Onslow Business onslowbusiness.com
January 3, 2025 Vol. 2 Issue 1
The only publication dedicated to business in Onslow County
Above, businesses start to move in, filling the available spaces n the Sneads Ferry Retail shopping center.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Left, work has begun on the Home 2 Suites site. Right, Comet Sneads Ferry is scheduled to open in February 2025.
Sneads Ferry Adds Retail, Residential Sites A new hotel and grocery store, several apartment complexes, and multiple specialty shops are on the list of Sneads Ferry projects for the coming year. North Topsail Landing, according to the listing company’s website, is “a mixeduse retail destination to include a hotel, apartments, townhomes, medical/office, and approximately 100,000 SF of anchored retail.” The retail and residential complex is the confirmed site of a Home 2 Suites by Hilton. The listing company is also “currently negotiating with a grocer tenant.” That grocer will anchor the center and will “have a lot of input as to the final design of the site and layout of the inline retail
buildings for lease as well as outparcels.” North Topsail Landing is located on NC-210, across from the entrance to Dixon Middle School. Also located on NC-210, Beachwalk Townhomes is a proposed multi-family project near the recently built Evolve at North Shore apartments. Beachwalk will cover 91 lots on 13 acres. Comet Apartments will feature 240 bedrooms in 5 buildings when it opens in February 2025. Comet is located on NC-210 northwest of NC-172, next to Taco Bell. According to the Onslow County Project Tracker, a Dunkin store
Making a difference for businesses in and around the Greater Onslow County area: Jacksonville, Swansboro, Richlands, Camp Lejeune, Holly Ridge, Hubert, Sneads Ferry, North Topsail Beach, Surf City, and beyond.
is also planned for the area just northwest of NC-172, off NC-210. Little additional information is available for that project. New retail shops have started filling spaces in the new Sneads Ferry Retail Center, near the corner of Old Folkstone Road and NC-210. Stores in that complex include, so far, Shoreline Market, Tobacco & Vape, Ronin Tattoo, Grind House, and Scoops Microcreamery. The Onslow County Project Tracker Dashboard lists 14 residential projects, 23 commercial projects, and 12 rezoning projects for unincorporated Sneads Ferry.
New Business Helps Seniors ............... 2 Doing Business with the Military .......... 3 Chamber Corner .... 4 Onslow County Moves to Tier Two .......... 4 Training Opportunities ....... 5 Networking Opportunities ....... 5 Camp Davis Finds New Life ............. 6 Golden Leaf Grant for Swansboro Project . 6 Sambula Imports Brings South American Wines .... 7 JOEMC: More Than an Electric Company... 8 Where are They Now: 2024 Pitch It! Onslow Winners ............. 10 Are You Sitting Too Long? ................ 12 Local Business with a Heart for Giving ... 14 Local Chambers .... 14 Infant of Prague: A Vested Interest in Downtown .......... 15
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” ~~Mark Twain
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New Business Helps Seniors Stay in Their Homes “People feel better when they’re home,” says Derreck Bell. He adds “that’s where people are happiest.”
challenging he says, particularly during the height of the COVID pandemic, but he adds “I miss it dearly.”
Bell and his wife Alicia are on a mission to help seniors stay in their own homes as they age. They recently launched a business, Seniors Choosing to Live at Home in Jacksonville, that has as its main goal and vision “for seniors to be able to age at home,” Derreck says. He emphasizes, “that’s our big goal, but we want to do that on a different level.”
In his new business, Bell has 12 caregivers working for him. He says “we have fantastic caregivers. We have truly been blessed.” He adds that after working with seniors for several years, “the staff we have here right now is the best I’ve ever had, hands down.” He credits the quality of his team to the culture of the Jacksonville area and the nature of the industry itself.
Bell had been working with seniors in New Bern for about three and a half years prior to launching his own business. The business is an independently operated franchise of the Seniors Choosing to Live at Home based in New Bern. Prior to working with seniors, Bell was a bedside nurse at Onslow Memorial Hospital. Working on the night shift for about six and a half years was
family, and we want to take care of them.” She says that their caregivers have “made me so proud,” particularly in the way they cared for a man who recently passed away after a fall.
walking in and just looking at somebody and saying what do you need done and walking out the door at the end of the shift.” She adds, “they are our family and we want to take care of them.”
Helping seniors stay safe and prevent falls is a top priority for the business and for Bell. Among the many home care services that caregivers provide, standby assistance “is huge.” Caregivers will help individuals while they walk or remind them to use their walker.
Bell also says that “we’re a little different. Our level of care is much higher.” In addition to helping so many seniors stay in their own homes, “it’s fun to be a part of it.”
Bell treats his caregivers the way he wants them to treat their clients. “People just want to feel respected and loved and appreciated. That’s what we give our caregivers.” In turn, he and his caregivers treat their clients like family.
Bell explains that falls do not always cause sudden death, but “in the case of the man we just lost, there was a time where he didn't have a caregiver for a few hours during the day” and he fell. That fall eventually caused his death.
Lori Wilder, the office manager, scheduler, and field manager for Seniors Choosing to Live at Home, adds that “These people, these are our
The individualized services that Seniors Choosing to Live at Home provides “are a different kind of service,” Wilder says. She explains that “we're not
Part of that fun involves going with Hazel, the Bells’ certified therapy dog, back to the hospital to help the patients there as they recover. Bell says Hazel was “born to make people feel better. People light up when they see a dog.” Of his new business and his new mission, Bell says, “I truly feel God opened these doors for me to have this and I just know it's going to go great.” For more information, call 252-647-3622.
onslowbusiness.com onslowbiz@words-working.net Onslow Business is published monthly by WordsWorking LLC and distributed free throughout the Greater Onslow County area. The goal of Onslow Business is to provide accurate, factual information. The publication cannot be held responsible for any consequences resulting from errors or omissions. Onslow Business is not responsible for the content of its advertisers.
