Driving along Hwy 210 in Sneads Ferry, it is hard to miss the activity on the road and in what was once a large, open field. The area, now known as North Topsail Landing, sits across the shopping where Denoia’s Pizzeria, All American Sports Bar & Grill, and other businesses are located.
Carter Metcalf, Onslow County’ s Director of Planning & Development, says work is going on now on a new hotel being constructed there, in the front left corner of the field. He adds that there are several potential outparcels in the works for that project as well as an apartment complex.
Metcalf explains that “they are going to have a strip center, which on their site plan indicated a potential grocery store.” He says that is “ very exciting because it could be that second grocery store which is very important to the
community.” He adds, though, that he has not received any confirmation as to which grocery store will be located there, as the developer has been “very tight on that.”
Another project, at Hwy 210 and Old Folkstone Road, across from the Food Lion shopping center, is the proposed Sneads Ferry Retail Center Phase III. The first phase is the building that is home to the Big Whale souvenir shop. Stores such as Scoops Microcreamery and the Shoreline Market have recently opened in the second phase of the retail center, along Hwy 210.
Site of the proposed Sneads Ferry Retail Center Phase III, on Old Folkstone Road.
A four-story hotel, Home2 Suites by Hilton, is under construction on Hwy 210 in Sneads Ferry. The hotel is part of the North Topsail Landing development project.
Throughout the Sneads Ferry area, there are five different apartment complexes in discussion, some of which have been completed or partially completed and some of which have not been permitted yet.
A planned Dunkin’, on Robert Snead Pkwy and Hwy 210, has received site plan approval.
Metcalf encourages anyone interested in learning more about Sneads Ferry development to look at the county’s Project Tracker, online: www.onslowcountync.gov/1128/ Project-Tracker.
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.
Uptick in AI Use for Business Creates Challenges
More businesses are relying on artificial intelligence (AI) for many of their operations. As a result, they need to hire employees who understand how AI works. When they can’t find employees skilled in the technology, they may opt to provide the training themselves.
A recent McKinsey Global Survey on AI has found “that organizations are beginning to take steps that drive bottomline impact for example, redesigning workflows as they deploy gen AI and putting senior leaders in critical roles, such as overseeing AI governance. ”
The survey also found that “More than three-quarters of respondents now say that their organizations use AI in at least one business function. The use of gen AI in particular is rapidly increasing.”
Gen AI or generative AI “describes algorithms (such as ChatGPT) that can be used to create new content.”
Survey respondents reported that “their organizations have reskilled portions of their workforces as part of their AI deployment over the past year and that they expect to undertake more reskilling in the years ahead.”
In contrast, the New York Times reports that many recent college graduates are facing challenges as they “look for work in industries that have little use for their skills, view them as expensive and expendable, and are rapidly phasing out their jobs in favor of artificial intelligence.”
The Times points to “ an emerging crisis for entrylevel workers that appears to be fueled, at least in part, by rapid
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advances in A.I. capabilities.” They add that “Oxford Economics, a research firm that studies labor markets, found that unemployment for recent graduates was heavily concentrated in technical fields like finance and computer science, where A.I. has made faster gains.”
The McKinsey survey respondents reported that “employees are spending the time saved via automation on entirely new activities. They also often say that employees
are spending more time on existing responsibilities that have not been automated.”
However, survey respondents at larger organizations, “ are more likely than others to say their organizations have reduced the number of employees as a result of time saved.”
Details on that survey can be found at www.mckinsey.com/ capabilities/quantumblack/our -insights/the-state-of-ai.
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Independent Bookstore Thriving in Jacksonville
One of only two independent bookstores in Onslow County, the Lazy Daisy Bookshop is finding success in its new brick and mortar location on Yopp Road. Originally a mobile bookstore, the business moved into its current location in August 2024.
Owner Kristen Rochelle launched the business in April 2023, because she “wanted to do something I enjoyed a little bit more.” Until that point, she’d had a varied career, most recently working as a real estate agent. In planning what to do next, she says, the bookstore “coincided with what I like to do for fun.”
There is only one other independent bookstore in the county, Book End on Marine Blvd. That store sells used books of all genres. Rochelle says Lazy Daisy focuses more on fiction, although she has some non-fiction and some children’s selections.
