Greater Fayetteville Business Journal - March 13, 2026 issue
Banking + Finance
Ignite business loan helps businesses expand Page 14
Like much of Fayetteville and the surrounding areas, Hope Mills is a growing community. This has been most recently seen with The One Apartments on the eastern side of Elk Road, and Sweetwater Homes, a subdivision of single-family homes on the western side of Elk Road. The One is a 360unit luxury apartment development offering one, two and three-bedroom options, and Sweetwater will offer 75 new homes.
These residential developments are an intentional part of the regional growth, alongside commercial development blossoming in the area. Since the pandemic, Hope Mills has
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Ignite your next chapter
IGNITE
LOAN
PROGRAM FUELS BUSINESS GROWTH AND EXPANSIONS
Carolina Small Business Development Fund (CSBDF) is seeking small businesses across the state to utilize an available funding resource to grow and expand their businesses.
Ignite, CSBDF’s flexible loan program, is offering up to $75,000 to small businesses that have been open for two years or more. The short-cycle program allows for fast funding to help specifically with business expansions.
Potential uses include working capital, vehicle purchases, equipment purchases, debt refinancing and more.
“We call [it] a short-cycle program because we can get it funded within 30 days, and it is specific to growing businesses that can demonstrate two years of consistent revenue, and that was the whole entire goal behind it. We realized that as businesses are growing, the challenge is with cash flow, right? What’s left at the end of every month and when they’re trying to grow cash flow, is everything,” shared CSBDF Business Solutions Officer Magaly Rivera.
The process begins with a request for a consultation from a Business Solutions Officer (BSO) to see if Ignite is the right fit for your business. Businesses must be located in North Carolina, have no more than six NSF (non-sufficient funds) occurrences in the past two years, have proof of general liability and business personal property insurance and have an otherwise clean bill of financial and credit health.
NEXT, BUSINESS OWNERS WILL WORK WITH THE BSO TO PROVIDE THE APPROPRIATE DOCUMENTS, WHICH MAY INCLUDE:
• Credit Authorization Form (for each guarantor)
• Bank Statements (last six months, all pages for business and personal accounts)
• Tax Returns (most recent business and personal returns or evidence of an extension + prior year’s return)
• Debt Schedule (for your business)
• Proof of Insurance (general liability and business personal property)
Finally, businesses can prepare for funding pending loan application approval. Required loan fees include a 3% origination fee and a $150 pro-
Left: The Carolina Small Business Development Fund created and
up to $75,000 to help small businesses thrive. Right: Hope Mills-based Barbra Ann’s
that received funding for expansion through the Ignite program during its current
opening of its second location at 2800 Gillespie St. on Jan. 13, 2026.
cessing fee.
CSBDF runs the Ignite program independently as an internal program with no outside banks or third parties being involved in the application process.
“It is very much black and white, so is the gathering of the documents. They have to be willing to provide six months of business and personal statements, along
Business owners are shocked and amazed when I come back maybe five days later and say, ‘Your loan has been approved,’ and then they get dispersed after that.”
a very short time. In addition to that, the cost is only 3% of the total loan. So, if you went for the full $75,000 plus the $150 application [fee], you would be paying $2,550, which is unheard of as it relates to origination and closing costs.”
— Magaly Rivera, Business Solutions Officer, CSBDF
with their most recent tax returns, any debt and proof of insurance,” shared Rivera. “With that, we’re at the loan table, and we can get an approval in
With emphasis on providing the Ignite program as a resource for underrepresented communities, prime rates can vary on a case-by-case basis. According to CSBDF’s website, the Ignite program includes a 1% interest rate discount for Veteran-owned businesses and USDA Rural Area businesses receive a special rate, starting at 7%.
“Business owners are shocked and amazed when I come back maybe five days later and say, ‘Your loan has been approved,’ and then they get dispersed after that. The majority of the loan terms are for 36 months. There are instances where it could be a little more, like 60 months, but it has to be specific to certain things,” shared Rivera.
The
Residents of Fayetteville and Hope Mills are already familiar with a success story from the Ignite program. Hope Mills-based Barbra Ann’s Southern Fried Chicken is a business that received funding for expansion through the Ignite program during its current cycle.
The restaurant celebrated the grand opening of its second location at 2800 Gillespie St. on Jan. 13, 2026.
“They were ready to open a second location, and they were trying to do it on their own. And thank goodness they had an invite and information, and we were able to get them funded for their second location. So that’s an incredible example of a business that’s trying to grow,” shared Rivera.
With an open application process, business owners are encouraged to connect with their region’s BSO. Rivera serves as the BSO for the Sandhills region, which includes Cumberland, Robeson, Sampson and Bladen counties.
You can connect with her at mrivera@ carolinasmallbusiness.org or via phone at 919-803-1437 Ext. 238
You can also learn more about the Ignite program at www.carolinasmallbusiness. org/ignite.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY CSBDF & GFBJ
privately operates Ignite, a flexible loan program offering
Southern Fried Chicken is a business
cycle.
restaurant celebrated the grand
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Moving to Fayetteville in 2022, I was eager to experience some brands and chains that were new to me but staples in the area. Places like Cook Out and Biscuitville are now near and dear to my heart, and it is strange to imagine living in a city without them, especially since they are so common here.
But there are a few brands and businesses that haven’t found their way to Fayetteville yet, and their absence is notable.
TRADER JOES: I’m certainly not alone in hoping someday this trendy grocery store will set up shop locally (you may recall a couple years ago when a prankster posted a fake coming soon banner on a lot and had people scrambling on social media to find out if the news was true, it was not). I popped inside a store while on a recent vacation and was reminded of how much I like it.
