Greater Fayetteville Business Journal - February 13, 2026 issue
t would be an understatement to say that Michael Nagowski has made an impact on the Cape Fear Valley Health System (CFVH) in his nearly two decades as the health system’s chief executive officer. After 18 influential years in charge, Nagowski has announced he will be retiring this summer.
When Nagowski came to the hospital, it was just that – one hospital. Now, it boasts an interconnected system of eight hospitals, nearly 100 sites offering holistic care for residents in the region and the HealthPlex, a fitness and wellness center affiliated
PHOTO PROVIDED BY METHODIST UNIVERSITY, EDITED WITH ADOBE PHOTOSHOP GENERATIVE FILL Michael Nagowski photographed at Methodist University.
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The breakfast to be at
GFBJ’S NEXT POWER BREAKFAST EXAMINES FAYETTEVILLE’S POTENTIAL ON A GLOBAL STAGE
Mark your calendars for the next Power Breakfast on March 4. The Greater Fayetteville Business Journal presents Global Advantage: Turning Local Strength into Global Opportunity, a Power Breakfast focused on how international business and global strategy are shaping the future of our local economy.
“Following the success of our last Power Breakfast, Taking Care of Business, which focused on statewide programs with local impact, we’re excited to expand the event’s focus to a global perspective and share it with our guests,” shared Greater Fayetteville Business Journal Publisher Faith Hatton.
The speaker for the event will be foreign direct investment expert Andreas Dressler. Dressler has been active in foreign direct investment (FDI) for 29 years. He is the founder of FDI Center, an advisory company that works with countries, regions, cities and industrial parks to implement investment promotion strategies and attract new investment. He is also the managing director of Location Decisions, a specialized location advisory firm that assists companies from different industries to select the best locations for their investments worldwide.
Dressler started his career with KPMG, where he created a specialized cross-border investment practice and coordinated a global network of location advisory and economic development consultants. He has assisted companies from a range of industries to select international locations for new manufacturing plants, shared service centers, R&D centers, headquarters and other types of corporate facilities.
Dressler’s clients have included some of the world’s largest corporations as well as medium-sized companies and technology-oriented start-ups. He has also worked with the investment promotion agencies of many of the world’s leading regions and cities, as well as a range of developed countries and emerging economies. Through this experience, Dressler has developed an in-depth understanding of how companies make investment decisions and what it takes for locations to attract them.
JOIN
GLOBAL ADVANTAGE
TURNING LOCAL STRENGTH INTO GLOBAL OPPORTUNITY
ANDREAS DRESSLER Founder, FDI Center
Hear from Dressler as he discusses how our community’s unique assets, including its military presence, diverse workforce and growing economy, position the region to compete and thrive on a global stage.
ATTENDEES WILL GAIN INSIGHT INTO: How global markets and international partnerships create new opportunities for local businesses
and small, can identify international opportunities Why Fayetteville’s diverse and military-connected community offers a competitive edge in international business
With the Fayetteville region’s deep ties to global networks through Fort Bragg, understanding the path from local strength to global success has never been more relevant.
“This event is a great opportunity for our community to deepen its understanding of how global markets can shape local growth,” said FCEDC President and CEO Robert Van Geons. “As the home of Fort Bragg, whose connections span the globe, we are uniquely positioned to cultivate strategic international partnerships that strengthen our economic future.”
“The FCEDC has been a wonderful partner in helping us organize this event and secure our speaker. FCEDC President and CEO Robert
ing Dressler speak at an event last year and didn’t hesitate to recommend him and help get the process started. I was also able to find videos of his past engagements and can say he sets a vibrant tone and keeps his audiences engaged,” added Hatton. Greater Fayetteville Business Journal’s quarterly Power Breakfasts keep locals informed on what’s happening in our business ecosystem and provide an outlet for professionals and decision makers to connect. The event begins at 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 4, at the Ralph and Linda Huff Orangery at Cape Fear Botanical Garden.
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really What catches the attention of someone new to Fayetteville?
There is extensive dialogue surrounding Fayetteville as a travel destination or city aimed at recruiting new businesses and new residents.
As someone who moved here from out of state, I thought it could be fun to share my personal experience as a newcomer to the area, and what businesses were the first to catch my attention. Of course, these are subject to my interests, but here are some local businesses that I visited in my first month of living here that caught my eye.
FOOD
Rude Awakening - As a lover of coffee shops and aesthetic spaces, I was immediately intrigued when I found Rude Awakening on my search for local cafes. Their outdoor seating area is the perfect space to settle in with a good book when the weather is nice.
Antonella’s - This locally owned Italian restaurant is a favorite of many for a reason. Funnily enough, the first time I went here, one of the
recommended to me by my coworkers for their delicious peaches, and it certainly delivered. Additionally, the machine that slices the pineapple for you is a unique convenience that now feels like a necessity when enjoying the spiny fruit.
FUN
Greg’s Pottery - I believe this was also a recommendation from a coworker, but this paint-your-own-pottery business is a fun local treasure. I’ve got a small spotted mushroom and a little ceramic pumpkin adorning my shelves, both personally painted at Greg’s.
Live theatre - As a theatre geek, I was quick to Google the arts scene in Fayetteville. The first I found was Gilbert Theater, and I quickly became a patron of their shows. As I continued to become plugged into the community, I became an avid supporter of Sweet Tea Shakespeare and Cape Fear Regional Theatre as well.
Outdoor exploring - (Not a business, but studies show access
Being from The Natural State and having moved in August, I was eager to enjoy the beautiful nature North Carolina has to offer. I went walking/ hiking around local trails. One of my favorites for a casual walk remains the Cape Fear River Trail. I’ve yet to walk the full thing, which is about 5.3 miles one way, but I always enjoy it, especially in the spring and fall. Since those first few weeks, I’ve continued to enjoy all of these Fayetteville treasures as well as many more that I have discovered, and even new businesses I’ve been lucky enough to see open during my time living here.
