News for Community
Wednesday, October 29, 2025
During its October 28, 2025, Special Session meeting, the Johnston County Board of Education voted to approve the plans for the highly anticipated Clayton High School rebuild, which is a project that marks a new era for education in Clayton and surrounding communities.
The new 278,000-square-foot facility will serve as a cornerstone for 21st-century learning, designed with a focus on safety and ...read more
Categories: Community, Press Release, Education
Tuesday, October 28, 2025
The Smithfield Police Department is enhancing its ability to engage with the community and
keep residents safe through the launch of a new mobile app that makes it easy to connect with
police, access information, receive public safety alerts, and submit anonymous tips directly from
a smartphone.
The Smithfield PD app puts a powerful new crime-fighting and community engagement tool
into the ...read more
Categories: Community, Human Interest, Business, General News Article, Press Release
Tuesday, October 28, 2025
Photo credit: Logan Heitman
Front row Left: Lorie Jones, G.M. Old North State Food Hall, Apple and Bobby Ray Stone, Owners, Pat Thai, joined by members of Activate Selma at Triangle East Chamber of Commerce to welcome PAT THAI as they cut the ribbon on their new eatery at Old North State Food Hall. __________________________________________________________________________________Selma, NC ...read more
Categories: Business, Community, Human Interest, Chamber, Economic
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
Selma, Smithfield, NC – October 16, 2025, Strong partnerships build strong communities! Boys & Girls Clubs of Johnston County proudly spotlights Amazon RDU2 Smithfield for its outstanding commitment to service and community collaboration. Amazon RDU2 Smithfield, team members recently volunteered their time to assist with grounds cleanup and beautification projects, helping ensure the Club remains ...read more
Categories: Community, Press Release
Monday, October 20, 2025
SMITHFIELD, NC - This year’s annual Unified basketball game at Smithfield-Selma High School (SSS) was full of excitement, not only to watch the SSS Spartans compete with the North Johnston High School (NJHS) Panthers, but also because the school was named a Special Olympics Unified Champion School®.
To be selected as a Special Olympics Unified Champion School®, the school must ...read more
Categories: Community, Education, General News Article, Human Interest, Press Release
Monday, October 20, 2025
Selma / Smithfield, N.C. — Boys & Girls Clubs of Johnston County is pleased to announce it has been awarded a $5,000 grant from the 2025 Johnston County Community Foundation, an affiliate of the North Carolina Community Foundation (NCCF). This support is made possible through the Johnston County Unrestricted Endowment Fund and the Cara Lee Powell Priest Endowment for Johnston County.
These two ...read more
Categories: Business, Community, Human Interest, 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
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
Smithfield, N.C. — The Junior Women’s League of Smithfield (JWL) is proud to
announce its 10th Annual Touch-A-Truck event, taking place Saturday, November 1, 2025, from
9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in Downtown Smithfield.
This milestone year promises to be the biggest celebration yet, offering children and
families across Johnston County a fun, hands-on opportunity to see, touch, and safely ...read more
Categories: Human Interest, Community, Chamber, Press Release
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
Categories: Community, Business, Press Release, Chamber
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
From how to start a small business to writing a business plan, the Small Business Center has workshops designed for those who are ready to take the leap into owning their own business.
To view the upcoming calendar click here.
Categories: Community, Business, General News Article
Thursday, October 09, 2025
Johnston Now Magazine Earns Two NCPA Awards
Johnston Now Magazine was recently honored with two awards from the North Carolina Press Association (NCPA), recognizing excellence in community journalism and storytelling. The publication earned third place in General Excellence and third place for a photo essay by Editor Jamie Strickland for coverage of events at Camp Flintlock.
“We’re honored to ...read more
Categories: Business, Community, Human Interest, Chamber, General News Article, Press Release
Wednesday, October 08, 2025
Ruth Marler Named 2025 ATHENA International Leadership Award RecipientSmithfield, NC —The Triangle East Chamber of Commerce announced that Ruth Marler, Chief Nursing Officer and Chief Operating Officer at UNC Health Johnston, has been named the 2025 recipient of the ATHENA International Leadership Award. The award honors women who achieve excellence in their profession, give back to their ...read more
Categories: Community, Chamber
Tuesday, October 07, 2025
Carolina Packer's Bright Leaf Hot Dogs came in second place in the Coolest Thing Made in NC Contest hosted by the North Carolina Chamber.
The hot dogs were beat out by Catamaran Boats.
The company stated, "We couldn’t have made it this far without your incredible support and votes. Thank you for cheering us on and helping us represent North Carolina proudly."