Pat Fontana pat@words-working.net 919-306-4242
© WordsWorking LLC
Above, Derreck Bell Below, Hazel the certified therapy dog
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Doing Business with the Military, Part 2—Being Competitive By Chris Rabassi, CFCM Office of Small Business Programs Marine Corps Installations East In the last issue, we discussed requirements for being eligible for Department of Defense contracts. This month, Marine Corps Small Business Programs will focus on being competitive for those contracts. Government Contract Assistance ProgramsGCAP (North Carolina only) and APEX Accelerators: Government Contract Assistance Programs in North Carolina only are part of the Small Business Training and Development Center (SBTDC). APEX Accelerators (part of DoD Office of Small Business Programs). Both GCAP/APEX Accelerators can assist you with understanding Government procurement regulations, contract terms, conditions, and formats. They can also help you in obtaining a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) which replaced the DUNS number, assist with your SAM registration, WAWF (invoicing) registration determining business size and obtaining socio-economic designations. GCAP/APEX Accelerators will also review proposals IF you give them enough lead time! GCAP counselors, Joel Guge, (919) 513-0623, jwguge@ncsu.edu and Pam Racer, (818) 227-3459, pracer@sbtdc.org Ensure your company capabilities are clearly accurately reflected in the Dynamic Small Business Search Engine: (web.sba.gov/pro-net/search/ dsp_dsbs.cfm). Do not leave this section blank! Research Federal Procurement Data Systems -Next Generation (FPDSNG) Federal Procurement Data System - Next Generation (fpds.gov). FPDS-NG provides information on contract awards (over $25,000) across all Federal agencies. Therefore, you can see what agencies are
buying, and the contract award amount. Ensure you aggressively monitor all Government Points of Entry (GPE) -sam.gov (Contract Opportunities) -GSA: (hallways.cap.gsa.gov/ app/#/ (Acquisition Gateway). GSA has its own process for vendors to be on GSA Schedule, so review www.gsa.gov for the process and requirements. Ensure you aggressively monitor each of the above for Requests for Information (Government has a general idea of what it needs and is seeking commercial vendors that can possibly support), Sources Sought (Government knows what it needs, and contracting is trying to determine if large/ small businesses can support), Synopsis and Proposals. Requests for Information, Sources Sought and Synopsis are all forecasting indicators. Synopses are the best forecasting indicator of the three because the Government says when a solicitation is anticipated to be posted. Please note, responses to sources sought and requests for information are not official proposals, you will still have to provide an official proposal once a solicitation is posted. LPTA vs. Best Value. The Federal Government has put more emphasis, through regulations and procedures, on making best-value awards vice Lowest Price-Technically Acceptable (LPTA). Therefore, your proposals need to include
language that demonstrates why your company represents the best value to the Government.
For your Solicitations/ Proposals: -Propose and propose on time! -Read the whole solicitation (including all amendments), complete all required provisions, and understand all clauses.
52-212.3 Representations and Certifications (this is where you identify what type of small business you are)
-Answer the tasks being asked and, when possible, elaborate on what benefits you bring to each task. What to you bring that is over and beyond what the Government is asking for? You must be careful here because this does not mean adding things the Government did not ask for. Rather, it means explaining how your product provides the greatest benefit to the Government.
-252-232.7006 Wide Area Workflow (Procurement Integrated Enterprise Environment (eb.mil)), help desk 1-866-618-5988) You will submit all invoices through this site and you should be registered in this site as soon as possible. You do not need to wait until you receive a contract award.
-Write to the evaluator. This means you need to fully understand the evaluation criteria.
For Awards:
-Consider your volume of responses. Quality of responses overrides quantity of responses!! Key provisions/clauses to focus on: -Instructions to Quoters (Specific guidance on proposal formats and how the Government is soliciting. If you fail to comply your proposal can be rejected!) -52.212-2 Evaluation of Offers (How the Government will evaluate your proposal: LPTA, best value, specific evaluation criteria) -
-Ensure you know your government points of contact. -Ensure you understand all base access procedures and timelines for getting base access. -Ensure your manifests/ delivery documents have the contract number, contracting officer name, and government point of contact receiving the supply/service. Other Useful Resources: North Carolina Military Business Center (ncmbc.us): Great source of information and events regarding Federal and Department of Defense contracting. Department of Defense Small Business Programs: https://business.defense.gov/ Defense Studies Institute for Military Bases: https:// defensestudies.net/pages/ military-bases-and-units
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Chamber Corner By Laurette Leagon President Jacksonville Onslow Chamber of Commerce
Supporting Local Businesses: A Call to Action for 2025 As we embark on 2025, I encourage everyone to make a concerted effort to support local businesses in Onslow County. Yes, I know it’s easiest, faster and doesn’t require finding the perfect parking space to shop online, but just think if “everyone” bought “everything” online? Who would sponsor our schools’ ball teams, cheerleaders, bands, and choirs? Who would give generously to our local nonprofits, put money in the collect plates on Sunday or support all our all-important public safety professionals?
If “everyone” bought “everything” online what would that do to our unemployment rate? Right now, we sit at a
mere 3.8% unemployment rate, but if “everyone” bought “everything” online there is no doubt that percentage would rise significantly. As a Chamber of Commerce, we are constantly doing everything in our power to help local businesses’ cash registers ring. We celebrate grand openings with ribbon cuttings, we offer low cost or no cost marketing opportunities for our members, and we provide exposure for our business community through networking events, trade shows and well-deserved awards. We strive to make our economy better and I am asking you to do your part. Just imagine if
“everybody” bought “everything” possible from a local business here in Onslow County? It would mean more wellpaying jobs, more tax revenue for the local government coffers, and more dollars to support all the efforts by so many non-profits, schools and churches to help those less fortunate. So the next time you are ready to jump on your computer and phone to shop online, why not visit www.jacksonvilleonline.org and see if what you are shopping for can be bought right here in Onslow County?