SLIM CHICKENS: As an Arkansas native, I miss this chicken chain that was founded in Fayetteville, Ark. There are a few locations in N.C., but they are all at least 45 minutes away. I’ve enjoyed it here on occasion when I find myself in Pembroke or Smithfield, but I miss driving through at a moment’s notice for a three piece meal with a strawberry shake. Thankfully, we are getting a Raising Cane’s soon, so that will help fill the chicken tender sized hole in my heart.
BRAUM’S: This fast-food joint/ grocery store is best known for its burgers and ice cream. Incredibly affordable and delicious, I always get a cone, a cup or a shake while I’m back home. In googling the brand I have discovered that “all stores must be within a 300-mile radius of their Oklahoma dairy farm for fresh delivery,” so my dream of seeing it make its way east is likely to go
unrealized. Maybe some day they’ll establish a second dairy farm out this way and open the door for new locations.
As you can see, I’m a big foodie, so I tend to judge a place by its dining options. Fayetteville has a lot to offer in that way, so I make do without some of my hometown favorites and other stand outs that have yet to come here.
If there are any franchisees in the area reading this who feel inspired, I would be more than happy to report on the news of you bringing one of my most missed brands to the area. Until then, I look forward to continuing to share the news of new local businesses, North Carolina classics and expansions of longtime Fayetteville staples.
TRADER JOE’S LOGO COURTESY OF TRADER JOE’S, SLIM CHICKENS PHOTO PROVIDED BY SLIM CHICKENS AND BRAUM’S ICE CREAM PHOTOS PROVIDED BY STEPHANIE MEADOR.
By Stephanie Meador
POWER BREAKFAST
Power Breakfast
GLOBAL ADVANTAGE - HOW STRATEGIC FOREIGN INVESTMENT CAN TRANSFORM LOCAL ECONOMIES
On Wednesday, March 4, the Greater Fayetteville Business Journal gathered with local decision-makers, elected officials, business leaders and community members for Power Breakfast: Global Advantage.
The speaker for the event was 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.
FDI is a powerful driver of jobs, wages and long-term economic growth. Communities must be clear about why they want foreign investment and what kinds of projects best align with their economic goals.
Dressler traced FDI’s trajectory: explosive global growth in the 1990s as markets opened in China, Eastern Europe and the BRICS countries, followed by slower growth and, over the last 15 years, overall stagnation. While total FDI remains high, the
market is no longer expanding.
Layered onto this is rising global uncertainty – economic slowdown, geopolitical conflicts, energy and inflation concerns, talent constraints and shifting trade policies, including tariffs. These factors are making firms more cautious about major long-term investments, even as governments, including the current U.S. administration, strongly promote FDI.
“Sometimes there’s this belief that results can be achieved in the short term. That’s a mistake. FDI attraction is a long-term game,” shared Dressler.
Dressler turned to how communities can realistically compete for FDI in today’s crowded marketplace. He noted that nearly every country on earth – and thousands of states, regions, cities, ports and free zones – now has some form of investment promotion agency.
“There is no other market in the world where there are 1000s and 1000s of products promoting themselves to the same group of corporate decision makers, very often
using the same arguments and the same reasons why these companies should invest,” remarked Dressler.
To stand out, communities must do more than simply declare themselves “open for business.” Dressler explained that companies are highly selective and look first for hard factors: suitable sites or buildings, reliable and affordable energy, strong infrastructure and access to a skilled
Sometimes there’s this belief that results can be achieved in the short term. That’s a mistake. FDI attraction is a long-term game.
— Andreas Dressler, Founder, FDI Center
workforce. In many current projects, especially in energy-intensive industries, power availability and reliability have become the single most important decision drivers.
Dressler emphasized that successful FDI attraction is fundamentally a team sport. Economic development organizations, utilities, local governments, educational institutions and private-sector leaders all need to be aligned around a shared strategy.
The FCEDC has posted their recap of the event, including the full presentation by Dressler, on their website here: https://fcedc. com/fcedc-hosts-fdi-expert-andreasdressler/
In addition to Dressler’s presentation, the Journal concluded the event with the unveiling of our 2026 Book on Business. The Book on Business is an annual product of the Journal that provides readers with carefully curated, ranked lists detailing organizations within the area that offer services across many industries.
PHOTOS PROVIDED BY GFBJ
Pictured from left to right: CEO & President of the FCEDC Robert Van Geons, Andreas Dressler, founder of FDI Center and Faith Hatton, publisher of the Greater Fayetteville Business Journal. The Global Advantage Power Breakfast was the first in the series for 2026.
>> By Emily Ruth Perry
From HOPE MILLS, page 1
added at least five other subdivisions of single-family homes, and five additional apartment complexes. Just a few of these residential projects include The Preserve at Lake Upchurch, Georgetown Estates off of Fisher Road and The Reserve off of Stoney Point Road. These additional residential developments have attracted more commercial development, such as Dirtbag Plaza (a new shopping complex near Dirtbag Ales Brewery + Taproom), and a new shopping complex with Target as the anchor expected off of Waldo Beach Road. It’s clear to see with this much development that growth is intentional for the leadership of Hope Mills.
“The single-family residential [Sweetwater] and multifamily [The One] residential projects align with our growth strategy because multifamily development generates one of the highest returns on tax value, allowing the Town to responsibly expand our tax base,” shared Hope Mills Town Manager Chancer McLaughlin. “Our overall vision is balanced growth, expanding commercial and retail opportunities while increasing our housing stock. We are seeing a significant amount of commercial development, which strengthens our tax base and provides residents with essential retail and service options.”
