Greater Fayetteville Business Journal - August 27, 2021 Issue

Resilient and Thriving

Mayor Colvin reports on postpandemic health Page 4

August 27 - September 9, 2021 Vol. 1, No. 7

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$2.00

WEB EXCLUSIVE Health Care

Fayetteville keeps close watch on rising COVID-19 cases bizfayetteville.com

Developing

Cross Creek Mall watching growth of new stores Page 6

Hospitality

Annual Dogwood Festival preps for new season Page 11

PHOTO USED WITH PERMISSION FROM DINA FULCHER

Index

Economic Indicators .............................. 3 From the Publisher ................................. 4 Calendar ................................................ 5 Achievers ............................................... 7 Military Business ................................... 9 Hospitality ...........................................11 Biz Leads .............................................18 Technology ......................................22-23

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Billie Faith Fulcher, shows her pig at a previous county fair. The teen and her younger sister will be showing animals again at the Cumber County Fair, which begins Sept. 3 at the Crown Complex in Fayetteville.

AG INDUSTRY

ON DISPLAY CHILDREN INTRODUCED TO FARM LIFE AT AN EARLY AGE

BY JAMI MCLAUGHLIN he Cumberland County Fair is back, and while known for entertainment and fun, it’s also a great place to see what the agri-business sector is doing in this part of North Carolina.

“Many people think the county fair is all about funnel cakes and thrilling rides, but the county fair was actually established to bring the community together to celebrate and showcase their best harvest, crafts and baked goods,” said Lisa Childers, county extension director for the NC Cooperative Extension,

T

Cumberland County Center.

One of those families participating is the Fulcher family who have two daughters, ages 9 and 13, showing their award-winning pigs at the fair.

“My husband is a member of the Cattleman’s Association and as soon as our girls were old enough, we got them involved in the Cumberland County Fair,” said Dina Fulcher, mom to Billie Faith and Arlee Shaye Fulcher, “It’s a great, fun environment for families.”

Her daughter Billie Faith is now in eighth grade at Riverside Christian Academy.

“I was about 5 when I started showing at the county fair and I didn’t even know it was a competition. I just went in with my pig and had a ball,” said Billie Faith Fulcher, age 14.

The competition starts well before the fair begins, as most of the work is behind the scenes where school age children are involved in everyday farm life.

“They really work hard. They learn to take care of the animals, how to show them and most of them are active in raising them,” said Debby Lewis, president of the CumberSee AG, page 16

Page 2

Greater Fayetteville Business Journal

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August 27 - September 9, 2021

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| ECONOMIC INDICATORS | UNITED STATES JUNE 2021:

NORTH CAROLINA CUMBERLAND COUNTY FAYETTEVILLE MSA JUNE 2021: JUNE 2021: JUNE 2021:

5.9%

4.5%

6.9%

6.9%

DOWN FROM JUNE 2020:

DOWN FROM JUNE 2020:

DOWN FROM JUNE 2020:

DOWN FROM JUNE 2020:

8.9%

11.2% MOORE COUNTY JUNE 2021:

RALEIGH MSA JUNE 2021:

5.5%

6.5%

4.7%

4.2%

DOWN FROM JUNE 2020:

DOWN FROM JUNE 2020:

DOWN FROM JUNE 2020:

DOWN FROM JUNE 2020:

8.8%

10.0%

8.8%

JUNE STATE SALES AND USE TAX COLLECTION (CUMBERLAND COUNTY) STATE SALES TAX COLLECTION JUNE 2021

$22,044,874

11.1%

HARNETT COUNTY HOKE COUNTY JUNE 2021: JUNE 2021:

UP FROM STATE SALES TAX COLLECTION JUNE 2020 JUNE 2021 ARRIVALS

8.1%

JUNE 2021 DEPARTURES

18,156

18,805

UP FROM JUNE 2020 ARRIVALS

UP FROM JUNE 2020 DEPARTURES

5,685

Source: Fayetteville Regional Airport

OFFICE SPACE (CUMBERLAND COUNTY)

8.4%

DOWN FROM Q2 2021

9.7%

AVERAGE RENT PER SQUARE-FOOT Q3 TO DATE

$17,742,023

5,740

Source: N.C. Department of Commerce

VACANCY RATE Q3 TO DATE

Page 3

THIS ISSUE’S ECONOMIC INDICATORS PAGE IS SPONSORED BY

JUNE AIR TRAFFIC

JUNE UNEMPLOYMENT

11.2%

August 27 - September 9, 2021

Source: NC Department of Revenue

LABOR FORCE BY INDUSTRY (NORTH CAROLINA) AVERAGE SALE PRICE PER SQUARE-FOOT Q3 TO DATE

AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET Q3 TO DATE

$5.04 $47 UP FROM Q2 2021

UP FROM Q2 2021

6.6%

8.0%

16 MONTHS

Source: Fayetteville Cumberland County Economic Development Corporation

INDUSTRIAL SPACE (CUMBERLAND COUNTY) VACANCY RATE Q3 TO DATE

7.4%

UP FROM Q2 2021

1.4%

AVERAGE RENT PER SQUARE-FOOT Q3 TO DATE

AVERAGE SALE PRICE PER SQUARE-FOOT Q3 TO DATE

$19.03 $161 UP FROM Q2 2021

UP FROM Q2 2021

1.7%

3.3%

AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET Q3 TO DATE

13 MONTHS Source: NC Department of Commerce

Source: Fayetteville Cumberland County Economic Development Corporation

80

2020 vs 2021 (June) FAYETTEVILLE MSA CIVILIAN LABOR FORCE

HOMES SALES DAYS ON THE MARKET (FAYETTEVILLE AREA)

200,000

70

LABOR FORCE

150,000

60

124,687

100,000

50

127,191

JUNE

JUNE

2020

2021

50,000

40

30 5/20

6/20

7/20 8/20 9/20 10/20 11/20 12/20 1/20 2/21

3/21 4/21 5/21

6/21 7/21

Source: Realtor.com/research

AVERAGE PRICE PER GALLON FOR REGULAR UNLEADED IN FAYETTEVILLE ON AUGUST 18, 2021:

$2.87 AVERAGE PRICE PER GALLON FOR FAYETTEVILLE ON AUGUST 18, 2020:

$2.23

0 Source: N.C. Department of Commerce

Source: gasbuddy.com

Page 4

August 27 - September 9, 2021

Greater Fayetteville Business Journal

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| PUBLISHER'S NOTES | 4424 Bragg Blvd, Fayetteville, NC 28303 910-240-9697 bizfayetteville.com PUBLISHER Marty Cayton martyc@bizfayetteville.com

Our recently promoted Associate Editor, Jenna Shackelford, interviewed Fayetteville Mayor Mitch Colvin earlier this month. Whether you agree with his policies and decisions or not, not many leaders in Fayetteville’s history can say they have led through such a tumultuous series of events. From a pandemic, which is ongoing, to the civil unrest we experienced last year, Mayor Colvin’s leadership has truly been tested. Please enjoy Jenna’s interview below with Mayor Colvin.

God bless you and yours, Marty

PUBLISHER, GREATER FAYETTEVILLE BUSINESS JOURNAL

· MARTYC@BIZFAYETTEVILLE.COM

Mayor says Fayetteville is ‘open for business’

EXECUTIVE EDITOR David Kennard davidk@bizfayetteville.com ASSOCIATE EDITOR Jenna Shackelford jennas@bizfayetteville.com

BY JENNA SHACKELFORD

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Brian Miner Jami McLaughlin Jenna-Ley Jamison Kathie Harris Michael Futch Monica Kreber Scott Nunn SALES Malia Allen maliaa@bizfayetteville.com CONTRIBUTING DESIGNER Samantha Lowe samanthal@bizfayetteville.com ACCOUNTING Priscilla Nelson billing@bizfayetteville

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.

SUBSCRIPTIONS To subscribe to the Greater Fayetteville Business Journal, call 910-240-9697 or visit bizfayetteville.com/subscribe.

Subscriptions cost $9.95 per month or $95 per year.

REPRINT For article reprints, plaques and more contact Jenna Shackelford at 910-240-9697.

ADVERTISING For advertising information, please email us at marketing@bizfayetteville.com or call 910-240-9697. © Copyright 2021 Greater Fayetteville Business Journal

T

he past year has been a tumultuous one for businesses; whether dealing with a decline in sales, staffing issues, supply chain shortages or any of the other issues that the pandemic produced, recovering has been an arduous journey for many companies. Despite it all, Mayor Mitch Colvin sees how the community has managed to thrive and is eager to implement more positive changes in the area.

“We are, from what I can hear from the business community, we are doing pretty good,” Colvin said. “We had about 200 million dollars of new construction from March 2020 to March 2021 … That means jobs are being created.”

The biggest complaint that Colvin hears is how difficult it is to keep and retain qualified workers in the community. Mayor Colvin sees this as an opportunity to encourage “jobs of the future” in the area. “Cybersecurity — I’ve talked to a couple of people who have connections with employers in that world, so we may do some pilot programs with them to put people on a 12-month path so they can come out with a six-figure job in cybersecurity,” Colvin said.

“I also want to work with the technical college and the universities … Jobs are the future and will be our key and that will help us with retention and attraction of young people.

They graduate and leave … But when you have jobs that are in an area they have an interest in, they’ll come back.”

Despite COVID-19’s impact, the region has had an influx of new businesses. One such business was Metronet, which is currently implementing its 100 percent fiber optic network in Fayetteville and surrounding areas — part of a $70 million dollar deal. “I worked on that deal in collaboration with PWC to make sure we laid out a path for businesses that was a path of least resistance,” Colvin explained.

He says that Metronet’s product is

PHOTO USED WITH PERMISSION FROM CITY OF FAYETTEVILLE

By working closely with community organizations and by prioritizing the needs of citizens in Fayetteville, Mayor Mitch Colvin hopes to help boost economic development in the city.

needed to be a “smart city.”

“We are here to make sure that the message is loud and clear that Fayetteville is open for business. The low cost of real estate and commercial property compared to other places and [the fact] that we haven’t raised our taxes in five years plus show that this is a perfect environment for businesses.

“We have a really good economic development director in Robert Van Geons … What we are doing is making sure we create the site-ready opportunities for businesses. We are acquiring properties in and around the airport so we can add a commercial aspect to that. We are adding to our private transportation corridor out there so that corporate clients can go in and out and do their transactions,” Colvin said.

In the spring, the Fayetteville community heard about a potential deal with Bernhardt Capital, one that would put the company in charge of Fayetteville’s utilities. The deal did not go through, but Colvin said it opened the door to exploring the status quo and potential for change.

“We have to make sure we vet any opportunities that could be in the best interest of the community.

Sometimes those are transactions that are uncomfortable for people who like the status quo. And, some-

times, it needs more of a deeper dive to find out more about it … I was not really familiar with the Bernhardt model, but I did know that a lot of private capital is on the sidelines looking at investments in communities and infrastructure and other things, and we’ll see more of that. ..

The idea and the concept is not off the table,” Colvin explained.

“We aren’t going to do anything — PWC or on the city side — that’s not in the best interest of the community … We’re going to have to have a realistic conversation about whether the government can do it better than the private sector,” he said.

In the same vein, Colvin said the City is looking into how to best promote positive change in the area with its share of American Rescue Plan funds.

While the decision for how American Rescue Plan money will be spent is still on the table, Mayor Colvin said some of his personal top priorities are housing, infrastructure needs, bringing jobs to the area, and helping small businesses.

Colvin sees improving infrastructure as an important way to boost a positive view of the city. “Our street rating needs to come up. Companies look at that. We have a stormwater problem that is almost a quarter of a billion dollars.

