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Articles by Sondra Martin
UNCP hosts topping-out ceremony for $96.8M Clinical Sciences Building
Photos by GFBJ Today, Nov. 5, marked a milestone for the University of North Carolina at Pembroke's new $96 million Clinical Sciences Building as the final structural beam was hoisted into place. “This beam represents hope, real potential for a better life. Hope that more healthcare professionals will choose to serve this region.
AI and the Future of Work: Regional leaders come together at FSU for constructive conversations
Regional business leaders, industry experts and economic development advocates gathered for an important collaborative conversation about one of the most transformative forces impacting today’s business landscape: Artificial Intelligence (AI). Regional business leaders, industry experts and economic development advocates gathered for an important collaborative conversation about one of the most transformative forces impacting today’s business landscape: Artificial Intelligence (AI).
City of Fayetteville’s Solid Waste Division invites community o meet Spiffy & Touch-a-Truck event on Nov. 7
The City of Fayetteville’s Solid Waste Division invites residents to an afternoon of family-friendly fun at the rescheduled Meet Spiffy & Touch-a-Truck event on Saturday, Nov. 7, from noon to 3 p.m. at455 Grove St. Taking place following Fayetteville’s Veterans Day parade, the event offers families an afternoon of entertainment, interactive activities and opportunities to meet the employees who help keep Fayetteville clean.
Fayetteville PWC earns four 2026 Public Power Awards of Excellence
Photo provided by PWC The Fayetteville Public Works Commission (PWC) has been recognized with four 2026 Public Power Awards of Excellence from ElectriCities of North Carolina, continuing a tradition of recognition dating back to 2015. PWC received awards in four categories: Strengthen Public Power, Provide Superior Power, Customer-Centered Innovation and People.
Holme’s Security System’s Duncan Hubbard awarded Key to the City
Photo courtesy of the City of Fayetteville At the Nov. 2 meeting, City Council presented Duncan Hubbard with a Key to the City. Mayor Mitch Colvin and the City Council present the award to individuals who demonstrate a lasting commitment to Fayetteville. Hubbard has given so much to Fayetteville over many years, both in and out of his professional duties. Duncan Hubbard is the operations manager at Holmes Security Systems.
Beyond Cameras: A Smarter Approach to Home and Business Security
When most people think about protecting their home or business, security cameras often come to mind first. Cameras help you see what’s happening, discourage unwanted activity, and capture valuable footage. But they’re only one piece of the security puzzle. Protecting your family, employees, and property takes multiple layers of protection. Combining cameras with monitored alarms, life safety devices, access control, and environmental sensors creates a more comprehensive approach to security.
GivingTuesday: An opportunity for your giving to go further
If you're planning to make charitable gifts this holiday season, Cumberland Community Foundation's GivingTuesday campaign may be the best opportunity to make your generosity go further. Gifts made through the GivingTuesday campaign to support local nonprofits will be amplified by $550,000 in matching funds. The campaign runs November 23, 2026, through December 1, 2026, and there are 89 local nonprofits participating. The match will help every donation have an even greater impact.
Cape Fear Valley Health names Tammy Thurman corporate director of community affairs
Tammy Thurman Cape Fear Valley Health has named Tammy Thurman its new corporate director of community affairs, bringing more than 23 years of experience in community relations, government affairs and building partnerships across eastern North Carolina. For Thurman, the new role is also a homecoming. Born at Betsy Johnson Hospital and raised in Dunn, she graduated from Midway High School and later earned a bachelor’s degree in communication and media studies from Saint Augustine’s University.
Atlantic Capital Partners arranges sale of Hope Mills Crossing for $7M+
Photo courtesy of Atlantic Capital Partners Atlantic Capital Partners has facilitated the sale of Hope Mills Crossing, a 53,204-square-foot shopping center located in Hope Mills, North Carolina, within the Fayetteville MSA. Atlantic Capital Partners exclusively represented the seller in the transaction.
City of Fayetteville seeks nonprofit applicants for Homelessness Assistance Grants
The City of Fayetteville's Economic and Community Development Department is accepting applications from qualified nonprofit organizations for funding to support programs that assist individuals and families experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless. Funding is available through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) Program.
