engage_magazine_2017_Fall_v3

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SERVING OUR COMMUNITY SINCE 1899 2017-2018 Board of Directors 159 Maxwell Street OFFICERS Fayetteville, NC 28301 Jim Grafstrom - Chair910.483.8133, Fax: 910.483.0263www.faybiz.com, www.fayyp.org Spectra Venue Management www.faymac.us Jerome Scott - Vice Chair [email protected] The Insurance GuyEngage Magazine is a Business Publication of the Kitti Jo Finch - Past ChairGreater Fayetteville Chamber CenturyLink Christine Michaels Pam Jackson - Treasurer PRESIDENT & CEO Fayetteville State University CHAMBER STAFF Bill Pannhoff - Secretary Nick Capapas B&B Catering Chief Financial Officer DIRECTORS David Guy Charles Allen, V Director of Membership Two Men and A Truck Jenny Proctor Michael Fletcher Director of Community Relations Manna Church Kelly Moore Jim Graham Director of Programs & Events Bizcard Xpress Taneshia Kerr William Hedgepeth Director of Communications Select Bank & Trust COPY EDITORS Ralph Huff Christine Michaels H&H Homes Jenny Proctor David Lane CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Christine Michaels Houston Astros James J. Grafstrom, Jr. John McCauley Deborah Martin Mintz Highland Paving Co. Wendy L. Harris Dr. Y. Sammy Choi William (Bill) Pryor Robert Van Geons Cape Fear Valley Health System Glenn Adams Nanthan Walls John Roberson Campbell University Gary Rogers Beasley Media Group E N G A G E Y O U R Q U A RT E R LY C H A M B E R B U S I N E S S J O U R N A L 3

A LETTER FROMTHE CEOWelcome!This issue of Engage magazine is focused on the Fayetteville/Cumberland economy. As you will read inside, we havea lot of exciting things going on to be proud of! We hope our residents and businesses will find this informationinteresting and uplifting, and that industry considering a move to our area will clearly see how much we have to offer.Not only is Fayetteville’s downtown seeing increased activity, so are our retail areas, business parks, as well as HopeMills, Spring Lake, and all of the towns in Cumberland County.Join with us as we celebrate! CHRISTINE MICHAELS PRESIDENT/CEO A LETTER FROM THE CHAIRThe Greater Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce, operating under various names, has existed since 1899… over 100 years! Throughoutthat extensive length of time, the Chamber has been a driving force behind ensuring that our local economy is advancing and that ourcommunity is prosperous and vibrant. It is an honor to serve this community along with fellow Board Members, Ambassadors, and mostimportantly FOR our members! Our community is growing. The evidence is everywhere. Drive down Cliffdale Road, take a ride over byJack Britt High School, travel North on Ramsey Street, explore downtown Fayetteville; you will be amazed at what you see! From residentialexpansion to multi-million dollar commercial investments, the Fayetteville / Cumberland County that you once knew is evolving right beforeyour eyes. Embrace it. Our community is progressing into one in which we can all be proud of, one in which the foundation for an excellentquality of life provides for optimal ability to operate a successful business.Through membership at the Greater Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce, you have the ability to contribute to and influence the growth ofour business climate. Every day the Chamber strives to facilitate success. Working collectively as a membership, our voice is strong and wemust use it to shape future business policy. Our vision, “Building a prosperous and resilient community through business leadership”is precisely what the Chamber and its members are dedicated to uphold.Sincerely, JAMES J. GRAFSTROM, JR. CHAIR / SPECTRA VENUE MANAGEMENT4 E N G A G E Y O U R Q U A RT E R LY C H A M B E R B U S I N E S S J O U R N A L

WHY FAYETTEVILLE, NC?Fort Bragg World’s Largest Military InstallationOur Community Fort Bragg6th Largest City in The Carolinas World’s Largest Military InstallationMost Affordable Housing Prime Locationin The US For First-Time Home Buyers(WalletHub2017) In the I-95 Corridor Within An 8-Hour Drive of ⅔ Of The US PopulationDowntown Baseball StadiumUnder Construction (Houston Astros Affiliate) Education SystemsVibrant Downtown Featuring Museums, Live Music Fayetteville Technical Community College,& Festivals, & Award-Winning Cultural Events Fayetteville State University, Methodist University & Campbell University at Fort BraggLocal Population = 550,000 CSA Skilled WorkforceHigh Under-Employment Statistics 6,500+ Highly-Trained Personnel1,000s Of Military Spouses & Veterans Transition Out of Ft. Bragg Each YearWorld-Class Golf Courses Convenient Airport American, Delta, & United Offer Flights With One Connection To Every Major US Business Destination 910-485-5790www.highlandpaving.com E N G A G E Y O U R Q U A RT E R LY C H A M B E R B U S I N E S S J O U R N A L 5

