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Johnston County to Host Voter ID Events at Local Libraries this Month
Johnston County to Host Voter ID Events at Local Libraries this Month Smithfield, NC – Johnston County will host a series of Voter Photo ID events this September to help residents prepare for upcoming elections. These events, similar to the successful outreach events held in 2024, will provide voters with the opportunity to obtain a free voter photo ID. Staff from the Johnston County Board of Elections will be on-site to issue IDs, which require only a name, date of birth, and the last four digits of a
Partnership for Children Hosts Community Advocacy Night, Paving the Way for Child Care Solutions
Partnership for Children Hosts Community Advocacy Night, Paving the Way for Child Care Solutions Selma, NC — The Partnership for Children of Johnston County hosted a powerful event in August to engage families and community leaders in a discussion about the child care crisis and its impacts on Johnston County residents. The evening brought together parents, child care providers, and elected officials to reflect on the challenges facing families and included a screening of "Take Care NC," a documentary
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
Johnston Community College Awarded $565,000 NSF Grant to Advance Cybersecurity Education
Johnston Community College Awarded Second NSF Grant to Advance Cybersecurity Education Smithfield, N.C. — September 3, 2025 – Johnston Community College (JCC) has been awarded a three-year, $565,044 grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to support its cybersecurity programs. The funded project focuses on integrating employability skills, which employers seek from graduates, with technical expertise. This award will expand opportunities for JCC students to participate in cybersecurity
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
Partnership Seeks Participants for Free Child Care Academy
Partnership Seeks Participants for Free Child Care Academy Johnston County — The Partnership for Children of Johnston County is now accepting participants for its Child Care Academy this fall. The program provides free, comprehensive training and support to individuals interested in pursuing a career in child care. Participants will complete all required training sessions, fingerprinting, and a background check. The program also includes professionalism training, interview practice, classroom
News Release: 8/28/2025
Johnston Community College will host a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony to celebrate the grand opening of its new Advanced Manufacturing Training Facility in Four Oaks. Members of the media are invited to attend and cover this milestone event. This 67,000 square foot, cutting-edge facility serves as the advanced manufacturing training hub for Johnston County and the eastern region of the state. You will be able to get an inside look at the new campus, as well as interview dignitaries in attendance. What: Ribbon
Partnership for Children of Johnston County Celebrates Smart Start Month
Partnership for Children of Johnston County Celebrates Smart Start MonthJohnston County, NC — The Partnership for Children of Johnston County is celebrating September as Smart Start Month, a special designation recently proclaimed by the Johnston County Board of Commissioners to recognize the essential role of the Smart Start Network in supporting North Carolina’s youngest children and the adults who care for them.“In Johnston County, the Partnership is the backbone of the local early childhood system,”
Read to Grow Announces 4th Annual Poster Contest to Celebrate Attendance Awareness Month
Read to Grow Announces 4th Annual Poster Contest to Celebrate Attendance Awareness Month Johnston County, NC – Read to Grow Johnston County is excited to announce its 4th Annual Poster Contest in honor of Attendance Awareness Month this September. The contest encourages K-5 students to create posters highlighting the importance of regular school attendance. On August 18th, the Johnston County Board of Commissioners officially proclaimed September 2025 as Attendance Awareness Month, recognizing the
JOCO WORKS Featured at NC Chamber Workforce Development Conference
Scott Nunn, facilities engineer at Novo Nordisk and incoming board chair at the Triangle East Chamber of Commerce, presented at the North Carolina Chamber of Commerce's Education and Workforce Conference on August 21. Scott was one of three panelists that presented how businesses can help shape training to meet their specific needs ensuring a pipeline of skilled workers. He focused on JOCO WORKS. Scott has been part of the JOCO WORKS steering committee since its inception. Scott said his true passion is
50% of NC Businesses Have Embraced AI
The US Chamber of Commerce released a report on small businesses use of artificial intelligence The report found approximately 50% of businesses in the state have adopted use of AI. However, business leaders have concerns over data privacy and regulations. The report found that use of AI has helped small business owners cope with inflation and supply chain disruption as well as improved access to capital. At the same time 82% of the businesses surveyed reported they had increased their workforce during
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
Johnston Community College Announces Record Enrollment
Johnston Community College Announces Record Enrollment JCC sees another semester of double-digit percentage increase in credit students Smithfield, N.C., (August 19, 2025) – Johnston Community College (JCC) has once again set a new enrollment record, achieving its highest-ever curriculum headcount. On the first day of fall semester classes, JCC welcomed 6,513 degree-seeking students. That is a 15 percent increase over last fall and a 61 percent growth in curriculum enrollment since 2021.
