News

Results Found: 57
Thursday, July 24, 2025
The Partnership for Children of Johnston County is pleased to announce its 13th annual lunch fundraiser, scheduled for Monday, August 18th, at Clayton Steakhouse. The event will raise funds to support essential programs that improve the well-being and development of young children in Johnston County. Proceeds from the event will provide resources such as parenting classes, training for the early ...read more
Categories: Community, General News Article, Human Interest, Press Release
Thursday, July 24, 2025
The Regional Transportation Alliance business coalition, GoTriangle, and the NC Department of Transportation have released preliminary findings of a cooperative study to accelerate a regionwide network of high-quality transit routes to better connect the Triangle area. The proposed Freeway And Street-based Transit (FAST) network concept is a scalable approach to transform our roadways into ...read more
Categories: Business, Community, Press Release
Thursday, July 24, 2025
Hundreds of people were on hand as Wawa opened its first store in Johnston County on July 24, 2025. The store is the company's third store in the state of North Carolina. The company has a long range goal to open 90 stores over the next 10 years. The opening of the store in the Cleveland area featured tee shirts for the first 100 guests, a competition known as Hoagies for Heroes" between local ...read more
Categories: Business, Press Release
Wednesday, July 23, 2025
Leadership Johnston, a premier professional development program in Johnston County, is now accepting applications for the 2026 class. Applications will be accepted through September 30.   Leadership Johnston is a collaborative effort between the Johnston County Coalition of Chambers  and Johnston Community College, aimed at cultivating leadership skills and community engagement among ...read more
Categories: Business, Press Release, Community
Wednesday, July 23, 2025
By now, you’ve probably seen an AI notetaking bot pop up in one of your online meetings. Maybe it was Otter.ai, Fireflies.ai, or some other bot quietly capturing every word.     These tools promise to make meetings for Chambers, associations, and other organizations run more smoothly, improve accessibility, and help keep records straight. Sounds great, right? Not so fast. They also come ...read more
Categories: Business, Human Interest, General News Article
Wednesday, July 23, 2025
At CALYCO, we’ve always offered full-service design and construction — but now, it’s official. CALYCO is proud to announce that we are a licensed General Contractor. With our new licensing, we no longer subcontract General Contractors. Instead, every phase of your renovation — from initial drawings to the final walkthrough — is managed directly under the CALYCO name, license, and ...read more
Categories: Press Release, Business
Monday, July 21, 2025
We've partnered with Verizon to bring you additional learning resources and funding opportunities!   Verizon Small Business Digital Ready is a free program with resources and learning that can really impact your business. The grant applications are currently closed, but there will be another grant opportunity this fall. Applications will open in October, but you don't have to wait to become ...read more
Categories: General News Article
Friday, July 18, 2025
Johnston Community College (JCC) is collaborating with Corning Incorporated, a global leader in fiber optics, to deliver an expert-led Train-the-Trainer Fiber Optic Technician Course. As the nation faces a critical demand for broadband expansion, JCC is preparing a new generation of skilled fiber broadband technicians and our faculty will be on the front lines of this transformational ...read more
Categories: Education, Press Release
Thursday, July 17, 2025
Johnston County Environmental Health, a division of Johnston County Public Health, invites local nonprofits and community organizations to attend a free food safety training class on Thursday, July 24, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Johnston County Land Use Center, 309 East Market Street in Smithfield. This training is designed for any group that prepares and serves food to the public or ...read more
Categories: General News Article
Thursday, July 17, 2025
President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB) was signed into law. This sweeping legislation includes major tax reform provisions that will have far-reaching implications for small businesses in the years to come.   One of the biggest impacts of the OBBB is that it will make several key provisions from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) permanent. These policies, which offered extensive ...read more
Categories: Economic, Business
Tuesday, July 15, 2025
Flowers Plantation is excited for our upcoming National Night Out event on August 5th! Mark your calendars for August 5th as we bring the community together for National Night Out at Concert Park (Harris Teeter Complex) from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM! This fun-filled evening will feature emergency vehicles from North Side Fire Department, Johnston County Sheriff’s Office, NC Highway Patrol, Johnston ...read more
Categories: General News Article, Press Release, Community
Tuesday, July 15, 2025