The mobile business began in a “retro” 1971-model camper. Rochelle would take the mobile bookstore to locations such as Coffee Haven and Topsail Island Brewing in Sneads Ferry. Although that venture was going well, it was a lot of work for Rochelle as she would load and unload books for every event.
Rochelle says that all along, her “ultimate goal was to get a brick and mortar.” She adds that in her new space, “ we can sit here and talk to people all
day.” As an independent bookstore, Lazy Daisy Bookshop has an advantage over chain stores, she says, as they “can't offer the same shopping experience as any independent bookstore can. ”
She adds that independent bookstores “really do play a huge part of the book world.” Customers come in, she says, “because they want the small bookstore experience.”
Listening to her customers is important for Rochelle and for the success of Lazy Daisy Bookshop. She says they initially offered a variety of genres but “what's very popular right now is definitely the fantasy romance. So that's kind of what we've been more leading towards now.”
The bookshop also hosts a number of events each month, including a book club and independent author book signings. Rochelle also promotes the efforts of One Place, a local child-advocacy organization, to support Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library (DPIL).
Rochelle says she was “looking for something that would be more of an experience” for her customers in her store. She adds, “I’m happy I did.”
Tues-Fri, 10-6; Sat, 10-8 Closed Sundays and Mondays
Kristen Rochelle (Image provided by Lazy Daisy Bookshop)
Chamber Corner
By Mike McHugh Executive Director
Swansboro Area Chamber of Commerce
So What is a Chamber of Commerce?
A young couple opened a boutique grocery store last month. A bold move in a time when the industry is saturated with international conglomerates and regional convenience stores. Nonetheless, they’re giving it their all and come from generational stock that’s been involved in the local economy since the middle of the 20th Century.
As a chamber of commerce, we try to stay ahead of the curve of new businesses opening in our communities. So my deputy director and I dropped in the store and had a nice discussion with the young entrepreneurs. Their initial impression of a chamber of commerce was that it is a government entity funded at the local level.
This isn’t the first time nor will it be the last time that we ’ve had to kindly educate folks on the role of a chamber.
A chamber of commerce is not funded by the taxpayers like government institutions.
A chamber of commerce is a nonprofit business organization whose members pay annual dues to reap the benefits of membership. For less than 85 cents a day, chamber members can place a sticker on their business window and let their clients, employees and citizens that they are vested in their business and are in full support of the community.
Even if a business joins a chamber and becomes a silent member, their brand still makes noise through the chamber’s various platforms in digital and traditional formats that promote their
product or services every waking hour throughout the year.
Members who become involved in chamber activities such as serving on boards or committees, becoming an ambassador whose role is to welcome new businesses, hosting a Business After Hours networking event or presenting a Lunch & Learn seminar find their initial investment returns exponentially.
Our role as a chamber of commerce is to “Represent,” “Advocate,” and “Help” our members. Yes, you could say we are our members biggest cheerleaders “RAH, RAH, RAH.
We hope all our members become or remain successful. And we encourage businesses who are not members of a
chamber of commerce take a moment to learn the benefits of a chamber membership and consider joining.
In today’s climate, we know it is extremely challenging how to support and promote one’ s business. Of the many building blocks to include in the foundation of your business’ s marketing plan, the keystone should be a membership in your local chamber of commerce.
Want to learn more about the Swansboro Area Chamber of Commerce? Logon to SwansboroChamber.org or call us at 910-326-1174.
June is Effective Communications Month
What does it mean to communicate effectively?
Essentially, the goal is to ensure the message gets across (is received) and that there are no misunderstandings or misinterpretations.
That doesn’t sound difficult, right?
In fact, it can be done relatively easily, with a little focus and intent.
The first step toward effective communication is to listen. That means not just hearing the noise, but truly listening to the words. This step also applies to reading. Read the entire message, not just the first sentence. It is only by listening (or reading) with intent that you can respond appropriately.
That, of course, is the next step. Address the questions or concerns of the other person, rather than simply saying what you’ve been waiting to say while they’re talking. (You know you were thinking about what you were going to say when they were done talking.)
