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Articles by Ben Kinney
Learning Society Membership Opens Doors to Ideas, Community and Student Experiences
This content is brought to you in partnership with the Learning Society at Queens University of Charlotte. For more than 35 years, the Learning Society at Queens University of Charlotte has brought influential thinkers and leaders to campus, creating opportunities for Charlotte-area residents to engage with ideas that extend beyond the traditional classroom.
Why Brand Voice Matters More in the Age of AI-Generated Content
This content is brought to you in partnership with Emulent Digital Marketing When every brand has the same tools and takes similar strategic paths with their marketing, the only differentiators left are who you are, the experience you provide, and what you stand for. A memorable brand is more than a logo or tagline; it is defined by the stories it tells, the experiences it creates, and the emotions it brings out in its customers.
Durham Didn’t Arrive Here by Accident. Neither Will Its Future
This content is brought to you in partnership with Durham Next. Durham Next is the community partnership turning Durham’s destination potential into lasting economic growth — and building the infrastructure to sustain it for generations. A 20-year Destination Master Plan and a billion-dollar visitor economy are the foundation for building what comes next — and the business community has a critical role to play.
Upfront: Next Stages
This month’s issue has a regular feature which I love. Our annual focus on the state’s top economic development projects is an excellent example of why our state is a great place to plant, expand, grow or relocate a business. This year’s rankings include the usual mix of manufacturers, financial services, life sciences and other industries that show a strongdiversity of industries. There are a lot of factors involved in how we got to where we are, but one that stands out is our workforce.
Op/ed: Career pathways for skilled trade workforce
This is an op/ed from Jenni Harris, partner at Sanford Holshouser Economic Development Consulting in response to a question posed by BNC publisher Ben Kinney in a recent Daily Digest post regarding career pathways for the trade workforce. The growing demand for skilled trades is one of the most encouraging workforce trends we are seeing.
How Biltmore Estate Builds Its Culture Through People | Business North Carolina: On the Ground
In this episode of Business North Carolina: On the Ground, we visit Biltmore Estate to explore the people and culture behind one of North Carolina’s most iconic institutions. Known for its history, hospitality, and lasting impact on western North Carolina, Biltmore is also one of the state’s largest employers.
Business North Carolina wins National Awards
Business North Carolina’s email newsletter, the Daily Digest and the N.C. Military Report received GOLD awards last week at The Alliance of Area Business Publishers‘ annual convention. The national competition is coordinated and judged by faculty in the University of Missouri School of Journalism. Daily Digest won in the Best Daily Email division, while the NC Military Report that correspondent Dan Barkin produces earned top honors in the Best Specialty E-Newsletter group.
NC Trend: The director of the Truist Championship discusses his love for Charlotte and golf.
With the Truist Championship set for May 6-10 at Quail Hollow Club, Adam Sperling, the tournament’s executive director shared his love for Charlotte in an interview with BNC Publisher Ben Kinney. Sperling came to the Queen City in 2018 as executive director of the Presidents Cup. “I tell everybody now I don’t want to live any farther north, and I don’t want to live any farther south,” says Sperling, who is married with three daughters.
Inside Biscuitville: The North Carolina Chain Built on Scratch-Made Biscuits
In this episode of On the Ground, Business North Carolina and Bclip Productions visit Biscuitville, the Greensboro-based family business that has built a loyal following around scratch-made Southern breakfast. What began in 1966 as a small store selling day-old bread evolved into a regional restaurant brand known for simple ingredients, locally sourced products, and a strong company culture.
How NCInnovation Is Rethinking Economic Development in North Carolina
In this episode of On the Ground, Business North Carolina visits Appalachian State University to explore how NCInnovation is helping turn university research into real-world solutions and homegrown businesses. Rather than recruiting outside companies, NCInnovation supports researchers across the UNC System bridging the gap between academic discovery and market-ready innovation.
Upfront: Exit Sideshow
Last month, my wife and I visited Nashville for a few days and enjoyed a lot of good food and music. It’s a long drive to and from Charlotte, though. As we made our way home, we stopped for gas and food at the famous travel-center chain Buc-ee’s in Tennessee. There is one opening in 2027 in Mebane in Alamance County, so I thought it would be cool to get a look at what’s coming. A few thoughts: It was easy to get gas.