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CULTURE MEANSBUSINESS By Deborah Martin Mintz Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County [email protected]fit arts and culture are a $59.2 million industry in CumberlandCounty. This sector supports 1,867 full-time equivalent jobs andgenerates $6.1 million in local and state government revenue.Nonprofit arts and culture organizations spend $29.7 million annually in Cumberland County. This spending isfar-reaching: organizations pay employees, purchase supplies, contract for services and acquire assets withinour county.In addition to spending by organizations, the nonprofit arts and culture industry leverages $29.5 in event-relatedspending by its audiences. As a result of attending a cultural event, attendees often eat dinner in local restaurants,pay for parking, buy gifts and souvenirs, and pay a babysitter. What’s more, attendees from out of town often stayovernight in a local hotel. In Cumberland County, these dollars support 1,867 full-time equivalent jobs and generate$6.1 million in local and state government revenues.Cumberland County is one of 341 study regions that participated in Americans for the Arts’ Arts & EconomicProsperity 5, the most comprehensive study of its kind ever conducted. The study documents the economic impactof the nonprofit arts and culture sector in 113 cities, 115 counties, 81 multi-city or multi-county regions, 20 states,and 12l arts districts—representing all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia.The study focused solely on the economic impact of nonprofit arts and culture organizations and event-relatedspending by their audiences (not including admission costs). Spending by individual artists and the for-profit arts andculture sector (e.g., radio, advertising, architecture, design, publishing) are also excluded from this study.Higher than the national medianCumberland County is consistently higher than the national median in the major study categories:Direct Expenditures Cumberland County National MedianFull-Time Equivalent Jobs $59,176,053 $35,750,645Local Government Revenue 1,867 1,131State Government Revenue $2,924,000 $1,407,000 $3,189,000 $1,961,000“Our nonprofit businesses not only provide amazing services such asaward-winning theatre, art therapy to cancer patients and woundedwarriors and educational opportunities for our youth, they obviously area critical part of the economic fabric of our community as this studydemonstrates,” says Deborah Martin Mintz, executive director of theArts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County – the organizationthat funded and facilitated the study. E N G A G E Y O U R Q U A RT E R LY C H A M B E R B U S I N E S S J O U R N A L 7

FayBiz.com E N G A G E Arts/cultural events a huge draw! Cumberland County’s nonprofit arts and culture sector provides attractions that draw visitors to the community. In fact, 73.1 percent of all non-resident survey respondents reported that the primary reason for their trip was “specifically to attend this arts/cultural event.” Nonlocal attendees who stay overnight in paid lodging spend an average of $116.28 per person as a result of their attendance—significantly more than the $17.82 overall per person average of nonlocal attendees who did not stay overnight in paid lodging. If we don’t offer it, visitors will go somewhere else Finally, the audience survey respondents were asked, “If this event were not happening, would you have traveled to another community to attend a similar cultural experience?” • 48.1 percent of Cumberland County’s resident cultural attendees report that they would have traveled to a different community in order to attend a similar cultural experience. • 54 percent of Cumberland County’s non-resident cultural attendees report the same. These figures demonstrate the economic impact of the nonprofit arts and culture in the purest sense. If a community does not provide a variety of artistic and cultural experiences, it will fail to attract the new dollars of cultural tourists. It will also lose the discretionary spending of its local residents who will travel elsewhere to experience the arts. In short, the arts retain local dollars. Volunteerism: An Economic Impact Beyond Dollars While arts volunteers may not have an economic impact as defined in this study, they clearly have an enormous impact by helping Cumberland County’s nonprofit arts and culture organizations function as a viable industry. Arts & Economic Prosperity 5 reveals a significant contribution to nonprofit arts and culture organizations as a result of volunteerism. During 2015, • A total of 5,098 volunteers donate148,774 hours to Cumberland County’s nonprofit arts and cultural organizations represented in the study. • This represents a donation of time with an estimated aggregate value of $3,505,115 (Independent Sector estimates the dollar value of the average 2015 volunteer hour to be $23.56). Conclusion The arts and culture provide inspiration and joy to residents, beautify public spaces, and strengthen the social fabric of our communities. Nonprofit arts and cultural organizations are also businesses. They employ people locally, purchase goods and services from other local businesses, and attract tourists. Event-related spending by arts audiences generates valuable revenue for local merchants such as restaurants, retail stores, parking garages, and hotels. This study puts to rest a misconception that communities support arts and culture at the expense of local economic development. In fact, communities that support the arts and culture are investing in an industry that supports jobs, generates government revenue, and is the cornerstone of tourism. This Arts & Economic Prosperity 5 study shows conclusively that the arts mean business in Cumberland County! Forty-eight nonprofit arts and culture agencies and nonprofits who provide arts and culture programs are represented in the Cumberland County study. Financial data reflects 2015 budgets. Audience data was collected from 1,194 event attendees in 2016. The full Cumberland County report is available at http://www.theartscouncil.com/about/impact8 E N G A G E Y O U R Q U A RT E R LY C H A M B E R B U S I N E S S J O U R N A L

FAYETTEVILLEON THE MOVE!Fayetteville is growing by leaps and bounds. By Nathan Walls City of Fayetteville Corporate Communications [email protected] March of 2015, residents overwhelmingly approved a $35 million Parks & Recreation Bondthat will transform the way we serve our residents with recreational facilities in years to come.New retail establishments are opening up at an incredible pace. New businesses are coming toour city, bringing with it higher paying jobs for residents. A new $33 million baseball stadium,completed in 2019, will be home to the Houston Astros’ Class A team. And the City has donethat with a lot of planning, a bit of patience, and some stars lining up in the right path – all witha lean municipal budget that best uses taxpayer dollars.E N G A G E Y O U R Q U A RT E R LY C H A M B E R B U S I N E S S J O U R N A L 9

