Recent News
WILMINGTON, N.C., a leading global contract research organization, will host a conference call on Wednesday, April 28, 2021, at 8 a.m. (U.S. Eastern Time) to discuss its first quarter 2021 financial results. Investors and other interested parties may listen to a live webcast of the conference call by logging on to the investors section of PPD’s…
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by Andrew Dunn, Carolina Journal News Service RALEIGH — A bipartisan group of senators is crafting legislation that would find ways to expand broadband access in North Carolina. The bill, filed Monday, appears unfinished. Several sections remain unfilled, presumably with details to come in later editions. But the goals are significant, starting with the title: “Innovative Statewide…
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PLAINFIELD, Ind. – Duke Energy has awarded $90,000 to 18 Indiana economic development groups for the 2021 Marketing Partnership Program. Each group was awarded $5,000. “Duke Energy is committed to strengthening collaborative efforts with our local and regional economic development partners,” said Erin Schneider, Indiana director of economic development for Duke Energy. “These grants provide…
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‘There is no consistent or factual standard being applied here. It’s just a fake narrative gaining speed by its own momentum… Businesses must not use economic blackmail to spread disinformation and push bad ideas that citizens reject at the ballot box.’ LOUISVILLE, KY – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) issued the following statement regarding disinformation…
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Hometown Revitalization grants will provide funding for 20 local microgrant programs. CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The pandemic has created unprecedented challenges for small businesses across North Carolina. To support community needs, the Duke Energy Foundation today announced $500,000 in funding to help local businesses – from restaurants to retailers – pivot to accommodate the changing environment through…
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By David Bass Carolina Journal News Service RALEIGH — Republican lawmakers are pushing forward two election-reform bills designed to shore up voting integrity following a 2020 general election that included numerous accusations of fraud. Sen. Paul Newton, R-Cabarrus, talked through the two bills at a news conference and in the N.C. Senate Elections Committee on Wednesday, March…
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The Brunswick County Chamber recently hosted it’s annual Chairman’s Gala on April 1. The event celebrates local businesses and their achievements during the past year. Below is a list of award winners. Community Impact Award – Sponsored by ATMC Hope Harbor Home Community Outreach Award – Sponsored by Arbor Landing at Ocean Isle John Daly.tv Rising Star –…
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by Andrew Dunn, Carolina Journal News Service RALEIGH — N.C. Treasurer Dale Folwell says N.C. hospitals aren’t being transparent on their pricing, despite federal rules requiring them to do so. In 2019, President Trump signed an executive order requiring hospitals to make public the prices they charge for standard procedures. The federal government soon followed through with…
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CHARLOTTE, N.C., AvidXchange, the leading provider of accounts payable (AP) and payment automation solutions for the middle market, today released the second report in its Middle Market Spending Trends series based on data captured from the 12 million payments processed annually through the AvidPay Network. The latest research shows that overall spending by middle market companies increased six…
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SOUTHPORT – Dosher Memorial Hospital has appointed Scott Passingham, MPT, to the role of Manager of Therapy Services. Scott received his Master’s in Physical Therapy from East Carolina University in May, 2000 and has been a part of the Therapy team at Dosher since April, 2006. In his new role, Scott will oversee all Physical…
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Oak Island, NC — The Southport Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the end of February to welcome Salt & Sand Realty as the newest full-service vacation rental management and real estate company on the island. The ribbon-cutting took place on February 26 at their office, 104 Price Street on Oak…
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April is National Safe Digging Month. Digging before calling 811 to have underground utility lines marked can be dangerous, costly. CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Even as damages to underground utility lines across the nation rise, Piedmont Natural Gas is reporting an 8% decrease in the Carolinas and Tennessee. The company credits new damage prevention initiatives and…
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The startup ecosystem is a living and growing organism that most cities are trying to add to their modern economic development strategy for job creation. The startup ecosystem is typically a very positive kumbaya environment. There are lots of smiles around town while people with rose colored glasses are selling more commercial and residential real…
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Yesterday I was a last-minute speaker for a business group, filling in for a planned speaker who was under the weather. I had to put on my thinking cap and come up with an interesting topic with little time to spare. Given that we are now at the one-year anniversary of COVID-19’s initial impacts on…
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When I first entered the public relations profession shortly after college, we typically heard about two types of media: earned media and paid media. Thanks to technology-driven changes, social media and owned media have become increasingly prevalent communication tools in recent years. Paid media refers to tools such as traditional advertising and direct mail. While…
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by John Hood RALEIGH — On March 31, the North Carolina Senate passed the hugely controversial SB 387, titled the Excellent Public Schools Act of 2021, by margin of 48 senators in favor, none opposed. The following day, the North Carolina House of Representatives took up the same SB 387, that same slapdash and extremely…
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by John Hood RALEIGH — It’s hard not to play along when children come up with cute untruths. For example, for a time one of my boys used to tell me confidently and matter-of-factly that if he didn’t go to bed, the moon would not rise. It was a reasonable conclusion based on his personal…
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by Gregg Thompson Running a small business isn’t easy in the best of times, and these aren’t the best of times. Social distancing and concerns over spreading COVID-19 forced many small businesses to try to connect with customers online rather than in person, but here’s the catch: Some businesses can’t easily do that. I grew…
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