Building a Marketing Firm That Thrives: The Core Elements for Sustainable Growth
Starting or scaling a marketing firm is a thrilling pursuit — but success doesn’t come from creative ideas alone. It’s built on the foundation of predictable systems, disciplined financial management, strong teams, and trust-based client relationships. Whether you’re serving local businesses in Johnston County or expanding across North Carolina, understanding these fundamentals will help you create an agency that lasts.TL;DR Success in marketing today = creativity × operational discipline. Build a
Town of Smithfield Shares Downtown Parking Options Ahead of NCDOT Safety Improvements
In an effort to fully support our downtown businesses, the Town of Smithfield is preparing for upcoming changes on East Market Street as the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) moves forward with roadway safety improvements scheduled to begin in early December. While on-street parking will be removed along a portion of East Market Street, downtown Smithfield continues to offer more than 500 convenient parking spaces—including over 300 spaces in public lots and more than 200 on-street spaces
Leadership Johnston Honors the Class of 2025
Johnston County, NC — November 21, 2025 — The Johnston County Coalition of Chambers and Johnston Community College proudly celebrated the Leadership Johnston Class of 2025, recognizing a remarkable group of graduates who have spent the past nine months learning, connecting, and strengthening their leadership impact across the county. This year’s class represents a diverse group of professionals — bankers, educators, attorneys, healthcare providers, developers, business owners, and managers — all
Smithfield Police Department Launches New Mobile App to Strengthen Community Connection and Safety
The Smithfield Police Department is enhancing its ability to engage with the community and keep residents safe through the launch of a new mobile app that makes it easy to connect with police, access information, receive public safety alerts, and submit anonymous tips directly from a smartphone. The Smithfield PD app puts a powerful new crime-fighting and community engagement tool into the hands of residents of all ages. The app is available for free download by via the Google Play Store or iTunes App
Scaling Smart: How Small Businesses Can Manage Sudden Growth Without Losing Focus
When growth hits hard and fast, control becomes the first casualty. Whether you’re a local café that’s suddenly gone viral or a SaaS startup adding hundreds of new clients a month, scaling without structure can turn success into chaos. The key isn’t just growing faster — it’s growing in formation. TL;DR Rapid growth strains finances, team systems, and customer experience. Build scalable structures early — finance controls, team frameworks, and data visibility tools. Focus on governance
Small Business Readiness Autumn Grant Applications Are Open Now
Grant Applications are now open for the Verizon Small Business Readiness Autumn Grant. Fifty small businesses will be awarded $10,000 through this program. Don't miss this opportunity to secure funding for your business. Deadline to apply is December 10, 2025. Go to bit.ly/SBC-VerizonCreate a FREE AccountComplete 2 FREE 30 minute coursesBecome eligible to apply for a $10,000 grant Here’s what you’ll get for free:Expert-led workshopsPeer networkingSelf-paced courses$10,000 grants Usually, this
High School Graduates Face Skills Shortage; New AP Courses Aim to Prepare Them for the Workforce
Finding qualified workers remains a significant challenge for businesses, with only 38% of hiring managers reporting that it’s easy to find candidates with the right skills. The big picture: A new survey from the U.S. Chamber and College Board highlights a significant gap in workforce readiness among high school graduates. By the numbers: 84% of hiring managers in the survey say high school graduates aren’t ready for work. 80% believe they’re less prepared than previous generations. What we’re
Transportation Takes the Spotlight as Leaders Look to Johnston County's Future
Transportation and commuting challenges took center stage at the 2025 State of the Region Breakfast, held last week at the Johnston County Ag Center. Presented by Lumos, the event drew a packed room of business and community leaders eager to hear what’s ahead for Johnston County and the region. Using Mentimeter, attendees engaged directly with panelists: David Harris, Director of the Johnston Regional Airport; Joey Hopkins, Secretary of Transportation for the State of North Carolina; Josh Jensen,
Renaming Ceremony on Site
CommWell Health Announces New Name Change to its Operations Center Building Following Generous Donations Four Oaks, NC – September 02, 2025 – CommWell Health, a large not-for-profit Community Health Center system in southeastern North Carolina, recently announced the renaming of its Operations Center Administrative building located in Four Oaks, to the Nathan Johnson Tilghman Professional Building to honor and recognize Nathan Johnson Tilghman, a community visionary, innovator, and mentor with long
Safe Kids Johnston County Celebrates Child Passenger Safety Week