· 23h  ·  Summer Bookbag Drive Showdown! Apple Law and Flowers Plantation are going head-to-head in a friendly (and icy ) competition to collect school supplies for local students!Drop off boxes are located at each site, and items can be dropped off anytime https://flowersplantation.com/summer-book-bag-drive/Now through August 5, drop off your donations at either location — the team with the MOST ...read more
Categories: General News Article, Human Interest, Press Release
Tuesday, July 15, 2025
Google Tools for Business - August 2 Supercharge your small business with the power of Google! This webinar will explore essential Google tools designed to streamline operations, boost visibility, and connect with customers effectively.Google Business Profile - August 16 Whether your business is online or offline, it is important to make sure your customers can find you online and learn more ...read more
Categories: General News Article, Press Release
Friday, July 11, 2025
The Town of Smithfield is proud to host National Night Out 2025 on Tuesday, August 5th from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Smithfield Community Park, located at 600 M. Durwood Stephenson Parkway. Introduced in 1984, National Night Out is a nationwide community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer and more caring ...read more
Categories: Community, Press Release, Human Interest
Thursday, July 10, 2025
North Carolina has reclaimed its position as the No. 1 State for Business - a title it has now held three out of the past four years. The NC Chamber attributes this achievement to its ongoing efforts to promote pro-growth policies that support both new and existing businesses. North Carolina scored top-five finishes in three of CNBC’s ten ranking categories, especially standing out in economic ...read more
Categories: Business, Economic
Wednesday, July 09, 2025
SMITHFIELD, NC - Kathryn Farrior has been named Johnston County Public Schools (JCPS) 2025 Employee of the Year for Curriculum, Instruction, and Accountability. Farrior is the Workforce Development Specialist for the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Department. Farrior began her career as a real estate paralegal, but education beckoned. Her father was a CTE agriculture teacher, and Farrior ...read more
Categories: Community, Education, Human Interest, Press Release
Thursday, July 03, 2025
The North Carolina Task Force on Child Care and Early Education has released its interim report that  outlines the growing gap between childcare supply and demand in the state.  Childcare breakdowns cost North Carolina billions of dollars in lost economic activity each year. According to the task force’s report, licensed programs for infants and toddlers only have capacity to serve 18.7% of ...read more
Categories: Economic, Business
Wednesday, July 02, 2025
How can middle market businesses respond during a time of economic uncertainty? Join RSM US Chief Economist Joe Brusuelas and U.S. Chamber of Commerce Executive Vice President Neil Bradley as they discuss the latest economic trends affecting middle market businesses. Get key business considerations on what companies should anticipate in the coming months. The virtual event will be held on July 9 ...read more
Categories: Economic, Business
Tuesday, July 01, 2025
SMITHFIELD – Two bridges in Johnston County will undergo preservation work thanks to a $1.9 million contract awarded last week by the state Transportation Department. American Civil Constructors West Coast LLC will perform the maintenance work on these two structures: The U.S. 70 span over Interstate 95 outside Selma; andThe M. Durwood Stephenson Parkway bridge crossing the Neuse River north of ...read more
Categories: Community, Press Release, Human Interest
Tuesday, July 01, 2025
Launched on July 1, 2015, this program was created as an innovative approach to provide preventive care to the most vulnerable in Johnston County and to lower ambulance use by focusing on frequent callers. By working with these patients prior to the 911 call, the community paramedics have been able to help the patient understand their medical condition, better adhere to prescribed medications, ...read more
Categories: Community, Press Release, General News Article
Tuesday, July 01, 2025
SMITHFIELD, NC - Dr. David Pearce was sworn in as Superintendent for Johnston County Public Schools (JCPS) on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. The ceremony was held at the Evander S. Simpson Building in Smithfield, where Dr. Pearce was joined by his family, colleagues, and community members. Dr. Pearce was sworn in by the Honorable Addie H. Rawls, District Court Judge, retired.  During the ceremony, ...read more
Categories: Community, Human Interest, Education, Press Release
Monday, June 30, 2025
SELMA, NC — In a heartfelt celebration of local youth, the Selma Town Council convened Monday, June 23, 2025, at 3:30 p.m. at the Boys & Girls Club of Johnston County’s Selma location. With more than 60 club members from across Johnston County in attendance, alongside community supporters and staff, the meeting honored the children with a special, all-inclusive session.  Mayor Byron McAllister, ...read more
Categories: Community, Press Release, Human Interest
Monday, June 30, 2025
Boost your business's potential with this week's newsletter! The articles below can help you navigate the modern business world more effectively. Discover strategies for integrating AI, the importance of cybersecurity, and implementing smarter ways to pay yourself, all aimed at securing your financial future and operational efficiency.Click here to read more.   
