SOUTHERN BANK: Why Local Banking Matters More Than Ever
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A Weekend of Flowers, Food, and Local Commerce: How Nashville’s Blooming Festival Energizes the Community
Each spring, the streets of Nashville, North Carolina come alive with color, music, food and thousands of visitors thanks to the annual Blooming Festival What began in 1996 as a charming Mother’s Day weekend tradition has grown into one of the town’s most anticipated events, drawing crowds and dollars to downtown for days of fun, food and community celebration
Local reporting on the festival estimates that approximately 30,000 people visit Nashville over the four-day event, transforming the small town into a bustling hub of activity While exact economic figures for the festival itself aren’t publicly published, that level of attendance offers a solid foundation for understanding its economic contributions
Direct Spending by Visitors Festivals of this size especially ones that include food booths, street vendors, entertainment and family activities generate direct economic activity in several ways:
Food and drink purchases at the festival and nearby restaurants
Vendor and craft sales from dozens of exhibitors
Gas, supplies, and incidental spending by visitors
Parking and carnival activity revenue linked to festival operations
Festival listings show there are roughly about 13 food booths and about 100 total vendors participating, indicating a substantial marketplace where attendees spend money directly on goods and services
Even with a modest spending estimate of $50–$100 per person over the event, a simple spending model suggests the Blooming Festival could infuse $1 5–$3 million directly into the local economy a meaningful boost for small vendors and local businesses during what might otherwise be a slower spring weekend
“For one weekend each spring, Nashville becomes one of the busiest small towns in Eastern North Carolina”
Local makers, artists and food vendors play a central role in the festival experience For many of these vendors, the Blooming Festival weekend represents one of the most profitable events of the year, attracting customers who may not otherwise visit Nashville’s shops and eateries Money spent at these booths stays in the community supporting local jobs, replenishing stock at small businesses, and strengthening the local tax base through sales tax collections
While individual vendor revenues aren’t published, other North Carolina events of similar size (such as the North Carolina Blueberry Festival) have been estimated to generate $2–$2.5 million in direct and indirect economic impact through combined spending on food, merchandise, lodging and local purchases a helpful benchmark for comparison
Although the Blooming Festival is just one event in Nash County’s tourism lineup, county-level data highlights the importance of visitor spending overall:
In **2023, visitors to Nash County spent an estimated $348 14 million, up 4% from the prior year Tourism supported more than 2,675 jobs and generated $13 5 million in state tax revenue and $11.2 million in local tax revenue in 2023
These figures show that leisure and event tourism including festivals like the Blooming Festival contribute to a larger economic engine that drives jobs, tax revenue and business growth across the county.
Beyond dollars and cents, the Blooming Festival reinforces Nashville’s identity as a welcoming and vibrant place to live and visit. Thousands of visitors each year experience the town’s food, music, local merchants and hospitality and many return to shop, dine and explore beyond the festival weekend itself.
For small vendors and local businesses, the Blooming Festival is more than an event it’s an opportunity to connect with customers, tell their story, and grow their brand
Asyour 2026 begins, the right financial partner can help you prepare for big milestones from new homes to new goals. With local roots, personal guidance, and banking that grows with you, Southern Bank brings clarity and confidence to whatever comes next.
The Congressional Budget Office projects real U.S. GDP to grow by roughly 1.8 percent in 2026, pointing to a climate of steady yet cautious expansion.
That outlook rings particularly true for eastern North Carolina and Virginia, where commercial development, housing demand, and business investment are all continuing to shift. In an environment like this, having a local partner who understands your market isn’t just helpful. It’s essential.
Southern Bank has spent more than a century building relationships that help local businesses and real estate professionals prepare for what’s next. In a year when strategic planning will matter more than ever, we’re here to offer the insights, stability, and partnership you need to grow with confidence.
Whether you’re planning a new residential build, expanding your commercial footprint, or securing capital for future projects, your decisions in early 2026 will shape the next several years of your business.
Southern helps clients break that planning into manageable pieces:
●Forecasting capital needs for land purchases, equipment, or project expansion
●Structuring credit and financing to support long-term growth
●Strengthening cash flow with treasury tools that simplify receivables and payments
●Preparing for rate shifts with guidance tailored to your project timelines
●Safeguarding funds with fraud prevention tools like dual approvals and Positive Pay
When market conditions feel unpredictable, having a partner who knows how economic trends play out locally not just nationally can help you plan with greater accuracy and less stress.
