News
Activate Selma Group Receives $3,000 for Mural Project.
Selma, NC - Activate Selma, a grassroots group of business owners and citizens received a check for $3,000 for their mural project in the downtown Selma district. The funds were awarded from the Triangle East Economic Development Foundation. “These funds will help drive a positive movement in Selma.” Stated founding member, Cindy Brookshire. “We want to see Selma grow and prosper and this is just one step we are taking to make that happen.” Ron Hester of Hester Properties is the third building
COVID-19 Pandemic brings opportunities for Johnston County’s economy
Consulting Report Says Life Sciences, Medical Devices and Supplies, Consumer Foods and Equipment Manufacturing Could Grow with JoCoJohnston County, N.C. – August 3, 2020. Given its prowess in the life sciences and tech- based operations, North Carolina’s Research Triangle Region is poised for strong post- pandemic growth, with Johnston County likely to be seen as an appealing destination for jobs and companies as the COVID-19 crisis subsides, according to a study by Economic Leadership LLC. Reshoring and
Grifols to add 300 jobs as it undertakes $351 million expansion to its Clayton Operations
Company will construct plasma fragmentation facility and logistics center Johnston County, N.C. – June 9, 2020. Grifols Therapeutics LLC, already Johnston County’s largest industrial employer, will invest $351.6 million in an expansion that will add 300 jobs at its Clayton campus. The Barcelona, Spain-based company will build a new plasma fractionation facility and logistics center in response to growing global demand for its medicines. Governor Roy Cooper announced the news in a press release earlier
Economic Development Luncheon draws over 200
Highway Upgrades, Workforce Skills, Industry-Ready Sites and Buildings Are Top Priorities for One of North Carolina’s Fastest-Growing CountiesJohnston County, N.C. – November 30, 2017. Jobs and population are growing at rates faster than the state or nation, and that puts a premium on transportation improvements, occupational skills and buildable industrial properties. Those were among the key messages more than 200 participants heard yesterday at the 2017 Johnston County Economic Development Luncheon, held
JCC launches new Career Services Center
Center is a job placement resource for JCC students and area employers. Johnston Community College is pleased to announce the opening of its Career Services Center. The center provides a variety of services to help students develop job search skills and locate employment. The center is located in the Wilson Building, Room 1034, just across from Student Services. Career Center staff assist students with resume and cover letter writing, interview skills, career exploration, career counseling and
Sysco Foods receives Industry Appreciation Award
Smithfield NC – On Monday, the Johnston County Commissioners and the Johnston County Economic Development Advisory Board recognized Sysco Foods of Selma for their commitment to Johnston County and community support by honoring the company with the County’s “Industry Appreciation” award. This award is presented quarterly to Johnston County Industries. “Existing Industries and Businesses are extremely important to the economic strength of Johnston County”, stated Tony Braswell, Chairman of
Johnston County's economic development year was like none other
BY DREW JACKSON Smithfield Herald Johnston County has no doubt seen its share of bumper crops, but nothing might ever compare to the past 12 months. When the Novo Nordisk and Grifols expansions are in full swing in a couple of years, their construction zones, with a combined 5,000 workers, will be the fourth largest town in Johnston County. Of the $3.4 billion in planned investments announced in the Triangle last year, $2.14 billion came from Johnston County projects. Novo alone is North Carolina’s
Towns, county tout successes at luncheon
BY ABBIE BENNETT Reporter, Smithfield Herald Railroad company CSX didn’t choose Johnston County for a $272 million cargo hub. That loss weighs on Selma, Smithfield and Johnston County leaders, who spoke Tuesday during the third annual State of Our Communities luncheon, a project of the Smithfield-Selma Chamber of Commerce. “Any State of the Communities address this year should probably include a comment about the CSX intermodal hub project,” said Selma Mayor Cheryl Oliver. “There has been plenty of
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
Downtown Smithfield cited for high performance from National Main Street Center
Raleigh, N.C. – The National Main Street Center, a subsidiary of the National Trust for Historic Preservation has cited 44 North Carolina communities for economic vitality and fidelity in following the best-practice standards for historic preservation and community revitalization championed by the center. Eleven new communities joined the ranks of accredited North Carolina communities as compared to last year’s roster. Each year, the National Main Street Center and its partners issue accreditation to Main
Pharmaceutical company expanding again in Johnston County
By Eric Palmer FiercePharma Manufacturing Grifols, the Spain-based specialist in blood plasma products, last year opened a $370 million plasma fractionation plant in Clayton, NC, but has now decided that is not enough to meet growing demand. It says it will invest $360 million to build out four projects to ensure it has the capacity it needs over the next 15 years, including two new facilities in Johnston County.. The company today said its plans call for spending $90 million on another fractionation
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
Johnston County Regional Airport unveils new terminal
BY LAURA FINALDI The Smithfield Herald The Johnston County airport has christened a new, bigger terminal built to accommodate its growth. On Thursday, October 30, 2014, the airport – now re-branded as Johnston Regional Airport – celebrated the opening of the 8,600-square-foot terminal on Swift Creek Road. About 100 people, including elected officials and business leaders, attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony. At the celebration, airport director Ray Blackmon said the new terminal was a product of hard
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.
N.C. Secretary of Commerce speaks at luncheon
By Paula Seligson, The Smithfield Herald — pseligson@newsobserver.com North Carolina’s secretary of commerce visited Johnston County last week, outlining five ways the state can grow its economy and how Johnston is well positioned to be part of that growth. Sharon Decker was keynote speaker for the annual Johnston County Economic Development Luncheon, held Oct. 29 at the Agricultural Center near Smithfield. The county’s chambers of commerce hosted the luncheon, and the 180-plus audience came from
Birthday boy becomes brewer - Double Barley Brewery celebrates grand opening
By Paula Seligson, Staff Writer, The Smithfield Herald — pseligson@newsobserver.com WILSON’S MILLS — Johnston County’s newest brewery began as a birthday present. When Cheryl Lane gave her husband Larry a brew kit for his 40th birthday, neither thought the gift would lead to Double Barley Brewing, which opened this month on U.S. 70. By training, the Lanes are mechanical engineers who graduated from N.C. State University. They live in Clayton. “It’s a crazy story,” Cheryl Lane said. “I gave my husband
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
Town of Smithfield recognizes Chamber at council meeting
At a special meeting prior to its regular monthly meeting on October 1, the Smithfield Town Council adopted a proclamation recognizing the Greater Smithfield-Selma Area Chamber of Commerce for its contributions to the town's economy, business and quality of life. Also at the meeting, the Chamber showed its new economic development videos to the council. Four Oaks Bank & Trust had just sponsored a Business After Hours at the Town Hall with members of the council present. The Chamber hosted a similar
Johnston Community College names new Small Business Center Director
Johnston Community College has a new Small Business Director, effective September 18. She is Patricia (Pat) Killette. Ms. Killette has been the SBC Director at Wilson Community College for eight years. She is a resident of Johnston County and has owned a business here. Pat has also been an instructor for the SBC at JCC. Pat brings a wealth of knowledge on a variety of topics and will truly be an asset to the SBC. She will be managing all functions of the Small Business Center, client counseling,
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
Novo Nordisk creating 110 jobs in Johnston County
By Paula Seligson, The Smithfield Herald Novo Nordisk will spend $102 million to expand its plant on Powhatan Road, creating 110 jobs, mostly in production. The company, based in Denmark, came to Johnston County in 1996. Its plant here employs 550 people who make products that treat diabetes. Company executives announced the expansion at the September county commissioners meeting. Lars Eriksen, project director, thanked commissioners for working with the company; the county will give Novo an estimated
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