Before moving, I did some research online and found plenty of less-than-stellar reviews, but I am glad I did not let those prevent me from finding all of the positives this city has to offer. And each year, local leaders are working hard to make Fayetteville an even better place to live, work and recreate.
Enjoy the issue,
PHOTOS BY STEPHANIE MEADOR
BANKING + FINANCE
>> By Stephanie Meador
Committed to community
HUNTINGTON BANK COMPLETES MERGER WITH CADENCE BANK, CONTINUES TO GROW CLIENT BASE
Huntington Bancshares Incorporated announced on Feb. 2 that it has closed its merger with Cadence Bank, a regional bank headquartered in Houston, Texas and Tupelo, Miss.
This strategic partnership accelerates Huntington’s growth initiatives across Texas and the South and brings immediate scale in Texas and Mississippi, where Huntington is now the eighth-largest bank in Texas and the number one bank in Mississippi by deposit market share.
“We’re thrilled to welcome our new colleagues and customers from Cadence to Huntington,” said Steve Steinour, chairman, president and CEO of Huntington, in a press release. “This partnership marks a significant milestone for Huntington and will serve as a springboard for growth across a number of highgrowth markets across Texas and the South. I’m incredibly grateful to Dan Rollins and the Cadence team for their collaboration and commitment to this next era of our combined organization.”
“[This] is a historic milestone for Cadence and Huntington as we officially unite to forge a top-10 bank nationally with a shared mission to deliver the same relationship-first, community-based approach that our legacies are built on,” Dan Rollins, chairman and CEO of Cadence Bank, said in a press release. “Our customers will benefit from Huntington’s expanded capabilities and award-winning digital tools. I’m incredibly proud of our teams who made this possible and energized for what’s ahead.”
The combined company has approximately $279 billion in assets, $221 billion in deposits and $187 billion in loans based on Dec. 31, 2025, balances. Cadence’s 390 branches across Texas and the South will bolster Huntington’s branch network to nearly 1,400 locations across 21 states – from the Midwest to the South to Texas. Huntington intends to maintain Cadence’s branch network – with no branch closures – and invest to grow it over time.
Cadence customers will continue to bank as normal at their existing branches, and customer accounts are expected to be converted to
Huntington’s systems in mid-2026. Cadence customers will receive detailed information about the pending account conversions in the coming weeks. Huntington customers will not be impacted by the conversion.
Huntington Bank is actively expanding in North Carolina, with branches in major hubs like Charlotte, Raleigh and Winston-Salem.
“Across our footprint, our success is driven by building and deepening customer relationships rooted in our purpose of making people’s lives better, helping businesses thrive and strengthening the communities we serve. We deliver on that purpose through our highly differentiated regional banking model, centered on local bankers, local decision-mak-
ing, local relationships and local community engagement and investment. We believe our people-first, customer-centered approach aligns with what customers in North Carolina and South Carolina value, and as we continue to grow our presence in this region, we are seeing that approach resonate strongly,” shared Sr Regional Banking Relationship Manager at Huntington National Bank Patrick Nobles.
resident, I see firsthand what makes this community special. We are proud to bring Huntington’s broad range of capabilities, products and services to individuals, families and businesses here, and we remain committed to serving this community. As for branches, we continually evaluate how to best serve each of our communities and be an active part of their growth and success,” remarked Nobles.
As markets shift and new trends in banking emerge, Huntington remains agile to best meet customer needs.
“We love Fayetteville, and as a resident, I see firsthand what makes this community special. We are proud to bring Huntington’s broad range of capabilities, products and services to individuals, families and businesses here, and we remain committed to serving this community.”
The bank serves residents of Fayetteville as well, though they do not yet have a local physical branch.
“We love Fayetteville, and as a
“We continue to invest in technology and innovation because our goal is to lead, not just to keep up. Keeping pace with the future means having a forward-looking strategy that prioritizes customer-centric product and service innovation, and our focus remains on building solutions that make a real difference in our customers’ lives. Looking out for customers has been our priority since our founding in 1866, and we will continue to evolve as their needs do,” added Nobles. Through the merger with Cadence Bank and the opening of new branches, Huntington Bank is poised for remarkable growth in the coming years.
— Patrick "Pat" Nobles, Senior Regional Banking Relationship Manager, Huntington National Bank
PHOTOS PROVIDED BY HUNTINGTON BANK
Patrick “Pat” Nobles joined Huntington National Bank as senior regional banking relationship manager in the fall of 2024.
THE RIGHT PARTNER MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE
For more than 185 years, we’ve forged personal relationships with our customers and communities, funding economic development and rallying around the causes that are important to our neighbors. With local bankers you know and trust, businesses and individuals throughout the Carolinas continue to choose United Bank.
>> By Emily Ruth Perry
From LEADERSHIP, page 1
with their physical rehabilitation programs, making CFVH the eighth largest healthcare system in North Carolina.
Nagowski is enthusiastic about the work that his team has done in building up CFVH.
“It is a privilege to help lead healthcare in a region,” he said. “I’m so proud of the care we provide. We want people to receive world-class care and evidence-based care and we don’t want you to have to travel for it. We want you to get it right in your own locale. We think the best healthcare is delivered locally. And that’s really what has driven our entire growth trajectory.”
And that growth trajectory has proven incredibly fruitful, particularly when it comes to building a strong workforce.
“The residencies and fellowships have just been tremendous. We have over 360 physicians, every single day training in 20 different specialties… we have 2000 nurses.. and then the relationships with our local schools have been very rewarding,” shared Nagowski.
CFVH has invested a great deal in building partnerships with Fayetteville State University, Methodist University and Fayetteville Technical Community College. By investing locally in the healthcare pipeline, they are equipping future nurses, doctors, medical technicians and staff, and Nagowski is excited that many of these medical professionals are homegrown in the greater Fayetteville region.
