said that the materials used for Riverfront Park have created “architecture that is robust while remaining warm and welcoming.

Buildings are elevated at least two feet above the base flood elevation, meaning the park and its facilities will be a valuable community resource for years to come.”

FINANCIAL DETAILS

The direct revenues the city will receive through its agreement with Live Nation include rental payments of $200,000 annually, $2 per every ticket sold, 50% of food and beverage sale revenues from civic events and 50% of facility title naming rights.

The annual costs to operate Riverfront Park will result in an $88,300 increase to the city community services department’s budget, Beatty said, with $82,300 going toward the addition of two grounds technicians and maintenance supplies. The remaining

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M A G A Z I N E

$6,000 is budgeted for administrative expenses, she said.

By contracting out management of the Hugh Morton Amphitheater (also known as Greenfield Lake Amphitheater) to Live Nation, “the city was able to save on the expenses of a new recreation supervisor position. The recreation supervisor who previously oversaw Greenfield’s amphitheater will move to Riverfront Park,” Beatty said. “This position will staff the park 40 hours a week and will oversee Live Nation’s contract, the city’s rental program for the park and safety and security measures and will respond to walk-ins and phone/digital inquiries.”

ECONOMIC IMPACT

With the sellout of the park’s Widespread Panic concerts came a flurry of hotel bookings, including downtown hotels that have suffered major losses as a result of the pandemic.

“When it was announced that Widespread Panic was coming, we saw a big boost in demand (for rooms).

It will be a very busy week here in Wilmington,” said Zach Brigman, general manager of Embassy Suites by Hilton Wilmington Riverfront.

Saffo said he thinks more hotels are on the way to downtown Wilmington, in part as a result of the concert venue and also as conferences and conventions come back into play after their pandemic hiatus.

Already, new apartment communities surround the park, including one under construction by Virginia-based Kettler. The Kettler riverfront project, adjacent to the park, will hold 293 apartments, a 490-space parking deck and 4,500 square feet of retail space.

“It’s definitely one of the main reasons we were drawn to that site,” said Graham Tyrrell, senior vice president of Kettler, of Riverfront Park. “With the river as well and the property’s proximity to downtown

made it a great combination of location elements.”

He added, “We thought that was a great amenity for residents. It’s a great place for residents to walk their dogs, play with their kids, just relax, and then on top of that, with the concerts and events that are planned, those will add an extra dimension to living in the apartments there.”

After eight years of negotiating and planning, construction is expected to be complete by the end of June, and the park’s grand opening is scheduled for July 4.

“You know when you stand in the park, and you stand on the stage and you look south and you see all of the development that has happened (around the Wilmington Convention Center) … It’s inspiring, and it’s validation,” Beatty said. “There’s been a lot of public and private investment in downtown, and I think this park was the catalyst for some of it, and I think it’s gonna be the anchor for so much of it.”

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Melvin Milbourne, of Restoring Agricultural Science, waters plants at Shashamane Farm at Sokoto House.

This story is a joint project between the Business Journal and Cape Fear Collective, a social impact nonprofit organization.

PHOTO BY MADELINE GRAY

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LOOKING FOR AN

OASIS

Area initiatives try different tacks to address food deserts

T

he cars wrapped around NourishNC’s Greenfield Street location.

It was late November 2020, and the line – three wide and 80 yards long – stretched around the corner and down the road. In the warehouse, Steve McCrossan, executive director at NourishNC, gave out boxes full of nonperishable foods, fruits, vegetables and meat and bread with a team of volunteers.

“We prepared for it,” McCrossan said, remembering the COVID rush that has slacked off as the pandemic waned. “What we’re seeing now is government influence working. It took pressure off of us.”

But COVID relief is temporary.

McCrossan has been working to address the issue in New Hanover County for almost six years. When he started, � in 4 kids was food insecure. Before COVID, it was � in 5 kids.

“Going into COVID, you could say we were winning,” McCrossan said. “We’re back to � in 4 now. One bad storm can turn all of this around.”

While COVID exacerbated the issue,

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BY KEVIN MAUER PHOTOS BY MADELINE GRAY ARIS HARDING TERAH WILSON

food insecurity has been an ongoing problem for decades in the Cape Fear region.

Being without food or lacking access to fresh fruit and vegetables is a reality for more than 44,000 people – including more than 12,000 children – in New Hanover County who don’t know where their next meal will come from, according to Rise Up, a nonprofit that runs a farm off South College Road.

Food deserts in the Cape Fear region have emerged at six times the rate of the rest of the United States since 2013.

NourishNC is one of many groups looking to address the issue ranging from creating urban farms to setting up mobile produce markets to bringing a longpromised grocery store to Wilmington’s Northside. Each organization is doing its part in an orchestra of relief for a problem that spans not just food but touches on other systemic problems such as poverty, transportation and affordable housing.

“I definitely feel a groundswell,” said Evan Folds, who works with the Northside Co-op as a project manager. “Part of it is getting ahead of what the problem is.

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We need better data and a better understanding of what a food desert is.”

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) defines food deserts as census tracts – or neighborhoods – that are lowincome and low-access. As of 2019, New Hanover County has eight food deserts, according to USDA standards.

The Cape Fear Collective – using a model created with the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina and N.C. State University – identified three additional areas with food hardship. Two of these “underthe-radar” areas are extensions of current food deserts: the Southside and New Centre areas. The third is along the river, north of Snow’s Cut. This area has historically been classified as a food desert but was

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recently downgraded by the USDA. Through inclusion of additional variables, such as educational attainment, charitable giving and uninsured population rates, the model was able to quantify the likelihood that a neighborhood was a food desert, rather than a binary “yes or no” classification.

The model also showed the burden of food insecurity falls on communities of color in the region.

More than 30% of Black and almost 25% of Hispanic residents live in food deserts compared to only 15% of white residents. Many of the food deserts are in census tracts that have high rates of poverty. Census tract 110 near Houston Moore has the third-highest childhood poverty rate in the state.

Often these residents are forced to shop at dollar stores, convenience stores and gas stations where

M A G A Z I N E

selection and fresh produce are limited and prices are higher.

“Agriculture makes us who we are, and we have collectively lost the thread,” Folds said. “Agriculture is about more than growing crops. Eating is an agricultural act, and the source of the chronic disease epidemic we are currently experiencing is rooted in our disconnect from agriculture.”

A trained biologist, Folds says his passion is to establish regenerative food systems and teach people how to speak “agriculture.”

He is working to change local ordinances to allow Wilmington residents to grow food for profit within city limits. He is also working as a program manager with the Northside Food Co-op – its board is chaired by Support the Port’s Cedric Harrison – to finally bring a

grocery to the Northside (which runs broadly from Market Street toward Castle Hayne Road and Water Street to about North 30th). The group incorporated in March and is selling lifelong memberships for $100.

“The Northside Food Co-op is positioned to engage all aspects of the food, farming and health landscape in a way that ties it all together to impact the social determinants of health,” Folds said. “Building a world that works for everyone is actually a profitable endeavor, but we need to adopt true cost accounting and provide a framework where people are not imprisoned in their own reality without an ability to thrive.”

The co-op model is intentional, according to Folds, because it brings a bigger local investment than just bringing a chain store to the neighborhood. It is intended to create

jobs in addition to fighting food insecurity.

The grocery is likely five years away. In the meantime, the Northside Co-op plans to launch a farmers market and small grocery pilot program. Both initiatives mesh with other groups looking to build a pipeline of fresh produce into the food deserts.

Feast Down East, a nonprofit organization working to grow the local food system, is bringing the produce section to residents in food deserts via its Mobile Market program.

Earlier this year, the group won a $249,180 Farmers Market Promotion Program grant to keep the Local Motive Mobile Farmers’ Market operating. The money is an extension of the grant that initially launched the mobile market operation.

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Now, four days a week, Clarisse Owens, mobile market manager for Feast Down East, sets up a pop-up market under a white tent near a van with the Feast Down East logo splashed across it. Inside the van, crates filled with local produce are stacked on shelves. All of the products sold on the mobile market are sourced from the Feast Down East Food Hub that buys locally sourced seasonal produce.

“Wilmington is a good place for something like this,” said Owens, a native Michigander who studied environmental and organizational studies at the University of Michigan.

“Agriculture in North Carolina is great.”

Her program is especially helpful to those receiving SNAP – commonly called food stamps – benefits. Each dollar SNAP recipients withdraw S U M M E R 2021

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from their account to spend on fresh produce from the market is matched for up to a total of $20.

Bringing the produce doesn’t just feed people. Food insecurity leads to a host of health issues ranging from diabetes to gout. Owens sees the benefit of bringing fresh produce into the community.

“It is a foundational part of life to eat food that is good for you,” she said. “It would be great if we didn’t have to exist.”

In addition to the mobile market, urban farms have sprung up creating more access to fresh food.

Tucked behind Global River Church on South College is the Rise Up Community Farm.

Founded in 2019, Rise Up Community Farm is chemical-free and uses sustainable farming practices to grow everything from corn to strawberries. Honey is cultivated from hives at the back of the farm, and a three sisters garden of corn, beans and squash is starting to sprout.

Mari Carl Fisher, the farm’s manager and executive director, worked at a Florida nonprofit farm and at Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina before launching Rise Up. Her job at the food bank was to get donated produce from grocery stores and farmers. But getting food was just part of the solution, which is why when the pastor provided some land behind the church, she jumped at the chance to start the farm and workforce programs.

“Our hope is that, while we’re helping to provide access to fresh produce for our neighbors experiencing food insecurity and meeting an immediate need,” Fisher said, “Rise Up is a part of a growing movement across the country to address food insecurity through urban agriculture, and we feel grateful to do that here in Wilmington.”

But the farm is doing more than just growing food. With an eye toward some of the systemic issues around food insecurity, Rise Up is pairing a life skills and workforce development program with the farm to help its youth volunteers with financial literacy, resume writing, interview skills and public speaking.

“One of our goals with our programming is to ensure that youth are equipped with skills that empower them to lead and be successful in their future,” Fisher said. “Our youth programming will help be a part of the long-term solution by providing valuable life and job skills that can help end food insecurity someone may be facing.”

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As of 2019, the USDA has identified

EIGHT FOOD DESERTS* in

New Hanover County. Cape Fear Collective has identified THREE

ADDITIONAL AREAS of food hardship**. *USDA Economic Research Service (2019) Food Access Research Atlas ** Cape Fear Collective (2020) Food Risk Index

Since 2013, food deserts in the Cape Fear region have emerged at SIX TIMES the rate of the rest of the United States.

USDA FOOD DESERT CLASSIFICATIONS*

PREDICTIONS**

YEAR

2013

2017

2019

2020

CHANGE SINCE 2013

UNITED STATES

8,908

9,183

9,235

9,841

+10%

NORTH CAROLINA

349

368

353

366

+5%

CAPE FEAR

23

29

31

38

+65%

*USDA Economic Research Service Food Access Research Atlas **Cape Fear Collective (2020) Food Risk Index

39.1% LIVE IN A FOOD DESERT

HAWAIIAN / PACIFIC ISLANDER AMERICAN INDIAN / ALASKAN NATIVE

32.6%

BLACK HISPANIC WHITE ASIAN

38%

24.4% 15.4% 11.4%

Racial and ethnic disparities present in Cape Fear food desert demographics

U.S. Census Bureau (2019) American Community Survey, USDA Economic Research Service (2019) Food Access Research Atlas, Cape Fear Collective (2020) Food Risk Index

2021

T H E R E G ION'S HE A LTH CA RE IND U ST RY

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DIGITAL DIAGNOSIS

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TOP DOCS: THE LOCAL LIST

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IN PROFILE: CARLA TURNER

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PPD’S BIG DEAL w i l m i n g t o n b i z m a g a z i n e . c o m

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PULSE 2021

DIGITAL DOCS

PANDEMIC’S TELEHEALTH SURGE LIKELY HERE TO STAY AS SERVICE OPTION

BY JOHANNA CANO

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HE CONCEPT OF TELEHEALTH, DELIVERY OF HEALTH-RELATED SERVICES VIA TECHNOLOGY, CAN BE TRACKED ALL THE WAY TO THE LATE 1800S WHEN AN ARTICLE PUBLISHED IN 1879

BY LANCET DISCUSSED USING TELEPHONES TO REDUCE UNNECESSARY OFFICE VISITS.

Science and Invention magazine portrayed a doctor diagnosing a patient by radio in 1925, and likely one of the first adopters of telehealth was NASA, which used a home monitoring system during the Mercury space program to perform physiologic monitoring remotely, according to a report from the National Academy of Medicine.

Since then, though, telehealth has transcended from a novel notion to a full-fledged reality that saw a growth spurt during the coronavirus pandemic.

According to an impact study by the American Medical Association and the COVID-19 Healthcare Coalition – made up of more than 1,000 health care organizations, telehealth saw an increase in 2020 with the number of telehealth claims in the U.S. spiking to more than 12 million in April 2020. Since then, claims have decreased but continue to surpass pre-pandemic numbers with 8.8 million claims in December 2020 compared to about 480,000 claims in December 2019.

In North Carolina, there were about 10,000 telehealth claims in December 2019, compared to about 168,000 the same month in 2020.

The COVID-19 Telehealth Impact Study looks at the rapid growth of telehealth in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic through claims data trends and surveys. It also explored physician and patient sentiment toward using telehealth.

The study found that among those surveyed, most physicians agreed or strongly agreed that telehealth enables them to deliver quality care for COVID-19, acute care, chronic disease and preventative care. They also agreed that telehealth has improved the health, safety and timeliness of care for their patients.

PHYSICIAN SENTIMENT

When the COVID-19 pandemic set on in much of the world, many physicians experienced their first time delivering care via video connection, the study stated.

This was the case for Cecile Robes, a doctor of

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PULSE 2021

osteopathic medicine with Coastal Family Medicine at New Hanover Regional Medical Center.

