PEPPERMINT PATHWAYS ADDED TO PINECONE PATHWAYS FRANCHISE
PEPPERMINT PATHWAYS ADDED TO PINECONE PATHWAYS FRANCHISE Starworks Glassmakers to Create 30 Glass Candy Canes for Program SOUTHERN PINES, N.C. (November 4, 2026) – The Moore County Tourism Development Authority (TDA) has announced a new trails experience for the holiday season. Peppermint Pathways is the newest scavenger hunt experience and the fourth one as part of the original Pinecone Pathways program. The TDA has once again partnered with glassmakers at Starworks in Star to create 30 glass candy
Moore County Leadership Institute Graduates Class of 2026
MOORE COUNTY LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE (MCLI)Lead Local. Lead Forward.A Program of the Moore County Chamber of Commerce FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASENovember 5, 2026MEDIA CONTACT: Jonathon Lewis, Director of Membership & Community Initiatives Moore County Chamber of Commercejlewis@moorecountychamber.com | 910.434.4794 Moore County Leadership Institute Graduates Class of 2026Sixteen community and business leaders complete ten-month program at ceremony at Weymouth Center for the Arts and HumanitiesSOUTHERN PINES,
Back in the Saddle: Breast Cancer Survivor Finds Strength, Support and Hope at FirstHealth
Back in the Saddle: Breast Cancer Survivor Finds Strength, Support and Hope at FirstHealth For Elizabeth Owens, getting back in the saddle this August meant more than returning to a favorite pastime. It marked an important milestone in a journey that began nearly a year earlier with a routine mammogram and an unexpected breast cancer diagnosis. The 65-year-old and her husband relocated from the Washington, D.C., area to West End, N.C., about six years ago, drawn in part by their love of horses. Riding
Prancing Horse Center for Therapeutic Horsemanship to Host Helicopter Golf Ball Drop Event
(SOUTHERN PINES, NC) – October 22, 2026 – Prancing Horse is excited to host its Helicopter Golf Ball Drop Fundraiser on Veterans Day, Wednesday, November 11, 2026 at 10:40am at the Mid South Club in Southern Pines. All proceeds benefit Prancing Horse, which provides therapeutic horsemanship programs for veterans, children and adults with a range of cognitive, emotional and physical needs who gain emotional health, social growth and physical strength gained through their connection with horses. This
MOORE COUNTY TDA ANNOUNCES NEW TRAIL GUIDE
MOORE COUNTY TDA ANNOUNCES NEW TRAIL GUIDE Proceeds from the Guide to Benefit Two Moore County Outdoor Organizations SOUTHERN PINES, N.C. (October 26, 2026) – The Moore County Tourism Development Authority (TDA) has announced its first-ever official trail guide for Moore County. Sandhills On Foot: A Moore County Trail Guide combines custom cartography by illustrator Janis Daughterty, editorial storytelling by Mark Caskie, and a gold-foil birch wood cover to create a timeless and functional keepsake.
Lunch & Learn: Protect Your Business from Fraud
Lunch & Learn: Protect Your Business from Fraud &##128274; Fidelity Bank is hosting a free Lunch & Learn for local business owners. Two respected banking professionals will share practical insights on security, fraud prevention, and ways to safeguard your business’s financial information. What to expect:&##129386; A complimentary lunch&##128161; A presentation on practical strategies to protect your business from fraud&##129309; Q&A and networking with fellow business owners&##127873; A prize drawing.
