News

Results Found: 51
Thursday, June 05, 2025
The Boys & Girls Club of Johnston County is honored to receive the generous support of the East Wake–Johnston County Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., which presented a donation of $1,852 to benefit youth development programming provided to Boys & Girls Club members.  The check was presented to Club members, Club Director Kourtney Bowen, Assistant for Resource Development and Community ...read more
Categories: Chamber, Community, Press Release
Wednesday, June 04, 2025
More than 9 million cyberattacks occur every day.Over 40% of small businesses experience a cyberattack annually.Small business lose an average of $25,000 per cyberattack.Small businesses are often easier targets for cybercriminals.Cyber attacks can lead to business disruption, financial losses, reputational damage, and can even force business closure.   Don't Become a Victim of a ...read more
Categories: Business, Press Release
Wednesday, June 04, 2025
Craig Olive, Johnston County Register of Deeds, announces that the 16th Annual Shred Event is scheduled for Saturday, June 14, 2024, from 9:00AM – 12:00PM. It is free to the public and will be held in the parking lot of Smithfield Selma Senior High School located at 700 M. Durwood Stephenson Parkway in Smithfield. Local Government Federal Credit Union, Civic Federal Credit Union, Hinson’s ...read more
Categories: Chamber, Press Release, Community
Wednesday, June 04, 2025
Tap into the Power of Referrals — and Get Rewarded Referred customers are 18% more loyal than those acquired through other methods. That’s why we believe in the power of referrals — and why we’ve already referred our members more than 250 times this year. Now we’re inviting you to do the same. Here’s how it works:When you refer a business that is not currently a Chamber member, and they join, ...read more
Categories: Business, Press Release, Chamber
Tuesday, June 03, 2025
 Mid-year business planning: Strategies for navigating economic uncertainty in the second half of 2025 June 12 | 2-2:30 pm ETRegister Now  Join us on Thursday, June 12, 2-2:30 pm ET for a live, virtual event to explore the current economic environment, recent policy shifts, and how those at the helm of businesses are navigating the impacts. You’ll learn:Which operational areas may require ...read more
Categories: Chamber, Press Release, Business
Sunday, June 01, 2025
Johnston Now Magazine invites everyone to join us as we celebrate twelve deserving community heroes at the 8th Annual Johnston Now Honors Awards Celebration. The event will be held Thursday, July 24 at The Farm at 95. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. followed by dinner and award presentations. Join us for this inspiring celebration of the people who make Johnston County a great place to live, work and ...read more
Categories: Community, General News Article, Human Interest
Friday, May 30, 2025
Follow us!   Grant Applications OPEN NOW The Small Business Center and Verizon Digital Readiness Program have teamed up to offer this funding opportunity.   Verizon is awarding 50 grants of $10,000 this spring! Simple application. Deadline - June 30, 2025   Complete these simple steps: Go to bit.ly/SBC-VerizonCreate a FREE AccountComplete 2 FREE 30 minute coursesApply for the ...read more
Categories: Chamber, Education
Friday, May 30, 2025
Smithfield, NC – Johnston County Register of Deeds Craig Olive recently announced the completion of another significant phase in the office’s ongoing document restoration project. This phase focused on preserving thousands of Veterans’ Certificates of Discharge, commonly known as DD-214s. The first DD-214 was recorded in Johnston County on January 30, 1922, documenting the service of a World ...read more
Categories: Chamber, Community, Press Release
Friday, May 30, 2025
The Salvation Army and Town Market have partnered for a Cereal drive. 
