Volume 5 Issue 6: Aug 15, 2025

Helo

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Aug 20, 2025

Building on the basics: Advanced Contractors Academy equips local firms to compete for government projects

The Advanced Contractors Academy, a free six-week program, is designed for established contractors ready to pursue larger-scale public contracts with agencies such as Fayetteville State University (FSU), Cumberland County and Cape Fear Valley Health. ...

Aug 20, 2025

Hungry for success: Local entrepreneur Kelton Battle is changing the vending machine game in North Carolina

Today, Hungry Snacks Vending operates 140 machines across North Carolina, with locations ranging from schools to public transit stations. ...

Aug 20, 2025

Too bright to dim: My Future So Bright program sees exponential growth during third year

 A total of 84 interns participated in this year’s My Future So Bright program. At the graduation ceremony held on Aug. 1, each student was able to receive their graduation certificates from Mid-Carolina Regional Council Executive Director Saman ...

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Taylor Warren
Highstreet Warren Insurance Group

How to turn business risk into resilience: Four proactive steps every business needs to take

Posted Apr 1, 2026
Running a small or midsize business means balancing challenges with opportunity. But according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, one in four small businesses are just one disruption away from shutting down.1  When a single storm, system outa
  ...read entire article
Aug 20, 2025

Questions & Answers: Development and marketing professional puts community care first in their mission to provide resources

Development and Marketing Director for The CARE Clinic Nicole Ryan is passionate about connecting her community to healthcare resources. Joining the clinic staff in January 2025 and working her way from administrative assistant to her current positio ...

Aug 20, 2025

Publisher's note: Bridging the gap

Young professionals are the focus in this issue—and we are a better community because of them.  However, we must work harder to know that our region’s strength comes from five generations working side by side. From shop floors in Hope Mills to c ...

Aug 20, 2025

Making an impact: Attorney Davis Puryear is working to help the people of Fayetteville both personally and professionally

Davis Puryear - photo by GFBJFayetteville native Davis Puryear, a decorated attorney and a partner at Hutchens Law Firm LLP, is a driven young leader who wants to make his city a better place. The 35-year-old attorney – practicing in the areas o ...


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In The Current Issue

A new chapter: Book Black Women Inc. deepens impact with new partnerships and new programming

In just four short years, Book Black Women Inc. has flourished exponentially. New partnerships, serious sponsorships, a new location and putting on an all-original play are just some of the accomplishments on the horizon for Ayana Washington’s creati


Elevating the golf experience: The entrepreneurs behind Chip Shot Golf's ambitious drone delivery vision

Bobby Kulp and Forth Heffner, the entrepreneurs behind Chip Shot Golf, are hoping their drone delivery service can become a household name for golfers who want to experience maximum comfort on demand. Photo provided by Kulp.An entrepreneur and tech w


Editor's note: Celebrating Spring in Fayetteville

Photo by Stephanie MeadorAs the trees and bushes bloom and the weather heats up, I’m enjoying spending more and more time outdoors, walking on trails, dining on patios and even driving with the windows down to soak in the fresh air. I’ve always