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May 14, 2026

Celebrating 45 years: Systel Business Equipment represents a legacy of commitment to quality service

Inset: Systel’s first corporate headquarters was a small rental house turned office on Fort Bragg Road in Fayetteville in 1981. Large photo: The company’s new corporate headquarters reflects years of growth into a multi-million dollar company that pr ...

May 4, 2026

Bee-lieve the hype: Local apiarists and entrepreneurs share handmade crafts and helpful knowledge about our most important pollinators

Lynlene Apiary and Crafts is owned and operated by mother-daughter duo Carolyn Kleinert and Jolene Kleinert. They are certified apiarists and sell honey, candles made with beeswax, soaps and other crafts at local farmers markets. Photos by GFBJ.Lynle ...

May 1, 2026

Where agritourism meets agriculture: Taking a look at the working ranch behind Sweet Valley Ranch

What began as the desire for a horse expanded into one of Fayetteville’s main hospitality and agro-tourism attractions thanks to the passion and love of animals from the Ranch’s founders Anita and Fred Surgeon. Photos provided by Sweet Valley Ranch.S ...

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cape-fear-valley-health-system michael-ruzek-do-cpe-facep headshot

Michael Ruzek, DO, CPE, FACEP
Cape Fear Valley Health System

Cape Fear Valley Health hospitals earn high Leapfrog Safety Grades

Posted May 12, 2026
At every level of our health system, from frontline staff to executive leadership, patient safety and quality of care are not just talking points; they are core values that guide every decision we make.Cape Fear Valley Health hospitals earned A and B
  ...read entire article
Apr 16, 2026

41 years strong: Highstreet Warren Insurance Group adapts while staying true to its founder

Highstreet Warren Insurance Group has 15 in-office employees. Many staff members have been with the organization for a decade or more. Photos provided by Highstreet Warren Insurance Group A longstanding family business in Fayetteville is sharing ...

Apr 2, 2026

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 ...

Mar 19, 2026

Historic pieces, new potential: Westdale Vintage blends memory, sustainability and one-of-a-kind style

 Michelle Clark and her husband, Jamil Rashad, opened Westdale Vintage at 1225 Fort Bragg Road in Historic Haymount in October 2024. Photo provided by Ian Tilghman.After moving back to her hometown of Fayetteville to take care of her aging fathe ...

Mar 18, 2026

Young entrepreneur turns pro bono social media work into Fayetteville-focused marketing venture

Images courtesy of Michael AazamFayetteville native Michael Aazam, a freshman at  UNC Chapel Hill studying business administration with a focus in marketing, is already leveraging real-world experience that many marketing majors don’t gain until ...

Mar 5, 2026

Faith, family and franchises: King and Latonia Parks drive community growth through diverse business ventures

King and Latonia Parks both had successful careers in the military before returning to civilian life and starting their real estate business. They eventually expanded their portfolio, opening a Cold Stone Creamery in Hope Mills and The UPS Store on C ...

Mar 4, 2026

Sowing change: How Carolina Foodscapes uses gardening to grow community and wellness

NaTasha Lax is an advocate for sustainable living and community gardening.She founded Carolina Foodscapes to promote food security, environmentalstewardship and community empowerment through innovative gardeningprojects. Photo by Mac Elliott Media.Ce ...


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In The Current Issue

Empowering Veterans: The 2026 Fayetteville Veterans Business Expo aims to close the opportunity gap

This is the first year of the Veteran Business Expo, and it grew out of Fayetteville PWC’s Economic Impact Program, which focuses on expanding access and opportunity in public-sector contracting while strengthening the local economy. It builds off th


Bee-lieve the hype: Local apiarists and entrepreneurs share handmade crafts and helpful knowledge about our most important pollinators

Lynlene Apiary and Crafts is owned and operated by mother-daughter duo Carolyn Kleinert and Jolene Kleinert. They are certified apiarists and sell honey, candles made with beeswax, soaps and other crafts at local farmers markets. Photos by GFBJ.Lynle


The Hive of Hope Mills is open for business: Big T's serves as anchor tenant

Big T’s has been a local favorite of Hope Mills since 2000 when Timmy (Big T) and Donna Gray first opened right on Hope Mills Lake. It is a seasonal restaurant, so many of Big T’s loyal customers were happy to hear they would now be open year-round, seven days a week.