“I have personally only worked with telehealth during the past year to year-and-a-half due to the pandemic,” Robes said. “I definitely have done many more telehealth visits during the pandemic, some of which I am continuing to this day.”

There are many advantages to using telehealth, Robes said.

“It is easily accessible for individuals who are moderately accomplished with technology, and for the most part, efficient, easy to schedule, no transportation issues, less uncomfortable for patients, and straightforward medical issues can be easily resolved,” she said.

Robes said telehealth works best for certain scenarios, such as for healthy people or people with well-controlled chronic diseases who have a severe or sudden issue and people with emotional or psychiatric concerns, among others.

Michelle Jones, a doctor and family medicine division chief with Wilmington Health, said about 95% of providers at Wilmington Health started using telehealth in March 2020.

For the local health care provider, however, plans to use telehealth began even before the beginning of COVID-19.

“Prior to the pandemic, telehealth was already part of our company’s strategic plan to better improve convenience and access to care for our patients,” said Desirae Hrynko, marketing manager for Wilmington Health. “At the start of the pandemic, it prompted us to go ahead and launch telehealth in under two days.”

LEARNING CURVE

The process of adopting telehealth had some learning hurdles, with both patients and physicians having to navigate technical issues. “(Telehealth) was complicated by the lack of internet access, technical difficulties with computers – including those at Wilmington Health – and helping patients to ‘get on’ the platforms,” Jones said. “However, we learned that for many health care needs, telehealth was a safe and efficient way to provide care to patients who were elderly and could not travel or leave homes safely, busy working and not able to leave to come into an office or unable to find child care to come to a visit.”

Despite the accessibility advantage of telemedicine, physicians agree that technology literacy is one of the major drawbacks.

In the AMA study, 64% of surveyed physicians

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said they foresee technology challenges for patients as barriers related to maintaining telehealth after COVID-19.

Robes said one of the cons to telehealth is that it may not be accessible for people who lack the technology tools or who are not tech savvy.

“It also has to do with the quality of the tech you have from the phone to the internet service,” Robes added.

“Additionally, having the ability or support to correct digital issues in the middle of a telehealth visit can be daunting.”

Technology accessibility is the biggest disadvantage that Jones outlined for telehealth. “Not all patients have good internet or computers, phones with connectivity to the modern telehealth platforms,” she said.

‘TELEHEALTH IS HERE TO STAY’

Among those working on developing technologies for the health care industry is Wilmington-based

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Greenlight Ventures.

In 2020, the incubator announced that it had temporarily shifted all its focus to create Presence, a telemedicine solution that was developed in partnership with the N.C. Medical Society. Some of the actions that Presence can provide include patient self-scheduling, text and email-based communications, and audio/video visits between providers and patients.

With regard to technology literacy being one of the biggest obstacles of telehealth, Reynold Yordy, Greenlight co-founder and chief technology officer, said that adapting to new technologies is a hurdle in any industry and that the company has been addressing it with product development and resources.

“At Greenlight, we accompany all technology releases with training specialists and account managers upfront, visually clear and easy to follow, to ensure success in the process of user adaptation,” Yordy said. “With visibly clear means of accessibility, we also provide a resource section

M A G A Z I N E

containing numerous manuals, videos and other assets to which users have easy access for answering questions and resolving problems.”

Greenlight officials believe that telehealth will continue to grow thanks to the common use of mobile devices and wide internet connectivity.

“With its ease of use and its universal accessibility, telehealth provides access to health care for patients without transportation or patients who live in rural areas,” Yordy said. “Telehealth is here to stay.”

OPENING BARRIERS

Besides providing accessibility for patients, telemedicine has also opened traditional barriers of entry for certain providers who no longer require a physical office space to see patients.

In July 2020, registered dietitian Callan Wall opened Foods For Thought Nutrition Counseling with a virtual office, motivated by the increased use of telemedicine during the pandemic.

PULSE 2021

“Since this was amidst the pandemic and telehealth was becoming more widely accepted, I figured virtual would be a great option for my business model since many providers were already offering that,” Wall said.

“Also, with overhead costs of renting an office space, this was a great option for me to work from home and save startup cost.”

One advantage Wall has noticed with a virtual office is her ability to see patients at varied hours and expand her services beyond the Wilmington region.

“I can work with clients who are located in any city in North Carolina, which ultimately allows me to support more people in their health journey,” she said. “There is also the possibility of offering group classes and group coaching, allowing access to more individuals across the state.”

As someone providing nutrition counseling with a focus on holistic health, telemedicine allows clients to be more comfortable during sessions

because they are home, she said.

“I believe being in a familiar environment allows clients to more clearly envision themselves making changes in their lifestyles and health behaviors,” Wall said.

‘SILVER LINING’

Overall, patients appear to have positive experiences with telehealth, according to the AMA study. The majority of patients surveyed said they were very satisfied with the care they received and that they would continue to use it in the future.

Additionally, they felt that the quality of patient-provider communication was good.

“Given this favorable, early experience with telehealth, we anticipate that telehealth will continue to be an integral component of healthcare in the months and years to come,” the study stated.

Despite all the outlined advantages of telehealth, some local providers are

finding that an element that cannot be replaced is in-person human interaction.

“The biggest (limitation) is ‘touching your patient,’ in other words, the human element of holding someone’s hand when they are experiencing grief or an overwhelming medical problem and you can convey so much empathy with touch than you can with 100 words,” Robes said.

While the pandemic was the genesis for the growth in telemedicine that the country experienced over the past year, it seems that both patient and physician satisfaction with its use could make sure that the service is here to stay.

“For the right patient population and augmented at intervals by patient visits, I feel telehealth is the way medicine will be performed in the future,” Robes said.

“This has been a silver lining in a year of isolation,” Jones said. “Let’s continue to make health care accessible for all people.”

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rowth remains a constant in the Cape Fear region, driven by an influx of new residents from all over the country. We sat down with local leaders in the building industry to get their thoughts on the continuous growth, industry changes and emerging housing trends. Here are some key discussion topics.

CHANGING DEMANDS FROM SINGLE-FAMILY HOMES TO MULTI-FAMILY DWELLINGS, HOUSING BLUEPRINTS AND FOOTPRINTS ARE CHANGING. YET TWO THINGS REMAIN CONSTANT – OUR REGION’S STEADY POPULATION GROWTH AND NEED FOR ADDITIONAL HOUSING OPTIONS. OUR EXPERTS HAVE NOTICED THE CHANGES.

LUCIEN ELLISON: This whole COVID thing has been a

game changer for states like North Carolina. People are moving to places like the Carolinas, Florida, and Texas.

Back in 1990, Interstate 40 opened and people started coming. And they continued to come whether we liked it or not. We just have to figure out how we’re going to have the right plan to deal with the growth. You can’t put a gate up on Interstate 40 and tell them that they can’t come to our area.

SCOTT BYERS: Being smart about how we develop along the coast and throughout the Carolinas is important because there’s a reason why people are coming here.

WILL PURVIS: We’re primarily in the rental senior housing business. We want to build where people want to be. A

I think the industry is changing because the dynamics are changing.

Scott Byers President and CEO Majestic Kitchen & Bath lot of our big growth areas are locations where people’s adult children can get really good jobs because they want to be close to their adult children and grandchildren. So, Charlotte, Cary, Raleigh, and Asheville are popular areas for senior living. They’re great markets and Wilmington is a good market for us too. Wilmington’s jobs are on the rise, but we don’t have them like some of the other big cities in North Carolina. However, with Apple coming to Raleigh, folks won’t hesitate to drive 2 hours on Interstate 40 to work or visit family so Wilmington will continue to grow even though Apple won’t be in our exact location.

BYERS: There are a lot of housing options out there. I

It’s not just Northerners, but it’s people from Elizabethtown and Whiteville that are moving here so they can be closer to the beaches.

Will Purvis President Liberty Senior Living

mean, 7 to 10 years ago, there weren’t many options, and now we need to consider various housing footprints from apartments, condos, senior living, build-to-rent along with more traditional options. Now there’s so many different options available for folks to purchase or rent.

KEN DULL: When we completed Sawmill Point, I thought that would be the end of the multi-family boom. I’m still shocked with the constant demand for multi-family housing and the mindset shift that buyers have made.

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SUPPLY ISSUES SUPPLY ISSUES HAVE BEEN TOP-OF-MIND FOR THE PAST YEAR AND WITH DEMAND FOR NEW HOUSING INCREASING, SO DOES THE NEED FOR MATERIALS TO MEET THAT DEMAND. AREA BUILDERS ARE TRYING TO KEEP UP WITH DEMAND AS THE COST OF MATERIALS CONTINUES TO RISE.

BYERS: Are you seeing a lot of projects starting to just be put on hold because of the supply and cost issues?

JONES: It actually worries me because we’re not.

It’s interesting to consider the rental side and the equity side.

Figuring out what buyers are looking to get out of their investment is important.

Bryan Thomas President Monteith Construction

BRYAN THOMAS: We’ve got a community going on right now that will be all expansion ─ all rental. I think there’s lots of opportunities and options out there.

LIVIAN JONES: I’m seeing a lot more condo projects

coming back. And I think it’s the density and the downtown living that’s gaining popularity. But I think that we’ll see a resurgence of condo projects.

ESPY: We need to have discussions about affordability.

And you know, between land costs, materials, and labor, affordability is going out the window. The developer wants to make money. They’re in there to make a profit. And it’s a matter of everyone coming together and figuring out how you’re going have your workers living near their workplace and be able to afford it.

MICHAEL GOODSON: Wood is up 300 percent from where we were last year, steel is up 100 percent from where we were last year, PVC is going up, copper’s going up.

Everything’s rising. And it’s just ... where’s the ceiling?

When’s it going to stop?

THOMAS: We’ve got two buildings right now that will

change from wood to cold metal form, and we’re actually saving money by doing this.

TERRY ESPY: We’ve had probably five interested parties come in recently wanting to buy million dollar and up downtown condos, and we don’t have them.

Some smaller, high end condo projects need to be added because we are seeing a demand that we currently can’t fill.

ELLISON: We did a great job selling the condos at River

Place. We’ve only got 8 left to sell out of 92. When we started the project, we were wondering if there would be a market for a product like this in downtown Wilmington, and it’s proved to be the case. With construction costs rising, it makes it more difficult for a project like River Place to be viable right now. However, we’re doing well with our apartment leasing as well. Now Wilmington has Pier 33 bringing about 280 units online, and then Flats on Front with another 280 units. So, all of a sudden, you’ve got a lot of brand-new for lease product in downtown Wilmington.

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As the state of North Carolina grows, they are continuing to be very welcoming of new business and development and this is certainly a forward direction for our economy… this means opportunity is available for us to continue to develop.

Michael Goodson

BY CASEY MCANARNEY | PHOTO

BY TERAH WILSON Senior Project Manager

Clancy & Theys

COST OF CAPITAL A PREDICTABLE RETURN ON INVESTMENT DRIVES DEVELOPERS AND BUYERS ALIKE. WHEN CAPITALIZATION RATES SHIFT, SO DO BUILDING TRENDS. OUR PANEL EXAMINED THE FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE THIS DYNAMIC AND ITS TANGIBLE EFFECTS.

BYERS: We have the interest rates, but you also have

different types of money coming in, right? I mean, private equity really wasn’t into the space like it is today, so you’re seeing new flows of capital as well as the cost of capital being lower.

ELLISON: Capitalization rates are just going lower and

lower because people have money they’ve got to put to work and developers see that, so they build another multi-family project because they know cap rates are low. It’s kind of a vicious cycle. That’s probably one of the things that’s fueling the increase in construction costs and labor.

People fall in love with Wilmington’s character, our history, and the way we preserve our history… we are seeing an increase in folks moving from other parts of the country to Wilmington not only to live but to start businesses here as well.”

PURVIS: When rates go up, the capitalization rate adjusts accordingly.

ESPY: Coming from Raleigh, there are massive corporate positions with massive corporate incomes. We don’t have it. I mean, we’ve got a lot of great small businesses here, but we only have a handful of good solid corporations.

And that’s what amazes me when an apartment over here is renting for $3,000 a month.

Terry Espy Broker/Owner Momentum Group

TAX CHANGES AT TIMES, DEVELOPMENT IS DRIVEN OR STALLED BECAUSE OF TAX CHANGES. THE ONGOING DISCUSSION OF TAX CHANGES IS IMPORTANT TO BUILDERS, BUYERS, AND OUR LOCAL ECONOMY.

BYERS: There’s current talk on capital gains, and

1031. What kind of impact do you think that will bring into the equation?

DULL: I mean, if you raise taxes, you’re going to slow down the economy.

ESPY: It doesn’t look like they’re going to do anything to the 1031, but they do intend to increase the capital gains rate. So, people are desperately trying to find placement as soon as possible before the clock starts ticking.

PURVIS: Big increases in taxes are not good for Wilmington and aren’t good for our jobs here.

Growth is happening and will continue to happen in the counties that surround New Hanover.

Livian Jones President Streamline Development

TO KEEP UP WITH SCOTT BYERS’ LATEST INSIGHTS ON THE BUILDING INDUSTRY, VISIT

WilmingtonBuildingInsights.com

SPONSORS’ CONTENT BROUGHT TO YOU BY MAJESTIC KITCHEN & BATH

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P H YS I C I A N S ’ REFERRALS

Area providers chosen for annual Top Doctors list

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UNDREDS OF DOCTORS FROM AROUND THE STATE AND ACROSS SPECIALTIES MADE BUSINESS NORTH CAROLINA MAGAZINE’S ANNUAL TOP DOCTORS LIST. THE GROUP INCLUDED WILMINGTON-AREA PHYSICIANS.