And if you are a business owner or manager that wants to increase your exposure and your bottom line, consider joining the Jacksonville Onslow Chamber of Commerce. We have an 81-year tradition of encouraging business growth which in turn enhances a vibrant quality of life. For more information about the Jacksonville-Onslow Chamber of Commerce, visit www.jacksonvilleonline.org or call 910-347-3141.
Onslow County Improves to Development Tier Designation Two Tier designation changes for 2025 have been announced by the NC Department of Commerce. Eighteen counties will change tiers in 2025. Counties moving to a less distressed tier include Cherokee, Chowan, Duplin, Gates, Granville, Haywood, Jones, Onslow, and Pasquotank. Counties moving to a more distressed tier include Alexander, Caldwell, Camden, Cleveland, Davie, McDowell, Montgomery, Randolph, and Surry. For 2025, Onslow County is shifting from Tier One to Tier Two. The county's economic distress rank improved to #47 (from #38 in 2024). The main factor in the county’s shift to Tier Two is a 16 position improvement in adjusted property tax base per capita rank. How Tier Rankings Are Calculated The Development Tier Designation statute (§143B-
437.08) provides specific guidelines for calculating annual tier rankings. This process assigns each county to a designation of Tier One (most distressed), Tier Two, or Tier Three (least distressed). Assuming no ties in rankings, the statute requires 40 Tier One, 40 Tier Two, and 20 Tier Three counties each year. In the event of a tie for the final position as a Tier One or Tier Two county, both counties will be placed in the lower tier.
Tier Rankings use four factors: • Average unemployment rate for the most recent twelve months for which data are available (November 2023 – October 2024, NC Dept. of Commerce, LAUS) • Median household income for the most recent twelve months for which data are available (2022, U.S. Census, Small Area Income & Poverty Estimates) • Percentage growth in population for the most recent
36 months for which data are available (July 2020 – July 2023, NC Office of State Budget & Management) • Adjusted property tax base per capita for the most recent taxable year (FY 2024-25, NC Dept. of Public Instruction)
Anthony Prinz, Transportation Services Director for the City of Jacksonville says “While the Tier 2 designation is certainly an improvement,” he believes “the most important news for 2025 is that our City Council and County Commission now appear to be firmly aligned on economic development as a high priority to uphold the quality of life of our community.”
Data and image from NC Department of Commerce 2025 Tiers Memo (www.commerce.nc.gov/ report-county-tiers-ranking -memo-current-year/open)
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Training Opportunities Coastal Carolina Community College Small Business Center
BNFAC-How to Leverage Social Media Marketing Webinar
SBC details and registration: www.coastalcarolina.edu/ services-and-support/servicescommunity/sbc/.
Tue, Jan 28 6:00pm-8:00pm
All sessions held at the James S. Melton Vocational Skills Center, unless otherwise noted.
Thu, Jan 30 9:00am-4:00pm 2 sessions ending Fri, Jan 31
Boots to Business
SCORE How to Start a Small Business- MCB Camp Lejeune Wed, Jan 15 9:00am-4:00pm John A. Lejeune Education Center, Room 112, Camp Lejeune Master Your Money: Unlock the Essentials of Bookkeeping Thu, Jan 16 6:00pm- 8:30pm
https://www.score.org/ business-education
How to Get Certified as a Woman-Owned Business
Beginning Fire Safety (Virtual)
January 15, 1:00pm
Tuesday, January 14, 6:30-7:30pm
Email Opt-In Strategies Every Small Business Needs to Know January 16, 1:00pm A Basic QuickBooks Guide for Small Business Owners January 23, 1:00pm
Online sessions / webinars: Understanding the 5 Most Common Legal Forms of Business
2025 Hottest Business Ideas, Trends & Markets January 28, 1:00pm
January 8, 1:00pm Google Analytics for Small Businesses - How to Improve Your Website Traffic January 9, 1:00pm
One Place Creating Hope for Families Information and registration: www.oneplaceonslow.org/forparents-and-early-educators/ training-info-registration/
Small Business Bootcamp Wed, Jan 22 9:00am-12:00pm
Mastering AI to Accelerate Your Marketing Strategy
Adult & Pediatric CPR/FA/ AED (In Person)
How to Start a Side Hustle - Webinar
January 14, 1:00pm
Saturday, January 11, 9:00am-2:30pm
Interactions Matter (Virtual) Thursday, January 16, 6:30-8:30pm
Beginning Fire Safety (Virtual) Monday, January 27, 6:30-7:30pm
Deep Breathing: A Connection to Calm (Virtual) Tuesday, January 28, 6:30-8:30pm
Staying Healthy, Keeping it Clean (Virtual) Monday, February 3, 6:30-8:30pm
Thu, Jan 23 11:00am-1:00pm
Networking Opportunities Start 2025 off with these opportunities to make new connections in the Onslow County business community: Small Business Center Advisory Board Meeting Jacksonville-Onslow Chamber / CCCC Small Business Center 1099 Gum Branch Rd. Jacksonville Thu, Jan 9 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM
WomenConnect—Greater Topsail Area Chamber of Commerce Lunch meetings Second Thursday of each month at Nineteen restaurant, Hampstead, 12noon No charge for the meeting; order lunch off the menu
Breakfast meetings Fourth Thursday of each month at Southern Roots restaurant, Holly Ridge, 7:30am No charge for the meeting; order breakfast off the menu Veteran Business Collective Chapter meeting Third Thursday of the month, 5-7pm January meeting will be January 16 at Blackbeards Triple Play Restaurant, 302 Western Blvd, Jacksonville
Guests are welcome Breakfast networking First Friday of the month, 8am January meeting will be January 3 at Blend Café Guests are welcome
Professional Book Club January book: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People Guild Mortgage 1014 Henderson Drive, Jacksonville January 8 at 10am
Looking for new networking opportunities? What do you want to see in a local networking group? Please take a few minutes and complete the Onslow Business Networking Survey.