Celebrating Rural Health Day: The Beating Heart of Rural America’s Well-Being, Workforce and Economy
This content is brought to you in partnership with ECU Health Each year on National Rural Health Day, we pause to recognize the incredible contributions of those who provide care in rural communities. It is here, in rural America, where resilience, innovation, and compassion intersect to create lasting impacts in the lives of patients and their families. But this day is more than a celebration of service.
How SylvanSport is Shaping the Future of the Outdoor Industry | On the Ground
In this episode of On the Ground, produced by Business North Carolina Magazine and Bclip Productions, we spotlight SylvanSport, a Brevard, NC company redefining the outdoor industry. For over 20 years, SylvanSport has built innovative campers, trailers, and adventure gear designed to make travel more accessible, sustainable, and inspiring.
How Nantahala Outdoor Center Became the Southeast’s Adventure Hub | On the Ground
For more than 50 years, Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) in Bryson City, NC has been a leader in adventure tourism offering whitewater rafting, kayaking, ziplining, wilderness medicine training, and more at the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains.
How Grady-White Boats Delivers the Ultimate Boating Lifestyle
Grady-White Boats has been handcrafting premium saltwater fishing boats in Greenville, North Carolina, for over 50 years. In this episode of On the Ground—produced by Bclip Productions in partnership with Business North Carolina Magazine—we go inside their world-class facility to see how a privately owned company with a culture of excellence delivers the ultimate boating experience.
Inside Core Technology: Precision, Purpose, and the Future of Manufacturing in NC
Geoff Foster, founder and CEO of Core Technology Molding, built one of North Carolina’s most innovative manufacturing companies—supplying precision parts to global brands like BMW, Merck, and Mercedes-Benz. In this episode of On the Ground—a video series by Business North Carolina magazine and Bclip Productions—we explore how Core is scaling advanced manufacturing, investing in STEM education, and building careers through hands-on workforce development. VIDEO
Building Smart: How Compact Cottages Is Solving NC’s Affordable Housing Crisis
What if solving North Carolina’s housing crisis didn’t mean subsidies — but speed, smarter construction, and better zoning? In this episode of On the Ground: The Grit That Drives Carolina Business, we visit Compact Cottages, an Asheville-based builder redefining affordable housing across the state. Founder Barry Bialik shares how his team helped change local zoning laws, unlocking thousands of new backyard housing opportunities in Asheville and Hendersonville.
Upfront - Business North Carolina
We’ve been working on some other ways to provide North Carolina’s decision-makers content in a variety of ways. One of these is a new monthly video series we are pretty excited about. Business North Carolina and Bclip Productions, Inc. are proud to present “On the Ground: The Grit That Drives Carolina Business,” a behind-the-scenes video series filmed on location with the entrepreneurs, risk-takers, and innovators shaping North Carolina’s economy.
Daily Digest readers write about their favorite concerts
Thanks for all the great feedback from last week’s piece about great concerts you attended. I think I hit a nerve. Here are a few memories Counting Crows The one memory I will share is a two-parter with Counting Crows. When the band vaulted to superstardom with “August And Everything After,” I caught their show in January or February 1994 at the old Grady Cole Center. It was by far the worst concert I’ve ever seen. The band was totally stoned.
How Spiffy Revolutionized Mobile Car Care | On The Ground with Karl Murphy
On The Ground is a video series showcasing the entrepreneurs shaping North Carolina’s economy. In this episode, Bclip Productions and Business North Carolina magazine visit Durham to meet Karl Murphy, CEO and founder of Spiffy. Spiffy has transformed traditional car care with a nationwide fleet of mobile technicians, backed by custom-built vans and powerful cloud-based technology.
NC trend: A Tar Heel with influence at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame makes the case for Bad Company
Nominees for this year’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame class are an impressive list. The Black Crowes, Joy Division/ New Order, Mariah Carey and Cyndi Lauper are included among 14 nominees. One band stands out to me: Bad Company made the list for the first time. That’s both awesome, but also incredibly sad to report. The British band formed in 1973, debuted “Feel Like Makin’ Love” in 1975, and was a powerhouse before initially disbanding in 1983. It reunited for tours over the next three decades.
