Greater Fayetteville Business Journal - January 30, 2026 issue
Fort Bragg celebrates opening of new Joint Innovation Outpost Page 12
bizfayetteville.com
arnett County is a hotspot of commercial and industrial development along North Carolina’s I-95 corridor, positioning the region to capture business and professional services, light manufacturing and other economic activity flowing south from the Triangle and east from the Triad. At the center of the industrial effort is the Harnett 95 Industrial Center, the county’s first Class A industrial park. At full buildout, the site will accommodate roughly 800,000 square feet of industrial space across multiple buildings. The first speculative building –
PHOTO PROVIDED BY HARNETT COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
NOVEMBER UNEMPLOYMENT
Source: N.C. Department of Commerce
Cumberland Hoke Harnett Sampson Robeson Bladen Moore
2504 Raeford Rd, Fayetteville, NC 28303
910-240-9697
bizfayetteville.com
FOUNDER/OWNER
Marty Cayton martyc@bizfayetteville.com
PUBLISHER
Faith Hatton faithh@bizfayetteville.com
EDITOR
Stephanie Meador stephaniem@bizfayetteville.com
DIRECTOR OF AUDIENCE & EVENTS
Ellie Rhoades events@bizfayetteville.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Stacie Borrello
Kate Griffin
Emily Ruth Perry Eddie Velazquez
CONTRIBUTING DESIGNER
Samantha Lowe samanthal@bizfayetteville.com
ACCOUNTING billing@bizfayetteville
SALES & MARKETING marketing@bizfayetteville.com
The Greater Fayetteville Business Journal is published twice a month throughout Fayetteville and the Cumberland County region. News related to the region’s business sector is posted daily at bizfayetteville.com.
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It has been a very busy first month of the new year for the Greater Fayetteville Business Journal team and me. As many of you may know, I am the new publisher of the Greater Fayetteville Business Journal, and it is my pleasure to wish you all a happy new year!
Thank you for the positive community feedback I’ve received so far. My announcement post on LinkedIn is still receiving likes and encouraging comments, and I’m truly grateful for the support.
We have a small but mighty team here at GFBJ, and our new editor, Stephanie Meador, is doing an amazing job staying connected to the community and continuing to grow our network. While my responsibilities have shifted, I will still be out attending events and writing limited
I’m proud to have helped foster its growth and audience in our community. In this new role, I have several goals to increase the visibility and brand awareness of the Greater Fayetteville Business Journal. One key focus is putting a magnifying glass on our send list. I’m working with our new staff member, Ellie Rhoades, director of audience, to trim it to ensure our publication is visible and accessible to businesses and business owners across our seven-county coverage area.
Starting this year, we are launching our Community Connections initiative, which will place -limitedprint copies of the Journal and our annual Book on Business in key small business and economic development hubs throughout our region.
We are also working to launch a digital subscription option so
without having to contact our office. Along with creating new partnerships and maintaining current sponsorship support, I’m also focused on lifting up our community in a more visible way through the continuation of our weekly Business Beats segment — a video series launched in September 2025 to showcase positive business news across our region. Not everyone has time to read a full article, but you might have time to watch a two-minute recap highlighting the biggest stories in local business. 2026 is going to be a great year, and with this team, you’ll be seeing a lot more of us.
Happy reading,
By Stephanie Meador
Fayetteville’s evolving job market
OPPORTUNITIES, TRENDS AND COMMUNITY INVESTMENTS
While the weather outside is cold, the local job market is hot. Fayetteville employers continue to bring on additional talent across a variety of industries.
Quality employment opportunities are available at companies across Fayetteville and Cumberland County. Companies like Booz Allen Hamilton and Eaton Corporation have over 15 positions they are hiring for.
To help job hunters find local jobs fast, Fayetteville Cumberland Economic Development Corporation (FCEDC) updates their “Job Opportunities” section every month, and you can see some of those positions listed at www.fcedc.com/january-2026. Whether you’re looking for entry-level positions or advanced professional roles, FCEDC gathers job listings from their existing industry partners in sectors like manufacturing, distribution, logistics and defense.
“I think it’s a really neat time, from cybersecurity to customer service work to distribution to manufacturing. For people looking for employment, there are a number of opportunities out there for them. Cape Fear Valley Hospital continues to hire on the healthcare side. So they’ve got a lot of opportunities for people out there. And I think through partnerships with the colleges and the universities, there are a lot of good training opportunities for people who don’t yet have the skills they need for [their desired] career path,” shared President and CEO of FCEDC Robert Van Geons. Industries at the forefront of local job growth in Fayetteville and Cumberland County include technology, healthcare, customer service, manufacturing, construction and related trades, distribution and e-commerce. These sectors are expected to remain
strong leaders for job growth in the area.
Proximity to Fort Bragg has a unique impact on the local labor force, with 7,000 highly skilled personnel transitioning into the workforce each year.
As of November 2025, the unemployment rate for Cumberland
County is 5.1%. Organizations like NCWorks Career Center and Fayetteville Technical Community College’s Career Development Center aim to assist locals in finding employment. Cumberland County is home to many talented individuals, but oftentimes, they may struggle to find the right opportunity.
“One thing that we’re continuing to talk about [in] our community is we have a lot of great career paths, and sometimes we’re recruiting people to fill those jobs, to come into the community, and we want to do everything we can to help our folks here, whether it’s our high school students coming out, our community college students or those already in the workforce, to gain additional skills and certifications so that they can continue to grow their careers here [and fill local jobs] with local talent,” added Van Geons.
