Sandhills Community College was recently recognized with a Nonprofit Excellence Award at the Raeford-Hoke Chamber of Commerce annual business dinner held on Jan. 29, 2026.
The award recognizes a mission-driven nonprofit that serves Hoke County with purpose and passion. The recipient demonstrates meaningful, visible community impact, strong leadership and long-term sustainability while actively collaborating with local businesses, organizations and chamber initiatives to improve lives across the community.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Raeford-Hoke Chamber of Commerce for this recognition. At Sandhills Community College, our work is powered by partnerships. Hoke County businesses, community leaders and families inspire us to keep expanding access to education, training and support that changes lives,” said Senior Director of Workforce Development & Corporate Partnerships at Sandhills Community College, Taylor L. McCaskill, in a press release.
Executive Director of the Raeford-Hoke Chamber Stephanie Hendrix said in a press release, “We are very appreciative for the College’s continued involvement in our community and the strong partnership we’ve built this past year. From workforce development to small business support, their impact is felt all across Hoke County and we’re excited to keep growing our business community together.”
This is the first year of the Veteran Business Expo, and it grew out of Fayetteville PWC’s Economic Impact Program, which focuses on expanding access and opportunity in public-sector contracting while strengthening the local economy. It builds off th
Lynlene Apiary and Crafts is owned and operated by mother-daughter duo Carolyn Kleinert and Jolene Kleinert. They are certified apiarists and sell honey, candles made with beeswax, soaps and other crafts at local farmers markets. Photos by GFBJ.Lynle
Big T’s has been a local favorite of Hope Mills since 2000 when Timmy (Big T) and Donna Gray first opened right on Hope Mills Lake. It is a seasonal restaurant, so many of Big T’s loyal customers were happy to hear they would now be open year-round, seven days a week.
