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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Leif Nordberg, MD
Cape Fear Valley Health

Exploring advanced aesthetic procedures: From injectables to surgical reconstruction at Cape Fear Valley Plastic Surgery

Posted Apr 13, 2026
Cape Fear Valley Plastic Surgery offers the full gamut of typical plastic surgery from office procedures like injectables of Botox and filler, earlobe repairs, light lasers and light treatments to surgical breast care for cancer reconstruction, cosme
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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 ...


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In The Current Issue

A new chapter: Book Black Women Inc. deepens impact with new partnerships and new programming

In just four short years, Book Black Women Inc. has flourished exponentially. New partnerships, serious sponsorships, a new location and putting on an all-original play are just some of the accomplishments on the horizon for Ayana Washington’s creati


Elevating the golf experience: The entrepreneurs behind Chip Shot Golf's ambitious drone delivery vision

Bobby Kulp and Forth Heffner, the entrepreneurs behind Chip Shot Golf, are hoping their drone delivery service can become a household name for golfers who want to experience maximum comfort on demand. Photo provided by Kulp.An entrepreneur and tech w


Editor's note: Celebrating Spring in Fayetteville

Photo by Stephanie MeadorAs the trees and bushes bloom and the weather heats up, I’m enjoying spending more and more time outdoors, walking on trails, dining on patios and even driving with the windows down to soak in the fresh air. I’ve always