Banking & Finance

Apr 29, 2026

KS Bank to expand to Lillington, N.C.

Image courtesy of KS BankKS Bank is expanding to Lillington, N.C. The bank recently purchased property at 709 W. Front Street in Lillington, where it intends to operate the new branch. KS Bank has received regulatory approval from the Federal Deposit ...

Mar 19, 2026

Ignite your next chapter: Ignite Loan Program fuels business growth and expansions

The Carolina Small Business Development Fund created and privately operates Ignite, a flexible loan program offering up to $75,000 to help small businesses thrive. Hope Mills-based Barbra Ann’s Southern Fried Chicken is a business that received fundi ...

Mar 17, 2026

United Bank celebrates 187 years of service

Logo provided by United BankUnited Bank’s story began on March 17, 1839. Over the past 187 years, it has grown into a premier banking institution with a strong presence across the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast. “Throughout the bank’s 187-year histo ...

Ico insights

INSIGHTS

SPONSORS' CONTENT

Why Skilled Trades Matter: Addressing the Decline and Urgent Need in Plumbing and HVAC

Posted Apr 1, 2026
Amidst the technological revolution and evolving workforce, skilled trades remain a  lynchpin of society. The roles of plumbers and HVAC technicians are critical—not only for daily  comfort and safety, but for broader economic stability. Ho
  ...read entire article
Feb 13, 2026

First Bank’s CEO Adam Currie elected director of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond

First Bank is pleased to announce that Adam Currie, President and CEO of First Bank, has been elected as a Class A director of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond. ...

Jan 28, 2026

First Bancorp announces retirement of director

On Jan, 27, 2026, First Bancorp, the parent company of First Bank, announced the retirement of Mary Clara Capel from the First Bancorp and First Bank Board of Directors effective immediately.Ms. Capel has served as a director of the First Bancorp sin ...

Jan 22, 2026

Banking on community: First Bank sells headquarters to Town of Southern Pines, remains committed to Moore County and invested in its growth

The new First Bank headquarters is an existing branch located just down the street at 205 SE Broad Street. Photo provided by First Bank.In August of 2025, the Town of Southern Pines announced plans to purchase the First Bank Corporate Office property ...

Jan 13, 2026

TowneBank announces completion of Dogwood State Bank merger

Hampton Roads-based TowneBank (NASDAQ: TOWN) announced yesterday, Jan. 12, the completion of its merger with Raleigh-based Dogwood State Bank (“Dogwood”). The merger substantially enhances TowneBank’s strategic journey down the fast-growing Interstat ...

Jan 12, 2026

KS Trust and Wealth Management rebrands as Kestrel Wealth Management, a division of KS Bank, Inc.

Image courtesy of KS BankKestrel Wealth Management, formerly known as KS Trust and Wealth Management, is proud to announce their comprehensive rebrand as they grow in the financial services sector. The company remains a division of KS Bank. The rebra ...

Dec 12, 2025

First Bancorp announces cash dividend payable for Jan. 2026

The Board of Directors of First Bancorp (NASDAQ: FBNC) (the "Company"), the parent company of First Bank, has declared a cash dividend on its common stock of $0.23 per share payable on Jan. 25, 2026 to shareholders of record as of Dec. 31, 2025."Duri ...


Ico insights

INSIGHTS

SPONSORS' CONTENT

In The Current Issue

Editor's note: Happy Mother's Day

Photo provided by magnific.comWith Mother’s Day coming up this weekend, I’d like to give a shoutout to my wonderful mom, who has done so much to shape me into the person I am today. My mom, Jeanne Meador, is a brilliant example of a selfless, in


Mental health milestone: FSU celebrates $1.45M investment in student mental health and accessibility

At center, Chancellor Darrell T. Allison and Juanette Council, Ed.D., vice chancellor for student affairs, cut the ribbon to celebrate the grand reopening of Fayetteville State University's newly renovated Spaulding Building, joined by campus leaders


A hub for innovation: FCEDC repurposes landmark Fayetteville building into a future-focused hub

FCEDC has officially moved its staff and operations to 611 W. Russell St. The 35,800- square-foot center was previously home to Homemakers Furniture and Interiors. Renovations began in the fall of 2025 and are expected to be completed in the next six to eight months. Currently, FCEDC staff are working within an open 7,500-square-foot floor plan as initial improvements progress.