For commercial and residential real estate professionals, small shifts in demand, permitting approval timelines, construction costs, or financing conditions can change the trajectory of a project.
That’s why local knowledge is more valuable than ever.
Southern’s bankers aren’t just lenders, they’re partners who understand how deals get done in your town, with your municipalities, and in your specific sector. It’s the reason business clients often stay with Southern for decades, relying on continuity and expertise as their projects grow.
Our relationship-driven approach means we take the time to understand:
●Forecasting capital needs for land purchases, equipment, or project expansion
●Structuring credit and financing to support long-term growth
●Strengthening cash flow with treasury tools that simplify receivables and payments
●Preparing for rate shifts with guidance tailored to your project timelines
●Safeguarding funds with fraud prevention tools like dual approvals and Positive Pay
Southern’s bankers aren’t just lenders, they’re partners who understand how deals get done in your town, with your municipalities, and in your specific sector. It’s the reason business clients often stay with Southern for decades, relying on continuity and expertise as their projects grow.
Our relationship-driven approach means we take the time to understand:
Southern has grown alongside this region for 125 years. Through shifting markets, new technologies, and evolving industries, our promise has stayed the same: Relationships come first, and your goals shape our guidance.
That commitment is especially important for businesses preparing for 2026:
●If you’re expanding, we help you structure financing and plan cash flow.
●If you’re developing, we ensure you have the support to navigate long project timelines.
●If you’re acquiring property, we help you evaluate options and rightsize capital.
●If you’re stabilizing after a period of change, we provide tools and insight to keep operations strong.
Southern’s bankers aren’t just lenders, they’re partners who understand how deals get done in your town, with your municipalities, and in your specific sector. It’s the reason business clients often stay with Southern for decades, relying on continuity and expertise as their projects grow.
Our relationship-driven approach means we take the time to understand:
The year ahead will bring both challenges and opportunities, but with the right partner, you can be prepared for all of them.
At Southern, our values of strength, connection, and vision guide every recommendation we make. That means giving you the information you need, the support you expect, and the partnership you deserve as you plan the next chapter of your business.
Whether you’re gearing up for a major project, refining your capital strategy, or simply wanting a clearer picture of the year ahead, Southern is ready to help you build with confidence.
Visit our website today to find out what Southern Bank can do for your business. You’ll find testimonials from business owners like you, be able to explore account options, and get the individualized guidance you need to move forward with confidence.
The 2025 real estate market across Nash and Edgecombe Counties reflects a return to balance. While overall transaction volume has moderated in select areas, pricing fundamentals remain strong and seller performance continues to demonstrate stability.
Recent Flex MLS data highlights several defining trends shaping our local market:
Home values are holding and, in many areas, rising, particularly in Nash County, Rocky Mount, and Spring Hope.
Sellers are achieving 95%–98% of original list price, reinforcing pricing strength across the region
Transaction volume has normalized, creating a more deliberate, strategic environment for buyers and sellers
Growth pockets remain active, with Spring Hope and portions of Nash County showing continued momentum
This is not a market defined by extremes It is a stable, sustainable environment where accurate pricing, strong marketing, and informed decision-making make the difference. For buyers, opportunity exists in a more balanced pace. For sellers, strategic positioning remains the key to maximizing value.
Warm regards,
BRETT HILL Broker,Owner
Data for Single Family Homes, FLex MLS
In Q4 2025, Edgecombe County recorded 67 homes sold, with an average of 45 days on market and sellers achieving 94.93% of original list price. While total closings declined year-over-year, pricing remained resilient, with the average sale price up to $183,668 and homes trading at approximately $120 per square foot. The market reflects steady demand at approachable price points, with improved absorption compared to last year.
Average List Price
Average Sale Price
Average CDOM
List Price per Sq Foot
Sold Price per Sq. Foot
Sold / Original List Ratio
Data for Single Family Homes , FLex MLS
Nash County continues to demonstrate scale and stability, with 901 homes sold in 2025. In Q4, sellers achieved 97.23% of original list price, and homes averaged 74 days on market. The average sale price rose to $294,581, while list price per square foot increased to $161, signaling sustained buyer confidence and upward pricing pressure across the county.