Categories: General News Article, Human Interest
Thursday, May 29, 2025
The Triangle East Chamber of Commerce celebrated outstanding individuals and organizations at the annual Legacy Awards, held on May 29th at The Farm at 95. Presented by Brightspeed, the evening recognized excellence in leadership, service, and impact across the region. The Legacy Awards continue the Chamber’s tradition of honoring those who exemplify dedication to the growth and vitality of the ...read more
Categories: Chamber, General News Article, Press Release
Wednesday, May 28, 2025
69% TOWARD GOAL WITH STRONG COMMUNITY BACKING Bold Initiative Will Unite Public and Private Sectors toAttract Talent, Create Jobs, and Expand Opportunities Across the Region SMITHFIELD, NC – The Triangle East Chamber of Commerce announced that its Triangle East Prospers campaign has officially surpassed the $900,000 mark—representing 69% of the $1.3 million goal to fund a five-year, ...read more
Categories: Business, Chamber, Economic, Press Release
Tuesday, May 27, 2025
ohnston County is in the process of rewriting its Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), and we want to hear from you! Drop by any of the upcoming public input sessions below to share your thoughts, ask questions, and learn more about how the UDO will guide future growth in the County.  A Unified Development Ordinance, or UDO, is a set of rules that helps guide how land is used and developed in a ...read more
Categories: Community, Press Release, General News Article
Thursday, May 22, 2025
You’re sitting on a goldmine and don’t even know it. Right outside your storefront, in the coffee shops and laundromats and food trucks humming a block away, are patterns, habits, and whispers that—if read right—can tell you exactly what your next move should be. Strategy isn’t just spreadsheets and quarterly forecasts, it’s how well you can read the room, especially when the room is your zip ...read more
Categories: Chamber, General News Article, Business, Community, Press Release
Thursday, May 22, 2025
Johnston Community College (JCC) has once again broken enrollment records, marking its fifth straight semester of growth with a 27% increase in degree-seeking students on the first day of the summer term. As summer classes begin, JCC reports 2,755 students enrolled, the highest summer enrollment in the College’s history.  “We are thrilled to see this continued momentum, especially during the ...read more
Categories: Education, Chamber, Press Release
Thursday, May 22, 2025
The Triangle East Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the appointment of Sarah Moore as the new Marketing and Communications Coordinator, effective immediately. In her new role, Sarah will lead the Chamber’s strategic marketing initiatives, oversee digital and print communications, and elevate the Chamber’s visibility throughout the region. She brings a unique blend of creative vision and ...read more
Categories: Chamber, General News Article, Press Release
Wednesday, May 21, 2025
Of the 242,515 total importers in the U.S., 97%—or 236,045—are small businesses, according to a Commerce Department report released this year. Small businesses were responsible for a third of the total value of goods imported, highlighting the significant role they play in U.S. international trade. Why it matters: For many of these companies, even a small increase in tariffs can have a profound ...read more
Categories: Business, General News Article, Economic
Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Johnston County Manager Rick Hester presented the following budget summary to the Board of Commissioners during the May 19, 2025 Board meeting:   Johnston County's proposed Fiscal Year 2025-2026 General Fund budget is presented at $402 million with a three cent property tax rate reduction from 67 cents per $100 value to 64 cents. Since Fiscal Year 2019-2020, the property tax rate has been ...read more
Categories: Chamber, Press Release, Business, General News Article
Tuesday, May 20, 2025
To read more in the Small Business Center's weekly newsletter, please click HERE.
