Banking & Finance

Aug 19, 2025

Dogwood State Bank to be acquired by TowneBank, creating $22B institution

TowneBank (NASDAQ: TOWN) and Raleigh based Dogwood State Bank (OTCQX: DSBX) (“Dogwood”), announced the signing of a definitive merger agreement pursuant to which TowneBank will acquire Dogwood State Bank. The proposed transaction substantially e ...

Jul 11, 2025

Filling the capital gap: Tulsa Initiative's micro-lending program opens doors for Fayetteville entrepreneurs

In a city where traditional lending channels can overlook aspiring business owners from underserved communities, the Tulsa Initiative is changing the narrative around access to capital. The Fayetteville-based nonprofit has worked to expand its missio ...

Jun 24, 2025

Tulsa Initiative launches “Tulsa Capital Accelerator” to unlock $500–$10,000 micro-loans for underserved entrepreneurs

Graphic courtesy of the Tulsa Initiative Fayetteville-based nonprofit Tulsa Initiative recently announced the official launch of the TulsaCapital Accelerator—a revolving loan fund created to deliver flexible capital to entrepreneurs who have his ...

Ico insights

INSIGHTS

SPONSORS' CONTENT
cape-fear-valley-health daniel-mccullough-md headshot

Daniel McCullough, MD
Cape Fear Valley Health

Navigating weight loss: Insights from a bariatric surgeon

Posted Jul 24, 2025
In the ongoing battle against obesity, patients are increasingly turning to both medical and surgical interventions when traditional diet and exercise regimens fall short. Everyone’s weight loss journey is different, and when lifestyle changes and ot
  ...read entire article
Jun 2, 2025

Cumberland County to host High School Financial Literacy Boot Camp

Image courtesy of Money Box AcademyMoney Box Academy Inc., in partnership with the City of Fayetteville, ACT and the FTCC Innovation Center, proudly presents the first-ever High School Financial Literacy Boot Camp for Cumberland County students.This ...

May 19, 2025

Wells Fargo closes downtown Fayetteville branch

The lettering that previously adorned the building has been removed following the closure of Wells Fargo’s downtown branch. Photo by GFBJ.Wells Fargo closed the Fayetteville Main Branch at 200 Green St. on May 7. Signage has been removed from the bui ...

Apr 23, 2025

Richmond Fed President engages with local voices at UNC Pembroke

Chancellor Robin Gary Cummings (right) presents Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond President Tom Barkin with a handcrafted Lumbee pinecone patchwork artwork during his visit to UNCP. Photo provided by UNCP.The head of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmo ...

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 ...


Ico insights

INSIGHTS

SPONSORS' CONTENT

In The Current Issue

Building on the basics: Advanced Contractors Academy equips local firms to compete for government projects

The Advanced Contractors Academy, a free six-week program, is designed for established contractors ready to pursue larger-scale public contracts with agencies such as Fayetteville State University (FSU), Cumberland County and Cape Fear Valley Health.


Hungry for success: Local entrepreneur Kelton Battle is changing the vending machine game in North Carolina

Hungry Snacks Vending LLC is owned and operated by Kelton Battle, a young entrepreneur born and raised in Fayetteville. With 140 vending machines across the state, Battle is excited to continue expanding his business and to eventually manufacture and


Too bright to dim: My Future So Bright program sees exponential growth during third year

 A total of 84 interns participated in this year’s My Future So Bright program. At the graduation ceremony held on Aug. 1, each student was able to receive their graduation certificates from Mid-Carolina Regional Council Executive Director Saman