Greater Fayetteville Business Journal - October 3, 2025 issue
he small town of Roseboro, N.C., is experiencing a transformative period. The development
fueled
funds from the North Carolina Department of Commerce aimed at breathing new life into the town’s downtown and supporting future growth. Between a Rural Economic Development Grant and a Rural Transformation Grant, Roseboro received over $1 million to cover the costs of revitalizing a vacant downtown building. The space will soon be home to a retail
PHOTO
Named to the Channel Futures 501 global list of top managed service providers
Need help with your technology? Whether you need immediate help with your computer systems or are looking for managed IT services to keep your technology up and running, we can get it done.
• Cybersecurity
• Data Backup and Recovery
• Networking Services
• Cloud
• Email Management
Trust your technology to TeamLogic IT.
Trust your technology to TeamLogic IT.
• VoIP and Unified Communications
• Hardware and Software Procurement
• Relocation Services
• Business Continuity
• Project Consultation
>> By Stephanie Meador
Cliffmore Park Apartments
BRINGING AFFORDABLE SENIOR LIVING TO FAYETTEVILLE
Cliffmore Park, a 72-unit new construction rental development, is set to provide much-needed affordable housing for seniors aged 55 and over in Fayetteville. The property, an approximately 81,000 square-foot, three-story building with two elevators, is currently under construction. It will offer 36 one-bedroom and 36 two-bedroom apartments, aiming to serve residents at or below 80% of area median income with rents designed to remain affordable.
The project is being developed by East Carolina Community Development, Inc. and Resource Housing Group, Inc. at 5133 Identity Lane in Fayetteville. In 2021, Cliffmore Park was awarded federal Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC), a critical step that enabled the project to move forward. The process of securing the credits was highly competitive.
“Out of [around] 150 properties that apply, we generally fund somewhere between 30 and 35 properties a year across the state. And so it’s highly competitive … we say no more than we say yes, and it’s not because they’re not good deals, but simply because there’s just not enough of this very limited resource to go around,” said NC Housing Finance Agency Executive Director Scott Farmer.
Once awarded, the tax credits are sold to investors, often large banks or companies with high tax burdens, as well as those seeking Community Reinvestment Act credits. These credits, which are vital to the project’s financial structure, must be supplemented by additional funding sources, such as bank loans, agency loans and local government support.
THE PROPOSED FUNDING SOURCES FOR THIS DEVELOPMENT INCLUDE:
Bank Loan
NCHFA RPP loan
NCHFA RPP-Disaster Recovery Loan
City of Fayetteville Loan
Federal LIHTC Equity
Owner Investment/Deferred Developer Fees
Farmer emphasized the rigorous standards required to participate in the LIHTC program.
“There’s a scoring and ranking process published each year in what’s
called the Qualified Allocation Plan…within that Qualified Allocation Plan are minimum standards for developer experience, for the management company. We have expectations on ... site and location requirements as well as we have specific design standards as part of the appendices...Everything is pretty well scripted so that we’re trying to make sure that we’re creating a quality project,” shared Farmer.
According to documentation from NCDPS, the proposed apartment building will feature community amenities including multiple seating and lounge areas, a multi-purpose room with a kitchenette, computer area, exercise room, tenant storage units, large balconies, laundry rooms, office space for on-site management and maintenance staff and a mailbox kiosk. Outdoor amenities will feature a covered porch, patio with picnic tables and grills, a gazebo and seating areas.
Construction on Cliffmore Park is progressing, with the property required to be placed in service before Dec. 31, 2027. Farmer estimated that
it will be placed in service well before that statutory required date, likely sometime in 2026.
“Once the project is placed in service and complete, the developer will submit to us what’s called a final cost certification. Our staff will then review that and determine that all of those costs are eligible, and then we will issue an 8609 for that amount of credits that the property is eligible for,” shared Farmer.
The project stands out, in part, because it was selected as part of the disaster recovery response following Hurricane Florence, a period when additional funding was available, allowing the state to support more properties than usual.
Upon completion, tenant selection will follow strict federal and agency guidelines, with fair housing and income verification processes in place.
Part of the agreement with receiving the tax credits is that developers have a 15 year tax credit compliance period, and then they have an additional 15 year extended use period. So the property must remain afford-
able for that full 30 years.
“We’re partners in this deal for 30 years. So we want to make sure that it’s built to a good standard, and that it’s well maintained and well operated ... we’re actually building an excellent product…you can go back and look at properties that we’ve funded over the last 35 years and you’ll see that most of them still look good, [are] still in good condition, and are well maintained,” remarked Farmer.
Cliffmore Park Apartments will help meet the need for affordable senior housing in Fayetteville.
“These developments are complicated to put together, and they really do take combinations of partners, whether that’s the local government, the developers, the state agencies, it really is a team effort to get affordable houses built in communities, but it’s a huge asset for all the folks that will benefit from this long term, and we’re excited that it’s underway now,” shared Farmer.
As the project nears completion, it promises to deliver lasting benefits to residents and the broader community for decades to come.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY GFBJ
The new Cliffmore Park Apartments are being constructed at 5133 Identity Lane in Fayetteville. The 72-unit rental development is set to provide much-needed affordable housing for seniors aged 55 and over.