Parks & Recreation developments Fayetteville breaks ground on new baseball stadiumThe $35 million Parks & Recreation Bond that wasapproved by residents will drastically improve the City’s • Total square footage: 64,000 square feetparks and recreational facilities. The bond referendumwill enable Fayetteville to move forward on planning the • Concourses: 360-degree movement around theconstruction of a state-of-the art skate park, seven new concoursesplash pads, a sports field complex, two senior centers,a Cape Fear River Park, a tennis center, and performsignificant improvements to existing City parks.Two splash pads as a result of the bond have been opened • Suites: 6 private suites with 12 outdoor seatsso far, at the Kiwanis Recreation Center and the Massey Hill and 4 drink rail seats in each suiteRecreation Center. The other five splash pads are inthe development and construction stages. • Club Lounge: 100 outdoor club seats andThe skate park – the location which is yet to be determined 2,880 square feet for interior table seating– will be an area attraction that will rival skate parks in theNortheast and attract not only our residents, but out-of- • Party Deck: 158 person capacity on the coveredtown guests, as well. It will indeed be a destination skate outdoor Party Deck, with 1,140 square feet ofpark for skaters up and down the East Coast. covered table seating.The design of one of the senior centers is being workednow to ensure this is built to the expectations of the seniors • Additional Premium Amenities: 4 concourse levelin the community and it properly addresses their needs. private suite boxes with amenities, 23 left field tablesThe senior centers will be state-of-the art, complete with with catering, 20 right field boxes with buffet styleindoor pools, workout facilities, dance studios, arts and food service, a private right field grill with foodcrafts rooms, a full kitchen, and a coffee bar. service, a rocking chair terraced seating area in centerfield, and a right field bar with terraced seating for 116.And the sports complex and tennis complex will be • Berm Seating: Outfield lawn seating that willcapable of serving resident needs, while attracting accommodate 364 people in left field, which istournaments featuring out-of-town teams, which will have ideal for families.a revenue-generating impact across the community. All ofthese amenities will be completed before 2023. • Splash Pad: Outdoor splash pad located adjacentThese additions will be very welcome in our community as to lawn seating.the City works to improve how it serves residents from aparks and recreation perspective. It has been proven that • Retail: 1,964 square foot team retail space withparks and green spaces help to improve residents’ health entrances on the exterior and concourse.and these additions will clearly lend themselves to helpingimprove the health needs of the community. • Playing Surface: Natural grass sodded turfUpdates on the Parks & Recreation Bond projects can befound at www.fayettevillenc.gov/parksbond. • Field Dimensions: Left Field: 340’, Left Center Field: 368’, Center Field: 400’, Right Center Field: 357’, Right Field: 325’ • Architect: Populous (with offices in New York, Pittsburgh, Boston and other U.S. cities). • Contractor: Barton Malow (based in Southfield, Mich., with an office in Charlotte). The new splash pad at Kiwanis Recreation Center, shown in use in Summer of 2017, was the first Parks & Recreation Bond project to open. Overall, seven new splash pads will open as part of the10 E N G A G E Y O U R Q U A R T E R LY C H A M B E R B U S I N E S S J O U R N A L

On August 21, the City broke ground on Fayetteville’s $33 million options, an outfield bar, a Splash Pad funded by the Parks &baseball stadium, which will be home to the Houston Astros’ Recreation Bond, and a kid zone.Class A team. The stadium will open in time for the 2019 season. All of these activities and amenities will help ensure thatThe baseball stadium is expected to attract thousands of people attending a baseball game in the City’s new stadium will be aneach year to Fayetteville’s historic downtown and to the City entertainment opportunity for residents and out of town guests,overall. Approximately 70 baseball games will be played each not just a sporting event. In addition to providing an economicalseason by the new minor league baseball team that is affiliated recreational outing for families, the stadium will also be anwith the Houston Astros, which won the World Series for the first economic catalyst for future businesses in the downtown area.time in the club’s history, going back to 1962, when the team was Additionally, the stadium’s multi-functional design will allow itknown as the Colt .45s. to be used for concerts and other public venues, convertedThe minor league baseball team will play in the Advanced to a football or soccer field, and even reserved for proms. TheA Carolina League, which is only a few rungs from the Major stadium concourse will be open throughout the day to allowLeagues. Residents can come watch future stars of Major League people to walk around the stadium for exercise.Baseball right here in Fayetteville.The stadium will hold more than 4,000 people, with generalseating, club seating, and suites, along with multiple concessionFayetteville’s new baseball stadium (rendering shown) is expected to This baseball stadium rendering shows the view from the formerattract thousands of people each year to Fayetteville’s historic downtown. Maiden Lane. The stadium will open in time for the 2019 season.Approximately 70 baseball games will be played each season by the newminor league baseball team that is affiliated with the Houston Astros. AOIRPBEORRANTIEO&NSSPMEUCSIEAULM Folks! Get on Boar d!• VINEYARD & WINERY •Come on Up & Coming Weekly Community Newspaper & UpandComingWeekly.com500+ Locations Countywide and Online | 22 years of Marketing, Advertising & Consulting measured by our clients’ Success Nothing to do in Fayetteville! Really?Call us today and see how you can be a part of everything that’s going on in Fayetteville. 910-391-3859 | www.upandcomingweekly.comHOWMelcoEmeTtoOFaWyetNtevWille EanLd FCorOt BMragEg!A proven advertising & marketing solution | 910.484.6200“Fayetteville, Fort BFirnadggouatnwdhCaut’smgboeinrlganodCConummmbuenrliatyndNCCewouispntanyp’serouyonutyr’snCewomHmomuneittoywNne!wspaper”1e9s9t6. FREESeptemVbOeF&rLUB2M0PEU-2B22L6II,SCS2AU0TE1IO73N8 S 20tAnnualSubscribe FREE online at www.upandcomingweekly.comEAnNrteteswrt&sa,inVmieewnst,!op9E/n2s2aT“GEilvbilErDTETaDh:EaTThEErMusical”M9E/M2b3ErsnhaipabcapnqluifEETc9h/ai2r-8iTKy iaDsupcTEiaocnE E N G A G E Y O U R Q U A R T E R LY C H A M B E R B U S I N E S S J O U R N A L 11

