Business Archives - Warrenist | Warren County NC Arts Culture Lifestyle Events Calendar Warrenton Norlina Littleton News

VIDEO: A Look at “Warren County, NC: From the Ground Up”

Team Warrenist — Fri, 13 Sep 2024 14:50:22 +0000

In partnership with Capitol Broadcasting Company, Inc., Warren County Community and Economic Development released “Warren County, NC: From the Ground Up,” a video highlighting our diverse businesses and organizations in the area.

Warren County’s passion and commitment to building and thriving locally are the driving force behind our community’s success and culture. It’s that dedication and commitment to community that has been the backbone of our county for years. Hear from some of our small businesses about our community’s values that are the foundation for success.

Small businesses featured (in order of appearance):
AF Wake (https://afwake.com);
Working Landscapes and ByWay Foods (https://bywayfoods.com/);
Brown Family Farms (https://brownfamilyfarmscsa.com);
Kings Fitness (https://www.kingsfitnessnc.com/);
Lake Gaston Outfitters (https://www.lakegastonoutfitters.com/)
Rockin’ E Ranch (facebook.com/rockin.e.ranch)

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‘Biz Kidz’ Shine at Warren Farmers Market

Crystal — Fri, 23 Aug 2024 17:55:20 +0000

This past weekend, the Warren Farmers Market was abuzz with youthful energy and entrepreneurial spirit as young business owners took center stage at the first “Biz Kidz” event. These aspiring entrepreneurs, many of whom were seasoned in the art of business, proudly displayed their products, impressing customers and vendors alike.

The following businesses were: Jaques, Jameya, Jaqeim, Jamaya, Jamara, and Jaquae Oliver of Oliver Kids Collection (decorated signs, and all natural, scented play-doh); Thea and Zoey Taber of Taber Treasures (crocheted coasters and potholders, bracelets, necklaces, keychains, bookmarkers); Jayden Andrews of JayRock’s Creations (hand-painted rocks); Kinsley Henderson of Sisterly Dreams Co. (cotton candy), and Olivia Burrows, who assisted as a 4H volunteer.

Whether we see them again at the Warren Farmers Market or at local festival, we look forward to seeing what these kidpreneurs do next!

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Duke Energy Foundation Grants VGCC $50,000 to Support Small Business Growth

Team Warrenist — Mon, 19 Aug 2024 17:30:12 +0000

The Duke Energy Foundation recently announced it has granted $50,000 to The VGCC Foundation to support small businesses in Vance, Granville, Franklin, and Warren counties.

The grant is part of $700,000 in new funding made available to North Carolina small businesses in partnership with community development organizations like the Small Business Center at Vance-Granville Community College. Small business grants ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 will be distributed through 20 community organizations to support retail shops, restaurants, and other small businesses looking to expand, upgrade technology, and improve downtown storefronts.

Now in its fourth year, the program has provided over $2 million in funding to small businesses since its inception during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The Duke Energy Foundation’s small business grant program has helped fuel a resurgence of entrepreneurial small businesses ranging from bookstores to restaurants in our state,” said Kendal Bowman, North Carolina State President for Duke Energy. “These small business grants ensure Main Streets across North Carolina are well positioned to benefit from our state’s unprecedented economic growth.”

Such businesses play a critical role in the state’s economic health and employ nearly half of North Carolina’s workforce, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration.

“Small businesses remain the backbone of the U.S. economy, and in rural areas, they also serve as the heartbeat of our local economies,” noted VGCC President Dr. Rachel Desmarais. “This monetary commitment enables Vance-Granville Community College to promote the entrepreneurial mindset and support budding small business ideas into real businesses within our larger community.”

The VGCC Small Business Center will select grant fund recipients through a series of workshops, one based in each of the four counties the College serves. Each workshop session will span four evening classes (10 total hours of instruction). The sessions will culminate with a five-minute pitch contest, after which five of the session’s 10 participants will receive a $2,500 award to support their small business.

Workshop dates and locations are as follows:
Sept. 16–19: VGCC South Campus
Sept. 30 – Oct. 3: VGCC Main Campus
Oct. 7–10: VGCC Warren Campus
Oct. 14–17: VGCC Franklin Campus

To learn more about this program and participant requirements, contact VGCC Small Business Center Director Carolyn Perry at (252) 738-3240 or perryc@vgcc.edu.

For more information on the Duke Energy Foundation and its initiatives, visit duke-energy.com/Foundation.

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Warren County Sees 10.8% Growth in Visitor Spending

Crystal — Wed, 14 Aug 2024 20:05:31 +0000

Visitor spending in Warren County reached an impressive $73 million in 2023, marking a notable 10.8% increase from the previous year. This exceptional growth rate not only highlights the county’s rising popularity but also positions Warren County as a leader in the state for visitor spending growth.

