News

Eighth-Grade Students Are Wowed at the 2025 JOCO WORKS World of Works

SMITHFIELD, NC - The air may have been chilly, but Johnston County Public Schools (JCPS) eighth-grade students were fired up for the Triangle East Chamber’s 2025 JOCO WORKS World of Works (WOW).  During the two-day event, held on the Johnston Community College campus, approximately 3,500 eighth-grade students had the opportunity to explore career possibilities from more than 40 Johnston County-based industries, including event sponsor Novo Nordisk, UNC Health Johnston, the North Carolina Forestry

New, More Affordable Health Plan Available to Triangle East Chamber Members

  NC Chamber, Blue Cross NC Partner to Help Small Businesses Afford Health CoverageSmithfield, N.C. – With small businesses feeling the impacts of rising health care costs, the NC Chamber has partnered with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) to provide a new, more affordable health plan option for small businesses, their employees and their families. This plan, Carolina HealthWorks, is available to small businesses who are members of the Triangle East Chamber of

Clayton WIN Presents Check to Support Leadership Johnston Scholarship

Smithfield, N.C. — The Clayton Women in Networking (WIN) organization has presented a check to the Johnston County Community Foundation in support of a Leadership Johnston Scholarship. This contribution reflects Clayton WIN’s ongoing commitment to fostering leadership and community involvement across Johnston County. Leadership Johnston, a program of the Triangle East Chamber of Commerce, provides participants with valuable opportunities to grow their leadership skills, build connections, and gain a

CommWell Health McGee's Crossroads to Celebrate Grand Re-Opening on November 18

Small Business Readiness Autumn Grant Applications Are Open Now

Grant Applications are now open for the Verizon Small Business Readiness Autumn Grant. Fifty small businesses will be awarded $10,000 through this program. Don't miss this opportunity to secure funding for your business. Deadline to apply is December 10, 2025.  Go to bit.ly/SBC-VerizonCreate a FREE AccountComplete 2 FREE 30 minute coursesBecome eligible to apply for a $10,000 grant   Here’s what you’ll get for free:Expert-led workshopsPeer networkingSelf-paced courses$10,000 grants   Usually, this

Duke Energy Files 2025 Carolinas Resource Plan

 Duke Energy filed its biennial long-range energy modernization plan for its dual-state system with the North Carolina Utilities Commission. The 2025 Carolinas Resource Plan is Duke Energy’s road map to serve customer growth needs while protecting reliability and keeping costs as low as possible. Customer bill impacts for the proposed plan are projected to average 2.1% annually over the coming decade – lower than the rate of inflation and significantly less than projected costs for the previously

Johnston Community College and County Leaders Cut Ribbon on Advanced Manufacturing Training Facility

Johnston Community College, along with County and state leaders, celebrated the official opening of the new Advanced Manufacturing Training Facility in Four Oaks today. The 67,000-square-foot, $40 million facility will serve as a hub for workforce training, economic development, and industry partnerships across Johnston County and the eastern region of North Carolina. The state-of-the-art center will house JCC’s Welding, Applied and Mechanical Engineering, and Machining programs, giving students access

Strong Foundations: A Playbook for Housing and Economic Growth

The US Chamber of Commerce in partnership with AEI Housing Center recently released Strong Foundations: A Playbook for Housing and Economic Growth- a first of its kind resource offering data informed insights and practical strategies tailed to thousands of local jurisdictions- including Johnston County. The Johnston County playbook provides insight into housing supply, affordability, migration patterns, homelessness, and more. It is designed to assist business leaders, policy makers, and community

High School Graduates Face Skills Shortage; New AP Courses Aim to Prepare Them for the Workforce

Finding qualified workers remains a significant challenge for businesses, with only 38% of hiring managers reporting that it’s easy to find candidates with the right skills. The big picture: A new survey from the U.S. Chamber and College Board highlights a significant gap in workforce readiness among high school graduates. ‌ By the numbers: 84% of hiring managers in the survey say high school graduates aren’t ready for work. ‌ 80% believe they’re less prepared than previous generations. What we’re