As 2026 kicks off, FCEDC remains committed to fostering success for existing and new businesses, and part of that success includes connecting them with the right employees.
…we want to do everything we can to help our folks here, whether it’s our high school students coming out, our community college students or those already in the workforce, to gain additional skills and certifications so that they can continue to grow their careers here [and fill local jobs] with local talent.”
— Robert Van Geons, Presdient/CEO, FCEDC
PHOTO PROVIDED BY FCEDC
Quality employment opportunities are available at companies across Fayetteville and Cumberland County.
>> By Stacie Borrello
From MOMENTUM, page 1
approximately 175,000 square feet – is under construction, with delivery expected in 2026.
The county’s broader I-95 strategy includes MidPort 95, a privately led industrial development planned for more than one million square feet of warehouse and distribution space, plus activity at Central Carolina Industrial Park and other sites with highway access. Combined, these projects represent several million square feet of industrial space in various stages of planning and development, fueled by public-private partnerships and private investment.
But the development pipeline extends well beyond big-box growth.
Stephen R. Barrington, director of Harnett County Economic Development, said the focus for economic growth is filling product gaps across commercial and industrial sectors – rather than only catering to mega-projects.
“We have multiple markets within Harnett County that will be successful with different product types,” Barrington said. “Geography matters here.”
Harnett County has historically experienced a shortage of smaller, flexible industrial buildings –particularly in the 10,000- to 50,000-square-foot range – that appeal to regional manufacturers, suppliers and service firms, according to Barrington.
“
Our goal is to create diverse jobs so people can live and work here.”
— Stephen R. Barrington, Director, Harnett County Economic Development
COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE
Harnett 95 Industrial Center’s multiple site plans provide flexibility to users ranging from +/-27,000 SF up to +/-621,000 SF.
is a privately led industrial development planned for more than one million square feet of warehouse and distribution space.
early development, which affects deal velocity.
However, growth has been steady over time. Two years ago, Harnett had virtually no market-ready industrial sites. Recent progress is notable in a competitive economic development landscape where site availability determines project outcomes.
“Economic development is a process – it’s a marathon without a finish line,” Barrington stated. “Our goal is to create diverse jobs so people can live and work here.”
The county also needs retail and professional office space to support population growth and business services expansion. New development aims to broaden that mix while accommodating larger users seeking immediate I-95 access.
Site readiness is critical. While some sites are fully entitled and infrastructure-ready, others are moving through due diligence and
The implications for economic impact extend beyond increased commercial and industrial square footage. The buildout of market-ready space along the corridor will generate hundreds of jobs across sectors, attract substantial private capital and expand the county’s long-term tax base – outcomes that support municipal services and future infrastructure investment, Barrington shared.
The growth could help the county address the residential vs. employment deficit. More than 40,000 residents work outside of Harnett County, while only 19,000 commute in. That 21,000-person gap translates to lost tax revenue, limited retail spending and heavier reliance
on residential property taxes to fund county services. Building a more diverse employment base – spanning manufacturing, professional services and retail – addresses that imbalance.
Manufacturing growth is a strategic priority for Harnett County, which sits at roughly 75% of the national average for manufacturing employment – a gap officials are working to close through targeted recruitment in defense, life sciences, plastics and fabricated metals, particularly given proximity to Fort Bragg and Research Triangle supply chains.
The county also lags in professional and business services, running below 50% of the national average. To address that, Barrington said developers in the county are preparing sites for flex office space in the 1,500- to 5,000-square-foot range, targeting finance, insurance, legal and creative firms, which represent higherwage employment without requiring industrial infrastructure.
On the site development front, Harnett County has moved aggressively. The county now has nearly 1,000 acres of market-ready sites across five locations, with another five sites totaling 486 acres in due diligence and expected online this year. An additional 1,750 acres are identified for future preparation.
On average, the county receives 130 to 140 project inquiries annually from the state, competing against counties that have spent decades building site inventories. Without market-ready sites, projects simply
move to the next county on the list.
“The more diverse real estate product we bring to market, the more we can respond to project inquiries,” Barrington said. “We’re no longer stretching one site to fit every opportunity.”
Investing in Harnett County offers several competitive advantages. The county operates the state’s largest county-owned public water system, addressing a constraint that has stalled projects elsewhere. Site readiness is also accelerating, while the combination of largescale logistics along I-95, smaller industrial facilities, professional office space and retail development across municipalities provide increased flexibility.
Barrington said this timeline works in Harnett’s favor – infrastructure investments made now will pay off as supply chain pressures and land constraints push development to second-tier markets.
For Harnett County, the message to prospects is straightforward: the land, access and building inventory are now in place along this stretch of I-95. How much this development spurs economic growth depends on how quickly the properties are absorbed.
“We’re in the early stages,” Barrington said. “But as we prepare more property and tell our story, we see this momentum continuing for decades to come.”
PHOTOS PROVIDED BY HARNETT COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Left:
Right: MidPort 95
ACHIEVERS
Richard Evans joins Ben Stout Construction as VP of sales and marketing
RICHARD “RICKY” EVANS has been appointed the vice president of sales and marketing for Ben Stout Construction. In this role, Evans focuses on sales strategy, brand development and growing the company’s residential new home communities across Eastern North Carolina. He works closely with the office team, listing teams and buyer agents to identify opportunities, build strong relationships and create a great experience for homebuyers.
