Mayor Mitch Colvin recognized May 4–8 as Economic Development Week in Fayetteville, presenting a proclamation that highlights the role economic development plays in job creation, neighborhood vitality, business investment and long-term community growth.
The week brought a notable professional milestone for the department. Christopher Cauley, the City’s Economic and Community Development Director, earned the Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) designation from the International Economic Development Council.
The CEcD recognizes professionals who demonstrate advanced knowledge and applied expertise across economic development’s core disciplines, including business retention and expansion, strategic planning, workforce development, small business support, neighborhood redevelopment, finance and organizational management. Candidates must complete prerequisite coursework and pass a rigorous two-day examination.
“Earning the CEcD designation is a meaningful professional milestone, but more importantly, it strengthens the work we are trying to do for Fayetteville,” said Economic and Community Development Director Christopher Cauley in a press release. “Economic development is about more than business recruitment. It is about helping existing businesses reinvest, creating job opportunities for residents, strengthening commercial corridors and making sure the City has the tools needed to support responsible growth.”
Cauley earned the designation in the April 2026 examination cycle, joining just 41 professionals recognized in that cycle and a global network of roughly 1,000 active CEcD holders worldwide.
Additionally, Economic Development Manager Derrick McArthur presented updates to Fayetteville's existing economic development programs. The updates will modernize the City's economic program structure by expanding eligibility, increasing flexibility and creating enhanced benefits throughout the City.
Council accepted the presentation and provided consensus direction to enact the proposed changes. The updates include renaming and restructuring the City's existing business assistance, exterior improvement and corridor programs. Updated programs go into effect July 1.
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.