“We recruit from the region for our workforce and our patients come from the region… It’s important for us to represent the communities that we serve. Our communities are very diverse, and our workforce is incredibly diverse and well trained,” stated Nagowski.
Along with his passion for developing those in the field, it is also clear that Nagowski is a datadriven leader with the ability to navigate large-scale planning along with the intricate details of everyday operations. He describes starting his morning with reports giving statistics from the day prior, then operational meetings for monitoring everything from daily staffing to client satisfaction, as well as planning meetings for special projects which have propelled the organization’s various advancements over the years. His decades of experience allow him to balance the large and small scale. Nagowski’s background is
PROFILE
Left: CFVH has invested a great deal in building partnerships with Fayetteville State University, Methodist University and Fayetteville Technical Community College. FTCC President Dr. Mark Sorrells and Cape Fear Valley CEO Michael Nagowski shake hands following the announcement of a $2 million contribution from Cape Fear Valley Health in support of FTCC’s Nursing and Allied Health programs. Right: Cape Fear Valley Health CEO Michael Nagowski (left) and Methodist University President Stanley T. Wearden (right) speak during the announcement of the new medical school in February 2023.
in information technology, and throughout his career in Buffalo, N.Y. and Erie, Pa. before coming to Fayetteville, he has served in many roles – department director, COO and CFO – that have given him a robust understanding of the healthcare system.
Nagowski has always kept the organization’s vision at the forefront of the team’s decision-making, which is providing exceptional healthcare for all their patients to improve their quality of life.
I am very confident in the team here, and the teams in the future are going to continue to meet the needs of our growing community. That’s what healthcare is supposed to be. We’re supposed to continue to grow and evolve. It’s a wonderful industry.”
— Michael Nagowski, CEO, Cape Fear Valley Health
“This is what I tell everybody, and I even mentioned it in orientation. Think of yourself as the patient, and you make the decision as if you were the patient in the bed. What would you want the hospital to do?” explained Nagowski.
For Nagowski, the patient is at the center of all they do, and a great team of healthcare professionals are rallying together to drive care toward the best outcomes.
“Healthcare today is all about teamwork,” Nagowski stated. “Thirty years ago a doctor would write orders and the rest of the staff would follow those orders. Today you have a whole team of people who give input.”
Nagowski shared that he feels privileged to have worked with so many skilled and caring professionals. Among many friends and colleagues he named, he remembers working with Dr. Hersey Bell at Hamot Medical Center in Erie, who would later become the founding dean of Methodist University Cape Fear Valley Health School of Medicine.
He is also grateful to have worked alongside Daniel Weatherly for 15 years at Cape Fear Valley Health. Weatherly, who currently serves as COO, will become interim CEO after Nagowski’s retirement. While it is bittersweet for him to retire, Nagowski trusts the organization is being left in good hands.
“I am very confident in the team here, and the teams in the future
are going to continue to meet the needs of our growing community. That’s what healthcare is supposed to be. We’re supposed to continue to grow and evolve. It’s a wonderful industry,” remarked Nagowski.
Something else that a career in healthcare has taught Nagowski is to appreciate the fragile and precious nature of life, which is why he’s looking forward to more time with his wife, children and grandchildren.
“When you’re in these kinds of roles, as you can imagine, it can be all-encompassing and what often gets the short end is your family,” Nagowski shared. “I want to make sure that in the time that my wife and I have left, that we get a chance to do the kinds of things that we want to do. My wife owns and operates a travel business. I think I’ve got some travel in the future, and I’m really looking forward to that… We have three lovely kids, and our four grandkids are here in Fayetteville. I’m looking forward to watching them grow up.”
While Nagowski will spend the bulk of his retirement enjoying his family, he will continue to give back to the profession through talks and other opportunities to support upcoming medical professionals.
“Healthcare is a calling and a moral obligation,” Nagowski shared. “We have a responsibility to help and care for others. I can’t think of a more noble profession than healthcare.”
PHOTOS PROVIDED BY FTCC AND METHODIST UNIVERSITY
ACHIEVERS
Cumberland County Schools Business Operations Department earns Meritorious Budget Award for second consecutive year
Cumberland County Schools continues to demonstrate strong fiscal leadership as the district’s Business Operations Department has earned the 2025–2026 Meritorious Budget Award from the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO) for the second consecutive year.
The national recognition honors CCS Business Operations for excellence in budget preparation and presentation, highlighting the department’s commitment to transparency, accountability and sound financial practices. The award is presented following a rigorous peer review by experienced school finance professionals who evaluate district budgets against nationally recognized standards.
This recognition builds on another key milestone for the department. CCS Business Operations received a clean, unmodified financial audit from an external auditor during the Dec. 2 Board Committee Meeting, confirming there were no material weaknesses or significant deficiencies in internal controls or compliance for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025.
Together, the consecutive Meritorious Budget Awards and clean audit results reflect the department’s consistent approach to responsible financial stewardship.
FSU Professor Dennis E. Corbin elected to lead Cumberland County DSS Board
DENNIS E. CORBIN, PH.D ., associate professor in the School of Social Work at Fayetteville State University, has been elected chair of the Cumberland County Department of Social Services Board.
Corbin has served on the Cumberland County DSS Board since 2024 and was most recently vice chair. His election reflects the board’s confidence in his leadership, institutional knowledge and longstanding commitment to advancing services that support children, families and vulnerable populations
What are you and your peers achieving? Have you reached a new goal? Have you acquired another business? Maybe your business has a new hire you would like to highlight.
Greater Fayetteville Business Journal wants to hear from you and your business to shine a spotlight on your accomplishments.
To nominate someone for GFBJ’s Achievers section, email editor@bizfayetteville.com with the subject line “Achiever.”
across the county.
As chair, Corbin will lead the board in advancing its strategic priorities, supporting DSS leadership and staff and ensuring that Cumberland County residents have access to responsive, high-quality social services.