“Joining Ben Stout Construction has been an exciting opportunity. The company has quickly become one of the top local builders, and it’s truly an honor to be part of that growth. I look forward to supporting the team and contributing to lasting success,” shared Evans. Evans shared that community involvement and networking have always been a big part of his professional journey. He was recognized as one of Fayetteville’s 40 Under 40. He also served as the immediate past chair of the ambassadors committee for the Greater Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce, where he helped welcome new businesses, strengthen connections and support economic growth across the region. Currently, Evans serves as a board member for Riverside Christian Academy and a member of the Methodist University Founders Council. He’s also a recent graduate of the Longleaf Pines Realtors Leadership Academy, which fueled his interest in leadership development and collaboration within the industry. This year, he’ll be serving on three committees for the Longleaf Pines Association of Realtors as he continues working to support both the profession and the community it serves.
As a native of Fayetteville, Evans is passionate about helping make Fayetteville better and working to
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.”
shift outdated perceptions of the city. Having seen the growth and potential here firsthand, he is committed to being part of its continued progress.
Broncos from Broadwell College of Business and Economics ranked
in the top 1% of teams in the
2025 Bloomberg Global Trading Challenge
As the new year begins, students from the Broadwell College of Business and Economics at Fayetteville State University are setting a strong standard, ranking in the top 1% of teams nationally and globally in the 2025 Bloomberg Global Trading Challenge, one of the world’s most competitive university investment simulations.
Eight teams, comprising 28 BCBE students, competed against 2,695 teams worldwide, including 623 from U.S. colleges and universities. Over five weeks, participants managed $1 million in virtual capital using the Bloomberg Terminal, developing strategies to outperform international benchmarks such as the Bloomberg World Large, Mid & Small Cap Price Return Index (WLX index).
Treasury Titans, the college’s top team led by MBA candidate and Economics and Finance Club president SHALINI HARIDASYAM , finished third in the United States and 16th worldwide. The team placed in the top 1% and earned over $130,000 in profit.
Two other teams also excelled: Desert Blooms, led by business administration student and EFC member TRINITY COVINGTON , and Talomon, led by MBA candidate and EFC board member RAMON CRISTIAN ROCHA-SILVA . Both teams ranked in the global top 100, at 43rd and 75th, respectively.
L to R: Treasury Titans captain Shalini Haridasyam stands at the front with Mónica García-Pérez, Ph.D., distinguished professor of economics, and Talomon team captain Ramon Cristian Rocha-Silva, who led two of the Broadwell College of Business and Economics’ top-performing teams in the 2025 Bloomberg Global Trading Challenge.
The remaining five teams ranked in the top 75 nationally, demonstrating the program’s depth and consistent excellence.
Beyond the rankings, these accomplishments reflect the college’s commitment to preparing students for professional financial environments that demand analytical precision and responsiveness to real-time market conditions. By using the same technology platforms as global banks, investment firms and financial institutions, students gained experience aligned with industry standards, bridging classroom learning and real-world application.
The teams’ impressive results were made possible by the mentorship of Shakir Ullah, Ph.D., associate professor of finance, and Mónica García-Pérez, Ph.D., distinguished professor of economics, whose guidance was instrumental in navigating the competition’s complexities.
Ulysses Taylor, dean of the Broadwell College of Business and Economics, expressed his appreciation for their “exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to student success,”
describing their guidance as truly exemplary.
See ACHIEVERS, page 9 bizfayetteville.com
Collectively, these results demonstrate the college’s role in producing graduates with analytical skills prepared to compete and contribute to the global financial and economic sectors.
Healthkeeperz welcomes Nahaven Jacobs, BSN, RN, CHPN, as clinical manager of Hospice Care
Healthkeeperz is proud to welcome NAHAVEN JACOBS, BSN, RN, CHPN as the new clinical manager of the Hospice Care Program. Jacobs assumed the role Jan. 5, a return that represents both professional growth and a meaningful full-circle moment.
Jacobs’ journey with Healthkeeperz began years ago in the pharmacy, where she worked from November 1996 through May 1997. Those early experiences guided by the kindness of Mr. Howard Brooks, the strong yet nurturing leadership of Mrs. Brenda Brooks and the steady encouragement of Dr. John Brooks left a lasting impression. Jacobs often recalls being reminded, “You can always do better,” a message that helped shape her career and calling.
Today, Jacobs returns with a wealth of clinical experience, including work in critical care, cardiac specialty nursing, post-anesthesia recovery and more than nine years in hospice care. She earned her Certification in Hospice and Palliative Care in September 2024.
“Nahaven brings an incredible depth of clinical experience, compassion and leadership to our hospice program. Her heart for patients and families, combined with her knowledge of hospice operations, will strengthen our team and the care we provide across our communities,” shared Director of Hospice Care Kellie Britt in a press release. FTCC CIO joins CompTIA Certification Governance Committee
Fayetteville Technical Community College Associate Vice President for Information Technology
PHOTO PROVIDED BY BEN STOUT CONSTRUCTION
L to R: Ben Stout Construction COO Cody Sharpless, VP of Sales and Marketing Ricky Evans and CEO Ben Stout
PHOTO PROVIDED BY MÓNICA GARCÍA-PÉREZ
Jacobs
From ACHIEVERS, page 8
Services and Chief Information Officer TENETTE PREVATTE has been named to the CompTIA Certification Governance Committee.
CompTIA offers a range of industry certifications in a variety of disciplines in cybersecurity and information technology. The CompTIA Certification Governance Committee ensures CompTIA certifications remain fair, accurate and current by providing support and expertise in a timely fashion during the development of the CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Security+ and CompTIA SecurityX (formerly CASP+) certification exams.