To compile the annual list, Business North Carolina worked with software and research company DataJoe Research, which facilitated an online-peer voting process

COLON AND RECTAL SURGERY

Surgery Fellowship, Greenville Health System-Greenville, South Carolina

JOSEPH M. PAY N E

SARAH FOX

NHRMC PHYSICIAN SPECIALISTSGENERAL SURGERY SPECIALISTS

CE RTI FI CATI ONS: American College of Colon & Rectal Surgeons, American College of Surgeons, daVinci Robot Advanced Colorectal Surgery, Advanced Endoscopic Techniques, Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Advanced Trauma Life Support E X P E RTISE : Colon and rectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, anorectal disorders, robotic surgery, pelvic floor disorders E D UCAT ION : B.A. psychology, Wellesley College-Wellesley, Massachusetts; Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery, University of Sydney School of MedicineSydney IN T E R N SH IPS/RESIDENCI ES: General Surgery Residency, New Hanover Regional Medical Center F E LLOWSH IPS: Colon and Rectal

asking doctors who they thought were the best in their specialties.

Once top nominees in each category were tallied, DataJoe checked the medical license statuses of published winners. Those without current, active registrations or who had been disciplined for an infraction by the state regulatory board were excluded, according to Business North Carolina.

To see the magazine’s full North Carolina’s Top Doctors list, go to https://businessnc.com/top-doctors.

Here are the local doctors who made the list.

NHRMC PHYSICIAN SPECIALISTSGENERAL SURGERY SPECIALISTS

CERTI FICATION S : Surgery, colon and rectal surgery EX PERT IS E : Colon and rectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, anal problems, diverticulitis EDUCAT IO N : University of North Carolina School of Medicine-Chapel Hill I NTERNS HIPS / R E S IDE N C IE S : Tulane University-New Orleans FELLOW S HIPS : Cleveland Clinic Foundation-Ohio

CRITICAL CARE MEDICINE

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KEVIN M. O’NEIL

W I L M I N GT O N H E A LT H

C E RTIF ICATION S :

internal medicine, pulmonary medicine, sleep medicine and critical care E X PE RTIS E : General pulmonary medicine, lung cancer, asthma and COPD, sleep medicine, exercise, and dyspnea E DUCATIO N : Jefferson Medical CollegePhiladelphia IN TE R N S HIPS / R E S IDEN C I ES / F E LLO WS HIPS : Naval Medical Center Portsmouth-Portsmouth, Virginia

DERMATOLOGY

WILLIAM S. KAUFMAN

D E R M A T O LO GY A S S O C I A T E S , PA

C E RTIFI CAT I O N S : Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology E X PE RTIS E : General dermatology E DUCATIO N : Undergraduate, Duke University-Durham; Medical College of Virginia School of Medicine-Richmond, Virginia IN TE R N S HIPS / R E S IDEN C I ES : Internship, Carilion Clinic-Roanoke, Virginia; Wake Forest School of Medicine, Department of Dermatology-Wake Forest

S U M M E R 2021

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FAMILY MEDICINE

Connecticut

BRIAN LANIER

P R O M I N A H E A LT H

CE RTI FI CATI ONS : Family medicine E D UCATI ON: Business degree, N.C. State University-Raleigh; University of North Carolina School of Medicine-Chapel Hill IN T E R N SH IPS/RESIDENCI ES: Family Medicine Residency, New Hanover Regional Medical Center

GASTROENTEROLOGY S T E V E N D. KLEIN

W I L M I N GT O N G A S T R O E N T E R O LO GY

NHRMC PHYSICIAN SPECIALISTS-GENERAL SURGERY SPECIALISTS

C E RTIF ICATION S : Minimally invasive bariatric surgery, general surgery EX PERT IS E : General surgery and bariatric surgery daVinci Robotic Surgery EDUCAT IO N : University of North Carolina School of Medicine-Chapel Hill I NTERNS HIPS / R E S IDE N C IE S : NHRMC FELLOW S HIPS : Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center-Winston-Salem

WILLIAM HOPE

NHRMC PHYSICIAN SPECIALISTS-GENERAL SURGERY SPECIALISTS

CE RTI FI CATI ONS: Gastroenterology and

hepatology E D UCAT ION : B.S., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-Chapel Hill; M.D., New York Medical College-Valhalla, New York IN T E R N SH IPS/RESIDENCI ES: Internal Medicine Residency, Emory University-Atlanta F E LLOWSH IPS: Gastroenterology Fellowship, Emory University-Atlanta

GENERAL SURGERY

ELIZABETH ACQUISTA

NHRMC PHYSICIAN SPECIALISTSGENERAL SURGERY SPECIALISTS

CE RT I FICAT ION S: Surgical trauma critical care, general surgery E X P E RTISE : Complex abdominal cases, open and laparoscopic surgeries of the colon and small intestine, pancreas, spleen, liver and biliary tree E D UCAT ION : Royal College of SurgeonsDublin IN T E R N SH IPS/RESIDENCI ES: University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill F E LLOWSH IPS: Hartford Hospital of the University of Connecticut-Hartford,

W. B O R D O N HOOKS III

C E RTIF ICATION S : General surgery EX PERT IS E : Gastrointestinal surgery with special interest in advanced laparoscopic surgery of the abdomen, including anti-reflux, stomach, intestine/ colon, gallbladder, spleen and adrenal surgery; both open and minimally invasive approaches to hernia surgery EDUCAT IO N : Medical University of South Carolina-Charleston, South Carolina I NTERNS HIPS / R E S IDE N C IE S : Greenville Hospital System University Medical Center-Greenville, South Carolina FELLOW S HIPS : Carolinas Medical Center-Charlotte

HAND SURGERY

RICHARD S. BAHNER

EMERGEORTHO

C E RTIF ICATION S : Orthopaedic surgery E X PE RTIS E : Hand upper extremity and microsurgery specialist EDUCAT IO N : Undergraduate, Duke University-Durham; Cincinnati College of Medicine-Cincinnati, Ohio

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IN TE R N S HIPS / R E S IDE N C I ES : General Surgery, Emory University Hospitals-Atlanta; Tampa Orthopedic Program-Tampa; Orthopedics, University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh F E LLOWS HIPS : Hand and Upper Extremity, University of Chicago-Chicago

INFECTIOUS DISEASE PA U L KAMITSUKA W I L M I N GT O N H E A LT H

C E RTIFI CAT I O N S : Internal medicine and

infectious diseases E X PE RTIS E : Outpatient IV antibiotic management, post-surgical, orthopaedic infections, staphylococcal infections E DUCATION : Harvard Medical SchoolBoston IN TE R N S HIPS / R E S IDE N C I ES : Massachusetts General Hospital-Boston

NEUROLOGY

J. THADDEUS COIN

C O I N N E U R O LO GY

C E RTIFI CAT I O N S : Neurology E X PE RT I S E: General neurology with emphasis on: Parkinson’s disease and tremor; vertigo and balance; epilepsy; migraine; stroke; dementia; peripheral neuropathy E DUCATION : B.A. in chemistry, Oklahoma City University-Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Ph.D. in biochemistry, Rice University-Houston; Post-Doctoral Research: Cornell University-Ithaca, New York; Doctor of Medicine, Duke UniversityDurham IN TE R N S HIPS / R E S IDEN C I ES : Internship and Neurology Residency, Duke University Medical Center-Durham

JAMES S. MCKINNEY III

NHRMC PHYSICIAN G R O U P- N E U R O LO GY

C E RTIF I CAT I O N S : Vascular neurology, S U M M E R 2021

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American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology E D UCAT ION : Chemistry, Trinity University-San Antonio, Texas; St. George’s University School of Medicine-Grenada, West Indies INTERNSHIPS/RESIDENCIES: Seton Hall University, St. Michael’s Medical Center-Newark, New Jersey; Neurology Residency, Seton Hall University, New Jersey Neuroscience Institute-Edison, New Jersey F E LLOWSH IPS: Vascular Neurology Fellowship, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia

FRANCIS J. O’DONNELL

NHRMC PHYSICIAN G R O U P- N E U R O LO GY

CERTI FI CATI ONS: Neurology/psychiatry E X P E RTISE : Headache specialist E D UCAT ION : B.A. in psychology and B.A. in philosophy, LeHigh University-

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania; Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine-Kirksville, Missouri I NTERNS HIPS / R E S IDE N C IE S : Medicine Internship, Doctors HospitalColumbus, Ohio; Neurology Residency; The Ohio State University HospitalColumbus, Ohio

IN TE R N S HIPS / R E S IDE N C I ES : University Medical Center of Eastern Carolina-Greenville

OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY

C E RTIF I CAT I O N S : Orthopaedic surgery E X PE RT I S E: Hand, upper extremity and microvascular E DUCATION : B.A. in biology, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, University of North Carolina School of MedicineChapel Hill IN TE R N S HIPS / R E S IDE N C I ES : Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia F E LLOWS HIPS : Hand, Upper Extremity and Microvascular Surgery Fellowship, Duke University Medical Center-Durham

WILLIAM M. JOHNSTONE JR.

NHRMC PHYSICIAN G R O U PC O A S T A L O B / GY N SPECIALISTS & M I D W I F E R Y, N H R M C P H Y S I C I A N S P E C I A L I S T S - O B / GY N SPECIALISTS

CERTI FICATIO N S : Obstetrics and gynecology EDUCAT ION : ECU Brody School of Medicine-Greenville

ORTHOPAEDIC SURGERY

RICHARD S. MOORE JR.

EMERGEORTHO

www.MegaCorpLogistics.com 910.332.0825

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CHRISTOPHER D. PA R K S EMERGEORTHO

CE RTI FI CATI ONS: Fracture care specialist, boardcertified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery E X P E RTISE : Fractures and dislocations of the upper extremities (shoulder, upper arm, elbow and forearm); lower extremities (hip, upper leg, lower leg and ankle); and of the pelvis E D UCAT ION : Bachelor of Science, chemical engineering, University of Maine-Orono, Maine; Medical Degree, State University of New York Upstate Medical University-Syracuse, New York IN T E R N SH IPS/RESIDENCI ES: State University of New York Upstate Medical University-Syracuse, New York F E LLOWSH IPS: Orthopaedic Trauma, Washington University School of Medicine-St. Louis, Missouri

PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY

JAMES APPEL

W I L M I N GT O N H E A LT H

C E RTIF ICATION S : Dermatology E DUCATIO N : University of Kentucky College of Medicine-Lexington, Kentucky I NTERNS HIPS / R E S IDE N C IE S : Internal Medicine Internship at the University of Cincinnati HospitalCincinnati, Ohio; Chief Resident at the University of Louisville Hospital, Department of Medicine, Division of Dermatology-Louisville, Kentucky

SURGICAL ONCOLOGY MICHELLE M. FILLION

NHRMC PHYSICIAN SPECIALISTSGENERAL SURGERY SPECIALISTS

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C E RTIFI CAT I O N S : Complex general surgical oncology, general surgery E X PE RT I S E: Complex GI oncology, HPB, breast, endocrine, soft tissue sarcoma, melanoma and minimally invasive surgery E DUCATIO N : University of Cincinnati College of Medicine-Cincinnati, Ohio IN TE R N S HIPS / R E S IDEN C I ES : University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine-Knoxville, Tennessee F E LLO WS HIPS : The Ohio State University Wexner Medical CenterColumbus, Ohio

VASCULAR SURGERY DA N I E L BARZANA

W I L M I N GT O N H E A LT H

C E RTIFI CAT I O N S : General surgery,

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vascular surgery E D UCAT ION : Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University-Fort Lauderdale, Florida I N T E R N S H I P S / R E S I D E N C I E S : Surgical Internship and General Surgery Residency, NHRMC F E LLOWSH IPS: Vascular Surgery Fellowship, University of Tennessee-Memphis

T H O M A S D. ESKEW JR.

COASTAL VASCULAR INSTITUTE

LOCAL PARTNERS

CE RTI FI CATI ONS: Surgery, vascular surgery, registered in vascular ultrasound technology E X P E RTISE : Endovascular surgery, carotid and aortic surgery, lower extremity re-vascularization, laparoscopic surgery, general, thyroid, GI and vein surgery E D UCAT ION : Medical College of GeorgiaAugusta, Georgia IN T E R N SH IPS/RESIDENCI ES: ECU Brody School of Medicine-Greenville F E LLOWSH IPS: Vascular Surgery, Kansas University Medical Center-Kansas City; Endovascular Surgery, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, Illinois

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COASTAL VASCULAR INSTITUTE

CE RTI FI CATI ONS: Vascular surgery, registered in vascular ultrasound technology E X P E RTISE : Specializes in all aspects of vascular surgery with particular interest in endovascular techniques in treatment of carotid disease, aortic aneurysms, peripheral arterial disease, vein disease and wound management E D UCAT ION : Undergraduate, College of Charleston-Charleston, South Carolina; Medical University of South CarolinaCharleston, South Carolina IN T E R N SH IPS/RESIDENCI ES: General Surgery, Greenville Hospital SystemGreenville, South Carolina F E LLOWSH IPS: Vascular Surgery, University of Tennessee Medical CenterKnoxville, Tennessee 48

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RETIREMENT LIVING IN COASTAL N.C. Sponsors’ content brought to you by the Greater Wilmington Business Journal marketing team.

COVER SPONSORS:

T H E G O O D L I F E : R E T I R E M E N T L I V I N G I N C OA S TA L N . C . sponsors’ content

RETIREMENT LIVING IN COASTAL N.C. ABOUT OUR SPONSORS On behalf of North Carolina’s largest dental insurer, welcome! For 50 years, Delta Dental of North Carolina has championed healthy smiles across the state by offering the largest network of dentists — making it easy for you to find care, save money and safeguard your smile. And, taking care of your smile goes a long way in helping you maintain total body health, so you can focus on doing the activities you enjoy most. Give us a call today at 800-971-4108 or visit www.mysmilecoverage.com/nc for coverage. We look forward to hearing from you.

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Liberty Senior Living is honored to sponsor “The Good Life.”

