News

Selma, North Carolina and Los Altos, California vie for national recognition in Strongest Town Contest

Los Altos, California and Selma, North Carolina will face off in the first round bracket of the Strongest Town Contest, with voters from across the continent deciding which will advance to the Elite Eight round of this March Madness-style tournament.  The Strongest Town Contest spotlights and celebrates communities that are continuously becoming more resilient and prosperous through bottom-up action.  The winner of this year’s Strongest Town Contest will receive accommodations for a representative to

Spring Into Action!

Find a JoCo trail HERE and Spring into Action by hiking, biking, or paddling a part of the Great Trails State during the Year of the Trail! Enjoy the warming weather, explore new paths, and bee active this March!

Selma Named Finalist in Strongest Town Contest!

Selma in the Sweet Sixteen The Town of Selma, North Carolina is proud to announce that the Town has been named a finalist in the Strongest Town Contest 2023. The Strong Towns organization is looking for towns and cities that have clear challenges, with dedicated citizens and local leaders working together to face them. We feel the Town of Selma is the perfect example of a Strong Town. The Town will be competing in a March Madness bracket-style format after being selected to the top 16 by Strong Towns,

My Kid's Club Celebrates Black History Month!

My Kid's Club Celebrates Black History Month!  Thank you, Dr. Trevor Fraser!Dr. Trevor Fraser, from Johnston Family Dentistry, came to speak to our kids about the benefits of good oral hygiene. They enjoyed learning about easy ways to keep their teeth and gums healthy. It was exciting to celebrate Black History Month and National Children's Dental Health Month with Dr. Fraser. Our kids were given a goodie bag with a toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental floss. Black History Month CelebrationsWe are extremely

Mentors Needed for Launch JoCo

If you are a business owner, entrepreneur, community leader, or someone who wants to give to those in the early stages of business, then being a Launch JoCo Mentor is for you! Having a successful mentor relationship can play a critical role in the future success of our students, and can be extremely fulfilling for the mentor. The expectation is that you are available to meet with your student at least 4 hours a month from May through November 2023. Learn more and apply for this mentorship opportunity by

Apply for the Blue Line Aviation Fly Right Scholarship - Applications Open on April 1, 2023

Blue Line Aviation's Fly Right Scholarship is a $100,000 flight training scholarship that will be awarded this school year to a Johnston County Public School graduate. The scholarship will be awarded to a student who soars above and beyond to do what's right, who has a high level of personal ethics and character, and who positively contributes to their world around them, as nominated by their teachers and peers and approved by an impartial panel.   The top applicant will be awarded a $100,000

Johnston County Recognizes Novo Nordisk’s 100 Anniversary Milestone

Johnston County, N.C. – February 16, 2023. One hundred years ago a diagnosis of  Type 1 Diabetes was a death sentence. But in Denmark, Pharmacologist Hans Christian Hagedorn was busy creating HPH insulin and founded Nordisk Insulin Laboratorium, which is known today as Novo Nordisk. Fast-forward to February 16,  2023, Novo Nordisk and Johnston County are celebrating Novo’s 100th Anniversary as  a leader in global healthcare and their continued drive to defeat diabetes and other serious chronic diseases,

Johnston Flex LLC to Invest $20 Million in Clayton Flex Space

42 West Business Park Facility Could Add More Than 100 Jobs to  Johnston County Johnston County, N.C. – February 14, 2023. Johnston Flex LLC, a Charlotte-based  commercial real estate investment and development firm, will build 42 West  Business Park - a 125,000 square-foot Class-A Flex Space Facility in close proximity  to the Interstate 40 and Future Interstate 42 interchange in Clayton. The  company’s $20 million investment will add to Johnston County’s growing 1.4 million  square-feet of Class A

AdVenture Development Wins Space Award

Award recognizes best in commercial real estate in the Triangle  Selma, NC (February 6, 2023) – Adventure Development, LLC, is pleased to announce winning a Triangle Business Journal 2023 SPACE award for Top Hospitality/Entertainment Development at an awards ceremony held at Raleigh Iron Works on February 2. The ceremony celebrates the best in Triangle commercial real estate. AdVenture Development was recognized for its Old North State Food Hall (ONSFH) property that opened in Johnston County in August

All Girls Robotics Team Sparks Interest in STEM

G-Force Robotics, an all girl robotics team, recently came to Glendale-Kenly Elementary to show third, fourth, and fifth grade students the robot that they built, named Electra.    Helen Rouse, a 3rd grader at Glendale-Kenly Elementary, was amazed at the size of Electra. She thought all it was going to do was just drive around, but when the team members explained how it could shoot a ball, she was sold.   Even more amazing for Rouse was the fact that only girls built Electra. Before entering