This vision that McLaughlin describes doesn’t belong only to Town Hall officials, and leadership is cognizant of the necessity to maintain the town’s history and small-town feel. Hope Mills officials have recently engaged residents in a series of community meetings to gather their perspectives and input
for a comprehensive land use plan. The community engagement process, which has been led by a steering committee, has spanned eight-to-nine months and included surveys, interviews and SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) analyses as just some of the information gathering from the residents and stakeholders.
The Hope Mills Area Land Use Plan, which is project-managed through the Cumberland County Planning Department, will guide the commercial, industrial and residential development to allow for the anticipated growth while protecting the local charm of Hope Mills by monitoring and controlling the density of these developments.
PROFILE
It’s clear that developers are attracted to Hope Mills, and McLaughlin believes that is in part because of the Plan Review Team; this team of department leadership within the town hall comes together every week to review any development project that is proposed for Hope Mills. This is primarily for the purpose of vetting to keep the quality of building at the highest standard.
McLaughlin tells developers, “If you follow our lead, your development is going to be of a
higher quality.”
The Plan Review Team considers everything necessary for infrastructure and permitting on the front end to ensure the project has a positive, lasting impact for decades to come.
The Plan Review Team not only serves as gatekeepers for the stakeholders of Hope Mills, but they’re also an asset to the incoming developers. To have all of the key players for permitting and development at one table provides for quick feedback and easy collaboration, so that the project can course-correct early. This means the overall development can move forward as smoothly as possible. McLaughlin describes the Hope Mills Plan Review Team as a ‘dream team.’
“Every single one of us are savants in our field. I’m the planning guy. We have a public works director with 30 years of experience building all over the world, we have a stormwater director who is amazing, parks and rec director, our chief inspector is actually one of the instructors at the state level. Our finance director… we are all good in our arenas,” McLaughlin stated.
They have even created a Standards and Specifications Manual, which outlines all of the necessary standards for developers to abide by for building within Hope
Mills, which further streamlines the process for developers and benefits the community. For example, all developers must build infrastructure and roads to the Department of Transportation standards, and those roads will be turned over to the control of the Town of Hope Mills.
To maintain the small-town feel and local charm, Town Hall has invested in a number of community events, such as the Night Christmas Parade, 4th of July celebrations and programming for youth and seniors.
“We believe our quality of life, strong leadership and professional departments are what drive interest in locating and investing in Hope Mills,” remarked McLaughlin.
McLaughlin believes there is room for long-time residents of Hope Mills, as well as those newcomers interested in calling it home.
To learn more about The One at Hope Mills, visit www.theoneathopemills.com.
To learn more about Sweetwater Homes, visit www.townsendrealestate.com/s/nc/ hope-mills-city/sweetwater-subdivision.
IMAGE COURTESY OF THE ONE AT HOPE MILLS
Potential future tenants can explore the different available units at The One on their website using the interactive property map made by Engrain SightMap.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY THE TOWN OF HOPE MILLS Sweetwater is a new subdivision of single-family homes on the western side of Elk Road. Home prices begin at $300,000.
ACHIEVERS
Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County welcomes new Southeastern Artist in Residence Hannah Krieger
The Arts Council of Fayetteville | Cumberland County is excited to introduce its latest Southeastern Artist in Residence (SEAR), Hannah Krieger . Krieger was selected from a competitive pool of applicants and began her residency in mid January. The SEAR initiative provides visual artists of exceptional artistic merit the opportunity to lean into their craft through dedicated studio time, space and a small stipend to complete a new body of work at the Arts Council.
Krieger is a cartoonist and illustrator whose clients include Harper Alley, Choose Your Own Adventure and KaBOOM! Studios. She was born and raised in Fayetteville, and received her art education from UNC School of the Arts (‘08-’10) as well as NYC School of Visual Arts (‘10’14).
“As a freelancer, I’m often collaborating with and amplifying the ideas of clients, but this residency will grant me the opportunity to fully explore my own voice,” expressed Krieger in a press release. “I’m also looking forward to meeting folks who stop by the studio space, and getting to share the comic-making process with others!”
“As an illustrator, Hannah is used to creating stories through her art, and we’re excited that the SEAR program will now be a part of her own story,” shared Director of Community Engagement Sarah Busman in a press release.
In addition to her new series of works, Krieger will lead arts education activities that will be free to the public.
For more information on Krieger and the SEAR program, visit: www. wearethearts.com/sear.
UNC System honors Dr. Jamie Litty with 2026 Board of Governors Award for Excellence in Teaching
DR. JAMIE LITTY has been selected as the 2026 recipient of the UNC Board of Governors Award for Ex-
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.”
cellence in Teaching. The award is one of the most prestigious honors bestowed upon faculty within the UNC System.
For Litty, the award represents both personal validation and broader recognition for hands-on, creative disciplines like broadcasting and media production.
“It’s wonderful when alternative, nontraditional disciplines are recognized for our kind of teaching, which is a little bit outside of the box,” said Litty in a press release.
For more than three decades, Litty has embodied that outsidethe-box approach. She has taught everything from service-learning to study abroad to a hands-on drones course that prepared students for Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification.
Provost Diane Prusank said Litty embodies the very best of UNCP’s commitment to student-centered excellence.
“Her classroom is not simply a place of instruction; it is a place of transformation,” Prusank said in a press release. “Through innovation, mentorship and an unwavering dedication to her students’ success, she challenges them to think critically, lead confidently and pursue their goals with purpose.
