News
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
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Berry Global Expansion
Johnston County, N.C. – April 12, 2021. Berry Global, the Fortune 500 global maker and marketer of nonwoven fabrics and plastic packaging products, will invest more than $70 million to expand its Benson manufacturing plant. The company will add approximately 60 jobs to its existing 217-person Johnston County workforce. County Commissioners joined the Town of Benson’s Board of Commissioners in a joint meeting earlier today to approve performance based incentives as part of Berry Global’s national search for
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NOVO NORDISK RECEIVES GOVERNOR’S EXPORT AWARD
County Leaders Congratulate One of JoCo’s Largest Employers Johnston County, N.C. – February 10, 2021. Novo Nordisk, which currently employs 1,200 workers in Johnston County, has been recognized as one of North Carolina’s top exporters. State officials presented the bio-manufacturing company with the 2020 Governor’s Export Award at a virtual event hosted earlier today by the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC). The Denmark-based leader in diabetes therapeutics was among 11 North
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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
Group travels to Georgia to learn about economic expansion
A delegation of twelve community leaders from Johnston County traveled to Covington, Georgia on July 11-12 to learn about the impact that major economic development projects have on local communities. “It was a great learning experience,” said Rick Childrey, president of the Greater Smithfield-Selma Area Chamber of Commerce. “The Novo Nordisk and Grifols expansions will have a positive effect on every business in Johnston County.” Novo Nordisk has just started construction of a $1.8 billion
Smithfield business creates local ''Destination'' hot spot
From JoCoReport.com A family owned Johnston County business is getting some national exposure. Evans Jewelers, which opened their new location at 320 East Market Street in Downtown Smithfield last September is featured this month in Southern Jewelry News. Anna Evans said the publication is distributed to the jewelry industry and all jewelry stores in the Southeast and Midwest. Evans Jewelers was featured on the front page of the July edition.Southern Jewelry News Link The article mentions owner Daniel
New jobs, company coming to Selma oil terminals
BY TAYLOR KNOPF Staff Writer, The Smithfield Herald The oil terminals here are set to grow. Earlier this month, Eco-Energy Distribution Services, a biofuel supply company, announced its plans to start construction at the oil terminals. The company has also entered a service agreement with Marathon Petroleum Co. LP, which will upgrade its terminal to receive, store and load biofuels, according to a news release. Together, the Eco-Energy and Marathon terminals will receive 96 tank cars per day off of
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
Leaders talk opportunities, challenges at RTRP Economic Summit
By Jason deBruyn Staff Writer, Triangle Business Journal Although just 45 minutes away from Raleigh, communities in rural parts of the Triangle’s outlying counties face much different economic development challenges than Wake or Durham. Just to the east, Wilson and Edgecombe counties have an unemployment rates of 9.4 percent and 9.3 percent, respectively, the third and fourth highest in the state in November. At 4.9 percent, Johnston County’s unemployment rate is considerably lower, but 50,000 residents
Smithfield Manor receives national health care award
From WTSB Radio JoCo Report In early October, Smithfield Manor Nursing and Rehab received the Bronze – Commitment to Quality Award. This award was given in recognition for dedication to improving the lives of residents through quality care. It was given through the National Quality Award Program, presented by the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living in San Antonio, Texas. The program has three levels: Bronze, Silver, and Gold. Centers begin the quality improvement
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
I-540 southern loop moves one step closer to fruition
By Jeff Jeffrey, Staff Writer Triangle Business Journal The effort to complete the 540 Outer Loop around the greater Raleigh area has cleared a significant procedural hurdle, the N.C. Department of Transportation says. The Federal Highway Administration has signed off on an environmental impact statement for the project. The FHA’s approval will allow NCDOT to begin holding public meetings to allow area residents to weigh in on the proposed routes for the highway. Those meetings are expected to begin in
Transportation study could pave way for area's future
By Drew Jackson, Reporter The News and Observer jdjackson@newsobserver.com When picturing the Johnston County of the future, its highways and byways are a good place to start. Earlier this month, The Clayton Center played host to the kickoff for a study that will analyze transportation demands from Garner to Interstate 95 in Smithfield. With the area poised for growth, thanks in part to insulin maker Novo Nordisk, the study could get Johnston out in front of what could otherwise become a countywide
Pipeline firms submit plans, will open Smithfield office