Liberty Senior Living is a part of Liberty Healthcare Management based right here in Wilmington and has been providing high quality accommodations, services and amenities to older adults for over 145 years. Residents of our senior living properties located throughout the Southeast will find luxury communities that offer independent living, assisted living, memory support and skilled nursing care.

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contents june 2021

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74

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Cover: Photo courtesy of the CVB, Wilmington and Beaches Convention and Visitors Bureau Left: Photo courtesy of the CVB; Top and Bottom Right: Photos by T.J. Drechsel.

52-57

HOUSING

74 ACTIVITIES AND SOCIAL GROUPS

59-69 HEALTHCARE

78-83 ACTIVITIES PLANNING GUIDE

70 CONTINUED LEARNING

84-85 VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

72-73 THINGS TO DO

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HOUSING 52

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Located between the Cape Fear River and the Atlantic Ocean, the charming port city of Wilmington, NC, is found. Southeastern North Carolina has so much to offer, from the mild climate to the beautiful beaches, the area has been a hot spot for tourism and new residents alike. Whether you are seeking an engaging and active lifestyle or a more relaxed get away after retirement, the greater Wilmington area provides many options to choose from – all enhancing the quality of your life.

LOCAL AREAS Wilmington, situated in the heart of New Hanover County, is surrounded by and made up of a variety of smaller communites, each with their own unique quality. Historic downtown Wilmington features restaurants, retail, hotels, condos, event venues, and plenty of sightseeing. Visitors and locals can enjoy a stroll along the Riverwalk after sampling local cuisine or taking it easy on a guided horse and carriage ride along the exposed cobblestone roads through antebellum neighborhoods.

Mid-town Wilmington offers more mainstream retail, restaurants, the bustling college campus of the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, and the expansive greenspace and recreation offered at Long Leaf Park. Just outside of Wilmington, New Hanover County also offers three beaches that each promote its own local flair. Wrightsville Beach is located close to mid-town Wilmington, making it a convenient spot for locals to enjoy dinner at one of the popular waterfront restaurants or use the town’s walking path, known as “the loop” that circles the main part of the island. Aside from the gorgeous turquoise waters of the beach itself, boat ramps, kayak rentals, and yacht clubs are popular amenities at Wrightsville Beach as many folks enjoy boating on the waterways adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean. Carolina Beach is home to many hotels, restaurants, and a beach-front boardwalk. This familyfriendly beach has a small town, country feel that promotes care-free relaxation.

A bit farther south than Carolina Beach is Kure Beach, home to a pallet of oceanfront homes and condos, the Fort Fisher State Historic Site, the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher, and a drive-on ferry that crosses the Cape Fear River to Southport.

Neighboring New Hanover County are two counties boasting their own coastal appeal, Brunswick to the west and Pender to the north. Brunswick County is the fastest growing county in the state of North Carolina for good reason.

From the suburban small-but-growing Town of Leland in the north to the coastal charm of Calabash in the south to the quaint, made-for-film riverside town of Southport, each town features its own appealing qualities. No less than six beautiful beaches line the coast of Brunswick County – Sunset Beach, Ocean Isle Beach, Holden Beach, Oak Island, Caswell Beach, and Bald Head Island. These Brunswick County beaches are some of the most beautiful beaches in the country, a fact not lost on the throngs of new residents.

With activities and recreation inland and on the coast, the Pender county communities of Burgaw, Topsail Beach, Hampstead, and Surf City are among the most popular. From fresh seafood markets, unique retail, and strawberry and blueberry farms, the small towns in Pender County keep visitors coming back and locals happy to have such a

wonderful place to call home. Fishing, golf, and annual festivals keep things fun and active in Pender County. The beach towns of Surf City and Topsail Beach share an island along Pender County’s coast making these beach communities even more tight knit.

HOUSING CHOICES After retirement, some individuals prefer to “age in place,” meaning to stay in their current home and area as they transition into their retirement years. Alternatively, a growing trend for retirees is to stay active and, above all else, genuinely enjoy where you live. For most, this means considering where adult children and grandchildren are located and situating close to them – or better yet, moving to a destination location where family can come and visit you during these years of enjoyment. For those in search of such a place to relocate, climate is often high on their list of priorities. Most folks will agree that mild year-round weather will influence their decision when planning a move after retirement. You won’t deal with snow, ice, and constant

Photo by T.J. Drechsel

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Photo courtesy of Brunswick Forest

cloud cover here in Wilmington. Our mild, yet seasonal, climate allows for most outdoor activities to be enjoyed every day of the year. Active lifestyle communities, retirement communities, and assisted living are all offered here in Wilmington.

Communities like Landfall in Wilmington, Brunswick Forest in northern Brunswick County, and Saint James in southern Brunswick County are all active lifestyle communities that don’t exclude young professionals and families from living in the communities. However, these communities are particularly appealing for independent retirement age adults who have formed groups within these neighborhoods over the years. Typically, these neighborhoods are managed by a Homeowners Association (HOA) or Condo Owners Association (COA), provide several onsite amenities such as pools, fitness centers, spas, restaurants, community gardens, and more. Community association groups, made up of neighbors volunteering their time and lending their expertise, will often form committees to plan neighborhood social events. The Village at River Landing is located in

the Pender County town of Wallace and features newly constructed homes for folks of any age. This community features a golf course, miles of wooded trails, and the River Landing Clubhouse, which offers fine dining for residents. An experienced local Wilmington realtor is a great place to turn to learn more about these independent active lifestyle communities and consider which one might suit you best.

Retirement communities cater specifically to mature adults who are seeking a neighborhood that will focus on promoting the wonderful years of retirement and typically will only allow folks 55 and up to reside in the community. These neighborhoods are wonderful places to make connections

Photo by T.J. Drechsel

and socialize as most everyone has one thing in common – living the dream of retirement. Arbor Landing at Compass Pointe is a resort lifestyle retirement community located in Belville, just minutes outside of Leland in Brunswick County. Devon Parish, Executive Director of Arbor Landing at Compass Pointe, explains, “At Arbor Landing at Compass Pointe, you can still live independently.

You can still drive. You can still play golf.

You can still cook. However, if your needs change, we can accommodate that too.”

The community offers one- and twobedroom apartments with screened in balconies, restaurant style meals served daily, weekly housekeeping services, and more. Close to downtown Wilmington and Brunswick County beaches, this community has everything within reach.

Living the best years of your life on the Carolina coast doesn’t get much better than when you’re living at Cambridge Village in Wilmington. Just two miles away from beautiful Wrightsville Beach and conveniently located next to Mayfaire Town Center, Cambridge Village offers luxurious apartments, a salon, café and smoothie bar, the Village Restaurant, and more. While the amenities and convenient location speak for themselves,

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The Live Oak Private Wealth team is rooted in strong relationships and is dedicated to helping clients achieve their goals. Through a comprehensive suite of financial planning, an experienced investment team, and a highly personalized approach to client service, we aim to orchestrate all of your assets, so they work together in your best interest.

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retiring at Cambridge Village takes away the hassles of housework, utility bills, and repairs while still allowing you to maintain your independence in an upscale community.

Liberty Senior Living specializes in creating state-of-the-art communities for mature adults. Carolina Bay at Autumn Hall is one of their top-notch communities located in Wilmington.

The community offers independent and assisted living with customized plans.

One feature that is most convenient about Carolina Bay is the Bradley Creek Health Center, which is located on campus so residents don’t even have to leave the community for certain healthcare procedures. Carolina Bay at Autumn Hall has created an extensive social network where residents take part in community gatherings, celebrations, wellness classes and study groups. Liberty Senior Living also features Brightmore of Wilmington as one of their independent

or assisted living communities. Whether you are looking for minimal assisted living or need more support, the folks at Brightmore have the perfect place for you. With an onsite library, gift and essentials shop, billiard room, and aquatics and fitness center, your needs will always be met here.

Located in the northern portion of New Hanover County is Plantation Village, a non-profit retirement community that spans across 56 landscaped acres. This community has several built-in amenities making it hard for residents to find a reason to leave campus. According to Anna Cook, Marketing Coordinator for Plantation Village, “Plantation Village makes it possible to enjoy life to the fullest while we take care of the everyday hassles of homeownership.

From weekly housekeeping services to landscape and home maintenance, we strive to help you make more time for the things that bring you joy.” Taking

the burden out of everyday living so residents can enjoy more of what they love is important to the team at Plantation Village. The community also offers a variety of wellness classes. Cook shares, “Our heated indoor saltwater pool is one of the most beautiful spaces on our campus. It’s popular for those looking to swim laps or take our water aerobics classes. We have a lovely gym with air-based strength training equipment, cardio rowers, treadmills and bikes and we host a variety of classes in our exercise studio. You’ll find everything from tai chi and Zumba to Pilates and chair yoga at Plantation Village.” Health and wellness aren’t the only things that Planation Village concentrates on.

They are known for their on-campus dining services which host a variety of options. When discussing the dining services offered at Plantation Village, Cook mentions, “The Magnolia Dining room at Plantation Village features a gorgeous view of the Blue Heron Pond and matching delicious fare created by Executive Chef John Balderson. Our menu changes weekly and there is an everyday option of filet, crab cakes or Atlantic salmon. We also have a pastry chef and partner with Feast Down East to procure meats and locally grown produce. Our upcoming expansion project includes an exciting renovation of our existing dining room and the addition of a second bistro to expand options even further. Our culinary team delights in making new creations, playing off family recipes and providing a unique dining experience for life.”

No matter what type of housing you’re looking for, the Cape Fear region is ready for you to make your home here.

Choosing the community that’s best for you is easy with the vast selection of housing. Which community will reflect your unique style and living preferences?

Take a look at some of these featured communities today and start planning for the good life.

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SALUTING YOUR SERVICE AND SACRIFICE AARP salutes those who have served and still serve. We support our veterans and their families with information on career support, caregiving resources, community connections and more.

To learn more, visit aarp.org/veterans.

/aarpnc

@aarpnc

We are here for you.

We know these are stressful times, and we know that coming together and helping one another is how we get through them.

As your Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors, we will help you create a plan that makes sense for you and your goals. With our knowledge and resources we will help you manage risk and keep your plan on track, so you can focus on all that’s happening in life.

Waylett Wealth Management at Morgan Stanley Rachel Hunt Financial Planning Specialist Financial Advisor 1111 Military Cutoff Rd Wilmington, NC 28405 +1 910 509-1120 Rachel.Hunt@morganstanley.com fa.morganstanley.com/wwm NMLS# 1776063

Contact me to see how I can help you or provide a second opinion.

Morgan Stanley recommends that investors independently evaluate particular investments and strategies, and encourages investors to seek the advice of a Financial Advisor. The appropriateness of a particular investment or strategy will depend on an investor’s individual circumstances and objectives. © 2020 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC. FAS014 CRC 3019916 04/20 CS 9829639 05/20

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HEALTHCARE 59

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Exceptional resort lifestyle.

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Having access to quality healthcare is important for everyone, especially as we grow older.

Whether you are new to the Cape Fear Region or are already a resident and are considering making the switch to a new physician, the process can feel overwhelming.

How do I know which doctor to choose? What if the specialized medical services I require aren’t located in the immediate area?

Feeling comfortable with your healthcare provider and knowing that they are conveniently located within your local area are important. Luckily, the Cape Fear Region is home to several established hospitals and reputable specialists alike. This convenience and piece of mind that comes with most all medical needs can be addressed in your own community is something that residents have come to appreciate and rely on.

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New Hanover Regional Medical Center (NHRMC) is the centerpiece of the region’s medical scene. While NHRMC has been serving the region for over fifty years, Novant Health recently added it to their portfolio of medical centers. This acquisition has allowed for a collaboration with UNC Health and the UNC School of Medicine, further expanding the medical expertise and opportunities available to residents of the region. Over the decades, NHRMC has grown their services in the tri-county area to a total of 855 licensed beds among three hospital campuses, offering a variety of specialty centers including cardiac, obstetrics, trauma, vascular surgery, intensive care, rehabilitation, and psychiatry. Moreover, it is the primary referral hospital in the region. From walk-in emergency services to inpatient and outpatient services and a variety of specialists, NHRMC has been meeting the needs of our community and their continued growth reflects a commitment to

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continue to help and heal residents in our area.

Pender Memorial Hospital, located in Pender County, works with NHRMC to provide healthcare to local communities such as Burgaw, Topsail Beach, Hampstead, and Surf City. Their emergency care department is open 24 hours a day and staffs local surgeons as well as surgeons who travel from Wilmington to meet the needs of patients closer to their home. Pender Memorial’s offerings include endoscopy, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation just to name a few. Their compassionate staff are committed to provide quality care to each patient in need of care.

And while their services and staff are exemplary, the convenience that the medical center brings to the residents of Pender County makes living in this area even more appealing.

Also a member of the Novant Health family is Brunswick Medical Center, located in the central-Brunswick

County town of Boliva. Brunswick Medical Center provides the highest quality of care to each patient in a safe and comfortable environment. With almost 200 physicians and specialists, 450 employees, and 150 volunteers, Brunswick Medical Center meets and exceeds the needs of their patients.

Offering a comprehensive list of services that include specialty and progressive care units, imaging and laboratory services, and physical therapy, the center serves to treat patients with preventative and ongoing care.

While Brunswick Medical Center manages thousands of patients each year, they are not the only hospital located in Brunswick County. Dosher Memorial Hospital can be found just blocks away from the waterfront in the city of Southport. This hospital is also close to area beach communities such as Oak Island Beach and Caswell Beach.

The team at Dosher is committed to providing excellent care to their

community by offering medical services that the community needs close to home such as cardiology, orthopedic surgery, vascular surgery, and more. The hospital also offers a walk-in primary and urgent care center on Bald Head Island during tourist season.