Young Professionals
Greater Topsail Area Chamber of Commerce Networking activities through their Facebook page and on Instagram. For the young and the young at heart. Jacksonville Board of Realtors® Young Professionals Network (YPN) Networking and educational activities. For info, contact Jamie Cooper at Jamie@jbornc.com
List your networking group’s activities here. Email: onslowbiz@wordsworking.net with the details.
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Camp Davis Finds New Life and New Tax Base in Industrial Park In 1940, 28 people lived in the town of Holly Ridge. By 1943, that number had exploded to 110,000. When the US War Department decided to establish a base in the heart of the town, over 22,000 men joined the construction effort. The Army moved in shortly after and Camp Davis became an historical site, integral to World War II as an artillery training center. Today, the area that is still known as Camp Davis is finding new life as an industrial park, after a series of land purchases, grants, and development efforts. The Camp Davis Industrial Park, as it is now known, is being completed in phases, with Phase I completed, Phase II well underway, and Phase III on the horizon. The phases differ in their purpose and planning process. While Phase I involved land sold by an independent real estate developer, Phase II is
focused on providing “above average new jobs and growth of the tax base,” says JacksonvilleOnslow Economic Development Executive Director Mark Sutherland. Phase I businesses are wellestablished and thriving. They include the first occupant, Gulfstream Steel, which purchased the space left vacant by a bacon company. Tyson had operated at Camp Davis for 20 years before it closed and laid off 500 workers. The plant then stood vacant for eight years before Tom Rollins, owner of Gulfstream, purchased it and moved the company to Holly Ridge. He then managed the sale of property and buildings to other businesses in Phase I. In fact, Phase I lots were “completely spoken for before the land went on sale,” Sutherland says. One of the earliest occupants was Onslow Bay Boats, which made the decision to relocate in 2018. Other businesses in
Phase I include Above Topsail, Crete Solutions, and Atlantic Seafood. A major announcement for Phase II, which is focused on economic development in the area, was made in 2023. UPS announced they’re building a distribution center in the park. JOED says that the “UPS facility will create 98 new jobs, with average salaries of $67,657.” The kickoff for Phase III was held in June 2022. Phase III will include housing “that’s affordable for the workforce,” says Sutherland. Mike Rokoski, a real estate developer, specializes in affordable housing and has agreed to build 1600 homes over the next 10 years. Sutherland explains that “80% of homes are to be affordable at median household income of census tracts on either side of it.” In a recent news release, JOED described the impact of Phase III, in part explaining that:
Image from joednc.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/2800Camp-Davis-Industrial-Park-PHASE-III-.pdf
“The development of industrial sites and buildings in Camp Davis Industrial Park, Phase III (CDIP III) will significantly increase tax base and local
government revenue in Onslow and Pender counties as well as in the Town of Holly Ridge. (About 80 of the 516 acres in CDIP III are in Pender County.) “In Onslow County, CDIP III development plans require consideration of the availability of workforce housing, community services, and commercial sites. Ongoing discussions include the location of potential schools, emergency services, retail & service centers, parks and other community amenities. “Industrial Parks such as these contribute to community prosperity by accommodating industries that bring primary jobs with above-average wages and create products and services for export beyond our local market. These exports are vital to any local economy as they bring new money to a community.”
Golden Leaf Funding Awarded for Swansboro’s Project Coffee Submitted by the Jacksonville-Onslow Economic Development The Golden LEAF Board awarded $49,400 to the Jacksonville-Onslow Economic Development Partnership in Onslow County to complete due diligence analyses for Project Coffee, 47 acres at Corbett Ave and Belgrade-Swansboro Road in Swansboro, for a detailed wetland and stream delineation, boundary survey,
geotechnical report, existing utilities capacity analysis statement, water system flow analysis, and existing utilities map.
clearing and rough grading of publicly owned sites. The three phases of the SITE Program are Identification, Due Diligence, and Development.
Golden LEAF Foundation’s SITE Program offers resources to help communities identify potential sites for economic development, provides funding to complete due diligence on
Golden LEAF’s mission is to increase economic opportunity in North Carolina’s rural, tobacco-dependent, and economically distressed communities.
publicly controlled sites, and provides funding to extend public utilities to publicly controlled sites or to conduct
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Sambula Imports Brings Wines of South America to North Carolina During a three-year tour in Chile as part of the Marine Corps Foreign Exchange Program, Zac Sambula learned that wine is an integral part of that country’s culture. He was inspired to do something with that knowledge and so, as he was planning for retirement from the service, he also began planning to launch a wine import business. After serving in the Marine Corps for 22 years, Sambula retired in April 2024. Sambula Imports now specializes in bringing to North Carolina a unique selection of wines from Chile and Argentina. Of those South American countries, he says that wine “is integral to their culture and to their everyday life.” Chile and Argentina are fifth and sixth in the world for overall production of wine. Sambula says that he is focused on bringing wines to North Carolina that are not necessarily available here. The Sambula Imports selection ranges from rosés to reds and includes some whites. He notes that he has a sparkling rosé as well as chardonnay. He then adds, “I have some unique ones like the Carmenère, the Syrah. The Syrah is not unique to Chile, but 85% of Carmenère is produced in Chile.” Sambula says that “sweet sauvignon blanc has been a hit” and adds that “bordeaux grapes are now finding a new home in Chile.”