2504 Raeford Rd, Fayetteville, NC 28303
910-240-9697
bizfayetteville.com
PUBLISHER
Marty Cayton martyc@bizfayetteville.com
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER/EDITOR
Faith Hatton faithh@bizfayetteville.com
ASSISTANT EDITOR
Stephanie Meador stephaniem@bizfayetteville.com
SPECIAL PROJECT/EVENT MANAGER
Ellie Rhoades events@bizfayetteville.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Stacie Borrello
Kate Griffin
Thomas Manning
Brian Miner
Eddie Velazquez
CONTRIBUTING DESIGNER
Samantha Lowe samanthal@bizfayetteville.com
ACCOUNTING billing@bizfayetteville
SALES & MARKETING marketing@bizfayetteville.com
The Greater Fayetteville Business Journal is published twice a month throughout Fayetteville and the Cumberland County region. News related to the region’s business sector is posted daily at bizfayetteville.com.
SUBSCRIPTIONS
Your free trial of Greater Fayetteville Business Journal is ending soon.
To subscribe, 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 Faith Hatton at 910-240-9697.
ADVERTISING
For advertising information, please email us at marketing@bizfayetteville.com or call 910-240-9697.
It’s been a busy weekend for the Greater Fayetteville Business Journal! For those of you who may have seen by now, we have a new featured video segment aimed at further spreading the good news happening in the greater Fayetteville area called Business Beats!
This new segment will be a weekly recap of the most important business news from the previous week in a short, two minute news format featuring videos, photos and whatever else we can get from the community!
I look forward to seeing what Business Beats becomes as it continues to grow and develop. This segment will be available on Saturdays at noon (for those who like to sleep in) and can be found on our Facebook, LinkedIn and Youtube pages to start.
As more news continues to break, we are excited to include this new branch for the Greater Fayetteville Business Journal!
We hope you enjoy this issue. Featured stories include a $1 million development announcement for the town of Roseboro, some words from regional banks in response to a recent federal rate decrease (page 5), an upcoming drone competition (page 13) and the most recent commercial development news out of Harnett County (page 14)!
Happy reading!
This was a passion project of mine that began last year when we ran Business Beats as a radio segment on our local Beasley Media radio stations. What began as a 30 second advertisement has developed into something I think will be of great use to the community, a way to show and not just tell about the multi-million dollar deals, city and residential improvements and special businesses FAITH HATTON, Associate Publisher/Editor 910-240-9697, Ext 104 • faithh@bizfayetteville.com
>> By Faith Hatton
BANKING + FINANCE
Lending perspectives
LOCAL BANKS RESPOND TO RECENT FEDERAL RATE CUTS
On Wednesday, Sept. 17, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) announced that it had decided to lower the target range for the federal fund rate by one-quarter percentage point, bringing the new rate to 4.00% - 4.25%.
In a statement by the FOMC issued by the Federal Reserve, the decision was linked to recent indicators suggesting that growth of economic activity moderated in the first half of the year.
“My colleagues and I remain squarely focused on achieving our dual-mandate goals of maximum employment and stable prices for the benefit of the American people. While the unemployment rate remains low, it has edged up, job gains have slowed and downside risks to employment have risen. At the same time, inflation has risen recently and remains somewhat elevated,” said Chairman of the Federal Reserve Jerome Powell during a press conference.
The new rate can affect everyday consumers by influencing interest rates for loans, credit cards, bank accounts and more. According to officials at United Bank, the recent rate change may not have a significant impact on rates for their long term borrowing needs.
“While a lower (or higher) federal funds rate can affect the average consumer to a certain degree, such as influencing short-term interest rates for credit cards and savings accounts, this isn’t exactly the case for longer-term borrowing,” said United Bank VP and Senior Fiduciary Wealth Advisor, Mark Pera. “The Fed’s rates do not necessarily directly impact the cost of borrowing consumers might utilize for bigger purchases such as 30-year mortgages and five-year car loans. We might expect to see a trend towards increased consumer spending and less saving if the Fed continues to cut rates, but for now we are keeping an eye on the ever-changing financial landscape and maintaining a neutral approach dependent on current market data.”
For banks, the federal fund rate changes the cost of overnight borrowing from other banks and affects the interest banks charge customers for loans and offer on deposits. A lower rate, such as in this instance
with the rate dropping from it’s original place of 4.25% - 4.50% down to 4.00% - 4.25%, is expected to reduce costs and encourage more borrowing and investment which will have a positive impact for banks.
“In my opinion, this rate cut, and possibly the next few, will affect rates that banks pay for deposits more than what we charge on loans,” said Lumbee Guaranty Bank CEO Kyle Chavis.
“The yield curve has been inverted or at least flat for some time. This is because while the Federal Reserve was increasing rates over the past few years, loan rates, which are typically longer-term rates, did not increase as quickly as short-term rates, which usually drive deposit rates. This latest cut, and likely any subsequent ones, will help pull down the short end of
the curve, which should have a positive impact on bank profitability.”
In Fayetteville, executives say that while the results of the rate drop won’t be available for some time, it is a positive move for borrowers.