JoCo Leaders Hear Recommendations for Workforce Strategy

Johnston County, N.C. – January 31, 2023. Leaders from across Johnston County business, government, education and community development circles gathered in Smithfield yesterday morning for the unveiling of a comprehensive strategy for the county’s workforce development. The full report, https://www.growwithjoco.com/workforce-plan/ or available here, is the result of four months of surveys, focus groups, face-to-face interviews, data gathering and best-practices research organized under the auspices of the

Piedmont Natural Gas Ranked #1

Piedmont Natural Gas has been ranked #1 in Customer Satisfaction and #1 in Corporate Citizenship for residential natural gas service among Large Utilities in the South, according to the JD Power 2022 Gas Utility Residential Customer Satisfaction Study.  We are grateful to serve and be recognized by our customers in Johnston County and to partner with you to create a vibrant community in which to live, work and play!Learn more here!  

CvHS teacher named finalist for NCCAT Empower Beginning Teacher of the Year

Johnston County Public Schools 2022 Outstanding First Year Teacher of the Year Gabe Patton was one of 27 educators who were named a finalist for the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching (NCCAT) 2023 Empower NC Beginning Teacher of the Year Award.   Patton, a CTE-Aviation teacher at Cleveland High, was named the JCPS Outstanding First Year Teacher of the Year in April 2022. The title allowed Patton to move on to compete for the NCCAT Empower Beginning Teacher of the Year, which

KS Bank Hires New Deposit Operations Manager

KS BANK HIRES NEW DEPOSIT OPERATIONS MANAGER (SMITHFIELD, NC) - KS Bank is pleased to announce that Cindy Minchew has been hired as Deposit Operations Manager and Vice President. In this role, Minchew will oversee the day to day operations of the Deposit Support team. She will monitor and identify changes in deposit compliance laws and regulations and assist with the maintenance of the bank’s core system.   Dit Breault, Chief Operations Officer, shared: “We are very happy to have Cindy Minchew join us

Coates Hearing Clinic Provides Quality Hearing Healthcare to Its Community and Beyond!

Coates Hearing Clinic’s mission is to provide quality hearing healthcare to its community and beyond. Coates Hearing Clinic Audiologist, Dr. Molly McCormick, along with her husband Matt, have a heart for missions and have been asked to go to Brazil coming up in March.  Dr. McCormick and her husband have been on 3 international medical mission trips. Dr. McCormick will be traveling with other healthcare professionals providing medical and dental care to those living in the Amazon. During her trip Dr.

KS Bank Hires New Commercial Relationship Manager

KS BANK HIRES NEW COMMERCIAL RELATIONSHIP MANAGER (SMITHFIELD, NC) - KS Bank is pleased to announce that Justin McLamb has been hired as a Commercial Relationship Manager in their Goldsboro office. In this role, McLamb will be responsible for developing new business, deposit growth, and loan production.   Earl W. Worley, Jr., KS Bank President and Chief Executive Officer, said, “Justin McLamb will be an excellent addition to our Goldsboro branch. His experience and knowledge of Wayne County and

Commissioners Vote Unanimously to Support New Manufacturing Workforce Center in Four Oaks

Leaders Hope Facility Will Replicate the Success of WDC in Clayton The Johnston County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously Monday night to approve up to $17.5 million in matching funds to build a 60,000 sq.-ft. Advance Manufacturing Workforce Center in Four Oaks. The facility would have the same transformative economic development potential that the Johnston County Workforce Development Center (WDC) has made for the bio-pharma sector in the western part of the county.   The new center, which will

CAMPO’s Western Corridor Rapid Bus Extension – Draft Recommendations for Review!

The Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO) is seeking comments on the Wake BRT: Rapid Bus Extensions Study draft results and recommendations. Public engagement is an essential part of this study, which will evaluate and recommend rapid bus routing for extensions to both of the to both of the planned Wake Bus Rapid Transit (BRT): Western and Southern Corridors. The planned Wake BRT: Southern Corridor will connect downtown Raleigh to Garner, and the proposed extension includes the area

Local Wreaths Across America Event Planned for December 17, 2022, at Selma Memorial Gardens, in Selma N.C.

Volunteers help to Remember, Honor, and Teach about our community’s heroes.   Selma, North Carolina — December 17, 2022 — Local Wreaths Across America volunteers are working hard to ensure that all veterans laid to rest at Selma Memorial Gardens are honored this December as part of National Wreaths Across America Day – Saturday, December 17, 2022. Volunteers can arrive around 9:00 a.m. and the ceremony will start at 10:00 a.m.   To raise awareness and wreath sponsorships, Wreaths for Uncle will have a

Celebrate Christmas in Selma on December 6th with the Annual Tree Lighting and Christmas Parade.