“Sidewalks are a big piece. We receive a hit on our quality of life rating based on walkability of this community. Those things make us appear on the WalletHub list in a negative way because we don’t have the sidewalk connectivity that people view as a safety and quality of life issue,” Colvin said.

“Businesses are only as valuable as the people who work there, so if they have people who are struggling to pay rent or having to live in another community and commute, that hurts [businesses’] retention ability,” said Colvin. He sees improving these areas as ways to help businesses thrive.

Greater Fayetteville Business Journal

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August 27 - September 9, 2021

Page 5

| CALENDAR | FOURTH FRIDAY DOWNTOWN The monthly Fourth Friday Downtown Fayetteville & the District Vibe will take place 6-9 p.m.

AUG. 27 in downtown Fayetteville.

Enjoy performances from a variety of buskers on the streets throughout the district. There will also be various vendors and food carts to explore.

Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the whole vibe downtown, including more than 200 businesses, restaurants, museums, theaters, parks and attractions. Artists, musicians, nonprofits and food vendors should find an application at www.forms. gle/JJypF7K1F4fpC85EA. For more information contact Cool Spring Downtown District's office or email marketing@coolspringfay.org.

CHAMBER RIBBON CUTTING The Greater Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce will conduct a ribbon cutting ceremony with Hurricane Express Auto Wash at 11 a.m. on AUG. 28 at 4795 Raeford Road in Fayetteville. Find more information at www. faybiz.com.

COVID-19 VACCINATION CLINIC SECOND DOSE The Cumberland County Department of Public Health will administer free vaccinations for ages 12 and older from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on AUG. 28 at the Cumberland County Library, Spring Lake Branch No insurance is required. Appointments or walk-ins are welcome. To set an appointment, go online to myoptumserve.com/ covid19 or call 877-505-6723.

CITY MARKET AT THE MUSEUM The City Market at the Museum is a YEAR-ROUND, open air market featuring local produce and artisans.

Typical offerings include blended teas, handmade pottery, soaps, soy candles, glass beaded jewelry, handblown glass, tie dyes, crystals, water colors, custom designs,cookies, muffins, specialty

coffee, music and more. Visit the Fayetteville Area Transportation and Local History Museum each Saturday 325 Franklin St., in Fayetteville from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Call 910-433-1944 for more information.

CHAIR YOGA Wellcare is offering a free Chair Yoga class 1-2 p.m. on SEPT. 2 and every Thursday. To register, go to www. wellcareseminars.com. Contact Ashlee Shands at 919-268-9175 for more information.

TABLE TENNIS TOURNAMENT The Butterfly Cup, sponsored by the Cape Fear Table Tennis Club, is a 4-star tournament sanctioned by the USA Table Tennis Association (USATT). An Unsanctioned Fun Singles Open will take place at 6 p.m. on SEPT. 3 at the Freedom Courts Sportsplex, 3126 Gillespie St. in Fayetteville.

Matches start at 9 a.m. on SEPT. 4, and 10 a.m. on SEPT. 5. The tournament will feature 40 tables of play. More than $6,000 in cash prizes will be awarded to players from around the country, as well as several international players. The event is free to watch.

THE MARKET ON TRADE STREET Enjoy local produce and homemade goods during the SEPT. 18 and OCT. 16 market. Food trucks will be on site from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Hope Mills Lake. Call 910-424-4555 for more information.

SUBMIT YOUR EVENTS: Send your calendar items to editor@bizfayetteville.com or call 910-240-9697, Ext. 104.

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Greater Fayetteville Business Journal

| IN THE NEWS |

Rooms to Go leads Cross Creek Mall additions STAFF REPORT fter filing for Chapter 13 bankruptcy in November, the Tennessee-based company that owns Fayettevile’s Cross Creek Mall is optimistic that it has a brighter future and points to its 2021 second-quarter financial report as evidence.

CBL Properties (OTCMKTS: CBLAQ) announced on Aug. 11 that the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas had approved the company’s reorganization plan. Although CBL still lost money in the second quarter ($8.9 million or $0.05 per share), the bleeding was far less than the second quarter of 2020 when the company lost $81.5 million ($0.42 per share).

“Shopping at the mall is back! The combination of pent-up demand, stimulus checks, positive consumer sentiment and cabin fever led to a rebound in sales across our portfolio over the last few months,” said Stephen Lebovitz, Chief Executive Officer.

For CBL, a vital goal is getting properties fully leased and producing

“Preliminary reports on back-toschool are positive, which bodes well for the holiday sales season,” Lebovitz said.

CBL announced in January that the 45,000-square-foot Rooms To Go was part of the redevelopment of the Sears parcel at Cross Creek Mall.

The store is expected to open in the fourth quarter of 2021. A LongHorn Steakhouse is also being built at the mall, which has more than 150 shops and is anchored by Belk, JCPenney, and Macy’s.

A

DAVID KENNARD/GREATER FAYETTEVILLE BUSINESS JOURNAL

Work continues at Cross Creek Mall, where a Rooms to Go building is going up.

Other new shops are opening inside the mall as well.

revenue, such as the new Rooms to Go location opening later this year at Cross Creek Mall, Lebovitz said.

“Sales at nearly all our malls are exceeding 2019 levels, with many categories showing double-digit increases,” Lebovitz said. “Traffic has picked up as well and is approaching pre-pandemic levels. This recovery benefited second quarter results,

with percentage rents and short-term income trending above expectations.”

Like other retail centers, Cross Creek Mall is looking for strong back-to-school sales for a reboot. “(We’ve) been swamped preparing for back-to-school campaigns,” Jessica Kirkman, the mall’s marketing director, told the Fayetteville Business Journal.

OTHER RECENT ADDITIONS AT THE MALL INCLUDE:

Lim’s men’s clothing; Icemazing frozen cream treats; All-Star Sports premium sportswear and licensed fashion goods; Mode Shoes for women; Select Few exclusive footwear and streetwear; Waffle Cabin authentic Belgian waffles treats; and Cava fast-casual Mediterranean dining.

CBL owns and operates 106 properties totaling 65.7 million square feet across 25 states, including 64 retail centers.

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August 27 - September 9, 2021

Page 7

| ACHIEVERS | Send information about company hires, promotions or awards to editor@bizfayetteville.com

Dr. David E. Brooks named to the Lumbee Guaranty Bank Board of Directors DAVID E. BROOKS has been appointed to serve on Lumbee Guaranty Bank’s Board of Directors.

A lifelong resident of Pembroke, Books is the owner of Pembroke Veterinary Hospital.

He is a graduate of Brooks UNC-Pembroke and the Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine.

“Dr. Brooks is an esteemed member of our community and a highly respected professional with longstanding ties to Lumbee Guaranty Bank,” said Larry R. Chavis, chairman of the Bank's Board of Directors. “We will benefit greatly from his vision, his business expertise, and his earnest concern for our customers.”

Among his many honors, Brooks was named Distinguished Alumnus Award Recipient of Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2021 and the N.C. Veterinary Medical Association Distinguished Veterinarian of the Year in 2012.

He is a member of several professional organizations, including the American Veterinary Medical Association, N.C. Veterinary Medical Association and the N.C. Association of Minority Veterinarians. A lifetime member of the UNC-Pembroke Alumni Association, he received an Outstanding Alumnus Award from this organization. He is often called upon to be a keynote speaker at events, ceremonies and symposiums across the country.

An avid outdoorsman, who loves to hunt and fish, Books is a member of the Tri Warrior Club and has competed in several “Full Iron-Man” events.

He earned the rank of Eagle Scout in 1970, and he continues to enjoy cycling.

Brooks and his wife, Wanda, have five children and nine grandchildren.

He is a member of Bear Swamp Baptist Church, where he has served in numerous capacities, including on the finance committee, program committee and board of trustees — and as an adult and youth Sunday School teacher.

Founded in 1971, Lumbee Guaranty Bank is marking its 50th year as an independent community bank,

serving customers in Robeson, Cumberland, and Hoke counties.

Headquartered in Pembroke, the Bank has fourteen offices throughout the area, providing a full range of services including checking/savings accounts, certificates of deposit, mortgage/home equity loans, auto and personal loans, business/commercial loans, investment services, and secure electronic banking. The bank's newest location, in historic downtown Fayetteville, offers the convenience of “in-town” banking.

New FSU chancellor welcomes students Fayetteville State university students continued a Bronco tradition on Aug. 15 by participating in the Pinning Ceremony in the J.W. Seabrook Auditorium which is a formal induction ceremony to welcome all new freshmen to FSU. CHANCELLOR DARAllison RELL T. ALLISON officially inducted the class of 2025 into the Bronco family.

All students received an FSU lapel pin that can be worn for any formal or ceremonial occasion. The guest speaker for this occasion was alumnus Marquelle Turner-Gilchrist who graduated from Fayetteville State in 2009 and is a global fashion influencer.

AFCEA presents scholarships to local students The Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association of North Carolina (AFCEA NC)

Marve Gordon, president of the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association of North Carolina, right, speaks at Fayetteville State University last week.

awarded scholarships to ROTC cadets at Campbell, NC State, and Fayetteville State University; it also awarded a scholarship to a veteran at Fayetteville Technical Community College (FTCC). This is in addition to scholarships for graduating high school seniors, and local Teacher STEM Grants.

Denning selected as Highland Roofing construction manager Highland Roofing Company has named ERIK DENNING Raleigh Construction Manager.

Denning will manage Highland’s in-house production team and subcontractors to ensure the successful completion of new construction and Denning re-roofing projects in the Triangle region.

“Erik comes to us with strong commercial roofing construction accomplishments in the Triangle area,” said Iain Fergusson, President and Owner of Highland Roofing Company. “He will be a great addition to our Raleigh team and will enhance our commitment to providing our customers with exceptional service and quality construction.”

Denning started his 13-year roofing career with The Century Slate Company where he was a steep slope roofer and then moved to Lan-Way Roofing where he’s worked as a lowslope roofer, project/construction manager and estimator for commercial projects.

“I am pleased to join the Highland team and provide our clients with an exceptional construction experience,” said Erik Denning. “I look forward to enhancing Highland’s efforts in the Triangle region.”

Former commissioner inducted into NCACC Hall of Fame Former Cumberland County Commissioner VIRGINIA THOMPSON OLIVER was honored with the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC) Hall of Fame Award on Aug. 15.

The award honors Oliver for her “outstanding leadership as the association’s first female president,” county officials said last week. She served as the NCACC president from 19851986.

“Part of what makes our organization so strong is we remember our past and particularly Oliver those leaders who came before us who make a difference,” said Kevin Leonard, NCACC executive director. “During the past year we have experienced many firsts and

realize how important it is to take a moment and reflect on other firsts that matter to us,” Oliver was the first woman elected as a commissioner in Cumberland County, according to a prepared press statement. She was appointed as a commissioner in 1978 after the untimely death of her husband, Larry Thompson, who was serving as a Cumberland County commissioner.

Oliver was encouraged to complete her husband’s term and she accepted the appointment. She then ran for office and was elected to the position for three additional terms. She was also the first woman to serve as chairman of the Board of Commissioners.She is known to have been instrumental in the development of Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, the county library and the merger of the city and county school systems in Cumberland County,” Leonard said during the association’s annual conference held in Wilmington.

Oliver was unable to attend the banquet and Cumberland County Vice Chairman Glenn Adams accepted the award on her behalf. He made a brief presentation to the Board of Commissioners Aug. 16 during their regular board meeting about the honor.

“This is a remarkable honor for one of our own and we are very proud of former Commissioner Virginia Thompson Oliver,” Adams said.