Categories: Business
Monday, June 30, 2025
Shop Small. Support Local. Strengthen Community. This July, the Downtown Smithfield Development Corporation is proud to celebrate Independent Retailer Month, a nationwide campaign dedicated to showcasing the positive impact of locally owned businesses on our economy, culture, and community. From charming boutiques and shops to specialty stores and creative services, Downtown Smithfield is home ...read more
Categories: Business, Press Release, Community
Thursday, June 26, 2025
This week H412 Child Care Regulatory Reforms passed both chambers with bipartisan support. Access to quality child care is a workforce issue. When families have access to quality childcare both parents are able to participate in the workforce. H412 passed thanks to the business community's leadership. Included in the reform are opportunities for childcare professionals to receive credentials ...read more
Categories: General News Article, Business
Thursday, June 26, 2025
The Triangle East Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce nominations are now being accepted for the 37th annual Triangle East ATHENA International Leadership Award. This is the highest recognition bestowed by the Chamber.The award will be presented on October 9, 2025 to an exceptional individual who has achieved excellence in her business or profession, has served the community in a ...read more
Categories: Community, Press Release, General News Article, Chamber
Wednesday, June 25, 2025
Smithfield, NC, Selma, NC – June 2025 – The Boys & Girls Clubs of Johnston County is proud to recognize and thank Smithfield-based manufacturer AAF International for their incredible partnership and support. As part of their annual company meeting, held this June in Smithfield, AAF International selected the Boys & Girls Club as the recipient of their community service project. This initiative ...read more
Categories: Chamber, Press Release, Community
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
Categories: Chamber, Community, Press Release
Friday, June 20, 2025
The Triangle East Economic Development Foundation has been awarded a $20,000 grant from the Duke Energy Foundation as part of its 2025 Storm Preparedness grant program. This funding will empower local efforts to help Johnston County’s small business community become more resilient in the face of natural disasters and severe weather events. The initiative will be launched in partnership with the ...read more
Categories: Business, General News Article, Chamber, Press Release
Wednesday, June 18, 2025
With the recent announcement of JetZero’s plans to build a new generation of airplanes in Greensboro, North Carolina adds to a string of manufacturing jobs and capital investment announcements. This marks a reversal of the trend of the last thirty years as manufacturing jobs have fallen by 42 percent from 1990 to 2023.i While total state employment grew by 1.75 million during that period, the ...read more
Categories: Business, General News Article, Economic
Tuesday, June 17, 2025
Home Masters Pest Control announced they entered into a new partnership with Aruza Pest Control.    With nearly a decade of experience and a distinguished reputation for providing best-in-class service, we know that you will benefit from this partnership with Aruza.   “We’re proud to join forces with Aruza Pest Control, a company that shares our commitment to delivering top-notch pest, ...read more
Categories: Press Release, Business
Thursday, June 12, 2025
With advanced manufacturing driving economic growth across North Carolina, building a sustainable pipeline of skilled talent is more important than ever—especially in rural communities where new and expanding operations can transform local economies. To support this critical need, the North Carolina Community College System has released a new Rural Advanced Manufacturing Partnerships Toolkit. ...read more
Categories: Business, Education, Press Release
Wednesday, June 11, 2025
The deadline has been extended on the US Chamber of Commerce's Top 100 Small Business program. The new deadline to submit is July 25. We're searching for the top 100 small businesses in America!  Applications are now open for the CO—100, a prestigious awards program designed to recognize and celebrate the best that small and medium-sized businesses have to offer. The program celebrates more than ...read more
Categories: Business, Press Release
Wednesday, June 11, 2025
More than a local initiative, Chamber foundations have become a national best practice—empowering chambers across the country to tackle big-picture challenges like workforce readiness, small business resilience, and inclusive economic growth. By establishing our Foundation 14 years ago, we positioned ourselves ahead of the curve, recognizing early on that a 501(c)(3) arm would allow us to access ...read more
Categories: Business, Community, Economic, Chamber, Press Release
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: Chamber, Business, Press Release
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
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
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
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
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: General News Article, Community
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: Economic, Business
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
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: Business, General News Article
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, 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, 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
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
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: Education, Community, Press Release
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