While planning his retirement, Sambula participated in the SkillBridge program, for those transitioning out of the military. SkillBridge is a Department of Defense (DOD) initiative designed to help service members gain work experience in the civilian world through internships with industry partners. In early 2024, Sambula interned with the JacksonvilleOnslow Economic Development (JOED) office, which helped him learn about the business aspects of running a company. Preparation also included market research on the availability of South American wines in Eastern North Carolina. As part of that process, Sambula says, “I noticed a gap there.” He discovered that, although some were available, “there was still more to be offered from South America.” Sambula established the business name in 2022 and was
issued the appropriate permits in July 2023. Wines are now imported for a number of businesses that offer wines in the area. He explains that he “can only distribute to established businesses with the wine licenses.”
Sambula says his “ideal customers are wine specialty stores, restaurants, pubs that offer wine.” He adds that he is “trying to keep wines exclusive to small businesses that offer wine to local people. We are building a brand as a premium importer of wine.” Future plans include importing wines from Latin America as well. A native of Honduras who moved to Brooklyn, New York, as a child, Sambula is familiar with the geography of South America and Latin America.
Sambula is also planning to expand with wines produced by a Chilean Marine that he met while serving in the foreign exchange program. The Chilean Marine has his own vineyard and produces his own wine. Sambula is in discussions to become the sole importer for his wine. In bringing wines to North Carolina from South America and Latin America, Sambula wants to educate consumers on the different types of wine available to them.
He says letting people know “this comes from Latin America and not Europe could be a great thing.” He adds, it’s “something
close to me that I want to highlight.”
Sambula explains, though, that his goal is not just to bring wine from South America or Latin America, but to “find those wines that are the best and unique and that will do well here.” He adds, “It’s what I want to do so I’m happy with it.”
For more information, visit www.sambulaimports.com/
Images provided by Sambula Imports
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JOEMC : More Than an Electric Company “The great thing about our business model is we’re a cooperative form of business,” says Steve Goodson, VP of Communications & Business Strategy for the Jones Onslow Electric Membership Cooperative (JOEMC). He adds, “We have a vested interest because of that business model.” JOEMC’s customers are referred to as members and those members “all have a voice in what goes on at the co-op,” Goodson explains. He adds, “the board of directors, the staff, and all the employees live in the communities that we provide electricity to. So, when good things happen in the community, good things are happening for the employees of Jones-Onslow and our neighbors as a whole.” That vested interest takes many forms for JOEMC. They are able to funnel zero-interest loans from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant (REDLG) program. Their members receive capital credits. They also participate in the Bright Ideas program to help educators purchase supplies for their classrooms. Also, Goodson says, “we're the only business that promotes selling less of a product. We really promote folks trying to be energy efficient and trying to maximize their energy dollars.” As a rural electric cooperative, JOEMC is eligible to receive
grant money from the USDA. “These zero-interest loans can be used to assist with various improvements including fire and rescue, police protection, public buildings and community facilities, and other economic development projects.”
Recently, JOEMC applied and received grant money on behalf of North Topsail Beach. The coop was then able to issue a 0% loan, with a 10-year repayment plan to the municipality for the purchase of a much-needed new fire truck. The business model of the cooperative also enables JOEMC to issue capital credits to its members regularly. A capital credit is essentially money that is left over after expenses have been paid and that is issued to each member based on the amount of their bills throughout the year. Krystal Phillips, JOEMC’s Communications/Community Relations Director, points out that the organization also contributes significantly to Bright Ideas to benefit educators in the community. Bright Ideas was launched by a similar cooperative in Brunswick County. In the 30 years of the program’s existence, $1.75 million in grants have been awarded. This year, Phillips says, they have 41 schools participating and have awarded 97 grants totaling $75,000 and impacting 26,000 students. She adds that the awards are
Steve Goodson and Krystal Phillips made at an annual banquet honoring the recipients, and for those who cannot attend the banquet, she enjoys hand delivering the checks to the educators. Economic development efforts include partnering with other organizations to ensure properties are site ready for businesses looking to relocate to Onslow County. As a co-op, Goodson explains, JOEMC has access to funding to help with site studies, environmental tests, and other requirements on the “checklist of about eight or ten things that deems a site ready.” Phillips says the Co-op Connections program is another way the organization supports small businesses. Through the program, small businesses offer discounts for their products or services to coop members and in turn JOEMC will promote their business with free marketing
and advertising. She adds, “the shining star of that is to showcase local small businesses.” JOEMC has been in business for 85 years, provides services to 6 counties in the region, and currently serves 84,000 meters, 69,000 of which are located in Onslow County. Commitment to community is one of the co-op’s seven principles, Goodson says. Of JOEMC’s work and the many ways the organization benefits the Onslow County area, he emphasizes “when the community succeeds, we succeed.”
For more information about JOEMC’s programs, including Bright Ideas, Co-op Connections, or other business and community programs, go to: https://joemc.com/ community/.
JOEMC was the second building established on the stretch of Western Blvd where it now sits.
Do you have news about your business you want to share with others in the Onslow County and beyond? Send it to onslowbiz@words-working.net.
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Where Are They Now—2024 Pitch It! Onslow Winners 1st Place
Tim Hucal Hucal Ponderosa Customs The inspiration behind Tim Hucal’s woodworking business came from a water filtration system. Shortly after his transfer to Jacksonville from a Marine Corps recruiting stint in Oklahoma, Hucal says his wife was struggling with trying to find the right type of stand that would hold their water filter. After his wife had purchased several stands that weren’t quite right, Hucal told her, “let me build you something.” Even though he “only had the handyman tools of a circular saw, a jigsaw, and the traditional tools that normal people have,” he says “I kind of drew something up and I created it.”