Respond promptly to emails and other written messages. When someone is asking for information, providing information, or just wanting to connect, it reflects poorly on you and your business if you wait too long to reply (or don’t reply at all).
Finally, for written messages, it’s critical that you proofread. Again, it reflects poorly on you and your business when you send a message that contains errors, even if they’re innocent typos.
Try these tips this month and throughout the year!
Networking Opportunities
Greater Topsail Area Chamber of Commerce
To register visit the Chamber’ s website: topsailchamber.org/ events
Topsail Young Professionals
Tuesday, June 10, 5:30 PM7:30 PM
Topsail Brewing 514 Petes Way
Sneada Ferry
Coastal Masterminds
Tuesday, June 17, 4:00 PM5:30 PM Chamber Office
WomenConnect
WomenConnect in Hampstead
June 10, Noon, at Nineteen Restaurant, located at Olde Point Country Club
Mornings with WomenConnect in Holly Ridge
June 26, 7:30 a.m., at Southern Roots Grille
Mornings with WomenConnect in Hampstead
June 5, 7:30 a.m., at Taste of Sunrise Coffee House
WomenConnect in Sneads Ferry
June 3, Noon, at Rick’ s Restaurant
All events are free. Attendees order from menus at their own expense.
Brainstorming
Monthly networking session for sales professionals, sharing ideas and encouragement
June 26, 5:30pm-7:30pm
Uncork Unwine 754 Ramsey Rd, Jacksonville
Veteran Business Collective Coffee Social Friday, June 6
Holds “networking events yearround, including our Business After Hours and General Membership Meetings held monthly, and our annual Business Showcase.” Contact the chamber for more info. swansborochamber.org/
Professional Book Club
Make Your Bed By Admiral William H. McRaven
June 11, 10am Blend Café 109 Marine Blvd, Jacksonville
Jacksonville Networking In-Person Event
Connect with fellow professionals over great conversations, coffee, and community
June date TBD
For more info, visit the Jacksonville Networking Facebook page
Is your group or association planning a meeting?
Do you have regular meetings throughout the year that guests can attend?
Are you trying to build up a business networking group?
Many readers have discovered new networking opportunities by reading Onslow Business.
If you want them to learn about your next opportunity, send your meeting notice for July by June 25.
Email: onslowbiz@words-working.net
Local Chamber Events Celebrate Small Businesses
The Jacksonville-Onslow Chamber held its Awards Breakfast on May 8, presenting the Small Business of the Year Award to Need It Now and the Duke Energy Citizenship & Service Award to Scott Riggs.
The Greater Topsail Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism held their Awards Luncheon on May 20. Awards were presented to:
Evelyn Wheeler Volunteer of the Year
Topsail Trading Company / Gift Basket Business of the Year
Sundial Coffee and Tea Hospitality Business of the Year
Boys & Girls Club of Southeastern North Carolina Non-Profit of the Year
David Ward, Ward Realty Lifetime Achievement Award
Christa Schroeder, Topsail Insider Business Person of the Year
Meredith and Todd Williams, Need It Now
Scott Riggs, Capital Connections
Jacksonville-Onslow Chamber of Commerce Awards Breakfast
Left, Chamber Executive Director Tammy Proctor Above, Brandon Ward and David Ward Below, all award winners
Fiber Networks Designed to Ensure Business Connectivity
Technology permeates today’ s working world. Every business, even a small business, needs to have reliable connectivity to conduct transactions, to receive payments, to pay bills, and to communicate with customers and team members.
One technology company that offers uninterrupted connectivity has been called upon to work with businesses in the Camp Davis area in Holly Ridge as well as those that will occupy the space currently known as Project Coffee in Swansboro. Segra has been around in some form since 1897, is headquartered in Charlotte, and recently expanded to serve the North Carolina coast.
The team at Segra says that an important factor setting them apart is that their services are dedicated to the business itself and there is no shared connectivity. They also do not provide residential services, focusing only on business needs.
Segra’s NC Vice President of Sales, Jeff Pfeiffer, says, “everything we do is dedicated to that business and that business only. There is no shared connectivity.” Pfeiffer emphasizes that to “have access to data is absolutely critical. Connectivity is an absolute necessity.”