Transportation Takes the Spotlight as Leaders Look to Johnston County's Future

Transportation and commuting challenges took center stage at the 2025 State of the Region Breakfast, held last week at the Johnston County Ag Center. Presented by Lumos, the event drew a packed room of business and community leaders eager to hear what’s ahead for Johnston County and the region. Using Mentimeter, attendees engaged directly with panelists: David Harris, Director of the Johnston Regional Airport; Joey Hopkins, Secretary of Transportation for the State of North Carolina; Josh Jensen,

Host a Golden LEAF Intern

Businesses, nonprofits, and government entities in Johnston County can apply to host a Golden LEAF Scholar. The program provides students who have received Golden LEAF Scholarships internship opportunities in qualifying rural counties. Golden LEAF will pay the intern for their time. The interns work 9-12 weeks between May and August. Intern hosts must provide the interns with a meaningful project or role that aligns with the students college major and future career goals.  Businesses and organizations

County's Statewide Visitors Spending Data Released

Statewide, visitor spending in 2024 rose 3.1% to reach a record $36.7 billion. Direct tourism employment increased 1.4% to 230,338. These statistics come from the “Economic Impact of Travel on North Carolina Counties 2024,” a study funded, contracted, and released by Visit NC. In Johnston County, visitors spent $314.59 million in 2024, which is a 5.2% increase over 2023 spending.Visitors to the county spend $861,890 a day in local businesses such as hotels, retail and outlet shopping, attractions, dining,

Johnston County Building Inspectors Earn Statewide Award for Hurricane Helene Response

Johnston County Building Inspectors Earn Statewide Award for Hurricane Helene Response Smithfield, N.C.- For their service after Hurricane Helene, Johnston County’s Building Inspections Department received the Barry Gupton Award, a major honor from the North Carolina Building Inspectors' Association (NCBIA). The award is presented to individuals or organizations that show exceptional commitment to advancing State Building Codes and supporting communities in times of need. Johnston County was recognized

Workforce Housing Coming to Eastfield

Apartments are coming to Eastfield.  Eastfield, the 435 acre mixed use development, in Selma that's plan includes manufacturing, retail, hospitality, and residential, recently announced a 348 unit multifamily community will be built. The project represents an innovative collaboration between the NRP Group and the Mid-Atlantic Foundation to create a real estate tax exempt development that encourages affordable rents. According to a report released earlier this year by the NC Chamber there is a significant

Johnston County Recognizes Summer Interns and Highlights Local Government Opportunities

Johnston County Recognizes Summer Interns and Highlights Local Government Opportunities Smithfield, N.C.- The Johnston County Board of Commissioners recognized this year’s class of summer interns during their regular meeting on Tuesday, September 2, 2025. More than a dozen high school and college students gained valuable work experience this summer through internships across multiple County departments. Interns learned skills across several disciplines working with professionals in County departments

Are You Interested in Pursuing a Career in Child Care but Lack Previous Experience?

Local 'I Do, Re-Do' Event

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE THE DUPREE HOUSE TO HOST "I DO, RE-DO" EVENT FOR SUSTAINABLE WEDDING SHOPPING SMITHFIELD, NC – September 2, 2025 – The Dupree House is excited to announce its inaugural "I Do, Re- Do" event, a unique wedding market designed to connect recent brides and wedding planners with brides-to-be seeking beautiful, budget-friendly treasures. The event will be held on January 11th, offering a sustainable and savvy way to shop for wedding essentials. The "I Do, Re-Do" serves as a

Johnston County Board of Commissioners to Hold Public Hearing on Comprehensive Transportation Plan

Johnston County Board of Commissioners to Hold Public Hearing on Comprehensive Transportation Plan     Smithfield, N.C.-  The Johnston County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, to receive community input on the County’s Comprehensive Transportation Plan. The hearing will take place during the Commissioners’ regular meeting at 6:00 p.m. in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room, located at 207 East Johnston Street at the Johnston County Courthouse in