The committee is a select group of 12 individuals who have displayed strong expertise in specific technology areas, demonstrated their ability to lead and work well in workshop-type settings and shown impartiality through their actions.
Prevatte is the first woman to be named to the committee. She has over 30 years of experience with network security and Linux. She
has been a Subject Matter Expert (SME) for CompTIA for 15 years, assisting with exam development for industry exams. She also serves on the CompTIA Infrastructure Certification Advisory Committee and the CompTIA SME Technical Advisory Committee.
“After working with CompTIA certifications for the past 15 years, I am very proud to be selected to the CompTIA Governance Committee as the first female member,” Prevatte said in a press release.
Prevatte joined FTCC in March 2005 as the college’s dean of Computer Information Technology Programs. She accepted the role of associate VP for Information Technology Services and CIO in January 2023.
Hoke Hospital earns Joint Commission Certificate of Distinction for Sepsis Care
Cape Fear Valley Hoke Hospital has earned The Joint Commission’s Certificate of Distinction for Sepsis Care, recognizing its commitment to high-quality, evidence-based care for patients with sepsis.
The distinction was awarded to Hoke Healthcare LLC, which operates Cape Fear Valley Hoke Hospital, following a comprehensive review of compliance with national standards, clinical guidelines and patient outcomes. The certification was issued Nov. 22, 2025, and is valid for up to two years.
The Joint Commission’s Certificate of Distinction for Sepsis Care recognizes health care organizations that demonstrate excellence in early identification, timely treatment and ongoing management of sepsis, a life-threatening condition that requires rapid, coordinated care.
“We are incredibly proud of our team for achieving this Joint Commission certification,” said Sheri Dahman, MSN, RN, chief nursing officer at Cape Fear Valley Hoke Hospital, in a press release. “This recognition reflects our commitment to providing exceptional, safe, high-quality care. Early recognition
ACHIEVERS
and prompt treatment of sepsis are critical and can be lifesaving.”
Dahman said the certification focuses on early identification, rapid intervention, a multidisciplinary team approach and ongoing education. As part of the process, the hospital implemented established protocols and rapid response systems designed to improve patient outcomes.
“These efforts are saving lives and ensuring the best possible outcomes for patients in our community,” Dahman added in a press release. “We are grateful to our health system and every member of our team for fostering an environment that prioritizes patient safety.”
The Joint Commission is an independent, not-for-profit organization that accredits and certifies health care organizations and programs in the United States.
Cape Fear Valley Hoke Hospital continues to advance patient safety initiatives through evidence-based practices, multidisciplinary collaboration and ongoing quality improvement efforts.
Prevatte
Bigg’s gets bigger
BIGG’S PARK MALL TO UNDERGO $18 MILLION REDEVELOPMENT; GROUNDBREAKING SCHEDULED FOR FEBRUARY
The Biggs Family, in control of K.M. Biggs, Inc., has brought some of the most popular retail brands to Lumberton, N.C. for around 60 years at Biggs Park Mall. A new $18 million investment by the longtime property owner is set to continue that tradition.
K.M. Biggs Inc. will host a groundbreaking ceremony on Feb. 16 for its newly renovated and overhauled mall.
The mall is set to welcome several highly sought-after national retailers in Robeson County, including TJ Maxx, Burlington and Five Below. Existing mall stores like Shoe Show, Tomlinson’s, and Bath and Body Works will be renovating their stores as part of the $18 million redevelopment. Belk and Maurice’s will also be completing renovations after recently renewing their leases.
The company is also negotiating leases for additional popular retailers, like Ulta and several restaurants that, K.M. Biggs officials say, have expressed strong interest in joining the center.
Officials say that the mall’s location, right off Interstate 95 and Highway 211 in midtown Lumberton, will position Biggs Park Mall as the premier shopping destination for Robeson County and its surrounding counties — Scotland, Hoke, Cumberland, Bladen and Columbus.
The mall’s proximity to Hardee’s, Bojangles and Sonic is also a strategic advantage.
“The family of K.M. Biggs would like to thank the community for its continued support of the retailers who provide services and jobs at Biggs Park Mall,” Vice President of Biggs Park, Inc. Chelsea Biggs said in a press release. “There were many partners who helped make this renovation possible, including the Lumberton City Council, the Robeson County Commissioners, their respective staffs and our utility provider, ElectriCities [of N.C.].”
Biggs said the company is keeping tabs on consumer trends, noting that open-air shopping centers and a focus on community gathering spaces have prompted the latest redevelopment for K.M. Biggs. The mall’s new look will feature a state-of-the-art hybrid design.
New retailers will be allowed to
PLAN PROVIDED BY
The Biggs Family, in control of K.M. Biggs, Inc., has brought some of the most popular retail brands to Lumberton for around 60 years at Biggs Park Mall. K.M. Biggs Inc. will host a groundbreaking ceremony on Feb. 16 for its newly renovated and overhauled mall.
occupy the former JCPenney space while preserving a smaller enclosed common area for seasonal community events — a tradition that will continue to welcome Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny and other community festivities for years to come.
“Our property has gone through several phases over time,” Biggs said. “This shift reflects where retail is heading today and how people prefer to shop — with convenience, accessibility and strong national brands combined with local relevance.”
Retailers coming into the new redevelopment will also have positive spillover effects on the community.