FayBiz.com E N G A G ENew Transit Center Opens It will also make things easier for our FAST dispatchers, who work at the new facility and help to more efficientlyAnd that’s not all that’s taking place downtown. The new manage the City’s bus routes every day. The FAST CenterFayetteville Area System of Transit’s multimodal center will also host Megabus and Greyhound bus services, asopened downtown in December at the corners of Robeson well as taxicab services.and Russell streets and Robeson and Franklin streets.The FAST Center provides FAST bus customers with astate-of-the-art facility that is cleaner, safer and larger thanthe transfer center that was built years ago, and can moreeasily move residents within the city limits.• Visit www.RideFAST.net or call 433-1747 • Megabus Info: www.megabus.com; Megabus will for FAST information. begin/continue operation immediately upon the move to the FAST Center.• Rides are $1.25 each. • Greyhound Info: www.greyhound.com;• For FAST information, please call (910) 433-1747. Greyhound to begin operation before Christmas.• For ADA reservations, please call (910) 433-1232 or log onto www.ridefast.net. • Passes will no longer be sold at the FAST Administration Office once• Bus passes: In addition to buying passes at the the FAST Center opens. new FAST Center, customers can buy passes while shopping for groceries at Carlie C's stores at their Eutaw Village, Cedar Creek, Bordeaux and Reilly Road locations. • Cost: $12 million, with a combination of Federal, • Several bike racks will be located on the State and Local funds paying for the FAST Center. Transit Center property. • FAST building is 33,000 square feet. Of that, • Two 55’ TV screens in the passenger area will display Greyhound will be leasing 1,700 square feet with TransLoc information and other passenger information, an additional 6,000 square feet of available tenant with several smaller TV screens that will display bus space. information near the customer service area. • Occupancy: • The building and bus bay areas are almost entirely o The bus waiting area can accommodate 127 lit by LED lighting. people and has 32 benches. • Roof pitch of the Transit Center is designed to mimic o The front lobby area along Franklin Street can the roofline of the Airborne & Special Operations Museum. accommodate 83 people. o The public area upstairs along the balcony can accommodate 83 people. o The upstairs community room can accommodate up to 164 people, depending on the configuration of the room with tables and chairs. o 4 large public restrooms (2 upstairs; 2 downstairs) and 1 family restroom (downstairs). The Fayetteville Area System of Transit (FAST) opened its new transfer center, the FAST Center, in December of 2017. The FAST Center, shown from the corner of Winslow and Franklin streets, will provide customers of the city’s FAST bus system with a state-of-the-art cleaner, safer and larger transfer center to more easily move residents across the city.12 E N G A G E Y O U R Q U A R T E R LY C H A M B E R B U S I N E S S J O U R N A L