Fryer elected to serve on Home Builders council NATALIE FRYER, Fayetteville Home Builders Association executive officer, has been elected to the NAHB Executive Officers Council (EOC). Fryer was elected to the role of secretary, which is part of a three-year ladder that culmiFryer nates in serving as vice-president and then president of the NAHB EOC. Fryer was elected by her peers of local and state association chief executives during the NAHB EOC’s annual meeting at the recent NAHB Association Management Conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She will be the third executive officer from North Carolina to be elected to serve in this position.

“I am delighted that North Carolina is represented in such an important leadership role,” said Tim Minton, NCHBA Executive Vice President.

“Natalie is well-prepared for the job having led the Fayetteville HBA as well as being a leader within NCHBA.”

Page 8

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Page 9

| MILITARY BUSINESS |

Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification preparation begins for contractors

BY JENNA SHACKELFORD

T

he Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification program, a Department of Defense initiative announced in January 2020, is in the early stages of the implementation process.

The standard is applicable to anyone who supports the Department of Defense contractually. “Any DOD contractor or subcontractor eventually will need to attain CMMC certification between now and 2026.

The whole notion behind this is up until now, cybersecurity was something companies had to attest to,” said Matthew Travis, the CEO of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification Accreditation Board.

There are a plethora of “terms and conditions,” Travis calls them, that contractors have to sign off on — that they paid their taxes and that they only hire US citizens who are eligible, documented immigrants, for example. Cybersecurity is one such parameter. The National Institute of Standards and Technology relied on organizations to accurately report how they were performing practices and controls for basic cyber hygiene.

CMMC builds off of NIST but has additional standards and requires companies to prove that they are meeting the standards, rather than simply attesting to it.

CMMC-AB is the exclusive partner of the Pentagon. The organization is authorized to accredit the companies who are going to be doing the CMMC certifications and certify the individuals who will be doing the assessments and instructing classes.

Edward Petkovich, president of Walsingham Group, a Fayetteville-based company specializing in the operations, maintenance and support of critical infrastructure and government-owned, contractor-operated facilities, already sees businesses preparing for the full implementation of CMMC firsthand.

“Even though we are a few years away from the end-all, where that policy takes effect and that law of the land takes effect, and no contract will be awarded without that vendor meeting the requirement, we are seeing right now contracts and solicitations and procurements and

PHOTO BY FLY:D PHOTOGRAPHY ON UNSPLASH

Although DOD contractors have until 2026 to become certified with CMMC, beginning preparations now is recommended.

acquisitions that are incorporating aspects of this,” Petkovich said.

Jaron Cayton, president of TeamLogic IT, says his company is working with clients to help them comply with CMMC. “We’re trying to do two things: We’re trying to make sure we have the basic cybersecurity practices in place and well-documented. And then, we’re trying to make sure that we are not only documenting them but that we have a tool by which we can audit them,” Cayton said.”That’s the biggest change from previous compliance guidelines. CMMC is going to ask you to see the policy, see it in action, and then show the report on how you audit to make sure this is happening regularly.”

Cayton expressed a concern that many companies have shared as they try to adhere to CMMC: the cost. “My hope is that the government is taking some of that into consideration because it is a big ask of all your contractors and it could potentially hurt some of the smaller contractors that can’t meet even level one, and there are 5 levels of CMMC,” he said.

Travis breaks down the costs into two categories: the cost to implement CMMC and the cost to be accessed.

Ideally, Travis says, since third-party assessment organizations are doing the assessments, in a competitive environment, the cost of testing will go down. The accreditation board is expecting that to be the case.

All five levels of CMMC are rigorous to ensure best cybersecurity practices; even so, the requirements that a contractor must adhere to varies depending on the level, so some require more effort than others. “It may be that you only need that first maturity Level One, which is very basic cyber hygiene,” Travis said. “But if you’re a big [contractor] — Raytheon or Boeing — you can imagine you’ll be needing up to Level Five … Think of a ladder scale. But the higher you go the more requirements there are.”

That being said, the CMMC-AB, TeamLogic IT and Walsingham Group agree that contractors should not wait until the last minute to learn about what CMMC will mean for them.

Travis expects that some contractors will wait till the last minute to prepare for certification, but that investing in cybersecurity now and leaving time to get all of the details right is important. Regardless, Travis urges contractors to look into registered practitioners who are

consultants that can help them with the process that have gone through the CMMC-AB. He also points out that the accreditation board has virtual town halls to talk through issues, provide information and answer questions. The Board also emphasizes public engagement and is willing to speak to groups like local Chambers to help people understand CMMC more thoroughly.

Kelly George, director of security at Walsingham Group, advises contractors to start keeping records of their cybersecurity measures now.

“The key piece for companies is they have to show a longstanding history of cyber hygiene when that inspector walks in the door. I better have a year of data and event logs and things to show that inspector. You can’t do it overnight. It’s a long-term process,” she said.

Aside from procrastination, Cayton sees two major issues that businesses will face as they dive into the application of CMMC. “These projects take time to plan and implement and obviously our clients and our team are trying to run businesses while we do this … We can’t just simply say we’re going to shut down and implement these things and then turn everything back on.”

Secondly, the nature of complying with CMMC is tedious and putting in the work to meet the standards can be frustrating when you cannot tell you’re making progress. “It’s more of an attitude of it being a marathon, not a sprint, and prioritizing that time accordingly,” Cayton said.

Some contractors may be frustrated by the new means of cybersecurity accountability, but Petkovich believes that businesses need to welcome the change, not just by leading by example, but by recognizing the need for best cybersecurity practices. “I will tell you, it needs to be embraced by the business,” he said. “We laugh, like, ‘Do we really have to do this?’

I do … I really, no kidding, have to lock myself down and make sure I’m not cheating and I’m not doing a disservice to the company. I may be the weakest link if I think I’m the exception to the rule. It needs to be embraced by management.”

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Page 11

| HOSPITALITY |

MALIA ALLEN/GREATER FAYETTEVILLE BUSINESS JOURNAL

The Fayetteville Dogwood Festival returns this fall with entertainment and fun for all ages.

Dogwood returns to usher in fall season

BY JENNA-LEY JAMISON

A

s the seasons transition to cooler temps, and the colors of nature illuminate the trees one last time before winter, the Fayetteville community will be in full swing preparing for a staple jamboree unlike any other.

Celebratory of its small-town, Southern roots and historical significance, the fall Fayetteville Dogwood Festival brings together community members of all ages.

From children’s downtown hayrides to the more adult “historic hauntings” — cemetery tours with an historic, spooky twist; from scrumptious carnival foods — think cotton candy and popcorn — to one-of-a-kind craft vendors; from Battle of the Bands and a dueling piano show to a car and motorcycle show contests, the event is one that’s sure to leave a lasting impression on all who attend.

“We are staple to the community,” said Sarahgrace Snipes, executive director of The Fayetteville Dogwood Festival, a 501c4 nonprofit. “People hear Dogwood Festival (and) they get super excited…it’s one of the two events that they normally go to.”

That’s because the Dogwood Festival also puts on a similar event in spring, though that initiative draws in thousands more than the

fall event. According to the organization’s website, the spring event gathers between 200,000 and 250,000 while the fall festival brings in a much smaller crowd.

However, Snipes was unable to provide an estimated average of attendees. She said due to the fall festival’s newer nature, the crowd size always varies depending on the event’s activities. The fall event has been around since at least 2015; whereas the spring festival is gearing up to celebrate its 40th anniversary this coming April.

This year’s fall Dogwood Festival is set for Oct. 15-17. Festivities will take place in the 14-acre Festival Park on Saturday and Sunday, while Friday’s activities will simply include hayrides and historic hauntings at the promenade near downtown.

After the COVID-19 pandemic canceled last year’s family-friendly festivities, festival planners are eager for its return — not only to reinstate one of the area’s most beloved happenings but also to allow one of the organization’s main funding sources to return.

“It’ll also be another opportunity for people to get out of the house, which is everybody’s favorite phrase now,” Snipes said in reference to the quarantine measures of 2020.

While Snipes couldn’t elaborate

on budget details at time of publication, she did tell the Greater Fayetteville Business Journal that among the two Dogwood Festivals and a third summer concert series — dubbed Fayetteville After Five, which runs June through August — that nonprofit hosts during the year, all monies raised from the events benefit the nonprofit. The funds are not only used to put on the events but also help market them in the community. In return, the events aid in promoting Fayetteville’s unique characteristics and culture.

“We are responsible for collecting our own funds and use them to plan future events,” Snipes said, “and so we focus not only on the sustainability of the community but also of the organization itself, because without people, there wouldn’t be a Dogwood Festival.”

In addition to the smaller, more intimate crowd size, another primary difference between the spring and fall festivals is that the fall event’s details change year-to-year depending on who’s in charge. Simply put, it’s the Executive Director who decides “on what it looks like,” Snipes said.

“In the past, we have had larger headliners like Brett Young, or some years (we) have just haunted houses,” she said. “(The festival) is still relatively new to the organization itself.”

There’s also a close collaboration between the festival planning and Dogwood Festival board, which currently includes 15 members — but has been as large as 18.

“What makes (the event) unique is that we have a working board,” Snipes said. “They are our sole volunteers. We interact with them frequently — more than you would a normal nonprofit board — so they have the opportunity to contribute opinions. …They are there to support and work the events..”

The fall festival is expected to bring in between 50 and 100 vendors—many of whom are selling exclusive handmade trinkets and foods.

“They are the most interesting people you’ll ever see because they bring the most interesting products,” Snipes said. “You’ll see bowls; you’ll see pins; you’ll see cutting boards; you’ll see some vendors with their own honey, lip balm, essential owls.

You know that they’re bringing them out of their own backyard, and it’s a product that they’re making themselves.”

For more information on The Fayetteville Dogwood Festival, visit thedogwoodfestival.com.

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| IN THE NEWS |

Postal Service delivers big tenant for Hope Mills industrial park

BY SCOTT NUNN iberty Point, a major new industrial park in the Hope Mills Interstate 95 corridor, has its first tenant.

According to David Stroud of APG Advisors, a Raleigh-based commercial real estate firm, the Postal Service has leased all of the first spec building in the master-planned Liberty Point and will operate a distribution center out of the 178,200-squarefoot distribution facility.

Stroud said the building is still under construction, with delivery scheduled for September and the service move-in planned for October.

The Postal Service currently operates a processing and distribution center in Fayetteville. It was not clear Friday on how the new facility might impact the Fayetteville location.

Although spec buildings are meant to attract a future tenant, Stroud, who represented Liberty Point in the lease transaction, told the Greater

L

PHOTO USED WITH PERMISSION FROM FCEDC

The U.S. Postal Service will occupy space in Hope Mills.

Fayetteville Journal that the Postal Service committed to the building early on.

The Postal Service was represented in the transaction by Al Williams, Caitlyn Kinnaird and Brian Weiss of Jones Lang LaSalle.

Liberty Point is a joint venture of the Fayetteville family that owns the land and Greensboro-based Windsor Commercial. When completed it will contain four industrial buildings for a total of 1.15 million square feet.

Construction on a 139,500-squarefoot second industrial building is underway, with delivery planned for the second quarter of 2022. Rounding out the development will be a 133,400-square-foot building and a build-to-suit 690,400-square-foot facility.

According to Robert Van Geons, president and CEO of the Fayetteville Cumberland Economic Development Corporation, Liberty Point is supported by a $2 million sewer project funded by the N.C. Department of Commerce, PWC and Cumberland County. Additionally, South River EMC assisted with electrical improvements and relocations, he said.

As part of its involvement, Stroud said, the Department of Commerce pushed hard for the super-sized “build-to-suit” facility. He said the state sees it as a location that can be used to draw a big-time tenant, one that other states might also be vying for.

“That's a big one,” Stroud said.

“That's the 800-pound gorilla.”

Liberty Pointe is on Corporation Drive in a non-contiguous satellite area that was annexed by Hope Mills.

