News

North Carolina Reclaims Top Spot for Business

North Carolina has reclaimed its position as the No. 1 State for Business - a title it has now held three out of the past four years. The NC Chamber attributes this achievement to its ongoing efforts to promote pro-growth policies that support both new and existing businesses. North Carolina scored top-five finishes in three of CNBC’s ten ranking categories, especially standing out in economic growth, workforce quality, and migration of college-educated workers. A 3.7% increase in state GDP and 60,000 new

NC Task Force on Child Care and Early Education Releases Report

The North Carolina Task Force on Child Care and Early Education has released its interim report that  outlines the growing gap between childcare supply and demand in the state.  Childcare breakdowns cost North Carolina billions of dollars in lost economic activity each year. According to the task force’s report, licensed programs for infants and toddlers only have capacity to serve 18.7% of children in that age group. Workforce shortages prevent many providers from serving at licensed capacity, further

Trade Wars and the Cost of Doing Business

How can middle market businesses respond during a time of economic uncertainty? Join RSM US Chief Economist Joe Brusuelas and U.S. Chamber of Commerce Executive Vice President Neil Bradley as they discuss the latest economic trends affecting middle market businesses. Get key business considerations on what companies should anticipate in the coming months. The virtual event will be held on July 9 at 1 PM. For more information or to register, click here. 

AI, Cybersecurity and More

Boost your business's potential with this week's newsletter! The articles below can help you navigate the modern business world more effectively. Discover strategies for integrating AI, the importance of cybersecurity, and implementing smarter ways to pay yourself, all aimed at securing your financial future and operational efficiency.Click here to read more.   

Celebrate Independent Retailer Month in Downtown Smithfield!

Shop Small. Support Local. Strengthen Community. This July, the Downtown Smithfield Development Corporation is proud to celebrate Independent Retailer Month, a nationwide campaign dedicated to showcasing the positive impact of locally owned businesses on our economy, culture, and community. From charming boutiques and shops to specialty stores and creative services, Downtown Smithfield is home to an incredible mix of independent retailers—each one bringing a unique touch to our downtown. Why shop

Child Care Reforms On the Way to the Governor's Desk

This week H412 Child Care Regulatory Reforms passed both chambers with bipartisan support. Access to quality child care is a workforce issue. When families have access to quality childcare both parents are able to participate in the workforce. H412 passed thanks to the business community's leadership. Included in the reform are opportunities for childcare professionals to receive credentials based on work experience. The bill formally recognizes on the job experience as an equivalent to formal educational

Support Local Farmers THIS Saturday

Support Local Farmers THIS Saturday. Smithfield Signature Fresh Market   The Small Business Center, the Downtown Smithfield Development Corporation, and JoCo Grows Agriculture are excited to bring local farmers together to provide fresh, locally grown produce, meats and more. June 28 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM July 12 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM July 26 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM August 9 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM August 23 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM September 6 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM September 20 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM October

Triangle East Economic Development Foundation Receives $20,000 Grant from Duke Energy Foundation

The Triangle East Economic Development Foundation has been awarded a $20,000 grant from the Duke Energy Foundation as part of its 2025 Storm Preparedness grant program. This funding will empower local efforts to help Johnston County’s small business community become more resilient in the face of natural disasters and severe weather events. The initiative will be launched in partnership with the Triangle East Chamber of Commerce and will focus on a structured six-month program aimed at equipping small

NC’s Manufacturing Momentum and Future Resilience

With the recent announcement of JetZero’s plans to build a new generation of airplanes in Greensboro, North Carolina adds to a string of manufacturing jobs and capital investment announcements. This marks a reversal of the trend of the last thirty years as manufacturing jobs have fallen by 42 percent from 1990 to 2023.i While total state employment grew by 1.75 million during that period, the number of manufacturing jobs fell by almost 375,000.ii   Moreover, the areas of the state that had the heaviest

Johnston County Board of Commissioners Adopts FY 2025-2026 Budget and Significantly Reduces Proper