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Data
Rocky Mount saw a 5.8% increase in average sale price year-over-year, reaching $241,814, with price per square foot also trending upward. Although closed transactions were down 11% compared to last year, values strengthened and homes sold at approximately 96% of original list price. The data indicates a market recalibrating in volume while continuing to appreciate in price.
+3.5% -8% -32% -11% 5.8% +1.5%
Tarboro experienced a shift in market dynamics, with days on market down 32% year-over-year, signaling improved pace of sales. While average sale prices softened compared to last year, list prices rose modestly, reflecting seller confidence. Homes sold at approximately 95% of original list price, indicating continued buyer negotiation within a more balanced environment.
Data
Nashville recorded fewer closings compared to last year (down 31%), yet pricing remained strong. Sellers achieved 98.7% of list price in Q4 2025, and average sale prices increased to $324,787, reinforcing price stability despite lower transaction volume.
Spring Hope showed notable momentum, with closed properties up 40% year-to-date. Average sale price climbed to $349,336, and list price per square foot rose from the prior year. Sellers achieved approximately 98% of list price, underscoring strong demand in this growing submarket.
Bailey continues to emerge as one of the Twin Counties’ quieter growth markets. In 2025, home sales activity increased, with closed properties rising approximately 30% year-over-year. Average
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Over the past six months, the most meaningful commercial real estate activity across Nash and Edgecombe counties has been driven less by retail development and more by industrial manufacturing expansions, infrastructure investment, and major institutional construction projects. While restaurants and small retail continue to fill downtown storefronts, the region’s economic momentum is currently being shaped by grid-linked manufacturing, healthcare investment, and a growing debate over the future of large-scale data centers.
Below are several observations from recent announcements, public records, and development activity across the Twin Counties
Manufacturing tied to electrification, automation, and aerospace components is currently one of the most visible drivers of commercial activity in the region.
One of the largest recent announcements came from LS Cable & System USA in Tarboro, which announced plans to invest approximately $50 million to expand its manufacturing operations, adding two new production lines and increasing employment by roughly 85 jobs Public records show that a portion of the project will be supported through a state Building Reuse grant, highlighting how rural economic development programs are often layered together to help secure and support industrial expansions
Nash County has seen similar momentum Eaton announced a $6.8 million expansion of its aerospace components facility in Middlesex, including a 40,000-square-foot addition and new distribution capabilities. The project also includes incentives from the state’s One North Carolina Fund and a Building Reuse grant, illustrating the increasingly common “layered incentive” structure used to retain and grow industrial employers in rural markets.
Another industrial expansion occurred in Pinetops, where ABB received state support to expand its existing facility with 38,000 square feet of additional space and nearly 50 new jobs. The project again relied on the Building Reuse program, underscoring how frequently this tool is used across eastern North Carolina to support manufacturing growth
Together, these projects point to a consistent pattern: the Twin Counties are increasingly positioned as a hub for manufacturing linked to the modernization of the electric grid and advanced industrial systems.
One of the long-standing challenges for rural industrial recruitment has been the lack of “rea to-occupy” industrial buildings. Developers and economic development organizations are now trying to address this gap.
The Rocky Mount Industrial Village, a propose 55-acre industrial park, is designed around speculative shell buildings that can be customi for future tenants The first building is currently under construction and is expected to deliver in 2026, with the broader project projected to sup hundreds of jobs once fully built out
The strategy reflects a broader shift in site selec Many manufacturers now require existing buildings or fast construction timelines, mea communities without ready space often strugg compete
By investing in speculative industrial inventory, Twin Counties are attempting to shorten the timeline between corporate site selection and production.