“Being elected chair of the Cumberland County Department of Social Services Board is a great honor,” Corbin said in a press release. “For the past 28 years, I have served as a professional social worker through direct practice and academia, and, as someone from this region – Robeson County – it is especially meaningful to give back to a community that has given me so much.”
Corbin has been a faculty member at FSU since 2012. His teaching and scholarship emphasize social welfare policy, community practice, leadership development and the preparation of future social work professionals. He brings an evidence-informed, community-centered perspective to his service on the DSS Board.
The Cumberland County Department of Social Services Board provides governance, oversight and policy guidance to ensure the effective delivery of programs that promote safety, stability and well-being within the community. The board oversees service areas including child welfare, adult protective services, economic assistance, workforce development and family support programs. The board works with county leadership to maintain accountability, fiscal responsibility and compliance with state and federal regulations.
Through active participation in local governance and service organizations, FSU continues to fulfill
its mission of preparing students and faculty to lead and serve communities across North Carolina.
Harnett County Manager Trout and Deputy Manager
Price recognized with distinguished state-wide
award
Harnett County is proud to announce that County Manager BRENT TROUT and Deputy County Manager COLEY PRICE have been recognized with distinguished statewide awards from the North Carolina City & County Management Association (NCCCMA). Trout was named the 2025 County Manager of the Year, and Price was named the 2025 Assistant County Manager of the Year.
The awards were announced at
the President’s Lunch during the NCCCMA conference on Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026. The award came as a surprise to both recipients, who were unaware they had even been nominated.
Trout was appointed as Harnett County’s Manager in January 2022, bringing over 35 years of experience. Staff praises Trout for being a supportive manager and making his team feel appreciated and valued. Many have described
him as a humble person who shows up and is involved, and most importantly, a person who empowers his staff with the tools and support to succeed.
“This award represents all of the accomplishments that we are having in Harnett County because of our elected officials’ guidance and the employees’ hard work,” said Trout in a press release. “We continue to see the vision and plans that the Board of Commissioners developed lead to success in our operations. I look forward to the future growth and success of our county with the team that we have established, together we will do great things.”
Trout shared that Price is extremely devoted to ensuring Harnett County is doing all it can to support its citizens, and he is very deserving of the Assistant Manager of the Year award.
Price brings over 20 years of experience. He has served as the assistant county manager since 2018 and began his role as deputy county manager in 2023. He serves as co-chair for the Opioid Task Force and chair of the Affordable Housing Committee. Price is devoted to making decisions that best serve all who live in Harnett County.
“I was very humbled by this award and appreciate the opportunity to serve in the capacity as deputy county manager. We have such a great county, and I appreciate the dedicated and passionate employees, experienced departments and the vision and leadership from our Board of Commissioners. It is an honor to work for such a wonderful organization, and I look forward to the bright future for our growing County,” said Price in a press release.
Harnett County congratulates both recipients on this well-deserved honor and looks forward to their continued service and leadership.
DistiNCtly Fayetteville appoints Kyle Molivas as sports sales manager
DistiNCtly Fayetteville, the destination marketing organization for greater Fayetteville, North Carolina, has announced the appointment of KYLE MOLIVAS as sports sales manager. In this role, Molivas will support the organization’s sports tourism efforts by assisting with the recruit-
PHOTO PROVIDED BY HARNETT COUNTY
Brent Trout (left) and Coley Price (right)
Corbin
From ACHIEVERS, page 8
ment and servicing of tournaments and sporting events that drive visitation to Cumberland County.
Molivas will work alongside the director of sales & sports commission to help build relationships with event organizers, support bid efforts and assist with event planning and execution throughout the destination.
He most recently served as a sales representative with Strickland’s Portion Pak, where he managed customer relationships and supported territory growth using a consultative, relationship-based approach. His professional background also includes experience in logistics and operations, having previously worked in warehouse and delivery support roles.
Molivas is a graduate of Methodist University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in environmental and occupational management. While at Methodist, he was a twoyear captain of the university’s NCAA baseball team, developing leadership and communication skills
through competitive collegiate athletics.
“Kyle’s background in sales, operations and team leadership will be an asset to our sports tourism efforts,” said Robert Cox, director of sales and sports commission for DistiNCtly Fayetteville, in a press release. “His experience working directly with clients, combined with his time as a collegiate team captain, aligns well with the collaborative nature of this role.”
Methodist University named a “2025-26 MustWatch University in the U.S.”
Methodist University continues to earn national and international recognition for its approach and success in higher education. In the December 2025 issue of Higher Education Digest, the University is the cover story and featured as a “Must-Watch University in the
U.S. for 2025-26.” The story says MU is “redefining higher education through access, inclusion and community.”
The article highlights how Methodist University supports students not just academically, but also personally and professionally, and with an emphasis on education built with connection, opportunity and long-term success in mind. HED examines how MU’s mission is reflected through both its curriculum and student-centered support.
“We are deeply committed to preparing students for success in their professional lives and their personal lives,” said Stanley T. Wearden, Ph.D., president of Methodist University, in a press release. “Our goal
ACHIEVERS
is to educate ethical leaders who serve with purpose and integrity.”
This newest accolade joins an already prestigious list of recent rankings, achievements and recognitions for Methodist University from various state, national and international ranking services and organizations that are not limited to, but include: Most Diverse University in North Carolina, Top 16% Nationally for Social Mobility, Prominent Online Program to Watch in the U.S., Military Friendly and Military Spouse Friendly, Top Universities in North America, Most Visionary Educational Leader and Best for Vets Gold Ranking.
As HED reported, Methodist University’s growth continues to be guided by a student-first approach.
“We focus on our people: our students, faculty and community,” Wearden said in a press release.
“This has always defined Methodist University and will remain our guide.”
View the full Higher Ed Digest magazine: www.highereducationdigest.com/magazine-december-2025.