How to Polish Resort, Inn and Equestrian Photos with AI: A Step-by-Step Guide for Pinehurst and Southern Pines
In the Sandhills, the photograph often arrives before the guest does. A golfer planning a trip to Pinehurst compares resorts by their fairway and clubhouse pictures. A couple choosing a weekend inn in Southern Pines looks at the guest rooms and the front porch. A family considering riding lessons, a boarding stable or a horse show judges the barn, the arena and the pasture from a few images on a website or social feed. For hospitality and equestrian businesses in Moore County, good photos are part of the
FirstHealth of the Carolinas Advances Orthopaedic Surgery Capabilities with New OrthoGrid Hip AI® Te
FirstHealth of the Carolinas Press Release Contact: Emily Sloan Strategic Marketing & Communications (910) 715-5376 FirstHealth of the Carolinas Advances Orthopaedic Surgery Capabilities with New OrthoGrid Hip AI® Technology PINEHURST- FirstHealth of the Carolinas is expanding its orthopaedic capabilities with the addition of Zimmer Biomet’s OrthoGrid Hip AI®, an innovative surgical guidance technology designed to help surgeons perform total hip replacement procedures with greater precision
Inaugural Sandhills Garden of Lights Seeking Volunteers
Inaugural Sandhills Garden of Lights Seeking Volunteers (Pinehurst, NC) -- This holiday season, Sandhills Community College will launch an exciting new community tradition: Sandhills Garden of Lights, a spectacular holiday experience featuring more than one million lights, immersive displays, and festive attractions in the Sandhills Horticultural Gardens. The event will run from November 27, 2026 through January 9, 2027. To help make the event a success, the organizers are seeking volunteer groups
Moore County’s Manufacturing Industries Recognized in Celebration of National Manufacturing Day
Click Here FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: October 2, 2026 Natalie Hawkins, President Moore County Economic Development Partnership nhawkins@moorecountyedp.org 910.246.0311 Moore County’s Manufacturing Industries Recognized in Celebration of National Manufacturing Day [Pinehurst, NC] – Moore County Economic Development Partnership (MCEDP) and its community workforce development partners hosted the 2026 Moore CountyManufacturing Day Breakfast on October 1 st at Sandhills Community College to
FIRST “HOME” PUBLIC ART INSTALLATION TO BE DEDICATED IN ROBBINS
Contact: Phil Werz, President & CEO, 910.992.4505 Email: pwerz@homeofgolf.com For Immediate Release FIRST “HOME” PUBLIC ART INSTALLATION TO BE DEDICATED IN ROBBINSTDA Commissions Five Artists for Displays Across Moore County SOUTHERN PINES, N.C. (October 7, 2026) – The Moore County Tourism Development Authority will dedicate the first of five new “HOME” public art installations in downtown Robbins on Thursday, Oct. 22, at 10:30 a.m. Created by Mac Metz, director of the Starworks
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FirstFutures Program Expands to Support More Students Pursuing Health Care Careers
FirstFutures Program Expands to Support More Students Pursuing Health Care Careers PHOTO CAPTION: Nadia Rosales is a FirstFutures sponsorship recipient. With assistance from FirstFutures, Nadia is studying medical assisting at Central Carolina Community College in Sanford and works at FirstHealth Primary Care. PINEHURST, N.C. – FirstHealth of the Carolinas and The Foundation of FirstHealth are expanding opportunities for students pursuing careers in health care through FirstFutures sponsorships, a
Moore County Talent Symposium Draws More Than 130 Leaders to Focus on Workplace Mental Health and We
SOUTHERN PINES, N.C. — More than 130 business and community leaders gathered Friday, October 9, at the Bradshaw Performing Arts Center (BPAC) at Sandhills Community College for the Moore County Chamber of Commerce’s annual Talent Symposium, “Leading with Employee Mental Health in Mind: Practical Strategies for Workplace Well-Being.”The symposium brought together employers, human resource professionals, managers, educators, and workforce stakeholders for a timely discussion on the connection between employee
Moore County Chamber of Commerce Announces New Team Member and Leadership Promotion
Moore County Chamber Announces New Team Member and Leadership Promotion SOUTHERN PINES, NC – The Moore County Chamber of Commerce is strengthening its team and expanding its capacity to serve the business community with the addition of Jayden Gawronski as Marketing and Membership Experience Coordinator and the promotion of Jonathon Lewis to Director of Membership and Community Initiatives. The announcements reflect the Chamber’s continued commitment to building meaningful relationships with its
Moore County Chamber Celebrates Moore County 4-H During National 4-H Week
MOORE COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Jonathon Lewis, Director of Membership & Community Initiatives Moore County Chamber of Commerce jlewis@moorecountychamber.com | 910.434.4794 Moore County Chamber Celebrates Moore County 4-H During National 4-H Week Chamber thanks county leaders and partners for investing in the next generation of community leaders Carthage, N.C. (October 7, 2026) — The Moore County Chamber of Commerce joined the community in
The Flavors of Scotland
Scottish Heritage USA invites you to the Fair Barn in Pinehurst on November 5 for a festive Scottish celebration - The Flavors of Scotland. Flavors is shaping up to be quite the Gala evening of celebration including: - delicious food including a traditional Address to the Haggis - Scotch whisky tasting and BHawk bourbon cocktails, plus beer and wine - Pipe and fiddle music during the after-dinner Ceilidh with instructors - Special discounted hotel rates for attendees - an online auction with a