Mulligan’s Creamery serves up locally made, premium ice cream in Moore County
Mulligan’s Creamery, owned by married couple Greg and Dawn, is serving up small-batch, premium ice cream in Southern Pines. The golf-themed ice cream shop, located at 439 Capital Drive, Carthage, N.C., has been open for about seven weeks now and has already become a local favorite. “The community has been super embracing, and that was a big thing.
Fayetteville State University to host FinTech & InsurTech Conference Oct. 28-29, exploring AI, financial innovation and future careers
Fayetteville State University will host its 2026 FinTech & InsurTech Conference, bringing together students, industry leaders, educators and policymakers to explore how artificial intelligence, emerging technologies and digital innovation are transforming the finance and insurance industries. The two-day conference will feature expert discussions, hands-on workshops, student competitions and a career fair connecting students with opportunities in high-demand fields.
A legacy of valor: Recognizing the vital role of the Green Beret Foundation in supporting Special Forces
The US Army Special Forces (SF), known as Green Berets because they are awarded a green beret to wear following the rigorous selection and training process, are specialized military units trained to conduct special operations. Photo provided by the Green Beret Foundation.
Building bridges: The Military Affairs Council's commitment to Fort Bragg and Fayetteville’s collaborative future
The Military Affairs Council currently has around 170 members and is always looking to grow and recruit additional members. Photo provided by The MAC. A mainstay institution that helps connect Fort Bragg to the greater Fayetteville area continues to chart a path toward a better community partnership. “Fort Bragg is part of the community, and the community is part of Fort Bragg,” Rob Patton, the chair of the board at the Military Affairs Council, said.
FTCC’s newly branded website earns two international awards for digital excellence
Image courtesy of FTCC Fayetteville Technical Community College’s newly branded website has earned two international honors recognizing excellence in digital design and communications: a 2026 Silver w3 Award and a 2026 Gold MarCom Award. The website was creatively designed and built by Valerie Newton, FTCC’s executive director for marketing and communications, and Anthony Orengo, the College’s web administrator.
George Breece awarded AOPA Special Award for Career Commitment to Advocacy
AOPA Executive Director, Terri Kuffel, and George W. Breece - Photo provided by NAAOP On Saturday, Sept. 12 in Las Vegas at the American Orthotics and Prosthetic Association (AOPA) National Assembly, NAAOP’s founding Executive Director, George W. Breece, was honored with the AOPA Special Award for Career Commitment to Advocacy in the field of orthotics and prosthetics.
Robeson Community College breaks ground on new Career Technical Education Building
Photo provided by RCC On Oct. 16, Robeson Community College celebrated a historic milestone with a special Legislative Luncheon and the official groundbreaking of its new Career Technical Education Building. This long-awaited investment will expand opportunities in Welding, HVAC, and Mechatronics, preparing students for high-demand careers and strengthening our region's workforce for generations to come.
N.C. Rural Infrastructure Authority grants funding to Project Crossing in Fayetteville; Theatre in Clinton
At their meeting on Sept. 14, Fayetteville City Council adopted a resolution supporting Project Crossing and authorized an application for a $152,000 N.C. Department of Commerce Building Reuse Grant. This application for a Building Reuse Grant was recently approved by the N.C. Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA).
UNCP Computer Science Program earns ABET accreditation
Photo by UNCP UNC Pembroke’s Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program has earned initial accreditation from ABET’s Computing Accreditation Commission, providing independent recognition of the quality and rigor of the program as it prepares students for careers and advanced study in computing. The accreditation, which extends through Sept.
Certified in self-care: Renaissance Day Spa expands luxury offerings, renovates spaces and builds new Fayetteville location
Renaissance offers a broad range of massage services, from standard Swedish and deep tissue massages to signature massages that offer clients aromatherapy, a farmhouse-sourced “honey heel glaze” foot treatment and hot stone therapy.
Locally sourced, family-owned: No-BS Meats celebrates the opening of its new storefront in downtown Fayetteville
Nikole (pictured) and Lakota Shawn began selling their meat at farmers markets and in an online store in 2024. Now, they’ve opened their first brick-and-mortar location. Photo by GFBJ. The Shawn family believes in quality, locally sourced food, and that’s how they run their family business, No-BS Meats. Nikole Shawn never saw herself owning this business, but it has grown organically. Her husband, Lakota Shawn, a military Veteran, grew up ranching.