This recognition affirms what our campus community has long known: Dr. Litty is an extraordinary educator whose impact will be felt for generations.”
A first-generation college graduate from New Jersey, Litty was an avid reader from childhood. As a college student at NYU, she envisioned a future writing for Rolling Stone magazine or working in radio.
After working at a government cable channel, Litty pursued a professional master’s degree at Miami
University, where she discovered her passion for teaching. She later earned her PhD from The Ohio State University and has now spent 34 years in higher education.
Since joining UNCP in 2001, Litty has become a cornerstone of the Mass Communication program. Her teaching philosophy centers on active learning and collaboration.
“I don’t assume students are empty buckets that need to be filled with my wisdom,” Litty said in a press release. “They bring something to the table. I learn from them, too.”
Whether mentoring students on the sidelines of a football field with a camera or guiding them through postgame press conferences, Litty emphasizes experiential learning. Former students have gone on to earn regional and national Emmy Awards and land positions at ESPN, NBC, the Golf Channel and other national outlets. Others have found their niche in local media across the country. Her transformative impact extends internationally. Through faculty-led study abroad programs in Ireland and England, Litty has helped students broaden their horizons.
“Meeting students where they are and bringing them to where they want to be — that’s what separates a good teacher from a transformative one,” she said in a press release.
Looking ahead, Litty recently stepped in as interim associate dean for Student Success and Curriculum in the College of Arts and Sciences. Her decades of classroom and leadership experience uniquely position her to support faculty innovation and student achievement across disciplines.
Reflecting on the award, Litty views it as both an honor and an affirmation.
“It’s validation. It’s a payoff,” she said in a press release. “But you’re not in teaching for that.”
Cape Fear Valley Health recognized as 2025 WellBeing First Champion
Cape Fear Valley Health has been recognized as a 2025 Well-Being First Champion by ALL IN: Well-Being First for Healthcare, a national initiative focused on improving the well-being of the health care workforce and advancing mental health support across the industry.
The Well-Being First Champion designation is awarded to health systems that demonstrate a commitment to supporting clinicians by removing stigmatizing language and barriers related to mental health care from credentialing and licensing applications. The recognition highlights Cape Fear Valley Health’s efforts to foster a culture where physicians and providers can prioritize their well-being while continuing to deliver high-quality patient care.
“Working in health care is both deeply meaningful and inherently demanding,” said Sam Fleishman, MD, chief medical officer at Cape Fear Valley Health, in a press release. “Each day, our physicians and providers navigate complex clinical challenges while supporting patients, families, colleagues and care teams. The responsibility is great,
PHOTO PROVIDED BY MÓNICA GARCÍA-PÉREZ
Pictured from left are Enterprise Chief Medical Officer for CFVH Sam Fleishman, MD; Chief of Staff for CFVH Girum Feyissa, MD; Hospitalist Physician Executive for CFVH Emmanuel Aka, MD; Chief Medical Officer for the CFVH Provider Network Sandra Carr Johnson, MD; Chief Quality Officer for CFVH Michael Ruzek, MD; and Chief Medical Officer for Harnett Health Toks Folarin, MD.
Litty
Krieger
From
and the emotional and professional demands can be significant. Sustaining personal well-being, managing stress and prioritizing self-care are essential not only for individual success, but for maintaining the strength and resilience required to care for others.”
Cape Fear Valley Health’s licensure and credentialing applications were independently verified through the ALL IN initiative to ensure they are free from intrusive or stigmatizing language related to mental health treatment. The designation affirms the organization’s commitment to creating an environment where clinicians can seek care without fear of stigma or professional consequence.
In addition to this national recognition, Cape Fear Valley Health continues to support team members through programs focused on clinician well-being and retention, including participation in the North Carolina Clinician and Physician Retention and Well-Being Consortium (NCCPRW). The consortium provides resources, collaboration opportunities and evidence-based strategies aimed at reducing burnout, strengthening resilience and improving professional satisfaction among health care providers.
ALL IN: Well-Being First for Healthcare is a coalition of leading health care organizations committed to improving workforce well-being nationwide by reducing barriers to mental health care and promoting supportive workplace cultures.
Cape Fear Valley Health continues to invest in programs, resources and initiatives designed to support workforce resilience, recognizing that caregiver well-being is directly connected to patient safety, quality outcomes and community health.
FTCC student named a recipient of the National Association of Surgical Assistants’ inaugural Scholars of Excellence Award
FRANCES PISO, a student in Fayetteville Technical Community College’s Surgical First Assistant (SFA) Program, has been named a recipient of the National Association of Surgical Assistants’ inaugural Schol-
ars of Excellence Award. This newly established national honor recognizes exceptional surgical assistant students who demonstrate academic excellence, professionalism and a strong commitment to the future of the profession.
As one of the very first recipients of this award, Piso has earned a distinction that reflects her dedication, work ethic and passion for patient care. To be eligible for this honor, students must be enrolled in a CAAHEP-accredited Surgical First
Assistant program, have completed at least 50% of the program curriculum and maintained a GPA of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
In addition to those measures, the student must also demonstrate integrity, reliability and accountability in both classroom and clinical settings; exhibit dedication to the surgical assisting profession through par-
ACHIEVERS
ticipation in professional organizations, outreach or peer support; and demonstrate compassion, respect and a commitment to patient safety in clinical practice.
“Frances represents the very best of the SFA profession and the next generation of surgical assistants,” said FTCC’s Division Chair of Surgical Services Terry Herring in a press release. “We are proud to see her recognized on a national level and honored to support her continued success in surgical services.”