Categories: Business, Education, Chamber, Press Release
Thursday, May 15, 2025
The Triangle East Chamber of Commerce announced its quarterly investor meeting schedule for the upcoming implementation phase of the Triangle East Prospers initiative. Beginning June 1, the Chamber will formally assume leadership of the regional economic development effort, transitioning from asuccessful campaign led by national firm POWER 10 to a strategic focus on community impact.  The ...read more
Categories: Business, Chamber
Thursday, May 15, 2025
NC Robotics Initiative Captures the Imagination of Johnston County Students Johnston County, N.C. – May 15, 2025. Robotics is changing manufacturing -- taking over repetitive tasks on a round-the-clock basis with untiring consistency and precision that human hands cannot match. In 2023, over 39,000 industrial robots were installed in the United States, according to the International Federation of ...read more
Categories: Chamber, Community, Economic, Press Release
Thursday, May 15, 2025
Ms. Susan Perdue, the Career and Technical Education (CTE) teacher at Clayton High, has been selected as the Johnston County Public Schools (JCPS) 2025 Career and Technical Education Teacher of the Year. Ms. Perdue has been teaching at Clayton High for eight years and is a CTE Business and Marketing teacher. She teaches entrepreneurship and business management career pathways, and is also the ...read more
Categories: Chamber, Education, Press Release
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
The housing market in Smithfield and Johnston County is displaying encouraging signs of consistent growth as we progress through 2025. While the year began with less momentum than anticipated, April's data suggests that the market is stabilizing and, in several aspects, becoming stronger. According to the year over year home sales data in Smithfield, NC: Closed sales rose by 31.7% ...read more
Categories: Community, General News Article
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
The Johnston County Veterans Council will host a Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 26, 2025 in the Superior Courtroom at the Johnston County Courthouse in Smithfield at 11:00 a.m. The event will feature guest speakers, veterans' stories, a wreath laying ceremony, and more.   "Freedom comes at a cost, and it's paid for by the courage and sacrifice of our past, present, and future service ...read more
Categories: Community, Press Release, Chamber, Human Interest
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses has helped entrepreneurs across the country grow their businesses for 15 years over a decade by offering a free practical business training program, access to capital, and personalized support services. Now, we are expanding, bringing this best-in-class training program to rural communities across America.  66% of graduates increase revenues within 6 months ...read more
Categories: Press Release, Business
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
The NC Chamber Foundation is engaging stakeholders across the state to help shape a long-term, business-focused energy vision for North Carolina. To ensure broad input, a short survey is now available for those who have not yet shared their perspective with our research partners. The survey focuses on key energy and infrastructure issues affecting businesses and industries across the state. All ...read more
Categories: Business, Economic
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
Recently, Johnston County's Economic Development DirectorChris Johnsonwas named one of the Top 50 Economic Developers in North America by Consultant Connect.  Chris was recognized for his leadership, innovation and creativity. He will receive the award in November.
Categories: Business, Economic
Tuesday, May 13, 2025
JCC is offering a Verizon Digital Ready Program : Personalized Learning Platform, Complete Two FREE short courses, Apply for $10,000 Grant!Learn more HERE.  
Categories: Chamber, Business, Education
Friday, May 09, 2025
Selma, NC (May 8, 2025) – The Johnston County NAACP’s Young Adult Committee invites you to lace up your dancing boots and join us for “Boots on the Ground and Fans in the Air!”—a fun-filled line dancing fundraiser happening on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at doors open at 6:15 PM, 6:30 PM  to 8:30 AM at 127 N. Raiford Street in Selma, NC. Whether you're new to line dancing or already know your way ...read more
Categories: Chamber, Press Release, Community
Monday, April 28, 2025
While roughly 900 people left the labor force in March, the unemployment rate in North Carolina remained unchanged at 3.7 percent. Payroll employment increased by net 8,300 jobs in March with professional and business services leading the way, followed by government and education and health services. Financial services saw a slight decline in employment. Measuring against our neighbors to the ...read more
Categories: Business, Economic
Tuesday, April 15, 2025