“Equally important, these new retailers are creating jobs and generating additional economic activity for the area,” Biggs said. “Our hope is that this redevelopment creates a positive ripple effect — encouraging people to shop locally, supporting employment and ultimately strengthening the community we’ve been proud to serve for generations.”
The Biggs family’s roots in Lumberton date back more than a century. Chelsea Biggs said the family has learned several lessons in the past 60 years of owning the Robeson County shopping center.
“Over the years, one of the biggest lessons our family has learned in the retail and mall industry is the importance of listening — both to the
marketplace and to the community we serve,” Biggs said. “Retail is constantly evolving, and success requires the willingness to adapt rather than resist change.”
K.M. Biggs began his mercantile business in downtown Lumberton in 1903 as a sole proprietor, laying the foundation for what would become one of the region’s most enduring family-owned enterprises.
The business was incorporated in 1934, with early operations focused on grocery, hardware and agricultural supply services.
In 1957, the family formed a new company, Biggs Park, Inc., to develop a 22-acre property near the city’s growing residential area known as Tanglewood.
Biggs Park was home to major retailers, including Woods Stores, Sherwin-Williams, Shoe Show, JCPenney, Sugars Men’s Store, Merrimac Music, Winn-Dixie, Eckerd’s, Johnson Drugs and Smith’s Cleaners, alongside the family-operated Biggs Stores divisions by 1962.
The property underwent a redevelopment in 1984 in response to evolving consumer trends, Biggs wrote in a press release. Biggs Park Mall then became the first and only enclosed mall in Robeson County, replacing a portion of the traditional strip center. The tenants at the time included Belk, Tomlinson, JCPenney,
Waldenbooks, Maurice’s, Foot Locker, Radio Shack, General Nutrition Center and Maurice’s.
After those redevelopments at the mall, and with its most recent one coming in February, the family reflected on its time serving the Lumberton area.
“It has meant everything to our family,” Biggs said. “We are incredibly grateful and truly blessed to have built a family business here and to have experienced that success alongside a community that has supported us for generations. We would not be where we are today without the loyalty of the people who have shopped with us, supported the retailers inside the mall and continued to believe in this property over the years.”
The new infusion of life into the project, Biggs noted, represents both a renewal and an opportunity.
“It allows us to reimagine the shopping experience in a way that reflects today’s retail environment while still honoring our roots in the community,” Biggs said. “With new retailers, updated spaces and renewed energy we are excited to create fresh opportunities — from job growth to increased local investment — and to continue providing a welcoming, high-quality shopping destination for Lumberton and the surrounding areas for many years to come.”
SITE
THE CITY OF LUMBERTON
Ensuring future economic competitive edge
CITY OF DUNN WATER TREATMENT PLANT EXPANSION IS PART OF LARGER REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT
The development of a new water treatment plant may not sound like the most glamorous project, but for Dunn and the surrounding communities, these plans point to an exciting future for the region.
“Industry is coming our direction, and we could have a customer who needs half a million gallons per day, a million gallons per day – we don’t know, but we have got to be prepared for that,” shared Mayor William Elmore.
The City of Dunn has recently completed the purchase of land adjacent to the Cape Fear River for $5 million for an upcoming expansion of their water treatment plant. This infrastructure update will not only allow the City of Dunn to provide water for an anticipated influx of residents, but also continue to provide water to the surrounding areas like Eastover, Falcon and Sampson and Johnston counties.
“The closing of this deal and expected fall completion of a new 500,000-gallon water tank on Arrowhead Road is the latest sign of the City’s commitment to ensure it and its regional partners are fully prepared for future growth and economic development along the I-95/I-40 corridor,” the City of Dunn said in a press release.
The City of Dunn is working with Benson and Four Oaks - known as the I95/I40 Alliance - to attract major industrial developers and new residents to the area. This region, branded “The Crossroads of America,” capitalizes on the fact that they fall at the intersection of these two major highways; I-95 running from Maine to Florida, and I-40 running from North Carolina to California. With easy access for transportation, fast-growing infrastructure and plans for workforce development, they’re preparing for growth related to major manufacturers like Vulcan Elements.
Vulcan Elements is a fast-rising company that produces rare earth magnets, which are essential in nearly all modern technology and are mainly produced overseas. Rare earth elements convert electricity into
Mayor Elmore saw the necessity for this land acquisition when he
came around to negotiations on the condition the sale was for all
Dunn currently needs for its water treatment development, but they are anticipating future needs and
engineering firm on various options for the site.
motion and are used in everything from power tools to satellites. Vulcan selected Benson as the site for its new $1 billion factory within the I-95/I-40 corridor, and it will bring about 1,000 new high-skilled, high-paying jobs to the area.
Along with the water treatment infrastructure, the City of Dunn has also been working on the renovation of an old elementary school into a workforce training center, which will have its grand opening Feb. 13. The Advanced Life Science and Skills Training Center in Dunn, as well as the Advanced Manufacturing Training Center in Four Oaks, have been created in partnership with the Central Carolina Community College and Johnston County Community College. These trade programs will prepare students in Biotech, Agtech, AI and software programming, all of which are needed for the new industries coming to the area.
“[Vulcan] is a game-changer for us,” said Dunn City Manager Justin Hembree. “It’s very similar to when Toyota, BMW or a manufacturing plant like that locates somewhere. There is going to be a supply chain around that. We’ve got an industrial park south of town we are developing with some of our partners… on
the water side of things, that’s the type of growth that will allow us to meet the demands.”