Wilmington Health, a network of primary care, urgent care, and multi-specialty providers, has been a mainstay in the greater Wilmington area for over 40 years. With locations

Photo courtesy of Novant Health

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n io t p e c r e P r u o Y e ir t e R

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of a

Senior Living Community.

Call to schedule your visit today!

Seniors today

don’t have to give up an active, rewarding lifestyle to enjoy the peace of mind that comes from right-sizing their home and having continuing care in place at Bradley Creek Health Center should they need it.

Whether for yourself or for a loved one, call to schedule a private tour to discover all that our community has to offer.

Assisted Living · Memory Support · Skilled Nursing · Rehabilitation

630 62 CAROLINA BAY DRIVE, WILMINGTON, NC 28403 | 910.541.8538 | CAROLINABAYATAUTUMNHALL.COM A Life Plan Community offered by Liberty Senior Living

© 2021 Carolinia Bay at Autumn Hall

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WE ARE LIBERTY Liberty Healthcare is a Wilmington based, family-owned company that has been helping people manage their healthcare and residential needs for more than 145 years.

Principal owners, Sandy and Ronnie McNeill, are proud to call this area home, and are the fifth generation of the McNeill family that has been immersed in the healthcare industry.

The company founders, who opened their first pharmacy in 1875, established Liberty’s core values of quality, honesty, and integrity that guide us to this day.

LIBERTY SENIOR LIVING Liberty Senior Living is the development and operations management company for Liberty’s senior living division. We oversee the development, financing, acquisition and operation of independent living, assisted living memorycare and Life Plan Communities. For more than 30 years, Liberty Senior Living has been offering seniors access to a full continuum of services in luxury communities built in some of the most desirable locations in the Southeast. With two locations here in Wilmington, Carolina Bay at Autumn Hall and Brightmore of Wilmington which includes The Kempton and The Commons on

the Brightmore campus, Liberty Senior Living is posed for growth and a continued commitment to helping seniors live life to their fullest.

COMMUNITY OFFERINGS Liberty Senior Living communities have been designed for active seniors. They are filled with fabulous amenities and an abundance of activities for promoting physical, mental, social, educational and spiritual well-being. We have specifically designed and/or acquired communities that are able to offer our residents whole-person wellness, distinctive dining, life enrichment, and top-class amenities and services. With the active senior in mind, Liberty has branched out into the Active Adult division with its first community, Inspire Coastal Grand, just opened in Myrtle Beach, SC with a future location near Brunswick Forest in Leland, NC. Our community and service offerings combine housing, health care, hospitality, and ancillary services. Our senior living communities offer residents a state-of-the-art home-like setting, assistance with activities of daily living and, in some communities, licensed skilled nursing services.

We also provide ancillary services including home health, hospice, in-patient short-term rehabilitation, long-term care, and out-patient services to residents Continues on page 64

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in many of our communities as well as seniors living outside of our communities. We offer our residents the opportunity to “age-in-place” by providing a full range of service options as their needs change. With a diverse range of community and service offerings, we are positioned to take advantage of favorable demographic trends over time.

WHOLE - PERSON WELLNESS AND LIFE ENRICHMENT One of our core values at Liberty is whole-person wellness, the integration of a person’s multiple dimensions, including physical, nutritional, spiritual, social and intellectual, into positive beliefs and meaningful activities. We encourage all of our residents to participate in this program. Our goal is to help our residents remain

“At Liberty Senior Living, we offer all sorts of activities.

There are classes and cooking demonstrations, outings and social groups, concerts or movies, lifelong learning opportunities, book clubs, women clubs and walking clubs,” Haley Norris, Regional Wellness and Enrichment Director. at their highest level of functional abilities, and even to improve their fitness and wellness once they move into one of our communities.

Wellness is not just about physicality. We know that engagement and socialization play a crucial role in the mental health and wellbeing of our residents.

Isolation can diminish the immune system and have other negative impacts on physical and emotional health.

Our wellness facilities and equipment are state-of-the-art, and all of our wellness instructors are certified. Energetic instructors conduct both land and water classes, as well as training on the stationary equipment. Classes are tailored to residents’ requests and participation, from yoga to tai chi, water aerobics to line dancing. Residents design their own community program based on their interests, and our wellness instructors are also available for coaching and personal training upon request.

We encourage residents to indulge their current passions and discover new ones as they embrace all life has to offer.

WHAT LIBERTY HAS TO OFFER: DISTINCTIVE DINING Liberty’s Senior Living communities offer distinctive dining and a remarkable range of culinary choices for residents and their guests. The various venues and menus afford residents a wide range of healthy, dining options.

Best of all, our communities offer dining dollars or a decling monthly balance which are including the the monthly rent that can be used at the residents’ discretion.

This policy allows residents the flexibility to dine out with friends without paying for meals they are not eating at the community.

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AMENITIES AND SERVICES As a resident of a Liberty Senior Living community, you’ll let go of house and yard upkeep and embrace all the services and amenities we offer to ensure your comfort, convenience and safety.

Weekly cleaning, grounds maintenance/ landscaping, and concierge services, such as scheduled transportation and dry cleaning pick-up and drop-off, round out the offerings that help you let go of the drudgery while focusing on fun and personal fulfillment.

· fully equipped fitness center complete with a salt water pool and hot tub · a professionally staffed day spa and salon · multiple dining venues; several living rooms, libraries and game rooms; · plus an art studio and various meeting spaces · onsite security and emergency response services, giving both you and your family invaluable peace of mind

DON’T JUST LIVE HERE...

LOVE IT HERE.

Call to schedule your visit today!

Residents of Brightmore of Wilmington love the living choices, abundant resort-like amenities and nearly endless social engagements available to them. Here, residents and their families will love the emphasis on nutritious dining options, whole-person wellness and the peace of mind that comes from having continuing care at The Kempton and Commons in place should they need it.

Call 910.507.7834 to schedule a visit and don’t just live here...LOVE IT HERE. 2324 S. 41st Street, Wilmington, NC 28403 BrightmoreOf Wilmington.com Retirement living choices offered by Liberty Senior Living

© 2021 Brightmore of Wilmington

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across the tri-county area, from Jacksonville to Leland, Wilmington Health has earned a stellar reputation in the community for their convenient locations, variety of specialty care, and expert medical staff. Some of their specialties include ear nose and throat, hearing aid services, neurology, and robotic surgery. Since they began serving the community in 1971, Wilmington Health has grown considerably to continue to meet the needs of our growing region.

Wilmington Health has become a high-performance health care system in itself that continues to add to its offerings to enhance patient care and convenience.

HEALTHCARE OPTIONS Wilmington is also home to a wide variety of complementary and alternative options such as chiropractic centers, acupuncturist, and nutritionists. Alternative healthcare options have been growing in the Cape Fear Region over the last decade as more and more individuals seek relief from common ailments with the use of holistic healthcare. When using one or some

Photo by Megan Deitz

of these alternative healthcare options in conjunction with mainstream medical care, some patients find greater relief and wellbeing.

CARE MANAGEMENT Sometimes healthcare can be more than scheduling an annual exam with your primary care physician. Moving through the complexities of a diagnosis

or change in health can be overwhelming and often support is needed. Care management can help you and your family members move through situations like this with ease. Assistance For Life matches Care Managers with individuals who need support with long term planning, choosing a home care provider or retirement community, or help if you or a loved one are transitioning from a hospital to home or rehab.

When discussing specific offerings of

“

Feeling comfortable with your healthcare provider and knowing that they are conveniently located within your local area are important.

Luckily, the Cape Fear Region is home to several established hospitals and reputable specialists alike.

”

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Photo by Terah Wilson

Turning

65

has its

benefits

If you’re Medicare eligible at 65, you have a 7-month period to sign up for a New Hanover Health Advantage Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plan.

Learn more at NewHanoverHealthAdvantage.com or call 910.667.6442 to request more information about our plan options.

H6306_21_11339_C NHH Print Ad_FMD Approved_20210324

in partnership with

Available to residents of New Hanover, Brunswick and Pender counties.

GWBJ Good Life Special SectionFPad-A.indd 1

5/12/21 10:44 AM

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care management, Nikki Zeldin, Aging Life Care Professional and owner of Assistance for Life, explains that “Unforeseen changes in health can present roadblocks on life’s journey into the golden years. We walk the path with individuals, couples, and families providing guidance on resources and services, as well as advocacy and navigation within the healthcare system.

Our goal is to keep people moving through the unexpected twists and turns.” From ongoing maintenance to short-term guidance, the team at Assistance For Life provides a “wholeperson approach” that considers all aspects of the individual and their situation. Assistance For Life also offers a Driving Fitness Program that can be beneficial if a loved one is considering whether or not to drive. Noa Alper, Aging Life Care Professional, OTR/L, and owner of Assistance For Life, shares, “Our Driving Fitness Program helps answer the sometimes difficult question, ‘Should I or my loved one continue behind the wheel?’ Our goal is to identify risks through evidence based

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“

As the region continues to grow and expand, so do the medical providers, always striving to ensure the best in modern care and cuttingedge technology while maintaining the convenience and sense of community that makes our area so appealing.

”

clinical evaluation and help individuals maintain independence if it is time to transition to being a non-driver.”

If loved ones or family reside out of town, it can be difficult to find the support needed if a change in health occurs. The regular visits and client advocacy provided from an Assistance For Life Care Manager can lift the burden of feeling alone in the process.

The healthcare resources available in the Cape Fear Region are as abundant and diverse as each individual’s healthcare situation. And as the region continues to grow and expand, so do the medical providers, always striving to ensure the best in modern care and cuttingedge technology while maintaining the convenience and sense of community that makes our area so appealing.

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LIFE KEEPS GETTING BETTER…

AND SO WILL YOUR NEXT REAL ESTATE EXPERIENCE. As a Seniors Real Estate Specialist®, Shellee Brun has completed extensive training to help guide mature adults through the home buying process.

Whether buying or selling, new to the Cape Fear Region or a local looking for a change, let Shellee take the stress out of your transaction – she has the knowledge and experience needed to make your next move your best move.

TESTIMONIAL  "Thanks for all the help since we got together a couple weeks ago. I wish that you had been my agent in NY. It would have made our life a lot easier. Thank you again for helping us buy the perfect home for us. You make it seem so easy and seamless.”

Shellee Brunn

Broker/REALTOR® ABR, CBR, CMS, GRI, LSE, LSS, MRP, PSA, RSPS, SRES, SRS DIRECT: 631-671-2607 Shellee@IntracoastalRealty.com Shellee.IntracoastalRealty.com

- B. Foster

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CONTINUED LEARNING The advantages of continued learning are significant at any age. Keeping our minds, in addition to our bodies, active promotes a healthier and happier lifestyle.

Moving forward with continuing education strengthens our ability to relate with others, stay creative, and find interest in new activities and hobbies. Over the years, the Cape Fear region has placed great value on its learning institutions and making education opportunities easily accessible for residents. And while our local campuses have grown over the years, in size and offerings, continued learning at any age has always been encouraged and accommodated.

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The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI), led by the University of North Carolina at Wilmington (UNCW), provides learning opportunities for adults 50 years of age and older. OLLI aims to provide high-quality and intellectually stimulating programs to engage its learners. The facility strives to connect the university community with the lifelong learning community and programs are developed and led by university faculty. And while lifelong learning is OLLI’s main focus, it’s not their only one. Fostering individual growth and social connection among its members through providing diverse courses is an important part of the institute’s mission. OLLI offers academic courses in art history, environmental science, creative writing, science and technology, and

more. In addition to their academic courses, OLLI offers active and outdoors classes such as birding, gardening, and yoga.

Cape Fear Community College (CFCC) is another educational pillar in our community. Their Community Enrichment programs encourage people of all ages to learn something new.

Some of their offerings include oil painting, canning jams, serving on an HOA board, practical boating, craft beer brewing, and even how to raise backyard chickens. These enrichment classes are geared to be fun, affordable, and expand horizons.

THE PERFECT SETTING TO THE PERFECT SETTING TO

Enjoy Enjoy Retirement Retirement Landing provides our membersand andresidents residents with lifestyle in Eastern North RiverRiver Landing provides our members withthe thefinest finestluxury luxury lifestyle in Eastern North Carolina. club amenitiesinclude includechampionship championship golf, and casual dining, fitness Carolina.

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SPEND SUMMER IN

Photo courtesy of the CVB

Safe Places: Robert Johnson On view through August 1, 2021

Elizabeth Bradford: A House of One Room On view through October 17, 2021

THINGS TO DO Youth and Adult Classes and Workshops Virtual and In-Person

CAM Café

There is certainly no shortage of things to do in the Cape Fear Region. With the combination of festivals, concerts, art, culture, beautiful beaches, waterways, and mild climate, recreation is everywhere. Our region is known for its golf courses too, with many communities situated on or nearby these coveted green spaces.

Staying active outside all year round with our mild climate is easy – so if golf, tennis, or even pickleball is your sport of choice, finding a group who plays year-round is easy too.

Lunch, Brunch, and Dinner with live music Thursdays and Saturdays

CameronArtMuseum.org 3201 S 17th St Wilmington, NC 28412 (910) 395-5999

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A favorite activity for many locals is a regular visit to the Cameron Art Museum. The Museum connects our community to art by offering a space to gather that promotes appreciation of art to all museum guests. Not only does the museum offer an array of exhibitions on view, they also offer classes and workshops, programs, events, and their own Cam Café Restaurant and Bar. Anne Brennan, Executive Director of the Cameron

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Art Museum, invites guests to “Join us at the CAM Café for lunch, brunch and dinner with live music on Thursday nights and Saturday brunch. And the Café is open to the general public, no museum admission or membership required.” The museum is a wonderful place to spend the day and Brennan encourages community members to “Spend your summer with us at the Cameron Art Museum and explore our galleries and our outdoor ArtPark. The beautiful nature-inspired exhibitions include Robert Johnson’s ‘Safe Places’ and Elizabeth Bradford’s ‘A House of One Room’ and are on view all summer.” If you are interested in creating your own art, the museum offers in-person and virtual classes and workshops.

