News

Mosely Appointed to Leadership Role

Narron Wenzel, P.A. is proud to announce that our Partner, Kemp Mosley, has been appointed Chairman of the Estate Planning & Fiduciary Law Section of the North Carolina Bar Association for the 2025–26 NCBA year.The Estate Planning & Fiduciary Law Section is one of the largest and most active sections of the NCBA, with approximately 1,600 attorneys across North Carolina who focus their practice on trust and estate law.Kemp, a Fellow in the American College of Trust & Estate Counsel, has been a dedicated

Rail Access: The Hidden Engine Behind Johnston County’s Supply Chain Strength

As Johnston County grows into a regional logistics hub, Rail is emerging as one of the most valuable—and often overlooked—assets fueling that momentum. Strategically positioned along the North Carolina Railroad (NCRR) line, Johnston County has direct access to a 317-mile freight corridor that stretches from Charlotte to Morehead City. That connection opens the door to deepwater ports, inland distribution centers, and faster freight movement across the Southeast. For businesses in manufacturing,

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

Applications Open for the Coolest Thing Made in NC

The NC Chamber is beyond excited to officially launch its sixth annual Coolest Thing Made in NC contest, sponsored this year by Baxter International.  From heavy machinery and private jets, to delicious food products and textiles, some pretty incredible products are manufactured in North Carolina. But which one is the "coolest?"  You get to decide.   Nominations are now open and will be accepted until Wednesday, August 13, at 9 p.m. The field of nominees will be announced Thursday, August 21, at which

Bright Ideas for Better Workplaces

You're busy. We get it. That's why we're serving up 30 minute, drop in conversations to spark big ideas for your workplace, just in time for lunch.  Join us August 5,6, or 7 at noon for Bright Ideas: Creating Family-Friendly Workplaces, a mini live session for HR professionals and business leaders. Each day you'll get fast, practical takeaways on how to attract and keep great people by building a workplace that truly supports families. Why attend? Hear from HR strategist Kate Brant, a 25 year expert in

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

Small Business Center Releases Schedule of Workshops

The Small Business Center at JCC released its upcoming schedule of workshops. From Google Tools for Business to Legal Structures, there is something for everyone. To learn more click here. 

New Regional Transit Study Releases Preliminary Findings

The Regional Transportation Alliance business coalition, GoTriangle, and the NC Department of Transportation have released preliminary findings of a cooperative study to accelerate a regionwide network of high-quality transit routes to better connect the Triangle area. The proposed Freeway And Street-based Transit (FAST) network concept is a scalable approach to transform our roadways into “multimodal corridors" that could provide significant and sustainable advantages for public transit, along with

WAWA Opens First Store in Johnston County

Hundreds of people were on hand as Wawa opened its first store in Johnston County on July 24, 2025. The store is the company's third store in the state of North Carolina. The company has a long range goal to open 90 stores over the next 10 years. The opening of the store in the Cleveland area featured tee shirts for the first 100 guests, a competition known as Hoagies for Heroes" between local first responders, free coffee for all in attendance, and a ribbon cutting. “We are excited to continue our

Applications Now Open for Leadership Johnston

Leadership Johnston, a premier professional development program in Johnston County, is now accepting applications for the 2026 class. Applications will be accepted through September 30.   Leadership Johnston is a collaborative effort between the Johnston County Coalition of Chambers  and Johnston Community College, aimed at cultivating leadership skills and community engagement among professionals in the region. This program, presented by KS Bank, offers participants a comprehensive experience that

Managing AI Notetaking Bots in Meetings

By now, you’ve probably seen an AI notetaking bot pop up in one of your online meetings. Maybe it was Otter.ai, Fireflies.ai, or some other bot quietly capturing every word.     These tools promise to make meetings for Chambers, associations, and other organizations run more smoothly, improve accessibility, and help keep records straight. Sounds great, right? Not so fast. They also come with a laundry list of challenges, especially when it comes to privacy, compliance, and meeting

Full-Service Design + Renovation — All Under One Roof

At CALYCO, we’ve always offered full-service design and construction — but now, it’s official. CALYCO is proud to announce that we are a licensed General Contractor. With our new licensing, we no longer subcontract General Contractors. Instead, every phase of your renovation — from initial drawings to the final walkthrough — is managed directly under the CALYCO name, license, and leadership.What This Means for You:​One point of ContactClear, Consistent CommunicationStreamlined Project ManagementTrusted

Business Friendly Tax Provisions Now Permanent

President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB) was signed into law. This sweeping legislation includes major tax reform provisions that will have far-reaching implications for small businesses in the years to come.   One of the biggest impacts of the OBBB is that it will make several key provisions from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) permanent. These policies, which offered extensive relief for many small businesses, were set to expire at the end of 2025, which means the “tax cliff” many had

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

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

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

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

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

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