Pat Thai Now Offering Asian Fusion Cuisine at Old North State Food Hall
Photo credit: Logan Heitman Front row Left: Lorie Jones, G.M. Old North State Food Hall, Apple and Bobby Ray Stone, Owners, Pat Thai, joined by members of Activate Selma at Triangle East Chamber of Commerce to welcome PAT THAI as they cut the ribbon on their new eatery at Old North State Food Hall. __________________________________________________________________________________Selma, NC (October 28, 2025) – Lorie Jones, General Manager, Old North State Food Hall invited members of Activate Selma, and
Triangle East Chamber of Commerce Announces Leadership Transition
Smithfield, N.C. — The Executive Committee of the Triangle East Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has announced a leadership transition within the organization. Effective October 14, 2025, Maureen McGuinness is no longer serving as President & CEO of the Chamber. The Executive Committee reached this decision following careful and thoughtful consideration. The Board expresses its deep gratitude to McGuinness for her dedication, leadership, and many contributions over the past three and a half years,
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
Johnston Community College in Collaboration with Corning Launches New Fiber Optic Technician Program
FOUR OAKS, N.C. — (October 15, 2025) Johnston Community College, in collaboration with Corning Incorporated (NYSE: GLW), one of the world’s leading innovators in glass, ceramics, and optical physics, will introduce its new Fiber Optic Technician program at a reception on October 20 at the school’s Advanced Manufacturing Training Facility in Four Oaks. The event, in collaboration with the Triangle East Chamber of Commerce, highlights how the program will support the region’s growing fiber broadband
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Clayton WIN Presents Check to Support Leadership Johnston Scholarship
Smithfield, N.C. — The Clayton Women in Networking (WIN) organization has presented a check to the Johnston County Community Foundation in support of a Leadership Johnston Scholarship. This contribution reflects Clayton WIN’s ongoing commitment to fostering leadership and community involvement across Johnston County. Leadership Johnston, a program of the Triangle East Chamber of Commerce, provides participants with valuable opportunities to grow their leadership skills, build connections, and gain a
Ruth Marler Named 2025 ATHENA Recipient
Ruth Marler Named 2025 ATHENA International Leadership Award RecipientSmithfield, NC —The Triangle East Chamber of Commerce announced that Ruth Marler, Chief Nursing Officer and Chief Operating Officer at UNC Health Johnston, has been named the 2025 recipient of the ATHENA International Leadership Award. The award honors women who achieve excellence in their profession, give back to their community, and help other women reach their full leadership potential. This is the 38th year the Chamber has present the
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,
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Chamber Foundations Are a National Best Practice
More than a local initiative, Chamber foundations have become a national best practice—empowering chambers across the country to tackle big-picture challenges like workforce readiness, small business resilience, and inclusive economic growth. By establishing our Foundation 14 years ago, we positioned ourselves ahead of the curve, recognizing early on that a 501(c)(3) arm would allow us to access new funding, support community-focused programs, and deepen our long-term impact. Today, with nearly 90% of
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
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Triangle East Economic Development Foundation Hosts Discussion on Workforce Housing Solutions
The Triangle East Economic Development Foundation and the Triangle East Chamber of Commerce hosted Workforce Housing: Understanding the Challenge, Creating Solutions, the Foundation’s inaugural event, addressing workforce housing challenges and their impact on local businesses. The event took place at First Baptist Church of Smithfield on April 1st. Panelists included: Jill Homan, President of Javelin 19 InvestmentsErica Leatham, Vice President, Land, M/I HomesApril Stephens, Owner, The April Stephens
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
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
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
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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
