Downtown Smithfield Development Corporation Hires New Leadership
Town Manager Michael Scott is new DSDC board presidentMr. Scott serves on the Downtown Development Corporation's Board of Directors in an ex officio capacity as town manager along with Town Councilman David Barbour. Mary Reece is the board's vice president; Bill Johnson of The Howell Theatre is treasurer and Katie Smith as Secretary. Board members are Carter Jones of Narron Wenzel, Jan Branch, Kay Kennedy of Kennedy Properties, Brittany Lucas of The Dragonfly Boutique, Michelle Vergburgt of J&M
Preparing for Natural Disasters Beats Focusing On Recovery Alone
Each $1 invested in disaster preparation saves $13 in economic costs, damages, and cleanup The U.S. experiences a multitude of disasters each year. The cost of cleaning up and rebuilding destroyed homes, businesses, equipment, and infrastructure is immense and growing. In 2022 alone, the cost of natural disasters exceeded $360 billion across the globe, including more than 40 weather events causing over $1 billion in damage. Investments in resilience and preparedness can reduce the cost of damage
How To Create An Emergency Plan for Your Business
Prepare for emergenciesDisasters can take many forms and the financial cost of rebuilding after a disaster can be overwhelming. If you’re prepared for emergencies, you’ll be in a better position to recover and continue operations should disaster strike. Visit the US Small Business Administration for resources on creating your emergency preparedness plan.
County Commissioners Approve Economic Development Package
Danish Life Sciences Leader Will Invest $4.1 Billion at its Clayton Campus, Create 1,000 JobsThe Johnston County Board of Commissioners voted this morning to approve an amended package of performance-based economic development incentives that will support a major expansion at Novo Nordisk’s [NYSE: NVO] bio-manufacturing campus in Clayton. Several hours later, top officials of the Denmark-based company announced it will invest US$4.1 billion in a new 1.4 million-sq.-ft. (130,064-sq.-m) facility here in a
First Citizens Bank Debuts on Fortune 500
First Citizens BancShares Inc. (Nasdaq: FCNCA), parent company of First Citizens Bank, today was named for the first time to the Fortune 500™ list of the largest companies in the United States by revenue. First Citizens ranked #182 overall on the 2024 list, underscoring its status as one of the nation's premier banking and financial services institutions. In addition, the bank was listed at #24 on Fortune's 2024 list of fastest-growing companies. "At First Citizens, we are deeply committed to
New Overtime Rule Goes in Effect July 1
The US Department of Labor's new overtime rules go into effect on July 1. The new overtime regulation increases the standard salary level that defines which salaried workers are entitled to overtime pay protections under the Fair Labor Standards Act. Starting on July 1 salaried employees earning less than $43,888 a year will be eligible for overtime pay. This amount increases on January 1, 2025. For details on what this means for YOUR business visit the Department of Labor's blog.
Assessing North Carolina’s Latest Employment Data
North Carolina employers continue to cite workforce as their number one challenge, as they look to grow and recruit qualified, skilled employees. It’s important to keep an eye on employment data to provide historical insights and benchmark against competing states. In this month’s Foundation Forecast, Dan Gerlach, economic advisor to the NC Chamber Foundation, looks at the latest employment data compared to updated numbers from 2023, which shows overall job growth but mixed results compared to neighboring
Johnston County Bridge Will Close for 13 Months
The project will require a closure on N.C. 210 SMITHFIELD – A bridge on N.C. 210 west of Smithfield will be replaced starting this summer. Built during the Great Depression, the bridge spanning Middle Creek is nearing the end of its lifespan. Although the bridge has been maintained for safety, it has become functionally obsolete and structurally deficient, which means it requires extensive maintenance and has an antiquated design. The N.C. Department of Transportation awarded the $3.2 million
Better Benefits, Better Business: Why You Should Up Your Game With Your Company Benefits Package
A benefits package is one of the most important factors in attracting and retaining top talent. In order to stay competitive, employers need to be creative in the types of benefits they offer. Traditional health insurance and retirement plans are no longer enough. To really stand out, employers need to offer a more comprehensive benefits package that includes gym memberships, yoga classes, nutrition services, counseling services, and education benefits. Surveying employees annually can help employers
Three New Vendors Open at Old North State Food Hall