These projects are significant not only for healthcare delivery but also for the surrounding commercial ecosystem Large medical investments typically generate demand for:
Medical office space
Pharmacy and outpatient services
Food and hospitality uses
Short-term lodging for families and visiting specialists
Over time, healthcare campuses often function as secondary commercial centers, shaping traffic patterns and development opportunities nearby
Downtown development across the Twin Counties remains focused largely on adaptive reuse and community-serving projects, often supported by public grants
In Rocky Mount, the city recently approved funding tied to the redevelopment of the former Memorial Hospital property, with renovation work tied to a Building Reuse grant and a project led by OIC of Rocky Mount
Meanwhile, Spring Hope is moving forward with the adaptive reuse of the historic Spring Hope Depot into an event center, supported by state grants totaling more than $1 million and targeting a 2026 opening.
These types of projects may not generate the same headline investment numbers as manufacturing expansions, but they play a critical role in strengthening downtown vitality, tourism, and community identity.
Perhaps the most contentious development topic in Edgecombe County over the past year has been the prospect of large-scale data center campuses.
In September 2025, the Town of Tarboro denied a special use permit for a proposed 50-acre data center project, citing environmental and proximity concerns. The developer subsequently appealed the decision
At the same time, another proposal has emerged for a massive data center campus near Kingsboro, reportedly envisioned as a 900megawatt project with potential investment in the tens of billions of dollars While still conceptual and facing strong public scrutiny, the proposal has sparked significant debate around:
Power consumption
Water usage
Noise and environmental impacts
Long-term economic benefits
The debate highlights a new reality: the economics of AI and cloud infrastructure are reaching rural communities, forcing local governments to weigh potential tax revenues against infrastructure demands and community concerns.
A consistent theme across nearly every project is the role of public infrastructure investment and state incentive programs
Tools such as the Building Reuse Program, the OneNC Fund, and industrial utility extension grants have repeatedly appeared in recent development announcements These programs often fund renovations, infrastructure upgrades, or adaptive reuse projects that make private investment feasible in smaller markets.
Other infrastructure investments including broadband expansion and flood resiliency improvements are also quietly improving the region’s long-term competitiveness.
Taken together, recent activity across the Twin Counties suggests a regional economy shaped by three intersecting forces:
Industrial manufacturing tied to electrification and advanced components
Institutional healthcare expansion
Emerging debates around energy-intensive
data center development
Retail and hospitality will continue to grow alongside population increases, but the most significant capital investment in the near term is likely to remain industrial and infrastructuredriven
For communities like Rocky Mount, Nashville, Tarboro, and Spring Hope, the question is not simply how to attract growth but how to shape it in ways that strengthen the region’s long-term economic foundation.
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When Rachel Candaso took the stage at the Rocky Mount Event Center in February, she represented more than her middle school classroom in Pitt County. Seated beside North Carolina Superintendent of Public Instruction Maurice “Mo” Green and Teach For America North Carolina Executive Director Robyn Fehrman, Candaso embodied something larger: the long-term return on investing in educational leadership in eastern North Carolina
A 2020 Teach For America Eastern North Carolina alumna and the 2025 Burroughs Wellcome Fund North Carolina Teacher of the Year, Candaso’s journey reflects the kind of sustained leadership development rural communities increasingly rely on to stabilize and strengthen their workforce pipelines.
Her presence alone told a story What begins as a two-year classroom commitment can evolve into statewide leadership rooted not in Raleigh or Charlotte, but in eastern North Carolina
The timing of the discussion was significant North Carolina public schools began the academic year with more than 2,000 teacher vacancies, according to the N.C. School Superintendents’ Association. The state currently ranks 43rd nationally in teacher pay, with average salaries nearly $14,000 below the national average
For Superintendent Green, those numbers underscore both challenge and opportunity. He has called for improved teacher compensation and licensing pathways, including innovative efforts to support teacher assistants in becoming certified educators
At the same time, Green emphasized that North Carolina’s public schools are achieving historic success, including the highest graduation rate in state history His 2030 vision includes ensuring that every student graduates having completed a college-level course, a career and technical education pathway, and demonstrated strong character development.
Those benchmarks align directly with the concerns of employers and developers across eastern North Carolina A competitive regional economy depends on students who are prepared for higher education, skilled trades, and leadership roles.
The workforce pipeline, as Rocky Mount Area Chamber of Commerce President David Farris noted during the event, “absolutely comes out of our educational system”
“What begins as a two-year classroom commitment can evolve into statewide leadership rooted not in Raleigh or Charlotte, but in eastern North Carolina.”
