Livability Kinston-Lenoir County, NC 2013

2013 | sponsored by the Kinston-Lenoir County Chamber of CommerCe

kinstonlenoir county, north carolina

livability.com/kinston

Goodness, We’re Growingexpansions, progress enhance quality of life

on with the showReputation builds for

art and entertainment

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CONTENTS

Things to Do8 Attractions & Activities on With the show Reputation builds for art and entertainment

12 Local Flavor slice of the Good Life

14 Arts & Culture Real-Life Drama

16 Sports & Recreation Active Community

Living 18 New Developments Goodness, We’re Growing Expansions, progress enhance quality of life

22 Education Education takes Priority

25 Health Here’s to Good Health

26 Community Profile

Business27 Working Here Boosting Business A mix of new and old gives Kinston business a boost

28 Business Climate sonic Boomtown From aerospace to food, Kinston-Lenoir County investments are on an upward trajectory

33 Chamber Report 2020 Vision

35 Economic Profile

on the Cover A sculpture at Chamber Centennial Corner that rises above a time capsule with artifacts from the area. Photo by Martin B. Cherry

all or part of this magazine is printed with soy ink on recycled paper containing 10% post-consumer waste.

PlEaSE rECyClE ThiS magaziNE

4 Welcome to Kinston-Lenoir County an introduction to the community

2013 EDition VoLumE 6

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Kinston Public services

… the Home Team Advantage

Kinston Public services delivers safe

and reliable electricity to more than

12,000 residents and businesses in Kinston

and surrounding communities. Kinston

Public Services customers receive excellent,

local customer service and reliable power,

all right in their hometown. In fact, Kinston

Public Services has been recognized as a

Reliable Public Power Provider (RP3) for

three consecutive years by the American

Public Power Association.

Kinston is proud to be one of more than

70 public power communities in North

Carolina. These communities own and

operate their electric systems, offering

customers excellent, local customer

service, reliable electricity and prompt

restoration after outages.

Find out more at

www.kinstonpublicservices.com

or www.ncpublicpower.com.

http://www.kinstonpublicservices.com

http://www.ncpublicpower.com

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LivingLearn about Kinston-Lenoir County’s schools, health care and neighborhoods.

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ThingS To Do Find the must-do attractions, activities and dining in Kinston-Lenoir County.

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LENOIR

Neuse R.

Pink Hill

La GrangeKinston

Lenoir County is the kind of place where strangers exchange smiles, friends swap stories and family members share enriching experiences. Newcomers are welcomed with scenic forests, exciting historical sites, a thriving creative community and a progressive business scene. At the heart of it all is Kinston, which twice has been presented with the All-America City Award in recognition of outstanding civic accomplishments. This area fosters creativity, rewards hard work and provides plenty of ways to play.

muCh TO dOThe Neuse River, which winds

through the center of Lenoir County, brought early settlers to the area. Today, fishermen share the river with canoes and kayaks, and children wade in its waters. Golfers can tee off at area courses throughout the year. Winters are mild and summers are warm, creating the perfect environment for outdoor play. Walkers, runners and bikers enjoy trails that lead to parks and playgrounds, including a special area just for dogs. The cities of Pink Hill, La Grange and Kinston feature historical attractions, art galleries, restaurants and performance venues. Each city hosts seasonal events that bring residents from across the county together to celebrate historic moments, food and music.

ECONOmy grOwSLenoir County is home to the

North Carolina Global TransPark, a 2,500-acre industrial/airport site near Kinston. It includes one of the longest runways on the Eastern Seaboard and tenants such as Spirit AeroSystems and Henley Aviation. Large and small manufacturers, a strong foundation of small businesses, tourism and agriculture create a broad economy. Since 2007 more than 4,200 new jobs have been created in Lenoir County.

aT a glaNCE

Kinston-Lenoir County, North Carolinaa quiCK, Comprehensive overview of what’s great about the Community

FOr mOrE iNFOrmaTiON

kinston-Lenoir County Chamber of Commerce

301 N. Queen St. Kinston, NC 28502 Phone: (252) 527-1131 Fax: (252) 527-1914

www.kinstonchamber.com

lOCaTiONKinston is 80 miles east of Raleigh. Spirit AeroSystems and the Global TransPark make the area a major player in the aerospace industry, while attractions such as the Neuse River and down-home restaurants promote a family-friendly atmosphere.