Segra’s Mid Market Account Executive David Pigg explains that the Jacksonville-Onslow
Economic Development (JOED) group reached out to them when considering technology options for Project Coffee, a new business development project in Swansboro. Pigg says they are going to “work directly with the businesses coming in.” They have prepped for the project and there are already “a couple of towers” in the area, he adds.
JOED has also asked Segra to work with businesses moving into the area known as Camp Davis Phase III in Holly Ridge. Pigg says the company has infrastructure in the area and they are “fully committed to being that carrier to come into the business side and provide the connectivity that they need.”
Pfeiffer says that Segra is prepared for their work at Camp Davis and Project Coffee with facilities already established in Onslow County. He says of their expansion along the coast, “in our development in North Carolina we identify areas that have a lot of industry moving in those directions and proactively build in a lot of these places.”
Pigg adds, “we proactively identify a lot of these areas that go in and then begin to build and bolster our infrastructure.” He emphasizes that “All businesses rely on connectivity. If they don’t have something good in place, it can cause disruptions.”
In addition to stable and uninterrupted internet service, Pfeiffer says that “connectivity goes a little further.” A business may need an off-site data center that gives them the security of knowing their data is protected.
Pfeiffer says that “customers who have multiple locations need access to a data center.” That need is particularly felt in the coastal region, with hurricane and other weather concerns. Segra has nine data centers for their business customers, that “are basically weatherproof.”
Weather can be a significant factor in service reliability for businesses in this area. Aboveground lines, especially, are susceptible to strong winds and other types of inclement weather. Pigg says that at
Segra, “we bury ours under the ground 99% of the time.” He adds that they work with businesses on service level agreements that guarantee uptimes for their connectivity services.
Pfeiffer says that for projects such as those in Swansboro and Holly Ridge, Segra has “a lot more flexibility.” He adds, “ we are very aggressive when it comes to continuing to build our fiber infrastructure. We see the advantage of putting more fiber in the ground and being able to service more customers.”
Pigg adds, “ we ’re really proud of what we’ve been doing and are very excited about what’ s coming.”
For more info, contact David Pigg at 910-612-8357 or david.pigg@segrafiber.com.
ONWASA Has Served Onslow County for 25 Years
In 2000, the towns and municipalities in Onslow County came together to form the Onslow Water and Sewer Authority, now known as ONWASA. The goal, says CEO Franky Howard, was to “bring the cost down for these smaller communities and to help promote sewer countywide.” At one point, the city of Jacksonville decided to keep their own water and sewer system so are not included in the authority.
Howard who has served as ONWASA’s Chief Executive Officer for the past three years, notes that Onslow County is widespread geographically and that presents a bit of a challenge. For example, anything they do in the Dixon area, he says, doesn’t impact the far reaches such as Richlands or Swansboro “because we can’t physically move water up there.”
Challenges for the organization also include the rapid residential and commercial growth of Onslow County.
However, Howard also says that they have a lot of plans in the works for accommodating the needs of the entire county.
ONWASA serves 57,806 water accounts and 14,543 sewer accounts across 445 square miles. Many residential structures in the county have septic tanks rather than sewer. As of April 2025, the authority had 1,876 commercial accounts. Howard notes that all of those numbers are “steadily climbing.”
Operating primarily on rate revenue, ONWASA receives no county funds. They have received some state grants for upcoming capital projects and have implemented a comprehensive Timber Management Plan to generate revenue. Timber sales have enabled ONWASA to “bring in over $850,000 in new revenues from timber sales, with an additional $360,000 expected from active contracts.”
A key project for Howard and ONWASA is the North Topsail
Franky J Howard Chief Executive Officer
Wastewater Treatment Plan Expansion. Howard says this will be a designbuild project, which is the first of its kind for the authority. He adds, “A lot of bigger systems are using that model. My counterparts out at Cape Fear Public Utilities use that for all their plant expansion projects.” Howard previously served as County Manager in Jones County, for 15 years. Since joining ONWASA, he has helped to stabilize the turnover rate among its employees. The authority
currently has 183 positions, ranging from those in the office to those in the field.