That stand “sparked an interest.” Then Hucal’s wife asked him to make a hall tree. Admitting that he didn’t know what a hall tree was, he says she found some photos to show him what she wanted. Again, he said “yeah, I could do that.” Hucal then began making his own furniture, including a bedframe for his son. Building a custom Adirondack chair for his larger frame “changed the dynamic,” he says, “from I could do this for myself, to I could potentially do it for others.” He designed his own set of plans “based on my size,” he explains. Neighbors and friends started requesting the custom chairs as well, and “62 or 63 chairs later, I just had a fascination with woodworking and the idea that every time I made
something and delivered it, it wasn't about the money to me, it was about the expression on their face when I arrived with whatever it was they purchased.” From there, people began asking if Hucal could make specific items, such as cutting boards and serving trays. A realtor asked if he could make custom closing gifts. While the spectrum of his woodworking ability is “quite large,” Hucal says he prefers to make furniture. He adds, “I love traditional style furniture as far as the joinery and the way things go together. If I don't have to use screws or metal fixtures I would prefer not to, if it's a table, because metal fixtures can fail but wood doesn't.” Last year, when he was about a year away from retirement, he enrolled in Boots to Business at Coastal Carolina Community College. Boots to Business, according to the SBA website, is “an entrepreneurial education and training program offered by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) as part of the Department of Defense Transition Assistance Program (TAP).” During class, Small Business Center Director April Priester announced the Pitch It! Onslow program would be accepting applications soon. Hucal decided he wasn’t at that point yet, that he “wasn’t ready.” However, when he told his wife about the competition, she said, "Oh, that'd be a really cool idea. Why don't you apply?"
He was still hesitant but enlisted the help of a friend to make the required video and
submitted his application. Hucal credits the entrepreneurial program that is an integral part of the competition as having “exponentially put me in a position that I didn't think I was going to be in at this point in my life.”
He adds, when it was announced that he had won the Pitch It! Onslow competition, “it took me a week and a half of understanding what had just happened.” While his focus is now on building furniture, Hucal was contracted by the military in the fall of Tim Hucal, Hucal Ponderosa Customs 2024 to build large 1st place winner, 2024 Pitch It! Onslow customized crates, with a second order coming Photo below provided by Tim Hucal in 2025. Whatever he is designing and building, he adds, “I love the customization.”
2nd Place Tara Smith Stable Healing Counseling Tara Smith has loved horses since she was a little girl. Growing up in Canada, Smith says she admired the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, especially their shows with parades, the famous Musical Ride Tour. Her school in Montreal was able to visit a show and, she says, “I fell in love.” Stable Healing Counseling came out of that love and out of a desire to help others through equine therapy. While the business officially launched in September 2024, shortly after the Pitch It! Onslow competition ended, Smith continues to work on the
logistics of operating the counseling service. The year was busy for Smith. She successfully completed her equine-facilitated psychotherapy (EFP) certification, which is a certification to run a session with horses and to provide psychotherapy for people. That two-year program, she says, taught her “a lot about equine nutrition, safety, and how to run the barn.”
In June, Smith passed the licensing board exam and officially became a licensed (Continued on page 13)
Tara Smith, Stable Healing Counseling 2nd place winner, 2024 Pitch It! Onslow Photo provided by Tara Smith
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Where Are They Now (cont’d) clinical social worker (LCSW). The credential is required for clinical social work practice in the state of North Carolina. In late summer, she began work as a military and family life counselor at the elementary school level. In that position, Smith says she “wanted to work with military, to be that extra support should they need it,” in part because she understands “the lived experiences of military families.” Smith’s husband is active duty and is planning to retire soon. She says that in July, he “completed his certification in equine facilitated learning. He wants to come alongside me so we can build a leadership program for the military and the community.” In 2025, Smith says she and her husband will be actively searching for an appropriate property for their business. She is having conversations with county commissioners about the possible use of Hines Farm Park and Stables, which is owned by the county and has been contracted out to a business associate, Misfit Equestrian. There have been a number of challenges along the way as Smith continues to plan and put into place the details for
Stable Healing Counseling. She says, there are “a lot of little things you don’t think you’re going to run into for your business.” Even with the setbacks and challenges, she sees them as being positive, “showing me what I want and don’t want for my business.”
Smith adds that “I’ve grown professionally. Getting the certifications and license has opened up opportunities.” She says, of the competition and the business launch, “I took a chance. I learned so much. It’s going to happen.”
3rd Place Divine Locus Divine Outdoor Creations A job in landscaping turned into a passion and a business idea for Divine Locus. Used to working warehouse jobs and other “inside” jobs, Locus says when he moved to Onslow County, he took a job working “outside” and “it kind of expanded my mind. I felt I liked this.” He adds, “I was learning new skills, learning how to plant flowers, and it just went from there.” Modest and soft-spoken, Locus says SBC Director Priester helped him come up with his business name. He adds, “I just came to Divine Outdoor
Creations, then I went with that.” Of the Pitch It! Onslow competition, he says, “so I ended up winning third place in the competition. I just ended up starting my actual LLC, Devine Outdoor Creations, and making my business account. That's where I'm at right now.”
Divine Locus, Divine Outdoor Creations 3rd place winner, 2024 Pitch It! Onslow
The Pitch It! Onslow competition was familiar to Locus, as his wife was a previous winner. Khiana Gray Wyatt-Locus, now owner of Teatime with Khi, PLLC, was the second place winner last year. Locus says he enjoys both landscaping and hardscaping, particularly “the creativity of it.” Hardscaping involves projects such as patios and fire pits, for which “a lot of technical skills are required.” For residential projects, Locus specializes in designing and planting flower beds. Divine Outdoor Creations also provides maintenance and guidance. Locus says he can help people better understand what types of flowers, shrubs, and other plants do best in the environment and weather in this area.