“Water and sewer are easy to take for granted… we cut the water on, and it comes out of the spicket… but a lot has to happen to get it to that point – and for it to always be at that point – that is where this land acquisition and expansion plan for future growth [factors in],” added Assistant City Manager Billy Godwin.
This is just some of the many ways it is clear that Mayor Elmore and this current city council, in partnership with the I-95/I-40 Alliance, are planning for a future that will long outlast their tenure, and doing so in a fiscally responsible and strategic way.
“I’ve been in local government for over 30 years… from my perspective, it’s very refreshing to see a local governing board that is willing to take the steps to secure the future,” shared Hembree. “A lot of the decisions, including the purchase of this property, are going to possibly impact this community well after a lot of us are gone. I think having the courage as a governing board to make decisions at a strategic level, looking long term… sometimes, frankly, is very rare with local boards.”
Mayor Elmore, who owns Elmore
Builders and Elmore Realty, saw the necessity for this land acquisition when he first took office six years ago. The land owner was not ready to sell back then, but recently came around to negotiations on the condition the sale was for all of his parcels. This is more land than the City of Dunn currently needs for its water treatment development, but they are anticipating future needs and working with an engineering firm on various options for the site.
This water treatment plant expansion is a necessary component in the overall strategic plan and objectives for the City of Dunn in the near future. With more infrastructure development and community development to come, the city council is focused on improving the quality of life for current and future residents of Dunn.
Mayor Elmore shared, “If we don’t look at what is going to happen to future generations, I don’t think we are doing our job as a board.”
For more information about the I-95/I-40 Alliance and development opportunities, go to www.i95i40alliance.com.
PHOTO COURTESY OF CITY OF DUNN
first took office six years ago. The land owner recently
of his parcels. This is more land than the City of
working with an
Fort Bragg ignites innovation
JOINT INNOVATION OUTPOST OPENS AS A COLLABORATIVE HUB LINKING SOLDIERS, UNIVERSITIES AND INDUSTRY
Fort Bragg has opened its doors to the Army’s next generation of innovators with the grand opening of the Lt. Gen. James M. Gavin Joint Innovation Outpost (JIOP), which took place on Friday, Jan. 23.
Created in support of the Department of War’s transformation initiative, the JIOP is a 40,000-squarefoot, fully resourced workspace dedicated to revolutionizing the U.S. Army’s acquisition process and enhancing technology delivery to the warfighter.
This collaborative environment allows soldiers to present the solutions or problems they have been working on, enabling partnerships that refine and implement innovative solutions with the potential to impact the entire formation.
“At the JIOP, we are creating a dynamic ecosystem where our soldiers can collaborate directly with the brightest minds in industry and academia. This partnership is essential for accelerating innovation and maintaining our competitive edge,” shared Lt. Gen. Greg Anderson, XVIII Airborne Corps commanding general. “Readiness is non-negotiable. The JIOP allows us to rapidly iterate and field new technologies, ensuring that the XVIII Airborne Corps remains the nation’s premier crisis response force.”
Named after Lt. Gen. James Gavin, a champion of military innovation and airborne operations, the JIOP embodies his legacy of leveraging new technologies to enhance operational effectiveness. The JIOP is strategically located at Fort Bragg, in a building previously used as the installation’s Officers’ Club. Today, as a result of $26.3 million in construction and renovation, the JIOP gives this building a new purpose, anchoring its mission directly in Gavin’s legacy.
With 26 total partners, the JIOP seeks to foster innovation, synchronization and partner collaboration for warfighter overmatch in near-peer conflicts. Two academic partners include Fayetteville State University (FSU) and Fayetteville Technical Community College (FTCC), which will be working as pipelines to ensure that innovators
L to R: U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Christopher Schneider,
Assistant Secretary of the Army (Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology),
Gen. Gregory K. Anderson, Commanding General, XVIII Airborne
Gavin, U.S. Congressman Richard Hudson and Joint Innovation Outpost
celebrate the grand opening of the new Lt. Gen. James M. Gavin Joint Innovation Outpost.
and collaborators can connect.
Fayetteville State University highlighted the impact of military students and the importance of continued research, sharing that enrollment of military-affiliated students had grown over 40% over the last four years. Leadership also highlighted the historical education partnership agreement between Fayetteville State University and the XVIII Airborne, signed into effect in February of 2025, and the impact it has had over the last year.
“Fayetteville State University is honored to be a part of the XVIII Airborne innovation ecosystem, as the support of the military is one of the most important strategic priorities for our university,” shared FSU Chancellor Darrell T. Allison in his remarks during the ceremony. “Since the signing of that agreement, Fayetteville State faculty and staff have examined challenges being faced across multiple military domains. Our team has responded
to those challenges with work that has the potential to improve AI-enabled assessments of our adversaries, and has the potential to expand the leading-edge training available to our soldiers.”
Fayetteville Technical Community College also highlighted their partnership with the XVIII Airborne Corps and how it is continuing to support objectives like Project Pathfinder, which allows FTCC students to directly support the Corps’ intelligence enterprise.
“At Fayetteville Tech, we view our partnership with the Corps as a force multiplier. Together, we’re building capabilities that enhance readiness on the battlefield and resilience here at home. Our mission is simple: provide the talent, technology and training that strengthen the warfighter and support the community that sustains this installation,” shared FTCC President Dr. Mark Sorrells in his remarks. “This wasn’t theoretical work, it was real-world, ISARS
support that improved targeting, speeds decision-making cycles and enhances situational awareness for soldiers downrange.”