Two JOCO Businesses In the Running For Coolest Thing
Two Johnston County businesses are in the running for the Coolest Thing Made in North Carolina. Bright Leaf Hot Dogs is running in the medium company category and OPW is running in the large company category. People can vote once a day. The contest is run by the North Carolina Chamber to celebrate manufacturing in the state. 13% of the state's GDP is generated from manufacturing. Manufacturing employs 459,300 people in the state. To see the list of nominees and to vote for your favorites visit
2025 ATHENA Finalists Named
Triangle East Chamber of Commerce Announces Finalists for 38th Annual ATHENA International Leadership Award The Triangle East Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the finalists for the 38th Annual Triangle East ATHENA International Leadership Award. This prestigious award will be presented on October 9, 2025, to an exceptional individual who has achieved excellence in her business or profession, served the community in a meaningful way, and assisted women in reaching their professional goals and
Small Business Grant Writing Mastery
Small Business Center to host Small Business Grant Writing Mastery. This 90-minute class is specifically designed for small business owners and entrepreneurs in North Carolina seeking grant funding to help build their dream. Details and additional information can be found here.
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Triangle East Chamber Names First Talent and Leadership Development Manager
Smithfield, NC – The Triangle East Chamber of Commerce has taken a major step forward in its five-year Triangle East Prospers initiative, appointing BriAnna Walker as the region’s first-ever Talent and Leadership Development Manager. The new role marks a significant investment in tackling one of Johnston County’s most pressing challenges: building a skilled workforce. Currently, 63 percent of area employers report difficulty finding workers with essential skills. Walker will lead the charge in developing,
Boys & Girls Clubs Youth Leader Addresses County Commissioners, Prepares to Represent Johnston County at Statewide Conference
Smithfield, NC — Boys & Girls Clubs of Johnston County is proud to announce that Kaylin G. has been selected as this year’s YouthVoice representative, chosen to represent Johnston County at the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners’ (NCACC) Annual Conference, YouthVoice 2025 event, scheduled for August 21–23, 2025, in Pitt County. As part of her YouthVoice journey, Kaylin delivered a confident and impactful presentation before the Johnston County Commissioners on July 21 at 10:00 a.m. Her
How to Market Your Made in USA Products
One of the biggest arguments for reshoring your production operation is that it can attract new customers. A recent poll from the Alliance for American Manufacturing found that 82% of shoppers would buy more Made in America products if they were sold more widely. Reshoring your manufacturing can not only bring in new business but also boost brand loyalty. Here’s what you need to know about marketing your domestic production operation. The phrase “Made in the USA” carries a certain connotation for
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Johnston County EMS Community Paramedic Program Celebrates 10 Year Anniversary
Launched on July 1, 2015, this program was created as an innovative approach to provide preventive care to the most vulnerable in Johnston County and to lower ambulance use by focusing on frequent callers. By working with these patients prior to the 911 call, the community paramedics have been able to help the patient understand their medical condition, better adhere to prescribed medications, and connect with primary care physicians. In addition, this program highlights a unique partnership between the
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
Smithfield, NC Businesses: News Regarding the CTA, BOI and FinCEN
The Corporate Transparency Act may require certain U.S. companies to disclose beneficial ownership information to FinCEN to combat financial crimes. While a Texas federal district court’s preliminary injunction puts this requirement on hold, many experts expect that to be overturned. In that event, failure to file could lead to fines of $500 per day, up to a maximum of $10,000, and possible criminal penalties. However, filing your Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) report will help you avoid fines
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