KS Bank Welcomes Travis B. Bailey as Chief Administrative Officer, EVP

KS BANK WELCOMES TRAVIS B. BAILEY AS CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER, EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT  (SMITHFIELD, N.C.) – KS Bank, Inc. is pleased to announce the addition of Travis B. Bailey to its Senior Executive Management team as the Chief Administrative Officer. In this role, Bailey will lead the bank’s retail branches and management and ensure that KS Bank continues to deliver exceptional service and build strong community relationships. Bailey brings more than twenty years of experience in community

Guide to Maximize Savings for Small Businesses from New Tax Law

The US Chamber has published a guide for small businesses to help them maximize savings from the recently enacted One Big Beautiful Bill Act. This guide helps companies better understand provisions of the law, including permanent deductions, enhanced credits, and expanded eligibility criteria. Small business owners can take advantage of these tax breaks starting now for expenses dating back to January 20, 2025. The guide can be found here.

KS Bank Celebrates New Full-Service Branch in Bailey, NC with Official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

KS BANK CELEBRATES NEW FULL-SERVICE BRANCH IN BAILEY, NC WITH OFFICIAL RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY(SMITHFIELD, NC) – KS Bank hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, June 24th, to celebrate the bank’s new Bailey branch. The ceremony featured remarks from Leigh Deans, with the Bailey Chamber of Commerce, Owen Strickland, Mayor of Bailey, Walter Wells, Mayor Pro-tem of Bailey, Earl W. Worley, Jr., KS Bank President/CEO, and James C. Parker, KS Bancorp Board Chairman. Reverend Michael Coppock, Pastor with

Chamber Foundations Are a National Best Practice

More than a local initiative, Chamber foundations have become a national best practice—empowering chambers across the country to tackle big-picture challenges like workforce readiness, small business resilience, and inclusive economic growth. By establishing our Foundation 14 years ago, we positioned ourselves ahead of the curve, recognizing early on that a 501(c)(3) arm would allow us to access new funding, support community-focused programs, and deepen our long-term impact. Today, with nearly 90% of

Cracking the Code: How to Turn Local Intel into Business Strategy

You’re sitting on a goldmine and don’t even know it. Right outside your storefront, in the coffee shops and laundromats and food trucks humming a block away, are patterns, habits, and whispers that—if read right—can tell you exactly what your next move should be. Strategy isn’t just spreadsheets and quarterly forecasts, it’s how well you can read the room, especially when the room is your zip code. It’s not glamorous, but that’s the point. What works in Midtown won’t fly in Midtown South, and your biggest

Triangle East Economic Development Foundation Hosts Discussion on Workforce Housing Solutions

The Triangle East Economic Development Foundation and the Triangle East Chamber of Commerce hosted Workforce Housing: Understanding the Challenge, Creating Solutions, the Foundation’s inaugural event, addressing workforce housing challenges and their impact on local businesses. The event took place at First Baptist Church of Smithfield on April 1st. Panelists included: Jill Homan, President of Javelin 19 InvestmentsErica Leatham, Vice President, Land, M/I HomesApril Stephens, Owner, The April Stephens

KS Bank Sponsored Community Event for Entrepreneurs & Small Businesses

KS BANK SPONSORED COMMUNITY EVENT FOR ENTREPRENEURS AND SMALL BUSINESSES(Smithfield, NC) – KS Bank was the proud presenting sponsor of the first Harnett Business Resources Summit, hosted by the Dunn, Lillington, Coats, Erwin, and Angier Chambers of Commerce, as well as the Central Carolina Community College Small Business Center. The event provided tools, resources, and insights for entrepreneurs and business owners in Harnett County so they can grow and thrive in the competitive world of business.KS Bank’s

Employee Wellness is Good Business

Employee Wellness is Good Business Companies that prioritize employee wellness are finding its a tool to recruit and retain employees and a way to reduce healthcare costs. Research conducted by Workforce Magazine found that 87 percent of employees considered wellness programs when choosing an employer. In addition 67 percent of employees who worked for organizations with wellness programs reported job satisfaction and would recommend their employer to others. The Harvard Business Review reports that