The JIOP will have a profound impact on the acquisition process, as it streamlines innovation acquisition by reducing bureaucratic hurdles and accelerating timelines for technology delivery.
By creating a framework that emphasizes accelerated innovation and enhanced collaboration, the JIOP is positioned to serve as a model for future Army initiatives, reflecting a commitment to continuous improvement and experimentation in military operations.
“The JIOP is a clear signal that we are open for business and ready to partner with anyone who can help us accelerate the delivery of game-changing capabilities to our Soldiers,” concluded Lt. Gen. Anderson.
PHOTO PROVIDED PC. DARIUS SMITH, 22ND MOBILE PUBLIC AFFAIRS DETACHMENT
Deputy for Acquisition and Systems Management, Office of the
Mr. Robert Braun, CTO, XVIII Airborne Corps, Lt.
Corps, Mrs. Chloe Gavin, daughter of Lt. Gen. James M.
Director Col. Tom Monoghan cut the ribbon to
Positively grape
TWISTED VINES VINEYARD SUPPORTS LOCAL ENTREPRENEURS AND HELPS VISITORS MAKE LASTING MEMORIES
Twisted Vines Vineyard, a u-pick muscadine vineyard and event venue located in Clinton, offers weddings, outdoor events, tours and more to customers.
“We offer a lot more hands-on southern hospitality and heart,” said Dana Horne, manager of Twisted Vines Vineyard.
Twisted Vines Vineyard has been in business since 2009, when owners Dana and Tracy Horne planted their first vineyard. As the vineyard expanded, so did their vision for what is now a gorgeous locale. While it excels as an event venue, Twisted Vines Vineyard accomplishes much more than that for Clinton, N.C. and the surrounding areas.
The vineyard currently grows four kinds of muscadine grapes of both black and bronze varieties, namely the Triumph, Tara, Nesbitt and Lane varieties in the u-pick portion of their vineyard, and growing the Carlos variety for commercial sale. The u-pick vineyard is open all daylight hours for grape season, which is typically late August to October.
Muscadines are the most prominent grape native to North America, and grow on eastern border states, so they are a hot commodity in most of the country. The u-pick section uses repurposed tobacco trailers as picnic tables and is outfitted with scales, picture spots, fish food dispensers and picnic areas for customers to come out and have a relaxing time in the vineyard.
“Not a lot of locals [that] come, but a lot of people from other states and counties and big cities like Raleigh, Wilmington, Fayetteville and the like, they don’t know about country life,” said Dana Horne. “And so it’s very fun for them [to] have a new experience…and we enjoy meeting and talking with them.”
In addition to the u-pick services, Twisted Vines Vineyard offers event services. Between the pond, the vineyards and fastidiously landscaped grounds, there’s no wrong spot to host your event, but the main building is the big draw. The wooden portions of the venue’s palatial interior were built using entirely North Carolina lumber, and the attention to detail is evident in every nook and cranny.
Top: Located at 82 Twisted Vines Ln. in Clinton, N.C.,
Vines Vineyard offers various event packages as well as tours of the vineyard and grape picking from late August through October. Bottom: Owners Dana and Tracy Horne planted their vineyard in 2009. In 2019, they introduced their u-pick vineyard, and visitors loved the addition. They’ve also added a 4,608 sq ft. venue available to rent for events.
“We don’t shortcut anything,” said Horne. “And that’s kinda how we’ve always done things anyway, we take care of stuff, and we want it to be long term.”
This kind of decorous elegance isn’t found in every hometown wedding venue. The main venue area was originally designed to be a winery. This served the venue well, as event spaces utilize similar facilities to a winery. Twisted Vines Vineyard has opened the doors – literally and figuratively – to business and contracting opportunities otherwise hard to come by.
“It’s nice to work with small-town people; everybody knows everybody, but we work together as a team,” said Horne. “Especially being a venue now, you don’t realize how many people we can support and their businesses and their dreams. You think about your caterers, your photographers, your wedding coordinators, your DJs, all of those, I don’t think they even realize it, but what a venue does is support all those dreams. So again, that makes us feel good [that] people have that opportunity.”
Wedding packages with grape-picking for guests are available, along with opportunities for couples to have their personalized
brand on one of the grape posts in the vineyard. Weddings at Twisted Vines Vineyard are distinctive and stylized to each couple.
“I think what makes us unique is that we’re a part of it, [my husband] Tracy and I are back there helping them with their wedding,” said Horne. “We’re walking them through the whole thing, we’re on site when the wedding is going on if there’s an issue.”
Clinton has an untapped reservoir of entrepreneurs and businesses, and Twisted Vines Vineyard is here to put it to good use.
“I’ve started working on some packages to offer for the brides and grooms, wanted to keep our economy going strong, and for them to use local people versus going outside, and to make it more of a smoother flow for them,” said Horne. “Just something where it’ll push them into Clinton and help the economy as well.”
is taking it one step further with Twisted Vines Vocational.
“We have a not-for-profit in the summers where we help kids work with us, I have marketing kids with me, and then Tracy too has landscaping people that will help him with that, but we’re trying to teach them business skills, life skills, the work, and getting into it, and it’s been going really good,” said Horne. “I love the relationships I build with my interns. I feel like people don’t get this kind of experience as much at school, and we’re trying to instill those values for them and give them real experience, and they can apply it and become better at what their dreams are or find their dreams.”
On the whole, Twisted Vines Vineyard is a welcome expansion to the Clinton area, to more than just event planners. Dana and Tracy Horne bring a welcome attention to detail and personalized effort to every occasion hosted at their venue. Twisted Vines Vineyard was built and developed with more in mind than just events.
