Volume 5 Issue 22: Apr 24, 2026

Helo

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

May 4, 2026

Empowering Veterans: The 2026 Fayetteville Veterans Business Expo aims to close the opportunity gap

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 ...

May 4, 2026

Bee-lieve the hype: Local apiarists and entrepreneurs share handmade crafts and helpful knowledge about our most important pollinators

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 ...

May 4, 2026

The Hive of Hope Mills is open for business: Big T's serves as anchor tenant

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. ...

Ico insights

INSIGHTS

SPONSORS' CONTENT
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Hannah Simpson, RACR
Cape Fear Valley Health

Broaden your horizons at Cape Fear Valley Health

Posted Aug 4, 2026
As medical knowledge, treatments and technologies advance rapidly, healthcare providers must consistently take advantage of learning opportunities to guarantee they are delivering the highest standard of care to their patients. Cape Fear Valley
  ...read entire article
May 1, 2026

Publisher's note: Spring shopping

PHOTO PROVIDED BY SOMI JAISWAL/UNSPLASH Spring has sprung, and as we finally enter the warmer months, we will begin seeing local farmers markets come alive with fresh produce, plants, local rarities and more. North Carolina’s agriculture in ...

May 1, 2026

Where agritourism meets agriculture: Taking a look at the working ranch behind Sweet Valley Ranch

What began as the desire for a horse expanded into one of Fayetteville’s main hospitality and agro-tourism attractions thanks to the passion and love of animals from the Ranch’s founders Anita and Fred Surgeon. Photos provided by Sweet Valley Ranch.S ...

May 1, 2026

Sprouting new markets: Jackson Family Farms provides homegrown crops to Fayetteville and the surrounding areas

Jackson Family Farms is open seven days a week at 5818 Ramsey St. They sell homegrown produce, fresh-baked goods, home decor, seasonal plants and other responsibly sourced food products. Photos provided by Jackson Family Farms.—photosJackson Family F ...


Ico insights

INSIGHTS

SPONSORS' CONTENT
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Workforce Pipelines for a Growing Economy

Dr. Mark Sorrells - President, Fayetteville Technical Community College
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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
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Fayetteville State University embraces a new era of social work training

Dr. Michelle E. Bates, LCSW - Interim MSW Program Director/Assistant Professor, Fayetteville State University

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.