KS Bank Named Among the Top Extraordinary Banks in the Nation

KS Bank Named Among the Top Extraordinary Banks in the Nation  SMITHFIELD, NC – KS Bank was just named among the top extraordinary banks in the United States by The Institute for Extraordinary Banking™.  KS Bank was recognized with the Institute’s Banky™ Award for its commitment to strong community banking. This recognition is given to top community banks across the country to help people find the best banks in their communities. They also received the Above-and-Beyond Customer Service Banky™ Award for

Do Good Foods LLC Will Invest More Than $100 Million At Selma's Eastfield Crossing

‘Climate Forward’ Consumer Foods Pioneer Will Create Approximately 100 Jobs in JoCo  Johnston County, N.C. – June 6, 2022. Do Good Foods LLC, a revolutionary climate forward company that upcycles surplus grocery store food into nutrient-dense animal feed, will invest more than $100 million in a new production facility at Eastfield Crossing in Selma. The new operation will employ approximately 100 workers at wages averaging more than $60,000 per year. Johnston County Commissioners joined the Selma Town

KS Bank Named 2021 Community Bank of the Year

KS BANK NAMED 2021 COMMUNITY BANK OF THE YEAR  (SMITHFIELD, NC) - KS Bank was awarded the 2021 Community Bank of the Year award by the NC Rural Center. This award is given to the financial institution that was a leading lending partner to North Carolina’s small businesses while providing exceptional customer service. Phil Marion, treasurer of the NC Rural Center’s Board of Directors said, “KS Bank has been a partner of the Rural Center since 2012, and since that time, has supported more than 30 loans for a

Duke Energy Secures Offshore Wind Lease for Carolina Long Bay

Duke Energy Renewables Wind, LLC, a nonregulated subsidiary of Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), has been named a provisional winner of OCS-A 0546 lease area in the Carolina Long Bay offshore wind auction. The lease was one of two awarded as part of an Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf renewable energy auction held by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM). “Securing this lease creates optionality for future offshore wind if the North Carolina Utilities Commission determines it’s part of the least cost path

SelmaWorks! Resource Fair Brings Workforce and Community Services to Selma Residents

SelmaWorks! Resource Fair Brings Workforce and Community Services to Selma ResidentsFree event targets residents most in need.  April 4, 2022 – The SelmaWorks! Resource Fair will take place at the Richard B. Harrison Gymnasium from 10am-2pm on Friday, April 22. The event is a partnership between Capital Area Workforce Development (CAWD), NCWorks, Johnston Community College and Johnston County Public Schools. The resource fair will feature several organizations that provide services to help individuals in

Commissioners Vote Unanimously to Accept NC Railroad Grant

Selma’s Eastfield Crossing Project Set to Benefit from Rail Access Johnston County, N.C. – March 22, 2022. The Johnston County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously last night to formally accept a $750,000 infrastructure grant as part of the North Carolina Railroad Company’s Build Ready Sites initiative. The award will be applied to upgrades and improvements in Selma that will support the county’s Eastfield Crossing project.  “Johnston County is proud to be one of six North Carolina counties to be

Food Truck Business Opens Brick and Mortar Restaurant

New comfort food restaurant now open in Pine Needle Square  Smithfield, NC (March 3, 2022) – AdVenture Development, LLC, is pleased to announce that 815 Gourmet Grill is now open for carryout and delivery. The dining room will open soon. The restaurant is AdVenture Development’s newest tenant in the recently renovated Pine Needle Square.  A popular area food truck, 815 Gourmet Grill is delighted to open its first brick and mortar location. The restaurant offers classics with a twist, featuring gourmet

LEADERSHIP JOHNSTON LAUNCHES CLASS OF 2022

SMITHFIELD, NORTH CAROLINA, January 15, 2022— A fully engaged Leadership Johnston program returns to Johnston County this year! The eleven-month program is designed for those who want to learn more about the county while developing and refining leadership skills. Through a variety of personal growth opportunities, individuals will gain a more in-depth understanding of the many facets of Johnston County, build crisis leadership and change management skills, and learn the skills necessary for effectively

ADVANCETEC WILL INVEST OVER $10 MILLION AT SITE NEAR CLAYTON - Cleanroom Integration Experts to Leverage Prefabrication & Modularization for Biotech