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Thanks for Giving Soiree 2026
Thanks for Giving Soiree 2026Register Online Please join us aboard the Aberdeen Carolina & Western Railway to give thanks for 52 years of serving hot, nutritious meals and hope to homebound residents of Moore County, NC! Featuring: Heavy Hors d’oeuvres by Elliotts Catering Co Musical Performance by Miss Candice Silent Auction | Dancing | Host Bar Roaring ‘20s Attire Encouraged Ages 21+ Expectations for Ticketholders Due to the historic nature of the railcars, temperatures in the cars may
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Moore County Chamber of Commerce Announces Open Applications for 2027 Moore County Leadership Instit
Moore County Chamber of Commerce Announces Open Applications for 2027 Moore County Leadership InstituteFlagship Leadership Program Seeks Community and Business Leaders for Year-Long Development Experience; Applications Due November 20SOUTHERN PINES, N.C. — The Moore County Chamber of Commerce today announced that applications are now open for the 2027 class of the Moore County Leadership Institute (MCLI). Now in its fourth decade, MCLI is the region's premier leadership development program, having developed
Every Gift Doubled: Anonymous Donor Challenges Community with $64,000 Matching gift
FOR RELEASE ON AUGUST 1, 2026EVERY GIFT DOUBLED: ANONYMOUS DONOR CHALLENGES COMMUNITY WITH $64,000 MATCHING GIFT PINEHURST, NC — Changing Destinies Ministry is excited to announce a generous $64,000 matching gift challenge from an anonymous donor who is inviting the community to join in bringing hope, healing, and freedom to survivors of human traffi cking. Beginning August 1 through Journey of Hope Gala night on November 6, 2026, every donation made to Changing Destinies Ministry will be matched dollar
Adobe Firefly for Small Fitness Businesses: A Practical Creative Guide
What Is Adobe Firefly? What is Adobe Firefly? Adobe Firefly is a family of generative artificial intelligence models integrated into a standalone web application designed for commercial content creation. It works by converting text prompts into high quality visual and audio assets using models trained exclusively on licensed and public domain data. The key output specifications include high resolution images, vector graphics, and video clips that are legally cleared for commercial use. Operating a small
More Than a Logo: Branding Basics Every Moore County Small Business Owner Should Know
Strong branding is what turns a first-time customer into a repeat one — and it goes well beyond your logo or color palette. Branding is the sum of every impression your business makes: your visual identity, your voice, your values, and how consistently you deliver all three across every touchpoint. For the growing businesses of Southern Pines-Pinehurst, building a deliberate brand from the start is one of the highest-leverage investments you can make.What Branding Actually Is (and Isn't) Most new owners
Data Governance Isn't Optional for Southern Pines-Pinehurst Small Businesses — Here's Where to Start
Data governance is the system of policies, processes, and accountability measures that determine how your business collects, stores, uses, and protects data — and who is responsible at each step. For small businesses, it's the framework that turns data from a liability into a managed asset. For businesses across Southern Pines-Pinehurst — hospitality operations near Pinehurst No. 2, medical practices serving Fort Liberty families, retail shops on Broad Street — data flows constantly. According to the
A Practical Guide to Identifying and Improving Business Inefficiencies
Every business has hidden inefficiencies—operational bottlenecks or financial leaks that quietly undermine growth. Recognizing and addressing them early is what separates resilient organizations from those constantly scrambling to catch up.Key Points to Remember Track measurable performance indicators to find inefficiencies fast. Simplify systems and processes that waste time or create confusion. Keep cash flow under constant review—profit doesn’t equal liquidity. Organize and secure your financial
The Power of Collaboration: How Moore County Small Business Owners Can Partner for Success
Running a small business in Moore County isn’t just about competing — it’s about connecting. When local entrepreneurs collaborate, they create something more powerful than the sum of their parts: shared trust, pooled expertise, and lasting growth.TL;DR Collaboration among small business owners isn’t just “nice to have.” It’s a growth multiplier. By aligning goals, documenting expectations, communicating consistently, and leveraging digital tools, partnerships can unlock new revenue streams, increase
New, More Affordable Health Plan Available to Moore County Chamber of Commerce Members
SOUTHERN PINES N.C. – With small businesses feeling the impacts of rising health care costs, the NC Chamber has partnered with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) to provide a new, more affordable health plan option for small businesses, their employees and their families. This plan, Carolina HealthWorks, is available to small businesses who are members of the Moore County Chamber of CommerceCarolina HealthWorks brings together North Carolina small businesses to access more
Intellectual Property Protection Tips Every Small Business Needs