Howard says that the organization is planning a system-wide meter upgrade, installing AMI meters that are more accurate and more efficient. He advises businesses as well as all water users throughout the county to “be mindful.”
Conserve water whenever possible and “be conscious of your own water usage.” Look for leaks around your house and business and check your bill for any irregularities.
Service area graphic, left, provided by ONWASA.
Skin Cancer Prevention
Tips from Central Coast Dermatology, Part of the Onslow Memorial Hospital Family of Services
Individuals working outside should be especially aware of these considerations.
Each year, more than 5 million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in the United States, making it one of the most common and most preventable forms of cancer. Early detection and proactive prevention are critical in reducing risk and improving outcomes.
Erik Lickteig, PA-C at Central Coast Dermatology, shares practical guidance on how to protect your skin and recognize early warning signs of skin cancer.
THREE KEY PREVENTION STRATEGIES:
1. Apply Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen Daily: Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or
higher, and use it every day even on cloudy or overcast days.
2. Limit Midday Sun Exposure: Avoid being outdoors during peak UV radiation hours, typically between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.
3. Wear Protective Clothing: Use sun-safe clothing, wide-brimmed hats, and UV-blocking sunglasses to shield your skin.
EARLY DETECTION: KNOW WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Regular skin checks both at home and by a medical professional are vital. The American Skin Cancer Society recommends monthly selfexams for those at higher risk. For others, periodic self-checks using the ABCDE Rule what Lickteig refers to as the
“Alphabet of Melanoma” can help identify potential concerns:
A – Asymmetry: One half of a mole or spot doesn’t match the other.
B – Border: Edges are irregular, ragged, or blurred.
C – Color: Uneven colors or multiple shades (brown, black, red, white, or blue).
D – Diameter: Larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser).
E – Evolving: Any change in size, shape, or color.
OTHER WARNING SIGNS TO WATCH FOR:
•A new lesion that doesn’t heal.
•A spot that looks different from surrounding moles or continues to change.
If you notice anything unusual, don’t delay consult a dermatologist promptly. You can ask your healthcare provider for a referral to Central Coast Dermatology for a professional evaluation.
To learn more or request an appointment, visit cc.onslow.org
Erik Lickteig, PA-C Central Coast Dermatology
Jacksonville Toastmasters Celebrates 53 Years of Community Impact
By Brian Vinciguerra
The Jacksonville Toastmasters Club is marking its 53rd anniversary this June, celebrating over five decades of fostering communication and leadership skills within Onslow County. Since its charter on June 1, 1972, the club has served as a vital platform for individuals to develop public speaking abilities and leadership acumen, deeply connecting with the local community.
The club's influence is evident through its members' active roles in various local initiatives. Jacksonville Toastmasters are involved with organizations such as the Small Business Center at Coastal Carolina Community College, the Onslow County Chamber of Commerce, and veteran outreach programs. This engagement underscores the direct applicability and high value of the communication and leadership skills honed through Toastmasters across diverse professional and civic sectors.
Jacksonville Toastmasters spans a diverse membership, including community leaders, educators, business professionals, and military personnel. Brian Vinciguerra, the club’s Vice President Public Relations, emphasizes the club's core mission: “Effective communication is
the cornerstone of success in the boardroom, in the classroom, and in civic life. Our members see improvements in confidence and clarity that ripple into careers, volunteer work, and personal relationships.”
A testament to the club's enduring impact is Distinguished Toastmaster Ron Bower, a Vietnam veteran and dedicated member for over 35 years. Bower’s refined communication skills have led him to serve as the Keynote Speaker at Jacksonville’ s Annual Beirut Memorial celebration, a poignant event honoring the victims of the 1983 Beirut barracks bombing.
how
can empower individuals to contribute meaningfully to their community.
Toastmasters operate on the fundamental principle that effective communication is crucial in all aspects of life. From professional presentations to personal interactions, the ability to articulate ideas clearly and persuasively is paramount.
