Volume 4 Issue 19: Mar 14, 2025

Helo

Click on the cover image to flip through the entire issue.

Mar 20, 2025

Getting things done in Dunn: Nancy Blackman reflects on her career in supporting and funding small businesses in rural NC

Nancy Blackman. Photo provided by Blackman.In the landscape of regional rural economic development, Nancy J. Blackman stands out for providing financial opportunities to hundreds of small businesses and helping them to forge a path forward in uncerta ...

Mar 20, 2025

On a mission: Kaylynn Suarez is ready to engage with the community as the new executive director of the Fayetteville Dogwood Festival in 2025

PHOTO BY RAYMIE DAY PHOTOGRAPHY Kaylynn Suarez became executive director of the Fayetteville Dogwood Festival in December of 2024. Since then, she has outdone herself at every turn. But it’s not just all her experience, Suarez’s positive, go-get ...

Mar 20, 2025

Editor's note: "I'm Every Woman"

Happy Women’s History Month all! I hope you took some time to reflect on the important women in your life on International Women’s Day this past Saturday, March 8. I myself have had the unofficial theme song of the month “I’m Every Woman” by the irre ...

Ico insights

INSIGHTS

SPONSORS' CONTENT
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J.R. Hopson
Strategic Mechanical Solutions

Why Skilled Trades Matter: Addressing the Decline and Urgent Need in Plumbing and HVAC

Posted Apr 1, 2026
Amidst the technological revolution and evolving workforce, skilled trades remain a lynchpin of society. The roles of plumbers and HVAC technicians are critical—not only for daily comfort and safety, but for broader economic stability. However,
  ...read entire article
Mar 20, 2025

A perfect pitch: WBC at CEED hosts fourth annual HERPitch competition to launch Women's History Month

Left to Right: WBC Director Danice Langdon, HERPitch finalists Karla Jackson, Shatara Het Heru Bey, Anedra Walls, Miss North Carolina High School America 2025 Abigail Dries, HERPitch finalists Lonyae McCune, Tia Whittlesey and Yeniz Parton. Photos by ...


Ico insights

INSIGHTS

SPONSORS' CONTENT
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Cape Fear Eye Associates: Setting a Higher Standard in Vision Care

Cory Worrell - Director of Marketing, Cape Fear Eye Associates
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Broaden your horizons at Cape Fear Valley Health

Hannah Simpson, RACR - Senior Campus Recruiter and Community Partnership Liaison, Cape Fear Valley Health
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Ask the Expert: Integrative Oncology and Survivorship

Chasse Bailey-Dorton, M.D. - Director of Integrative Oncology and Survivorship, FirstHealth of the Carolinas

In The Current Issue

Bearded soldier to brand manager: Chad Kraken's journey to building his business empire

The KRAKEN-SKULLS brand includes a barbershop, a tattoo shop, a T-shirt company, an embroidery company, a website design company, a media marketing and graphic design company and an auto shop. Photos by GFBJ.When Chad Kraken retired from the military


From agritourism to event spaces: How Fred and Anita Surgeon prioritize people in business

Fred Surgeon, with the support of his wife Anita, owns and operates Surgeon &Associates, Inc, a family of businesses with everything from agritourism, pestcontrol, cleaning services and behavioral health services. Photos provided by Fred Surgeon.


Award-winning acquisition: Coldwell Banker Advantage team celebrates nationwide awards with new leadership

Agents and leadership from Coldwell Banker Advantage and Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage gathered to celebrate one of their own as she was recognized with two national achievements. A new C-Suite leader was also in attendance.