POPulaTiONLenoir County

59,227Kinston

22,240

aNNual raiNFall

51”diSTaNCES TO ThrEE majOr CiTiES NEarByRaleigh, N.C., 80 miles Richmond, Va., 192 miles Columbia, S.C., 246 miles

National Average: 30”

Kinston is a recipient of the prestigious

All-America City Award by the National Civic League.

ACCoLADE

Kinston

TimE zONEEastern


http://www.kinstonchamber.com

Make a SplashKinston’s Pepsi sprayground at Fairfield Park is a popular attraction during warm weather months.

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Driving Tour

FOllOw ThE Trail

Jump in the car and follow the african american heritage music Trail, which stretches through eight counties. The trail focuses on African American music from eastern North Carolina, and includes music venues and informational kiosks.

Nature Center

SEE ThE aNimalS

Visit the Neuseway Nature Center, home to live animals indigenous to North Carolina, such as snakes, flying squirrels, talking birds, bears and more. The facility also includes a saltwater touch tank, plants and outdoor nature trails.

Historic Attractions

EXamiNE ThE arTiFaCTS

Explore the CSS Neuse interpretive Center, where visitors will find artifacts from the CSS Neuse like cannonballs and ammunition shells. Kinston also has the CSS Neuse State historic Site, which was relocated to the downtown area.

Museum

TakE a TOur

Built in 1772, harmony hall is one of Kinston’s oldest structures, and has been home to several of Lenoir County’s important historical figures. The home was once a Civil War hospital, a church annex, a public library and a women’s club facility.

tHinGs to DoKinston-Lenoir County’s must-do attractions, activities and dining

Learn the HistoryLocated at Lenoir Community College, Heritage Place is part of the school’s Learning resources Center. it includes research material about greene, Jones and Lenoir counties and portions of virginia. the facility has a microform collection, genealogical resources, death records, books, newspapers, photos, videos and more.


Museum

STEP BaCk iN TimE

The CSS Neuse ii, the world’s only full-scale Civil War replica, enables visitors to see how Civil War sailors lived. Located in downtown Kinston, the structure is open for tours on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and other times by appointment.

Water Park

SPlaSh arOuNd

Bring the kids to the newly opened lions water adventure at the Woodmen Community Center. The water park includes a lazy river, at 36-foot tower with water slides, a competition pool, a leisure pool with a play area, a concession stand and more.

Arts Center

gET CrEaTiVE

The la grange arts Center is located in La Grange’s first brick home, the Commodore Barrow House, which was built circa 1905. The center includes an exhibit room, studio, clay room and kiln, and also hosts craft shows and art classes.

Feel the Speed Known for attracting the area’s top riders, ironclad motorsports hosts motocross and extreme dirt track racing at the Lenoir County fairgrounds in Kinston. a supercross-style dirt bike track and an atv clay flat track offer different racing experiences.

ThiNgS TO dO

Park

SEE ThE SiTES

At kinston Battlefield Park, learn about the First Battle of Kinston, which took place during the Civil War in December 1862. Visitors are invited to embark on a driving tour of the park, which includes a visitors center, the Kinston Bridge and other sites.



ThiNgS TO dO

On With the

show

Grab a Drink Downtownmother Earth Brewing’s tap room and beer garden in downtown Kinston has the brewery’s four flagship, hand-crafted brews on tap.


“Downtown Kinston has become a real destination,” says Stephen Hill, who founded Mother Earth Brewing, an environmentally friendly brewery in downtown Kinston, with his son-in-law in 2008. “We have wonderful restaurants, wonderful beer, a wonderful nightlife. I’d call it a rebirth.”

a TaSTE OF ThE FuTurEMuch of the re-energized vibe is thanks to Kinston’s

small-town charm and friendly business environment, which has attracted an influx of young, creative spirits. Chef Vivian Howard, a James Beard Award semifinalist, returned to her roots in 2005 when she and her husband moved from New York City to Kinston, where she grew up.

A year later they started Chef & the Farmer, an upscale, farm-to-fork restaurant that serves modern Southern cuisine made from local ingredients.