CALLAHAN RICE INSURANCE GROUP
Molivas PHOTO
HIGHER EDUCATION DIGEST
The big picture
LONGLEAF PINE REALTORS® TO HOST STATE OF THE REAL ESTATE MARKET LUNCHEON FEB. 24
As Cumberland County and the broader Fayetteville region continue to flourish alongside steady economic and population growth, local real estate professionals are gathering for a luncheon this month to hear predictions and insights on what lies ahead.
The Longleaf Pine REALTORS® Association will host its annual State of the Real Estate Market Luncheon on Tuesday, Feb. 24, bringing together REALTORS®, business leaders, elected officials and other community stakeholders for a data-focused discussion on North Carolina’s economic outlook and forecasted impacts on the local housing market.
The keynote speaker is Christopher Chung, CEO of the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC), who will share his perspective on statewide economic trends. He will be joined by Robert Van Geons, who will offer a regional market perspective with a detailed look at the Fayetteville area.
For Mike Berk, CEO of the Longleaf Pine REALTORS® Association, the luncheon is about grounding market analysis and strategy in reliable information.
“This luncheon is a comprehensive
look at what the state of real estate is right now, and where we see it going,” Berk said.
The presenters will discuss themes related to local housing trends and regional economic development, offering vital context for industry pro-
The more information we can deliver to our members, the better prepared and informed they are when they’re working with their clients and consumers,”
— Mike Berk CEO, Longleaf Pine REALTORS®
fessionals as well as buyers, sellers, employers and community leaders.
“The goal is to bring in real estate and economic experts who can give us a peek into what’s been going on
in the market and what their predictions are for the future,” Berk said. “These are folks who study this all the time and have an eye on the different indications and indexes.”
Still, there are limits to economic forecasting.
“It’s a prediction. It’s an outlook, but we all know other events can happen along the way that can impact it in one way or another,” Berk added. “That’s the economy in itself.”
While the event is typically attended by REALTORS®, Berk said the association intentionally invites business leaders, developers and elected officials to encourage broader dialogue.
“It’s so helpful if we can all kind of be together for this kind of event,” he said. “When we have conversations throughout the year, it helps that we have this common connection.”
In addition to the formal presentations, the luncheon offers time for informal networking across real estate, economic development and local leadership. The luncheon will take place from 11:45 a.m. to 1:45 p.m., with doors opening at 11:30 a.m., at the Crown Complex. Lunch will be provided, and registration
is free through the Longleaf Pine REALTORS® Association website. Advance registration is encouraged.
Aside from the annual luncheon, the Longleaf Pine REALTORS® Association provides market statistics and resources to its members throughout the year, encouraging them to use the data to set realistic expectations with clients.
“The more information we can deliver to our members, the better prepared and informed they are when they’re working with their clients and consumers,” Berk said. “So they can give them that picture of what’s going on with the market and what they can expect as they list their house for sale or start a search for a new home.”
To learn more about Longleaf Pine REALTORS®, visit www.longleafpinerealtors.com.
PHOTO (LEFT) PROVIDED BY GFBJ GRAPHIC PROVIDED BY LONGLEAF PINE REALTORS®
Left: At the 2025 State of the Real Estate Market Luncheon, attendees listen to a presentation by Patrick Bowen of Bowen Research, who presented key findings from the Carolina Core Housing Needs Assessment. Right: The keynote speaker for the 2026 luncheon is Christopher Chung, CEO of the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina.
Grants, grit and community
ROSEBORO CUTS RIBBON ON REVITALIZED GC THOMAS BUILDING
The Town of Roseboro celebrated the completed renovation of the GC Thomas Building with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Feb. 5.
The town purchased 109-C Roseboro St. in downtown Roseboro in 2022 with plans for renovating it and outfitting the space to accommodate new tenants. This two-story, brick commercial structure was built by local merchant GC Thomas after a fire in December of 1921, which destroyed much of Roseboro Street. Originally a dry goods store, then a funeral home, then a furniture store, the space had been vacant for decades when the Town took over ownership.
Standing inside the newly renovated space, Mayor Alice Butler opened the event by emphasizing that, while the building is beautiful, it is the community that truly makes it special.
“I often tell people that in government, things take time, perseverance and partnerships,” shared Mayor Butler. “When I talk about relationships and partnerships, this project is exactly what I mean. Renovating this building took teamwork at every single level.”
The revitalization of the GC Thomas Building was made possible through an $825,000 Rural Transformation Grant and a $212,000 Rural Economic Development Grant.
“As a Small Town Main Street community, we have access to many valuable resources. One of those is our eligibility to apply for the Rural Transformation Grant,” shared Mayor Butler.
The purpose of the Rural Transformation Grant is to provide local governments with funds and expert guidance to improve economic vitality and overcome the unique challenges many rural communities face.
Representatives from the NC Department of Commerce also spoke at the event, reflecting on their early visits to the building when it was still in poor condition and required visitors to carefully navigate damaged floors.
“We are absolutely thrilled to invest in Roseboro, to be a partner with Roseboro, to make a difference in Roseboro and Sampson County. This project, I think, is just
the beginning for this community, and we’re really looking forward to seeing new opportunities [here], as well as seeing new opportunities for us to invest,” shared Director of the NC Main Street & Rural Planning Center Elizabeth Parham.
The building is approximately 3600 square feet in size and offers two studio apartments as well as retail space. The smaller apartment is $800 per month, with the larger apartment being $900 per month.
The retail space is also $900 per month.
Roseboro’s downtown has also been designated a historic downtown. This designation allows the property owners to receive tax credits when they renovate, as long as they preserve the historic character.
The work in revitalizing downtown has only begun. Small Town Main Street Director Tyler Wise shared that now the Town is focused on securing a grant to allow them
completed renovation of
Thomas Building with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Feb. 5. The project was made possible through a Rural Downtown Economic Development Grant, a Rural Transformation Grant and support from the Town of Roseboro.
Left: The second floor of the renovated building features two new studio apartments. The smaller apartment is $800 per month, and the larger apartment (pictured) is $900 per month.
to purchase the building next door and begin renovating it. The plan is to replicate the layout of the GC Thomas Building, with retail space on the bottom and apartments on the upper level.