We want to hear from you! The Johnston County Visitors Bureau (JCVB) is conducting a short 5-minute resident sentiment survey. This survey aims to educate residents on the impacts of tourism while highlighting its role in community vitality.  By gathering your insights on quality of life, economic development, and natural preservation, the survey will aid in balancing residential needs with the ...read more
Categories: Community, Press Release, General News Article
Tuesday, April 15, 2025
TRIANGLE EAST PROSPERS CAMPAIGN SURPASSES $800,000 – 65% TOWARD GOAL WITH STRONG COMMUNITY BACKING Bold Initiative will Unite Public and Private Sectors to Attract Talent, Create Jobs, and Expand Opportunities Across the Region The Triangle East Chamber of Commerce announced that its Triangle East Prospers campaign has surpassed the $800,000 mark with $853,261 invested—representing 65% of the ...read more
Categories: Business, Economic, Chamber, Press Release
Wednesday, April 09, 2025
This year, lawmakers have the opportunity to advance smart, pro-growth tax policies and avoid the largest tax increase in American history, which will otherwise occur when key provisions of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) expire at the end of 2025.  In 2017, Congress permanently lowered the corporate income tax rate by 14 percentage points—from 35% to 21%—as part of the TCJA. To ensure ...read more
Categories: General News Article, Business
Tuesday, April 08, 2025
North Carolina’s population and industrial growth are driving increased demand for infrastructure, with projections estimating a population of up to 11.7 million by 2030. This growth calls for innovative infrastructure funding strategies and mechanisms to keep pace and maintain the state’s competitive position as a top state for business. Sustainable resources to support North Carolina’s broad ...read more
Categories: General News Article, Economic, Press Release
Thursday, April 03, 2025
US Chamber Releases Report  on Housing in America   Housing has long been a cornerstone of the American dream and a vital component of the nation’s economy. Yet, the U.S. housing market is in crisis, driven by a fundamental imbalance between supply and demand. A severe shortage of over 4.5 million homes has created cascading economic and social challenges, from skyrocketing prices to reduced ...read more
Categories: Economic, General News Article
Wednesday, April 02, 2025
Wilson's Mills Announces Address Change Wilson’s Mills has experienced a large influx of growth over the past several years and the confusion regarding property owners’ mailing and physical addresses within the town limits has grown substantially. Unless residents purchase a post office box in Wilson’s Mills, the mailing and physical addresses inside Wilson’s Mills have either a Smithfield or ...read more
Categories: Community, General News Article, Press Release
Wednesday, March 12, 2025
 Zaxby’s in Smithfield has been named the top-performing store among its 14 sister locations for the second year in a row. The achievement comes as part of an annual competition that evaluates stores across eight key performance categories over a 12-month period. As the highest-scoring location, the Smithfield team has earned a coveted trip to Atlantis in the Bahamas, along with performance-based ...read more
Tuesday, March 11, 2025
Triangle East Prospers Campaign Announces It Has Secured Over 50% of Campaign Goal from Early Investors On Tuesday, Johnston County business and community leaders joined the Triangle East Chamber of Commerce  to launch the public phase of a $1.3 million campaign to fund a new regional economic prosperity initiative, Triangle East Prospers. This transformative, five-year private-public partnership ...read more
Categories: Business, Economic, Chamber
Tuesday, February 18, 2025
KS BANK SPONSORED COMMUNITY EVENT FOR ENTREPRENEURS AND SMALL BUSINESSES(Smithfield, NC) – KS Bank was the proud presenting sponsor of the first Harnett Business Resources Summit, hosted by the Dunn, Lillington, Coats, Erwin, and Angier Chambers of Commerce, as well as the Central Carolina Community College Small Business Center. The event provided tools, resources, and insights for entrepreneurs ...read more
Categories: Business, Chamber, Community, Press Release
Wednesday, December 11, 2024
The Corporate Transparency Act may require certain U.S. companies to disclose beneficial ownership information to FinCEN to combat financial crimes. While a Texas federal district court’s preliminary injunction puts this requirement on hold, many experts expect that to be overturned. In that event, failure to file could lead to fines of $500 per day, up to a maximum of $10,000, and possible ...read more
Categories: Chamber, Press Release, Community, General News Article
Monday, June 03, 2024
Employee Wellness is Good Business Companies that prioritize employee wellness are finding its a tool to recruit and retain employees and a way to reduce healthcare costs. Research conducted by Workforce Magazine found that 87 percent of employees considered wellness programs when choosing an employer. In addition 67 percent of employees who worked for organizations with wellness programs ...read more
Categories: Community, Business
Friday, December 01, 2023