Learning more about the area’s local history is enjoyed by many who reside and visit Wilmington.

The immaculately preserved Bellamy Mansion, found in historic downtown Wilmington, offers tours to guests with a focus on sharing the history of the mansion and the community. Just a few blocks away from the Bellamy Mansion is the Burgwin-Wright House and Gardens, which also offers tours of the historic home and holds special events.

Trust us, it only looks expensive.

Turns out, great care is a lot more affordable than you think.

Information Center

NOW OPEN!

In the Village Shoppes at Waterford 497 Olde Waterford Way, Suite 105, Belville, NC

(910) 795-4250 • RetireAtCompassPointe.com

And if gardening is a favorite pastime, make sure to visit the New Hanover County Arboretum.

The Arboretum offers acres of beautifully maintained gardens for visitors to admire during a casual stroll, a guided tour, event, class, and more. The arboretum gardens, which are maintained

by NC Cooperative Extension and county staff alongside local volunteers, feature a Japanese garden, a children’s garden, and a trickling stream complementing one of the largest water gardens in North Carolina.

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ACTIVITIES AND SOCIAL GROUPS When relocating, finding social groups is an important part of assimilating into your new community. And while finding groups of folks to socialize with might be easy in your immediate area, reaching further into the community’s social scene can broaden those social opportunities.

The Osher Life Long Learning Institute coordinates a variety of Shared Interest Groups (SIGs). A SIG consists of OLLI members who are interested in meeting people who share common interests. These groups can form out of a shared OLLI class when individuals want to continue learning and discussing specific class topics, or they can be less formal groups that focus on topics like genealogy research, walking, or book clubs. All OLLI members have access to these groups.

Finding connection within a group that shares your interests is a healthy and important complement to an active lifestyle.

The New Hanover County Senior Resource Center offers ways for aging adults to meet through the various activities they offer. Some of their recurring weekly activities include billiards, cards, art groups, line and tap dancing, and table tennis. If one or some of these are of interest to you, register for the activity by contacting the New Hanover County Senior Resource Center. Keeping folks connected through recreation fosters the ability to continue living life to its fullest.

Photo courtesy of UNCW

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Independent Living is evolving…

Independent Living is evolving…

Are you ready for the journey at Cambridge Village of Wilmington?

Are you ready for the journey at Cambridge Village of Wilmington?

Life is defined by its turning Life isIt’s defined by its turning points. at those times points. It’s at those times that we have the chance to that we have the chance to ask, “what’s next?” and to ask, “what’s next?” and to imagine the very best life imagine the very best life can be. Retirement is one of can be. Retirement is one of these moments. these moments.It’s It’sthe the time to reflect on times time to reflect on times past past and to look forward to all and to look forward to all the good the goodtimes timesahead aheadof of you! you!

There’s muchto toconsider consider in in There’s soso much creating yourbest bestretirement retirement creating your life, but howdo doyou youcreate createan an life, but how Optimal life?

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to experience more what they have come tothan expect from they have come to expect from life in retirement years because life in have retirement years because they the flexibility and they have the flexibility and resources to design every detail. resources to design every detail.

Ask yourself these questions:

Ask yourself these questions: 1. Have you been proactive 1. Have you been proactive aboutyour yourwellness? wellness? about 2.

Do you eat onthe the more 2. Do you eat on gogo more often than you take the often than you take the timeto tosavor savoryour your meals? time meals?

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Optimal Living® at Cambridge

place. With sophisticated

place.

With sophisticated healthcare programs and a healthcare programs andlongevity, a mindset focused on mindset focused on longevity, Cambridge Village is a place Cambridge Village is a place where people feel and where people feel and look their youngest and best. look their youngest and best.

Optimal Health = Optimal Health = Optimal Living = Optimal Living = Comprehensive Wellness Comprehensive Wellness

Healthcare Healthcare With our hybrid community With our hybrid community model, residents have access model, residents have access to on-site Primary Care, to on-site Primary Care, Therapy, andand Home Healthcare.

Therapy, Home Healthcare.

WeWe partner with in-house partner with in-house healthcare providers to create healthcare providers to create true age in place community.

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If your answers don’t paint the picture of the life you envision for picture of the life you envision for Cambridge Fitness your retirement years, it’s time to Cambridge Fitness your retirement it’s time to pursue more thanyears, the promise.

As a Cambridge resident, you’ll pursue more than the promise. enjoy As a Cambridge resident, full access to our cutting you’ll enjoy full access to Whether it’s enjoying a group edge fitness center andour cutting Create Your Best Life.

Whether it’s enjoying a group fitness class, dining at one of the edge fitness center and wellness programs.

Create Your Best Life. ® fitness class, dining at one of the chef-driven restaurants, enjoying wellness programs.

Cambridge Fitness features a Optimal living begins with a ® a walk with friends, or passing a chef-driven restaurants, enjoying wide range of amenities, thoughtful, Cambridge Fitness features a Optimal livingwell-planned begins with a new wellness milestone, each a walk with friends, or passing a including a heated indoor community where every person wide range of amenities, thoughtful, well-planned day is an opportunity to delight saltwater pool, group exercise new wellness milestone, each can rediscover and create his or including a heated indoor community where every person in a positive, healthy life.

In our studio and strength & cardio her own best version of life.

At day is an opportunity to delight saltwater pool, group exercise can rediscover and create his or communities, every person has equipment.

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In our studio and strength & cardio her own best version of life. At the opportunity to not only agestart your journey? style environment allows communities, every person has equipment. Are you ready to Cambridge Village, our resortin-place but also to thrive in residents the opportunity to not only agestart your journey? style environment allows Cambridge Village of Wilmington | www.RetireInWilmington.com| 910.408.3039

Optimal Living® at Cambridge Village of Wilmington is an Village of Wilmington is an to exceptional lifestyle devoted exceptional lifestyle devoted evolving wellness, concierge to evolving wellness,experiences. concierge care & engaged care & engaged experiences.

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WORLD CLASS DENTISTRY implant training with the Engel Institute and continuing education courses at the prestigious Kois Center in Seattle, WA.

Live Oak Dental is committed to improving the lives of our community through world class dentistry. We do this by providing comfortable, efficient and quality dentistry in a unique environment.

One of the things that sets Live Oak Dental apart is the dedication of our amazing professional team.

It takes a strong commitment to teamwork to provide you with an experience that is perfect from the moment you arrive until you leave our office with a happy smile.

We would love for you to stop by and meet us in person, but until then, please take a moment to learn more about us and our passion for providing you with the highest quality dental care possible.

DR. DANIEL J. DUFFY, D.M.D. Dr. Daniel Duffy received his D.M.D. from East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine and holds a BS in Business Administration from the ECU

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Dr. Daniel J. Duffy, D.M.D.

College of Business. His private practice, Live Oak Dental in Wilmington, NC specializes in family dentistry, advanced dental procedures, and wellnessbased care. Dr. Duffy is a member of the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the North Carolina Dental Society.

Dr. Duffy invests in his own professional development through regularly participating in advanced dental training programs. He has completed several graduate level curricula, including dental

Driven by a passion for helping others, Dr. Duffy strongly believes in offering his patients an exceptional dental experience from consultation to conclusion. His focus is high quality dentistry and an excellent patient experience at the office. His team utilizes leading-edge technology such as digital radiography and a 3D imaging scanner to provide comfortable and comprehensive dental treatment.

COSMETIC DENTISTRY SERVICES PORCELAIN VENEERS

With porcelain veneers you can change gaps, chips or permanently stained teeth without any invasive treatment. Using a strong, thin, custom-made shell that slips over your front teeth, they provide a seamless, beautiful smile.

COMPOSITE VENEERS

With composite veneers you can change gaps, chips or permanently stained teeth without any invasive treatment. Using a thin layer of beautiful composite bonding

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on your front teeth, they provide a seamless, beautiful smile.

DIGITAL SMILE DESIGN

With the latest advancements in dental technology and imaging, our dental team has the ability to digitally design your new smile using the most up-todate techniques is dentistry. Planning cosmetic dentistry in this manner allows the dentist to achieve a predictable, precision outcome whether you are planning on veneers, crowns or dentures for your new smile.

CLEAR ALIGNER THERAPY (INVISALIGN)

Having beautifully straight teeth is simple with Clear Aligner Therapy thanks to the clear aligner technology which has been developed over the past two decades. By

utilizing non-metal clear aligners that are changed every couple of weeks, we are able to straighten minor to semi-major crooked teeth and gaps — leaving your smile noticeably straight without the use of traditional metal braces.

SLEEP APNEA WHAT IT IS

Sleep Apnea is a sleep disorder in which breathing is briefly and repeatedly interrupted during sleep. The “apnea” in sleep apnea refers to a breathing pause that lasts at least ten seconds.

Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the muscles in the back of the throat fail to keep the airway open, despite efforts to breathe. Another form of sleep apnea is central sleep apnea, in which the brain

fails to properly control breathing during sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea is far more common than central sleep apnea.

SYMPTOMS

Chronic snoring is a strong indicator of sleep apnea and should be evaluated by a health professional. Since people with sleep apnea tend to be sleep deprived, they may suffer from sleeplessness and a wide range of other symptoms.

TREATMENT

Dr. Duffy at Live Oak Dental works closely with physicians to treat snoring and sleep apnea. At your first visit, Dr. Duffy will talk to you about the benefits of treatment. You also will receive information on the potential side effects and the cost of therapy.

#projectsmile

Live Oak Dental is committed to improving the lives of our community through world class dentistry. The goal of Project Smile is to have a positive impact with one individual in our community by giving them the smile of their dreams. Three candidates will be chosen from the submitted entries to receive a complimentary exam, digital x-rays and cleaning and one winner will receive a smile they will be proud of for a lifetime.

WHAT SETS US APART: COMFORT

Patients in our practice experience the highest level of comfort during dental procedures. To ensure patients are comfortable during their visit to our office, we offer complimentary coffee bar, warm towel service, ear plugs, neck pillows, blankets and music to help our patients feel at ease during their visit with us.

COMMITMENT

Dr. Duffy and the team are committed to providing high quality dentistry to all of our patients. We strive to offer the best dental materials and the most up to date technologies in our practice. We spend more time with our patients during procedures, and never rush through a procedure to see another patient. Dr. Duffy spends over 50 hours per year on continuing education to advance his skills and provide top tier care to patients in the practice.

EXPERIENCE

Our patients love coming to our office for a visit. We pride ourselves on a great dental experience for our patients, every time they come in the practice. Whether we are laughing about a joke in an operatory, telling a great story at the front desk or working with patients to decide on an insurance plan that fits them best, we always put out the “good vibes” so patients can enjoy coming back to see us when they need to.

TO SEE HOW WE CAN HELP YOU, TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT, OR FOR MORE INFORMATION:

2520 Delaney Avenue Wilmington, NC 28403 Phone: 910-762-1772 Fax: 910-762-1469

liveoakdentalnc@gmail.com liveoaksmiles.com facebook.com/liveoakdentalnc @liveoakdental

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AC T I V I T I E S P L A N N I N G

G U I D E

Photo courtesy of the CVB

CONTI N U I N G E DUCATION

classes for lifelong learners of all ages through its Community Enrichment Department.

cultural gathering place that features exhibitions and lifelong learning of the arts.

ART/CU LTU R E

CAPE FEAR MUSEUM OF HISTORY AND SCIENCE

OSHER LIFE LONG LEARNING INSTITUTE 620 S. College Road Wilmington, NC 28403 910.962.3195 uncw.edu/olli Open floor plan The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at UNCW provides lifelong learning opportunities for adults aged 50 and older.

CFCC COMMUNITY ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS

411 N. Front Street Wilmington, NC 28401 910.362.7254 cfcc.edu/community-enrichment Cape Fear Community College (CFCC) offers a selection of personal enrichment

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WILSON CENTER 703 N. Third Street Wilmington, NC 28401 910.362.7913 wilsoncentertickets.com/center-info The Wilson Center is a popular performing arts center in our area. The center’s grand performance hall with three floors that wrap the stage create excellent views for guests.

CAMERON ART MUSEUM

3201 S. 17th Street Wilmington, NC 28412 910.395.5999 cameronartmuseum.org Cameron Art Museum (CAM) is a

814 Market Street Wilmington, NC 28401 910.798.4370 capefearmuseum.com The Cape Fear Museum of History and Science hosts a variety of exhibits, programs and events, and collections that enrich our community and highlight its history.

BURGWIN-WRIGHT HOUSE AND GARDENS

224 Market Street Wilmington, NC 28401 910.762.0570 burgwinwrighthouse.com The Burgwin-Wright House and Gardens is a colonial building open to the public that operates as a museum, venue rental, and features exhibits and events.

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Whether you are seeking support for yourself or a loved one, you shouldn’t have to navigate through the unknown by yourself.

Benefits of Care Management Services

•Provide a personal consultation to assess the current situation •Create a plan incorporating: Health ~ Living Environment ~ Support Network Review of legal and financial documents •Connect clients with available local resources •Serve as advocates, prevent crises, and prepare for/manage emergency situations •Aide in long-term planning, choosing a home care provider or transitional care •Recommend a plan for choosing a retirement community or facility •Support individuals and their families through the decision-making process

Our team of caring professionals are here to support you every step of the way with a thoughtful comprehensive assessment and on-going care management services. www.assistanceforlifecms.com AssistanceForLifeCMS.com (910) 762-9242

We can assist, care, guide and advocate for you or your loved ones.

Call us or visit our website.

When you’re living the good life Insure it lasts Trusted for three generations, the James E. Moore Insurance Agency has built lifelong, customer-driven relationships and offers more than just insurance for your home and auto. With a reputation based on integrity, values and their commitment to clients, Jim, Adrienne and the team provide advice and guidance for selecting the right coverage to insure what matters most. You’ve earned the good life, now make sure you insure it.

