PHOTO PROVIDED BY GFBJSmithfield reports that their pork-processing facility in Clinton employs approximately 1,600 people.Smithfield Foods, Inc., a pork producer and manufacturing company that was founded in Virginia in 1936, employs 60,000 people a
Students stand gathered as part of an equipment training course learning tractor maintenance taught by lead instructor Buck Staples - PHOTO PROVIDED BY VETERAN’S FARM OF NCWhen Robert Elliott, founder of the Veteran’s Farm of North Carolina, lef
The Elizabethtown location is one of five locations opened across the state in the past quarter - Photo provided by GFBJWhile rural areas often face the hazard of becoming medical care deserts, Bladen County is boosting their healthcare scene.&n
2022 brought excitement and hopes for economic success, and resilient business people fulfilled those hopes with innovation, collaboration, and savvy decision making - Photos provided by GFBJThe new year is here – a time for goal-making, celebration,
Jenna Shackelford, EditorOn October 19, 2020, I walked into Marty Cayton’s office for the first time. After ongoing discussions about his vision for a business journal in the area, I had just signed a contract for a 1099 position. Marty hired me in h
What can be expected of Gen Z as they enter into the workforce? MIKHAiL NILOV/PEXELSReferred to as the graying of America, in 2018, the United States Census projected that by 2034, the number of older adults in the country would outnumber children fo
The Scruton brothers always dreamed of opening a business together, and a shared love of ice cream and Coney dogs was just what it took to get the ball rolling. PHOTOS PROVIDED BY SCRUTON BROTHERS ICE CREAM.Brotherhood, a love of good ice cream, and
The lessons that young people learn in entrepreneurial pursuits will last them a lifetime. RODANE PRODUCTIONS/PEXELSGrowing up, I was homeschooled. My parents required that I compete in at least onepublic speaking-related event a year as I grew up be
The area outlined in blue is the current parking lots and play yards, courtesy of Valley Auto. The area outlined in red is the FAPS property prior to Bryan’s donation, which is 0.64 acres. Outlined in yellow is the land purchase made possible by Brya
People can express their needs in the workplace in two different ways – using low context or high context. VOLODYMYR HRYSHCENKO/UNSPLASHBusinesspeople understand the importance of good communication, from lengthy email threads, quick texts to keep th
According to Fort Bragg’s 2020 stat card, the total direct and indirect economic impact to the Cape Fear Region was $8,305,143,775. PHOTO PROVIDED BY ARMY PFC. ROGNIE ORTIZ VEGAFayetteville has long been a hub for the celebration of patriotism. Betwe
Zachary and Bobbie Jo Wirt have successfully served over 956 families and over 185 adults since the launch of their business not even two years ago. PHOTOS PROVIDED BY AADE, INC.When Zachary and Bobbie Jo Wirt’s daughter was 14 1⁄2 years old, she, li
At a recent press conference, people with close involvement with the Center gave an update on the Center and answered questions. GRAPHICS PROVIDED BY THE N.C. CIVIL WAR & RECONSTRUCTION HISTORY CENTER.On June 2 at 824 Branson Street in Fayettevil
With a close proximity to Fort Bragg, I-95, and affordable costs of living, not to mention opportunities for business development and growth, legacy businesses, and forward-thinking entrepreneurs, it’s no wonder that Fayetteville has positioned itsel
The project that uses fuel cells produced by Bloom Energy to generate carbon-neutral electricity has been in the works for a couple of years, PWC CEO Elaina Ball said. PHOTO PROVIDED BY BLOOM ENERGY.The Fayetteville Public Works Commission has announ
Owner Doug Moore chose to specialize in vacant land rather than selling homes, and he has found that niche to be beneficial in the hot market. PHOTO PROVIDEd BY MOORE REAL ESTATE INC.The Lillington Area Chamber of Commerce will soon host a ribbon cut
Encouragement makes a huge difference in the workplace. Share the positivitywith those you work with by sharing their recent accomplishments with us. Greater Fayetteville Business Journal recognizes the fine accomplishments of individuals and or
Famous Toastery has 25 units and aims to have 50 by 2024. PHOTO PROVIDED BY FAMOUS TOASTERYFamous Toastery, a N.C.-based restaurant, just announced plans for expansion throughout the state to include a location in the Pinehurst/Aberdeen area and the
According to the United States Census Bureau’s Annual Business Survey, in 2021, 20.9 percent of businesses in the country were owned by women. Data from Zoom Prospector via the Fayetteville Cumberland Economic Development Corporation indicates that m