The ribbon-cutting for the GC Thomas Building symbolized not just the opening of a renovated structure, but the continuation of Roseboro’s broader downtown renaissance, a story of collaboration, persistence and community pride.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY GFBJ
Above: The Town of Roseboro celebrated the
the GC
ARTSXL IS A TOURISM STRATEGY, NOT JUST A BUILDING
Downtowns grow when they give people a reason to visit—and a reason to stay longer once they arrive. The Arts Council’s grand opening of the ArtsXL Arts Accelerator (214 Burgess Street, Downtown Fayetteville) is designed to do exactly that: increase visitation, strengthen the visitor economy, and convert cultural participation into measurable spending at local businesses.
Arts and culture do not operate on the margins of an economy. They operate at the center of a place’s brand, its foot traffic and its competitiveness. The best available evidence is clear: when people show up for arts experiences, they also buy dinner, pay for parking, shop locally and—critically—book rooms.
THE LOCAL PROOF: CUMBERLAND COUNTY’S ARTS ECONOMY IS ALREADY “BIG BUSINESS”
The Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 (AEP6) study, conducted by Americans for the Arts, quantified the economic and social impact of nonprofit arts and culture in communities across the country. In Cumberland County (FY2022), AEP6 found $72.16 million in total industry expenditures—driven by $44.33 million in spending by arts and culture organizations and $27.83 million in event-related spending by audiences.
That economic activity supported 1,111 jobs and generated $44.09 million in personal income paid to residents. It also generated meaningful public revenue—nearly $983K in local (city/county) taxes, $1.62M in state taxes, and $6.87M in federal taxes
Those numbers are not abstract. They represent restaurant shifts filled on performance nights, retail receipts tied to festival weekends and local wages supported by cultural commerce.
VISITATION IS THE MULTIPLIER—AND ARTSXL IS BUILT TO SCALE IT
AEP6 also captured attendance and visitor composition. In Cumberland County, nonprofit arts and culture events drew an estimated 899,618 in-person attendees in FY2022. Importantly, 22.3% of that attendance was nonlocal—approximately 200,615 visits from outside
the county.
Why does that matter? Because nonlocal attendance is where tourism and economic development converge.
AEP6 found that in Cumberland County, nonlocal attendees spend more per person, per event than locals ($41.37 vs. $27.30), excluding admission. That additional spend flows directly into hospitality and service sectors—food and drink, transportation and retail shopping, plus lodging when visitors stay overnight.
ArtsXL is being developed to increase the volume and frequency of “reasons to visit”—the kind that can be marketed, packaged and programmed across seasons. More cultural programming means more opportunities to convert a casual downtown trip into a fuller visitor itinerary: an exhibit, a class, a performance, dinner and a return visit.
NORTH CAROLINA’S STATEWIDE DATA UNDERSCORES THE TOURISM UPSIDE
At the state level, AEP6 shows the same dynamic—at even larger scale. In FY2022, North Carolina’s nonprofit arts and culture sector generated $2.229 billion in direct economic activity and supported 37,977 jobs statewide
The visitor spending story is even more pronounced: the average event-related spend in North Carolina was $39.10 per person per event, but nonlocals spent $96.45 on average—more than double local spending. This is exactly why cultural assets are increasingly viewed as destination infrastructure: they generate trips that look like tourism, behave like tourism and spend like tourism.
NATIONAL CONTEXT: ARTS AND CULTURE ARE A MAJOR U.S. ECONOMIC SECTOR
Nationally, AEP6 found that the nonprofit arts and culture sector generated $151.7 billion in economic activity in 2022—$73.3B in organizational spending plus $78.4B in audience event-related spending. That activity supported 2.6 million jobs, produced $101B in personal income and generated $29.1B in tax revenues. (aep6.americansforthearts. org)
In other words: the arts are not simply a “quality of life” amenity.
They are an industry—one that competes, produces, employs and returns revenue to governments at every level.
WHAT THE GRAND OPENING REPRESENTS FOR DOWNTOWN FAYETTEVILLE
The grand opening of ArtsXL is a public milestone, but the economic value is longer-term:
• More trips downtown: recurring cultural programming creates repeat visitation, not one-off attendance.
• Longer dwell time: arts experiences increase the likelihood that visitors add dining and shopping to the same trip.
• Stronger destination identity: a visible, active arts hub helps Fayetteville compete for weekend travel, group itineraries and regional event traffic.
• A clearer pathway from creativity to commerce: an accelerator model is designed to support creative entrepreneurs—helping more artists and makers translate talent into sustainable economic activity.
AEP6 demonstrates that audiences already generate millions in event-related spending locally. ArtsXL is about increasing the throughput of those economic interactions—more events, more participation, more visitors and more consistent year-round activity that downtown businesses can plan around.
A SHARED INVITATION TO THE VISITOR ECONOMY
ArtsXL will succeed fastest when it is treated as what it truly is: a community asset with measurable economic returns. For downtown merchants, hoteliers, restaurateurs and tourism partners, the Grand Opening is an opportunity to align calendars, cross-promote experiences and build packages that turn arts participation into overnight stays and multi-stop itineraries. The data tells us what works. Now we have the chance to scale it—at 214 Burgess Street, in the heart of downtown Fayetteville.
Chief of Staff, Arts Council of Fayetteville/ Cumberland County
Kennon Jackson, Jr. has over 25 years of experience working in outcome-focused program management and evaluation. Jackson has served personally and professionally with nonprofit organizations like the Arts Council of Fayetteville/ Cumberland County for many years. These experiences have allowed him to provide training and technical assistance in grants management, program evaluation, strategic planning and project management. Jackson also has substantial work experience with federal entities as well – serving as a project coordinator and an evaluation officer for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration [SAMHSA] and the United States Department of State. Jackson earned his B.S. in Biology from Davidson College and an M.A. in Public Policy from the Duke University Graduate School.
