Volume 6 Issue 4: Jul 24, 2026

Helo

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

Jul 31, 2026

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 ...

Jul 31, 2026

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. ...

Jul 30, 2026

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. ...

Ico insights

INSIGHTS

SPONSORS' CONTENT
fayetteville-state-university dr-michelle-e-bates-lcsw headshot

Dr. Michelle E. Bates, LCSW
Fayetteville State University

Fayetteville State University embraces a new era of social work training

Posted Jul 29, 2026
Fayetteville State University’s Master of Social Work (MSW) program serves as one of the region’s strongest pipelines for well-prepared social workers, particularly in high-need areas like child welfare and public health.Fayetteville State’s hybrid M
  ...read entire article
Jul 30, 2026

From vision to action: Fayetteville entrepreneur builds portfolio of businesses centered on community and connection

: Sisters With A Purpose Foundation focuses on empowering women, youth and families through mentorship, educational workshops and community outreach. Photos provided by Santina Thomas.When Santina Thomas saw a need in the market, she didn’t wait for ...

Jul 30, 2026

Balancing innovation and privacy: Fayetteville Police embrace CJIS-compliant AI to streamline report writing

Photo provided by George ChengThe Fayetteville Police Department has begun using Code Four, an AI-powered report-writing tool, to streamline the process of documenting incidents based on officers’ body-worn camera footage. The goal is not to replace ...


Ico insights

INSIGHTS

SPONSORS' CONTENT

In The Current Issue

Building better solutions: Dragon's Lair Competition champions military innovation at Fort Bragg

U.S. Army soldiers gather for a group photo after the conclusion of Dragon’s Lair 12 at the Lieutenant General Gavin Joint Innovation Outpost on Fort Bragg, North Carolina. The Dragon’s Lair 12 event offered soldiers a platform to pitch their ideas d


Fayetteville selected to co-host the USTA NC 2026 Singles State Championship

Photo by Brooks HoffmanThe Fayetteville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (FACVB) is pleased to announce that the destination has been selected to co-host the Singles State Championships for USTA North Carolina, Oct. 1-4, 2026. Eight tennis


Recognizing entrepreneurial spirit: FSU prepares to host inaugural Entrepreneurial Impact Awards Gala

Fayetteville State University is set to embark on what university leaders hope will lead to a new tradition for the regional business community in Cumberland County and beyond. The university will host its inaugural Entrepreneurial Impact Awards Gala