(910) 256-5333 www.JamesEMoore.com Providing Personal, Life and Health, Commercial Insurance Products and Peace of Mind for over 67 years.

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AC T I V I T I E S P L A N N I N G

G U I D E

gatherings and networking with existing service and advocacy programs to build support and community.

COAST ON IN.

THE LOWER CAPE FEAR HISTORICAL SOCIETY AT THE LATIMER HOUSE

COAST ON OUT.

Daily nonstops to top destinations; easy connections worldwide.

flyilm.com

BELLAMY MANSION MUSEUM 503 Market Street Wilmington, NC 28401 910.251.3700 bellamymansion.org Offering tours, events, and venue space, the Bellamy Mansion Museum invitesguests to take a step into history while visiting.

126 S. 3rd Street Wilmington, NC 28401 910.762.0492 lcfhs.org The Lower Cape Fear Historical Society at the Latimer House has been preserving local history since 1956. The society operates the Latimer House which offers tours of the house, historic district walking tours, and events.

UNCW KENAN AUDITORIUM

Live Well at Home Providing Home Care Services to Local Seniors Since 2005

910-444-0650 (Wilmington) 910-457-5300 (Southport) coastalcompanioncare.com

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601 S. College Road Wilmington, NC 28403 910.962.3500 uncw.edu/arts/kenan/index.html Kenan Auditorium is a performing arts venue on the UNCW campus that brings an assortment of performances to their guests and is home to wellknown local events.

R ECR EATION SAGE WILMINGTON - FRANK HARR FOUNDATION

1624 Princess Street Wilmington NC 28401 910.782.4405 frankharrfoundation.org/what-we-do/elders Sage Wilmington brings local LGBTQIA elders together by organizing social

NC COOPERATIVE EXTENSION AND ARBORETUM 6206 Oleander Drive Wilmington, NC 28403 910.798.7660 arboretum.nhcgov.com Arboretum offers guided tours of it’s beautifully maintained gardens and resources for beginning and experienced gardeners alike through educational programs and events.

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WEALTH DOES NOT COME WITH A ROAD MAP but with a personalized, tailored vision and plan, it can be mastered.

CAPE FEAR PICKLEBALL CLUB

capefearpickleballclub.org Cape Fear Pickle Ball Club is committed to promoting pickleball in Southeastern North Carolina. The club allows members to find places to play in the area and keeps current on the latest local pickleball news.

This mastery is achieved by employing years of experience, bestin-class asset managers, cutting edge technology, and professional resources including financial, tax, estate and retirement planning.

We employ these tools to compliment your financial plan, optimize your wealth opportunities, plan for long term care needs, manage your risk and more.

DO YOU HAVE A SOLID RETIREMENT AND INCOME PLAN? WHAT ABOUT CHANGING TAX CODES? Coastal Financial Advisors is your trusted source for all of your financial needs.

WE HELP CLIENTS WITH:

>> Strategies to reduce income tax liability in 2021 and beyond. >> Protecting financial legacies against the devastating, tax-accelerating downside of the SECURE Act. >> Roth Conversion options to create increasing TAX-FREE lifetime income benefits and minimize taxes. >> Strategies to deal with changes to favorable capital gains rates and the estate step-up in basis provision.

POPLAR GROVE PLANTATION 10200 US Highway 17 N. Wilmington, NC 28411 910.782.4405 poplargrove.org Poplar Grove Plantation hosts a farmers’ market, events, festivals, and guided tours of the historic plantation home.

B I G EVE NTS

Educating our clients and keeping them updated on market trends are just some of the ways we empower you to make the best choices possible to protect your legacy.

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President Series 65 Licensed Advisor

CALL US TODAY AT

910-338-0655 to receive your free EBook 8 Timeless Principles of Investing for a review of best practice investing, or visit our website at

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CUCALORUS FESTIVAL

cucalorus.org The Cucalorus Festival is an annual film festival held in Wilmington that showcases emerging, innovative, and creative professionals and their various film projects.

Investment advisory services are provided through Foundations Investment Advisors, LLC, an SEC-registered investment advisor.

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ITH W M E H T T PROTEC .

E R I T E R NEVER H T E E T R YOU

!

R E W O P E L I M S

Own your retirement with a healthy smile protected by high-quality dental insurance at an affordable price.

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Specializing in Landfall and Beyond the Gates to Neighboring Areas

RIVERFEST

wilmingtonriverfest.com Riverfest is an annual event that takes place in downtown Wilmington along the Cape Fear River. The festival includes arts and crafts, food vendors, live music, antique car displays, and more.

SO

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718 Windemere Road

NC AZALEA FESTIVAL

$555,000

910.794.4650 ncazaleafestival.org The North Carolina Azalea Festival is an annual spring celebration that has been a tradition in Wilmington since 1948. The festival includes a street fair, garden parties and tours, concerts, a parade, and more.

TRA ON Y! C E R DA UND in 1

CT

1028 Arboretum Drive $979,000

WILMINGTON BOAT SHOW wilmingtonboatshow.com View boats and boat accessories at the Wilmington Boat Show.

Here, you will find everything you need to create your perfect day on the water.

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215 Summer Rest Road $2,247,500

For ALL your real estate needs!

1720 Drysdale Drive Wilmington NC

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Ed Ablard

Public Policy Analyst, Attorney NC and DC Presently offering Tenant representation for Emergency Rental Assistance and Grandparents Educational Endowment Trusts, Revocable Trusts, and more.

1802 Grace St. Wilmington, NC 28405 (703) 980-4654 eablard@gmail.com

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Photo courtesy of AARP

AARP PROVIDES LISTS OF VOUNTEER OPPS 5511 Capital Center Drive, Suite 400 Raleigh, NC 27606 866.389.5650 states.aarp.org/north-carolina/ section/volunteering2 AARP offers events, resources, volunteer opportunities, and more. Connecting with your local community is easy with the support of your local AARP.

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VOLUNTEER O P P O R T U N I T I E S

Photo courtesy of UNCW

SCORE (SERVICE CORPS OF RETIRED EXECUTIVES)

CAPE FEAR VOLUNTEER CENTER MATCHES VOLUNTEER AGENCIES WITH INDIVIDUALS 5041 New Centre Drive, Suite 215 Wilmington, NC, 28403 910.392.8180 capefearvolunteercenter.org The Cape Fear Volunteer Center matches individuals with agencies that connect individuals with service opportunities in Southeastern North Carolina.

MATCHES MENTORS WITH BUSINESS OWNERS AND ENTREPRENEURS 410 Oleander Drive Wilmington, NC, 28403 910-452-5395 capefear.score.org/volunteer SCORE volunteers support local entrepreneurs in the community by providing thier time as mentors to start-ups and business owners.

SHARE CAPE FEAR

LISTS LOCAL VOLUNTEER OPENINGS 5919 Oleander Dr Building II, Suite 115 Wilmington, NC 28403 910.798.3900 ext.115 sharecapefear.org Share Cape Fear is powered by the Cape Fear Collective, United Way, and New Hanover Disaster Coalition and lists local volunteer opportunities and non-profits in the area that are looking for support.

UNCW CIE MENTOR PROGRAMS PROVIDES MENTORS THAT HELP GUIDE LOCAL BUSINESSES 803 South College Road Wilmington, NC 28403 910-962-2206 uncw.edu/ciementors/index.html The CIE Mentor Program’s team of experienced professionals assists both campus- and community-based ventures by guiding them to their next business milestone.

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CHANGE

AGENT

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P i vot i n g h a s b ee n a n esse n t i a l pa rt o f a ss i s ta n t health director C a r l a T ur n er ’ s n e w ro l e

BY CHERYL L. SERRA PHOTO BY TERAH WILSON

I

magine shooting a moving target. With your eyes closed. And limited ammunition. And getting a bull’s eye. That might be how the New Hanover County Health Department’s response to COVID could be described.

Or, as New Hanover County Assistant Health Director Carla Turner said, the health department’s response was “phenomenal.”

Turner took the position after changes in the department resulted in a newly appointed health director, David Howard, and the reduction from two to one assistant health director positions.

Turner, who formerly served as the department’s personal health services manager, has learned to pivot to meet the demands of a new job amidst a global pandemic. In her new role, she will step in when required.

This will mean Turner will be differently connected to the nursing side of the department’s work.

Turner, a registered nurse, will still supervise the department’s nurses, but her role will involve more leadership functions than on-theground supervising.

“My passion hasn’t changed,” Turner said of her new role. “I still have a passion for public health.

I believe in what we do here at New Hanover County Health and Human Services. I believe in the services we provide and the initiatives that we push forward that take care of this community.

Because that is at the heart of what we do, is this community.”

“We in health and human services are quite honestly silent protectors for this community,” is something Turner says she repeats to anyone who will listen.

“You may not know what we do, but the things that we do make a really big difference to the things you get to do,” she said, citing examples such as ensuring

w i l m i n g t o n b i z m a g a z i n e . c o m

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the restaurants are safe to eat in, keeping a handle on the types of mosquitos seen in the area and providing a multitude of other services.

Fueled by her passion for and experience in public health, Turner is eager to oversee the department’s continued efforts to battle COVID. “In the beginning, it felt like every day or two we were getting new guidance from the state, which is understandable because it was a novel virus,” she said. “It still is a novel virus.”

The state came up with decisions on battling COVID based on the information they were receiving. Then the health department had to implement those decisions.

“To say that we had to pivot at a moment’s notice is an understatement,” Turner said.

The department’s work has evolved from contact tracing and case investigations to vaccination and education.

She recalls the vaccine rollout was initially phased to allow five different levels of groups of people to get the vaccine, beginning with frontline health care personnel taking care of people with COVID. With new information from the state and vaccination availability changing regularly, however, Turner was in constant contact with health partners such as Novant, NHRMC, MedNorth, Wilmington Health and Cape Fear Clinic to revise and update rollout plans.

At the same time, the department strived to educate the community about the vaccines.

Turner said she can’t make people do anything, but she can provide them with scientific, trusted information that people can use to weigh their decision.

She commends the department’s work.

“I cannot say enough about our staff here, countywide, but especially our public health staff,” Turner said. “We pulled our nurses from everywhere,” including S U M M E R 2021

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Keep your facility safe for your employees and customers.

Schedule your disinfection service now to prevent the spread of viruses.

Full Facility Sanitization for Covid-19 Commercial Cleaning and Janitorial Services

Contact us for your free estimate!

910.367.5232 WilmingtonCleaningSolutions.com

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from the school system, which was supportive, realizing that the quicker they got a handle on COVID, the quicker school could resume.

The peaks and valleys of the vaccination rollout can be seen on the county’s dashboard. Turner recalls that last summer there was a bit of a lull in COVID cases. Health officials were hopeful. But then cases among the younger adult population rose again. Some of the department’s highest numbers were after the holidays.

“That’s what was understandable, not OK, and frustrating at the same time,” she says. “It was the holidays, and people were tired of being home. I get that.

But it was very important that we hold on just a little longer so we don’t have the surge like we had.”

By May the numbers were decreasing, which Turner attributes primarily to vaccination efforts.

Looking back, Turner said the biggest challenges to battling COVID were the disappointingly high number of 25- to 49-year-old positive COVID tests, the surge in numbers around the holidays and the reluctance of so many people to get the vaccine.

One of the greatest accomplishments was the ease with which the older residents pushed up their sleeves.

The health department worked hard to get the county’s over-65 population vaccinated, she said.

Turner said the health department would work with pediatricians and family care practitioners so they could vaccinate children in their offices once the vaccines are approved for them. The health department will continue to offer the vaccines too.

“I’ve learned about the resilience of our county employees, especially our folks who have participated in our vaccination clinics,” Turner said. “We were so excited with the governor’s new executive order. I have not had a mask the entire time I have been in the office today. I go to the copier without having my mask on, and it’s fabulous.”

South Atlantic Capital Awarded Top Guns Designation

by Informa Financial Intelligence South Atlantic Capital is pleased to announce we have received a 1-Star Top Gun rating for our Core Equity strategy for this year’s first quarter by Informais Financial Intelligence’s PSN database, North America’s longest running database of managers including the industry’s best known firms. South Atlantic has received numerous Top Gun awards over the years, most notably being named a PSN Top Guns Manager of the Decade among all large-cap managers at year-end 2012.

Through a combination of Informa Financial Intelligence’s proprietary performance screens, *PSN Top Guns (*free registration to view Top Guns) ranks products in six proprietary categories in over 50 universes. This is a well-respected quarterly ranking and is widely used by institutional asset managers and investors. Informa Financial Intelligence is part of Informa plc, a leading provider of critical decision-making solutions and custom services to financial institutions.

South Atlantic Capital’s Core Equity strategy was awarded a Top Gun 1-Star rating, meaning it had one of the top ten returns for the quarter ended March 31, 2021, in its respective universe.

The complete list of PSN Top Guns and an overview of the methodology can be located on https://psn.fi.informais.com/.

EXPERIENCE: With our steady hand

and defensive bias, we have successfully negotiated numerous investment cycles over nearly 30 years, helping clients compound their capital over the long term.

JUDGEMENT: A highly selective

investment approach gives us the conviction to patiently own a concentrated set of businesses. We believe over-diversification produces mediocrity.

RESULTS: Since January 1, 1992 our “core equity” composite of client accounts has comfortably outperformed the S&P 500 Index (net of fees) as well as a large cross section of industry leading managers. Details are available on our website, as is an independent third-party performance verification.