Jacksonville’s chapter benefits from Toastmasters International, a vast network that provides local members with access to shared learning resources, mentorship
Chambers Serving Onslow County Businesses
Greater Topsail Area Chamber of Commerce
13775 NC Highway 50 Ste 101
Surf City NC 28445
910-329-4446
info@topsailchamber.org www.topsailchamber.org
Tammy Proctor Executive Director
Jacksonville Onslow Chamber of Commerce
1099 Gum Branch Rd. Jacksonville, NC 28540
(910) 347-3141
https://jacksonvilleonline.org/
Laurette Leagon President
Richlands Chamber of Commerce
8112 Richlands Hwy., PMB 48 Richlands, NC 28574
910-601-5266 or 910-389-6220
richlandsncchamber@gmail.co
m
Diana Barnes King Director
opportunities, and the ability to engage with fellow Toastmasters clubs worldwide, extending the club's reach beyond Jacksonville.
To commemorate its 53rd anniversary, the Jacksonville Toastmasters Club invites the public to a special open house meeting on Monday, June 10th, at 6:30 PM at the Golden Corral 2055 N. Marine Blvd, Jacksonville, NC. This event offers a unique opportunity to meet club members, observe a typical meeting, and gain insight into the benefits of joining Toastmasters. For additional information visit 3478.toastmastersclubs.org
Swansboro Chamber of Commerce
714 W Corbett Avenue Suite 14
Swansboro, NC 28584
910.326.1174
swansboroareachamberofcom merce@gmail.com
https:// swansborochamber.org/ Mike McHugh Executive Director
His story exemplifies
Toastmasters
Need It Now Jacksonville’s Small Business of the Year
The journey into the world of trophies and custom apparel began with an insurance agent’ s client. Meredith Williams had worked in insurance for a little over 16 years. Her client, Hodge Jordan, talked about selling his business. After a bit of thought, prayer, and discussion, Meredith says, “Next thing we know, we bought the business.”
Meredith’s husband, Todd, had retired after 28 years with the State Highway Patrol. They were both ready for something different, when Meredith also retired from the insurance agency, and they launched their new careers with Need It Now.
In May 2025, after almost five years in business, Need It Now was presented with the Jacksonville-Onslow Chamber’ s Small Business of the Year award. Chamber president Laurette Leagon says the award “recognizes businesses that provide a valuable service to the community, show initiative and creativity, and embrace
that all-important can-do attitude.”
Meredith emphasizes that Jordan has been a great mentor to her and Todd. Jordan agreed to stay on for six months after selling the business. Meredith says Jordan “did an amazing job of laying the foundation” for their successful endeavor.
Jordan had retired from the Marine Corps when he launched the business he called I Need It Now Trophies. Meredith says, “he had been my client for 16 years, so I was very close to him. I had watched him grow and develop this business.”
She says Jordan told her that his daughter was getting married and as soon as she had a baby, he was giving up the business to spend time with his grandbaby. At that point, she says, she told him, “well maybe I want to buy it.”
Need It Now has a new home now, as well as a new name.
Hodge Jordan and family, along with Todd and Meredith Williams, accepting their Small Business of the Year award.
They recently moved across the street on Gum Branch, to a larger facility. Todd, a licensed general contractor, did most of the upfitting himself.
Of the business name, Meredith adds, “When I tell you they need it now, it’s true. We are constantly jumping through flaming hoops.” They specialize in embroidery and engraving. Meredith says, “we can do one or two and can do a thousand. That’s what makes us unique.”
Two of Jordan’s employees are still with the business and Meredith says they’ve hired one additional person. They have also expanded their offerings and now also do screen printing and have a process called direct to film that enables them to do smaller quantities. Meredith explains that direct to film is “ a process where the ink is printed on a film and then it's heat pressed on to the garment.”
Todd and Meredith are “truly learning something new every day. As new processes come out, we have to stay up with what’s going on in the industry.” She adds that they learned early on to focus on “what we’re really good at, to lean into relationships with other people in the industry.”
Meredith says, “we have tremendous support from the community, from local businesses, and from family.” Todd is originally from Maysville and Meredith is from Jacksonville and they emphasize, “this is home to us.”
When she learned of their award, she says, “I was shocked, honored, humbled. All the things.” She adds that “owning a small business is hard and it stretches you and humbles you, but it's also one of the greatest experiences we've ever had.”