Business Opportunities and Growth Abound development and delivery, software programs, and technology systems integration, has announced they areThe downtown area of Fayetteville has seen a dramatic moving forward on a major expansion and renovationincrease in business growth over the past 12 months. project that will base its headquarters in FayettevilleApproximately 20 new downtown businesses have and result in the creation of 75 full-time jobs and anopened within the downtown area since January, including investment of more than $600,000 over the next threeRevolutionary Coworking, a shared workspace, which years. Located at 208 Hay St. in Downtown Fayetteville,currently has approximately 75 members working out of the custom computer programming service provider is antheir offices, New York Bagel Café and Deli, and The Wing industry leader implementing state-of-the-art 3D gameCompany. The Center for Economic Empowerment and development, 3D simulation and E-learning courseware,Development (CEED) recently completed its first Where’s modern training solutions, and learning managementthe Truck food truck event that was held each week on systems. ACLC was founded in 2003 and currently employsWednesdays, from May through October, in Festival Park. a large number of veterans in our community.The Where’s the Truck event allowed residents to enjoy Another recent company to announce its presence infood prepared by local businesses in an outdoor setting Fayetteville is Issues & Answers Network, Inc., which willand to meet and network with other members of the be opening a new facility in the coming months, creatingcommunity. It’s a great event that more modern and 300 part-time positions, as well as full-time managementprogressive cities host, and was recently featured in the opportunities. Issues & Answers Network, Inc. is anNorth Carolina League of Municipalities Southern City independent, global marketing research provider ofMagazine. scalable research services, including survey and samplingThe event drew an average of 400 to 500 customers design, in-house data collection, focus group research,weekly, with more than 700 customers showing up one project management, and data analysis and interpretation.week to devour all the food the trucks had prepared. In A third corporate addition to the community is takingtotal, more than 9,000 people attended the events over place thanks to K3 Enterprises, Inc., a local, woman-ownedthe seven-month period. defense contracting firm, which is moving forward on a substantial renovation of its Fayetteville headquartersEconomic growth continues to expand that will create 32 high-paying jobs by mid-2018.While growth in downtown has been positive, Fayetteville Good Neighbors.has also seen growth in other areas across the City. Quality Service Providers.Freedom Town Center on Cliffdale Road recently openedto great fanfare. The new shopping center brings stores PWC connects homes and businesses to award winninglike Field & Stream, Home Goods and World Market here;stores which previously required that residents drive to electric, water, and wastewater services with rates thatRaleigh or Charlotte.A new Publix – the first to open in this area of North are among the lowest in the state. You can count on PWCCarolina – recently opened on Raeford Road, reviving anold and outdated shopping center with new construction to provide safe, reliable service … and, to be prepared toand a place for several new businesses to thrive. Therehave been tens of stores opened on Skibo Road over the respond to emergencies and outages.past year, to include Academy Sports, Duck Donuts, OldChicago Pizza, World of Beer, Mission Barbeque, and We are leaders in sustainability andMetro Diner. Even more stores are being built now, andthe growth in that area has not slowed down. Additionally, offer the excellence and communitytwo new Aldi’s are being built in Fayetteville, to add to theother two already existing stores within the city. Businesses commitment only a local municipalare looking to locate here because they see an opportunityfor success. That’s good for residents, good for businesses, utility can provide. faypwc.comand good for the economy.In addition to new businesses opening for consumers,bringing with it new jobs for residents in the retail outlets,new jobs are also being brought to the city limits froma corporate side. The Fayetteville-Cumberland CountyEconomic Development Corporation has been active inhelping to expand the community’s job base. AdvancedComputer Learning Company, a leader in training E N G A G E Y O U R Q U A R T E R LY C H A M B E R B U S I N E S S J O U R N A L 13

FayBiz.com E N G A G EK3 specializes in technology and communications for the Hiring has already started with key management roles. TheDepartment of Defense, the State of North Carolina, and company is looking to fill a variety of positions, includingthe private sector. The new employees will include analysts, technical support agents, quality assurance agents andtechnology experts, managers and support staff, and will team leads.receive an average annual wage of over $91,000. This is Each of these corporations, whether new to the area, ormore than double Cumberland County’s median annual simply expanding their operations, realize the importancewage, which as of 2015 was $41,683 according to the U.S. of this area and the skills Fayetteville residents have thatCensus Bureau. can fill the roles they are seeking within their organizations. This will continue to help increase job opportunities andA fourth corporation to announce plans to call Fayetteville add to the economic base across the city.home is eClerx Customer Operations, with plans for a newdelivery center within the city, adding 40 jobs to the areaand additional growth projected over the next two years. A new Publix – the first to open in this area of North Carolina – recently opened on Raeford Road. The grocery store has revived a an old and neglected shopping center area with new construction and a new hope for future businesses in neighboring brand new Freedom Town Center brings stores like Field & Stream (pictured), Home Goods and World Market here; stores that residents previously had to drive to Raleigh or Charlotte to find. The shopping center has its own road that runs between two strip malls, complete with a stoplight at the entrance to both shopping areas. From baseball to businesses to new Parks & Recreation facilities, Fayetteville is on the move and the future is bright! Fayetteville is one of the largest cities in North Carolina and we have a diverse population full of residents with strong skill sets, and the addition of new jobs to the community is much needed and welcomed. Years of discussions and planning are now paying off. This community is on the cusp of realizing the fruits of labor that have gone into making it a city that is envied by others. It’s time to get excited as Fayetteville forges ahead into a prosperous tomorrow!14 E N G A G E Y O U R Q U A R T E R LY C H A M B E R B U S I N E S S J O U R N A L

Greater Fayetteville Real EstateIN A NUTSHELLBy Wendy L. HarrisLegislative Co-Chair, Longleaf Pine REALTORS®[email protected] real estate market is good…comparatively speaking, some might say itis great from where we have come. It has been said that reality is perception,but in our market, the reality of our real estate market is, well…reality!We most recently have come from a real estate market Residential home prices responded to this pressurethat has had too high of a volume of new construction and finally we have flipped that switch. We currentlysales which created a negative pressure to residential have another imbalance.resale homes. However, this imbalance is a corrective one. We haveThis was obvious in the shortage of new construction fewer new homes selling than is typically consideredand the massive oversupply of residential resale. balanced. This means that the excess inventory is(A balance resale market is roughly considered six being absorbed. This is good, but is it enough?months supply of inventory. We had four times thissupply of inventory at one point). E N G A G E Y O U R Q U A R T E R LY C H A M B E R B U S I N E S S J O U R N A L 15