These statistics come from the “Economic Impact of Travel on North Carolina Counties 2023,” which can be accessed at partners.visitnc.com/economic-impact-studies. The study was prepared for Visit North Carolina by Tourism Economics.

North Carolina as a whole saw total visitor spending of $35.6 billion, underscoring the significant role that Warren County plays within the state’s tourism industry. Warren County’s impressive double-digit increase in visitor spending outpaced the state’s growth percentage, highlighting the county’s successful tourism strategies and its burgeoning status as a sought-after destination.

“We are incredibly proud of this achievement and the positive impact it has on our community,” said Jennifer Pierce, Chair of the Warren County Board of Commissioners. “The increase in visitor spending not only boosts our local economy but also creates jobs and enhances the quality of life for our residents.”

The economic impact of this surge is far-reaching. Visitor spending has created 251 jobs within the community, generating $11.4 million in labor income. Additionally, the local tax base benefited substantially, receiving $3.6 million, which translates into a savings of $293.22 per resident.

According to the impact report, the breakdown of visitor expenditures for 2023 in Warren County includes:
– Lodging: $18.54 million
– Food and Beverage: $21.28 million
– Recreation: $10 million
– Retail: $5.96 million
– Transportation: $16.83 million

“We look forward to growing our tourism economy and marketing efforts in Warren County, including launching our Tourism Development Authority and getting our occupancy tax off the ground,” stated Charla Duncan, Director of Warren County Community and Economic Development. “Our small business community, including short-term lodging hosts, should be commended for their contribution to these numbers. Their investment is paving the way for future commitment to our county.”

For more information about Warren County and its tourism opportunities, please visit warrencountync.org or contact Charla Duncan, Warren County Community and Economic Development at 252-257-3115.

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Places with the fastest growing home prices in Warren County, NC

Team Warrenist — Thu, 29 Dec 2022 06:31:52 +0000

Konstantin L // Shutterstock

Places with the fastest growing home prices in Warren County, NC

Stacker compiled a list of places with the fastest growing home prices in Warren County, NC using data from Zillow. Places are ranked by the dollar change Zillow Home Values Index for all homes from October 2021 to October 2022. The ZVHI represents a seasonally adjusted price for the middle market for all homes. All 4 cities and towns with data available were included in the list. Charts for each place show the monthly typical home value since January 2018.

#4. Macon, NC

– 1-year price change: +15.7% (+$27,622)
– 5-year price change: +52.0%
– Typical home value: $203,811

#3. Manson, NC

– 1-year price change: +16.3% (+$29,182)
– 5-year price change: +54.7%
– Typical home value: $208,735

#2. Norlina, NC

– 1-year price change: +26.9% (+$29,375)
– 5-year price change: +70.8%
– Typical home value: $138,530

#1. Warrenton, NC

– 1-year price change: +32.0% (+$32,165)
– 5-year price change: +73.4%
– Typical home value: $132,616

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Global Entrepreneurship Week Starts Monday with Free Events for Business Owners

Team Warrenist — Mon, 14 Nov 2022 21:29:57 +0000

Learn about grant writing, meet business-minded people in your area, and support local young entrepreneurs!

Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW), a global celebration of entrepreneurship that occurs in the second week of November, from November 14–20 this year. During this week, people from over 200 countries worldwide operate an array of programs aimed at making it easier for anyone, anywhere to start and scale a business.

A collaboration with Warren Area Business Association (WABA), Access Warren, and the Warren County Cooperative Extension, all GEW Warren County events are FREE and open to the public.

WARREN COUNTY GEW 2022 EVENTS

Monday, November 14 @ 7pm
COMMUNITY RESOURCE PRESENTATION
Meet the President/CEO of Gateway CDC to find out what types of services this local organization can help with. Hint: you don’t have to pay thousands or even hundreds for logos and/or a brand.
Bragging Rooster
120 South Main Street
Warrenton, NC 27589

Tuesday, November 15 @ 7pm
GRANTS 101
Join us at the Frontier Warren Co-Working Space in Warrenton for a Virtual Conversation with Bethany Niebauer of Axial Compliance about grant writing for beginners.
Frontier Warren Co-working Space
140 South Main Street
Warrenton, NC 27589

Wednesday, November 16 @ 7pm
FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES COFFEE TALK
Meet and greet with some area resources that can help you with funding ideas. Join us while we talk with representatives from Kerr-Tar COG and the Town of Warrenton.
Lake Gaston Coffee
104 Wellington Way
Littleton, NC

Thursday, November 17 @ 7pm
SPEED NETWORKING BUSINESS CARD BINGO
Time for Speed Networking! Grab your business cards and come prepared to make connections with other entrepreneurs in our area.
Roxie’s
109 South Hall Street
Warrenton, NC

Saturday, November 19 @ 10am-2pm
WABA KIDS ART + ENTREPRENEURSHIP MARKET
Get your holiday shopping started off right at the 3rd WABA Kids Arts & Entrepreneurship Market. Find baked goods, art, clothing, fiber works, cotton candy and more from our budding business owners.
Frontier Warren Co-working Space
140 South Main Street
Warrenton, NC

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New Store Brings Beauty and Smiles to Downtown Warrenton

Crystal — Wed, 05 Oct 2022 13:25:19 +0000

A ceremonious cheer and applause could be heard over a block away when Paulette Burton flipped the open sign on the door of her anticipated store, Sweetie’s Beauty Supply and Smiles located in downtown Warrenton.

