The Town of Hope Mills officially launched a new chapter in local economic development last weekend with the debut of the Elevate Hope Mills Initiative, a multi-phase effort designed to support small businesses, strengthen financial health for residents and promote long-term community prosperity.
Phase 1, the Community Resource Fair, was held on Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025, at the Hope Mills Recreation Center. The event featured nearly 60 local vendors and drew hundreds of residents for an engaging, family-friendly indoor experience that celebrated the town’s entrepreneurial spirit.
Vendors reported impressive impact through end of event final surveys:
“This was more than a vendor event — it was a movement,” said Hope
Mills Town Manager Chancer McLaughlin in a press release. “We’re building a strategy that honors our small-town values while preparing our local economy to grow sustainably.”
McLaughlin worked closely with Mayor Jessie Bellflowers, Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Kenjuana McCray and Hope Mills Chamber of Commerce President Shamblica Lock to design and implement the initiative with intentional focus on economic equity and community engagement.
“This initiative is about connection,” said Mayor Bellflowers in a press release. “Connecting small businesses to new opportunities, connecting families to resources, and connecting the past and future of Hope Mills.”
With overwhelmingly positive survey responses from both vendors and residents, the Town is now preparing to move into the next phases of the initiative:
The strategic guidance for the Elevate Hope Mills Initiative was provided by Crystal McLean, founder of Crystal Clear Consulting Group, LLC, whose consulting firm helped the Town align economic development with financial literacy and local capacity building.
“As big-box retailers enter the region, we want to ensure our small businesses grow with them,” said McLean in a press release. “Hope Mills is leading the way in what it means to grow forward while staying grounded.”
To stay updated on future events and phases of the Elevate Hope Mills Initiative, residents are encouraged to follow the Town of Hope Mills Facebook Page.
Brian and Staci Graybill opened their third business together, Market Square Pantry, in December 2025. Photo provided by Faith Hatton. For Fayetteville entrepreneurs Brian and Staci Graybill, building a business has often started when they were
The venue features two levels, two fully stocked bars, audio-video systems including projectors, and lighting solutions, an in-house culinary team, lounge space, a bistro section and private rooms, a state-of-the-art DJ booth and on-site staff to hel
Brad and Kelley McLawhorn became business partners in 2001 when they first opened a restaurant on Reilly Road. Now, their highly praised catering company continues to impress community members with flexibility, quality and personalized service. Photo