Best at 910 Future Fest: First-ever 910 Future Fest Pitch Competition provides a spotlight for local budding businesses
Winners of the inaugural pitch competition were Omega Air, Rebirth-Heart and Mind PLLC, Sprinkle Me Pink, LLC and Fedora Elite Mobile Cigar Experience. Following an event-packed weekend, four Fayetteville-based entrepreneurs were given a leg up as part of the 2026 910 Future Festival.
Funding opportunities now available for small businesses
The City of Fayetteville is now accepting applications from local small businesses and commercial property owners looking to improve their storefront, invest in commercial property or take the next step toward growing their business. Grant and loan funding is available through the Can Do Economic Development Programs, with applications open through Oct. 30. Three funding opportunities are available based on the needs of the business or property owner: Can-Do CORE, Can-Do EDGE and Can-Do BOOST.
HOMES.mil connects Fort Bragg community with off-post housing
Logo courtesy of HOMES.mil Permanent change of station moves can leave military Families searching for a new home while juggling paperwork deadlines, new travels, unfamiliar communities and more. Fort Bragg’s Housing Services Office is working to make one part of that transition easier by connecting Soldiers, Department of War civilians and their Families with off-post rental options through HOMES.mil.
Surgeon & Associates names Hillary Rumppe CEO
Hillary Rumppe Surgeon & Associates, Inc. recently announced the appointment of Hillary Rumppe as chief executive officer. In her new role, Rumppe will provide executive leadership for Surgeon & Associates and oversee the management and administrative services it provides in support of independently operated affiliated companies. Rumppe brings more than two decades of leadership and operational experience to the position.
How public art transforms everyday spaces
Throughout history, public art has fulfilled many functions that differ from the purpose it can serve in today’s culture. Contemporary public art has the potential to foster a sense of community, enhance shared spaces, and contribute to a rich aesthetic experience for residents and visitors to Fayetteville.
Brightspeed invests in fiber internet expansion in Robeson County
Fast internet isn’t a luxury; it’s an essential for families trying to work from home, students needing reliable access for schoolwork and small businesses looking to grow. That’s why Brightspeed is investing in Maxton, N.C., and surrounding rural communities in Robeson County, expanding access to the tools people need to thrive.
Scott Embry, United Way of Cumberland County
Executive Director & CEO, United Way of Cumberland County BIO Scott Embry brings to United Waiy a wealth of expertise and a robust track record of leadership in sales and marketing. Scott’s previous leadership roles, including Director of Advertising at the Fayetteville Observer, equipped Scott Embry brings to United Waiy a wealth of expertise and a robust track record of leadership in sales and marketing.
Gratitude: Honoring the generosity of a community by maximizing impact
When I truly recognized that the United Way of Cumberland County exists only through the generosity of this community, it fundamentally changed me, as a leader and as a person. Your United Way does not receive state or federal funding. We are sustained by local generosity. That means every gift is more than a donation; it is a vote of confidence. It is trust placed in our mission to improve lives across Cumberland County. We do not take that lightly, and we never take it for granted.
Chetan Lokhande, MD
Cardiologist, Cape Fear Valley Health BIO Chetan Lokhande, MD is a board-certified cardiologist at Fayetteville Heart Center, located at 2301 Robeson Street, Suite 301, in Fayetteville. He is board certified in Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Medicine, and Nuclear Cardi Chetan Lokhande, MD is a board-certified cardiologist at Fayetteville Heart Center, located at 2301 Robeson Street, Suite 301, in Fayetteville.
Elizabeth Hunt, Fayetteville State University
Assistant Vice Chancellor for Risk and Compliance, Fayetteville State University BIO Elizabeth “Beth” Hunt joined Fayetteville State University in September 2021. Prior to joining Fayetteville State University, Ms. Hunt served as the Chief Compliance Officer at UNC Health Southeastern, where her oversight responsi Elizabeth “Beth” Hunt joined Fayetteville State University in September 2021.
Mark Rose, Cape Fear Valley Health
Director of Workforce Development, Cape Fear Valley Health BIO Mark Rose is the Director of Workforce Development at Cape Fear Valley Health, where he oversees the organization’s simulation center. He began his tenure as Director in August 2024, following his role as Manager of Simulation Ope Mark Rose is the Director of Workforce Development at Cape Fear Valley Health, where he oversees the organization’s simulation center.
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