The Johnston County Board of Commissioners has adopted the Fiscal Year 2025–2026 budget with a strong focus on reducing the tax burden for residents while continuing to invest in infrastructure, core services, public education, and strategic community needs. As part of the approved budget, the Board voted to reduce the County property tax rate to 52 cents per $100 of assessed value, which represents a 15-cent reduction and one of the largest property tax cuts in County history.   “This budget reflects

JCC's Small Business Center Grant Applications Deadline June 30

Grant Applications DEADLINE - June 30 We've partnered with Verizon to bring you the opportunity to win $10,000 for your business! 50 Winners will be awarded!   Simple Application, no need for a grant writer!   3 Simple Steps to Apply: 1. Go to bit.ly/SBC-Verizon and register your free account 2. Complete 2 FREE 30 minute courses 3. Submit your application by June 30, 2025   If you need assistance with your application, contact us at jccsbc@johnstoncc.edu to schedule a free counseling

Deadline Extended US Chamber Business Competition Open - $25,000 prize

The deadline has been extended on the US Chamber of Commerce's Top 100 Small Business program. The new deadline to submit is July 25. We're searching for the top 100 small businesses in America!  Applications are now open for the CO—100, a prestigious awards program designed to recognize and celebrate the best that small and medium-sized businesses have to offer. The program celebrates more than a business's bottom line. It looks at ideas, challenges, community, company culture, customers and overall

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

June Member Referral Promotion

Tap into the Power of Referrals — and Get Rewarded Referred customers are 18% more loyal than those acquired through other methods. That’s why we believe in the power of referrals — and why we’ve already referred our members more than 250 times this year. Now we’re inviting you to do the same. Here’s how it works:When you refer a business that is not currently a Chamber member, and they join, you’ll receive one month of a banner ad on our website — a $150 value.Refer two members who join? That’s two

Triangle East Prospers Surpasses $900,000

69% TOWARD GOAL WITH STRONG COMMUNITY BACKING Bold Initiative Will Unite Public and Private Sectors toAttract Talent, Create Jobs, and Expand Opportunities Across the Region SMITHFIELD, NC – The Triangle East Chamber of Commerce announced that its Triangle East Prospers campaign has officially surpassed the $900,000 mark—representing 69% of the $1.3 million goal to fund a five-year, public-private initiative focused on regional economic prosperity. A total of 31 investors have stepped forward to support

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

The Big Tariff Burden on Small Businesses

Of the 242,515 total importers in the U.S., 97%—or 236,045—are small businesses, according to a Commerce Department report released this year. Small businesses were responsible for a third of the total value of goods imported, highlighting the significant role they play in U.S. international trade. Why it matters: For many of these companies, even a small increase in tariffs can have a profound effect on their bottom line. ‌ These businesses typically operate with tight profit margins and limited

Johnson Named Top Economic Developer

Recently, Johnston County's Economic Development DirectorChris Johnsonwas named one of the Top 50 Economic Developers in North America by Consultant Connect.  Chris was recognized for his leadership, innovation and creativity. He will receive the award in November.

Fed Reports Stable Labor Market Conditions and Solid Job Gains in North Carolina

While roughly 900 people left the labor force in March, the unemployment rate in North Carolina remained unchanged at 3.7 percent. Payroll employment increased by net 8,300 jobs in March with professional and business services leading the way, followed by government and education and health services. Financial services saw a slight decline in employment. Measuring against our neighbors to the north and south, South Carolina created 55,400 jobs for a 2.4 percent increase in the past year and Virginia added

Calculate How Your Business Would Be Impacted If Tax Cuts Expire

This year, lawmakers have the opportunity to advance smart, pro-growth tax policies and avoid the largest tax increase in American history, which will otherwise occur when key provisions of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) expire at the end of 2025.  In 2017, Congress permanently lowered the corporate income tax rate by 14 percentage points—from 35% to 21%—as part of the TCJA. To ensure that pass-through businesses like sole proprietorships, partnerships, and S corporations would not be placed at a

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