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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 ...

Feb 19, 2026

Lasting leadership: Cape Fear Valley Health CEO Michael Nagowski reflects on his career as he approaches retirement

 Mike Nagowski speaks to the nearly 300 guests who attended the medical school's groundbreaking ceremony in September 2024. Photo provided by Methodist University.It would be an understatement to say that Michael Nagowski has made an impact on t ...

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Lee Moritz, Jr.
North Carolina Military Business Center

Where Warfighter Needs Meet Textile Innovation: Why FEDTEX 2026 Matters

Posted Mar 4, 2026
North Carolina’s textile industry plays a critical role in national security - producing combat uniforms, protective gear, parachutes, tents, medical PPE, and advanced wearable technologies that equip and protect America’s warfighters. As global inst
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Dec 19, 2025

A little something special; Downtown Fayetteville’s first micro grocery and corner store now open

Downtown Fayetteville now has its first chef-driven grocery and corner store in Market Square. Market Square Pantry is a new community minded market, offering things like seasonal fresh produce, easy grab snacks, fresh bakery items and other foo ...

Dec 11, 2025

Hemp hemp hurray: Local farmer and business man seeks to educate the broader community about the many uses for hemp

Keith Dunn began farming hemp in 2017. A few weeks later he founded East Carolina Hemp Supply. After years of slow but steady growth, Dunn hopes to one day be able to build a hemp processing plant in North Carolina to boost the industry and local eco ...

Nov 14, 2025

National Entrepreneur Month: Local Black-owned company revenue exceeds $20M with 300-acre ranch

Fayetteville-based entrepreneur Fred Surgeon has achieved a great deal on his journey from early franchise operations to a family of companies, including a 300-acre agritourism destination co-owned with his wife, Anita Surgeon. Now, he wants to help ...

Nov 13, 2025

Women’s-only fitness studio thrives on community and prepares for supersized Ladies Lift Night with a goal of giving back

Gracefully Fit is located in Westwood Shopping Center occupying just over 4000 square feet. Photos by GFBJ.This time last year, GFBJ sat down with Grace Bex to discuss her vision of opening a women’s only fitness center in Fayetteville. After overcom ...

Sep 26, 2025

Criminally talented: Lacey Crime Art is looking to use her skills to add artwork across the greater Fayetteville area

Crime’s work can be found across the state. Her portfolio includes murals in Raeford on the side of local deli The Corner Cut. Photo provided by Lacey Crime Art.Everything looks better with a little more color. Lacey Crime Art is helping to create a ...

Sep 25, 2025

Creativity in Cumberland: Arts Council champions community, artistry and economic impact

The opening reception for the Arts Council’s previous exhibit, Where the Wild Becomes Divine by Lady Natalia Perez Lozano. The exhibit featured striking imagery of feminine figures, symbolic elements and bold compositions that explored themes of inst ...


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In The Current Issue

From soldier to realtor: Jamel Williams' mission to serve Fayetteville's homebuyers

Jamel Williams transitioned from active military duty to the civilian workforce in 2018. He entered into the field of real estate with the hope of helping other military personnel find their home, as he knew from firsthand experience the challenge th


AFCEA NC powers innovation: 2026 Innovation Summit fuels defense collaboration and stem investment

rom Concept to Capability panelists (L to R) Dr. Paul Baker principal deputy (A) of the Army Science Division Army Research Office, Klinton Snead, extramural staff director for the Army Research Office, panel moderator Phil Williams, VP of corporate


Publisher's note: Rooted here, growing here

Photo by Tierra Mallorca / Unsplash Buying a house is not for the weak. This year, my husband and I decided to begin the hunt for a home. When I tell you January was one of the most stressful times in my life, I mean it from the bottom of m