News

Results Found: 42
Friday, May 22, 2026
May 21 Update: Contracts crews this week began doing some of the rehabilitation work, such as removing the barrier rails and sidewalk, on the N.C. 50 bridge while the outside lanes have remained closed to get a jump-start on the major work described below that will begin when the bridge fully closes starting May 28. The southbound off-ramp reopened today. Below is a revised release initially ...read more
Categories: Press Release
Friday, May 22, 2026
New preserve at Rose Dairy Farm, to open later this year, will expand outdoor recreation opportunities in Johnston County. Four Oaks, N.C.-  A 308-acre tract of land in Johnston County will become the County’s first publicly-owned nature preserve, marking a major milestone for conservation and outdoor recreation in one of North Carolina’s fastest-growing regions.  Rose Dairy Farm is in the Neuse ...read more
Categories: Press Release
Friday, May 22, 2026
SMITHFIELD, NC – The Triangle East Chamber of Commerce proudly celebrated its 2025 Legacy Awards on May 19, 2026. The event recognized exceptional leaders, businesses, and community advocates whose dedication and service continue to shape and strengthen the Triangle East region. As one of the Chamber’s most significant annual traditions, the Legacy Awards honor individuals who invest their ...read more
Categories: Chamber, Community
Friday, May 22, 2026
Smithfield, NC - The Triangle East Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has thoughtfully reviewed and discussed the potential economic and business impact for Johnston County associated with the Smithfield Tobs Baseball Organization and the opportunity to develop a new stadium in Smithfield. Based on this evaluation, the Chamber offers its strong support for the Town of Smithfield’s investment ...read more
Categories: Chamber, Community, Economic
Friday, May 22, 2026
SMITHFIELD – Drivers should expect weekday delays on U.S. 301 when crossing the Neuse River over the next few weeks. They should seek alternate routes, if possible. The state highway contractor replacing the two-lane bridge outside Smithfield began closing one lane on Thursday to safely install a temporary water line. Flagging crews are guiding traffic through the work zone in one direction at ...read more
Categories: Press Release
Friday, May 22, 2026
SMITHFIELD, NC — The sidewalks of Downtown Smithfield are about to become a canvas. The Downtown Smithfield Development Corporation (DSDC) is officially seeking talented artists for the Sidewalk Chalk Competition and local creators for the Makers Market, both held in conjunction with the highly anticipated Spring Art & Wine Walk on Friday, June 12th. A $500 Canvas Under Your Feet Artists of ...read more
Categories: Community, Press Release
Monday, May 18, 2026
ExCEL NC coalition deems child care “essential economic infrastructure” SMITHFIELD, N.C. (May 14, 2026) – Business leaders convened by the Johnston County Coalition of Chambers and ExCEL NC coalition this week warned that North Carolina’s child care crisis is hobbling workforce participation and slowing economic growth – costing the state $5.6 billion annually and the local region $99.4 million. ...read more
Categories: Business, Community, Education, Political, Chamber, Economic, Human Interest, Press Release
Wednesday, May 06, 2026
Smithfield, N.C.-  Credit-rating firms have given top grades to Johnston County’s next borrowing. “Achieving top-tier credit ratings translates directly into real savings for Johnston County taxpayers through lower interest costs,” said Patrick Harris, Chairman of the Johnston County Board of Commissioners.  “Those savings are possible because this Board has made it a priority to maintain strong ...read more
Categories: Press Release
Wednesday, May 06, 2026
SMITHFIELD, NC — The Downtown Smithfield Development Corporation (DSDC) is proud to announce the return of a seasonal favorite with a creative twist: the Spring Art & Wine Walk. Scheduled for Friday, June 12, from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M., this year’s event transforms the traditional "Sip and Stop" into a multi-sensory celebration of the Johnston County arts community. In an exciting new ...read more
Categories: Community, Press Release
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
Smithfield, NC — Downtown Smithfield is stepping into a new chapter with the launch of a refreshed brand identity and a brand-new website designed to better showcase the district and support continued growth. As part of the five-year transformation plan led by the Downtown Smithfield Development Corporation (DSDC), the organization has modernized the Downtown Smithfield brand to reflect the ...read more
Categories: Community, Press Release
Tuesday, April 28, 2026
Honoring Business Excellence, Community Leadership, and Lifetime Impact Smithfield, NC – The Triangle East Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the honorees and nominees for its annual Legacy Awards, a signature event celebrating the individuals and businesses shaping the future of the Triangle East region. Presented by Ron Hester of Barbetta, LLC, the 2026 Legacy Awards will be held on ...read more
Categories: Chamber, Community
Friday, April 24, 2026
Smithfield, N.C.- A resource fair for veterans is scheduled from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 2, in the lobby of the Paul A. Johnston Auditorium at Johnston Community College.   The free event, hosted by Johnston County Veterans Services, will offer veterans, active-duty service members and their families access to health care services, education resources, job opportunities and ...read more