The area within the Hope Mills town limits as well as adjacent land has become an attractive location for logistics and distribution businesses and manufacturers that truck their goods out of the Fayetteville area. Logistics/ shipping is one of the fastest-growing business sectors in the nation’s economy.

Stroud said the entire Liberty Point project is moving fast.

“We have a lot of prospective tenants,” he said. “And I'm getting calls from people in every state — Texas, California, New York, Florida. It's all based around distribution.”

Some of the other businesses near the Liberty Point site include Mann+Hummel, FedEx, the Walmart distribution center, CAT and Coca-Cola.

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Page 13

| IN THE NEWS |

2020 CENSUS

Harnett among state’s fastest growing counties

C

BY SCOTT NUNN

umberland County added more than 15,000 residents between 2010 and 2020 (a 5 percent increase) and, with 334,728 people, remains North Carolina’s fifth most populous county.

The latest population numbers, released Thursday by the Census Bureau, show that Harnett County added nearly 19,000 people over the past decade. The 16.5 percent increase made it the 11th-fastest growing county in the state. With 133,568 residents, Harnett is now the 25th most populous county.

Meanwhile, two counties in the Fayetteville area saw significant population losses. Robeson County lost 17,638 residents, a 13 percent decrease and the most overall in the state. Bladen County lost 5,584 residents, a nearly 16 percent drop.

North Carolina’s overall population grew from 9,535,483 to 10,439,483 over the decade, an increase of 903,905 or 9.5 percent.

The growth makes it one of six states that will gain a U.S. House seat.

The latest numbers also show that Wake is now the state’s most populous county. The home of the state capital, Raleigh, Wake has grown by 228,417 in the past 10 years to 1,129,410, eclipsing Mecklenburg’s 1,115,482.

Wake’s neighbor, Johnston, was the fastest growing county in the state, Wake was fourth (25 percent) and Durham was 5th (21 percent).

That means the Research Triangle added nearly 350,000 residents since 2010, the last census. Over that same period, 51 North Carolina counties lost population and 49 grew.

Although Wake is now on top, the top the five largest counties in 2020 were also the five largest in 2010: Wake, 1,129,410; Mecklenburg, 1,115,482; Guilford, 541,299; Forsyth, 382,590; and Cumberland, 334,728.

Wake (25 percent), Mecklenburg (21 percent) and Guilford (11 percent) grew faster than the state (9.5 percent) over the decade while Forsyth (9 percent) and Cumber-

and 2020.

The fastest-growing U.S. metro area between the 2010 Census and 2020 Census was The Villages, FL, which grew 39 percent from about 93,000 people to about 130,000 people.

A total of 72 U.S. metro areas lost population from the 2010 Census to the 2020 Census. The U.S. metro areas with the largest percentage declines were Pine Bluff, Arkansas and Danville, Illinois, at -12.5 percent and -9.1 percent, respectively.

land (5 percent) grew more slowly.

Tyrrell County remains the least populous county in North Carolina and five smallest counties are the same as in 2010: Tyrrell, 3,245; Hyde, 4,589; Graham, 8,030; Jones, 9,172; and Camden, 10,355.

After a decade of population estimates suggesting that Brunswick was the fastest-growing county, Johnston took a slight edge in the end. The five fastest-growing counties in North Carolina from 20102020 were: Johnston, 27.9 percent; Brunswick, 27.2 percent; Cabarrus, 26.8 percent; Wake, 25.4 percent; Durham, 21.4 percent.

The counties with the largest numeric declines were: Robeson, -17,638; Duplin, -9,790; Edgecombe, -7,652; Columbus, -7,475; and Halifax, -6,069 The counties with the largest percentage losses were: Tyrrell, -26.4 percent; Hyde, -21.0 percent; Northampton, -20.9 percent; Anson, -18.2 percent; and Washington, -16.8 percent.

The expanded data released Thursday showed an increase in the population of U.S. metro areas, an increasingly diverse nation and, for the first time in the nation’s history, a decline in the white population.

“These changes reveal that the US population is much more multiracial, and more racially and ethnically diverse, than what we measured in the past,” said Nicholas Jones, the director of race, ethnicity, research and outreach

for the Census Bureau's Population Division.

The population of the nation’s metro areas grew by 9 percent from 2010 to 2020, resulting in 86 percent of the population living in U.S. metro areas in 2020, compared to 85 percent in 2010.

At 57.8 percent, the non-Hispanic white population remains the largest race or ethnic group, but the percentage declined by 8.6 percent since 2020, making it the lowest share on record.

“Many counties within metro areas saw growth, especially those in the south and west. However, as we’ve been seeing in our annual population estimates, our nation is growing slower than it used to,” said Marc Perry, a senior demographer at the Census Bureau. “This decline is evident at the local level where around 52 percent of the counties in the United States saw their 2020 Census populations decrease from their 2010 Census populations.”

COUNTY AND METRO AREA HIGHLIGHTS

The largest county in the United States in 2020 remains Los Angeles County with over 10 million people.

The largest city (incorporated place) in the United States in 2020 remains New York with 8.8 million people.

312 of the 384 U.S. metro areas gained population between 2010

FAYETTEVILLE AREA Cumberland

2010: 319,431 2020: 334,728

Change: +15,297 Rate: +5 percent

Harnett

2010: 114,678 2020: 133,568

Change: +18,890 Rate: 16.5 percent

Robeson

2010: 134,168 2020: 116,530

Change: -17,638 Rate: -13 percent

Moore

2010: 88,247 2020: 99,727

Change: +11,480 Rate: 13 percent

Hoke

2010: 46,952 2020: 52,082

Change: +5,130 Rate: 11 percent

Bladen

2010: 35190 2020: 29,606

Change: -5.584 Rate: -16 percent

Page 14

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August 27 - September 9, 2021

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Page 15

| AG INDUSTRY |

Months of preparation culminate with top awards

BY JAMI MCLAUGHLIN lue ribbon sweet potato pie?

First place antique farm equipment? Grand or reserve champion?

There are awards to be won in the various exhibits and shows at the Cumberland County Fair.

Debby Lewis, president of the Cumberland County Livestock Association, contributes more than 100 volunteer hours to the Cumberland County Fair every year, supporting both 4H and the FFA groups.

“I just finished ordering all of the trophies and ribbons for the livestock shows,” Lewis said.

A longtime volunteer at the show, Lewis has been involved for more than four decades.

“My husband and I raised hogs, or feeder pigs, for years,” Lewis said.

“When my boys, Shane and Shawn, got older, they started showing them.

They showed at the county and state fairs until they aged out and then I started volunteering. We’ve always been active in the Livestock Association. My sons are in their 40s now.”

The Cumberland County Livestock Association is ready for the entries this year and so is the county co-op extension staff who help work with the 4-H and FFA groups.

“We have youth from across the state come to show at our fair. Gray's Creek High School is fortunate to have a barn at their school and their FFA members will be showing goats this year at the Cumberland County Fair. That show will take place on Thursday, Sept. 9 at 7 p.m.,” said Liz Joseph, livestock extension agent for the Cumberland County Cooperative Extension. “We have livestock that remains at the fair for the duration, usually chickens, rabbits, goats, sheep, and sometimes pigs and ducks. These animals are judged for a different competition based on their species and gender. Animals are awarded ribbons based on the placing they receive.”

Along with livestock and poultry exhibits, there are opportunities to win ribbons for seasonal entries from carved pumpkins to Christmas ornaments, clothing, arts and crafts including photography and birdhouses, handicrafts such as cross

and more information, visit www. cumberlandcountyfairpageant.com.

Along with the contests, there is an auction for swine and feed calves at the fair.

“We have a mock auction after our Show and Sale which features pigs and beef cattle. Everyone is welcome to bid on the animal during the auction. The money goes to the child showing the animal and unlike

B

“

The auction on Wednesday night is when the kids can make some money.

They really work hard.”

DEBBY LEWIS

President, Cumberland County Livestock Association

PHOTO USED WITH PERMISSION FROM DINA FULCHER

Arlee Shaye Fulcher shows her Reserve Champion pig from the Pee Wee Showman division.

stitch and quilts, canned fruits and vegetables, jams and jellies, baked goods, floriculture, agriculture, horticulture and 4-H entries. New this year, they are allowing 4-H Cloverbuds and K-2 youth are limited to 10 items and youth, grades 3-12, and 4-H entries ages 8-19 to enter up to 20 items (with the exception of 4-H Project Expression Exhibits).

Outside of the Cumberland County Fair, there is also a winner named for the County Fair “Best in Show” who then goes to the North Carolina State Fair.

Open to first- and second-graders in Cumberland and contiguous counties only, is the 2021 Fair Scene coloring contest. First-place winners

will receive a prize and ribbons will be awarded to the top three per grade level at each participating school.

Another fun couple of fair entries are the “table setting contest” and the “build a scarecrow contest.” For the table setting contest, themes can be chosen for family celebration, holiday or one of the four seasons. For the scarecrow, 30 out of 100 points can be awarded for adherence to the fair theme “Agriculture, Food and Rides! Oh My!” The Cumberland County Fair Pageant is also back this year on Sept. 4 with applications due on Aug. 23. There are two divisions from birth to 6 years old and from ages 7 and up. For the application

a typical auction, the animal stays in the possession of the showmen,” Joseph said. “This show will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 8 and starts at 5 p.m.”

Lewis agreed that it was an exciting time for the participants.

“The auction on Wednesday night is when the kids can make some money. They really work hard,” said Lewis, “We help with a week of shows at the Cumberland County Fair including junior laying hens, market lambs, meat goats, beef heifers, swine/market hogs, feeder calves and steers. This auction is always special for them.”

If anyone is interested in getting involved or helping raise funds for the young farmers in FFA or 4H, the Cumberland County Livestock Association will have its annual Oyster Roast fundraiser on Nov. 4.

For more information on awards or how to submit entries, visit www.crowncomplexnc.com/events/cumberlandcountyfair.

Page 16

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August 27 - September 9, 2021

are watching it all. The pig needs to know how to turn and when to stop.”

“Showmanship is the big ticket winner for any kid in competition,” Dina Fulcher said. It shows their hard work. If you don’t put in the work, you don’t win the awards.”

The Fulcher family may have gotten their start at the Cumberland County Fair, but they’ve found a community in shows and have begun to travel with their pigs even outside of the NC State Fair, which they are also active in.

“We started with the county and now we’ve gone hog wild. We bought a trailer and completely renovated our barn. My husband even went down to Texas to get special materials to outfit the pens,” Dina Fulcher said. “With everything we’re facing in the world, I can’t think of a better environment for our girls and these shows with the people are just amazing. We’re traveling to enjoy every livestock show we can. We participate in the Eastern Carolina showmanship circuit with state fairs and jackpot shows. This has been our biggest year yet traveling to Virginia, Georgia, Maryland and West Virginia as well as North Carolina.”

“I love traveling to different places. We do around ten or so shows a year depending on what pigs we have ready at the barn,” said Billie Faith

From AG, page 1

land County Livestock Association, who helps with the livestock shows at the Cumberland County Fair.

“It is really crazy how much is involved with it all,” Billie Faith Fulcher said. “Our whole family is a team and we all work together. If I didn’t have their support, I couldn’t do it. We all pitch in to do what we need to do.”

While it is a family effort, Dina also praises her daughter’s young work ethic.

“Our daughter is up every morning before school at the barn, walking her pigs, doing whatever needs to be done. She’s there between 6:30 and 7 a.m. every day,” Dina Fulcher said.

“It’s really fun though,” said Billie Faith Fulcher. “We have different types of pigs. We go to the annual sale and pick out our favorites. From the time they come to us, we love on them and get them used to us. We feed them marshmallows, which they love.