Safe Kids Johnston County Celebrates Child Passenger Safety Week Johnston County, NC — Safe Kids Johnston County is celebrating Child Passenger Safety Week, from September 21-27. As a special designation recently proclaimed by the Johnston County Board of Commissioners, the week recognizes the importance of keeping kids safe in cars and on the road. “Last year, we checked 174 car seats in Johnston County, and a staggering 79% were being used incorrectly,” stated Jennifer Williams, Safe Kids Johnston
E. Marie Watson Legacy Event
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Johnston County Building Inspectors Earn Statewide Award for Hurricane Helene Response
Johnston County Building Inspectors Earn Statewide Award for Hurricane Helene Response Smithfield, N.C.- For their service after Hurricane Helene, Johnston County’s Building Inspections Department received the Barry Gupton Award, a major honor from the North Carolina Building Inspectors' Association (NCBIA). The award is presented to individuals or organizations that show exceptional commitment to advancing State Building Codes and supporting communities in times of need. Johnston County was recognized
JCPS Considered a Top Performing District
Johnston County Public Schools (JCPS) has released its 2024-2025 school year performance data, as reported by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI), noting that the district has INCREASED its RANKING to 30TH in the STATE of NORTH CAROLINA!The district’s rank of 30 out of 115 public school units is a noteworthy accomplishment, as the district's academic achievement continues to show improvement in comparison, moving from 80th in 2018, 83rd in 2019, 41st in 2023, and 35th in 2024. The
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Johnston County to Host Voter ID Events at Local Libraries this Month
Johnston County to Host Voter ID Events at Local Libraries this Month Smithfield, NC – Johnston County will host a series of Voter Photo ID events this September to help residents prepare for upcoming elections. These events, similar to the successful outreach events held in 2024, will provide voters with the opportunity to obtain a free voter photo ID. Staff from the Johnston County Board of Elections will be on-site to issue IDs, which require only a name, date of birth, and the last four digits of a
Partnership for Children Hosts Community Advocacy Night, Paving the Way for Child Care Solutions
Partnership for Children Hosts Community Advocacy Night, Paving the Way for Child Care Solutions Selma, NC — The Partnership for Children of Johnston County hosted a powerful event in August to engage families and community leaders in a discussion about the child care crisis and its impacts on Johnston County residents. The evening brought together parents, child care providers, and elected officials to reflect on the challenges facing families and included a screening of "Take Care NC," a documentary
Workforce Housing Coming to Eastfield
Apartments are coming to Eastfield. Eastfield, the 435 acre mixed use development, in Selma that's plan includes manufacturing, retail, hospitality, and residential, recently announced a 348 unit multifamily community will be built. The project represents an innovative collaboration between the NRP Group and the Mid-Atlantic Foundation to create a real estate tax exempt development that encourages affordable rents. According to a report released earlier this year by the NC Chamber there is a significant
Johnston County Recognizes Summer Interns and Highlights Local Government Opportunities
Johnston County Recognizes Summer Interns and Highlights Local Government Opportunities Smithfield, N.C.- The Johnston County Board of Commissioners recognized this year’s class of summer interns during their regular meeting on Tuesday, September 2, 2025. More than a dozen high school and college students gained valuable work experience this summer through internships across multiple County departments. Interns learned skills across several disciplines working with professionals in County departments
Johnston Community College Awarded $565,000 NSF Grant to Advance Cybersecurity Education
Johnston Community College Awarded Second NSF Grant to Advance Cybersecurity Education Smithfield, N.C. — September 3, 2025 – Johnston Community College (JCC) has been awarded a three-year, $565,044 grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to support its cybersecurity programs. The funded project focuses on integrating employability skills, which employers seek from graduates, with technical expertise. This award will expand opportunities for JCC students to participate in cybersecurity
Local 'I Do, Re-Do' Event
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE THE DUPREE HOUSE TO HOST "I DO, RE-DO" EVENT FOR SUSTAINABLE WEDDING SHOPPING SMITHFIELD, NC – September 2, 2025 – The Dupree House is excited to announce its inaugural "I Do, Re- Do" event, a unique wedding market designed to connect recent brides and wedding planners with brides-to-be seeking beautiful, budget-friendly treasures. The event will be held on January 11th, offering a sustainable and savvy way to shop for wedding essentials. The "I Do, Re-Do" serves as a