Categories: Community, Press Release
Friday, April 24, 2026
Worley brings more than 20 years of municipal government experience to the position. She began her career with Wilson’s Mills as municipal clerk, first taking her oath of office 20 years ago on the same date the council approved the new structure. She also served a combined 10 years as town administrator. “This evening marks a full-circle moment,” Worley said. “It is an incredible honor to be ...read more
Categories: Press Release
Friday, April 24, 2026
SMITHFIELD, NC - Johnston County Public Schools (JCPS) held its third annual Early Contract Signing Celebration on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. This year’s celebration hosted 18 JCPS educators signing one-year contracts in front of friends, family, JCPS teachers and administrators, and members of JCPS Leadership.   Attendees and their families were welcomed with words of encouragement and ...read more
Categories: Education
Friday, April 24, 2026
The Town of Smithfield has confirmed that 58 acres located behind Community Park will be the future home of the Smithfield Tobs, a major step in bringing collegiate summer baseball to the community. The land was generously donated by the Lampe family, but was not available during the Town’s earlier site selection processes because the property transfer had not yet been completed.  Following ...read more
Categories: Economic, Community
Friday, April 24, 2026
SMITHFIELD, NC - On April 21, 2026, James Johnson was named Johnston County Public Schools (JCPS) 2026 Teacher of the Year during the 32nd Annual Flame for Learning Award Ceremony.  Johnson was one of 20 semifinalists who were honored at the celebration.   Johnson teaches Agricultural Mechanics at North Johnston High and was one of four Flame for Learning Award finalists, which included ...read more
Categories: Community, Education
Friday, April 24, 2026
Selma, N.C., April 22, 2026 - AdVenture Development celebrated the ribbon-cutting for the grand opening of Chick-fil-A at Eastfield. Karla Reinertsen, owner operator was joined by family, her Chick-fil-A Smithfield Selma team, Selma Mayor Byron McAllister, Chick-fil-A corporate representatives, and members of the board of the Triangle East Chamber. Chick-fil-A is the fourth national restaurant ...read more
Categories: Economic, Community
Friday, April 24, 2026
SMITHFIELD, NC – The Town of Smithfield announces temporary road closures and traffic changes in preparation for the annual Ham & Yam Festival taking place Saturday, May 2.Friday, May 1 Road ClosuresSouth Front Street from Johnston Street to 2nd Street will close at 12:00 PM.Johnston Street to 3rd Street, along with the 100 and 200 blocks of South 2nd Street and South 3rd Street, will close ...read more
Categories: Press Release, Community
Tuesday, April 21, 2026
Triangle East Chamber Launches Business Resilience Program with Duke Energy Grant to Help Local Businesses Prepare for DisastersSmithfield, NC (April 2026) – The Triangle East Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Johnston Community College Small Business Center, is proud to announce the launch of the Johnston County Business Resilience Program, a three-part workshop series designed to ...read more
Categories: Press Release, Chamber
Monday, April 20, 2026
Effective customer engagement means consistently showing up for your customers in ways that make them feel heard, valued, and connected to your business — not just at the point of sale, but before and after. For small businesses in Johnston County, where community trust and word-of-mouth carry real weight, strong engagement isn't just good practice: it's a competitive advantage. Research cited ...read more
Categories: Chamber, General News Article, Community, Press Release
Thursday, April 16, 2026
KS BANK EXPANDING THEIR COMMUNITY-FOCUSED BRAND OF BANKING TO LILLINGTON, NC(SMITHFIELD, NC) – KS Bank is expanding its community-focused brand of banking to Lillington, NC. The bank recently purchased property at 709 W. Front Street in Lillington, where it intends to operate the new branch. KS Bank has received regulatory approval from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and is pending ...read more
Categories: Business, Press Release, Community
Friday, April 03, 2026
KS BANK EARNS 5-STAR RATING FROM NATIONAL BANK RATING FIRM  (SMITHFIELD, NC) – Bauer Financial, the Nation’s Premier Bank Rating Firm, would like to congratulate KS Bank for earning a 5-Star Superior rating for the 41st consecutive quarter. Having maintained its financial strength and stability for ten years (40 consecutive quarters), KS Bank has also earned an “Exceptional Performance Bank” ...read more
Categories: General News Article, Business, Community, Press Release
Thursday, March 19, 2026
When a business faces financial distress, the fastest path back to stability starts with a clear-eyed look at the numbers — not a reflexive cut across the board. Most turnarounds follow the same sequence: identify the critical issues, reduce the burn, renegotiate what you can, and keep your team together long enough to recover. For Johnston County's 568+ chamber member businesses, those steps ...read more
Categories: Chamber, General News Article, Community, Press Release
Friday, March 06, 2026