“When we train them, they learn to pick their heads up a certain way,” said Billie Faith Fulcher. “The main thing is to keep them moving during the competition. They look better with their head up and the judges

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Fulcher, “We have 13 pigs now, but we get them at different time frames when they are around two months old.”

Billie Faith can’t forget her start though.

“We show at the Cumberland County Fair every year and it’s been good for me because I can see how much I’ve improved over the years,” She said laughingly. “When I started, I’m sure I was one of the little kids running around like I see now.”

One of those little ones is Raynes Gillis, a 4-year-old showman from the southern tip of Cumberland County in the Beaver Dam community. He debuted at his first show at age 3 in the junior Lamb division.

“Agriculture is near and dear to my family,” said Brook Gillis, who also serves as the chief sales officer for Cape Fear Farm Credit. “If Raynes decides to go into farming, he would be a fifth-generation farmer. As children growing up, my brother Chris and I were in FFA and worked on our farm. Now, Raynes is with me if I’m on the farm. If we are harvesting watermelons or bringing in new animals to the swine or turkey facilities, he’s with me.

“When Raynes turned 3, Paul Maguire, who is on the board of directors at Cape Fear Farm Credit and also on the livestock committee, told

me he was old enough to show a goat or a sheep so he got us into it.”

Gillis also credits her parents, James Ray and Kim Hall, who still work full time with the day to day operations on their family farm.

Along with swine and poultry, they have row crops with corn, soybeans and wheat and produce with watermelons and sweet corn.

“Raynes is no stranger to animals.

He’s so compassionate. When it was time to show his sheep, he just jumped right in. My whole family is all hands on deck so he’s learned that too,” Gillis said. “I just think it’s so important for children to be involved.”

Wayne Collier, a retired rural mail carrier and farmer, has been involved for almost 40 years now with the livestock shows through the Farm Bureau.

“I’ve seen the children grow up over the years showing at the fair.

Some have become farmers, some have gone to other occupations, but the fair is a lasting impact on their lives. This is something they remember,” said Collier.

The Cumberland County Fair will take place Sept. 3-12 at the Crown Complex at 1960 Coliseum Drive, Fayetteville. For more information, visit www.crowncomplexnc.com/events/cumberlandcountyfair.

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| AG INDUSTRY |

DAVID KENNARD/GREATER FAYETTEVILLE BUSINESS JOURNAL

The Cumberland County Fair, set to begin Sept. 3, serves as a showcase for area’s top farm products, animals, machinery and more.

Ag industry a major economic driver N

BY JAMI MCLAUGHLIN

orth Carolina has long been known for being a national leader in the production of sweet potatoes, dry beans, tobacco, pigs, chickens and turkeys. Agriculture as such is a major component to the economy in our state, but also Cumberland County.

“When we think about our economy, we often think of large-scale businesses and industries, but rarely associate agriculture with the local economy in Cumberland County,” said Lisa Childers, county extension director for the NC Cooperative Extension, Cumberland County Center.

“Most people are unaware that agriculture is the number one industry in our state. As I often share with people, agriculture is the economic engine for our state. According to the NC Department of Agriculture, agriculture and agribusiness, including food, forestry and fiber, contributes $95.9 billion to the state's economy.”

Childers said Cumberland County has a viable agricultural industry that makes a significant contribution to the local economy — much of which is thanks to small family farms.

“In Cumberland County, we grow a variety of crops to include corn, cotton, tobacco, wheat and soybeans,” Childers “For instance, most don’t know that Cumberland County is the 11th largest sweet potato producing county in North Carolina. The chances are that sweet potato you ordered at your favorite steakhouse was actually grown right

here in Cumberland County. North Carolina farmers produce about 54 percent of all sweet potatoes grown in the country.”

Of course, sweet potatoes might be top, but not the only export from our county.

“With the demand for more local foods, many of our farmers have responded by providing U-picks and roadside stands across the county,” Children said. “Our vegetable, fruit, nuts and berries crops rank 18th in the state. Livestock production continues to be strong to include poultry, swine, cows, and some small scale goat farms.

“Aquaculture/fish farms are another hidden gem in our county,” Childers said. “Cumberland County farmers not only contribute to our local economy, but also to our global economy due to our export markets.

The next time you pass by that field of corn, just remember that agriculture plays a crucial role in our local, state and global economies.”

The Cumberland County fair serves to showcase the best of locally produced livestock, agriculture and more, but also to help educate the community on the importance of farming and what it brings to the county and state.

“We are two to three generations removed from the farm and many young people will never have the experience of visiting a farm,” Childers said “Today we use the fair as a way to bring the farm to others. We still continue to showcase our local

harvests, prize winning baked goods, and best in show arts and crafts, but we also display agriculture through a 900-square-foot farm exhibit. The staff at Cumberland County Cooperative Extension put in hours of planning to make this exhibit fun, creative and most importantly educational.”

“This year’s fair theme is ‘Agriculture and Food and Rides! Oh My!’” Childers said. “Using a spin off from the ‘Wizard of Oz,’ the exhibit will feature and spotlight the county’s corn production. So get ready to see Dorothy’s ruby red ‘cowboy boots,’ yellow ‘corn’ brick roads and much more!”

“This year, we’re featuring corn,” said Wayne Collier with the Farm Bureau. “It changes up every year to show our different commodities and crops in the area. We’re going to bring out some antique corn equipment and I think the yellow brick road is even going to showcase even going to be made of it.

Collier said the Farm Bureau helps donate to both the Cumberland County Fair, the livestock youth shows and some of the exhibits.

While the agricultural industry wasn’t swept up in an Oz-like tornado, COVID-19 was a storm in itself and as the local community is coming out of lockdowns, the Crown is getting prepared for an influx in numbers this year, which comes at a great time for an event venue that spent much of last year without business.

“We are expecting record numbers,” said Tony Williams, the Crown Complex event manager and the Cumberland County Fair manager.

“We are looking at fairs that have been held around the state and across the U.S. and 95 percent are experiencing greater numbers than they’ve seen in the past five years.

People are getting back to activities and this is a great outdoor event.”

The schedule of events include the rides, the exhibits, the livestock shows and they also have a full schedule of music playing on the entertainment stage.

“We have some great music coming to the stage this year as well including some area favorites like Rivermist and 80s Unplugged,” Williams said. “We hope everyone comes out and just has a great time.”

The Cumberland County Fair will be in town from Sept. 3-12 at the Crown Complex. If you want more about local farms, you can download the “Visit NC Farms” app, which is free and a one stop shop when you are looking for local farms in Cumberland County that sell locally grown products or when you are looking for family-friendly outdoor activities. The app lists all the farms that have the locally produced items with a quick search including driving directions, hours of operation, and contact information.

For more information, visit the website www.visitncfarmstoday.com or download the app.

Page 18

August 27 - September 9, 2021

Greater Fayetteville Business Journal

bizfayetteville.com

| BIZ LEADS | Reader’s Guide

Agent: Jacqueline P Ezell

Agent: Charmaine Patricia Conliffe

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.

Beauty by Alexis Marie LLC, 4311 Cumberland Road, Fayetteville Agent: Alexis Marie Haynes

Chison LLC, 1516 Belews Creek Lane, Fayetteville Agent: Krystal W. Cunningham

New Corporations lists firms from the Greater Fayetteville Business Journal region that were recently incorporated in the State of North Carolina.

CUMBERLAND COUNTY 2 6 Baby LLC, 1927 Ashton Road, Fayetteville Agent: Patrick Pratt 24/7 ARK Transport.

LLC, 1810 Strathmore Ave, Fayetteville Agent: Richard Gonzalez Castro 50KAL Logistics LLC, 5802 Mack Simmons Road, Fayetteville Agent: James Cohill Jr. A Listening Ear Counseling Services PLLC Inc. 1608 Ramsey St., Fayetteville Agent: Robin Pride A!WARE MY CROWN! LLC, 718 Platinum St., Fayetteville Agent: Alicea Ware Above & Beyond Home Improvements LLC, 6716 Brookshire St., Fayetteville Agent: Cassie Nichole Brunson AJ Technologies LLC, 3707 Hagge St. Inc. Hope Mills Agent: Anthony Otis Jones Albarati USA Inc. 528 Person St., Fayetteville Agent: Bakeal O Albarati All Around Lawn Care and Service LLC, 3923 Glenridge Road, Fayetteville Agent: Keith Oneil Skinner Jr Always Ready 2 Fight (ARF) Reentry Resources Inc. 6698 Vaughn Road, Fayetteville Agent: Anthony Ray Faison

BeautyBodyLuxe LLC, 5075 Morganton Road, Suite 10C, Fayetteville Agent: Tyesha Daniels

AmriCorp Investment LLC, 1105 Stout St., Fayetteville Agent: TAB7 HOLDING LLC,

Beck's Home Improvement LLC, 3006 Wetherby Court, Fayetteville Agent: Henry Walter Beck

Angel's Educational Home Child Care LLC, 2643 Driftwood Dr., Fayetteville Agent: Elicia Nina Johnson

Biggie Gray Moving Service LLC, 434 Saint George Road, Fayetteville Agent: Sedrick Deon Gray

AngelswhohustleLLC Inc. 5075 Morganton Road, Ste 10C #1063, Fayetteville Agent: Terrianne Lee Dixon

BossBrothers LLC, 4625 Woodline Drive, Fayetteville Agent: Deandre Evans

Anthem Halcyon Group LLC, 1389 Regatta St., Fayetteville Agent: Gabriella Elizabeth Ruff APG Investments LLC, 3740 Owen Dr., Fayetteville Agent: Donovan McGeachy Arias Foods Inc. 6434 Barwick Drive, Fayetteville Agent: Marco Arias Arturos Pool Service LLC, 2218 downing Road, Fayetteville Agent: Armando Cruz Rodriguez

Briella's LLC, 4317 Heavens Trail, Fayetteville Agent: Denise Leslie Brandy Bugg Moon Enterprise LLC, 718 Brougham Road, Fayetteville Agent: Ayana Dotson Cambisaca Transport Inc. 1213 Bostian Dr., Fayetteville Agent: Eladio Cambisaca Cape Fear Coach Lines Inc. 1008 Dianne Court, Spring Lake Agent: Reginald Maurice Thompson

B J and Associates Training Inc. 4202 Harbin Walk Lane, Fayetteville Agent: Charles Jones

Cape Fear Industrial Services LLC, 2605 Dobbin Holmes Road, Eastover Inc. Agent: LARRY ROBERT MERCER JR

B'Yond Decor Event Planning LLC, 1210 Kienast Drive, Fayetteville Agent: Tonja D Bennett

CGG Enterprises LLC, 6834 Willow Ct, Fayetteville Agent: Gary Jarrod Woods

Bay-B-Face LLC, 5075 Morganton Road Ste 10C #1105, Fayetteville

Charms Dispatching Services LLC, 2727 Rivercliff Road, Fayetteville

Chuck & Dough On The Go Logistics LLC, 3113 Walesby Dr., Fayetteville Agent: Chuckie Mccollum Color Sense Painting & Remodeling Inc. 1625 Woodfield Road., Fayetteville Agent: Reginald Felton Created For Purpose Community Development Corporation Inc. 1712 Bluffside Drive, Fayetteville Agent: Kim Renee Rivera Creating Pathways LLC, 3512 Prestwick Drive, Fayetteville Agent: Kelisha B Graves Dandelion 1813 LLC, 921 Shell Drive Apt 203, Spring Lake Agent: Thais Munoz Develop with Purpose LLC, 1568 Rim Road, Fayetteville Agent: Adrienne Forth Diamond Cuts Landscaping LLC, 433 Palmerland Dr., Hope Mills Agent: Richard Thomas Bingham Jr. Diamonds in our Eye's Childcare LLC, 219 Four Ply Ln, Fayetteville Agent: Ebony Smith Differentstylez LLC, 3021 Paddlefish Dr Lot 215, Fayetteville Agent: Tanya Chri Whitehead Dill Parrish LLC, 4108 Pleasantburg Dr., Fayetteville Agent: Wendy Parrish Double Take Productions LLC, 516 Duggins Way Apt H, Fayetteville Agent: Sharron Davenport Down South Cargo