“Overall, this is an incremental adjustment,” said Kevin Bunn, First Bank’s city executive in Fayetteville. “And while it does potentially offer some relief to borrowers with variable rates like those on a credit card, the full impact of the update will likely bear out based on subsequent Fed actions over the remainder of 2025 and into early next year. Regardless, we remain focused on building trusted relationships with our customers and on providing them with the flexibility and options they need to achieve their goals no matter the rate environment or eco-
nomic shifts.”
Overall, regional banks are leaning towards a positive response to the news, hoping that it will increase consumer activity.
“Locally, activity and opportunities continue to be steady. The recent rate reduction is reassuring and hopefully signals a new period of easing that should build confidence and activity moving forward,” said President for Eastern NC of Dogwood State Bank Greg Reames.
The Federal Reserve and the Federal Open Market Committee released the economic projections from the Sept. 16-17 FOMC meeting that led to the decision to cut rates. You can find that information at www.federalreserve.gov/ newsevents.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY FEDERAL RESERVE
Chair Powell answers reporters' questions at the FOMC press conference on Sept. 17, 2025.
>> By Stephanie Meador
From ROSEBORO, page 1
on the first floor and two studio apartments on the second floor.
The town purchased 109-C Roseboro St. in downtown Roseboro in 2022 with plans for renovating it and outfitting the space to accommodate new tenants. It had been vacant for decades, so they knew it was in desperate need of renovations.
“[The building] had been vacant for probably over 30 years, so it was in very bad shape. It needed a new roof... It needed a lot. It had no air, no heat, no plumbing, none of that,” remarked Roseboro Mayor Alice Butler.
The building is approximately 3600 square feet in size. Construction is in progress. All the framing is done and they’ve begun placing the windows. HVAC and electrical is being done by the local company Terry Long Electrical, and construction materials are being purchased at the local hardware store whenever possible, with the intention to continue to pour back into the community across all aspects of the development process. The estimated completion date for the project is mid-January 2026.
Historic designation is also part of the project goals. “The town didn’t just want to tackle revitalization by buying a building and fixing it up. A part of the rural transformation money also went to a consultant for the historic nomination so we could become a historic downtown,” explained Director of Roseboro's Small Town Main Street initiative Tyler Wise.
The town will know the verdict on their historic nomination on Oct. 9. If approved, the designation
REAL ESTATE
will enable business owners to receive significant tax benefits from federal, state and local programs that incentivize the rehabilitation of historic properties.
Roseboro has been on the path towards growth for several years now. Town leadership have paved the way for new businesses to set up shop in the area and new residents to come in and call the small town home. In their Economic Development Implementation Plan for 2023-2026 developed alongside NC Main Street & Rural Planning,
Roseboro identified their vision to be “a destination on your journey with social and cultural experiences and unique dining and shopping.”
“We also want people to move here. It’s such a great, tight knit community where you will feel like family, and so if they are looking to just invest in a building or things like that. There’s opportunity there, but there are also houses going up too where people can also move into this community,” added Wise.
“We’ve had more houses built in the last three to four years than in the last 20 years… they’re building them where people can afford them –$230,000-$260,000 homes, beautiful, brand new homes,” added Butler.
Proximity to Fort Bragg and remote employment opportunities have helped contribute to the growth in Roseboro. The town has laid the groundwork for a boom in visitors and residents by updating infrastructure and evaluating the needs of current and potential business owners. One example of recent updates includes their water treatment plan being expanded to 700,000 gallons per day. They also have a brand new fire department with five double bays.
“These aren’t dreams that the town has pulled out of the sky. They have looked at data. They’ve
had groups like [Construction Professionals Network Institute] CPNI. They’ve had a retail gap analysis that’s come from N.C. Commerce that has also helped in driving a lot of what’s occurring right now,” shared Wise.
Many of the town’s upgrades serve more than just residents. Investment in green space and event venues has further encouraged both economic and social vibrancy. Additions such as the aLive in the 'Boro concert series draw visitors from neighboring towns as well, driving economic impact through visitor spending. The Mountains-to-Sea Trail also passes through Roseboro, enhancing local tourism.
The work will be far from over once 109-C is finished. The town also purchased the adjacent building within the last couple of months and plans to apply for additional grant funding to revitalize that space as well.
With construction proceeding rapidly and the energy of residents, officials and newcomers alike, Roseboro is poised for a new era of prosperity. The town is committed to revitalizing and filling vacant buildings and bringing new business to the area, securing a rosy future for Roseboro.
PHOTOS PROVIDED BY GFBJ
L to R: Director of Roseboro's Small Town Main Street initiative Tyler Wise (left) pictured with Roseboro Mayor Alice Butler (right); Renovations to 109-C Roseboro St. are expected to be complete by mid-January 2025. The building will house a retailer on the first floor and two studio apartments upstairs.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY GFBJ Roseboro Stage was completed in September of 2024 and serves as the venue for the town’s popular aLive in the 'Boro concert series as well as other public and private events.
ACHIEVERS
United Bank receives national recognition as a Best Company to Work For and Best-in-State Bank for 2025
United Bank has recently received several national awards for employee engagement and customer satisfaction from U.S. News & World Report, Newsweek and Forbes. These awards include Best Companies to Work For in the South, America’s Greatest Workplaces in Financial Services, America’s Greatest Workplaces by State and Best-in-State Bank, respectively.