How do you get into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (and how does Bad Company)?
The ballots for nominations in this year’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame have been announced. It’s quite lengthy and pretty decent. The Black Crowes, Joy Division/ New Order, Mariah Carey and Cyndi Lauper are included. One band stands out to me: Bad Company has made the nominee list for the first time. That’s both awesome but also incredibly sad to report.
Business North Carolina wins national awards
Business North Carolina received two national awards last week at the Alliance of Area Business Publishers annual conference in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The first award was in the Best Feature category for a profile of Raleigh radio magnate Don Curtis written by Edward Martin.
Apparo Presents: Charlotte's Prestigious Blue Diamond Awards
This content is brought to you in partnership with Apparo Charlotte’s prestigious Blue Diamond Awards are back! Applications for the final two awards in the 2023-2024 series (Business Impact Corporation and IT Entrepreneur) open on May 6th, learn more here. To celebrate the winners of the Community Solutions Blue Diamond Award, join us at Apparo’s CXO Tech Insights event on May 22nd.
Upfront: A Bright Future
As we enter the month of May, some are thinking about college graduation. I know my wife and I are because our oldest son plans to walk down the aisle at Appalachian State University later this month (as of press time, I hope that’s still the plan). We’ll be taking the family up the mountain as we celebrate his four years in Boone and what’s to come. A lot of families will be doing this across the state this month. So it’s fitting that this issue features our Higher Education Directory.
Upfront: Good times, great oldies
The North Carolina Music Hall of Fame 2023 inductions were made last month and Charlotte’s own Fetchin Bones were one of the N.C. music legends honored this year. Back in the ’80s, this band was a force of nature, opening for acts such as R.E.M., the B-52s and the Red Hot Chili Peppers — not that they didn’t have a strong following of their own. I always considered their sound kind of country-punk with a bit of funk. The band, led by vocalist Hope Nicholls, is well-deserving of the recognition.
Readers write: Cover songs
You good people love your covers! We had an amazing response to last week’s intro call out for your favorite cover songs. Great variety, genres and feedback. Here’s a rabbit hole you may want to go down with links. (I didn’t post full lists that came in, just a sampling.) Have at it! Just My Imagination (Running Away From Me) – The Rolling Stones Black Diamond by the Replacements, originally written by Paul Stanley and performed by KISS.
North Carolina’s ‘Best Employers 2023’ – here’s the list from Business North Carolina | WRAL TechWire
by Ben Kinney, Business North Carolina — June 5, 2023 . CHARLOTTE – This year’s Best Employers were ranked by market research company DataJoe in four categories. 1. First Bank 2. Workplace Options 3. Furnitureland South 4. Wilmington Health 1. Jackrabbit Technologies 2. Barringer Construction 3. North State Bank 4. Smith Anderson Law Firm 5. Bernard Robinson & Co. 6. Dogwood State Bank 7. Aspida 8. Burns & McDonnell 9. TransImpact 10. HonorBridge 11. Summit Credit Union 12. Bobbitt Construction, Inc. 13.
Topping the list of North Carolina's Best Employers 2023
This year’s Best Employers were ranked by market research company DataJoe in four categories. DataJoe created and implemented a survey that polled employers and their employees. The survey covered essential workplace topics, including organizational health, leadership, engagement, work-life balance, pay, training, benefits and corporate social responsibility. 1. First Bank 2. Workplace Options 3. Furnitureland South 4. Wilmington Health 1. Jackrabbit Technologies 2. Barringer Construction 3.
Upfront: Problem solvers
We are excited to share a new feature with you in this issue. BNC partnered with technology advocacy association NC TECH to launch the Next Tech Awards to showcase and celebrate North Carolina’s rising tech stars. Next Tech Awards honors a selection of individuals who are critical and exceptional performers helping to grow our state’s tech and tech-enabled companies and organizations. The focus is on those who are c-suite executives and often aren’t recognized publicly.
Upfront: Mural support
I travel a lot across the state. Obviously nature calls on some of these trips, and I usually make a stop at one of our state’s outstanding rest areas if I can, rather than a convenience store. (They can sometimes be a little off-putting depending on which one you choose). North Carolina’s rest stops are clean, neat and seem to be pretty safe on the occasions I’ve visited. They should be, of course.
