NC three-tier system for counties designed to boost job growth. But many communities face chronic unemployment and other problems persist. by Jane Winik Sartwell  October 27, 2025 Jimmie Furr, a volunteer with Anson Crisis Ministry, brings boxes of food to a client on June 9, 2020. North Carolina’s tiers of economic distress system has consistently ranked Anson…

If your chamber membership is gathering dust because you don’t enjoy networking events, you’re missing out on significant value hiding in plain sight. While mixers and ribbon cuttings get the spotlight, your membership includes strategic resources that can solve real business problems, even for those of us who hate “working a room.” Your Chamber as…

Think of the person in your circle (even tangentially) who comes to mind when you read the word, “boring.” Who is it? Now ask yourself why you think they’re boring. It’s your opinion, right? Maybe all they do is talk about sports or maybe when you’re talking about sports, they want to talk about the…

Mastering the Art of Sharing (but not oversharing) Your audience wants to hear from you and get to know you, but oversharing (or sharing inappropriate topics) comes with its own set of problems. Sharing engaging things about yourself will help you build the kind of connections that improve revenue and customer loyalty. If you want…

Maybe you can’t afford a celebrity endorsement like Taylor Swift, but there are still plenty of lucrative opportunities to do something on a local scale. Influence marketing is changing. While businesses once chased celebrity endorsements and mega-influencers with millions of followers, smart companies are discovering that their most powerful brand ambassadors might already be customers…

Small businesses are embracing AI and digital payments, but many fear unclear regulations could slow growth. By: Kaytlyn Smith , Contributor The right technology tools can drive efficiency, competitiveness, and success for small businesses – and the vast majority of American business owners are ready to take full advantage, according to the U.S. Chamber of…

These five free courses will teach you how to resolve conflicts and communicate effectively with others. By: Jamie Johnson , Contributor Managing people isn’t easy, but with the right resources, you can build skills in conflict resolution, communication, and leadership. Let’s look at five online classes you can audit or take for free. Coursera: “Conflict…

Startups hiring new employees have to make sure the correct paperwork is in order. From W-4s to direct deposit forms, here’s what you need to start onboarding. By: Callie Cook , Contributor Hiring your first employees is an exciting milestone for any growing business. But before your new team members get to work, it’s important…

Brand communities are invaluable for growing customer loyalty, and these 10 tools can help you facilitate and moderate these communities. By: Emily Heaslip , Contributor A brand community, or connected group of fans of your brand, can boost customer loyalty, improve word-of-mouth marketing, and help your brand uncover key insights that improve your business performance.…

Small businesses can tap into app-based platforms like DoorDash, Uber, and Instacart to reach new customers, scale their operations, and thrive in a flexible economy. By: Julianna Lopez , Contributor Most consumers have heard of (and likely use) app-based platforms like Uber, Grubhub, DoorDash, and Instacart to make everyday life more convenient. However, many may…