KENNON JACKSON
Mutts with a mission
SPECIALIZED K9 PROGRAM SUPPORTS LOCAL VETERANS
An organization helping Veterans live a full life after their service in the U.S. Military wants to connect Veterans and dogs through intensive training and group therapy.
The Mission First K9 Program, administered by Off-Road Outreach, is a specialized program that pairs rescued dogs with Veterans facing post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injuries and military sexual trauma, by providing free service-dog training, support and rehabilitation.
“We give Veterans purpose,” said Kristen Botts, the co-founder and program director of Mission First K9. “We give dogs a second chance, and communities a path to healing. We focus on rescue dogs, giving them a safe path to a meaningful home.”
Kristen co-founded the program with her husband, Nathan Botts, who is a Veteran himself.
The first round of the program to be held locally will start in early March. Another opportunity will come around in August, Kristen said.
“Each one is eight weeks long. Each week we meet on a Tuesday, they [the meetings] are two and a half hours long,” Kristen said. “That is one and a half hours of intensive canine and handler training, followed by dinner and then followed by an hour of group therapy.”
Each week, the training will intensify, aiming to bring Veterans out of their comfort zone and using the lessons learned in previous sessions.
“At the end of the eight weeks, they then have a graduation where they graduate with their canine good citizenship certification, and we celebrate the heck out of them with a big party and their certification process,” Kristen said. “And it’s a lot of fun.”
In the past two years, 52 Veterans and canines have graduated from the program.
Kristen and Nathan Botts created the program around five years ago under a different name in Spokane, Washington. Their program motto is “15 seconds of courage,” a mantra meant to signify that there is bravery in taking a first step toward finding solutions for yourself.
“Basically, we want them to take
that first step, that first 15 seconds of being able to step forward, making the first step,” Kristen Botts said. “Because the next step becomes easier as you go.”
Kristen Botts has 20 years of animal rescue experience and five years of professional K9 handling and assistant-instructor work. Her handler training includes therapy dogs, service dogs and tactical K9s specializing in detection and trailing.
Her previous program in Spokane helped teams of Veterans and their dogs develop the skills needed for service dog work.
The program is a part of the programs offered by Off-Road Outreach, an organization that wants to help Veterans with the challenges they face when they exit their life of service. Some of that work comes via community engagement, helping create support networks for Veterans and their families. The organization also provides programs to prevent and address homelessness and mental health issues.
Those types of programs are made possible in part by Veterans with lived experience and a willingness to help.
For Nathan Botts, his bond with his dog Angel “saved his life.”
“Being a Veteran myself, this is more dear than anything to me because it was also a dog that I would say saved my life,” Nathan said.
He had just retired from the U.S. Army and landed a security job that included work canine units. Nathan’s work with the units and his bond with Angel helped him find a new career path.
“And as we started going, I just continued training. And next thing I know, I’m going through a certification program to become a master canine trainer in Las Vegas,” he said. “Now I have gone through multiple certification courses with dogs, and I have a bachelor’s degree in animal behavior and animal science. I am working on my master’s in that too.”
Dogs, Nathan shared, can help give Veterans purpose. Dogs help Veterans go outside and participate in joint activities.
“When you’re feeling upset, especially with PTSD, they’ll start nudging you,” Nathan said. “They’ll start drawing you out of that dark hole that you’re in at that time. Angel helped me out.”
At that time, Nathan Botts felt his demons were trying to keep him in that dark slump. Every time he felt pulled down, Angel was there for him.
“She brought me out. She made me want to walk,” he noted. “She made me want to do things. I had surgery on my lower back, and within a month, she had me walking around Liberty Lake up in Alaska.”
To participate in the program, reach out to Kristen and Nathan.
“Let us know that you’re interested. We will contact you and conduct an interview, and we will send you an application for you to fill out. If we feel like the program will be a good fit for you, then we will move forward with finding you a proper dog for the program. Unless you already have one that we have checked out and we have assessed to make sure that they are the proper dog for what your needs are.”
To sign up for the program, interested Veterans can contact Kristen and Nathan at missionfirstk9@yahoo.com.
PHOTOS PROVIDED BY KRISTEN BOTTS
Left: Kristen Botts co-founded the program with her husband, Nathan Botts, who is a Veteran himself. Right: The Mission First K9 Program pairs rescued dogs with Veterans facing PTSD, TBI and MST, providing free K9 training, support and rehabilitation.
MCEDP awarded $75,000 to attract biobased industry investment
The Moore County Economic Development Partnership has been awarded a $75,000 Rural Business Development Grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development to obtain a Biofuel Development Opportunity Zone Rating – the first of its kind in North Carolina.
The rating will provide third-party validation of Moore County’s capacity to support biobased businesses, helping attract high-quality jobs and capital investment to the area.
The BDO Zone Rating is part of the BDO Zone Initiative (www.bdozone.org), a certification and risk rating program that evaluates geographic areas based on their potential to support biobased development. The rating provides biobased companies and investors with a credible, independent assessment of an area’s biomass supply chain and infrastructure capabilities using national standards.
To obtain the rating, MCEDP has contracted with Ecostrat, a leading biomass development and supply chain assessment firm that developed and implemented the rating system. Ecostrat has completed more than 45 BDO Zone Ratings across the United States and Canada.
“The BDO Rating will serve as a powerful economic development engine for biobased project development in Moore County and the surrounding region,” said MCEDP President Natalie Hawkins in a press release. “We look forward to leveraging Ecostrat’s expertise to strategically position Moore County for successful recruitment of projects that can support our existing agricultural industry in northern Moore County. We are grateful to USDA Rural Development for the RBDG funding that provides this important economic development opportunity for our region.”
“Biomass” encompasses a wide variety of renewable organic materials from plants and animals, including wood, crops and waste products. Moore County possesses significant woody biomass resources, particularly in the northern part of the county, along with infrastructure advantages that position it well for biomanufacturing investment.