Across its footprint, United continues to be recognized for its unparalleled service. Within the Greater Fayetteville Business Journal’s coverage area, United Bank has continued to provide banking services to communities with five banking and ATM locations in Fayetteville, Hope Mills, Elizabethtown and Lumberton.
“United Bank has seen tremendous success over the past few years, thanks in large part to our business in the Carolinas, which continues to grow in exciting ways. These awards demonstrate the value of our people-centric culture, reinforcing our commitment to investing in our communities and team members in the greater Fayetteville area and companywide,” shared Jim Strickland, United Bank market president for Fayetteville and Lumberton.
For the second year in a row, U.S. News & World Report has named United Bank one of the 2025-2026 Best Companies to Work For in the South. Out of 5,000 publicly traded companies that were considered, United was ranked among the top companies in the South on factors contributing to job seekers’ decision-making when choosing a workplace that meets their needs. Factors include quality of pay and benefits, work-life balance and flexibility, job and company stability, physical and psychological comfort, belongingness and esteem and career opportunities and professional development.
Additionally, United has been recognized as one of America’s Greatest Workplaces in Financial Services for 2025 by Newsweek. The list, which is Newsweek’s third-annual ranking of America’s Greatest Workplaces, recognizes companies of 1,000 employees or more with strong employee
What are you and your peers achieving? Have you reached a new goal? Have you acquired another business? Maybe your business has a new hire you would like to highlight.
Greater Fayetteville Business Journal wants to hear from you and your business to shine a spotlight on your accomplishments.
To nominate someone for GFBJ’s Achievers section, email editor@bizfayetteville.com with the subject line “Achiever.”
engagement. Companies are judged based on over 120 key performance indicators, including leadership, integrity, compensation, work-life balance scores and more.
Newsweek also named United as one of America’s Greatest Workplaces by State in the Bank’s founding state of West Virginia. Companies were evaluated on several business and culture factors including belonging and community, compensation and benefits, job security, mental well-being, training and career progression, and work-life balance. United Bank previously earned this title in 2023.
“Promoting a positive workplace culture remains a top priority for United Bank. We have long believed that when our team members thrive, so do our customers, and so does business,” said Richard M. Adams, Jr., CEO of United Bankshares, Inc. in a press release. “When you love what you do and where you work, it is reflected in the quality of service that you provide. These wins are a testament to our unrelenting commitment to providing bestin-class service to our customers, employees, shareholders and communities. It is an honor to be recognized as an employer of choice and a best bank, and we look forward to continuing to serve our communities in the future.”
Carolina Eye Associates welcomes new physician, Dr. Molly Walsh
Carolina Eye Associates is pleased to announce the addition of
Molly Walsh, M.D., to its medical staff. She will be serving patients in the Cheraw, Fayetteville, Lumberton and Southern Pines clinics.
Agency of Excellence Award.
The Sales Innovation Award honors entrepreneurs who create the most innovative sales and marketing strategies. Winners are selected for their ability to think outside the box and develop unique campaigns, identify and grow niche audiences or design successful sales plans.
MOLLY WALSH, M.D. is a specialist in glaucoma treatment and cataract surgery. Dr. Walsh received her medical degree from Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans, La. She completed her glaucoma fellowship at Duke University Medical Center. Using state-ofthe-art diagnostic and surgical equipment, she is experienced in diagnosing, monitoring and treating many types of ocular diseases.
Dr. Walsh spent time on the Ophthalmology faculty at Duke University from 2006 to 2021. She relocated to North Carolina and joined Carolina Eye Associates in 2025 after living in Indiana for several years. She is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and part of the Associates for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology.
Fayetteville travel advisor wins two national awards at WORLD25 Lone Star Gala
ROCKY DIMICO , owner of Flights and Fables, a Fayetteville-area travel agency, has been recognized with two major national awards at WorldVia’s annual WORLD25 Lone Star Gala, held on Sept. 18, 2025. Dimico was named the winner of the Sales Innovation Award and the Monarch
The Monarch Agency of Excellence Award is presented to agencies that demonstrate outstanding achievement and support of WorldVia Travel Network’s preferred and strategic partner suppliers, programs, products, events, community and core values. Only 30 agencies out of nearly 3,900 WorldVia-affiliated agencies earned this distinction in 2025.
“I’m deeply honored to receive both of these awards,” said Dimico in a press release. “They represent my commitment to bringing creative, personalized travel planning and unforgettable experiences to my clients, especially in the growing area of fantasy travel.”
Dimico launched Flights and Fables to specialize in immersive and high-end fantasy-themed travel experiences, including trips inspired by Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, castles, Viking history and other destinations that spark the imagination. The agency also plans and manages European, New Zealand, Japanese and river cruise itineraries.
Garry Crumpler named director of Cumberland County Emergency Services
Cumberland County announces the selection of GARRY CRUMPLER as the new director of Emergency Services. Crumpler brings more than 18 years of experience in fire, rescue, emergency medical services and emergency management to the role.
Crumpler has served Cumberland County since 2019 in a variety of positions. As director, he will oversee 9-1-1 operations, Fire Inspections and Emergency Management, while coordinating with local, state
Walsh
Dimico
and federal partners during emergencies.
