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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 ...

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Joe Tew
NC Military Business Center

Contracting for the Final Frontier: How North Carolina Companies Can Capture New Opportunities with the US Space Force

Posted Oct 28, 2025
A New Frontier in Defense ContractingFrom resilient satellite communications to real-time space domain awareness, the United States Space Force (USSF) is reshaping how America secures and sustains its presence in orbit. As the newest branch of the Un
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Aug 20, 2025

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

Today, Hungry Snacks Vending operates 140 machines across North Carolina, with locations ranging from schools to public transit stations. ...

Aug 20, 2025

Questions & Answers: Development and marketing professional puts community care first in their mission to provide resources

Development and Marketing Director for The CARE Clinic Nicole Ryan is passionate about connecting her community to healthcare resources. Joining the clinic staff in January 2025 and working her way from administrative assistant to her current positio ...

Aug 20, 2025

Making an impact: Attorney Davis Puryear is working to help the people of Fayetteville both personally and professionally

Davis Puryear - photo by GFBJFayetteville native Davis Puryear, a decorated attorney and a partner at Hutchens Law Firm LLP, is a driven young leader who wants to make his city a better place. The 35-year-old attorney – practicing in the areas o ...

Aug 7, 2025

Built to last: Fayetteville family business Hinkamp Jewelers celebrates its 70th anniversary

Siblings Walter “Wally” Hinkamp, Jr. and Donna Hinkamp Warren have taken over their family business. For siblings Walter “Wally” Hinkamp, Jr. and Donna Hinkamp Warren, operating Hinkamp Jewelers isn’t just a labor of love, but the continuation o ...

Jul 24, 2025

Empowering the mission: Linchpin Solutions provides tools to turn the tech of the future into the tools of today

Linchpin Solutions attends defense conferences throughout the year, using conferences and tradeshows to exhibit their services and connect with network professionals, including industry, military and government leaders to address and understand today ...

Apr 25, 2025

Long-time North Carolina real estate professional starts new commercial construction company

Wes Davis recently launched his own commercial construction company in partnership with the business investor Toliver Parks. Together, the two bring 69 years of combined construction experience to the industry. ...


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In The Current Issue

Where river meets home: Cape Overlook brings affordable riverfront living to Lillington

Smith Douglas Homes pictured with the The Lillington Area Chamber of Commerce at the grand opening of their new Reedy Branch community which took place in October. Photo provided by Smith Douglas Homes.A new residential community taking shape in Lill


From service to success: Walsingham Group Inc. partners with nonprofit groups to help Veterans join them as part of the civilian workforce

Walsingham Group Inc., an organization federally recognized for its efforts and emphasis on hiring Veterans is partnering with local and national organizations to recruit, hire and retain Veteran talent. Photo generated using Canva AI.Walsingham Grou


Bah, Humbug! Annual Christmas event A Dickens Holiday returns to downtown Fayetteville in 2025

Costumed actors will roam the streets, carriage rides will guide visitors throughout and the traditional candlelight processional and illumination ceremony will be included at this year’s A Dickens Holiday. Photo provided by A Dickens Holiday, taken