Dogwood Brings TowneBank to Fayetteville.
Dogwood State Bank and TowneBank are joining hands and hearts to combine teams of extraordinary bankers across North and South Carolina.
TowneBank, like Dogwood, understands banking with a heart.
Piso
Historic pieces, new potential
WESTDALE VINTAGE BLENDS MEMORY, SUSTAINABILITY AND ONE-OF-A-KIND STYLE
After moving back to her hometown of Fayetteville to take care of her aging father and suffering an injury that kept her from her former hobby of running, Michelle Clark started going to estate sales, yard sales and thrift shops to add to her vintage collection. She initially planned to start an online store to sell the dresses she had accumulated. Then she and her husband began doing pop-up events and selling pieces in person.
Clark had considered opening a storefront, but it had seemed like a pipe dream. Then one day, the couple drove past an inviting space on Fort Bragg Road and noticed it was empty. Clark was determined to find the owner and acquire the space for her new storefront. Clark and her husband, Jamil Rashad, opened Westdale Vintage at 1225 Fort Bragg Road in Historic Haymount in October 2024.
“Everybody in the neighborhood has been so supportive. And it’s really, I think, the only place I would have even dared to open a store, just because of the neighborhood and all of our fellow small businesses around there, and just how much it’s growing,” remarked Clark.
The store features both men’s and women’s vintage pieces. Men’s features include 1930s workwear, vintage tees, suits and satin jackets. The women’s collection features vintage denim, maxi dresses from the 70s, furs, leather jackets, casual wear, 50s dresses, and then in the back room, Clark houses a collection of formal wear that customers can rent for events.
The rental service allows people to rent an item worth several hundred dollars for a fraction of the price.
“I’m open to any type of rental, just because I think it gives people the opportunity to wear something that they really love, but they may not want to own…instead of paying $300-$400 for something that may sit in your closet, you can rent it for, say, $75,” shared Clark.
Otrebla’s Tailoring is located right by Westdale Vintage, and Clark shared that she has worked with the owner Alberto many times to help alter pieces to meet customers’ wants and needs. Clark is also self-taught
in garment restoration.
Beyond thrifting and estate sales, Clark shared that she offers to clean out people’s attics as a trade for discovering valuable vintage items. Now that the store has been open for over a year and has an established customer base, people contact Clark when they have collections or pieces that they want to sell.
“I had this amazing gentleman reach out to me, and his partner had passed away, and his partner collected wedding gowns and formal, fully beaded gowns and would display them on mannequins in the house. And he was like, ‘There’s just a lot, and I have to figure out what to do with it. Will you come look at it?’ So I bought all of it from him,” shared Clark.
These vintage items in the store have timeless charm and were manufactured to last decades, much different than today’s fast fashion brands.
“Nothing’s made the way that it was 30, 40, a hundred years ago,” remarked Clark.
Sustainability plays a big role in
inspiring Clark’s passion for vintage fashion. She sees vintage as a direct alternative to cheap, disposable clothing made largely from synthetic fibers. She enjoys curating and restoring pieces that inspire other people to give old clothes a new life.
“My biggest joy has been seeing girls come in and buy prom dresses…I think there’s a lot of peer pressure surrounding high school girls and prom, and coming in and making a decision to think about sustainability, and then buying a gown and giving it new life, and then also knowing that there’s not anybody at your prom that’s going to look like you. No one’s going to have the same dress as you... and you’re paying a fraction of the cost, while, again, saving something from a landfill,” shared Clark.
Clark sees the value in pieces that others might overlook.
“I buy most of our items, so they’re not being donated to me. I’m washing, I’m mending, I’m looking at a gown that I have been soaking and bathing for like two weeks straight now, and I finally got all the
stains out. That’s another joy too, is just seeing a piece come back to life,” added Clark.
She also relishes watching customers make emotional connections with the items in the shop. In addition to the clothing, the space is decorated with vintage furniture and decor.
“A lot of my joy is seeing other people’s joy and happiness from discovering vintage.”
Clark’s goals for the coming year include fully launching and marketing the gown rental program, hosting events and classes in the shop, organizing a fashion show highlighting both vintage and sustainable styling and collaborating more with local partners.
Clark and her husband look forward to the journey ahead: more risk, more creativity and more chances to give clothing and people a new chapter.
View Westdale Vintage’s inventory and available services on their website: www.westdalevintage.com.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY IAN TILGHMAN
Left: Michelle Clark and her husband, Jamil Rashad, opened Westdale Vintage at 1225 Fort Bragg Road in Historic Haymount in October 2024. Right: The store features both men’s and women’s vintage fashion. In addition to items for purchase, Clark has a collection of gowns that are available to rent for short-term wear.
Coming Late Spring 2026! Introducing McKellar Park, a vibrant, master-planned community in Hope Mills, NC.
• Scenic setting with tree-lined streets, cul-de-sac homesites
• Planned amenities: pool, pool house, playground, sidewalks
• Easy access to shopping, dining, and recreation
• Minutes from Fayetteville, I-95, and Fort Bragg
• Highly regarded Grays Creek School District
• Starting from the $200s
Advancing military technology
DRAGON’S LAIR PITCH GOES FROM IDEA TO PRODUCTION
Amodular drone case conceived by two 82nd Airborne paratroopers is heading into production eight months after being a runner-up at the XVIII Airborne Corps’ Dragon’s Lair competition on June 25, 2025.
This rapid turnaround from idea to production demonstrates the success of Secretary of the Army Daniel Driscoll's transformation initiatives, which simultaneously increase warfighter lethality and accelerate the Army’s acquisition process.