Selma, N.C.- Join the Town of Selma on December 6th at 6:00 p.m. in front of the Town Hall located at 114 N Raiford Street, for our annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony. There will be special holiday performances by Johnston County Choir and the Benson Baptist Hand Bells. The Junior Women’s League of Smithfield is hosting a reindeer food-making station for children. You can check off those on your Christmas list by shopping at local stores.Country Superstars DJ Carlie will emcee the parade that will

Dana Wooten Named as Triangle East's 35th ATHENA Leadership Award Recipient

The Board of Directors of the Triangle East Chamber of Commerce were pleased to host the 35th annual Triangle East ATHENA Leadership Award® Celebration on Thursday, November 3rd. This event at the Selma Civic Center, presented by Call Pernell, Inc., honored eleven nominees, featured keynote speaker Dr. Ingrid Wicker McCree, and highlighted the qualities of the ATHENA Award. The prestigious award is presented to an exemplary leader who has achieved excellence in their business or profession, served the

Smithfield Attorney Marcia H. Armstrong Sworn in as 88th President of the North Carolina State Bar

Chief Justice Newby swearing in Marcia, and her husband, Lamar Armstrong, Jr., by her side. Photo by Brian Mullins. Smithfield Attorney Marcia H. Armstrong was sworn in as the 88th president of the North Carolina State Bar by Chief Justice Paul Newby at the State Bar’s Annual Dinner on Thursday, October 20, 2022. Armstrong earned her bachelor’s degree from Salem College and her JD from the Wake Forest University School of Law. Armstrong was a member of the North Carolina State Bar Council from

UNC Health Johnston Creates Mobile Outreach Unit

With the need for more accessible and affordable health care in Johnston County, UNC Health Johnston has created a Mobile Outreach Unit. This primary health care “clinic on wheels” seeks to treat uninsured residents in our community who are experiencing mild, non-emergent illnesses at zero cost. Referrals, vaccinations, labs, and medications are also provided as necessary. Patients 6 months to 65 years of age are treated by the Mobile Outreach Unit. Each month, you can find it at the following

KS Bank Promotes James Boring to Mortgage Loan Officer Position

KS BANK PROMOTES JAMES BORING TO MORTGAGE LOAN OFFICER POSITION(SMITHFIELD, NC) - KS Bank is pleased to announce the promotion of James Boring to mortgage loan officer. In this new role, Boring will assist consumers in Johnston, Wake, and Wilson counties with their mortgage lending needs.   Boring has been with KS Bank since 2021 working as a mortgage loan processor. In his new role, he will work directly with mortgage lending clients.  In addition, he will market the bank’s mortgage services to potential

JOCO WORKS 2022 Sparks Career Interests for Eighth-Grade Students

Launched in 2019, the event was virtual for the last two years, this being the first year since the pandemic it was held face-to-face again. More than 3,000 eighth-grade students of Johnston County Public Schools attended JOCO WORKS 2022. Students were taken to JCC in Smithfield where students had the opportunity to connect with more than 40 local industries, including Grifols, NC Department of Transportation, and Novo Nordisk. Novo Nordisk, one of the largest employers in Johnston County, was the

Neuse Charter School Senior Commended in the 2023 National Merit Scholarship Program

Amanda Thigpen, Principal at Neuse Charter School, announced today that Senior Megan Broadwell has been named a Commended Student in the 2023 National Merit Scholarship Program. A Letter of Commendation from the school and the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC), which conducts the program, will be presented to this scholastically talented senior. About 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise. Although they will

County Commissioners Okay Support for Class A Industrial Space

JoCo’s Product Development Push Continues With 264,000-Sq.-Ft. Spec Space in Smithfield JoCo’s Product Development Push Continues With 264,000-Sq.-Ft. Spec Space in Smithfield Johnston County, N.C. – October 3, 2022. Johnston County Commissioners have unanimously approved a series of economic development incentives to support creation of a 264,000-sq.-ft. industrial building in Smithfield. The County will partner with a private development company in hopes of attracting an advanced manufacturer or life

The Town of Selma and Selma Railroad Days Committee Announce Pastor Todd Daniels as the 2022 Grand Marshal of the Selma Railroad Days Parade

Selma, N.C.- The Selma Railroad Days Committee is proud to announce this year’s Parade Grand Marshal is Pastor Todd Daniels of Selma Baptist Church.  Pastor Todd Daniels began his ministry at Selma Baptist Church (SBC) on January 6, 2019.  One of the first things he did was to do a prayer walk around downtown, stopping on each street corner and praying that God would bring revitalization to the town.He then asked how the church could help in the process. An answer came in May 2019, when Ms. Mammie Moore,

Citizens of Johnston County to Vote on a $177 Million School Bond

The Citizens of Johnston County will have the opportunity to vote on a $177 million school bond on November 8. It is important that our community stakeholders understand Johnston County Public Schools' facility needs and the plan to address them with not only a 2022 Bond referendum, but future, anticipated bond and capital funding as well. Facilities are one of the most influential, and limiting factors in building a high-quality Career & Technical Education (CTE) program. There are four very real issues

County Commissioners Okay Performance-Based Incentives for Future Investments at Novo Nordisk

Package Will Support Company Expansion Over the Coming 12 Years Johnston County, N.C. – September 6, 2022. The Johnston County Board of Commissioners voted Tuesday evening to approve performance-based economic development incentives in support of anticipated new investments during the coming 12 years by global biomanufacturing giant Novo Nordisk [NYSE: NVO], which has been among the county’s largest private employers since arriving here nearly three decades ago. The vote capped a banner day for county

Trunks Needed for Smithfield's Trunk or Treat!