He is eager to learn more and plans to continue taking classes, both on business operations as well as landscaping and hardscaping techniques. Locus says, “the biggest thing to me is satisfying the homeowner.” He plans to expand into commercial landscaping as well, as his business grows.
2025 Pitch It! Onslow Participants Selected Applicants for the next round of Pitch It! Onslow have been selected. They will now begin the process of participating in the entrepreneurship training, building their pitch, and presenting it to the bulldogs. The 2025 schedule, according to the Marine Federal Pitch It! Onslow page (www.marinefederalhb.org/home/site/pitchitonslow):
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March 10-11, 2025 - Your Pitch Decks and Business Plans will be submitted to our Business Bulldogs at Marine Federal Credit Union’s Main Branch by 5:00pm • March 25-27, 2025- Selection & notification of pitch contestants by Business Bulldogs • March 29, 2025- Pitch day at MFCU- This will be where you present your business pitch deck in front of the Business Bulldogs in a recorded session which will be shown on social media! • April 21, 2025 - Viewing party at Jacksonville Onslow Chamber 2:00-5:00pm. Pitch videos released via social media for viewing and voting by the public • May 05, 2025- Voting ends at 5:00pm • May 07, 2025 - Pitch It Awards Presentation- private event for contestants at MFCU from 3-4:30pm & live streamed via social media for the public. 1st place winner receives $8,500 2nd place winner receives $4,500 3rd place winner receives $2,500
Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. ~~Henry David Thoreau
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Body Ergonomics: Are You Sitting Too Long? By Laura Futrell Co-owner/OTR/L Tidal Therapy Solutions Our body ergonomics greatly influence the way we interact with our environment and how comfortably we function throughout our daily lives. When we neglect proper ergonomics, especially during long periods of sitting, our bodies can suffer a range of negative effects. Prolonged sitting not only diminishes our overall physical activity, leading to weakened muscles, particularly in the legs and glutes, but it also causes stiffness in key areas, such as our hips. This stiffening can heighten the risk of developing painful back injuries. Moreover, our cognitive functions, including memory and concentration, are intricately linked to our physical activity levels. Research has shown that enduring periods of inactivity can contribute to serious health issues like obesity, diabetes, deep vein thrombosis, arthritis, heart disease, and even certain types of cancer. To counter these potential problems, it's essential to
integrate frequent breaks into your routine. A simple yet effective guideline is to take a 1 to 5-minute standing break every 30 minutes of sitting. During these short interludes, incorporating physical activities, like stretching or walking, can amplify the benefits. Such breaks significantly enhance blood glucose levels, increase muscle strength, improve circulation, and reduce muscle stiffness. If circumstances prevent you from standing, such as during a long car ride or flight, consider doing heel pumps to keep your blood circulating and your muscles engaged. Heel pumps are a straightforward exercise that you can do while seated. To perform this exercise, point your toes downwards, as if you are pressing a gas pedal, and hold this position for 3 seconds. Next, point your toes upwards, similar to lifting your foot off the gas pedal, and hold this position for another 3 seconds.
Additionally, it's crucial to pay attention to your seated ergonomics and the arrangement of your workspace. Ideally, when seated, your feet should be flat on the ground, creating a stable foundation. Your hips should form a 90-degree angle (akin to an "L" shape) while your back remains straight and supported, with your head aligned directly over your
spine. Shoulders should be relaxed, pulled back and down, promoting a long and neutral spine. After each standing break, it can be beneficial to conduct an ergonomic check, assessing your posture and ensuring you are positioned correctly. For professionals with sedentary jobs, several ergonomic tools can enhance workspace comfort and promote better physical health. Consider upgrading your seating with specialized cushions like a wobble cushion or TushGuard, which can improve posture and core engagement.
Those with flexible work environments might explore alternative seating options such as yoga balls or dedicated yoga ball chairs, like the ENOVI model, which actively challenge your muscles while you work. An adjustable height desk offers another excellent solution, allowing seamless transitions between sitting and standing positions throughout the day. This versatility helps reduce the potential negative impacts of prolonged sitting. For those seeking additional movement, compact under the desk exercise equipment like a mini pedal exerciser can provide cardiovascular activity during work hours, helping to
counteract the sedentary nature of desk jobs.
These simple swap outs not only support physical wellness but can also potentially increase productivity and comfort in the workplace. If you are experiencing health issues related to a sedentary lifestyle, it's important to consult your physician about any medical concerns you may have. Additionally, community resources such as classes or consultations with an occupational therapist can also be beneficial. By adopting these mindful strategies, you can significantly enhance your well-being and overall health. So, let's make a conscious effort to stay active and keep moving! Tidal Therapy Solutions 325 Sound Rd. Suite #200 Holly Ridge www.tidaltherapync.com 910-541-3636 admin@tidaltherapync.com
Let others throughout Onslow County know about your products and services! Does your business plan include promoting your business in 2025? Check out the affordable ad opportunities for upcoming issues of Onslow Business. Deadline for the February issue is January 24! Learn more at https://onslowbusiness.com/promote/.