Spc. Alexander Soto, a paratrooper assigned to the 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, noted the recurring problem of drones being broken during airborne drops and rigorous field exercises.
“We needed to be able to carry drones in our rucksacks for airborne operations,” said Soto. “The idea of a smaller rigid case that allowed us to pack it also made it possible to get them in the air as soon as we hit the drop zone.”
His solution was born out of necessity and pitched at Dragon's Lair 11, an annual competition modeled after the TV show Shark Tank. Soldiers from across the Corps pre-
“
We needed to be able to carry drones in our rucksacks for airborne operations.” The idea of a smaller rigid case that allowed us to pack it also made it possible to get them in the air as soon as we hit the drop zone.”
— Spc. Alexander Soto,
Spc. Alexander Soto, a paratrooper assigned to the 1st Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, presents the modular drone case at the Airborne Innovation Lab, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Feb. 9, 2026. Soto noted the recurring problem of drones being broken during airborne drops and rigorous field exercises. Soto collaborated with Staff Sgt. Larry Dockins from the Airborne Innovation Lab, together they developed a functional prototype in just three months.
sented their battlefield solutions to real-world challenges to a panel of judges for potential adoption.
Following the competition, Soto collaborated with Staff Sgt. Larry Dockins from the Airborne Innovation Lab. Together they developed a functional prototype in just three months. The result was a lightweight, rigid and jumpable modular drone case compatible with multiple
small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS).
The accelerated path from concept to contract was made possible by another of the Corps’ innovation initiatives: the Lt. Gen. James M. Gavin Joint Innovation Outpost (JIOP).
The drone case project served as a successful pilot for the outpost’s new rapid-procurement model — testing the team’s ability to align the neces-
On Dec. 1, 2025, the XVIII Airborne Corps held a soft launch for the JIOP, a collaborative office space that hosts defense industry, academia, military and tech leaders in one place that fosters innovation and speed to solve the most pressing issues for warfighters on the battlefield. The grand opening ceremony was held Jan. 23, 2026.
sary resources for production.
The JIOP officially opened its doors in January 2026. Its primary mission is to bridge the gap between military needs and industry partners, fast-tracking the procurement process.
“By implementing the systems that the Lt. Gen. James M. Gavin Joint Innovation Outpost enables, we are able to bring these Soldiers’ ideas forward and implement them rapidly,” explained Col. Thomas R. Monaghan Jr., the JIOP’s director. “It also demonstrates the shift in prioritizing innovations that Soldiers want and view as viable solutions to problems.”
The significance of such soldier-led innovation was not lost on leadership.
“Any solution that makes a warfighter more lethal is a winning solution for us,” Dockins said. “Ultimately, ounces make pounds, seconds make minutes. Creating a device that cuts weight could mean winning or losing on the battlefield.”
Story by Sgt. Prim Hibbard. Accessed via DVIDs. The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoW) visual information does not imply or constitute DoW endorsement.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY SGT. AUSTIN ROBERTSON
PHOTO PROVIDED BY MAJ. JONATHON DANIELL
will be a newly built full-time permanent
in Coats and Harnett County.
Expanding essential care
COMMWELL HEALTH ANNOUNCES NEW LOCATION IN COATS, N.C.
CommWell Health, a large private nonprofit Community Health Center, was recently awarded a competitive grant through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to expand essential healthcare access in Coats, North Carolina. The new site is tentatively planned for 238 East Stewart St. in Coats and will offer integrated primary family medical, dental and remote behavioral services for patients of all ages.
The Coats site was thoughtfully selected to align with the local health needs assessment conducted in collaboration with partner health organizations. CommWell Health of Coats will be located on the eastern edge of Harnett County, where it will serve an estimated 8,569 local Coats and Harnett County residents annually. The site will offer convenient access from U.S. 401 and I-40, helping reduce travel barriers and making care more accessible for patients across the region.
The site will be a newly built fulltime permanent facility and will help create more than 40 new professional and support positions in Coats and Harnett County.
“For generations, Coats has been known as a town rooted in communi-
ty spirit, where neighbors look after one another and partnerships create progress. Welcoming CommWell Health to our community marks an important next step in that story –one that brings expanded access to healthcare while strengthening the local economy,” stated
We value the strong relationships we have with our patients, healthcare organizations, individuals, higher education, faith-based groups and other community stakeholders.”
— Pamela Tripp CEO, CommWell Health
Coats Town Manager Barbara Hollerand in a press release.
As part of its commitment to community partnerships, CommWell
Health will work with the local Coats Chamber of Commerce, Coats Town Manager and other local agencies, to convene a Coats community in-person listening group to ensure residents’ voices are heard and help guide future strategic planning of CommWell Health in Coats.
Chief Executive Officer of CommWell Health, Pamela Tripp, stated in a press release, “We’re not coming into Harnett County as strangers, we are coming home. As a resident of Harnett County for over 50 years, I have seen the extraordinary growth and the opportunities available in my small rural hometown. I am committed to the success of the county and the communities that make Coats and Harnett County a thriving community.”
CommWell Health will begin offering services soon in a temporary location in Coats, ensuring a seamless integration of services into the community while the new site is under construction.
“We value the strong relationships we have with our patients, healthcare
organizations, individuals, higher education, faith-based groups, and other community stakeholders,” added Tripp. “We are honored to receive this award and to begin serving the residents of Coats and Harnett County.”