Business Owners: Can You Benefit From a Business Coach?

Running a business can be tough! Steering a business successfully through the inevitable challenges and obstacles can feel overwhelming. If you're a business owner who's aware you're in need of some additional support, inspiration, or skills to make your life easier and your business better, have you considered a business coach? Business coaches are experts in the techniques needed to run a business successfully. Ideally, they have sector-specific experience as well as experience in managing significant

Neuse Charter Schools Installs RhinoWare Door Lockdown System

Smithfield K-12 Charter School chooses leading safe room technology in response to ongoing security threats at schools around the country. Neuse Charter School kicked off the 2022-2023 school year with a new line of defense for students and staff on Monday, August 8th. The only K-12 independently operated charter school in Johnston County is pleased to announce the installation of the RhinoWare® Door Lockdown System. The new security system will give Neuse Charter School students, educators, and staff the

Town of Smithfield Downtown Speed Reduction and Parking Enforcement Campaign Set to Begin

SMITHFIELD, NC– The Downtown Smithfield Development Corporation (DSDC) and the Town of Smithfield are working to make Downtown Smithfield safer and more pedestrian friendly through a campaign set to begin in August.  With a thriving and growing business community, the DSDC recognizes the need to make some improvements that will benefit downtown visitors and business owners. DSDC believes that incremental changes along with more long-term strategies to make our downtown more pedestrian friendly and support

The Town of Selma and Live@ the Rudy Theater Presents 2022 Selma Railroad Days Pageant

The Town of Selma, Parks, and LIVE@ The Rudy Theater will host the 2022 Selma Railroad Days Pageant.  Would you like to be the next Selma Railroad Days Queen? The Selma Railroad Days Pageant takes place September 24, 2022, before the Selma Railroad Days Festival, crowning the Miss Railroad Days and the Court. These five young ladies serve as ambassadors for the Town of Selma at various events throughout the year! Contestants must be 4-20 years of age and reside within a 20-mile radius of Johnston County.Age

2022 Annual Raffle: Casino Night - Roaring 20s Style

Join Johnston Community College Foundation for Casino Night, presented by WoodysComputing.com, on Thursday, October 6, 2022. Enjoy a fun-filled evening of Blackjack, Craps, Poker, Roulette, and of course – your chance to win $5,000 in the Reverse Raffle!  Get in on the action early by purchasing a “Luck of the Draw” ticket by August 31 for a chance to be one of the final 12 tickets in the Reverse Raffle drawing held during the Casino Night. You can also receive great benefits while providing additional

Read to Grow JoCo Celebrates National Summer Learning Week

Local Campaign for Grade Level Reading Aims to Decrease Summer Learning Loss Johnston County, NC: Read to Grow Johnston County, a collaborative group working hard to connect resources, develop initiatives, and achieve the targets and milestones set to impact kindergarten readiness, chronic absenteeism, and summer learning loss celebrated National Summer Learning Week across our county, by hosting 10 “Paws for Reading” events!  Each event, held at local libraries, community spaces and parks, was designed to

Southeast Area Study Update

A large transportation study, the Southeast Area Study (SEAS) Update, has recently begun in our region - across southeastern Raleigh and Wake County and central to western Johnston County. It's an update to the original study completed in 2017. The SEAS Update will identify and prioritize short, mid, and long-term transportation improvements for the study area. Recommendations will include all modes of travel: bike, walk, rail, bus, cars. The study recommendations will feed into the Triangle

Eastfield Mixed Use Development Begins to Take Shape - Business Park Tenant Leads the Way as Other Projects Progress

Selma, NC (July 6, 2022) – With the recent announcement of Do Good Foods bringing its food recycling production company to Building 100 at Eastfield Business Park, Adventure Development’s 3 million+ SF mixed use development project in Selma begins to take shape. Do Good Foods, which turns excess food from grocery stores into animal feed, plans to invest more than $100 million over the next 12 to 18 months as it retrofits its new Selma operation and hire 100 workers with annual wages averaging more than

The Town of Selma, Parks and Recreation Presents the 47th Annual Selma Railroad Days Festival