“Biomass and biobased development is a growing industry sector and represents a new recruitment focus for Moore County,” said MCEDP’s Business Development Director Darryn Burich in a press release. “Given the substantial woody biomass assets concentrated particularly in northern Moore County, we anticipate receiving a favorable rating of at least ‘BBB’ or higher.”
The 12-month project will focus on a 25-mile radius – the BDO Zone – from the Town of Robbins, designated as the central point for future
biomass projects. Within the BDO Zone, Ecostrat will evaluate up to 21 infrastructure risk indicators (utilities, transportation, labor, etc.).
Ecostrat’s comprehensive assessment will also evaluate up to 54 biomass feedstock supply and supply chain risk indicators in the Supply Zone, a 75-mile drive distance from Robbins, and up to nine existing user risk and competition market indicators in the Competition Zone, a 150mile drive distance from Robbins.
Ecostrat’s deliverables will include the BDO rating that is valid for two years and a Risk Assessment Report prepared in accordance with national Biomass Supply Chain Risk Standards. The company will also collaborate with MCEDP on a strategic marketing campaign to promote Moore County globally to attract bioeconomy investment to the area.
BIZ LEADS
Reader’s Guide
BizLeads is a collection of information gathered from greater Fayetteville courthouses, state government offices and information websites. The listings are intended to help the business community find new customers and stay on top of happenings with current customers, vendors and competitors.
New Corporations lists firms from the Greater Fayetteville Business Journal region that were recently incorporated in the State of North Carolina.
Addresses are publicly available.
CUMBERLAND COUNTY
Mindflow Therapeutic Services
P.L.L.C.
5213 Ballentine St
Hope Mills Agent: Sarah Ashley Barefoot
KP FAB AND REPAIR LLC
6192 Lakeway Dr
Fayetteville Agent: Kodi lee Pauley
Blackstar Equity Group LLC
4317 Ramsey St
Fayetteville Agent: Davis W. Puryear
Time Saver Food Mart Inc.
5555 Murchison Rd
Fayetteville Agent: Ahmed A Adlali
EarthlyTouch Of North Carolina LLC
1400 Shaw Rd
Fayetteville Agent: Derrick LaMar HIll
HOMEFRONT
HOME & PET WATCH SERVICES INC.
6144 Lakeway Dr
Fayetteville Agent: BENJAMIN KAYLOR
Fayetteville Agent: Juan Patino
Erica’s Hair Braiding LLC
456 Letterfearn Dr
Fayetteville Agent: Erica Nicole Rice
Low Line Transport LLC
504 Kelton Cir
WZRD Armory LLC
126 Bladen Cir
Fayetteville Agent: Roberto Blue Uriarte
A Plus Setups Solutions Inc.
525 Glenola St
Fayetteville Agent: James Ader
beat by lexxi llc
5945 Cliffdale Rd Ste 1105
Fayetteville Agent: alexis desiree jones
Floyd Freight Dispatch LLC
1941 Wendover Dr
Fayetteville Agent: Maurice Lemont Floyd
Base Goals Studio LLC 5075 Morganton Rd Ste 10C
Fayetteville Agent: Jakayla Hawkins
Freedom Properties LLC
3005 Marcus James Dr
Fayetteville Agent: Kassandra Rose Vossler
Juan Patino
Performance Auto Service LLC 1839 Strickland Bridge Rd
Corporation LLC
Zoe Legacy Holdings LLC
4871 Quiet Pine Rd
Fayetteville Agent: FNU Aji Nchia Nooh Sangha
FORTENB LLC
Fayetteville Agent: Dayquon Kashawn White
Unity Wellness LLC
1206 Hope Mills Rd
Fayetteville Agent: Robyn Mirassou
YHGDS LLC 341 Sawtooth Dr Apt 6
Fayetteville Agent: KHADIJAH JEFFERSON
GLEFSTER LLC 3510 Maccumber Ct
Fayetteville Agent: BRYCE TAYLOR
ANSORGA LLC
6728 Willowbrook Dr Apt 5
Fayetteville Agent: EMMA MEYER
Christ Truking llc Cumberland County 4646 Kirk Shaw Rd Hope Mills Agent: Carl Dean Phillips II
Velour living llc 2134 Clinchfield Dr Fayetteville Agent: Abundant Living Consulting
Agent: Rhonda Alston
F.L.I Vision LLC
3258 Notting Hill Rd
Fayetteville Agent: Keith Demetrius Jones
PCED Collegiate Officiating LLC 4317 Ramsey St
Fayetteville Agent: Davis W. Puryear
BAHGORA LLC 932 Hidden Creek Dr Apt 206
861 Crescent Commons Way Apt 306
Fayetteville Agent: TALISHA MOLOCK
Blinked Out Beauty LLC
2366 Cumberland Gap Dr Apt 103
Fayetteville Agent: Matay Hinton
Grace Behavioral Health and Wellness PLLC
878 Foxcroft Dr
Fayetteville Agent: Maria Leigh Codispoti
Top Tier Entertainment llc
626 Mont Dr Apt A Spring Lake Agent: Dwight Leander Solomon
Hart Consulting LLC 5842 McDougal Dr
Fayetteville Agent: Luke Hart
Mack Legacy Solutions LLC
6213 Tudor Pl Linden Agent: Michael McDougald
Set Apart Sound LLC
6007 McDougal Dr Fayetteville
Operation Touch Wellness Foundation Inc.
308 Hay St Ste C
Fayetteville Agent: Tonya Nicole Ford
Haus Realty Group LLC
915 Dandridge Dr
Fayetteville
Agent: Luis Aguirre
FKLYCT LLC
8020 Twisted Oaks Dr
Fayetteville
Agent: CRYSTAL LEAK
Taco Mexicano LLC
7553 McNatt St
Fayetteville
Agent: Jose antonio Reyes Ventura Sr.
Always Experiencing Victory Incorporated 2300 Lull Water Drive