Phillip A. Titzer

Chief Operating Officer & Compliance Officer

Florence Ellen Cowden

Director of Operations & Client Services

South Atlantic Capital Management Group, Inc. (910) 763-4113 | SouthAtlanticCap.com 1900 Eastwood Rd #14, Wilmington, NC 28403 w i l m i n g t o n b i z m a g a z i n e . c o m

Edward D. Nowell President

S U M M E R 2021

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PULSE 2021 PHOTO BY SUZI DRAKE

A pharma evolution PPD GROWS FROM SMALL BUSINESS INTO $17.4B DEAL

P

BY SCOTT NUNN

PD OPENED FOR BUSINESS IN 1985 WITH ONE EMPLOYEE – COMPANY FOUNDER FRED ESHELMAN, A PHARMACIST WITH A BIG VISION. WHEN THE CARLYLE GROUP BOUGHT THE FIRM IN A $3.9 BILLION DEAL IN 2011, PPD WAS OPERATING IN 33 COUNTRIES AND EMPLOYED 10,000 WORKERS. The company’s success not only solidified Wilmington’s reputation as a hub for contract research firms, but its shiny, modern 12-story headquarters was a vital part of the transformation of the northern riverfront area.

Now with 26,000 employees (including 1,800 locally), the homegrown company is about to become part of something even bigger, after the announcement in April that it would be purchased

by Thermo Fisher Scientific (TFS).

Massachusetts-based TFS has 80,000 employees and supplies a host of products, equipment and services to health care and life-sciences organizations.

While TFS sells lab equipment and is involved in drug manufacturing, PPD strictly provides

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services. Industry observers said the deal provides a missing part of the puzzle for TFS’s product development.

T H E C O M PA N I E S On a contract basis, the Wilmington-based firm provides research and other

services to pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. PPD recruits patients and clinical trial investigators, manages clinical trial sites and provides services supporting a drug as it approaches regulatory approval and after it reaches the market.

It also offers laboratory services, which make up about a fifth of its revenue. PPD’s $4.7 billion in revenue last year made it one of the largest companies in the contract research sector, a $50 billion industry.

In 2017, PPD closed on a recapitalization deal and added two new investors in addition to The Carlyle Group and Hellman & Friedman. The investment with a subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority and an affiliate of GIC, Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund valued PPD at the time at more than $9 billion.

PPD made an initial public offering in February 2020 and began trading on the Nasdaq. Its market capitalization on June 3 was $16.25 billion. David Simmons has been PPD’s chairman and chief executive officer since 2012.

Based in Waltham, Massachusetts, TFS provides a broad range of products and services through a large number of brands, such as Applied Biosystems, Invitrogen, Fisher Scientific and Patheon.

Whereas PPD provides only

services, TFS sells actual products, such as complex instruments and chemicals used in research. In 2020, about 20% of the company’s $32 billion in revenue came from services. The company, however, has recently become more involved in providing services to its customers.

TFS trades on the N.Y. Stock Exchange and on June 3 had a market capitalization of $176.55 billion. Marc Casper is president and CEO.

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1980s 1985

1986

Fred Eshelman starts PPD as a one-person consulting firm based in his home in Maryland.

Eshelman relocates operations to Wilmington.

1989

PPD incorporates in North Carolina.

1990s 1996

THE BIG DEAL

It was announced April 15 that the board of directors of both companies had approved a definitive agreement under which TFS will acquire PPD for $47.50 per share, a total cash price of $17.4 billion. TFS will assume $3.5 billion of net debt with the purchase.

According to a news release from the companies issued the day the deal was announced, the price “represents a premium of approximately 24% to the unaffected closing price of PPD’s common stock on the Nasdaq as of Tuesday, April 13, 2021, or 32% to the 60-day VWAP inclusive of that date.”

“Pharma and Biotech is our largest and fastest growing end market, and our customers value us as a strategic partner and an industry leader,” Casper said. “The acquisition of PPD is a natural extension for Thermo Fisher.”

The news release said that Thermo Fisher’s access to key decision-makers in the industry will increase opportunities for PPD to win additional work.

“No further action by other PPD shareholders is required to approve the transaction,” the statement said.

Thermo Fisher will use debt financing and cash on hand to complete the transaction.

Barclays Capital and Morgan Stanley & Co. are serving as financial advisers to Thermo Fisher on the deal. Cravath, Swaine & Moore and Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer are serving as legal counsel.

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PPD issues initial public stock offering and begins trading on Nasdaq.

2000s 2007

Newly constructed 12-story world headquarters along Cape Fear River in the northern end of downtown Wilmington

2010s 2011

Acquired by affiliates of The Carlyle Group and affiliates of Hellman & Friedman in an allcash transaction valued at $3.9 billion, making the firm private.

Eshelman is no longer part of the company.

2012

David Simmons becomes chairman and CEO.

2017 Hellman & Friedman and affiliates of The Carlyle Group enter into definitive agreements to recapitalize PPD and expand the company’s ownership to include two new investors.

APRIL 2021

Thermo Fisher Scientific announces plans to acquire PPD (deal expected to close at the end of this year).

2005

PPD's board of directors adopts an annual cash dividend policy.

2020s FEB. 2020

PPD issues initial public stock offering and begins trading on Nasdaq.

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PULSE 2021

For PPD, J.P. Morgan Securities is the financial adviser and Simpson, Thacher & Bartlett are providing legal counsel.

Casper said that, unlike some acquisitions, the purchase of PPD was not about merging two companies to gain efficiencies by reducing the number of employees.

Rather, he said, the goal is to accelerate growth.

“One of the things that's different about this type of transaction, for the colleagues that are delivering the workday in and day out of PPD, their job’s going to be exactly as it is today, post-close. There’s not an integration with job changes,” Casper said after the deal was announced.

Testing and development for new and experimental drugs have boomed since the COVID pandemic began, and industry observers see a bright future for companies involved in developing both treatment and preventive products for possible future disease outbreaks.

Thermo Fisher Scientific spokesman Ron O’Brien said that as of June 3 nothing had changed in the deal’s status. “The closing is expected to be completed by the end of 2021 (and is) subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including the receipt of applicable regulatory approvals.”

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WHAT WILL HAPPEN LO C A L LY ?

When the deal closes PPD will become part of TFS’s Laboratory Products and Services Segment.

TFS officials said they plan to bring on members of PPD’s leadership team but have not responded so far to questions about the status of Wilmington-based employees or its continued presence in the Port City.

The news release announcing the sale said that shareholders holding 60% of PPD common stock already have approved the transaction.

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Preparing for takeoff: Julie Wilsey, director of the Wilmington International Airport, stands outside the facility where an expansion is set to take place over the next few years to accommodate growth.

ILM’S NEXT FLIGHT PLAN

BY CHRISTINA HALEY O’NEAL anding a third carrier and new flights at the Wilmington International Airport triggered unprecedented growth in passenger traffic last year.

The new additions came as the airport embarks on its $60 million expansion that will increase ILM’s ability to handle more travelers in the coming years.

Just over 934,000 passengers flew through the airport in 2018, 12 percent more than the previous year’s record.

And that was despite a winter storm last January, a series of flight cancellations in the summer because of PSA Airlines’ technical issues nationwide and major disruption due to Hurricane Florence in September.

Officials are now eyeing a milestone mark this year.

“One million is an exciting number for us,” Airport Director Julie Wilsey said. “As we get closer, or break that 1 million passenger mark, it opens a lot of opportunities for ILM.” ILM wants to grow the airport but at the same time maintain that small-town, Southern charm that it has been known for, said Gary Broughton, the airport’s deputy director.

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“Our growth has been well thought out,” he said.

Pushing the airport expansion forward is the biggest focus for ILM officials in 2019, with construction underway over several contracts between now and 2022. The airport is expected to grow from 95,000 square feet to more than 173,000 square feet, based on the most recent designs, and would be able to accommodate an estimated 705,000 outbound passengers a year, when the expansion is complete.

There are times at ILM now when areas of the airport are reaching capacity, Wilsey said.

“We need to get the building expanded so we can support more services and more passengers as the airport grows,” Wilsey said.

And as ILM gains more travelers and more capacity, possibilities open up for the regional airport. That includes employing more people.

Currently, there are about 480 people working there, 50 of whom are ILM staff, Broughton said. ILM will need to hire more help in the future, but just how much help is still being determined, he said.

Airport officials continue in 2019 to market for addi-

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S U M M E R 2021

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RESTAURANT R O U ND U P

RESTAURANT ROUNDUP

BUILDING

CROWD FAVORITE ON A

BY JESSICA MAURER | PHOTO BY MEGAN DEITZ

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o sooner then the finishing touches were in place at Solange “Niki” Thompson’s newest Asian-fusion concept, Café Chinois, plans were in the works to expand the restaurant into neighboring space at Fulton Station.

“We realized right away that the space was not large enough,” Thompson said.

Thompson announced earlier this year that after being approached by the owners of Southern Thai, who were looking to sell, she had accepted their offer. While Thompson had only just opened the doors to Indochine Express, an outpost of her flagship restaurant Indochine, she felt it was an opportunity she couldn’t refuse.

Thompson said she saw the new restaurant as a chance to share with Wilmington dishes from not only her native Vietnam, but China, Korea and Thailand as well.

“The menu at Indochine has not changed in 21 years,” Thompson said. “My customers won’t allow it.

But Café Chinois is an opportunity to focus on other Southeast Asian specialties.”

Café Chinois is filled with artwork from Thompson’s own extensive collection. She admits she probably has enough art to fill five more restaurants – perhaps even enough to start a museum, which in fact is something she’s always dreamed of.

“I always wanted to open an Asian art museum because my dream is to leave a legacy of global knowledge to the children of Wilmington,” Thompson said.

During her early days in Wilmington when her children were young, Thompson taught classes on Asian customs and culture to children at the Cape Fear Museum.

It was around this time that

RESTAURANT ROUNDUP

Thompson found her way to the Copper Kitchen at The Cotton Exchange and befriended the shop’s owner, Julia Water. Thompson described Water as the mentor who opened doors for her by asking if she would be interested in hosting an Asian cooking class.

What Water didn’t know at the time was that Thompson had very little experience with cooking. In Vietnam, her family had a cook who prepared their meals. But that did not deter her; in fact, she was confident she could pull it off.

Cuisinart food processors had just hit the market, and Water was looking to promote them. She promised Thompson one of her own if she could use it in the classes and turn the students on to it. So armed with a Cuisinart and her favorite cookbook, Thompson set out to teach Wilmington how to cook Asian cuisine.

Thompson would go on to host a regular live cooking segment on WECT’s long-running Jim Burns Show before opening her first restaurant, The Egg Roll Factory, in Carolina Beach. The restaurant had a small room where a nanny could watch her children while she worked.

Over the next 20 years, Thompson owned several Asian restaurants around town, as well as an antique shop on Front Street.

One day while riding down Market Street she took notice of a soul food restaurant with unique architectural elements. She was immediately drawn to the space, sensing it had great potential. Three months later she got the call that the building was hers if she wanted it.

“I felt it was meant to be,” Thompson said.

With the help of friends and artist Alana Solomon, Thompson opened the doors to Indochine after just one month of redesign in June of 2000.

w i l m i n g t o n b i z m a g a z i n e . c o m

“We opened the doors, and we’ve been steady ever since,” Thompson said. “I was blessed, and I was lucky.”

Kathy Long, Thompson’s director of operations, said luck is just part of the equation.

“It’s a 24/7 thing, and she’s constantly on,” Long said. “She’s fearless, but she also has a very diverse knowledge of everything from construction to art to food to business and employee relations.

It’s not just luck … She’s had good luck, but her hard work is definitely behind it all.”

Thompson is also supported by her daughter Marie Bartsch and said her team is committed to keeping a close eye on operations at all three locations to make sure they maintain the consistency and level of service they are known for.

Thompson’s strongly invested in her staff, making sure they’re supported in their work and in their personal lives. These, she said, are key factors in the development of successful, long-term employees.

“Consistency of the food and service are what keep a restaurant going,” Thompson said. “But my employees are also my priority – making sure they are taken care of as well as the customers.”

Despite nearing retirement age, Thompson shows no sign of slowing down any time soon.

“I think if I slowed down, I would lose my mind,” she said. “It’s good to keep busy and challenged, plus I’m doing something I love.

I still find the fun in running my businesses. I think when the fun stops then it’s time to let go, but right now I’m enjoying giving Wilmington a different outlook on Asian cuisine.”

For more restaurant news, sign up for the Business Journal's weekly Restaurant Roundup email by going to WilmingtonBiz.com.

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THE TAKEAWAY

YOU OTTER KNOW A family of four Asian small-clawed otters settled into their new home at the N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher last year, the first time this species of otters has been part of an exhibit at the Kure Beach attraction.

The smallest of all otter species, smallclawed otters live in pairs up to family groups of 20.

They’re semi-aquatic mammals native to Southeast Asia and listed as vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List of Threatened Species.

“The aquarium cares about saving animals locally and globally,” said aquarium director Hap Fatzinger when construction was about to begin on the aquarium’s otter habitat. “Caring for these otters, helping our visitors understand the threats the animals face will help inspire action for wildlife and wild places.” PHOTO BY KEVIN KLEITCHES 96

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SAMM Properties announces two new developments

COMING SOON! - MORRISVILLE, NC- LELAND, NC-

F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N A B O U T O U R F U T U R E PROJECTS, VISIT SAMMPROPERTIES.COM

STEVE ANDERSON Developer, SAMM Properties 910.616.0483 steve@sammproperties.com

PA R K E R A N D E R S O N Developer, SAMM Properties 910.200.6614 parker@sammproperties.comm

Bradley Creek Station NOW OPEN Angel Oak Home Loans Big Sky Design Big Sky Shop + Studio Crabby Chic First Carolina Bank Head to Toe | MED + SPA + SALON RE/MAX Executive Wilmington Reproductive Laboratories Wilmington Medical Supply SAMM Properties

COMING SOON Forrest Firm Red Bank Wine S. Worsley Farm Bureau Sound Harbor Wealth Partners

BRADLEY CREEK STATION IS PROUD TO BE 100% OCCUPED!

SAMM Properties would like to recognize the companies that have put their trust in us, and we look forward to what 2021 will bring.