Selma, N.C. - The Town of Selma, Parks, and Recreation will host the 47th Annual Selma Railroad Days Festival, Friday, October 7th, 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Saturday, October 8th, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Sunday, October 9th, 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in downtown Selma, N.C.   “The Town of Selma invites you to help us celebrate our heritage as a railroad town.  We want to make this year's Railroad Days Festival one to remember.  Our Town is excited about partnering with local sponsors to share the

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

Teacher Assistant of the Year rewarded for good works

Johnston County Public Schools Teacher Assistant Chellie Cherry from West Smithfield Elementary was named the 2022 Teacher Assistant of the Year.    The reason is crystal clear. A dedicated employee of Johnston County Public Schools (JCPS) for nearly 30 years, she has spent twenty-two of those years as a teacher assistant, an amazing feat in and of itself. The cherry on top is that she is a teacher assistant of exceptional students.   A native of Johnston County and a graduate of

2022 Johnston County Athletic Hall of Fame Recipients Named at Annual Banquet

Johnston County Public Schools inducted six new members to the Johnston County Athletic Hall of Fame on May 7, during the annual Hall of Fame Banquet held at Princeton High.   In the fall of 2005, the high school athletic directors and principals met with JCPS administrators and presented the need to preserve the accomplishments and memories of the men and women who established athletic history in Johnston County.    A Hall of Fame committee consisting of JCPS personnel was encouraged to

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

Triangle East Chamber Announces New Program for Johnston County Businesses

The Triangle East Chamber of Commerce and its partners are pleased to announce SizeUp Johnston County. SizeUp Johnston County provides businesses with data to help their businesses prosper.   Johnston County is the first community in the State of North Carolina to utilize this tool.   Entrepreneurs can use the software to estimate the viability of their future or current business and test assumptions of their business plan. In addition, they can use the software to discover potential customers,

Johnston Health introduces new name, logo - Change follows UNC Health’s rebranding launched in 2020

(SMITHFIELD, NC) – Johnston Health is changing its name and logo to more closely align itself with UNC Health.Starting June 1, the hospital, with campuses in Smithfield and Clayton, will rename itself UNC Health Johnston. The version of the logo featuring the Old Well will be replaced with the sleek UNC Health logo and the Johnston name just below.UNC Health introduced its new brand identity in February 2020 as part of an overall transformation strategy. The rollout of the rebranding to other entities

Junior Women's League of Smithfield's 7th Annual Big Night Out Raises Combined $8,000 for Beneficiaries

Smithfield, N.C. - On Saturday, May 21st, the ladies of the Junior Women’s League of Smithfield hosted their annual Big Night Out Gala at The Farm at 95 benefiting ReEntry Family Services and JWL’s Johnston County Blessing Boxes. The league presented a check for $5,000 to ReEntry Family Services and for $3,000 to Johnston County Blessing Boxes. ReEntry Family Services will now be able to expand their “Towards No Drugs” program and maintain children in our county on a path of success, deterring

Carolinas Carbon Plan – A Cleaner Energy Future for Our Customers

Led by significant growth in renewables and storage, the plan features a diverse energy mix to balance reliability and affordability All options in the plan meet carbon reduction targets in North Carolina’s clean energy law, including least-cost and reliability mandatesCHARLOTTE, N.C. – After months of stakeholder input, Duke Energy today filed its proposed Carolinas Carbon Plan with the North Carolina Utilities Commission (NCUC) – a clean energy plan that balances affordability and reliability for

2022 Johnston County Teacher of the Year is Homegrown Success

Four Oaks Elementary third grade teacher Jennifer Beninate was named the 2022 Johnston County Teacher of the Year at the annual Flame for Learning Award banquet on April 26.  Beninate is the epitome of a teacher, which by definition is someone who imparts knowledge and enlightens. It’s immediately obvious that teaching is her calling. She draws inspiration from her idol Mary Poppins and speaks to her students lovingly and calmly. “Teaching is just a way I get to be Mary Poppins every day,” she

JCPS TA of the Year is Chellie Cherry, West Smithfield Elementary

Johnston County Public Schools teacher assistant Chellie Cherry from West Smithfield Elementary was named the 2022 Teacher Assistant of the Year at their organization's annual banquet.  Teacher Assistants work alongside teachers to give students additional attention and instruction. Darrick McNeill is the Principal of West Smithfield Elementary. Cherry’s coworkers said that she is beyond deserving of the Teacher Assistant of the Year award, and is an integral part of the West Smithfield Elementary

Triangle East Chamber Announces Legacy Awards Celebration

Award Recipients to Be Honored on June 14th, 2022  SMITHFIELD, NORTH CAROLINA, May 5, 2022— The Triangle East Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce their first annual Legacy Awards celebration, an evening dedicated to honoring leaders who are investing their time, talent, and resources to impact our community. Four distinguished awards will be presented: the Lifetime Achievement Award, the Citizen of the Year Award, the Jimmy Creech Small Businessperson of the Year Award, and the Emerging Leader