Transport LLC, 5408 Finish Line Dr., Hope Mills Agent: Nathaniel Ruben Gandara Dream Bookkeeping LLC, 1417 Canyonland Ct Ste 209, Fayetteville Agent: Teresa Wilson Elizabeth Street Subdivision Homeowners' Association Inc. 127 N Main St., Spring Lake Agent: James C. Manning Emory’s Boutique LLC, 3180 Big Pine Dr Apt 103 Inc. Hope Mills Agent: Danielle Marie Hall Exploring Samantha's Photography LLC, 512 Murray Fork Drive, Fayetteville Agent: Samantha A Dulemba Faircloth's Creations LLC, 8873 Clinton Road, Stedman Agent: Tabitha Dana Faircloth Family Carpet Cleaning Service Inc. 1212 Martindale Dr., Fayetteville Agent: Claudia Yaneth Acosta Flynn Concessions LLC, 6624 Vaughn Road, Fayetteville Agent: Christopher John Flynn Jr Franklin BH LLC, 5916 Etta St., Fayetteville Agent: Terryn Kickery G M G Towing & Recovery LLC, 1104 Cypress Lakes Road, Hope Mills Agent: Preston Paul Evans Jr Gabriel LLC, 2620 Bragg Blvd. Inc. Ste D, Fayetteville Agent: Beyah's Accounting & Tax Service LLC, Gifted Hands Transportation Services LLC, 517 Offing Dr., Fayetteville Agent: Janice Webb

Give a Heart Nonprofit 3180 Big Pine Dr. Apt 103 Inc. Hope Mills Agent: Danielle Marie Hall Graham Rooted LLC, 633 Spy Glass Dr., Fayetteville Agent: Michael Mclean Gray's Creek Safe Storage LLC, 6885 Cliffdale Road, Fayetteville Agent: Shari Marie Groover Great Grandsons Inc. 115 E Russell St., Fayetteville Agent: J Thomas Neville Happy Lotus Yoga LLC, 5120 Parcstone Lane, Fayetteville Agent: LaTina Sharisse Edmonds Heaven's Holdings LLC, 904 Marsh St., Fayetteville Agent: Aron Dames Heavenly Divine Homes LLC, 115 Preston Ave, Fayetteville Agent: nicole martin Herbert&Beyond LLC, 6323 Abercarn Way, Fayetteville Agent: Christopher Herbert Higher Standard Land Preparation LLC, 1751 Gola Drive, Fayetteville Agent: Roman Alexander Price Im4god Cares Inc. 4804 Ramsey St., Fayetteville Agent: Syntina Brown J&M Transporting LLC, 4422 Atlantic Ave, Fayetteville Agent: Jeffery William McKinney J&S Creations LLC, 424 Culloden Place Inc. Hope Mills Agent: Jennifer Floyd Joel's Install LLC, 540 Grand Wailea Dr., Apt. 814 Inc. Hope Mills Agent: joel cortez galeana K Luxury Couture LLC, 608 Platinum St.,

Fayetteville Agent: Tiquashia McNeill

Agent: Joaquin Valencia Cruz

Kanpai Foods LLC, 3430 Dorado Circle #305, Fayetteville Agent: Yohei Kamiya

Mom of 4 Queens MO4Q LLC, 3505-205 Monument Drive, Fayetteville Agent: Janika Stanley

Kearny LLC, 1760 Renwick Dr., Fayetteville Agent: Joseph Whitley Kendra Conyers & Associates LLC, 2543 Ravenhill Drive Suite A, Fayetteville Agent: Kendra Conyers KLOK Tech LLC, 3541 Dorado Circle Unit 103, Fayetteville Agent: Luis Armando Garcia Lake Teresa Homeowners Association Inc. 2939 Breezewood Ave Suite 100, Fayetteville Agent: Little and Young Inc. Livin' Your Best Life Health & Wellness LLC, 2233 Rustic Trail, Fayetteville Agent: Vande Wilson LS By Lynn LLC, 360 River Oak St., Spring Lake Agent: Deborah Lynn Smith M&M Maternity Home LLC, 835 Fresno Drive, Fayetteville Agent: Capricia A Whitley MA-CHIS International Services Inc. 2505 Contractors Loop Inc. Fort Bragg Inc. Agent: NADINE SCHLOEMER Malfa Transportation LLC, 921 Shell Dr., Apt. 203, Spring Lake Agent: Thais M. Munoz Marcus Dorsey LLC, 3725 Alson Road, Apt 304, Fayetteville Agent: Marcus Allen-Thomas Dorsey MDC Painters Pro Inc. 1429 Keswick Dr., Fayetteville

Mother Together LLC, 2908 Sangria Place, Fayetteville Agent: Mary Vaughn Muncho Hauling LLC, 5641 Middlefield Place, Fayetteville Agent: Bryan Brown Nails By Glady LLC, 4926 Walnut Dr., Fayetteville Agent: Gladymar Rosario Ta±on Natural Genius LLC, 315 Hay St., Fayetteville Agent: Tressa L Evans Nella J Style Loft LLC, 571 Grand Wailea Drive Apt 436 Inc. Hope Mills Agent: Tytiana J Fleetwood NextStep Commerce & Consulting LLC, 401 Ladley St., Fayetteville Agent: James Julius Van Landingham Palush LLC, 2401 Evans Dairy Road, Fayetteville Agent: Connor G Palush Pueblo De Dios Jesus Es Senor & Rey Ekklesia Naim/People of God Jesus Is Lord And King Ekklesia of Naim Inc. 8953 Ramsey St. Inc. Linden Agent: Jose Julian Hernandez Q. Co Candle Company LLC, 2801 Truewinds Drive, Fayetteville Agent: Qiana Shantel Farmer Rarity Enterprises LLC, 217 Langdon St., Fayetteville Agent: Tisha S Waddell Ready Estates LLC, 204 Angel Oak Court apt. 5, Fayetteville Agent: Kaila Marie Hildebrand

Greater Fayetteville Business Journal

bizfayetteville.com

August 27 - September 9, 2021

Page 19

| BIZ LEADS | Redfern Transport Inc LLC, 5075 Morganton Road, Ste 10C # 1103, Fayetteville Agent: Rickey Thomas Redfern Jr Resendiz Plumbing LLC, 3118 Fernfield Road, Fayetteville Agent: Jesus Resendiz Ricks Financial Services LLC, 1105 Stout St., Fayetteville Agent: Khina Victoria Ricks ROYAL PARADISE LLC, 1212 Alexwood Dr., Hope Mills Agent: Joeroyal Anthony Evans S&S Commercial Cleaning Service LLC, 328 Vanstory St., Fayetteville Agent: Lashauna Reid Sabbathvids LLC, 1420 Mack St., Spring Lake Agent: Al Lamont Currie Jr.

Sallee's Gifted Art LLC, 6808 Hunters Den Road, Hope Mills Agent: Shana J Goner Samantha Peacock Photography LLC, 4257 River Point Drive, Fayetteville Agent: Samantha Johanna Peacock Savaleta Hassan Logistics LLC, 1125 Brenda Dr., Fayetteville Agent: VanPatrick Torain SBA Merchandise LLC, 1417 Bozeman Loop Apt 130, Fayetteville Agent: Susan Kihara Ngunjiri Scars Of Art LLC, 505 West Russell Street Suite 101, Fayetteville Agent: Ricarlton C Echols Sergio's Install LLC, 2588 lindsey Dr., Fayetteville Agent: Sergio Figueroa Dominguez

Sev7nty Transportation LLC, 707 Buena Vista Drive, Fayetteville Agent: Jeffrey Smith Jr. Shears Vacation Rentals LLC, 6507 Tampico Court, Fayetteville Agent: SHANTIA MONIQUE SHEARS Shiis Kitchen 2Sides LLC, 3451 Walker Road, Linden Agent: Shieasha Smith Silver Dove Family Care Home LLC, 2886 Copenhagen Dr., Fayetteville Agent: Alda C. Midgette Simply Elegant Events LLC, 2552 Spinnaker Dr., Hope Mills Agent: Tasha N Williams Simply Prosper LLC, 3340 Harbour Pointe Pl Unit 7, Fayetteville Agent: William Doherty

y h W

Some Things to Bragg About Cafe LLC, 500 N Reilly Road, Fayetteville Agent: Michelle Pittman

T’adore Hair Studio LLC, 429 Person St Suite 1, Fayetteville Agent: Tanisha Sylvia Adams

The Bowery Fabrication Company LLC, 8437 James Atkinson Road, Linden Agent: Patric Donald Lepene

Special Security Patrol LLC, 811 Stamper Road, Suite 1, Fayetteville Agent: Jimmy L Henley

Tasha Williams Real Estate & Investments LLC, 2552 Spinnaker Dr., Hope Mills Agent: Tasha N Williams

The Deas Group Inc. 910 Person St., Suite 3, Fayetteville Agent: Jannifer Deas

SS&D Logistics LLC, 5012 Collins St., Fayetteville Agent: James Lewis McNeill SSH BEAUTY Inc. 713 GROVE ST STE 136, Fayetteville Agent: Seung Hur Stay Str8 Entertainment Group LLC, 568 Sandy Pines Ct., Hope Mills Agent: Paul Oglesby III Summit Rental Solutions LLC, 4311 Huntsfield Road, Fayetteville Agent: Tien Nguyen

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800.849.5900 • www.systeloa.com

Systel offers the highest standard of excellence in business solutions by partnering with the industry’s leading manufacturers to provide your business with the latest in off ice equipment, software and solutions.

TDM Transportation LLC, 1924 Rayconda Road, Apt 108, Fayetteville Agent: Teknika Ann McCroskey Templar Investing Group LLC, 3428 Ireland Dr., Hope Mills Agent: Michael Darnell Gaskins Jr Tennis Education Services LLC, 3771 Ramsey Street Suite 109 Box 129, Fayetteville Agent: Lawrence Scott Handback

The Gumbo Shack LLC, 2325 Gray Goose Loop, Fayetteville Agent: Andrea E Edwards Tomar Rentals LLC, 1000 Hope Mills Road, Fayetteville Agent: Marilyn D Price Transportation R Us LLC, 2025 Calista Cir, Fayetteville Agent: Keith Jones TREBOR Helpers, 1016 Appalachin Dr., Fayetteville Agent: Robert Johnston Unlimited Creative Touch LLC, 425 Bristlecone Road, Fayetteville

Agent: Nehemiah McClain

Bunnlevel Agent: Autumn R. Heard

Unmatched Realty LLC, 6380 Cliffdale Road, No. 25331, Fayetteville Agent: Floyd J Chambers

Perfect Pizzazz by Penny LLC 794 Sanderfer Road, Bunnlevel Agent: Penny McDougald

Valor Equipment LLC, 2741 Wade Stedman Road, Stedman Agent: Justin Bell VNT Cleaning Services LLC, 2318 Cumberland Gap Dr., Unit 103, Fayetteville Agent: Vanessa Tolbert Way Family Logistics LLC, 3008 Jimmy Ct, Fayetteville Agent: Walter G Way Welcome Home Family Care LLC, 1617 Seabrook Road, Fayetteville Agent: Angela Bass HARNETT COUNTY J & A Heard LLC 56 Kotata Ave.