Bast Fibre Technologies Inc. (BFT), a manufacturer of premium natural fibers for the global nonwoven and textile industries, announced its agreement to acquire Lumberton Cellulose LLC, a natural fiber processing facility in Robeson County, from Georg
The popular Fayetteville Dogwood Festival is back this year, returning on April 21-24. The longstanding tradition of the festival marks its 40th year in 2022. The festival organization, a nonprofit, is “ committed to providing a variety of famil
Everybody works differently, and what’s a distraction to someone might be a motivator for another. But I’m a sucker for noise in the workplace.Certain kinds of noise, that is. If I can sing along and know the words, I’m not getting any work done. Wri
On March 8, Metronet officially launched its highly anticipated network in downtown Fayetteville.Metronet is a leading provider of100 percent fiber optic internet.This infrastructure allows broad- band speeds to be able to hold, Kathy Scheller, the d
Three local businesses were awarded checks at the HERPitch competition. Photo provided by ShaDonna McPhaulHERFayetteville continued yesterday with a business pitch competition for women-owned businesses at Segra Stadium.Eight competitors presented th
At first glance, from the outside looking in, the business community could look at Bladen County and be tempted to say the area is small. And as far as population goes, it is. According to U.S. Census data from 2020, Bladen County has 29,606 resident
Freedom Town Center was bought by an undisclosed buyer in the northeast. Photo by Jenna ShackelfordFreedom Town Center, the shopping center off of Cliffdale Road and Skibo Road, was recently sold. The center was sold by an entity doing business
Three local businesses were awarded checks at the HERPitch competition. Photo provided by ShaDonna McPhaul.HERFayetteville continued yesterday with a business pitch competition for women-owned businesses at Segra Stadium. Eight competitors prese
The inaugural event’s guest list is capped at 50 guests. Local sponsorships will cover the cost of the fun event so attendees need only show up ready to network and tohave fun.For a couple of years, Hope Mills Area Chamber of Commerce President Casey
We extend our thoughts and prayers to the service members and families of service members who are affected by the conflict in Ukraine.In the past few years, we’ve all become well acquainted with operating in uncertain times, but somehow, uncertain ti
The new event seeks to empower and uplift women by celebrating them. Local businesses have been supportive of the initiative.The Women's Business Center of Fayetteville at the Center for Economic Empowerment and Development is hosting a week of event
Photo BY NATASHA BROWN/FTCCBack in 2017, Gregory Moore, the director of customized and industry training at Fayetteville Technical Community College, said a dean at the school received news that the region needed property maintenance technicians.In a
Anita and Fred Surgeon pose for a picture at Sweet Valley Ranch. Across his businesses, Surgeon employs 400 people in three states, and 170 people in specifically the GFBJ footprint. Photo provided by Sweet Valley RanchFrom a young age, Fred Surgeonr
February is Black History Month, a time born from a celebration of emancipation of enslaved people, that evolved into a commemoration of the black men and women of history whose achievements and contributions paved the way for the black men and women
After a recent posting of a 2022 NC WARN Release went live online, The Logistics Company [TLC] wants the business community to know that they are not only operating – they are thriving. According to the North Carolina Department of Commerce, “A
Fayetteville State University announced at Fort Bragg this morning that it will now have tuition-free scholarships for military-connected students. FSU has long shown its support of the military presence in the region, and has sought to solidify
Fayetteville Cumberland Economic Development Corporation officially announced the incoming arrival of a 1.3 million-square-foot Amazon fulfillment facility in Fayetteville’s Military Business Park. The warehousing facility, which has been
The new TRP Sumner office opens Feb. 7. After “almost two years of meetings, planning, scheduling, forecasting and finally constructing,” TRP Sumner announced today that their new Robeson Street building is complete and the firm has moved
GFBJ: You’ve held a variety of impressive positions throughout your career, including account executive with Emsi, director of Business Engagement for the Wake County/ Capital Area Workforce Development Board, director of economic development for the
A 16-year-old Wilmington company that services the Fayetteville area and beyond recently announced its new ownership. Highland Roofing Company has been sold by founder Iain Fergusson and co-owner Rebecca Fergusson to Jeanette Omdalen and Jamie S