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

Triangle East Chamber Announces New President/CEO

Smithfield, NC -  March 15, 2022 – The Triangle East Chamber is pleased to announce that Maureen McGuinness has been selected as the Chamber’s new President & CEO. The Chamber’s Board of Directors voted unanimously to approve McGuinness for the position after a search committee conducted an extensive nationwide search. The Chamber retained Anissa Starnes with Swingbridge Partners, LLC, to provide oversight for the executive search. McGuinness will begin work officially on April 1, 2022. “I am honored to

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

New Website Connects Commuting Workers With Open Jobs Nearby

NEW WEBSITE CONNECTS COMMUTING WORKERS WITH OPEN JOBS NEARBYJoCoCareers.org Aims to Fine-Tune Johnston County’s Labor Market  Johnston County, N.C. – January 10, 2022. Johnston County is one of the state’s fastest growing counties in terms of population and employment. A website – JoCoCareers.org -- launched earlier this month seeks to align new jobs and workers, and reduce the high number of county residents who commute to neighboring towns and cities. County leaders hope the new resource also will

Smithfield’s 4th of July Fireworks Display Set for July 4 at Johnston Community College

SMITHFIELD, NC– After not having an Independence Celebration in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Downtown Smithfield Development Corporation, Smithfield Parks & Recreation, and Johnston Community College are excited to announce the return of 4th of July fireworks!     Smithfield’s 2021 4th of July Fireworks Display will be held at 9:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 4 at Johnston Community College.  JCC parking lots will open for viewing only (no restrooms available) beginning at 8:00 p.m., and the

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

JUNIOR WOMEN’S LEAGUE OF SMITHFIELD’S 6th ANNUAL BIG NIGHT OUT RAISES $17,000 FOR RIVERSIDE RANCH

Smithfield, N.C. --  On Saturday, May 22, the Junior Women’s League of Smithfield held their 6th annual Big Night Out as a virtual reverse raffle fundraiser to benefit Riverside Ranch, a therapeutic equine facility that serves children with physical and developmental disabilities, veterans, and senior adults.    League President, Sarah Edwards, and BNO co-chair, Dana Peterson, presented a check to Riverside Ranch Executive Director and Founder Sarah Valentine for $15,000 to help fund the

Bartlett Milling will invest up to $28 million in Wilson’s Mills expansion

Project’s Construction Will Stir More Than $21.5 Million in Economic Impact  Johnston County, N.C. – June 7, 2021. Bartlett Milling, part of Kansas City-based Savage Enterprises, will launch a major expansion at its mill operations in the Johnston County town of Wilson’s Mills. The company will invest as much as $28 million in expanding and upgrading its production facility at 5000 Wilson’s Mills Road. Bartlett’s initial hiring plans initially call for at least five new employees with additional possible

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

LIVE@THE RUDY to Open JULY 10, 2021!

The 2021 LIVE@THE RUDY shows are set to hit the stage on JULY 10th! This will mark the second Grand Opening of the Rudy Theater since first opening with live shows in 1998.  “As more and more people get vaccines and businesses are allowed to open, we plan to celebrate a Grand Re-opening, with our Classic Country Jubilee on July 10th, said owner/producer/musician Spook Joyner.  “We will move that date up or back, depending on the Governor’s mandate.”   The Classic Country Jubilee will run from July through

Third StrEATery, Downtown Smithfield’s Outside Dining Room and Live Entertainment Venue, to Re-open May 7

SMITHFIELD, NC – The Downtown Smithfield Development Corporation (DSDC) is excited to announce the re-opening of the Third StrEATery, Downtown Smithfield’s Socially Distanced Outside Dining Room and Live Entertainment Venue.  Come downtown with your family, meet up with your friends, get takeout from a downtown restaurant, and head over to Third Street from 6-9pm to hear live music, shop from local businesses, have a beer or glass of wine, or try your hand at axe throwing!  Afterward, catch a movie or

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.

Town of Selma Names Brent Taylor New Town Manager

TOWN OF SELMA - Effective April 1, 2021, Mr. Brent Taylor will assume the position of Selma Town Manager.Mr. Taylor comes to Selma from Walhalla, South Carolina where he is currently serving as City Administrator. His efforts there were devoted to securing the long-term future of the city by obtaining funding for a Water Treatment facility, increasing economic and cultural activities in the Downtown District, approving ordinances to provide investment incentives, implementing more effective zoning and

Three Local Leaders Graduate from Leadership Development Program

RALEIGH, NC— Johnston County was well represented recently by leaders from across the County participating in the NC Rural Center’s Homegrown Leaders program.  Johnston County Commissioner Butch Lawter, Benson Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Loretta Byrd and Downtown Smithfield Development Corporation Executive Director Sarah Edwards graduated last month from the program, a three-day regional leadership and economic development program that develops and supports highly-motivated leaders who are