Running a business in today’s digital-first world comes with unprecedented opportunity — and significant risk. Every new piece of content, every innovative process, and every customer-facing tool you put online can become a target for infringement, theft, or misuse. Intellectual property (IP) is no longer just a “big company” concern; it’s an everyday priority for small businesses, startups, and growing firms. This guide explores practical strategies for protecting your intellectual property in the
Visuals That Don’t Blink First: Standing Out When Everyone’s Shouting
Visual presence isn’t just an accessory — it’s a necessity. But standing out doesn’t mean shouting louder. It means becoming unavoidable in the right way. It means hitting the gut, not just the eye. If you’re building a business in this noise, here’s how you build visual presence that doesn’t vanish the moment your ad scrolls off screen. Design for the Moment, Not the Billboard Design that wins attention doesn’t always need to be bold. Sometimes, it just needs to be right. In saturated marketplaces,
All in the Brand: Inclusive Marketing for the Real World
Small businesses often wear their values on their sleeves, but turning those values into visible action isn’t always straightforward—especially when it comes to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The rhetoric is everywhere now: “DEI is a priority,” “We support everyone,” and “All are welcome.” But for businesses built on tight margins and even tighter time constraints, those statements need practical follow-through. Consumers today are paying closer attention—not just to products, but to the posture behind
When the Storm Hits: How Small Business Websites Can Weather a Rough Economy
In times of economic stress, small businesses often bear the brunt of consumer hesitation and shifting spending habits. But while budgets tighten and competitors scramble, the businesses that turn inward to refine their digital presence often come out stronger. A company’s website is more than just a digital storefront; it’s an engine for trust, connection, and sustained revenue. When leveraged intentionally, even modest changes to a website can mean the difference between stagnation and resilience. Make
Make Any Light Work for You: How Moore County Businesses Can Capture Great Footage in Imperfect Conditions
When you're trying to promote your business, record an event, or create a quick video update for social media, lighting often feels like the one thing you can’t control. Shop windows throw glares. Overhead fluorescents make everyone look pale. Outdoor settings shift from bright to shadowed in a matter of minutes. But here’s the good news: while you can’t always control the lighting at the moment of capture, you can control the final image your audience sees. Whether you’re filming from your downtown
The Quiet Fixes That Make Your Marketing Work Harder When You Can’t
Every business owner knows the feeling: there’s too much to do, not enough time, and your marketing materials keep collecting digital dust because you’re buried in logistics, payroll, and customer service. The truth is, most marketing collateral isn’t bad—it’s just tired, bloated, or missing a pulse. That doesn’t mean you need a full rebrand or a creative agency on retainer. You just need a sharper eye and a few deliberate tweaks to make your materials more useful, more resonant, and—most importantly—more
More Than Data: How to Scale Market Research Without Losing Focus
Market research is not a static practice—it’s a living, evolving process that should grow alongside your business. But here’s the challenge: many companies rely on the same strategies they’ve always used, even when those methods stop delivering relevant insights. So how do you adjust? How do you make sure your research efforts remain agile and valuable as your business grows? The key is not just to gather more data but to gather smarter data. Let Your Objectives Lead the WayScaling market research
Powerful Online Marketing Strategies for Small Budgets
In the competitive landscape of digital marketing, achieving impactful results without a hefty budget is a challenge many businesses face. Small businesses and entrepreneurs often find themselves navigating the complexities of marketing with limited resources. However, strategic planning and innovative approaches can turn these constraints into opportunities. By focusing on resourceful tactics such as content repurposing and niche targeting, businesses can enhance their reach and engagement. Leveraging
Strategic Technology Investments for Sustainable Business Growth
The adoption of technology is essential for small businesses seeking sustainable growth in a competitive market. Thoughtful investments can improve operations, enhance customer interactions, and boost overall efficiency. Focusing on tools that streamline processes and increase adaptability helps businesses respond to shifting demands with confidence. Scalability and integration play key roles in ensuring these solutions meet evolving needs. As operations advance, leveraging these tools becomes critical
Southern Pines, NC Businesses: FinCEN's BOI Filing Deadline is 01/01/2025. File Now to Avoid Potential Fines!
The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) requires businesses to report Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) to FinCEN to enhance financial transparency and deter financial crimes. As of today, the 27th of November, 2024, Southern Pines, North Carolina, business owners have 35 calendar days (or 25 business days) left to file their BOI report with FinCEN—don’t delay, or you could face $500 per day fines! What You Need to Do:1. Determine if Your Business Must File. Most LLCs, corporations, and small