Celebrating National Rural Health Day
This content is brought to you in partnership with ECU Health Today, the third Thursday of November, is National Rural Health Day. As a leader in rural health care and education, I wanted to take this opportunity to shine a light on rural health care and celebrate the team that makes up ECU Health and the Brody School of Medicine and thank them for their contributions to our great rural region.
Five Ways Higher Education Has Changed in the Last Five Years
This content is brought to you in partnership with WGU North Carolina, an accredited online university offering affordable and flexible bachelor’s and master’s degree programs. WGU North Carolina, the state affiliate of Western Governors University, was established in October 2017 to help working adults in North Carolina pursue bachelor’s and master’s degrees in the high-demand fields of business, IT, healthcare, and K-12 education.
Upfront: Fond memories
Welcome to September. The summer is coming to a close, and we are all looking back on it thinking “man, that went quick.” Seems like the older I get, the more I say that. I was lucky enough to spend a lot of this summer with some dear folks around the state. Here’s a little taste: I watched my family members pull in wahoo from the Gulf Stream on a charter and dine on them that same night.
Logan hosts Todd
The stands were full of eager spectators at Logan County High School on Tuesday, Aug. 16. Logan County Volleyball hosted one of its division rivals the Todd County Rebels. The atmosphere was buzzing with energy. Not only was it “Alumni Night,” where the team recognized past alumni of Logan County High School Volleyball, but it was also the first match of the season. The action kicked off right away as both teams exchanged points.
Fast-growing N.C. middle-market companies make Top 40 list
GREENSBORO — Forty North Carolina companies were honored on Wednesday, August 24, at Grandover Resort for being named to the 2022 N.C. Mid-Market Fast 40 list. The annual list ranks N.C. based mid-size companies based on revenue and employment growth.
Developing collaboratives help close skills gaps and increase qualified talent
This content is brought to you in partnership with the NC Chamber The NC Chamber, the state’s largest, broad-based business advocacy organization, hears several common themes from North Carolina’s employers. Businesses seek better ways to move workers through training pathways. Education programs are not always aligned with open jobs. There is an inadequate network of social supports, such as childcare and housing, for helping individuals transition into higher-wage careers.
Up front: Teach your children
One of the sections you’ll be reading through this month is our Business and Education Round Table. We like to bring business leaders and, whenever possible, educators together to discuss ways they partner in the classroom to help students prepare for the workforce of the next generation. It’s always a great discussion, and I’m amazed at some of the ways they collaborate.
Reader feedback on workforce challenges and opportunities in N.C.
Share this story: Recently, BNC asked readers to provide feedback on relevant topics that address the hurdles N.C. employers and economic developers experience when it comes to navigating and benefiting from the state’s workforce-development system. What does the N.C. business community need to do in terms of improving the workforce in North Carolina? What are the challenges?
John Maxwell: COVID-19 has been a proving ground to reveal true leaders in business
John Maxwell: COVID-19 has been a proving ground to reveal true leaders in business Posted 02/11/2021 John Maxwell: COVID-19 has been a proving ground to reveal true leaders in business2021-02-112021-02-11https://businessnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/bnc-new-masthed_orange_250.pngBusiness North Carolinahttps://businessnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/bnc-new-masthed_orange_250.png200px200px Share this story: Crisis brings out the best and worst in people, says leadership expert John...
The axeman cometh: 5 questions for Walt Gray
The axeman cometh: 5 questions for Walt Gray Posted 12/10/2020 The axeman cometh: 5 questions for Walt Gray2020-12-102020-12-10https://businessnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/bnc-new-masthed_orange_250.pngBusiness North Carolinahttps://businessnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/bnc-new-masthed_orange_250.png200px200px Share this story: Walt Gray is the business development manager for Waccamaw Lake-based Council Tool, a manufacturer of hatchets, axes and hand tools.
