The Cumberland Department of Public Health and the Department of Social Services (DSS) each received North Carolina Association of County
Commissioners (NCACC) Civic Excellence in Innovation Awards at the NCACC 118th Annual Conference.
Cumberland County Public Health received the Civic Excellence in Innovation Award for the Healthy Conversations program. The Healthy Conversations program is a community-centered initiative that trains barbers and stylists as lay health educators to promote awareness of heart health, prostate cancer and colorectal cancer.
“We’re grateful for Board of Commissioners’ investment in Healthy Conversations. We need innovative programs to solve complex public health programs,” said Cumberland County Public Health Director Dr. Jennifer Green in a press release. “Our partnership with our local barbers and stylists has resulted in real behavior change.”
Cumberland County DSS received the Excellence in Innovation Award for the program “Social Work Simulation Training,” in partnership with the University of Utah. The partnership implements cost effective, real-world virtual social work training to support staff for critical child and adult protective social work duties in the community. Earlier in August, Cumberland County DSS was awarded by the North Carolina Association of County Directors of Social Services for the same program. That award was presented at the annual Social Services Institute.
Brian and Staci Graybill opened their third business together, Market Square Pantry, in December 2025. Photo provided by Faith Hatton. For Fayetteville entrepreneurs Brian and Staci Graybill, building a business has often started when they were
The venue features two levels, two fully stocked bars, audio-video systems including projectors, and lighting solutions, an in-house culinary team, lounge space, a bistro section and private rooms, a state-of-the-art DJ booth and on-site staff to hel
Brad and Kelley McLawhorn became business partners in 2001 when they first opened a restaurant on Reilly Road. Now, their highly praised catering company continues to impress community members with flexibility, quality and personalized service. Photo