Partnership Seeks Participants for Free Child Care Academy
Partnership Seeks Participants for Free Child Care Academy Johnston County — The Partnership for Children of Johnston County is now accepting participants for its Child Care Academy this fall. The program provides free, comprehensive training and support to individuals interested in pursuing a career in child care. Participants will complete all required training sessions, fingerprinting, and a background check. The program also includes professionalism training, interview practice, classroom
News Release: 8/28/2025
Johnston Community College will host a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony to celebrate the grand opening of its new Advanced Manufacturing Training Facility in Four Oaks. Members of the media are invited to attend and cover this milestone event. This 67,000 square foot, cutting-edge facility serves as the advanced manufacturing training hub for Johnston County and the eastern region of the state. You will be able to get an inside look at the new campus, as well as interview dignitaries in attendance. What: Ribbon
Partnership for Children of Johnston County Celebrates Smart Start Month
Partnership for Children of Johnston County Celebrates Smart Start MonthJohnston County, NC — The Partnership for Children of Johnston County is celebrating September as Smart Start Month, a special designation recently proclaimed by the Johnston County Board of Commissioners to recognize the essential role of the Smart Start Network in supporting North Carolina’s youngest children and the adults who care for them.“In Johnston County, the Partnership is the backbone of the local early childhood system,”
Read to Grow Announces 4th Annual Poster Contest to Celebrate Attendance Awareness Month
Read to Grow Announces 4th Annual Poster Contest to Celebrate Attendance Awareness Month Johnston County, NC – Read to Grow Johnston County is excited to announce its 4th Annual Poster Contest in honor of Attendance Awareness Month this September. The contest encourages K-5 students to create posters highlighting the importance of regular school attendance. On August 18th, the Johnston County Board of Commissioners officially proclaimed September 2025 as Attendance Awareness Month, recognizing the
Johnston County Board of Commissioners to Hold Public Hearing on Comprehensive Transportation Plan
Johnston County Board of Commissioners to Hold Public Hearing on Comprehensive Transportation Plan Smithfield, N.C.- The Johnston County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, to receive community input on the County’s Comprehensive Transportation Plan. The hearing will take place during the Commissioners’ regular meeting at 6:00 p.m. in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room, located at 207 East Johnston Street at the Johnston County Courthouse in
Johnston Community College Announces Record Enrollment
Johnston Community College Announces Record Enrollment JCC sees another semester of double-digit percentage increase in credit students Smithfield, N.C., (August 19, 2025) – Johnston Community College (JCC) has once again set a new enrollment record, achieving its highest-ever curriculum headcount. On the first day of fall semester classes, JCC welcomed 6,513 degree-seeking students. That is a 15 percent increase over last fall and a 61 percent growth in curriculum enrollment since 2021.
Cracking the Code: How to Turn Local Intel into Business Strategy
You’re sitting on a goldmine and don’t even know it. Right outside your storefront, in the coffee shops and laundromats and food trucks humming a block away, are patterns, habits, and whispers that—if read right—can tell you exactly what your next move should be. Strategy isn’t just spreadsheets and quarterly forecasts, it’s how well you can read the room, especially when the room is your zip code. It’s not glamorous, but that’s the point. What works in Midtown won’t fly in Midtown South, and your biggest
Smithfield, NC Businesses: News Regarding the CTA, BOI and FinCEN
The Corporate Transparency Act may require certain U.S. companies to disclose beneficial ownership information to FinCEN to combat financial crimes. While a Texas federal district court’s preliminary injunction puts this requirement on hold, many experts expect that to be overturned. In that event, failure to file could lead to fines of $500 per day, up to a maximum of $10,000, and possible criminal penalties. However, filing your Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) report will help you avoid fines
Duke Energy Secures Offshore Wind Lease for Carolina Long Bay
Duke Energy Renewables Wind, LLC, a nonregulated subsidiary of Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), has been named a provisional winner of OCS-A 0546 lease area in the Carolina Long Bay offshore wind auction. The lease was one of two awarded as part of an Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf renewable energy auction held by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM). “Securing this lease creates optionality for future offshore wind if the North Carolina Utilities Commission determines it’s part of the least cost path
