Banking & Finance

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 ...

Feb 19, 2026

Committed to community: Huntington Bank completes merger with Cadence Bank, continues to grow client base

Patrick NoblesHuntington Bancshares Incorporated announced on Feb. 2 that it has closed its merger with Cadence Bank, a regional bank headquartered in Houston, Texas and Tupelo, Miss. This strategic partnership accelerates Huntington’s growth in ...

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SPONSORS' CONTENT
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Lee Moritz, Jr.
North Carolina Military Business Center

Where Warfighter Needs Meet Textile Innovation: Why FEDTEX 2026 Matters

Posted Mar 4, 2026
North Carolina’s textile industry plays a critical role in national security - producing combat uniforms, protective gear, parachutes, tents, medical PPE, and advanced wearable technologies that equip and protect America’s warfighters. As global inst
  ...read entire article
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 ...

Oct 28, 2025

Sweet Valley Ranch announces $30,000 in grants for Cumberland County nonprofits

Logo provided by: Sweet Valley Ranch Sweet Valley Ranch – a 300-acre working farm and attraction – has opened applications for another round of its Gives Back Program, which will award a total of $30,000 in grants to seven nonprofit organization ...


Ico insights

INSIGHTS

SPONSORS' CONTENT
north-carolina-military-business-center lee-moritz-jr headshott

Where Warfighter Needs Meet Textile Innovation: Why FEDTEX 2026 Matters

Lee Moritz, Jr. - Federal Business Development, North Carolina Military Business Center
cape-fear-valley-ear-nose-throat-lillington albino-chiodo-md headshott

Cape Fear Valley ENT helps patients breathe easier

Albino Chiodo, MD - Otolaryngologist, Cape Fear Valley Ear, Nose & Throat – Lillington
highstreet-warren-insurance-group taylor-warren headshott

How to turn business risk into resilience: Four proactive steps every business needs to take

Taylor Warren - President, Highstreet Warren Insurance Group

In The Current Issue

Camden Commons: A new era of retail and commercial growth in Hope Mills

Nearly 80 acres of commercial development are now underway in Hope Mills. With Target serving as the anchor tenant, Camden Commons will bring a dynamic mix of retail and commercial opportunities. Land clearing and grading are underway at the site dev


Publisher's note: Pick up the torch

GRAPHIC PROVIDED BY BETTER BUSINESS BUREAUIn the fall of 2025, I was approached to be a judge for the Better Business Bureau’s 2026 award series. Like many of you in the community, I didn’t realize that the BBB had its own awards, and I was excited t


Excellence as a standard: Inside Dr. Tamara Colvin's path to becoming director of the FSU HUB

As the director of the FSU HUB, Dr. Tamara Colvin is responsible for strategic and operational leadership to provide impactful support to emerging entrepreneurs and existing small businesses. Photo provided by Colvin.Fayetteville Cumberland Regional