FayBiz.com E N G A G EWe have lots of good things happening here in While we do have companies moving into our areathe greater Fayetteville area. We have a Parks and creating jobs, keep in mind that it is the upper& Recreation Bond, we have city governments level jobs and income levels which create homesupporting sidewalks and crosswalks, we are moving buyers. The majority of retail and manufacturingtoward and understanding the importance of smaller jobs will help the rental market, but we improve ourcommunities within our larger ones. community when we increase homeownership.So why is this article just not roses and rainbows? As a REALTOR® I am committed to supportingWell, we are at the beginning of an improving market. all opportunities for jobs in our community. Let’sIf we are not all on the same page this journey could encourage our city and county governments to workend before it begins. A big concern for us is that together to consistently and constantly look forwhile inventory is being absorbed, builders are still and be open to job creation. Let’s support them asbuilding. So what will we need if we have our current individuals and make sure we are also looking for theinventory and more being added to the market place? long term win over the short term gain.We will need more buyers.In order to have more buyers,what will we need? We willneed jobs. United Way of Cumberland County16 E N G A G E Y O U R Q U A R T E R LY C H A M B E R B U S I N E S S J O U R N A L

CAPE FEARRESEARCHCONSORTIUM ByDr.Y.SammyChoi Cape Fear Research Consortium [email protected] Cape Fear Research Consortium (CFRC) is a FSU and Womack; and biosensor/biomechanics studycollaboration consisting of the Cape Fear region among paratroopers with CU, 82nd Airborne Division,educational institutions, medical centers, and military and Womack. Through this and many more futureorganizations. It is the platform for a decentralized projects, we will be able to use our combined resourcesnetwork requiring only an idea to proceed. Our primary for joint efforts that will lead to discoveries, patents, andgoal is to create a robust research engine that will marketable technologies and treatments.produce cultural and economic change resulting insustained scientific, medical and technology growth LOCAL PEOPLE.of the Cape Fear region. We will accomplish this by LOCAL DECISIONS.leveraging the immense combined talent of the region Experience the community banking difference!to spur independent and collaboBra-tiFvearyeestetaercvhi.lle Locally owned since we were established in 2000, SelectCFRC is comprised of faculty and/or staff from Campbell Bank & Trust is a true community bank devoted to servingUniversity (CU), Fayetteville State University (FSU), the needs of our customers. We are large enough to serveMethodist University (MU), Fayetteville Technical your personal or commercial banking needs, yet smallCommunity College (FTCC), Southern Regional Area enough to provide the outstanding personal service thatHealth Education Center, Womack Army Medical Center, only a locally-owned community bank can deliver.Cape Fear Valley Health Systems, Fayetteville VeteransAffairs Hospital, 18th Airborne Corps and US Army Bank Local. Bank with Select.Special Operations Command. We work closely withthe North Carolina Biotechnology Center at ResearchTriangle Park and the North Carolina Military BusinessCenter headquartered at FTCC. Additionally, wepartner with The Geneva Foundation, a non-profitthat supports exclusively the advancement of militarymedicine. Other organizations that may not bedirectly involved with research may join. There is nomembership fee.Our region has experienced dramatic growth in thehealth care sector in the past five years. Simultaneously,there has been commensurate growth in health caretraining programs. CFRC will provide an opportunity forthe health care sector and educational infrastructure towork together to build a strong academic name for theCape Fear region.Current activities include a collaborative grantapplication with CU, MU and Womack to purchaseliquid chromatography-mass spectrometry to allow ametabolomics approach to study infectious diseases,vaccine injury, and pain; infectious disease research with www.SelectBank.com 910.485.5855 | 2818 Raeford Rd. E N G A G E Y O U R Q U A R T E R LY C H A M B E R B U S I N E S S J O U R N A L 17

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTHOW OUR COMMUNITYIS MOVING FORWARDBy Robert Van GeonsFayetteville Cumberland Economic Development [email protected] economic development is one of the most relevant grant and incentive programs based on theimportant aspects of a community’s advancement estimated capital investment and jobs created by thestrategy. Development comes from external companies development project. It also helps facilitate building site andlooking to build new facilities and local firms who are contract acquisition, necessary infrastructure, and connectionsready to expand their number of employees between representatives from the company, local and Stateand operations. governments, and business and community partners.These projects increase the overall tax base and provide Collaboration Is Keyour citizens with sustainable jobs. However, not manypeople know how Fayetteville and Cumberland County According to the FCEDC’s President & CEO Robert Van Geons,are actively pursuing these opportunities and whatmakes our area such a competitive and business-ready “Like baseball, economic development isenvironment. a team sport. It requires a partnership of the public and private sectors,Business-Ready Advantages workforce, education systems, and other varied assets of our area to experienceFayetteville is the sixth-largest metro in the State, and our long-term and meaningful growth.”excellent workforce, location, and available resources help usdifferentiate ourselves from similarly-sized competitors across For our community’s economic development effortsthe country. These advantages, and our relation to to succeed, we must all share a unified vision andFort Bragg and the Department of Defense, attract commitment to moving forward. Our success story iscompanies who specialize in technology, defense-related ongoing, and more and more people and organizationsservices, manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics. are getting involved in shaping a better economic futureThese prospects can build or expand a facility at one of for our citizens. Each of us can play an important role inour vacant industrial sites or buildings, hire employees with growing economic prosperity. Together we can accomplishspecialized skillsets that are already in our area, and easily the incredible.make connections with business partners, clients, localgovernment, and community leaders.In addition to these selling points, our award-winning artsand cultural amenities, professional and collegiate sports,and growing downtown district also add value by offering ahigh quality of life for employees at every level of a company. Engaging Decision-Makers Ribbon cutting at the new 8 million dollar Piedmont Natural Gas facility on March 30, 2017. The Fayetteville Cumberland Economic Development Corporation (FCEDC) is a public-private partnership dedicated to aggressively recruiting businesses to our community and supporting existing industry by facilitating new supply-chain opportunities, partnerships, and expansion projects. They do this by reaching the decision-makers of companies at the local, national, and international level and demonstrating how they can utilize our advantages to grow and succeed within Cumberland County. The FCEDC then works with these businesses to identify18 E N G A G E Y O U R Q U A R T E R LY C H A M B E R B U S I N E S S J O U R N A L