New vendors expand breakfast and dessert offerings Selma, NC (July 11, 2023) – TEC Food Hall, LLC, and venue manager Prospera Hospitality Services are excited to announce three new vendors at the Old North State Food Hall (ONSFH) at 67 JR Road in Selma, NC. New tenants include: The Ice Storm – The Old North State Food Hall marks the second location for this hip frozen dessert shop started in downtown Goldsboro, NC. Owned by Partners Yvonnia Moore and Antonio Williams, The Ice Storm boastsextensive
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
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
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
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
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
EDGEWATER VENTURES WILL INVEST $40 MILLION IN BENSON DISTRIBUTION SPACE
Facility Will Add More Than $73 Million to Johnston County’s Economic Output Johnston County, N.C. – March 7, 2022. Edgewater Ventures, a Raleigh-based commercial real estate investment and development firm with nearly 2.7 million square-feet of existing assets, will build a 501,120 square-foot Class A distribution facility in close proximity to the Interstate 40 and Interstate 95 interchange in Benson. The company’s $40 million investment will be the initial development of what will ultimately result in
CAROLINA WHOLESALE FLOORING NOW OPEN IN SELMA
Luxury Vinyl and Laminate Flooring In Stock and Open to the Public Selma, NC (March 3, 2022) – Adventure Development, LLC, is pleased to announce that Carolina Wholesale Flooring is now open in the Triangle East Collaborative (TEC) building at 67 JR Road in Selma.Owned by Shane Wells and Josh Hall, Carolina Wholesale Flooring offers luxury vinyl and laminate flooring to the public. As a wholesaler, they offer low prices and keep flooring in-stock and available on-site for pickup. “We chose to locate our
Celebrating the Voices and Passions of Local FarmHers
Smithfield, N.C. -- The Junior Women's League of Smithfield, in partnership with the Johnston County Farm Bureau Young Farmer & Rancher program and JoCo Grows Agriculture Committee will host Ask A Farm(HER), a local farmer Q&A panel featuring female farmers from Johnston County on Monday, February 7, 2022 from 5:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m at Johnston County Ag Center. The purpose of the Q&A panel is to give Johnston County citizens an opportunity to hear farmers discuss the issues of importance to
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
JERNIGAN FURNITURE OPENS NEW STORE IN SMITHFIELD: Family-Owned Furniture Company Leases Storefront in Pine Needle Square
Smithfield, NC (November 17, 2021) – AdVenture Development, LLC, is pleased to announce that Jernigan Furniture is now open at 721 N. Brightleaf Blvd., Suite 7D, in Pine Needle Square. Jernigan Furniture is a fourth-generation family furniture company founded in downtown Goldsboro in 1924 by Sam Jernigan Sr. Sam’s great grandson, Andrew Jernigan, now leads the family business and looks forward to bringing the company’s “A Sense of Family. A Sense of Home,” mantra to its new Smithfield location. The new
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
Local Developer Breaks Ground on Future Business Park
Local Developer Breaks Ground on Future Business ParkCounty and town leaders turned out to mark the investment in Selma Selma, NC (August 30, 2021) – AdVenture Development, LLC hosted a groundbreaking ceremony at the site of the future Eastfield Business Park on Tuesday, August 24, 2021. Ground was broken on the 135,000 SF industrial spec building at 101 E. Providence Blvd in Selma, NC. The spec building, also known as Building 100, is a state-of-the-art industrial project located in a certified North
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
AMAZON TO CREATE 500 JOBS AT A NEW $100 MILLION DISTRIBUTION OPERATION IN SMITHFIELD
Contacts: Chris Johnson Tim Kerigan 919-205-1232 919-934-2116 x1109 919-915-6202 (cell) tim.kerigan@smithfield-nc.com chris.johnson@johnstonnc.com Johnston County, N.C. – May 10, 2021. Amazon.com, the Seattle-based e-retailing pioneer, will launch a state-of-the-art import processing center in Smithfield, creating more than 500 jobs
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
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
Smithfield receives grant to aid industry
The Town of Smithfield has received a $175,000 grant from the N.C. Rural Infrastructure Authority. The money will help turn an old building on South Bright Leaf Boulevard into a new home for an expanding industry. Atlantic Resources Inc. company designs, fabricates and installs mechanical systems, thermal imaging and related solutions for industrial and agricultural clients. The company’s plans to renovate the building’s electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems and create office space. The grant is part of
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