Categories: Business, Community, Fun Facts
Monday, October 06, 2025
Hampton Inn in by Hilton Smithfield Selma received the Hilton Award for Excellence. The Award is presented to the top 5% of hotels in the Hampton Inn Brand in North America. Out of the three years the location has been eligible this is the second time the property has received the recognition.
This recognition is given to hotels that consistently provide outstanding guest experiences and uphold ...read more
Categories: Business, General News Article, Community
Thursday, October 02, 2025
Smithfield, NC — The corner of Market Street and 3rd Street N in Downtown Smithfield is about to get a major makeover. This October, the Downtown Smithfield Development Corporation (DSDC) will break ground on a new community park, transforming the site’s overgrown and outdated landscaping into a more accessible, family-friendly destination.
The project is a collaboration between the DSDC, the ...read more
Categories: Community, Economic, Press Release
Heidelberg Materials Invests in the Future of Johnston County Youth with $2,000 Donation to Boys & G
Thursday, October 02, 2025
South Smithfield, NC — The Boys & Girls Clubs of Johnston County is thrilled to announce a generous $2,000 donation from Heidelberg Materials, a global leader in the building materials industry. Heidelberg Materials' investment will directly support programs that empower local youth through academic support, leadership development, and healthy lifestyle initiatives at the Club’s South Smithfield ...read more
Categories: Community, Press Release
Thursday, October 02, 2025
The Salvation Army is seeking volunteers to ring the bells for the annual Red Kettle campaign.. The tradition began in 1891 when a volunteer used a bell to get attention and collect donations for the less fortunate. The practice has since evolved into the iconic Red Kettle Program. Funds raised provide essential services like food, clothing, disaster response, emergency rent and utilities, senior ...read more
Categories: Community, Human Interest
Thursday, October 02, 2025
Duke Energy filed its biennial long-range energy modernization plan for its dual-state system with the North Carolina Utilities Commission.
The 2025 Carolinas Resource Plan is Duke Energy’s road map to serve customer growth needs while protecting reliability and keeping costs as low as possible. Customer bill impacts for the proposed plan are projected to average 2.1% annually over the coming ...read more
Categories: Community, Press Release, Business, Economic
Wednesday, September 17, 2025
CommWell Health Announces New Name Change to its Operations Center
Building Following Generous Donations
Four Oaks, NC – September 02, 2025 – CommWell Health, a large not-for-profit Community Health Center system in southeastern North Carolina, recently announced the renaming of its Operations Center Administrative building located in Four Oaks, to the Nathan Johnson Tilghman Professional ...read more
Categories: General News Article, Community, Press Release
Friday, September 12, 2025
Safe Kids Johnston County Celebrates Child Passenger Safety Week
Johnston County, NC — Safe Kids Johnston County is celebrating Child Passenger Safety Week, from September 21-27. As a special designation recently proclaimed by the Johnston County Board of Commissioners, the week recognizes the importance of keeping kids safe in cars and on the road.
“Last year, we checked 174 car seats in ...read more
Categories: Education, Press Release, Community, General News Article
Thursday, September 11, 2025
Categories: General News Article, Community, Press Release
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Thursday, September 11, 2025
Johnston County Building Inspectors Earn Statewide Award for Hurricane Helene Response
Smithfield, N.C.- For their service after Hurricane Helene, Johnston County’s Building Inspections Department received the Barry Gupton Award, a major honor from the North Carolina Building Inspectors' Association (NCBIA).
The award is presented to individuals or organizations that show exceptional commitment ...read more
Categories: Business, General News Article, Community, Press Release
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Tuesday, September 09, 2025
Johnston County to Host Voter ID Events
at Local Libraries this Month
Smithfield, NC – Johnston County will host a series of Voter Photo ID events this September to help residents prepare for upcoming elections. These events, similar to the successful outreach events held in 2024, will provide voters with the opportunity to obtain a free voter photo ID. Staff from the Johnston County Board of ...read more
Categories: General News Article, Press Release, Community, Political
Monday, September 08, 2025
Partnership for Children Hosts Community Advocacy Night, Paving the Way for Child Care Solutions
Selma, NC — The Partnership for Children of Johnston County hosted a powerful event in August to engage families and community leaders in a discussion about the child care crisis and its impacts on Johnston County residents. The evening brought together parents, child care providers, and elected ...read more
Categories: General News Article, Community, Press Release
Thursday, September 04, 2025
Johnston County Recognizes Summer Interns and Highlights Local Government Opportunities
Smithfield, N.C.- The Johnston County Board of Commissioners recognized this year’s class of summer interns during their regular meeting on Tuesday, September 2, 2025. More than a dozen high school and college students gained valuable work experience this summer through internships across multiple County ...read more
Categories: Business, Economic, General News Article, Community, Education, Press Release
Wednesday, September 03, 2025
Categories: Business, Community, Education, Press Release
Wednesday, September 03, 2025
Johnston Community College Awarded Second NSF Grant to Advance Cybersecurity Education
Smithfield, N.C. — September 3, 2025 – Johnston Community College (JCC) has been awarded a three-year, $565,044 grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to support its cybersecurity programs.