An ongoing pursuit to hold upstream wastewater treatment plants accountable for the discharge of large amounts of a contaminant into the water has come to a close. Fayetteville PWC announced recently that it reached a settlement to protect the w
It’s 2022. The new year is here, and change is in the air. Or at least, it always feels like change is in the air to me at the beginning of a new year because that’s when I sit down, open up my Notes app, and start jotting down my resolutions fo
EVENTS MAKE A RETURN TO REGION After a tumultuous year of limited in-person activities and constant cancellations, COVID precautions were in place to ensure the safety of individuals attending events, and organizations felt comfortable hosting e
For nearly 60 years, the Cape Fear Valley Blood Donor Center has filled a need as the community’s blood bank, thanks to continual support from local volunteers who choose to give blood to support patients in the area who need donations. Since th
In all of the holiday bustle, businesspeople nationwide are finding time to celebrate the season with their families, friends and loved ones. But along with the celebrations comes some caution from those concerned about the spread of COVID-19.&n
Choose your style wisely, buy early, perfect your imprint -- all advice that can be applied to buying a calendar or conducting business.The other day, I realized that my large wall calendar — that never made it to a wall and sits on my desk — is appr
Chairman of the Cumberland County Legislative Delegation and State Rep. William Richardson, along with several members of the Delegation, Sen. Kirk deViere, Rep. John Szoka and Rep. Diane Wheatley, met with Greater Fayetteville Business Journal on No
Lumbee Guaranty Bank is going strong 50 years after it was founded, but the company had humble beginnings. "The origination of the bank was essentially due to a group of businessmen in Pembroke, North Carolina, who perceived a need for banking s
A vacant lot near downtown Fayetteville has sat vacant for years; Wells Alderman, a resident who lives nearby and co-owner of A&G Residential, a homebuilding company, saw potential for that to change.“This has kind of been ... I guess, kind of my
Photo by Brad Losh-Fayetteville Technical Community CollegeOn Friday, Nov. 12, Fayetteville Technical Community College held an event to announce a new opportunity for military veterans and those interested in information technology careers through a
State Rep. Billy Richardson, chairman of the Cumberland County Legislative Delegation along with several members of the Delegation, Sen. Kirk deViere, Sen. Rep. John Szoka and Rep. Diane Wheatley, met with Greater Fayetteville Business Journal yester
As businesspeople return from holiday trips to their places of employment, some people may be interested in taking COVID tests as a precaution. The New York Times has been tracking COVID numbers across the nation and regularly gathers numbers fr
This past Thursday was Veterans Day, a federal holiday honoring those who have bravely served in the United States Armed Forces. We, the Greater Fayetteville Business Journal, recognize the profound impact of the defense industry on our li
Gas prices are expected to be high over the Thanksgiving holiday. As the holiday week swiftly approaches for many businesspeople, those who are looking to travel out of town may be anticipating heavy traffic; GasBuddy, the leading fuel-saving pl
Photo by Ezekiel Best.Publisher’s note: Today, we celebrate those who so bravely serve this country. With gratitude, we recognize and honor the sacrifice and courage of our Armed Forces. Happy Veterans Day, and to our military and veteran subscribers
The Defense Alliance of North Carolina will hold its upcoming S&T forum on Nov. 16 at Fayetteville State University. “I am doing a series of [science and technology] forums with the UNC System, including all its HBCUs to highlight their high
The Chili Cook-Off will be held on Nov. 6 at Dirtbag Ales.The Hope Mills Area Chamber of Commerce is preparing to host its annual Chili Cook-off Fundraiser from 12-3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 6 at Dirtbag Ales. “We have had a lot of fun entries thi
Fayetteville State University announced the acquisition of the Bronco Square strip mall on October 12. Photo provided by Fayetteville State University.Fayetteville State University announced at a press conference recently that the institution would f
Greater Fayetteville Business Journal is preparing to hold its second Power Breakfast this year, themed “For Our Defense,” on Nov. 9 at Fayetteville State University. Held at the Rudolph Jones Student Center, the event will focus on both l