Promoting a local event doesn't require a large marketing budget — the most effective channels are either free or nearly free, and the results can be substantial. Even though budget tops the challenge list for nearly one in three U.S. event organizers, 76% of them still planned to host more events that same year. For small businesses in Dunn, where relationships drive commerce and community ...read more
Categories: Chamber, Community, General News Article, Press Release, Economic
Thursday, March 05, 2026
In the digital age, trust is currency, and credibility is infrastructure. Every business—whether a local service provider or a global SaaS company—must earn confidence through what it shows, how it communicates, and how it behaves online. Clients do not just evaluate your offer; they evaluate your signals.Key Takeaways For Earning Digital Trust Clear communication reduces uncertainty and ...read more
Categories: Community, Press Release, Chamber, General News Article
Tuesday, February 24, 2026
 The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) today announced that community banker Earl W. Worley, Jr., President/CEO of KS Bank was re-elected to the ICBA Federal Delegate Board. "Community banks play a vital role in helping families thrive and small businesses grow," said Worley. “I’m proud to work with ICBA to advance policies and initiatives that protect and empower these institutions ...read more
Categories: Press Release, Business
Friday, January 30, 2026
Every small business owner in the Triangle East region knows that cash flow isn’t simply an accounting concept—it’s the operational pulse that keeps the business running smoothly. When cash cycles are predictable, planning becomes easier, growth becomes realistic, and stress becomes manageable. Below is a brisk summary of what follows. How to forecast revenue and expenses with enough accuracy ...read more
Categories: Community, Press Release, Chamber, General News Article
Monday, January 12, 2026
Local businesses across the Triangle East region face a pivotal moment: customers now form impressions long before they walk through your doors. Modernizing your digital presence isn’t about chasing trends—it’s about creating a trustworthy, easy-to-navigate experience that reflects how people actually search and make decisions in 2026. Learn below: Why mobile-first customer journeys matter ...read more
Categories: Community, Press Release, General News Article
Friday, November 28, 2025
Running a small business in today’s economy means navigating both optimism and unpredictability. Financial projections help you prepare for what’s ahead — whether you’re planning to expand, apply for a loan, or just keep cash flow steady. They’re not about predicting the future perfectly; they’re about planning intelligently.TL;DR To project finances effectively: Use accurate, recent ...read more
Categories: Chamber, General News Article, Community, Press Release
Monday, November 24, 2025
Starting or scaling a marketing firm is a thrilling pursuit — but success doesn’t come from creative ideas alone. It’s built on the foundation of predictable systems, disciplined financial management, strong teams, and trust-based client relationships. Whether you’re serving local businesses in Johnston County or expanding across North Carolina, understanding these fundamentals will help you ...read more
Categories: Chamber, Community, General News Article, Press Release
Friday, October 17, 2025
When growth hits hard and fast, control becomes the first casualty. Whether you’re a local café that’s suddenly gone viral or a SaaS startup adding hundreds of new clients a month, scaling without structure can turn success into chaos. The key isn’t just growing faster — it’s growing in formation.    TL;DR Rapid growth strains finances, team systems, and customer experience.   Build ...read more
Categories: Chamber, Community, General News Article, Press Release
Wednesday, August 20, 2025
KS BANK WELCOMES TRAVIS B. BAILEY AS CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER, EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT  (SMITHFIELD, N.C.) – KS Bank, Inc. is pleased to announce the addition of Travis B. Bailey to its Senior Executive Management team as the Chief Administrative Officer. In this role, Bailey will lead the bank’s retail branches and management and ensure that KS Bank continues to deliver exceptional service ...read more
Categories: Business, Press Release
Monday, August 11, 2025
Smithfield, NC – The Triangle East Chamber of Commerce has taken a major step forward in its five-year Triangle East Prospers initiative, appointing BriAnna Walker as the region’s first-ever Talent and Leadership Development Manager. The new role marks a significant investment in tackling one of Johnston County’s most pressing challenges: building a skilled workforce. Currently, 63 percent of ...read more
Categories: Business, General News Article, Chamber, Press Release
Wednesday, July 30, 2025
KS BANK CELEBRATES NEW FULL-SERVICE BRANCH IN BAILEY, NC WITH OFFICIAL RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY(SMITHFIELD, NC) – KS Bank hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, June 24th, to celebrate the bank’s new Bailey branch. The ceremony featured remarks from Leigh Deans, with the Bailey Chamber of Commerce, Owen Strickland, Mayor of Bailey, Walter Wells, Mayor Pro-tem of Bailey, Earl W. Worley, Jr., ...read more
Categories: Business, 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
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
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
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
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
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