Steve Forbes to be first guest on monthly forum hosted by Business North Carolina
Steve Forbes to be first guest on monthly forum hosted by Business North Carolina Posted 12/08/2020 Steve Forbes to be first guest on monthly forum hosted by Business North Carolina2020-12-082020-12-08https://businessnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/bnc-new-masthed_orange_250.pngBusiness North Carolinahttps://businessnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/bnc-new-masthed_orange_250.png200px200px Share this story: The new year will certainly hold many changes and more challenges for those in...
Podcast Episode 5 - Seth Price - ActiveRain University
Insights for Success Episode 5 – Seth Price Seth Price has spent 20 years in digital marketing, consulting for more than 300 companies during that period, including 19 of the FORTUNE 500. His current endeavor is as Chief Instigator at Placester, providing social media and content marketing advice and counsel to tens of thousands of real estate professionals & brands. Placester is the fourth multi-million dollar company Seth has helped grow from scratch.
5 questions for Chip Baggett
5 questions for Chip Baggett Posted 09/03/2020 In Blog, You oughta know 5 questions for Chip Baggett2020-09-032020-09-03https://businessnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/bnc-new-masthed_orange_250.pngBusiness North Carolinahttps://businessnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/bnc-new-masthed_orange_250.png200px200px Share this story: This week, Chip Baggett, J.D., became the new executive vice president and CEO of the North Carolina Medical Society after a nationwide search.
5 questions for Rent Ready CEO Jonathan Kite
5 questions for Rent Ready CEO Jonathan Kite Posted In Blog, You oughta know 5 questions for Rent Ready CEO Jonathan Kite2020-08-252020-08-25http://businessnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/bncweblogoblacksmall_space-01.pngBusiness North Carolinahttp://businessnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/bncweblogoblacksmall_space-01.png200px200px Share this story: After a six-year tenure at Microsoft, Jonathan Kite joined forces with two fellow UNC Chapel Hill graduates to found Rent Ready.
5 questions for Carl Warren
5 questions for Carl Warren Posted August 13, 2020 In Blog, You oughta know 5 questions for Carl Warren2020-08-132020-08-13http://businessnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/bncweblogoblacksmall_space-01.pngBusiness North Carolinahttp://businessnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/bncweblogoblacksmall_space-01.png200px200px Share this story: Carl Warren was recently named the next president of the North Carolina Railroad Co. The 317-mile NCRR corridor runs from Charlotte to the port terminal at...
5 questions for Jennifer Fitzgerald - Business North Carolina
5 questions for Jennifer Fitzgerald Posted June 25, 2020 In Blog, You oughta know 5 questions for Jennifer Fitzgerald 2020-06-252020-06-26http://businessnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/bncweblogoblacksmall_space-01.pngBusiness North Carolinahttps://businessnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/jennifer-fitzgerald_ceo-co-founder-policygenius-600x600-1.jpg200px200px Share this story: Jennifer is the CEO and co-founder of online insurance marketplace Policygenius, which has headquarters in New...
5 questions for John Loyack
5 questions for John Loyack Posted May 14, 2020 In Blog, You oughta know 5 questions for John Loyack2020-05-142020-05-14http://businessnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/bncweblogoblacksmall_space-01.pngBusiness North Carolinahttp://businessnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/bncweblogoblacksmall_space-01.png200px200px Share this story: John Loyack is vice president of global business services for the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, the nonprofit organization that performs a...
5 questions for Jennifer Troyer
5 questions for Jennifer Troyer Posted May 7, 2020 In Blog, You oughta know 5 questions for Jennifer Troyer2020-05-072020-05-07http://businessnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/bncweblogoblacksmall_space-01.pngBusiness North Carolinahttp://businessnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/bncweblogoblacksmall_space-01.png200px200px Share this story: This week, Dr. Jennifer Troyer, who has served at UNC Charlotte in various interdisciplinary roles for two decades, was appointed dean of UNC Charlotte’s...
5 questions for Katherine Drake Stowe
5 questions for Katherine Drake Stowe Posted April 30, 2020 In Blog, You oughta know 5 questions for Katherine Drake Stowe2020-04-302020-04-30http://businessnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/bncweblogoblacksmall_space-01.pngBusiness North Carolinahttp://businessnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/bncweblogoblacksmall_space-01.png200px200px Share this story: Katherine is the director of research for the North Carolina Soybean Producers Association where she leads the research efforts of one of...
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