Banking & Finance

Mar 20, 2025

United Bank celebrates 186 years of service

It was a bicentennial celebration for employees of United Bank across the country on March 17, 2025. United Bank’s story began on March 17, 1839. In the 186 years that followed, it has grown to a premier banking company with a strong presence th ...

Mar 20, 2025

Getting things done in Dunn: Nancy Blackman reflects on her career in supporting and funding small businesses in rural NC

Nancy Blackman. Photo provided by Blackman.In the landscape of regional rural economic development, Nancy J. Blackman stands out for providing financial opportunities to hundreds of small businesses and helping them to forge a path forward in uncerta ...

Mar 14, 2025

First Bancorp announces cash dividend

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 $0.22 per share payable on April 25, 2025 to shareholders of record as of March 31, 2025.&nb ...

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Trent Ensley
North Carolina Military Business Center

Fayetteville Technical Community College and North Carolina Military Business Center to host Federal Food Symposium April 1-2

Posted Feb 4, 2025
The 2025 Federal Food Symposium will be held April 1-2 at Fayetteville Technical Community College’s Tony Rand Student Center.The Federal Food Symposium (FFS), hosted by the Office of US Senator Thom Tillis, the Office of US Senator Ted Budd, the Nor
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Feb 27, 2025

First Power Breakfast of 2025 provides economic insights

Photos by Daniel ColemanHundreds of decision makers and leaders from a variety of industries gathered this morning for the first Power Breakfast of 2025. The event featured a presentation from Tom Barkin, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Rich ...

Feb 20, 2025

Promoting a president: First Bank promotes acting president to new CEO

Adam Currie - Photo provided by First BankThe Board of Directors of First Bancorp (NASDAQ - FBNC), the parent company of First Bank (the “Bank”), have announced the promotion of G. Adam Currie from President to Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ba ...

Jan 29, 2025

United Bankshares, Inc. announces earnings for the Fourth Quarter and Year of 2024

United Bankshares, Inc. (NASDAQ: UBSI) (“United”), today reported earnings for the fourth quarter of 2024 of $94.4 million, or $0.69 per diluted share. Fourth quarter of 2024 results produced annualized returns on average assets, average equity, ...

Jan 17, 2025

Can Do Performance Financing Program now open

The Community Development Foundation (CDF) is partnering with FCEDC to launch the Can Do Performance Financing Program.The program was designed to address the barriers to capital that have impeded the creation of sustainable businesses within Fayette ...

Dec 19, 2024

Federal Reserve cuts interest rates by additional 0.25%

Chair Powell answers reporters' questions at the FOMC press conference on December 18, 2024.The Federal Reserve Board has announced it will be further cutting interest rates by an additional 0.25% following a meeting held on Dec. 18. This is the thir ...

Dec 10, 2024

NCBA releases economic impact report; North Carolina banks empower homeownership, small businesses, and community growth

North Carolina’s banks play a vital role with economic development and strengthening communities through their investments in homeownership, small businesses, and community development. According to a recent study conducted by Appalachian State Unive ...


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Fayetteville Technical Community College and North Carolina Military Business Center to host Federal Food Symposium April 1-2

Trent Ensley - Federal Business Development Professional, North Carolina Military Business Center
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FSU introduces new degree program to bolster the state’s manufacturing workforce

Daniel Autrey, PhD - Associate Professor & Chair Department of Chemistry, Physics, & Materials Science at Lloyd College of Health, Science, and Technology, Fayetteville State University
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Cape Fear Valley Health’s simulation center provides next level training for medical professionals

Mark Rose - Director of Workforce Development, Cape Fear Valley Health

In The Current Issue

Getting things done in Dunn: Nancy Blackman reflects on her career in supporting and funding small businesses in rural NC

Nancy Blackman. Photo provided by Blackman.In the landscape of regional rural economic development, Nancy J. Blackman stands out for providing financial opportunities to hundreds of small businesses and helping them to forge a path forward in uncerta


On a mission: Kaylynn Suarez is ready to engage with the community as the new executive director of the Fayetteville Dogwood Festival in 2025

PHOTO BY RAYMIE DAY PHOTOGRAPHY Kaylynn Suarez became executive director of the Fayetteville Dogwood Festival in December of 2024. Since then, she has outdone herself at every turn. But it’s not just all her experience, Suarez’s positive, go-get


Editor's note: "I'm Every Woman"

Happy Women’s History Month all! I hope you took some time to reflect on the important women in your life on International Women’s Day this past Saturday, March 8. I myself have had the unofficial theme song of the month “I’m Every Woman” by the irre