
North Carolina’s Southeast, a public-private regional economic development organization based in Bladen County, has approved 23 applications from its Product Development Fund.
The funds, which will stimulate the development and enhancement of industrial sites and shell buildings across the Southeast’s 18 counties, come from a $5M appropriation from the North Carolina General Assembly.
Chairman of North Carolina’s Southeast Jeff Etheridge shared, “Our region and our organization are moving forward aggressively in applying these funds to meet demand by businesses for industry-ready real estate products. Companies reconsidering supply-chains in the wake of the pandemic and geopolitical concerns are seeking resilient, convenient and reliable destinations for manufacturing, logistics and other mission-critical operations. The Southeast wants to be ready for them. We are very grateful to legislative leaders for their leadership in making this program possible.”
Regarding the counties in GFBJ’s coverage area, here is how this money will be used:
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
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
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.