Every professional has had a moment in time where a task has seemed unmanageable. But learning how to manage those kinds of tasks can combat workplace complacency, which oftentimes leads to burnout. The word “burnout” was introduced by a psychol
FSU announced yesterday that it would fully acquire Bronco Square Shopping Mall. Above, Gary Ciccone (L) hands off the “key” to the strip mall to Chancellor Darrell T. Allison (R). Photo provided by Fayetteville State University. Fayetteville St
Anyone could be a victim of a ransomware attack, and preparing in advancecould save companies millions of dollars.Over the years, the world has watched the news unfold of massive cyber attacks that have financially wreaked havoc oncompanies and their
Jon McBride and Kyle Miller of Autel Robotics explain the Dragonfish and how it operates. As the Fayetteville region has heard more about drones over the last few years with the arrival of the drone delivery pilot program for Walmart locally, mo
Faculty and baseball players from FTCC were among the crowd that helped assemble meals at United Way's Campaign Kickoff. Photo provided by Jenna ShackelfordWe become like the people we hang around, my mother has reminded me for a good portion of my l
The 2021 TechNet Fort Bragg Symposium and Exposition kicked off today in Red Springs with a presentation entitled “AI and Your Gut” from one of the keynote speakers, Marty Cayton, publisher of Greater Fayetteville Business Journal. “What was the
The laser, which will be the first of its kind in the state and the second of its kind in North America, will likely be in use by January or February. Photo by Fremont MachineryThe Godwin Group is preparing to bring the world’s most powerful CNC
The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification program, a Department of Defense initiative announced in January 2020, is in the early stages of the implementation process.The standard is applicable to anyone who supports the Department of Defense con
By working closely with community organizations and by prioritizing the needs of residents in Fayetteville, Mayor Mitch Colvin said he hopes to hep boost economic development in the city. (Photo used with permission from the City of Fayetteville)Publ
The business community helped United Way reach their goal of packing 25,000 meals for the less fortunate. The business community in the Fayetteville area has a reputation for uniting to help each other. Today, companies joined forces yet a
Construction of new homes will begin soon in Sampson county. Inside of Autryville’s city limits, Ben Stout Construction will soon begin to build spec houses, which are essentially move-in-ready homes. The date to begin construction is up in
The new Riverbark facility is being constructed next to the current Riverbark Veterinary Hospital. Construction of a new facility for Riverbark Veterinary Hospital is underway.The new facility is located next door to the current office, which is
The job fair will be held on Aug. 24 at the Crown.Just a few weeks ago, community organizations partnered to launch a job fair, set for Aug. 24 at the Crown, to help the hospitality industry combat the staffing shortage; since then, the event has evo
United Way of Cumberland County invites businesspeople in the community to participate in its Campaign Kickoff at 11 a.m. on Aug. 26 at Snyder Memorial Baptist Church.The goal of the event is to package 25,000 meals for families in need throughout Cu
The Cumberland County Hospitality Job Fair evolved out of a need to fill jobs in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Fayetteville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau will host its first-ever Hospitality Job Fair from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Aug. 24
Events sponsored by local businesses featuring food, music and more return, drawing the community back to the downtown area. Photo provided courtesy of www.VisitFayettevilleNC.com. As COVID-19 spread last year, governor-mandated closings, mask m
Mike Nagowski, CEO of Cape Fear Valley Health System, urged all unvaccinated members of the community to get vaccinated to prevent spread of the COVID-19 virus and for recipients of the vaccine to continue to wear masks during a press conference this
An Affair To Remember is now a full-fledged pageant store. Photo published with permission from An Affair To Remember. Prior to COVID-19, An Affair To Remember was an extraordinarily successful formalwear store. “I had people from all
The Active Defender app is designed to help school officials and businesses identify an emergency such as a fire or threat within their building. (Photo published with permission from Jim Boyte) Jim Boyte used to work for USASOC as a developer.