A long-desired retail store in the area, she is eager to satisfy the beauty needs of enthusiasts who no longer wish to travel to neighboring counties for quality hair care products.

Currently lining her shelves are the traditional items you would find in a beauty supply store: wigs, weaves, hair conditioners, hair dye, brushes, and in her display case, beard kits for the fellas who wish to keep their facial hair soft and maintained.

Burton calls Sweetie’s a “community store,” and she emphasizes her point by including two boards in her store that allows customers to write suggestions, product recommendations and to provide feedback.

Before opening her doors in Warrenton, the Washington DC native’s entrepreneurial pursuit had already garnered a reputation.

A buzz, you can say around what else she would be selling in her store.

Originally located in Norlina before becoming mobile, her store concept left some local residents… “concerned.”

Upon walking in, one would immediately notice a bold red curtain with black drapes in the back of the store. A forbidden area to anyone under the age of 21, behind the curtain is where the “Smiles” in her business name comes into play.

Geared towards a “mature” market, customers looking to kick their behind closed doors action up a notch can find massage oils, romance kits, s*x toys, and more on the shelves in the enclosed area.

Long before her grand opening on a Sunday afternoon that also included a celebratory champagne toast, Burton was visited by local officials. She stated that they informed her as long as those select products were kept hidden from younger eyes, she would be in compliance with local regulations.

So, with that being said, if you find yourself searching for a wig to switch up your look or want to spice up an evening at home (or both), be sure to stop by one of the most unique shops in Warren County history, Sweetie’s Beauty Supply and Smiles.

Sweetie’s Beauty Supply and Smiles is located on 220 S Main Street in Warrenton, NC. Store hours are Tuesday – Sunday, from 3:30-7:30pm. The store website is https://SmilesandSweetiesBeautySupply.com and for updates on new products and more, follow the store on Facebook and Instagram.

Check out photos from the Sweeties’ Beauty Supply and Smiles Grand Opening below:
[See image gallery at warrenist.com]

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Spectrum Awarded GREAT Grant for Warren County Broadband Services

Team Warrenist — Wed, 07 Sep 2022 11:43:21 +0000

The NC Department of Information Technology announced on August 31st that Spectrum Southeast, LLC has been awarded $4,000,000 to deploy broadband services to approximately 1434 households and businesses in Warren County. The required match of the provider is $1,408,229; the county has expressed a willingness to partner with Spectrum in helping to achieve the match.

The Growing Rural Economies with Access to Technology (GREAT) grants are awarded from the federal American Rescue Fund Act State Fiscal Recovery Funds.

In 2021, Spectrum was also awarded a majority of the eligible Census tracts in Warren County through the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) federal reverse auction; this funding supports a build out of a fiber network to eligible areas, covering approximately 2,000 households.

Warren County has worked with Spectrum since the RDOF award was announced in early 2021 to leverage federal dollars and apply for state funding as well. At their December 2021 meeting, the Board of Commissioners reached a consensus giving the County Manager authority to move forward in negotiating a partnership with Spectrum to cover homes that were not a part of the RDOF award. GREAT grant funds and county dollars will assist in supplying the funding necessary to cover these households.

Combining these programs will essentially lead to countywide availability of broadband.

Details on a construction timeline and specific household addresses that will be served are in the works.

However, both the GREAT grant and RDOF funding outline a set completion time as part of the funding requirements. The GREAT grant program has a two-year construction timeline after all agreements are finalized.

More information on RDOF can be found at https://www.fcc.gov/auction/904. More information on the GREAT grant can be found at https://www.ncbroadband.gov/grants/other-resources/great-grant-state.

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Warren County Tops State in Tourism Growth For Third Year in a Row

Team Warrenist — Thu, 01 Sep 2022 11:00:17 +0000

County Tops State in Growth Since 2019

Domestic and international visitors to and within Warren County spent $63.01 million in 2021, an increase of 27% from 2020. The data comes from an annual study commissioned by Visit North Carolina, a unit of the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina.

In 2021, visitor spending in Warren County grew 68% from spending levels pre-pandemic; prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the county saw $31 million spent in 2019. Warren County had the highest growth from pre-pandemic levels than any other county in the state.