BY JOHN HAMLIN Staff Reporter, Smithfield Herald jhamlin@newsobserver.com The Atlantic Coast Pipeline is inching closer to reality, with the developers submitting detailed documents to federal regulators and announcing plans to open an office in Smithfield. On Sept. 18, the energy companies behind the $5 billion project formally submitted an application to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. The application details a 564-mile pipeline that would transport natural gas from West Virginia to points
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
Workforce Development Center celebrates 10 years of success
Johnston Community College, Johnston County Economic Development, and other community partners celebrated 10 years of success at the Johnston County Workforce Development Center during a luncheon on Tuesday. College, county, and industrial leaders gathered to recognize the collaborative effort which created the 30,000-square foot education and training center in 2005. The purpose of the Workforce Development Center is to create an education and training center to support local industries by offering
Belk agrees to sell the company for $3 billion to Sycamore Partners
Belk executives say they don’t expect customers and employees to see big changes from the deal announced Monday to sell the Charlotte-based department store chain to a New York private equity firm for $3 billion.No store closings or layoffs are planned at the nation’s largest family-controlled department store, and the buyer, Sycamore Partners, supports the company’s brand and merchandise offerings, CEO Tim Belk said in an interview. The headquarters will remain in Charlotte.Belk has operated a store in
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
Two-year road construction project begins on US 70 east of Selma
RALEIGH - A project is about to begin that will improve traffic flow along U.S. 70 between Selma and Princeton in Johnston County. Starting Monday, July 27, the N.C. Department of Transportation will close a section of U.S. 70 Business/Peedin Road Ext. at the intersection with U.S. 70. This closure will allow crews with Flatiron Constructors Inc. of Broomfield Co. to convert this intersection into an interchange by building a bridge that will carry U.S. 70 Bus./Peedin Road Ext. over U.S. 70 with ramps
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Gandolfo's changes name to Gotham's
BY JOHN HAMLIN Staff Writer, Smithfield Herald jhamlin@newsobserver.com SMITHFIELD - One of downtown’s most popular eateries has a new name. On July 1, Gandolfo’s New York Delicatessen opened its doors as Gotham’s Deli. The old red-white-and-green logo is gone, replaced by a new brand that features a silhouette of the New York skyline and blue-and-orange color scheme inspired by the New York Mets. What hasn’t changed is the ownership and, for the most part, the food. Scott and Lisa Gandolph still own
US 70 could be designated a future interstate highway
By John Hamlin, jhamlin@newsobserver.com North Carolina’s delegation in Washington has introduced bipartisan legislation that would pave the way for U.S. 70 to become an interstate highway in Johnston County. Known as The Military Corridor Transportation Improvement Act of 2015, the bill would make U.S. 70 a “high priority corridor” from its intersection with Interstate 40 in Garner to the state port in Morehead City. By amending the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991, the bill would
Chamber urges study of economic development tier system
The Greater Smithfield-Selma Area Chamber of Commerce is requesting that the North Carolina General Assembly study the state's economic development tier system. The current system for distributing economic and job creation assistance from the State of North Carolina was established in 1996 and is based on a county’s unemployment rate, median household income, population growth and assessed property value per capita. Because of significant demographic variations and other unique circumstances, many counties
Chamber Board of Directors supports hospital issues
The Greater Smithfield-Selma Area Chamber of Commerce has adopted a position statement in support of hospital issues before the North Carolina General Assembly this year. Johnston Health is the largest employer in the Smithfield-Selma area and one of the largest in Johnston County. Hospitals, who provide care for anyone, regardless of their ability to pay, are in the midst of transforming delivery of care to respond tot h e changing needs of North Carolina. Hospitals want to provide the appropriate level
Johnston County Hams featured in 'Our State' magazine
The local ham producer's product is highlighted in the March 2015 issue as part of a recipe for Carolina Colcannon, a traditional Irish dish of white potatoes and greens. The Southern version features North Carolina sweet potatoes and collards, with ham for St. Patrick's Day, or year round. The story can be found on Page 57 of the magazine. Rufus Brown’s job title is uppercase: Curemaster. His commitment to that role explains why Smithfield’s Johnston County Hams are world-famous, having been salted,
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
Booker Dairy Road on NCDOT short list
By Laura Finaldi The Smithfield Herald SMITHFIELD — A widening and second extension of Booker Dairy Road has made the short list of rural road projects that Gov. Pat McCory wants done right away. To kick-start his 25-year transportation plan, McCrory wants the General Assembly to borrow $1 billion. In Smithfield, the money would reroute the eastern end of Booker Dairy Road, carrying it behind the shopping centers that are home to Belk and Walmart before intersecting with North Bright Leaf Boulevard.