Meredith Williams and the Need It Now operations, located at 1109 Gum Branch Rd, Suite 200 Jacksonville
June: Reignite Your Drive and Realign Your Business
By Jessica Marshall Run It Right Business Coaching and Marketing Solutions
June marks the heart of summer – the season of light, energy, growth, and schedule changes.. It’s also the perfect time to pause, reflect, and realign. As we hit the halfway point of the year, ask yourself: Am I moving toward the vision I set back in January?
Motivational powerhouse Eric Thomas reminds us: "You’ ve got to find something within, and that’s got to push you and that’s got to elevate you and that’s got to drive you." In business, your internal driveyour purpose - is the engine. Without it, even the best strategies fall flat.
This month, dig deep. Reconnect with your “why.” What made you start your business? What keeps you going? Whether it’s freedom, impact, or legacy, reconnecting
with your core purpose will help you realign your focus and reignite your passion.
June also offers a strategic moment to check the pulse of your business. Let’s turn that passion into powerful momentum with a mid-year reset.
Admin Advice: Mid-Year Check-Up
• Review Your Goals: Are you on track? If not, don’t panic adjust. Success is built on flexibility and focus.
• Evaluate Financials: Look closely at your revenue, expenses, and profit margins. Where can you tighten spending? Where can you double down on what’ s working?
• Assess Your Team: Are your employees empowered, engaged, and equipped for success? If not, now’s the time to invest in training, tools, or morale-building.
Check Your Inventory: Overstocked or understocked? Efficient inventory management impacts cash flow and customer satisfaction don’t overlook it.
June isn’t just a checkpointit’s a launchpad. With six months behind you and six months ahead, you’re in a powerful position to shift gears, course-correct, and accelerate.
Let your inner fire lead. Strategy matters, but heart and hustle are what carry you through the tough days and into your breakthrough moments. So take a breath, check your dashboard, and reignite that spark.
For a free consult email runitright.llc@gmail.com
Case Study: Calculating U.S. Tariffs on Imported Equipment with Key Components of Chinese Origin
By Owen George, Georges Neuenschwander, Qing Zhang, and Ginny Vaca, SBTDC International Business Counselors
Background
The U.S.-China tariff landscape remains fluid and subject to sudden policy shifts. Tariff rates applied to imported goods are determined based on the effective rate at the time the shipment clears U.S. customs.
Analysis
Several challenges arise when attempting to calculate the applicable tariff for imported equipment that contains key components of Chinese origin, primarily due to the volatility of trade policies. Any cost estimation is subject to rapid and unpredictable changes, making accurate forecasting difficult.
It is equally complex to conduct a comparative cost analysis with a foreign supplier to evaluate the duty impact of Chinese-origin components. The reliability of such an analysis depends heavily on the supplier’s ability and willingness to provide an accurate breakdown of component values (in U.S. dollars) at a specific point in time.
Not all foreign suppliers possess an equal level of transparency or technical expertise. Some may generate estimated values that lack
substantiation, and in extreme cases, may even fabricate figures to appear compliant. Because the valuation process is self-certified and reliant on numerous variables, inconsistencies between suppliers are likely. In practice, these inconsistencies result in a playing field that is often uneven, with some suppliers being more precise or more honest than others.
Furthermore, in the absence of clear transparencies, the U.S. Customs Bureau may make their own calculation on the value of the Chinese components in a product.
As a result, for U.S. importers, navigating this process can resemble a “mission impossible.” The uncertainty surrounding tariff rates, combined with inconsistent supplier data, introduces significant risk into procurement decisions.
Conclusion
Given the current and unpredictable nature of U.S. tariffs on Chinese-origin components, companies should carefully evaluate the timing and necessity of importing such equipment. In many cases, it may be prudent to delay purchases or explore
alternative sourcing options until greater regulatory stability returns.
Although this case study is specifically focused on imported products containing Chinese-origin components, challenges may also apply for products imported from many other countries.
University of North Carolina Wilmington Small Business & Technology Development Center (SBTDC) at (910) 9623744 or via email at uncw@sbtdc.org
To register for free, confidential counseling, visit SBTDC.org and select the Wilmington location. After completing the registration form, a counselor will reach out to provide personalized assistance.