Brindlewood LLC 370 Cypress Church Road, Cameron Agent: Bryan Maloney ACA Investments LLC 200 Jackson Road, Dunn Agent: Amanda Tart Currin Grand Image Creations LLC 808 W Garden St., Lillington Agent: Levi Clarence Thompson M.Tablier LLC 175 Morgan Farm Drive, Lillington Agent: Garrett Thomas Wood The Esti Method LLC 44 Lancaster Court, Spring Lake Agent: Mary Elizabeth Smith

Lewis, Deese, and Ditmore, LLP ATTORNEYS AT LAW

SERVICE & PROFESSIONALISM Over the past 45 years we have built our reputation on being a premier law firm that is committed to your future and the success of the people whom we serve.

Our quality and experience is reflected in this commitment to personal service and satisfaction.

FAMILY LAW AND APPEALS REAL ESTATE I WILLS AND ESTATES www.ldnlaw.com · 910.672.4600 310 Dick Street Suite A Fayetteville, NC 28301

Atlanta | Charlotte | Raleigh | Greensboro | Fayetteville | Hickory | Asheville | Greenville | Wilmington | Outer Banks

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August 27 - September 9, 2021

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Greater Fayetteville Business Journal

THANK YOU TO GREATER FAYETTEVILLE BUSINESS JOURNAL’S

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SUPPORT ADAM HALL CPA PA G U I D A N C E

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TO LEARN ABOUT BECOMING A FOUNDING SPONSOR, CONTACT THE BUSINESS JOURNAL AT 910.240.9697 OR MARKETING@BIZFAYETTEVILLE.COM.

Greater Fayetteville Business Journal

bizfayetteville.com

August 27 - September 9, 2021

Restaurants Fayetteville Restaurants in in Fayetteville

Page 21

| THE LIST |

withaaGoogle GooglePlaces Places ranking ofor4.5 or higher with ranking of 4.5 higher RANK RANK

RESTAURANT RESTAURANT ADDRESS ADDRESS

11

PHARAOHS VILLAGE

2

GOHAN BISTRO

2

Fayetteville, N.C. 28314 UMAMI

2 2

2

2

5

5

5

55 55 9

5

9

9

9

9

9

9

9

9

9

9

9

99 9

9

9

9

9

9

9

9

PHONE PHONE WEBSITE WEBSITE

PHARAOHS VILLAGE

910-323-2425 910-323-2425 www.shawarmafayetteville.com/

2425 Hope Mills Road 2425 Hope Mills Road Fayetteville, N.C. 28304

910-500-9011 https://vietnam-kitchen.com/

248 Westwood Shopping Center VIETNAM KITCHEN Fayetteville, N.C. 28314

910-486-0046 N/A

109 Hope Mills Road Fayetteville, N.C. 28314 Fayetteville, N.C. 28304

PIZZA BISTRO PALACE ITALIAN SAIGON RESTAURANT 1040 Bragg Boulevard Fayetteville, 28301 109 HopeN.C. Mills Road

Fayetteville, N.C. 28304 316 OYSTER BAR 316 Owen Drive SAIGON BISTRO Fayetteville, N.C. 28304

2651 Raeford Road 316 OYSTER BAR Fayetteville, N.C. 28305

316 Owen Drive CHRIS'S STEAK & Fayetteville, N.C. 28304 SEAFOOD HOUSE

SUSHI

2651 Raeford Road CIRCA 1800 N.C. 28305 Fayetteville, 108 Person Street CHRIS'SN.C. STEAK Fayetteville, 28301&

SEAFOOD HOUSE FORTUNE COOKIE ASIAN 2620 Raeford Road RESTUARANT

Fayetteville, 550 North Reilly N.C. Road 28303 Fayetteville, N.C. 28303

CIRCA 1800

LUIGI'S ITALIAN 108 Person Street CHOPHOUSE Fayetteville,AND N.C.BAR 28301

528 North McPherson Church FORTUNE COOKIE ASIAN Road Fayetteville, N.C. 28303

RESTUARANT

MI550 CASITA NorthTALLYWOOD Reilly Road

3122 Raeford Road Fayetteville, N.C. 28303 Fayetteville, N.C. 28303

528Skibo North McPherson Church 1992 Road Road Fayetteville, N.C. 28314 3708 MIRamsey CASITAStreet TALLYWOOD Fayetteville, N.C. 28311

3122 Raeford Road

SHOGUN JAPANESE Fayetteville, N.C. 28303 RESTAURANT

OLEA MEDITERRANEAN

3811 Ramsey Street KITCHENN.C. 28311 Fayetteville,

1992 Skibo Road WASABI JAPANESE Fayetteville, N.C. 28314 RESTAURANT

144 Owen DriveRESTAURANT RAINBOW Fayetteville, N.C. 28304

3708 Ramsey Street

ZORBA'S GYRON.C. 28311 Fayetteville, 2919 Raeford Road SHOGUNN.C. JAPANESE Fayetteville, 28303

W:4:00pm to 10:00pm, Th:4:00pm to 10:00pm, F:4:00pm to

9 9

WASABI JAPANESE RESTAURANT

144 Owen Drive Fayetteville, N.C. 28304

ZORBA'S GYRO

2919 Raeford Road Fayetteville, N.C. 28303

4.7

4.6

4.6

T:3:00pm to 9:00pm, W:3:00pm to 9:00pm, Th:3:00pmtoto9:00pm, W:11:00am to M:11:00am to 9:00pm, T:11:00am 9:00pm, F:3:00pm to 9:00pm, Sa:11:00am to 9:00pm,F:11:00am to 9:30pm, 4.6 9:00pm, Th:11:00am to 9:00pm, Su:11:00am to 9:00pm

4.6

www.pizzapalacenc.com/

Sa:11:00am to 9:30pm, Su:12:00pm to 9:00pm

910-920-3578 910-424-4657 N/A

www.pizzapalacenc.com/

Sa:11:00am to 9:30pm, Su:12:00pm to 9:00pm

910-481-0530 http://316oysterbar.com/

T:5:00pm to 9:00pm, W:5:00pm to 9:00pm, Th:5:00pm to 4.5 9:00pm, F:4:30pm to 10:00pm, Sa:4:30pm to 10:00pm T:3:00pm to 9:00pm, W:3:00pm to 9:00pm, Th:3:00pm to

910-920-3578 N/A

9:00pm, F:3:00pm to 9:00pm, Sa:11:00am to 9:00pm,

M:11:00am to 9:00pm, T:11:00am to Su:11:00am 9:00pm, W:11:00am to to 9:00pm 9:00pm, Th:11:00am to 9:00pm, F:11:00am to 9:30pm, Sa:11:00am to 9:30pm

910-483-9311 www.bentojubakonsushi.com/

910-481-0530 http://316oysterbar.com/

T:5:00pm to 10:00pm, W:5:00pm to 10:00pm, Th:5:00pm to 10:00pm, F:5:00pm to 10:00pm, Sa:5:00pm to 10:00pm, 4.5 Su:5:00pmtoto9:00pm, 9:00pm T:11:00am to 9:00pm, W:11:00am to M:11:00am

910-485-4242 www.fayettevillesteakhouse.com/

910-483-9311 www.bentojubakonsushi.com/

9:00pm, Th:11:00am to 9:00pm, F:11:00am to 9:30pm, Sa:11:00am to 9:30pm

910-568-4725 www.thecirca1800.com/

Th:5:00pm to 9:00pm, F:5:00pm to 10:00pm, Sa:10:00am to 2:00pm, Su:10:00am to 2:30pm

4.5

4.5

4.5

T:5:00pm to 10:00pm, W:5:00pm to 10:00pm, Th:5:00pm to 910-485-4242 10:00pm, F:5:00pm to 10:00pm, Sa:5:00pm to 10:00pm, T:11:00am to 10:00pm, W:11:00am to 10:00pm, Th:11:00am www.fayettevillesteakhouse.com/ 910-758-8087 Su:5:00pm 9:00pm to 10:00pm, F:11:00am to 10:00pm, Sa:11:00am to to 10:00pm, 4.5 N/A

4.6

4.5

T:5:00pm to 9:00pm, W:5:00pm to 9:00pm, Th:5:00pm to 9:00pm, F:4:30pm to 10:00pm, Sa:4:30pm to 10:00pm

4.5

Su:11:00am to 10:00pm

910-568-4725 www.thecirca1800.com/

Th:5:00pm to 9:00pm, F:5:00pm to 10:00pm, Sa:10:00am to

2:00pm, Su:10:00am M:5:00pm to 9:00pm, T:5:00pm to 9:00pm, W:5:00pm to to 2:30pm 9:00pm, Th:5:00pm to 9:00pm, F:5:00pm to 10:00pm, Sa:12:00pm to 10:00pm, Su:12:00pm to 9:00pm

910-864-1810 www.luigisnc.com/

T:11:00am to 10:00pm, W:11:00am to 10:00pm, Th:11:00am to 10:00pm, F:11:00am to 10:00pm, Sa:11:00am to 10:00pm,

910-758-8087 N/A

910-484-4433 www.micasitarestaurants.com/

M:11:00am to 9:30pm, T:11:00am toSu:11:00am 9:30pm, W:11:00am to to 10:00pm 9:30pm, Th:11:00am to 9:30pm, F:11:00am to 10:30pm, Sa:11:30am to 10:00pm, Su:11:30am to 9:00pm

910-745-8415 910-864-1810 www.oleamediterranean.com/ www.luigisnc.com/

M:11:00am to 9:00pm, T:11:00am to 9:00pm, W:11:00am to M:5:00pm to 9:00pm, T:5:00pm to 9:00pm, W:5:00pm to 9:00pm, Th:11:00am to 9:00pm, F:11:00am to 10:00pm, 9:00pm, Th:5:00pm to 9:00pm, F:5:00pm to 10:00pm, 4.5 Sa:11:00am to 10:00pm, Su:11:00am to 4:00pm Sa:12:00pm to 10:00pm, Su:12:00pm to 9:00pm

www.micasitarestaurants.com/

910-482-3688 http://shogunfayettevillenc.com/

910-745-8415 www.oleamediterranean.com/

4.5

9:00pm, Th:11:00am to 9:00pm, F:11:00am to 10:00pm, Sa:11:00am to 10:00pm, Su:11:00am to 4:00pm

4.5

910-229-3498 www.facebook.com/wasabi.fay

M-F:11:30am to 2:30pm, Sa:11:30am to 10:00pm

910-484-1010 www.zorbasgyro.com/

M-F:6:00am to 9:00pm, Sa:6:00am to 9:00pm, Su:7:00am to 2:00pm

http://shogunfayettevillenc.com/

4.5

9:30pm, Th:11:00am to 9:30pm, F:11:00am to 10:30pm, Sa:11:30am to 10:00pm, Su:11:30am to 9:00pm

T:11:00am to 9:00pm, W:11:00am to 9:00pm, Th:11:00am to 9:00pm, F:11:00am to 10:00pm, Sa:11:30am to 10:00pm, 4.5 Su:11:30am 9:00pm T:11:00am to 9:00pm, W:11:00am to M:11:00am toto9:00pm,

910-822-0431 https://rainbowrestaurantnc.com/

4.5

4.5

T:6:00am to 8:30pm, W:6:00am to 8:30pm, Th:6:00am to 8:30pm, F:6:00am to 8:30pm, Sa:6:00am to 3:00pm,to 9:30pm, W:11:00am4.5 M:11:00am to 9:30pm, T:11:00am to Su:7:00am to 3:00pm

910-822-0431 https://rainbowrestaurantnc.com/ 910-484-4433

4.5

4.5

4.5

T:6:00am to 8:30pm, W:6:00am to 8:30pm, Th:6:00am to 8:30pm, F:6:00am to 8:30pm, Sa:6:00am to 3:00pm, Su:7:00am to 3:00pm

4.5

4.5

T:11:00am to 9:00pm, W:11:00am to 9:00pm, Th:11:00am to

910-482-3688 RESTAURANT Businesses must be casual or fine dining (national chains not included); in Fayetteville; rated 4.5 or higher in9:00pm, Google Places; serve and Sa:11:30am be in business at least four years.