Duke Energy, Piedmont Natural Gas to build 550-mile natural gas pipeline to NC
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Duke Energy and Piedmont Natural Gas today announced the selection of Dominion to build and operate a 550-mile interstate natural gas pipeline from West Virginia, through Virginia and into eastern North Carolina to meet the region’s rapidly growing demand for natural gas. Called the “Atlantic Coast Pipeline,” it also is expected to serve as a key infrastructure engine to drive economic development and create jobs, helping counties on the pipeline’s route attract new, energy-dependent
Industrial Park Drive to become Outlet Center Drive on August 1
Effective August 1, 2014 Industrial Park Drive will be renamed Outlet Center Drive. Businesses affected by the name change will receive notices in the mail detailing information on street numbering and address change cards for the post office. The road's name will change in both Smithfield and Selma. Since the Chamber is located on Industrial Park Drive, our new street address will be 1115 Outlet Center Drive. Our mailing address will remain PO Box 467, Smithfield, NC 27577.
Chamber present Visual Improvement Award to SECU
The Greater Smithfield-Selma Area Chamber of Commerce has recognized a long-time Chamber member for a new building and outdoor improvements it made at the corner of Buffalo Road and Booker Dairy Road in Smithfield. The State Employees Credit Union opened a new branch on an eight-acre tract of land earlier in the year, and the Chamber presented its Visual Improvement Award to the company on October 3. In the picture, Branch Manager Patti Hooper receives the award from Member Services Vice Chair Kim
APC in Selma receives prestigious SHARP Award
Atlantic Coast Protein Corporation (APC, Inc.) has been recognized by the North Carolina Department of Labor with a prestigious SHARP Award. The company, located on Noble Street in Selma, has had 4,000 working days without an accident, an outstanding safety record. N.C. Commissioner of Labor Cherie Berry presented the award at a ceremony at the plant on Monday, September 30. Company owner Aage Lauridsen was also here for the presentation. The Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP)
Chamber promotes its federal agenda while at Washington Business Summit
The Greater Smithfield-Selma Area Chamber of Commerce has developed this local federal legislative agenda: Transportation / Interstate 95 While the Chamber is on record supporting the improvement of Interstate 95, we find the proposed tolling plan released by the North Carolina Department of Transportation in 2012 to be unacceptable. The plan is grossly unfair to the thousands of citizens and businesses located on or near the interstate. It would put local areas at a disadvantage in recruiting new
Chamber founder Graham Neville named a Distinguished Citizen
The Chamber recently presented a Distinguished Citizen Award to a person who has held numerous leadership roles and been active in the Smithfield-Selma area since locating here in 1961. He is Graham Riley Neville. Graham has long been an outstanding leader and able to motivate others to work together for the common goal. He has never been one to shy away from a challenge and has always been willing to offer alternative ideas and solutions. Part of his impact in our community and success in business
