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North Carolina families are feeling the effects of inflation and high gas prices. Here’s how they’re getting by. Read more Continue reading Pain at the pump – and at the grocery store – hits hard in southeastern North Carolina
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The median home sale price in Columbus County rose nearly 82% during a two-year span, showing the housing boom extends beyond NC’s cities.Read more Continue reading Home prices in rural Columbus County show the housing boom extends beyond NC cities
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The Scotland County town of Laurinburg is focusing on public-private partnerships to revive its downtown. It’s working, local leaders say. Read more Continue reading Here’s how one North Carolina town is bringing its downtown back to life
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The Fore family knew it was risky to open a restaurant during the coronavirus pandemic. But they took a chance, like many new businesses owners have done recently – and it paid off. Read more Continue reading How one family’s entrepreneurial spirit endures in Scotland County. ‘We’re overflowing’
Much of southeastern North Carolina saw a drop in population over the last decade. What does that mean, and how can the area bounce back? Read more Continue reading Broadband, entrepreneurs, faith: What would it take for rural NC to regain population?
By Sarah Nagem sarahnagem@borderbelt.org As the United States ramped up its World War II efforts in the early 1940s, Fort Bragg grew to become the largest Army post in the country, accommodating 60,000 soldiers. But lesser-known military training was taking place about 40 miles southwest of Fort Bragg, at what is now the Laurinburg-Maxton Airport. Up to 10,000 soldiers were stationed at the site, which …Read more Continue reading Could the Laurinburg-Maxton Airport become a regional business hub in NC? Leaders hope so
Phillip Britt can barely keep up with everyone who wants to move to Robeson County. Before the coronavirus pandemic, buyers had plenty of options, with about 400 homes for sale in the county at any given time, according to Britt, a Realtor. For the past several months, he said, the number has been more like 60 or 65. Yes, the housing boom is indeed booming …Read more Continue reading Welcome to southeastern North Carolina. Good luck finding a place to live
In the five years that Mark Ward has served as Scotland County’s economic development director, he’s seen an increase in companies interested in the area. “We’ve had announcements every year since we’ve been here, whether it’s an expansion or a new company,” Ward said. “We know that our growth is going to come from within.” Scotland County is home to several companies that manufacture automotive …Read more Continue reading Scotland County, halfway between Charlotte and the NC coast, looks to distribution
This is the second installment of a series about economic development in the Border Belt, which encompasses Bladen, Columbus, Robeson and Scotland counties. For years, Jeff Howard watched eastern Columbus County struggle to create opportunities for people because of poor internet access. The pandemic has made it even worse. “When you go from just a few people needing internet access to everyone needing it, that’s …Read more Continue reading Howard: Internet access a barrier for Columbus development
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Editor’s note: This is the second in a series of stories that provides an overview of the economies of Bladen, Columbus, Robeson, and Scotland counties in southeastern North Carolina. The 954 square miles of vast farmland and forests have shaped Columbus County’s economy for generations. “We can grow anything,” said Columbus County Economic Development Director Gary Lanier. “Because of our farming heritage, we also have …Read more Continue reading Workforce is key to capitalizing on agribusiness and population growth in Columbus