OUR COMMUNITY’S BUSINESS-READY ADVANTAGESWorkforce• 6,500+ highly trained personal from Fort Bragg transition out of the military each year. When polled, two-thirds say that they would prefer to or are interested in remaining in our community.• A large number of graduates with degrees in STEM fields such as biological sciences, biomedical sciences, accounting, civil engineering, statistics, and computer and information sciences are located in the area.• Cumberland County has one of the youngest workforce in the Carolinas with a median age of 31.9. This is far below the state (38.4) and national (37.8) averages.• Workforce development support is readily available including on-the-job training assistance and local postsecondary sources from Fayetteville State University, Methodist University, and Fayetteville Technical Community College.Location• Fayetteville is on the I-95 corridor within an 8-hour drive of two-thirds of the nation’s population.• Diverse local and State incentives are available to support businesses of various sizes and sectors.• Cumberland County is near deep-water shipping ports in Wilmington, NC and Charleston, SC.• The area is serviced by Class I Norfolk Southern and CSX Rail Services as well as the regional Aberdeen Carolina & Western Railway Company.• Fayetteville Regional Airport houses a 7,709 ft. runway that accommodates cargo jets. American, Delta, and United offer flights with connections to every domestic and international location.Resources• Local utility providers offer substantial capacity and affordable electrical, water, wastewater, and natural gas infrastructure.• Fayetteville ranks high in national broadband internet rankings.• Local government and organizations are pro-business development and cooperate to offer incentives and support to emerging and existing industry.• Fayetteville is the most affordable large housing metro in North Carolina.• A lower cost of living combined with a diverse community creates a high quality of life that is affordable, accessible, and full of opportunity. JOIN US TODAY (910) 483-0263 www.fayyp.org E N G A G E Y O U R Q U A R T E R LY C H A M B E R B U S I N E S S J O U R N A L 19

FayBiz.com E N G A G EECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTIN PRACTICE By Robert Van Geons Fayetteville Cumberland Economic Development Corporation [email protected] has been a hotbed of economic development in the past few months withmultiple companies adding new facilities or expanding their existing operations in our area.These projects promote the growth of our local economy and have created hundreds of jobs forpeople with a wide variety of skillsets. This has been possible through the active collaboration ofthe State of North Carolina, local governments, and organizations like the Fayetteville CumberlandEconomic Development Corporation (FCEDC).Issues & Answers Inc. To support this project, the City of Fayetteville endorsed the Company’s application for a Building Reuse and Restoration Grant through the NC Department of Commerce. The City also partnered with Cumberland County to match funds provided by the State through the One NC Grant Program.Issues & Answers Network, Inc., a global marketing K3research company, recently announced that it will openinga new facility in Fayetteville. This Virginia Beach, VA based K3 Enterprises, INC., a local, woman-owned company,employer specializes in survey and sampling design, has recently been awarded a five-year Department offocus group research, and data analysis services. Defense contract for program services. To satisfy theMayor Nat Robertson introduced Peter McGuinness, contract’s space requirements and to hire an additionalthe President of the firm, to the FCEDC team who helped 32 employees, K3 is expanding its headquarters inIssues & Answers identify a site location and facilitate their Downtown Fayetteville with over $2 million in capitalcontracts. This project will create 300 part-time positions investment. This was made possible through a Ruralas well as full-time management opportunities in the Economic Development Grant from the NC Departmentcoming months. of Commerce’s Building Reuse Program and a 5% match from the City. Working through their existing industryACLC program, the staff of the FCEDC was under an extremely short deadline when they brought the project to the CityLocated on Hay Street, ACLC (Advanced Computer for consideration. Robert Van Geons, President & CEOLearning Company) is a tech company that develops of the FCEDC said, “The immediate support we receivedtraining programs, learning management systems, is what made securing these jobs and this investmentstate-of-the-art 3D video games, and other software. It is possible. This is a great example of how our collaborativenow moving forward on a major expansion that will base economic development efforts support existing industry.”its headquarters in Downtown Fayetteville and create 75high-paying, full-time jobs. In addition to renovating theirfacility to accommodate their growing operations, theproject will also include green screen and virtual realitystudios for interactive multimedia development.20 E N G A G E Y O U R Q U A R T E R LY C H A M B E R B U S I N E S S J O U R N A L