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Local Business With a Heart for Giving: Cracked It Escape Games Gives Back to Onslow County with #giveback Promotion Submitted by Cracked It Escape Games Cracked It Escape Games, a popular entertainment destination in Jacksonville, is making a positive impact on the local community with its ongoing #giveback promotion. Since 2016, this initiative has combined fun with philanthropy, offering customers discounts while supporting a variety of local charities. Every Monday and Thursday, Cracked It Escape Games offers a 15% discount on all its escape rooms. But the real highlight is their commitment to donating 10% of the gross proceeds from those days directly to a different local charity each month. This year-round effort benefits a diverse range of organizations, including those focused on environmental education, veteran support, and addressing food insecurity in Onslow County. "We came up with the idea of our giveback promotion primarily as a way of benefiting our customers and our communities," says Brian Vinciguerra, owner of Cracked It Escape Games and a retired Marine. "As a local business, we believe in giving back and supporting the people and
organizations that make Onslow County such a special place."
Ori Vinciguerra, Manager Cracked It Escape Games (Left) Lisa Murabito, Director of Sturgeon City Education Cent er (Right)
Cracked It Escape Games has become a reliable partner for local organizations, demonstrating its commitment to social responsibility through various initiatives. During the COVID-19 pandemic, they opened their Wi-Fi network to the public, providing a vital resource for students who lacked internet access at home. "We're more than just an escape room company," says Vinciguerra. "We're a part of this community, and we're committed to making it a better place for everyone." The #giveback promotion has been a resounding success, allowing Cracked It Escape Games to make a tangible difference in the lives of its neighbors through charitable giving. By choosing to participate in this promotion, customers not only enjoy a thrilling escape room experience but also contribute to a worthy cause.
Photo provided by Cracked It Escape Games
About Cracked It Escape Games: Cracked It Escape Games is a premier escape room entertainment venue in Jacksonville, North Carolina, offering a variety of immersive and challenging escape rooms for all ages. They are committed to providing highquality entertainment while giving back to the local community.
For more information, contact: Brian Vinciguerra Cracked It Escape Games 910.353.4434 owner@crackeditnc.com https://crackeditnc.com/ giveback On social media: instagram/facebook: @crackeditnc
You'll never get bored when you try something new. There's really no limit to what you can do. ~~ Dr Seuss
Chambers Serving Onslow County Businesses Greater Topsail Area Chamber of Commerce
Jacksonville Onslow Chamber of Commerce
Richlands Chamber of Commerce
Swansboro Chamber of Commerce
13775 NC Highway 50 Ste 101
1099 Gum Branch Rd. Jacksonville, NC 28540
8112 Richlands Hwy., PMB 48 Richlands, NC 28574
714 W Corbett Avenue Suite 14 Swansboro, NC 28584
910-601-5266 or 910-389-6220
910.326.1174
richlandsncchamber@gmail.co m
https:// swansborochamber.org/
Diana Barnes King Director
Mike McHugh Executive Director
Surf City NC 28445 910-329-4446
info@topsailchamber.org www.topsailchamber.org Tammy Proctor Executive Director
(910) 347-3141 https://jacksonvilleonline.org/ Laurette Leagon President
swansboroareachamberofcom merce@gmail.com
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Infant of Prague: A Vested Interest in Downtown Revitalization A building that stood vacant for two years in downtown Jacksonville is now the home of a thriving private school. The Infant of Prague Catholic School (IOPCS) broke ground on the property in the summer of 2023, with the goal of expanding from Pre-K-8 to PreK-12. By August 2023, IOPCS was holding classes at its new Middle/High School Campus. School and Church Business Manager Jose Cabrera says that the fact that the school now occupies that empty building contributes to the growth of downtown businesses as well. He says, there is “a lot of correlation with what's going on in the downtown area and our school.” For example, parents who are dropping off their students will go to local restaurants for breakfast after. In addition, Cabrera says, “a few of those business owners in the downtown area are parishioners of our school, or of
our church, and they have students in the school right now.” He adds that “as more businesses come into downtown, we'll help them grow.” Of the relationship between Infant of Prague and the downtown business area, Jenna Dewkett, Stewardship and Marketing Coordinator, says “We have a vested interest in the revitalization of our city and have contributed to this end in recent years through the expansion of our PreK-12 school and our Outreach Resource Center. “
on the church campus. The city said ‘impossible.’”
they're here, they're safe and they love their teacher.”
Cabrera says that he had driven by the empty church on Anne Street many times and had seen the “for sale” sign. It had previously been occupied by the First Baptist Church and then the Port City Church. The sale price was in the millions and Cabrera says “I knew it was out of reach. There is no way we can afford that.”
Cabrera adds that Infant of Prague is “not just a church.” In addition to the school, there are a number of other available resources that benefit the community. The Outreach Resource Center includes a food pantry and a thrift store. Many local businesses donate to the thrift store and many people looking for affordable clothes and other items turn to the thrift store for help.
They made a call, started negotiating, and settled on a good price for the building. Then they launched the capital campaign, with a goal to raise $1.1 million to restore the facility.
The decision to move forward with the purchase of the building involved a significant amount of planning and fundraising. Cabrera explains that “everyone wanted to grow the school into Pre-K through 12th grade.” When looking for options for additional classrooms, “we started talking about maybe putting buildings
Angelica Bernal, IOPCS Active Administrator, notes that the school is the “second accredited private school in Onslow County.” It is accredited by Cognia and “that brings a lot of families to our facility as well. The students know that when
In mid-December 2024, after the school held a special mass, Rev. J. Victor Gournas, Pastor, explained that “it was just an overwhelming moment to see the impact of the school for this area and for these families.” Bernal noted that the elementary school is at 501 Bordeaux Street and the new middle/high school is at 501 Anne St. She says, “it was meant to be.”
IOPCS Middle/High 501 Anne Street Jacksonville (910) 378-2818 Pictured at left: Jenna Dewkett, Angelica Bernal, Rev. J. Victor Gournas, Jose Cabrera At right: Infant of Prague Catholic School
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