“I am honored to serve as Cumberland County’s Emergency Services Director,” said Crumpler in a press release. “This community is my home, and I am committed to strengthening our preparedness, supporting our first responders and ensuring we stand ready to respond to any challenge with professionalism and care.”
Crumpler began his public safety career as a volunteer with Gray’s Creek Fire Department at age 16, an experience that sparked his lifelong commitment to emergency services. Prior to working with Cumberland County, Crumpler served as a firefighter and EMT with multiple North Carolina agencies, including the Town of Chapel Hill, Stedman Fire Department, Benhaven Emergency Services, the City of Lumberton and Robeson County EMS. His background spans fire protection technology, arson investigation, hazard mitigation, rescue
operations and emergency response planning.
Crumpler holds a Bachelor of Science in Fire Science (Summa Cum Laude) and an Associate of Applied Science in Fire Protection Technology. He has received numerous awards, including the 2022 Award of Merit at the Greater Fayetteville Chamber Valor Awards and Gray’s Creek Firefighter of the Year. He is an active member of the North Carolina Emergency Management Association and the International Association of Emergency Managers.
“Garry has demonstrated steady leadership, technical expertise and an unwavering commitment to protecting our residents,” said County Manager Clarence Grier in a press release. “His vision and experience are invaluable as we continue to advance our emergency services and safeguard our community.”
Fayetteville PWC receives Public Power Awards of
Excellence
Fayetteville Public Works Commission (PWC) is one of 23 public power communities across North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia to receive a 2024 Public Power Award of Excellence. Presented by ElectriCities of North Carolina, the awards reflect PWC’s commitment to continuously providing safe, affordable and reliable electric service to the community.
The Strengthen Public Power Award celebrates communities that build public and political support for public power.
The Provide Superior Power Award highlights communities that deliver reliable, affordable and sustainable electricity.
The Customer-centered Innovation Award recognizes public power providers that innovate and invest to better serve their customers and communities.
The People Award distinguishes cities and towns that leverage their people as their greatest asset.
“It’s an honor to accept these awards on behalf of all the men and women who come to work in every possible weather condition and
ACHIEVERS
make sure the lights across Fayetteville turn on every single day,” said Timothy L. Bryant, PE, CEO/ general manager of Fayetteville PWC. “These awards continue to recognize our team’s dedication and the vital role public power plays in keeping our community safe, reliable and affordable,”
Since 2020, PWC has received 18 Awards of Excellence from ElectriCities of North Carolina. This recognition reflects the business’s strong operational standards and commitment to serving community needs, with initiatives shaped by local feedback.
Crumpler
Fall for Dogwood
THE FAYETTEVILLE DOGWOOD FALL FESTIVAL RETURNS IN 2025
Good music, food and fall themed fun for all ages will swirl into Festival Park with the falling leaves this season. On Oct. 18 and 19, The Dogwood Festival will be returning for the fall. This free festival comes back with new themes, bands, attractions and more, all while retaining the classic Dogwood theme we all know and love.
“In the spring, we had an unspoken theme of community, and community showed up and it fit and it really worked and hit that theme we’re trying to drive home,” said Executive Director for the Fayetteville Dogwood Festival Kaylynn Suarez. “So for Fall Festival and the rest of 2026, our theme is collaboration-we’re hoping people see that collaborative efforts we have, whether it’s with our artists in the creative corner, or local community vendors, or our volunteers or businesses that they see that, hey, collaboration over competition, that’s where it’s at, that’s how we all grow together.”
Staple festival favorites will fill the weekend, like food trucks, local vendors, Ring Wars, the car show, knockerballs, mechanical bull riding and entertainment like magic tricks and sword dancing by the Time Travelers.
The Dogwood Fall Festival brings the talent and artistry of the southeast all weekend long, starting on Saturday with the Phoebes, a blend of rock and blues, followed by alternative rock and post-grunge band the Verve Pipe and finishing strong with alternative rock band Marcy Playground. Switching gears and vibes on Sunday with DJ Fuzzy Wuzzy, R&B and soul artist CJ Monet and trap violinist Clejan to wrap it all up!
Chief Operations Officer of the Dogwood Festival Simone Johnson has teamed with world-renowned poet Andre Sansbury Jr. in bringing on the Creative Corner to the Festival. Sunday, Oct. 19, starting at 11 a.m., attendees can observe the showcase of Fayetteville’s talent in the form of poetry, spoken word and other art forms.
“My biggest thing about the fall festival and Dogwood as a whole, as a person who chose to come here not as military, it’s the kind of perfect amalgamation of everything that this community represents. There’s
The Dogwood Fall Festival brings the talent and artistry of the southeast all weekend long, starting on Saturday with the Phoebes, followed by alternative rock and post-grunge band the Verve Pipe and finishing with alternative rock band Marcy Playground. Switching gears and vibes on Sunday, the lineup includes DJ Fuzzy Wuzzy, R&B and soul artist CJ Monet and trap violinist Clejan.
so many different talents, different organizations, different nonprofits, there’s just something for everyone,” said Johnson. “This community really has a lot to offer and it’s really showcased how we all come together for community events.”
The Skoolie Xpress, a mobile art studio, is returning to the Dogwood Fall Festival after their debut at the spring Dogwood Festival.