Additionally, shortly after the announcement of the new location, CommWell Health shared that Pamela M. Tripp, MEd, MSOM, will retire from her role as Chief Executive Officer in July 2026. The CommWell Health board of directors will work to appoint a new CEO before Tripp retires. Following her retirement as CEO, Tripp will continue to support CommWell Health as senior executive advisor, extending her commitment to mission-driven, community-focused healthcare.
Follow CommWell Health on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, Instagram and visit www. commwellhealth.org for further updates.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY COMMWELL HEALTH
The site
facility and will help create more than 40 new professional and support positions
CommWell Health will begin offering services soon in a temporary location in Coats.
Hogs, chickens & turkeys, oh my!
SAMPSON COUNTY FRIENDS OF AGRICULTURE AG RALLY SCHEDULED FOR MARCH 17
The Sampson County Friends of Agriculture would like to invite the greater Fayetteville community to their annual Agriculture Rally on March 17, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.
Originally organized by a longtime livestock farmer, George Upton, the Sampson County Friends of Agriculture group was founded in 1996. This group has maintained a 30-year history of community engagement. The group provides education on the importance of the agriculture industry. Upton, now deceased, recognized a need for quality agriculture education and advocacy within the local community. He created this group to meet that need.
Ronnie Jackson, chairman of the board of Sampson County Friends of Agriculture, said that the group was “formed as a group to support agriculture and to educate people about issues that were going on with agriculture on a countywide, statewide basis.”
Agriculture is the dominant industry in Sampson County.
“It is a big agricultural county. It is the biggest in North Carolina, and one of the largest in the country. It is the 14th largest county in the United States by agricultural income. We have consistently had around $2 billion worth of income go through Sampson County each year. That’s agriculture. … livestock, poultry, hogs, chickens, turkeys, sweet potatoes… We’ve got a little bit of everything going on over here,” shared Jackson.
Ronnie Jackson shared that every community member in the greater Fayetteville area would benefit from awareness of major issues pertaining to the agriculture business in Sampson County.
“The biggest issue we’ve got going on right now is the profitability in farming. It is really hard for a farmer to make a living now,” shared Jackson.
The cost of land, equipment, fertilizers and basic goods such as corn or soy to feed livestock have made farming a difficult profession to break into.
“Less than 2% of the population is actually involved in agriculture … and we need to protect the ones
GRAPHIC PROVIDED BY SAMPSON COUNTY FRIENDS OF AGRICULTURE
Enjoy a complimentary meal at 6:30 p.m. followed by Bryan Humphreys sharing perspectives and insights on current issues important to farmers and agricultural communities like Sampson County.
that are. It’s almost prohibited from a money standpoint. It almost costs more than someone can come up with. So people need to be concerned about it because they need to be concerned where their food comes from,” remarked Jackson.
Jackson noted that consumers will see a decline in fresh produce available in grocery stores unless trends in affordability for farmers change direction.
In the past, members of the Sampson County Friends of Agriculture group have benefited from network partnerships in many ways.
One example is the adoption of a Voluntary Agricultural District policy within Sampson County. Through this policy, farmers voluntarily agree to maintain their land for agricultural production for a set amount of time. The benefit of creating this Voluntary Agricultural District is that farmers receive certain legal protections for doing so. Within
Sampson County, the voluntary agricultural district helps to protect farmers from complaints related to the normal operations of farming.
The annual Sampson County Friends of Agriculture Ag Rally is a special project adopted by the group to help industry leaders build community with one another and address the concerns unique to their field. This rally exists in order to bring awareness and education to the community concerning the vital role of agriculture in North Carolina’s economic health. Ag Rallies have consistently attracted as many as 450 industry leaders from across the state of North Carolina.
Each Ag Rally features a different educational topic relevant to the immediate needs of the local agriculture community. Historically, event organizers have brought in a variety of keynote speakers such as United States Senator Elizabeth Dole, world-famous broadcaster Max
Armstrong, North Carolina Secretary of Commerce Lee Lilley, North Carolina Chamber of Commerce Executive Ray Starling and more.
Sampson County Friends of Agriculture credits the success of the event to the variety of discussion topics provided by industry leaders. Speakers are chosen based on the immediate needs relevant to farmers every year.
This year’s keynote speaker will be Chief Executive Officer of the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) Bryan Humphreys. According to their website, the NPPC, “advocates for the social, environmental and economic sustainability of U.S. pork producers and their partners by fighting for reasonable public policy, advancing our freedom to operate and expanding access to global markets.”
Humphreys is a community leader in the pork industry and is prepared to share about the current highlights of the industry, as well as any concerns that the community may need to know about related to the hog industry in Sampson County.
Join the Sampson County Friends of Agriculture for their Ag Rally at the Sampson Agri-Expo Center on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, beginning at 6:30 p.m. This event is free for the community, but the Sampson County Friends of Agriculture board would like to note that attendees will need to secure a ticket in order to attend the event.
Each free ticket gains participants entrance to the event as well as a complimentary meal. Tickets can be found at the Sampson County Agri-Expo center (414 Warsaw Road, Clinton, N.C.) or at Carolina Agri-Power (107 NE Blvd, Clinton, N.C).
For more information, call the Sampson County Extension Office at 910-592-7161.
Neil Grant, Gary Futch, Patrick Murray and James Sherrill
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
Libert Crest Realty LLC
2116 Stafford Dr
Fayetteville
Agent: Junaid Sahibzada
Images Of The New Millennium LLC 815 Rembrandt Dr
Fayetteville
Agent: Jeremiah Stubbs J. Stubbs Sr.
