Business
Spectrum Awarded GREAT Grant for Warren County Broadband Services
Spectrum Awarded GREAT Grant for Warren County Broadband Services
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.
Business
VGCC SBC Honors Warren County Small Businesses
The ceremony honored 13 Warren County entrepreneurs and community leaders on Feb. 27.
The Vance-Granville Community College (VGCC) Small Business Center hosted its third annual Small Business Awards Ceremony at Seven Springs Farms and Vineyard in Norlina, where they celebrated 13 Warren County-based businesses and community leaders, recognizing their contributions to the local economy and community. The ceremony, which was held on February 27, was in partnership with The Gateway Community Development Corporation (CDC) of Vance County and sponsored by NC IDEA.
The VGCC Small Business Center, led by Director Carolyn Perry, has been instrumental in supporting local entrepreneurs through resources, training, and mentorship. The annual awards ceremony highlights the achievements of small businesses that have demonstrated resilience, innovation, and commitment to community development.
The honorees were in three categories according to the length they have been in business: Startups (3-5 years), Established (5-10 years); and Legacy (10+).
HONOREES:
STARTUPS
Peanut & Zelb’s Produce Market, 137 Hyco Street, Norlina
Warren Animal Feed, 102 College Street, Warrenton
Sisterly Dreams
Presenter: Kyle Burwell, Dean, Business and Industry Solutions, VGCC
ESTABLISHED
Oliver Family Farm
Crews Balloons, https://www.crewsballoons.com
Lake Gaston Coffee, 104 Wellington Way, Littleton
Seven Springs Farms and Vineyard, 332 Axtell-Ridgeway Road, Norlina
Sweet Delights Cookies and Things
Presenter: Megan Williams, Economic Development Specialist, Warren County Community and Economic Development
LEGACY
Just Flowers, 138 S Main Street, Warrenton
Kim’s Vineyard and Winery, 408 Largo Road, Norlina
WARR 1520 AM, 824 US Hwy 158 Bus. W, Warrenton
Awesome God Christian Bookstore, 130 S. Main Street, Warrenton
Presenter: Dr. Jerry Edmonds, Vice President of Workforce & Community Engagement, VGCC
Community and Economic Development Award:
Jametrice Alston Jones, owner of @4 Girls and a Comb and Rock & Fortress Production Company, 144 S. Main Street, Warrenton
Presenter: Crystal Myrick, Warrenist
The event was catered by local Warren County food truck, Kings Smoke-N-Soul.
Business
PHOTOS: Warren County Industry and Education Breakfast (February 2025)
Over 50 community stakeholders consisting of business owners, educators, elected officials, and industry leaders met for good eats and good discussion at the Warren County Industry and Education Breakfast on Feb. 26.
Over 50 community stakeholders consisting of business owners, educators, elected officials, and industry leaders met for good eats and good discussion at the Warren County Industry and Education Breakfast on Feb. 26.
Hosted by the Warren County Community and Economic Development team, the event was held in the Warren County Armory Civic Center and provided a unique opportunity for fellow business leaders, educators, and key stakeholders to connect and discuss shaping the future of workforce readiness in Warren County.
Special guest speaker, Brett Brenton of MyFutureNC presented key information about Warren County to further guide attendees in how they can bridge the gap between industry needs and educational opportunities.
Minds were opened, business cards were exchanged, and potential collaborations were born.
We look forward to seeing how these new and renewed connections will flourish in our community, specifically for the betterment of our next generation.
Photo Credit: Crystal Myrick / Warrenist
Business
VIDEO: A Look at “Warren County, NC: From the Ground Up”
In partnership with Capitol Broadcasting Company, Inc., Warren County Community and Economic Development released a video today highlighting several businesses in the area.
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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