“My old boss used to tell me all the time if the dream is big enough, the facts don’t matter, and it’s true,” said Horne. “Some of us are scared to step out in faith because we don’t know what’s next, what’s gonna happen, and I feel like God puts it on your heart and plants that vision you just got to follow.”
Twisted Vines Vineyard is instrumental in progressing development in Clinton, and the Hornes haven’t even come close to finishing what they’ve started.
Events bring in business opportunities, but Twisted Vines Vineyard
Contact information for event booking, Twisted Vines Vocational, u-pick questions and more is available on the Twisted Vines Vineyard website: www.twistedvinesvineyard.com
PHOTOS BY FAITH SINCLAIR AND EMILY GRACE PHOTOGRAPHY
Twisted
Expanding experiential learning
FSU’S BROADWELL COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS AWARDED SECU FOUNDATION GRANT FOR 2026 PUBLIC FELLOWS PROGRAM
The Broadwell College of Business and Economics received a grant of $130,000 from the SECU Foundation to support the 2026 SECU Public Fellows Program at Fayetteville State University.
Approved Dec. 19, 2025, the award extends a longstanding partnership focused on providing paid, community-based experiential learning for students.
With this funding, the college will place up to 20 undergraduate interns with public-sector and community organizations across North Carolina. This year’s effort builds on the strong foundation established by the 2025 cohort, when students gained hands-on experience with 16 regional employers. Their achievements were recognized at the SECU Foundation and Preceptor Luncheon in August 2025, where BCBE highlighted the impact of these internships.
Building on that foundation, BCBE is introducing further innovations for the current program cycle. The college is refining role definitions and learning outcomes, improving supervisor tools and evaluation practices and enhancing student preparation for professional communication, among other initiatives. These targeted refinements are designed to improve consistency and outcomes across placement sites while preserv-
ing the core structure.
“We keep the same proven framework, and we tighten the student preparation and supervisor supports so every placement delivers a high-quality experience,” said Rodney L. McCrowre, DBA, in a press release. McCrowe is an assistant professor in the Broadwell College of Business and Economics and
university coordinator for the SECU Public Fellows Program.
municipal and county operations and partnerships at Fort Bragg.
To further enrich the internship experience, interns will be assigned specific deliverables, including process improvement initiatives, communications support, data tracking and reporting and service impact projects. These practical responsibilities are integral to the program’s experiential learning model.
— Dr. Rodney L. McCrowre Assistant Professor, Broadwell College of Business and Economics & University Coordinator, SECU Public Fellows Program “
If we want to retain talent in North Carolina, we have to help students build professional ties here before they graduate.”
The SECU Foundation award also enables the college to expand effective practices, such as improved placement matching and increased engagement with host organizations. According to McCrowre, the program remains focused on producing “repeatable outcomes for students” and providing “dependable capacity for community partners.”
Central to these efforts is the program’s placement approach. By prioritizing local opportunities, the college helps students build lasting professional relationships and reduces barriers to transportation and relocation.
“If we want to retain talent in North Carolina, we have to help students build professional ties here before they graduate,” McCrowre said in a press release.
Internship placements will encompass a broad range of public-sector and community-facing roles, including public safety, community engagement, administrative innovation, nonprofit capacity-building,
The SECU Public Fellows Internship Program is open to students from a variety of majors, including analytics, information technology, communications, public administration, criminal justice and social sciences. The program will prioritize applicants who demonstrate a strong desire to learn, a commitment to service and an interest in pursuing careers in North Carolina. Applicants must also be current undergraduate students at FSU.
Students interested in applying for the 2026 SECU Public Fellows Internship should submit their applications through FSU’s Job Site. The application window closes March 15.
For additional information regarding the SECU Public Fellows Internship Program at Fayetteville State University, contact Dr. McCrowre at (910) 672-2124 or rlmccrowre01@uncfsu.edu.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY FSU
Members of the 2025 SECU Public Fellows Program at Fayetteville State University pose on campus with Rodney L. McCrowre, DBA, assistant professor in the Broadwell College of Business and Economics and university coordinator for the SECU Public Fellows Program.
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
CAROLINA EV
CHARGING SOLUTIONS LLC
2609 Crowfield Ct Apt 107
Fayetteville Agent: Jacques Guislain Sajous
RQ Highway Solutions LLC 811 Chevy Chase St
Fayetteville Agent: Quyesha S Faison
MB Online Enterprises LLC 3460 Sunnydale Dr
Fayetteville Agent: Michael Beard
Statix Logistics LLC 5923 Spinner Rd
Hope Mills Agent: Aniyah Melvin
Adails Helping Hands
269 N Windsor Dr
Fayetteville Agent: LaKisha Shante' Edwards
Inspirations In Ink Studio Inc 2007 LLC 5412 Kentucky Ln
Construction of Education, Energy Positive Buildings, State & Local Government, Electric Utility and Public Utility, Sports & Entertainment
UNCP School of Business, Jones County K-12 Energy Positive School, James A. Leach Aquatic and Recreation Center, Harnett County Schools, Duke Energy Operations Center, Fayetteville State University Residence Hall, Fayetteville Community College Swift Water Rescue
Aaron Thomas, CEO 2000
Kyle Holmes,
Mary Racz, Business Manager; Kim Barefoot, Office Manager/Human Resources; Hector Ray, Owner; Greg West, Owner