F:11:00am todinner; 10:00pm, to for 10:00pm, 3811 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, N.C. 28311

4.7

M:11:00am to 9:30pm, T:11:00am to 9:30pm, W:11:00am to 910-263-8825 9:30pm, Th:11:00am to 10:00pm, F:11:00am to 10:00pm, M:11:00am to 9:00pm, T:11:00am to 9:00pm, W:11:00am to 910-424-4657 https://elburritomexicanrestaurant3.business.site/ 9:00pm, Th:11:00amSa:11:00am to 9:00pm, F:11:00am to 9:30pm, 4.6 to 10:00pm, Su:12:00pm to 9:00pm

1040 Bragg Boulevard

BENTO JUBAKON.C. & SUSHI Fayetteville, 28301

4.7

4.6

10:00pm, Sa:4:00pm to 10:00pm, Su:12:00pm to 8:00pm M:11:00am to 9:30pm, T:11:00am to 9:30pm, W:11:00am to 9:30pm, Th:11:00am to 10:00pm, F:11:00am to 10:00pm, 4.6 Sa:11:00am to 10:00pm, Su:12:00pm to 9:00pm

910-263-8825 https://elburritomexicanrestaurant3.business.site/

PIZZA PALACE ITALIAN RESTAURANT 3 RESTAURANT 310 Glensford Drive

Fayetteville, N.C. 28303 RAINBOW RESTAURANT

W:4:00pm to 10:00pm, Th:4:00pm to 10:00pm, F:4:00pm to 10:00pm, Sa:4:00pm to 10:00pm, Su:12:00pm to 8:00pm

4.8

4.7

M-F:11:00am to 9:00pm, Sa:11:00am to 9:00pm, Su:11:00am to 8:00pm

910-486-0046 N/A

300 Hay Street ANTONELLA'S ITALIAN Fayetteville, N.C. 28301

9:00pm, F:3:00pm to 9:00pm, Sa:3:00pm to 9:00pm, Su:3:00pm to 8:00pm

M-F:11:00am to 9:00pm, Sa:11:00am to 9:00pm, Su:11:00am to 8:00pm

910-500-9011 https://vietnam-kitchen.com/

248 Westwood Shopping

ANTONELLA'S ITALIAN Center Fayetteville, N.C. 28314 RISTORANTE

4.7

M:3:00pm to 9:00pm, T:3:00pm to 9:00pm, Th:3:00pm to 9:00pm, F:3:00pm to 9:00pm, Sa:3:00pm to 9:00pm, 4.7 M:3:00pm Su:3:00pmtoto9:00pm, 8:00pm T:3:00pm to 9:00pm, Th:3:00pm to

910-867-1039 www.facebook.com/Umami.Fayetteville/

6031 Yadkin Road

LUIGI'S ITALIAN OLEA MEDITERRANEAN CHOPHOUSE AND BAR KITCHEN

M-F:11:00am to 8:00pm, Sa:11:00am to 8:00pm

910-867-1039 www.facebook.com/Umami.Fayetteville/

VIETNAM KITCHEN Fayetteville, N.C. 28303

2620 Raeford Road & BENTO JUBAKO Fayetteville, N.C. 28303

M-F:11:00am to 8:00pm, Sa:11:00am to 8:00pm

www.gohanbistro.com/

6031 Yadkin Road UMAMI N.C. 28303 Fayetteville,

Fayetteville, N.C. 28301

to 8:00pm

910-491-4199 www.gohanbistro.com/ 910-491-4199

GOHAN BISTRO 524 South Reilly Road Fayetteville, 28314 524 SouthN.C. Reilly Road

310 Glensford Drive Fayetteville, N.C. 28314 EL BURRITO MEXICAN

M-F:10:00am to 9:00pm, Sa:10:00am to 9:00pm, Su:11:00am 4.8 M-F:10:00am to 9:00pm, Sa:10:00am to 9:00pm, Su:11:00am to 8:00pm

www.shawarmafayetteville.com/

Fayetteville, N.C. 28304

ELRISTORANTE BURRITO MEXICAN 300 Hay Street RESTAURANT 3

HOURS OF OPERATION HOURS OF OPERATION GOOGLE PLACES RATING GOOGLE PLACES RATING

Su:11:30am to 9:00pm

4.5

910-229-3498 www.facebook.com/wasabi.fay

M-F:11:30am to 2:30pm, Sa:11:30am to 10:00pm

4.5

910-484-1010 www.zorbasgyro.com/

M-F:6:00am to 9:00pm, Sa:6:00am to 9:00pm, Su:7:00am to 2:00pm

4.5

Businesses must be casual or fine dining (national chains not included); in Fayetteville; rated 4.5 or higher in Google Places; serve dinner; and be in business for at least four years.

Page 22

Greater Fayetteville Business Journal

bizfayetteville.com

August 27 - September 9, 2021

| TECHNOLOGY |

World’s most powerful laser coming to North Carolina

BY JENNA SHACKELFORD

T

he Godwin Group is preparing to bring the world’s most powerful CNC laser fiber machine to North Carolina.

“This is made over in Germany by a company called Eagle Laser,” said Ryan Taylor, president of The Godwin Group. “Why is it the most powerful and the fastest? Well, the power is great. They always could make these things stronger in kilowatts but you can’t make the machine go any faster cutting the material, so there’s no benefit in having the higher kilowatt power of the laser.”

This laser, however, can move fast enough that Godwin Group can take advantage of the power. The machine features 20kw cutting power, 6g acceleration, and 13,780 ipm top simultaneous traverse speed.

Not only is the laser the most powerful in the world and coming to North Carolina for the first time, but it is only the second of its kind in

North America. “That’s in Pennsylvania,” said Taylor. “That’s actually the machine we went to look at when we started looking at [the laser].”

Soon, The Godwin Group hopes to complete construction that is currently underway for a building to house the machine that clocks in at 11,000 square feet. The physical machine and its automation hold two tractor trailer loads on the racks that automatically feed the system.

Altogether, the machine is probably 65 feet by 50 feet.

The laser itself should arrive in November, and the automation will be custom built and in use by January or February.

“We currently run three plasma machines with 12 employees, 16 hours a day. This one machine with two employees in eight hours will outproduce what those three machines are doing in 16 hours,” Taylor said.

The new laser costs over four mil-

EFFICIENT. EFFECTIVE. EASY.

lion dollars.

The Godwin Group’s state-of-theart equipment addition will come as no surprise to people familiar with the company; after all, it has a track record of expansions, acquisitions and successes nationwide since its humble beginnings in 1961.

The Godwin Group was founded in Dunn by Pat Godwin Sr. out of his back yard. His first company was Godwin Manufacturing. As the business grew, it handled NCDOT’s, Virginia’s, and other states’ contracts.

In the early 2000s, R/S, a company owned by Standard Automotive in Kentucky, was purchased by Godwin and is now called R/S-Godwin.

The next year, the oldest dump truck bed manufacturer in the company, Galion Truck Bodies, was almost foreclosed on. Godwin purchased the company, which is now Galion-Godwin.

Godwin also bought the old Champion manufacturing facili-

ty and started Champion Hoist & Equipment Co. which has 70 models of hoists, which is the most of any other manufacturer in the country.

The laser will go in the hoist manufacturing plant.

The company also acquired Williamson which is the oldest trailer manufacturer in the country in Utah.

Godwin acquired Good Roads Plows and Spreaders from Indiana, the oldest snow plow company in the country and renamed it Good Roads

by Godwin.

The Godwin Group has an import/export company where they buy metal castings from all over the world.

Two years ago, they started Allied Mobile Hydraulics Systems which handles snow and ice hydraulics.

“We’ve got a lot of history up under our umbrella,” Taylor said.

And with the arrival of the new laser, it looks like The Godwin Group is about to make some more history.

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Greater Fayetteville Business Journal

bizfayetteville.com

August 27 - September 9, 2021

Page 23

| TECHNOLOGY |

PHOTO BY CYTONN PHOTOGRAPHY ON UNSPLASH

Legislation that began with Fayetteville's U.S. Rep. Richard Hudson could provide broadband access to North Carolina's rural communities.

Legislation providing broadband access in rural communities moving forward

BY DAVID KENNARD unding for infrastructure, assistance to the homeless, small business and nonprofits, broadband, and water and sewer needs are among the potential areas of allocation being discussed for Cumberland County from a new round of federal stimulus money.

Legislation is working its way through Congress that would provide incentives to companies to expand internet connectivity in rural North Carolina.

The American Broadband Act, sponsored by U.S. Rep. Richard Hudson of Fayetteville and serving North Carolina’s 8th District, has thrown support behind a multipronged package that would “create two grant programs worth $20 billion and $3 billion respectively to help local providers deploy broadband to underserved and unserved communities,” according to material released last week by Hudson’s staff.

"This pandemic has exposed new haves and have-nots in America — those with access to the internet and those without it," Hudson said in a prepared statement. "As a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, I am determined to help

F

close the digital divide and expand access to broadband across rural communities in North Carolina and around the country. I look forward to advancing my bipartisan and commonsense legislation."

Hudson's legislation establishes two grant programs at the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) that would provide funding over five years. The grant programs would require the administration to use Federal Communications Commission maps showing unserved and rural areas needing federal broadband.

Additionally, the act would “promote public-private partnerships that have streamlined their permitting process so that federal support pays for broadband expansion, not red tape,” Hudson said.

The proposed legislation, which includes 26 separate sections, provides detail on how the programs would be carried out.

Hudson's legislation, which was announced by Energy and Commerce Committee Republican Leader Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Washington, and Communications and Technology Republican Leader Robert Latta, R-Ohio, and

includes the Federal Broadband Deployment Tracking Act.

KEY ELEMENTS OF THE ACT: Establishing the broadband expansion grant program authorizes $20 billion over five years for the NTIA to carry out the grant program based on the Federal Communications Commission data and award grants to “partnerships between private industry and state and local governments” to avoid bogging the program in regulations and other red tape. Likewise the “Mobile Broadband Expansion Grant Program” establishes a grant to expand wireless broadband in rural America, authorizing $3 billion over five years to ensure broadband support reaches “truly unserved areas and is not used to fund wasteful overbuilding.”

Other sections of the legislation address the permitting process of public and private entities to ensure the programs take place “in a timely manner.”

Still other sections include requirements to use or modify existing infrastructure such as towers and cable networks. It also outlines penalties for damaging any part of the

infrastructure.

The proposed legislation went to committee for discussion last week and is expected to be introduced on the House floor within the next few days or weeks, according to Hudson’s staff. Assuming the legislation survives debate on the floor, the Senate will get a chance to propose its own legislation on the issue.

Hudson’s staff told the Greater Fayetteville Business Journal on Friday that the proposed legislation should see little pushback from Democrats individually or by the Senate as a whole, since the issue appeared to enjoy bipartisan support.

How much funding comes to North Carolina has not yet been determined, however North Carolina has about 1.1 million households that “lack access to high-speed internet,” according to the North Carolina Department of Information Technology (NCDIT).

Also last week, officials from NCDIT said Gov. Roy Cooper has proposed investing an additional $1.2 billion in federal American Rescue Plan dollars to “close the digital gap,” which includes providing infrastructure, access, affordability and digital literacy.

Page 24

August 27 - September 9, 2021

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Greater Fayetteville Business Journal