For assistance navigating the changing tides of international trade, contact the
Small Business Outreach Planned
Submitted by Chris Rabassi, CFCM Office of Small Business Programs Marine Corps Installations East
When:
31 Jul 2025, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Where:
Coastal Carolina Community College, James S. Melton Vocational Skills Building Room 104 A/B/C, 444 Western Blvd. Jacksonville, NC 28546
Purpose of the Outreach Event:
• Inform and educate businesses on the North Carolina-based support organizations available to assist businesses in becoming eligible and competitive for Department of Defense contracts.
• Inform businesses on how to do business with the various contracting organizations aboard Camp Lejeune.
• Provide businesses general information on upcoming opportunities.
Premise of the Outreach Event:
• Many businesses do not know where to start in becoming eligible and competitive for Department of Defense contracts.
• For existing businesses, there are many new regulations and requirements regarding Department of Defense contracting.
• Many businesses are not aware of opportunities aboard Camp Lejeune.
Goals of the Outreach Event:
• Businesses leave with a greater understanding of the support organizations available to assist them.
• Increase the base of eligible and competitive businesses proposing on Department of Defense contracts. The focus for this event is on being competitive, meaning where to find proposals, how to write competitive proposals, and other key considerations for being competitive.
Planned Presenters Include:
Coastal Carolina Community College, North Carolina Military Business Center, Marine Corps Installations East Small Business, NCWorks, NCGrowth, Marine Corps Community Services, Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command, Marine
Corps Special Operations Command
Who should participate in the Outreach Event:
Businesses interested in doing business with the Department of Defense, businesses currently doing business with the Department of Defense.
Cost:
Free to all registrants and presenters. However, you must register.
Event Registration Link:
Registration will open the week of 2-6 June 2025 at www.ncmbc.us
Registration will be limited to 75 attendees.
Training Opportunities
Coastal Carolina Community College Small Business Center
Instagram Marketing for Your Business: Strategies for Promoting and Growing Your Brand
June 5, 1:00 PM
How To Create A Marketing Plan For Your Small Business
June 10, 1:00pm
How to Build a Referral Network for Your Business
June 12, 1:00pm
Creating a Personalized AI Marketing Agent for Your Business
June 17, 1:00pm
Streamline Your AITransforming LLMs into Efficient, Specialized Solutions
June 18, 1:00pm
How to Conduct Keyword Research for Your Business Website
June 24, 1:00pm
The Fundamentals of Website Design - Turning
Online Visitors Into Customers
June 25, 1:00pm
Small Business Administration
Online classes
https://www.sba.gov/events
Federal Certifications
WOSB, 8(a), VOSB VetCert, HUBZone
Tuesday, June 10, 2025 9:0011:00 a.m. EDT
North Carolina Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Online
Purchasing 101 Wednesday, June 18, 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM
JOED Announces Change in Leadership
Submitted by JOED
JOED Board Announces Resignation of Executive Director Mark Sutherland
Jacksonville Onslow Economic Development Expresses Gratitude for His Contributions
The Jacksonville Onslow Economic Development (JOED) Board of Directors announces the resignation of Executive Director Mark Sutherland. Mr. Sutherland began his tenure with JOED as Deputy Director in 2018 and was promoted to Executive Director in 2019.
During his time with JOED, Mr. Sutherland played a pivotal role in recruiting new businesses to the region and advancing multiple major economic development projects. Among the most
commitment to positioning Onslow County as an economic powerhouse in eastern North Carolina. The JOED Board of Directors thanks him for his service and wishes him continued success in his future endeavors.”
Jacksonville Onslow Economic Development is a nonprofit organization founded in 1970
with a mission to recruit new businesses and investment, create jobs, and support industrial growth in Onslow County. The JOED Board is composed of members representing area businesses, citizens, and local governments.
Jacksonville Onslow Economic Development 421 Court Street, Jacksonville joed@JOEDNC.com https://joednc.com/
Onslow Business is published on the 3rd of each month (or the business day closest to the 3rd).
This unique and valuable business publication is available free at over 70 locations throughout the county. Want to be a part of it?
Check out onslowbusiness.com to learn how to promote your business, find print copies, and read previous issues.