This year's North Carolina Defense Trade Show and Cybersecurity Forum will take place on Aug. 4. Fayetteville Technical Community College will host the 19th Annual North Carolina Defense Trade Show and Cybersecurity Forum on Aug. 4 on the colleg
Elaina Ball, Isabella Effon, Peter Subsara and Will Glass (not pictured) will serve on the Greater Fayetteville Chamber. The Greater Fayetteville Chamber has four new board members. The process of becoming a new board member doesn’t happen
TRP Sumner expects that the construction will be completed by Thanksgiving. (Illustration provided by TRP Sumner.) TRP Sumner is constructing a new building off of Robeson Street. Much of the need for a new office space stemmed from a
Ralph and Linda Huff stand in the doorway of one of the Can Do Coldwell Banker Trolleys. Cool Spring Downtown District and Coldwell Banker Advantage are bringing a cool new ride to the streets of downtown Fayetteville. Before COVID, Bianca
Dr. Darrell T. AllisonDr. Darrell T. Allison, chancellor of Fayetteville State University informed Fayetteville’s business community of the school’s continuous efforts to contribute to economic development in the area. Allison spoke this morning at t
Businesses throughout the Sandhills region offer a multitude of support to help businesses be successful. Photo by Headway from Unsplash. Businesses across North Carolina are slowly starting to recover post-pandemic, but for companies who find t
Greater Fayetteville Business Journal is launching the first of its Power Breakfast Series on July 27. The theme for the inaugural event will be “Acquirers and Entrepreneurs” and will feature four special guests. Publisher Marty Cayton said
Workspaces shared by different employers can often complement each other and share costs. (Photo provided by The Hub) Over the course of the year, companies across the world have reconsidered the traditional 9-5 office job, and many of them have
Ritika and Niki Shamdasani made it through the pandemic by focusing on specialty clothing through their South Asian clothing company, Sani.For businesses that were taking off before the start of the pandemic in March last year, finding new niches and
The Arts Council has partnered with Fayetteville Public Works Commission to present the 16th Annual Public Works Exhibition that runs through July 17.The Arts Council and Fayetteville Public Works Commission will open the 16th annual Public Works Exh
PWC has allocated $3.9 million toward renewable energy projects. Fayetteville Public Works Commission approved its $405.3 million budget for fiscal year 2021-2022 on Wednesday morning. This year’s budget reflects a 2.5 percent d
A student from the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School, who is in the Special Forces Communications Sergeant course, removes internal components of a personal computer during training at Fort Bragg. The training qualified stud
Since 1945, Thompson & Little has provided food service equipment throughout the Fayetteville area. (Shutterstock)Thompson & Little Inc., a locally based foodservice equipment company, has been purchased by Singer Equipment Company. &nbs
MetroNet is in the process of installing fiber Optic lines in the area. (Image by JJ YING) MetroNet’s construction of a 100 percent fiber optic network is underway and currently on track to complete its project in two years.“We have a very exten
Photo by visitfayettevillenc.comLocal tourism events rely on hotel taxes to provide for events and local destinations. Any person who has lived or stayed in a hotel, AirBnB, or apartment community for a short-term stay under three months in Cumb
The 16th annual Public Works Exhibition from May 28 to July 17. Source PWC The Arts Council and Fayetteville Public Works Commission will open the 16th annual Public Works Exhibition from May 28 to July 17 displaying a variety of work from artis
The My Future So Bright Program is seeking businesses to participate in this year’s summer cohorts. Small businesses in all industries are encouraged to participate. Photos provided by Mid-Carolina Regional Council.The My Future So Bright Summer Job
Fort Bragg Thrift Store Manager, Anna Prospero, and Thrift Store Floor Supervisor, Clea Frazier, pose with Fort Bragg ASYMCA Executive Director, Jeremy Hester and the thrift store staff. Photos by Jason Ragucci, Fort Bragg Garrison Public Affairs Off
Happy half year everyone! Believe it or not, we are now in June of 2025, officially halfway through the year. A few nights ago, I was looking over a vision board I had made at the beginning of the year. One of my best friends invited me to a vis