“One thing we want the business community to know is that if they are ever anxious about where to start, just start, and if you’re not sure how to do it, come to the Dogwood Festival! Set up a 10x10 tent, let’s get your business out there, that way you can test the waters,” said Suarez. “We’ve had a lot of people do their first events and become a continued festival favorite and turn into brick and mortar. We like seeing that growth and I think that’s something that’s extremely important for people to remember, that the Dogwood Festival is not just about one big party, there’s a lot of heavy work that goes behind the scenes and getting that business started at the Dogwood Festival is a great way to do that.”
Although regarded as the penultimate warm-up to the spring Dog-
wood Festival, the team at Dogwood Festival Incorporated has made efforts to help the Dogwood Fall Festival come into its own. This year has accomplished that goal, with a stellar lineup of entertainment, a schedule packed full of events and a full Festival Park of activities, food and other showcases for attendees to enjoy.
“My favorite thing about the Dogwood Fall Festival is seeing the community come together, you get to see people from all different backgrounds, in one area that’s genuinely just enjoying fresh air and something that like music that unites everyone together, so for me, community togetherness is what means the most to me. Honestly it’s why I took this job, it had nothing to do with anything else just seeing the community step up and step out,” said Suarez.
Evening out the crowd levels for both festivals is no small feat. The Dogwood Fall Festival, with the help of sponsors like National Guard, Cricket Wireless, Leafguard, Healy Wholesale, Drink-a-Bull, Dogwood Nursery, Miller-Motte College, Campbell University among others, the support and attendance from the community and local business owners, and all the hard work behind
the scenes with Suarez and the team at Dogwood Festival Incorporated, is accomplishing that goal.
“This is put on by the board who volunteered their time, by my COO and myself who have done a lot of planning and making sure that this event can stay free to the public, and we’ve been very blessed to be able to work with Parks and Rec and the City of Fayetteville to figure out how to continue on doing that,” said Suarez. “I think that’s important to remind everybody that with their continued support when they come out and frequent these events it’s helping other nonprofits make it to that next event so we can continue to do [this] for our community that deserves nice events.”
While free to attend, there are additional ticketed upgrades that festival attendees can choose to purchase. The $80 VIP tickets include VIP Tent access, two drinks from local breweries and specialty food items, as well as prime reserved seating to view the bands from, and the first fifty VIP ticket holders get meet-and-greets with a few of the bands each night.
The $45 VIP ticket option includes a guaranteed seat. In line with Festival Park guidelines, there is a clear bag policy and bag checks at marked stations for this event, in addition to no dogs at the Park. However, downtown Fayetteville has numerous other welcoming spots for the four-legged family members!
The Dogwood Fall Festival is looking to be another hit, with the good weather, great entertainment and better planning behind it. This classic Fayetteville event is a great way for residents and non-locals alike to see all the talent, expertise and fun within the community.
“I love being engaged with the people we have on the board, in the community, with the folks that come out to all our events,” said Chairman of the Board of Directors Jackie Tuckey. “The fall festival is a great way to slide into winter and look forward to our giant festival next spring, but everything’s going great for the fall, and I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
GRAPHICS PROVIDED BY FAYETTEVILLE DOGWOOD FESTIVALT
YOUR PATH TO A NE W LIFEST YLE STARTS WITH A GREAT LOCATION
No matter what you're looking for, our community’s diverse locations throughout the Fayetteville area were chosen to fit your lifestyle It's this commitment to building exceptional homes in sought-after towns and cities that helped us earn the title of 2025 National Builder of the Year From the tranquility of a small town to the excitement of a vibrant downtown, and with easy access to military bases and countless outdoor adventures, we have just what you're looking for
Explore our communities and contact us today to learn more! 910-812-3135
A salute to service
LTG BRAGA RELINQUISHES USASOC COMMAND
In an intimate ceremony, the U.S. Army Special Operations Command bid farewell to Lt. Gen. Jonathan Braga after four years serving as the commanding general as he relinquished command to Brig. Gen. Kirk Brinker outside the USASOC Headquarters, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Sept. 24, 2025.
The relinquishing of command is a military tradition, which allows the commander and his unit the opportunity to bid farewell. Braga was nominated by President Donald Trump to be the next commander of the Joint Special Operations Command, Sept. 5 and confirmed on Sept. 19. Special Operations Command Commanding General Gen. Brian P. Fenton presided over the Ceremony.
“It’s all about winning here at USASOC,” said Fenton. “You do that because of a relentless focus on people as the number one priority, as a comparative and competitive advantage right at the heart of people being more important than hardware. That’s how we win.” Fenton
continued to speak on USASOC and the importance the command has played across the Army and the Joint Force over the past four years.
“The leader for this era has been Lt. Gen. Jon Braga,” continued Fenton. “Now Jon will be the first to tell you, he didn’t do it alone. He is part of a team of teams and all of them help uphold the USASOC reputation as a force without equal.”
Addressing Braga’s family, the enlisted members, the officers and the civilians in the audience Fenton added, “Thanks for wearing that jersey alongside Jon day in and day out.” Following Fenton, Braga addressed the USASOC team. “How do you sum up the impact you’ve all had?” asked Braga. “How do I say thanks for everything you did? Every section, every director, CSC (Combatant Subordinate Command), CSU (Combatant Subordinate Unit) out there.”