The funded project focuses on integrating employability skills, which employers seek from graduates, with ...read more
Categories: Community, Education, General News Article, Press Release
Tuesday, September 02, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THE DUPREE HOUSE TO HOST "I DO, RE-DO" EVENT FOR SUSTAINABLE
WEDDING SHOPPING
SMITHFIELD, NC – September 2, 2025 – The Dupree House is excited to announce its inaugural "I Do, Re-
Do" event, a unique wedding market designed to connect recent brides and wedding planners with brides-to-be
seeking beautiful, budget-friendly treasures. The event will be held on January 11th, ...read more
Categories: Fun Facts, Business, Community, General News Article, Press Release
Tuesday, September 02, 2025
Partnership Seeks Participants for Free Child Care Academy
Johnston County — The Partnership for Children of
Johnston County is now accepting participants for its Child
Care Academy this fall. The program provides free,
comprehensive training and support to individuals
interested in pursuing a career in child care. Participants
will complete all required training sessions, ...read more
Categories: Community, Education, Press Release, General News Article
Thursday, August 28, 2025
Johnston Community College will host a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony to celebrate the grand opening of its new Advanced Manufacturing Training Facility in Four Oaks. Members of the media are invited to attend and cover this milestone event.
This 67,000 square foot, cutting-edge facility serves as the advanced manufacturing training hub for Johnston County and the eastern region of the state. You will ...read more
Categories: Education, Press Release, General News Article, Community
Monday, August 25, 2025
Partnership for Children of Johnston County Celebrates Smart Start MonthJohnston County, NC — The Partnership for Children of Johnston County is celebrating September as Smart Start Month, a special designation recently proclaimed by the Johnston County Board of Commissioners to recognize the essential role of the Smart Start Network in supporting North Carolina’s youngest children and the adults ...read more
Categories: Economic, Education, Fun Facts, General News Article, Press Release, Community
Monday, August 25, 2025
Read to Grow Announces 4th Annual Poster Contest to Celebrate Attendance Awareness Month
Johnston County, NC – Read to Grow Johnston County is excited to announce its 4th Annual Poster Contest in honor of Attendance Awareness Month this September. The contest encourages K-5 students to create posters highlighting the importance of regular school attendance.
On August 18th, the Johnston County ...read more
Categories: Community, Education, General News Article, Press Release
Thursday, August 21, 2025
Johnston County Board of Commissioners to Hold Public Hearing on Comprehensive Transportation Plan
Smithfield, N.C.- The Johnston County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, to receive community input on the County’s Comprehensive Transportation Plan. The hearing will take place during the Commissioners’ regular meeting at 6:00 p.m. in the ...read more
Categories: Business, Community, General News Article, Press Release
Thursday, August 21, 2025
Johnston Community College Announces Record Enrollment
JCC sees another semester of double-digit percentage increase in credit students
Smithfield, N.C., (August 19, 2025) – Johnston Community College (JCC) has once again set a new enrollment record, achieving its highest-ever curriculum headcount.
On the first day of fall semester classes, JCC welcomed 6,513 degree-seeking ...read more
Categories: Community, Education, Fun Facts, General News Article, Press Release
Thursday, August 21, 2025
JoCo Sports Launches Weekly Football Podcast SMITHFIELD — Johnston County high school football fans can get their fix in a new way this season. The JoCo Sports High School Football Podcast replaces JNOW Media’s long-running “Game of the Week” Friday night live broadcast format, shifting to a podcast structure that provides coverage of every high school team in the county each week. Hosted by Randy ...read more
Categories: Community, Press Release
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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
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
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Tuesday, April 01, 2025
The Triangle East Economic Development Foundation and the Triangle East Chamber of Commerce hosted Workforce Housing: Understanding the Challenge, Creating Solutions, the Foundation’s inaugural event, addressing workforce housing challenges and their impact on local businesses.
The event took place at First Baptist Church of Smithfield on April 1st. Panelists included:
Jill Homan, President of ...read more
Categories: Chamber, Economic, Business, Community, Press Release
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
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
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
