Banking & Finance

Jul 14, 2026

First Bancorp announces acquisition of First Carolina Bancshares Corporation to expand its SC presence

First Bancorp (Nasdaq: FBNC), the parent company of First Bank, and First Carolina Bancshares Corporation ("First Carolina"), the parent company of Carolina Bank & Trust Company ("Carolina Bank"), announced the signing of a definitive merger agre ...

Jun 4, 2026

GFBJ's Power Breakfast: Beyond the Balance Sheet shares insights into how banks partner with businesses

Photo by GFBJGreater Fayetteville Business Journal’s Power Breakfast: Beyond the Balance Sheet brought together regional banking leaders to explore how strong partnerships between business owners and banks can support growth, resilience and long‑term ...

May 28, 2026

Beyond the balance sheet: Looking beyond traditional banking to examine the bigger picture of growth opportunity and long-term success

The Greater Fayetteville Business Journal is excited to announce our second Power Breakfast for 2026: Beyond the Balance Sheet, a banking-focused event exploring the relationship between bankers and businesses. This event will have a regional fo ...

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Dr. Mark Sorrells
Fayetteville Technical Community College

Building a Future-Ready Workforce: How FTCC and Regional Partners Are Developing the Next Generation of Talent in Cumberland County

Posted Jul 1, 2026
Fayetteville Technical Community College (FTCC) and its regional partners are leading a coordinated effort to build a future-ready workforce pipeline aligned with the evolving needs of employers across Cumberland County and the Sandhills. Through imm
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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 ...

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 ...


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In The Current Issue

Germène's Home Kitchen & Bakery now open

A family affair: Along with a full staff, Owner Eddie Claude and his wife Ruth (pictured right) work with their kids to run the restaurant. Eddie is a Veteran who served for 21 years in the U.S. Army. Photos by YGH STUDIOS & GFBJ. The Fayett


Editor's note: Summer jobs

With summer in full swing, I started to reflect on the various ways I spent my summer break over the years. From pool parties with friends to family vacations and sports tournaments, I look back fondly on the summers I’ve enjoyed so far. But it


Preserving rural roots: Gray's Creek residents launch effort to become a town

Proposed incorporation boundary (pink) · Gray’s Creek, Cumberland County, N.C. This is a working draft and is subject to revision. Image courtesy of grayscreeknc.com. After decades as an unincorporated rural community in Cumberland County, Gray’