To illustrate his thanks and the impact of the USASOC team, Braga gave a comparative example between the current USASOC team and the Rangers who
Normandy
with Col. James Earl Rudder.
“Just as Col. Rudder would go on to lead the invasion off the beaches, just as the OSS and special service force worked behind enemy lines, we have been pathfinders,” explained Braga. “You have been pathfinders, leading the way for the Army and the Joint Force at home and around the world.”
Braga continued, stating “You’ve all added to the lineage of our nation, and I can’t thank you enough. Your efforts have left a legacy, you have left a jersey better than you found it carrying the extra blood, sweat and stains of your efforts.”
After completing the passing of the colors, Brig. Gen. Kirk Brinker closed out the ceremony. “It is not lost on me at all the gravity, the privilege, to be the acting USASOC commander,” said Brinker. “Looking at this formation, its talented people, its commitment to excellence, its imagination, it’s an honor. And I look forward to serving with you and serving you.”
stormed
PHOTO PROVIDED BY: UNITED STATES ARMY SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND; PHOTO BY SSG LANDON CARTER
Pictured from left to right: Gen. Brian P. Fenton, Special Operations Command Commanding General, Lt. Gen. Jonathan Braga, outgoing USASOC Commander and Brig. Gen. Kirk Brinker, Acting USASOC Commander.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY: UNITED STATES ARMY SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND; PHOTO BY SSG LANDON CARTER
L to R: In an intimate ceremony, the U.S. Army Special Operations Command bid farewell to Lt. Gen. Jonathan Braga after four years serving as the commanding general. The relinquishing of command is a military tradition, which allows the commander and his unit the opportunity to bid farewell. Pictured from left to right: Lt. Gen. Jonathan Braga, outgoing USASOC Commander, Command Sgt. Maj. JoAnn Naumann, USASOC CSM and Brig. Gen. Kirk Brinker, Acting USASOC Commander; U.S. Army Special Operations Command Acting Commanding General, Brig. Gen. Kirk Brinker, gives a speech as USASOC bids farewell to Lt. Gen. Jonathan Braga after serving four years as its commanding general outside the USASOC Headquarters at Fort Bragg, N.C.
Game of drones
FCEDC’S UPCOMING DRONE COMPETITION PITS THE BEST AGAINST THE BEST IN MILITARY AND REGIONAL PILOTING
There’s an open call out for drone enthusiasts across the country as the Fayetteville Cumberland Economic Development Corporation (FCEDC) prepares to host a first-of-its-kind drone competition taking place on Oct. 8-9. This two day event will take place at The Range Complex in Cumberland County, and will highlight the region’s defense innovation ecosystem, anchored by Fort Bragg.
“We can’t find any event like this that currently exists, so we’re really excited. And this really started out as, ‘Let’s do this as a test on a small scale.’ And it has gained so much interest and attention that it has really taken off, no pun intended,” shared FCEDC Executive Vice President Rob Patton. “We have a member of the Oregon National Guard that’s coming out for it, folks from Fort Hood, Texas are coming, the Army Aviation Center of Excellence’s drone team is coming from Alabama. We’ve got some guys coming from Fort Campbell, Kentucky. The USGS (United States Geological Survey) is sending somebody down for it. Now we’re coast to coast on this, which is exciting.”
There’s a lot of career paths, whether you’re a pilot, whether you’re a developer, whether you’re into research. This has become a burgeoning industry, and we really wanted to garner more interest and highlight what we’ve got going on here, not just in Cumberland County, but in the region, and bring everybody together to solve problems.”
— Rob Patton Executive Vice President, FCEDC
The event is being held in partnership with NC Innovation, America Makes and The Range Complex, and is the first of its kind to connect military, academia, industry and private citizens.
Day one of the event will be for individual teams and competitors will compete amongst their category in first-person view (FPV) races across four different lanes.
“We’re keeping it a little bit of a secret, so that nobody gets an unfair advantage, but there’ll be everything from targets to flying through obstacles. There’ll be some identification of things that we have out that they’re going to have to see on different lanes. We really want to challenge the pilots and see what they are capable of,” shared Patton.
On day two, the teams will come together for a series of tactical exercises that will require collaboration and test their adaptability. Challenges will also include launching drones off of a boat on site and a working marsupial drone.
“We’re going to take the winners from the four respective lanes [from
day one], make them team captains and then put teams together. The next day, they’re going to have to collaborate and as a team, solve challenges that are not the typical drone racing that you see. So that’s going to really challenge the groups to work together, then also solve the problems that are going to be presented to them,” shared Patton. “What’s neat too is, we will have 3D printers on site, so that if somebody has to do some maintenance on their drone, or if somebody comes up with a good idea on the spot, maybe we can do a proof of concept on the spot and give it a go.”
Despite the already stacked list of competitors expected to participate, Patton also wanted to highlight that the competition is open to anyone who engages in piloting from the civilian, military or student level.