JUNIOR WOMEN’S LEAGUE PRESENTS $12,000 COMMUNITY IMPACT GRANT TO PARTNERSHIP FOR CHILDREN OF JOHNSTON COUNTY

Smithfield, N.C. -  On Thursday, March 4th, 2021, the Junior Women’s League of Smithfield presented a Community Impact Grant award to Partnership for Children of Johnston County for $12,000.  Funds were raised during JWL’s Diaper Drive in the Fall of 2020. Due to a quick pivot from the Junior Women's League of Smithfield's Touch-A-Truck committee, the hard work of our members, and the incredible support of our community (and beyond), JWL was also able to donate more than 31,000 diapers, as well as wipes

JUNIOR WOMEN’S LEAGUE OF SMITHFIELD PLACES CHILD-CENTERED RESOURCE BAGS IN JWL BLESSING BOXES

Smithfield, N.C. --   The Junior Women’s League of Smithfield partnered with Alliance Behavioral Health, Johnston County CMARC, and Huebner Family McDonald’s to put together 500 child-centered resource bags. The purpose of the resource bags is to provide support for children and their families during the COVID-19 pandemic through mental health resources and play therapy.    The bags include a “Joey the Kangaroo and her Coping with COVID Plan” coloring book, mental health resource flyers, Johnston

JCC Offering Free Workshop for Underemployed and Unemployed

Smithfield-Selma Chamber honors distinguished citizens at Annual Meeting

SMITHFIELD, North Carolina — The Greater Smithfield-Selma Area Chamber of Commerce culminated its 2016 year at its 47th Annual Meeting with a farewell bid to its President of 30 years, Rick Childrey; recognitions of members who earned special honors; and, a passing of the gavel from 2016 Board Chair Dr. Dwight Morris, Executive Director of the Johnston County Partnership for Children, to 2017 Board Chair Corina Knott, Senior Account Executive with Interstate Outdoor, Inc.   Knott expressed excitement

Local resident receives H&R Block Sweepstakes Award

H&R Block of Smithfield, a long-time member of the Greater Smithfield-Selma Area Chamber of Commerce, has recognized Johnny Brockington of Kenly with a $1,000 daily sweepstakes award offered by the company. H&R Block has put the “fun” back in refund season. Winners of the H&R Block 1,000 Win $1,000 Daily Sweepstakes are celebrated at local H&R Block offices at designated times and have their pictures taken with giant, winner checks by office staff and local officials. Thirty-two thousand people will win

Chamber presents awards at 46th Annual Meeting

The Greater Smithfield-Selma Area Chamber of Commerce held its 46th Annual Meeting on January 25 where it recognized a number of outstanding local citizens. The following awards were presented: Citizen of the Year, sponsored by Woody's Computing Service - Rep. Leo Daughtry of Smithfield, who will be completing a 28 year career in the North Carolina General Assembly in 2016 Distinguished Citizens (two) for long-time service to the community, sponsored by Woody's Computing Service - Mike Parrish of Selma,

Life Member recognized for service to Masonic Lodge

From WTSB Radio JoCo Report Wallace Ashley was recently presented his 50 year Veterans Certificate in recognition of his long and dedicated service to Fellowship Masonic Lodge #84 in Smithfield. Mr. Ashley was Initiated on March 11, 1965, passed to the degree of Fellowcraft on August 19, 1962 and raised to the sublimed degree of Master Mason on November 11, 1965. Ashley was Master of the Lodge in 1972. He is a life member of the Smithfield-Selma Chamber and the father of Smithfield Town Councilmember

Johnston County Visitors Bureau wins awards at Tourism Leadership Conference

The Johnston County Visitors Bureau was recently honored with 2 awards, presented at the recent annual North Carolina Tourism Leadership Conference, held each year by the Destination Marketing Association of North Carolina. The JCVB won a Gold Destination Marketing Achievement Award in Advertising for their Girlfriends Getaway Print Advertising Campaign. In addition, they also won a Gold Destination Marketing Achievement Award in Online Communications for the Bureau's weekly blog.  Outlet shopping is by

With distributor's help, Double Barley Brewing goes statewide

An award-winning Johnston County brewing company has quickly developed a statewide presence by partnering with a North Carolina beer and wine distributor. Larry and Cheryl Lane started Double Barley Brewing near Wilson’s Mills less than two years ago. In that short time, Double Barley has won a gold medal in the N.C. Brewers Cup for its Thrilla In Vanilla Porter. In addition, beer lovers can find Double Barley products on tap in more than 300 restaurants and bars across the state. Double Barley has just

