January has finally passed and we are closer to seeing the end of winter! 
I’m not sure about the rest of you, but I am excited to finally be done with January. Did it seem to last forever for anyone else? 
As we enter into February, it is a time to celebrate Black History with a tour of Fayetteville’s own. Did you know that Fayetteville has its very own African American heritage trail? Well if not, you’re in luck! We have a feature article in this very issue (page 12) focusing on a revitalization of the trail with new signs, new additions and more! This is a perfect launch story before our special Black Owned Business issue coming up later this month! 
If you know of a Black owned business that may make a good feature, please feel free to email us at editor@bizfayetteville.com. 
Just a reminder for the general public, Valentine’s Day is on Wednesday, Feb. 14. Based on the date of this issue’s release, if you’re reading this and this is the first time you’ve thought about it, it’s already too late. 

Just kidding – maybe – but it’s never too early to start thinking about your loved ones. Flowers and chocolate are always safe bets, or, you can take your loved ones to see the Cape Fear Regional Theatre’s production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella!

The GFBJ team went to see it as a replacement for our office Christmas party (thanks, COVID) and I can say that the production was phenomenal! (The stepmother was hilariously unhinged.) The singing and acting was astounding! Roses and chocolates to the cast for putting on a fantastic show! 

Finally, we have our very first Power Breakfast of 2024 currently scheduled on Leap Day, Feb. 29. 
This year’s theme is “Leaping Forward” and will feature Economist Gerald Cohen as the main speaker. Cohen will share what to expect from the economy in 2024 from a national, state and local perspective. Coincidentally, we also have a featured article in this issue (page 5) detailing the event if you’d like to take a gander. 
As always, we are glad to be the premiere business journal in the Fayetteville area and we look forward to continuing to connect with the business community and tell your stories! 
Happy reading!