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
cape-fear-eye-associates cory-worrell headshot

Cory Worrell
Cape Fear Eye Associates

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

Posted Aug 2, 2026
For decades, Cape Fear Eye Associates has been a trusted leader in comprehensive medical and surgical eye care, combining board-certified expertise, advanced technology, and patient-centered care. The practice provides a full spectrum of services, fr
  ...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
united-way-of-cumberland-county scott-embry headshott

Gratitude: Honoring the generosity of a community by maximizing impact

Scott Embry - Executive Director & CEO, United Way of Cumberland County
cape-fear-valley-health john-bigger headshott

Putting mental health first: Inside Cape Fear Valley Health’s behavioral health system

John Bigger - Corporate Director of Behavioral Health, Sleep Medicine and Clinical Research, Cape Fear Valley Health
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How public art transforms everyday spaces

Sondra Martin - Distinguished Professor of Art, Fayetteville State University

In The Current Issue

A legacy of valor: Recognizing the vital role of the Green Beret Foundation in supporting Special Forces

The US Army Special Forces (SF), known as Green Berets because they are awarded a green beret to wear following the rigorous selection and training process, are specialized military units trained to conduct special operations. Photo provided by the G


Fueling families: USAA AND Robert Irvine Foundation launch Fuel to Serve to strengthen military family well-being and readiness

Fuel to Serve will go “beyond the dining hall,” using food and shared meals as trusted entry points to link families with a broader network of resources. Photo courtesy of USAA.USAA and the Robert Irvine Foundation recently announced Fuel to Serve. T


Publisher's note: Happy Halloween!

Yes, those are decorations currently in my home. Yes, I may have spent more money than average for two oversized mums that are taking up way too much space on my porch, and yes, I may have stood my ground in a Lowe’s hardware store arguing with my hu