BestCare Counseling and Behavioral Health Services
TWC Community Development Corporation 227 Pennsylvania Ave
Fayetteville Agent: The Word Church of Fayetteville
Grimy Ventures LLC 6849 Wimbledon Cir Apt 203
Fayetteville Agent: Tony Ramon Payne Spirit and Pine l.l.c.
1283 Arailia Dr
Fayetteville Agent: Nicholas Steven Parker
Centered Paws
Grooming Spa llc 6126 Sandy Creek Rd
Stedman Agent: Margaret Theresa Harps
Dirty Dave's Drone Mobility Solutions LLC
4409 Forest Park Ct
Hope Mills Agent: David Paul Nix
Pinnacle Operations LLC
122 Bow St
Fayetteville Agent: Aerial Chatman Esq
Aliferous Farms
portation LLC 5304 Redwood Dr
Fayetteville Agent: Donte Laron Jacobs
Vinaelle LLC 6128 Pueblo Ct
Fayetteville
Agent: Vierginie
Exil Janvier
Fayetteville Agent: Clinton Derrick Brinkerhoff II
Ernest junk removal service LLC
306 Folger St
Fayetteville Agent: Ben Smith
Pretty On The Go LLC
1717 Paisley Ave
Fayetteville Agent: Andrea Judith Patino - leon
iStroll Fort Bragg LLC
12 Grenado St
Fort Bragg Agent: Nicole Marie Ferraro
Dak Luxe LLC
4027 Summerberry Dr
Fayetteville Agent: Loretta kwao
Benchmark Management Holdings LLC
2015 Secluded Dell Rd
Fayetteville Agent: Junaid Sahibzada
Total Transformation 7 llc 2117 Gray Goose Loop
Fayetteville Agent: Bobby L Carter Jr.
Christ Lead Trans -
3424 Burberry Dr
Fayetteville Agent: Lamont Jones Jr
PURR 1453 Pamalee Dr
Fayetteville
Agent: Key Impact Solutions LLC
Breconshire Group PLLC
1523 Epic Way
Hope Mills
Agent: Garrett Dwayne Gwin
TechBalance Retreat LLC
405 Woodclift Dr
Fayetteville Agent: Kalisha Moore
Financial GOAT
Holdings LLC 7305 Avila Dr
Fayetteville
Agent: Keisha Jackson
Forever Rollin Logistics LLC PMB 1129
5075 Morganton Rd Ste 10C
Fayetteville Agent: Darryl Little
Tungsten Solutions LLC PMB 1129
5075 Morganton Rd Ste 10C
Fayetteville Agent: Darryl Little
Dirt Road Family LLC
7680 Jericho Dr
Fayetteville
Agent: Marcus Antonio McNeill Sr
Justified Jewel LLC 752 Mosswood Ln
Fayetteville Agent: Joann Cox
Mont Studios LLC
Agent: Rashad Marquis Ragland
Hoop Love Creations LLC 785 Vagabond Dr Fayetteville Agent: CyEra L Taylor
Low Country Lawn Care LLC
803 Schley Dr
Fayetteville Agent: Curtis Atkins
Brabham Ventures LLC 1453 Pamalee Dr
Fayetteville
Agent: Key Impact Solutions LLC
Hitman and Divino Trucking LLC
2257 Spindle Tree Dr
Fayetteville Agent: Devin Jerome Mckinnis
Bruss Cleaning Service LLC 5756 Hilltop St Hope Mills Agent: Flor Sofia Garcia Paico
U PPL LLC PMB 1208
5075 Morganton Rd Ste 10C
Fayetteville Agent: Demond Anthony Mott
Lee's Home Repairs llc 4441 Chesterbrook Dr
Fayetteville Agent: Patricia Leeyne Kittrell
Around The Clock
Mobile Notary LLC 5434 Wichita Dr Apt K6
Fayetteville
Agent: Wilhemina Stroud
Davis Freight & Trucking LLC
1555 Seabrook Rd
Fayetteville Agent: QUINTON DAVIS JR
CLNewsome Properties LLC 2615 Diascond Dr
Fayetteville Agent: Cheruan Newsome
Grannies Nannies LLC
632 Wellingly Cir Apt H
Spring Lake Agent: Lynnette Patillo
Sharp Society Barber Studio LLC 7556 Hillside Ave
Fayetteville Agent: Leonard James Briggs Jr.
MIKE ELECTRICAL SERVICE AND HANDY MAN LLC 5606 Pepperridge Dr
Fayetteville Agent: MIGUEL ANGEL TORRES HUERECA
Stillkay LLC 2400 Gray Goose Loop
Fayetteville Agent: Kayode Akinniyi Mr
Achieve to Empower Consulting LLC 100 Hay St Ste 704
Fayetteville Agent: Shadia Young
Simply Stroud LLC 3209 Singletree Ln
Fayetteville
Street Vision Management LLC 2211 Roosevelt Dr Fayetteville Agent: Cedric Lorenzo Dixon
TIME MACHINE AVIATION OF FAYETTEVILLE LLC 2224 Bayview Dr
Fayetteville Agent: RICHARD W KING
Fresh Winds Counseling and Care LLC
2020 Abbeydale Ln
Fayetteville Agent: Karen McNair
Air Pro Home Exteriors LLC
620 Gillespie St
Fayetteville Agent: Javier Ortiz Busigo
COMBAT CLEARINGS LLC
5810 Kessinger Ct
Hope Mills Agent: JASSON QUINONES
Neda LLC
1821 Swann St
Fayetteville Agent: Justina Neda King
Bad Newz Consulting llc
2253 Rustic Trl
Fayetteville Agent: Timothy Jones
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