Johnston County, N.C. – November 1, 2021. AdvanceTEC, a leader in cleanroom design, construction and mission-critical process integration, will invest more than $10 million in a new site in Johnston County. The Richmond, Va. based company intends to create an advanced skilled workforce at a location near Clayton, which will serve biotechnology companies in the Research Triangle and throughout the United States.   “Johnston County’s place in the 21st century life sciences industry is taking an important

Scooter's Coffee Opens on Labor Day

Smithfield, NC (September 3, 2021) – Adventure Development, LLC, is pleased to announce that Scooter’s Coffee will open in Pine Needle Square in Smithfield on Monday, September 6. Located at 701 N. Brightleaf Boulevard, Scooter’s is owned by Shawn and Jennifer Pearce and Rob and Jocelyn Southerland. The drive-thru location offers coffee, smoothies, baked goods, breakfast items, and specialty drinks with speedy and friendly customer service. “We know that any organization’s success depends on the

The First “Red Vest Tuesday” For Lowe’s 100 Hometowns Project, Activate Selma A Success

SELMA, NC:  Monday, August 30 - On Tuesday, August 24th,  volunteers from Selma Parks and Recreation, Activate Selma, local businesses and Lowe’s of Smithfield endured the heat and dramatically changed the look of Downtown Selma during the first “Red Vest Day” as part of Lowe’s 100 Hometown projects.   “Red Vest Tuesday” is in conjunction with the Lowe’s 100 Hometowns, a $10 million initiative to celebrate Lowe’s centennial by completing 100 community impact projects across the United States by the end of

SOLA CREATIONS BOUTIQUE FEATURED IN THE BOOK, A Heart for Selma: 12 Stories of Activate Selma NC

The much-awaited book, A Heart for Selma: 12 Stories of Activate Selma NC, written by Pine Level writer Cindy Brookshire, shares 12 personal stories of Selma, North Carolina residents, volunteers, and business owners who are revitalizing and uplifting their beloved rail community and all it has to offer.  Katja Jentes of ProverbsPhotography shot all the photos in the book, including the book cover.   Twenty-three community members participated in the project and two national experts, Roger Brooks

KS Bank advances in N.C. financial ranking

The Smithfield-based bank is ranked 31st in Business North Carolina magazine's 2021 list of "Largest Banks and Credit Unions Based in North Carolina" --- up from a ranking of 34th last year.The magazine reports that KS Bank had revenue of $18.7 million in 2020 --- up 11.3% from 2019 --- producing net income of $4.8 million, up 14.3%. Total assets of $486 million is also a factor in the bank's new ranking.First Citizens BancShares --- founded in Smithfield as First Citizens Bank & Trust Company and now based

Kelly Wallace Selected for U.S. Chamber Foundation Education and Workforce Fellowship Program

Fellowship Provides State and Local Business Leaders with Opportunities toEngage Nationally on Critical Education and Workforce Issues  WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation today announced Kelly Wallace, Vice President & COO of the Triangle East Chamber of Commerce was selected to participate in the fifth cohort of its premiere business leadership program. The Business Leads Fellowship Program trains and equips leaders from state and local chambers of commerce, economic development

The Sleep Inn & Suites Hotel in Smithfield, NC Wins Prestigious 2021 Platinum Hospitality Award from Choice Hotels

Smithfield, NC2021 – The Sleep Inn & Suites hotel of Smithfield, NC has been recognized with a prestigious 2021 Platinum Award from Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), franchisor of the Sleep Inn brand.  The Platinum Award designation goes only to the top three-percent of hotels within the brand, representing a tremendous accomplishment. As one of the top tier properties operating under the Sleep Inn flag, the hotel’s staff has demonstrated an exceptional focus on guest satisfaction and

JCC Business Partnership Opportunity

Looking for ways to get more promotion for your business?  Become a Business Partner with Johnston Community College to promote your business through our newly established JCC Alumni Association! By offering discounts to JCC alumni, students, and employees, your business will be recognized in JCC publications and announcements throughout the year - encouraging our campus community to patronize your business!  For more information, call (919) 209-2182 or email jccalumni@johnstoncc.edu.

JCC Offering Free Workshop for Underemployed and Unemployed