“There’s a lot of career paths, whether you’re a pilot, whether you’re a developer, whether you’re into research. This has become a burgeoning industry, and we really wanted to garner more interest and highlight what we’ve got going on here, not just
in Cumberland County, but in the region, and bring everybody together to solve problems,” shared Patton. “This has not just been a military planned event. There has been collaboration across the board with the military and us and industry on what can we do? And I will mention, if you have a Part 107 license, you don’t have to have one for this, because you’re not flying for money. So if you are truly an amateur that hasn’t gotten your 107 you’re more than welcome to come out.”
Participants will be competing for trophies, medals, specially designed coins and bragging rights. The first place winners will take home drones provided by a sponsor of the event.
“What’s neat about the trophies and the medals is that they’ll be 3D printed, so they won’t be anything standard, we’re really doing some really cool stuff,” said Patton.
Private industry, military, academic and public spectators are welcome to attend and tickets can be purchased online.
“We’ll have a couple tents up if people want to talk business or just relax. Fayetteville Technical Community College has been gracious in donating their tents for us. We do have some classroom space, so if somebody needs to do a demonstration inside, or if there needs to be some interviews or collaboration [they can]. We will have food trucks out on site too. So come, let’s make a day of it,” added Patton.
A total of 50 drone operator participants will be allowed to compete. Registration and ticket information can be found online at www.fcedc.com/dronechallenge.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY FCEDC
The Fayetteville Cumberland Economic Development Corporation (FCEDC) is preparing to host its first drone competition taking place on Oct. 8-9 at The Range Complex in Cumberland County.
Once fully developed, Harnett 95 will feature more than 800,000 sq. ft. of industrial space. The construction of Building One, a 175,500-square-foot speculative industrial building on nearly 15 acres, is set to begin in September 2025 by Samet Corporation. The anticipated delivery is Q3 2026.
Breaking new ground
HARNETT COUNTY BREAKS GROUND ON ITS FIRST CLASS A INDUSTRIAL BUILDING AT HARNETT 95 INDUSTRIAL CENTER
Harnett County Government has broken ground on its first Class A industrial building at Harnett 95 Industrial Center (Harnett 95), located at U.S. 301 South and Arrowhead Road in Dunn, marking a major step forward for the County’s economic growth.
Harnett 95, the county’s first Class A industrial park, will offer premier industrial space for a variety of industries. Located one mile to I-95, 12 miles to the I-95/I-40 interchange, less than an hour drive to Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) and under two hours to the Port of Wilmington, the 65-acre park provides easy access to regional, national and global markets.
The construction of Building One, a 175,500-square-foot speculative industrial building on nearly 15 acres, is set to begin this month (September 2025) by the Samet Corporation. Designed for flexibility, the facility will feature divisible space starting at ±27,000 square feet, two speculative office suites or build-to-suit options and modern amenities including 30foot clear ceiling height, an ESFR sprinkler system and 35 dock-high doors. Scheduled for completion in Q3 2026, this top-tier facility is set to kick-start investment, create quality jobs and fuel industrial growth in
Harnett County. CBRE, a commercial real estate company based in Raleigh N.C., serves as the leasing agent for Building One.
At full buildout, Harnett 95 will offer more than 800,000 square feet of industrial space across six buildings ranging from 121,000 to 175,000 square feet. The park will feature flexible layouts, modern amenities and infrastructure, including direct CSX Rail access to support business growth. Designed to accommodate build-to-suit opportunities, Harnett 95 is set to attract top employers and drive new industry and investment in Harnett County.
“Today’s groundbreaking at Harnett 95 is a major step in Harnett County’s product development strat-
egy and demonstrates our commitment to collaborating with partners to drive investment and create jobs in our community,” said Harnett County’s Economic Development Director Stephen Barrington. “We are grateful to Harnett County’s forward-thinking leadership and the board of commissioners for their support and investment in this project and in Harnett County’s economic growth.”
This development strengthens Harnett County as a prime location for companies looking to grow or expand in North Carolina, the East Coast or the Southeastern United States. It also highlights the strong collaboration between Harnett County Government, the I-95/I-40
Crossroads of America Economic Development Alliance, Samet Corporation and the City of Dunn.
“We are excited to partner in bringing Harnett 95 to Harnett County,” said President of Real Estate at Samet Corporation Brian Hall. “We chose Harnett County for its location, workforce, growth potential and the willingness of Harnett County to invest alongside us. This industrial park will give companies modern, flexible space to grow, attract new employers and create quality jobs that strengthen the local economy and benefit the community for years to come."
“Harnett 95 represents a major milestone for our county,” said Chairman of the Harnett County Board of Commissioners Matt Nicol. “This groundbreaking is not just about a building, it’s about creating new opportunities, attracting top employers and bringing quality, high-paying jobs to Harnett County.”
This project reflects Harnett County’s strategic investment in strengthening its industrial market and enhancing the region’s competitiveness within North Carolina.
COUNTY & HARNETT COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
PHOTO HARNETT COUNTY & HARNETT COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
State, local and economic development leaders came together with partners on the project to celebrate the official ground breaking with a commemorative dirt toss.
BIZ LEADS
Reader’s Guide
BizLeads is a collection of information gathered from greater Fayetteville courthouses, state government offices and information websites. The listings are intended to help the business community find new customers and stay on top of happenings with current customers, vendors and competitors.
New Corporations lists firms from the Greater Fayetteville Business Journal region that were recently incorporated in the State of North Carolina.