Johnston County Schools - Selma Middle welcomes 12 new educators

Selma Middle welcomes 12 new educators Selma Middle School has welcomed 12 new educators to its halls for the 2015-2016 school year. Joining the team are Tabitha Ammons, Alexander Burgess, Samantha Determan, Patricia Ann Leitner, Michael Llaury, Cynthia Markham, Shawna Marie Phillips, Emily Shelton, Brandon Sullivan, Aaron Tipping, Chrystal Trammell, and Kimberly Whipple. Kimberly Whipple will be joining the fifth grade team at Selma Middle. She is a graduate of California University and Edinboro University

Leaders share state of towns, county

By John Hamlin, Reporter The Smithfield Herald Johnston County, Smithfield and Selma are on solid ground but will need to remain vigilant about growth, education and economic development.   That was the message of county and local leaders at the 2015 State of Our Communities Luncheon, held at Sysco Food Services in Selma and hosted by the Smithfield-Selma Chamber of Commerce.   The brightest assessment came from County Commissioners Chairman Tony Braswell, who spoke about Johnston as a whole.   “I’m

Ice cream stand evolves into restaurant, career

By Teri Saylor, Correspondent Smithfield Herald Hula Girl Ice Cream and Grill came from humble beginnings. The Selma restaurant, which serves burgers, hot dogs, wings and steaks, got its start as an ice cream stand that Rose Pittman and her husband, Ray, set up as a way to make extra money. “We both had full-time jobs, but we needed to earn some extra income,” Pittman said. “So we bought a concession stand trailer that had a shaved-ice machine in it and was up-fitted so you could sell ice cream.” In

The ''Will of the People'' Mr. Will Crocker

Distinguished Citizen Award Presented to Will Crocker by Chandler Pernell at the Annual Meeting on January 26th, 2015.   Our second Distinguished Citizen Award will be given to someone who has served Johnston County and the Smithfield-Selma area for his entire life. The award also is sponsored by Woody’s Computing Service.   When my parents first moved back to Smithfield, they became this gentleman’s new (almost next door) neighbor. My parents moved into another house before I was born, so he was never

Hula Girl of Selma receives the 2015 Jimmy Creech Small Business Award

The Jimmy Creech Small Business Award Presented to Ray and Rose Pittman by Crystal Roberts at The Annual Meeting on January 26th, 2015 The Jimmy Creech Small Business Person of the Year Award is given in memory of the 1976 President of the Chamber. Mr. Creech operated Creech’s Pharmacy in downtown Smithfield for some 40 years and was the epitome of a business and community leader. The award is given to people who emulate this fine man. It is sponsored annually by Stancil Oil Company.If your bucket list

Athena Award recipient is living legacy for service

Presented by Crystal Roberts at the 45th Annual Meeting on January 26th, 2015 The Chamber Athena Award is presented each year to recognize the outstanding achievements of women in the Smithfield-Selma community. A national award, it is presented in over 300 communities and is sponsored locally by Corestaff Services. The Chamber would like to thank Corestaff for their continued sponsorship of this prestigious honor. If one were to describe her as a book, this living legacy would be the leather-bound

Inclusion Park leaders are 2014 Citizens of the Year

Presented by Corina Knott at 45th Annual Meeting on January 26, 2015 The Smithfield-Selma Citizen of the Year is given annually to a person or persons who have contributed extraordinary service to this area during the past year. The award is sponsored by Woody’s Computing Service. Tonight we honor two people who would do just about anything for a cause that was near and dear to their heart. They have even been known to serve jail time and kiss farm animals if there was money involved and it was promised

Edward Jones ranks No. 1 in national survey of financial advisors

For the 20th time, the financial services firm Edward Jones ranked No. 1 in WealthManagement.com's (formerly Registered Rep) annual survey of the nation's six largest financial services firms, according to Don Duggin, financial advisor of the local Booker Dairy Road office. Three Edward Jones agents in the area are active in the Smithfield-Selma Chamber, including Jeff Navarro of the Venture Drive office, Neil Haworth of the South Third Street office and Duggin. The magazine randomly selects financial

Smithfield-Selma Chamber of Commerce recognizes local SuperStar Teachers

The Education Committee of the Greater Smithfield-Selma Area Chamber of Commerce honored seven local elementary school teachers on November 3 at its semi-annual Semester SuperStars Luncheon at the Sleep Inn & Suites in Smithfield.  These teachers were nominated by their principals and recognized as outstanding educators in the Smithfield-Selma area. The teachers were given a plaque and a bag full of items from Chamber members. A similar luncheon will be held in the spring for outstanding middle and high

Sherry Harris Is A Woman To Follow

Speech Given By Crystal Roberts: Ladies and gentleman, the Smithfield-Selma Chamber is again excited to present the prestigious Athena Award to a well-deserving recipient. This award celebrates the potential of all women as valued members and leaders of the community and honors individuals who strive toward the highest levels of professional accomplishment. Tonight’s recipient is a fierce advocate for acknowledging female potential and just as importantly doing what needs to be done to make this community