Visitor spending includes lodging (including second home spending), food and beverage, recreation, retail, and transport.

“Our residents and businesses know that Warren County is a special place; visitors have recognized this for years as well,” stated Charla Duncan, Director of Warren County Community & Economic Development. “Warren County’s travel and visitor industry has been able to demonstrate continued resilience, and even come out in a better position than we were before our COVID challenges.”

“Our strength in Warren County continues to be that our natural and cultural assets are a stable, safe, and desirable resource for visitors.”

In both 2019 and 2020, Warren County was recognized for topping the state in visitor spending growth from the previous years.

Visitor impact highlights for 2021

The travel and tourism industry directly employees more than 232 people in Warren County.
Total payroll generated by the tourism industry in Warren County was $10.8 million.
Visitor spending totals $3.5 million to the tax base in Warren County.

“Our existing businesses are continuing to see a positive impact from our tourism draw, and we hope that potential businesses can look at this growth and see the value of operating in Warren County as well,” stated Duncan.

These statistics come from the “Economic Impact of Travel on North Carolina Counties 2021,” which can be accessed at partners.visitnc.com/economic-impact-studies. The study was prepared for Visit North Carolina by Tourism Economics in collaboration with the U.S. Travel Association.

Statewide, visitor spending in 2021 rebounded by 44.9 percent to reach $28.9 billion. Following the devastating pandemic-related losses of the 2020, the total fell just short of the record $29.22 spent in 2019. Direct tourism employment increased 10.5 percent to 197,500.

“These findings are something that everyone in North Carolina can celebrate,” said Visit NC Director Wit Tuttell. “They’re a testament to the resilience of our businesses and our residents, and to the enduring appeal of destinations that include everything a traveler might want. The economic well-being of the state and all its communities rises with the pleasures travelers find in the natural beauty of our public spaces, our culinary traditions and innovation, our remarkable towns and our spirited cities. North Carolina can claim it all.”

Statewide highlights include:

- Total spending by domestic and international visitors in North Carolina reached $28.9 billion in 2021.That sum represents a 44.9 percent increase over 2020 expenditures. The figure falls 1 percent below the record $29.22 billion spent in 2019.
- Domestic travelers spent a record $28.6 billion in 2021. Spending was up 45.2 percent from $19.7 billion in 2020.
- International travelers spent $337 million in 2021, up 25.6 percent from the previous year.

Visitors to North Carolina generated $3.9 billion in federal, state and local taxes in 2021. The total represents a 29 percent increase from 2020.

- State tax receipts from visitor spending rose 34 percent to nearly $1.2 billion in 2021.
- Local tax receipts grew 26 percent to $1.1 billion.
- Direct tourism employment in North Carolina increased 10.5 percent to 197,500.
- Direct tourism payroll increased 18.9 percent to $7.7 billion.
- Visitors spent more than $79 million per day in North Carolina. That spending added $6.4 million per day to state and local tax revenues (about $3.3 million in state taxes and $3.1 million in local taxes).
- Each North Carolina household saved $580 on average in state and local taxes as a direct result of visitor spending in the state. Savings per capita averaged $222.

North Carolina hosted nearly 45 million visitors in 2021.

For more information, contact Charla Duncan at Warren County Community & Economic Development at 252-257-3115.

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Milano’s Shares Updates Including Art Competition and Projected Re-opening Date 🍕

Crystal — Wed, 16 Feb 2022 07:35:21 +0000

For the last few months after an extended period of silence and standstills, fans of Milano’s Italian Restaurant have been enjoying the piping hot servings of news and photos.

Since our small town lost the Main Street eatery and date night destination in a devastating fire that destroyed the historic Rose’s building it occupied and neighboring business, CC Showers of Distinction in May 2020, the status of what would become of the restaurant was like hand tossed pizza dough: it was up in the air.

But, thanks to social media, the owner has kept its hungry fan base feasting on photos featuring renovations as well as keeping everyone abreast of any new developments.

In one of their most recent Facebook posts, the owner made two announcements: an art competition and the restaurant’s tentative re- grand opening date.

*fingers crossed*

We are holding an art competition. This is open to all ages and the chosen artwork will be on display at Milanos. So get your colored pencils, sharpies, oils, paints ready. The submissions cannot be larger than a piece of poster paper and must be original. The artist’s name and age must be on the back of the submission.

Age categories are:
5 – 8 years old
9- 11 years old
12-15 years old
16-18 years old
Adult

The theme is: ITALY

All submissions must be dropped off at Citizens Insurance & Bonding Co., Inc. at 116 N Main St, Warrenton. The winners of the competition will be announced at the grand re-opening, tentatively scheduled for April 1st!

Follow along with Milano’s progress by checking out their Facebook page and by following The Warrenist, of course .

Milano’s Facebook page

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