Bridge over I-95 at Exit 95 will be upgraded SMITHFIELD – The U.S. 70 Business bridge over Interstate 95 at Exit 95 will be reconstructed into a taller, longer and wider structure, thanks to a new $38.3 million contract. The two-lane bridge over I-95 will be replaced with a five-lane bridge with a sidewalk. In addition, the on/off ramps will be reconfigured to meet modern standards, and ...read more
Categories: Chamber, Community, Press Release
Sunday, July 16, 2023
A benefits package is one of the most important factors in attracting and retaining top talent. In order to stay competitive, employers need to be creative in the types of benefits they offer. Traditional health insurance and retirement plans are no longer enough. To really stand out, employers need to offer a more comprehensive benefits package that includes gym memberships, yoga classes, ...read more
Categories: Community, Chamber, Economic
Monday, May 15, 2023
Cleveland High English teacher Melissa Pearce was named the Johnston County Public Schools (JCPS) 2023 Teacher of the Year. With the naming Pearce made history, as she is the first person to ever receive the award twice. Pearce received the award for the first time 2007 and was named a finalist for the award in 2022.   Pearce has been an educator with JCPS for the past 19 years. She has ...read more
Categories: Chamber, Education, Community, Press Release
Wednesday, August 26, 2015
Selma Middle welcomes 12 new educators Selma Middle School has welcomed 12 new educators to its halls for the 2015-2016 school year. Joining the team are Tabitha Ammons, Alexander Burgess, Samantha Determan, Patricia Ann Leitner, Michael Llaury, Cynthia Markham, Shawna Marie Phillips, Emily Shelton, Brandon Sullivan, Aaron Tipping, Chrystal Trammell, and Kimberly Whipple. Kimberly Whipple will be ...read more
Categories: Community, Press Release, Chamber, Education
Thursday, July 16, 2015
Johnston Community College welcomed two new trustees and reappointed another at its July board meeting.  Jonathan Breeden of Clayton is an attorney in the Cleveland community and helps clients in the areas of family law, criminal defense, estate matters, and contracts.  Breeden earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from N.C. State University and his law degree from Campbell ...read more
Categories: Education, Press Release
Tuesday, February 10, 2015
Distinguished Citizen Award Presented to Will Crocker by Chandler Pernell at the Annual Meeting on January 26th, 2015.   Our second Distinguished Citizen Award will be given to someone who has served Johnston County and the Smithfield-Selma area for his entire life. The award also is sponsored by Woody’s Computing Service.   When my parents first moved back to Smithfield, they became this ...read more
Categories: Chamber, Community, Political
Thursday, February 05, 2015
Presented by Crystal Roberts at the 45th Annual Meeting on January 26th, 2015 The Chamber Athena Award is presented each year to recognize the outstanding achievements of women in the Smithfield-Selma community. A national award, it is presented in over 300 communities and is sponsored locally by Corestaff Services. The Chamber would like to thank Corestaff for their continued sponsorship of this ...read more
Categories: Chamber, Community, Human Interest
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
The Education Committee of the Greater Smithfield-Selma Area Chamber of Commerce honored seven local elementary school teachers on November 3 at its semi-annual Semester SuperStars Luncheon at the Sleep Inn & Suites in Smithfield.  These teachers were nominated by their principals and recognized as outstanding educators in the Smithfield-Selma area. The teachers were given a plaque and a bag full ...read more
Categories: Chamber, Press Release, Education
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
The Performing Arts at Johnston Community College is proud to announce the 25th Anniversary Concert Series line-up.  Season tickets are currently on sale and individual tickets will go on sale August 5th.  Tickets may be purchased by calling the JCC Box Office at (919) 209-2099 or by visiting www.jccperformingarts.com.  Patrons wishing to purchase 3 or more ...read more
Categories: Community, Press Release, Education
Monday, May 19, 2014
After 18 years of working in the airline industry, Margaret Raynor decided to retire in 2005. She tried several different jobs over the next six years, but she still wasn’t fully satisfied. “One day my husband and I were sitting around talking, and he suggested I go back to school and pursue a career in the medical field,” Raynor of Smithfield recalled. “At first, I didn’t think that was a good ...read more
Categories: Education, Press Release, Community
Wednesday, May 07, 2014
Speech Given By Crystal Roberts: Ladies and gentleman, the Smithfield-Selma Chamber is again excited to present the prestigious Athena Award to a well-deserving recipient. This award celebrates the potential of all women as valued members and leaders of the community and honors individuals who strive toward the highest levels of professional accomplishment. Tonight’s recipient is a fierce ...read more
Categories: Chamber, Community, Human Interest, Press Release