COUNTY COMMISSIONCHAIRMAN REFLECTS ON2017 ACCOMPLISHMENTS By Glenn Adams Edited By Christine Michaels Cumberland County Commissioners Greater Fayetteville Chamber [email protected] [email protected] “As chairman of the Board of Commissioners for 2017, I am excited about the progress we are seeing in our community,” said County Commission Chairman Glenn Adams. They have reason to be - by the end of the year, the Fayetteville Cumberland Economic Development Corporation expects to have announced more than 700 full- and part-time jobs and $50 million in investment in our community for 2017.FOR EXAMPLE “We want to attract more The commissioners serve as employers, and telling our Cape Fear Valley Health trusteeseClerx opened its operational delivery story is essential to this effort,” and the Commission is excitedcenter in July that is expected to employ Adams said. Recognizing that about the residency programmore than 100 people. The Board of many groups are charged with that will train doctors right hereCommissioners approved an economic marketing our community, he in our region with the hope thatincentive grant not to exceed $37,500 for brought together leaders of they will stay and practice here.the project. the Tourism and Development The inaugural class kicked off in Authority, Convention and August with 32 residents.The Board also approved incentives in Visitor’s Bureau, Crown Complex, This program is projectedSeptember for Advanced Computer Arts Council, Chamber of to bring $300 million to theLearning Co., a computer education and Commerce and the FCEDC area over the next 10 yearssoftware company, which is adding 75 jobs to discuss ways to increase by creating jobs and bringingand expanding its downtown headquarters. cooperation, collaboration and residents and instructors here to effectiveness. live and work. Research showsThere are two new solar farms in the The vision for a unified that 50 percent will stay and livecounty, and the Innovative Solar 46 farm is overarching brand has taken where they receive their training.one of the largest solar farms east of the root, he believes, and this Sports also took center stage inMississippi. structured conversation has 2017. “We hope the residents grown to include representation will take in a few hockey gamesCommissioners have approved incentives of the City of Fayetteville, the at the Crown Complex,” Adamsfor a distribution center project to move Cool Springs District and the said. “Earlier this year, we wereinto the Cedar Creek Business Center. The private sector. at risk of losing our hockey teamimprovements to the site will not be less In the months ahead, these franchise.than $40 million and the company will local partners will be combiningcreate 140 new full-time jobs. More details their energies and resources inare due in the very near future about new ways to showcase the bestProject Nano2. of Cumberland County’s arts, economic, historic and cultural assets. E N G A G E Y O U R Q U A R T E R LY C H A M B E R B U S I N E S S J O U R N A L 21

But, the County, in partnership with the Fayetteville Area More than 200 people attended a summit on November 18Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Tourism and to help develop steps needed in the battle against poverty.Development Authority, didn’t let that happen.” In August, Although Cumberland County experienced many wonderfulthe new owners of the hockey team rebranded the franchise achievements this year, 2017 was not without challenges.as the Fayetteville Marksmen and started their inaugural season A decrease in property values changed the landscape forthis fall. preparing the Fiscal Year 2018 budget and tough decisionsIn addition, the TDA approved $75,000 over three years to had to be made. “Ultimately, the County developed a budgetsupport institutional marketing of three tenant teams at the that was fiscally responsible and provides core services toCrown – the Marksmen, the Cape Fear Heroes Indoor Arena residents,” Adams said.Football Team and the Rogue Roller Derby. The County also “I am so proud of how this community came together in thereceived financing approval for $2.75 million that will be used days and months following Hurricane Matthew. Recoveryto replace the ice floor, add LED ribbon lighting around the efforts are ongoing and will continue for many years,” Adamscoliseum and install a modern center-hung scoreboard. These added. Programs such as the Community Development Blockimprovements are expected by the end of the fiscal year. Grant – Disaster Recovery are still being rolled out to assistTo improve public safety and community well-being, eligible residents. For still unmet needs in our community,Cumberland County launched our new emergency notification the Cumberland Disaster Recovery Coalition is stepping in tosystem, Cumberland Alerts; reinstituted as the Public Safety fill those gaps. “They are working with case managers fromTask Force; and the 911 Call Center is now an Accredited Lutheran Services and crisis counselors to help our fellowCenter of Excellence for emergency medical dispatch. The citizens,” Adams said.Department of Public Health is collaborating with Stedman “Whatever the storm – weather-related, economic or socialWade Health Services Incorporated to provide adult primary – this is a resilient community. Together, we can increase ourcare services and dentistry for both adults and children, and the resiliency and improve the lives of our citizens. We are ready.Commissioners approved contracting with a private company We are strong. We are moving forward. “By Glenn Adams,to provide jail health services. 2017 Chairman Cumberland County Board of Commissioners.The County is participating in the Pathways for Prosperityproject to battle poverty and improve the lives of our children. Find Your 10New Home in 9 11Fayetteville! 23 5 from the $160’s 8 6 Visit HHhomes.com 7 CUMBERLAND COUNTY 7 PearTree West ~ from the $230’s 4 8 Roslin Farms West ~ from the $220’s 11 Upchurch Farms ~ from the $180’s 9 Eastover North ~ from the $240’s2 Highcroft ~ from the $190’s 10 Palestine Point ~ from the $230’s3 Woodmark at Harris Place SAMPSON COUNTY from the $160’s4 Valley End ~ from the $210’s 11 Mill Ridge ~ from the $190’s5 Park View ~ from the $240’s6 Westhaven ~ from the $320’s More Neighborhoods in Hoke, Harnett & Moore Counties!22 E N G A G E Y O U R Q U A R T E R LY C H A M B E R B U S I N E S S J O U R N A L

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