For a region focused on growth and long-term investment, educational stability is not an abstract issue it is foundational infrastructure
Teach For America North Carolina has recruited more than 4,300 first-year teachers to the state since 1990
Today, the organization serves tens of thousands of students annually through its Ignite tutoring fellowship, two-year teaching corps, and alumni leadership initiatives
But the deeper impact lies beyond those initial placements.
Candaso credits Teach For America with shaping her approach to leadership
“Teach For America has a very innovative program focused on taking our educators and making them leaders both within the classroom and outside of it,” she said during the panel
That dual focus is critical Leadership cultivated in classrooms often extends into school administration, nonprofit leadership, policy influence, and community advocacy. In regions like eastern North Carolina, where retaining talent is essential, that continuity matters
The ripple effect is tangible: leadership begets leadership
Another focus of the discussion was artificial intelligence and its role in shaping the future of education While national headlines often frame AI as disruptive, the tone in Rocky Mount was measured and pragmatic
Green described the state as being in an “exploration phase,” where educators are encouraged to experiment with AI tools under thoughtful guidance
Candaso framed AI as a practical resource rather than a replacement
“As a classroom teacher, one of the things we lack a lot of is time,” she explained AI tools can assist with lesson planning, differentiating materials for students at varying learning levels, and translating content to better serve multilingual learners.
Fehrman emphasized that Teach For America remains committed to ensuring that human leadership remains at the center of classrooms, even as educators prepare students for a technology-driven future.
For business leaders, that balance is instructive Innovation must enhance human capability, not erode it The goal is to prepare students for evolving industries while maintaining the mentorship and character development that define strong communities.
Hosting this conversation in Rocky Mount was not incidental Discussions about AI, teacher pipelines, and statewide educational benchmarks often take place in larger metropolitan areas Bringing state leadership, award-winning educators, and business voices together in eastern North Carolina sends a different message: rural communities are not waiting to react to change they are helping shape it
The February event also reflected meaningful community investment More than $21,000 was raised during the evening to help secure a $135,000 matching grant from an anonymous donor, reinforcing local commitment to sustaining leadership development efforts
Teach For America’s 35-year presence in North Carolina demonstrates continuity rather than shortterm intervention. Alumni like Candaso illustrate how leadership cultivated in rural districts can rise to statewide prominence while remaining deeply connected to local communities
For the real estate and business sectors, that consistency is significant. Stable educational leadership supports strong schools Strong schools support family retention, talent development, and long-term regional growth
The panel at the Rocky Mount Event Center was not simply a policy discussion It was a visible example of coordinated leadership: a state superintendent outlining ambitious benchmarks, a Teacher of the Year shaped by local investment, a nonprofit executive stewarding a statewide leadership pipeline, and business leaders recognizing that education is integral to economic resilience
“The workforce pipeline absolutely comes out of our educational system.”
In a state facing teacher shortages and rapid technological change, the conversation in Rocky Mount offered something constructive proof that rural North Carolina is investing in the leaders who will guide its classrooms and, ultimately, its workforce
While national debates continue, eastern North Carolina is demonstrating a forward-looking approach rooted in partnership, innovation, and long-term commitment
The future of the region’s economy will not be determined solely by development projects or market cycles. It will be shaped, in part, by the educators preparing the next generation to learn, lead, and thrive
And in Rocky Mount, that leadership pipeline is already taking shape
Looking ahead, Teach For America North Carolina continues to bring together leaders from across sectors to champion educational excellence and community prosperity Teach for America NC started their “Bright Futures, Bold Innovations - One Day” event series in Eastern North Carolina, and their next stop is Raleigh Day On April 30, 2026, TFA NC will host its One Day Event Triangle at the Sheraton Imperial Hotel in RTP, uniting more than 700 business, civic, and education leaders for an evening of inspiration, connection, and forwardlooking dialogue around leadership, innovation, and opportunity in our state
Attendees will hear powerful impact stories, engage with the mission to expand opportunities for all students, and leave equipped to contribute to a thriving future for North Carolina’s communities. If you care about workforce development, economic growth, and educational leadership this is an event you won’t want to miss Register now to be part of the conversation and help shape the next chapter of educational and economic growth across the region.