Just around the corner on Herritage Street, the recently opened The Red Room lounge and music venue buzzes on the weekends with good food and live music. The Boiler

Downtown Kinston is in the bloom of a cultural renaissance. In the past few years, the former textile town

has become a regional hotspot known for its award-winning food and craft beer, lively music, and burgeoning art scene.

KINSToN GAINS REPuTATIoN AS DESTINATIoN FoR ART

AND ENTERTAINMENT

snAPsHot

An artisan village that includes newly remodeled homes is developing in downtown Kinston.



Explore an Historic Attractionthe Css neuse is on display at the Css neuse interpretive Center in downtown Kinston, which is also home to artifacts recovered from the ship such as cannonballs, ammunition shells, tools and clothing pieces.


Room, a gourmet burger and oyster bar will open in August, and the Asian-inspired Ginger 108, opened in April.

a FrESh FaCE ON ThE PaSTDowntown Kinston’s renewed

energy spreads beyond the growing nightlife. History buffs will love taking a stroll down Museum Row, a cluster of downtown historical sites and exhibits, many of which have been recently renovated. Touch the hull of the CSS Neuse II, a replica of a Civil War-era gunboat, or spend the afternoon marveling at the artifacts on display in the CSS Neuse Interpretive Center.

Pride of Kinston, a local nonprofit, has worked hard to revitalize the downtown area by promoting economic development and aesthetic improvements with an eye toward historic preservation. The group hosts a series of family-friendly activities throughout the year, including a Christmas parade and the popular Sand in the Streets, a summer concert series in which

regional and national acts play on the newly built bandstand on the bank of the Neuse River.

“It helps bring people downtown,” architect Michael Dunn says. “And while they’re here they start looking around at the shops and restaurants. People are really excited about doing things downtown again.”

Artists are also getting excited about downtown Kinston. Dunn’s architectural firm, Dunn and Dalton, recently renovated the vacant space below its downtown offices to create an artist space and working gallery.

Just a few blocks away, Mother Earth Brewing’s Stephen Hill has remodeled a row of houses for a planned artisan village, where potters, glass-blowers and other artists can create and display their wares in their own homes.

For Hill, it’s another step in the rebirth of his hometown.

“Kinston is now a place where you can truly live, work, and play,” he says.

by Miles Britton by staff photographer

Martin B. Cherry

“Downtown Kinston has become a real destination. We have wonderful restaurants, wonderful beer, a wonderful nightlife. I’d call it a rebirth.”

STEPhEN hill, FoundER oF MothER

EARth BREwing

“Downtown Kinston has become a real destination,” says Stephen Hill, who founded Mother Earth Brewing, an environmentally friendly brewery in downtown Kinston, with his son-in-law in 2008. “We have wonderful restaurants, wonderful beer, a wonderful nightlife. I’d call it a rebirth.”A TASTE OF THE FUTUREMuch of the re-energized vibe is thanks to Kinston’s

small-town charm and friendly business environment, which has attracted an influx of young, creative spirits. Chef Vivian Howard, a James Beard Award semifinalist, returned to her roots in 2005 when she and her husband moved from New York City to Kinston, where she grew up.

A year later they started Chef & the Farmer, an upscale, farm-to-fork restaurant that serves modern Southern cuisine made from local ingredients.Just around the corner on Herritage Street, the recently

opened The Red Room lounge and music venue buzzes on the weekends with good food and live jazz. The Boiler Room,

D owntown Kinston is in the bloom of a cultural renaissance. In the past few years, the former textile town has become a regional hotspot known for its award-winning food and craft beer, lively music, and burgeoning art scene.

THINGS TO DO

KINSTON GAINS REPUTATION AS DESTINATION FOR ART AND ENTERTAINMENT

On With theShow

SNAPSHOT

An artisan village that includes newly remodeled homes is developing in downtown Kinston.

Grab a Drink DowntownMother Earth Brewing’s tap room and beer garden in downtown Kinston has the brewery’s four flagship, hand-crafted brews on tap.

livabil it y.com/KinS ton 9

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Dance and Sing in the StreetsPride of kinston attracts thousands to downtown Kinston every summer for sand in the streets, an outdoor concert series that features bands such as north tower, breakfast Club and spare Change.

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Homestyle Cooking

kiNg’S BBQ

The King brothers opened king’s BBQ restaurant in 1947 and a few years later developed an addictive apple cider vinegar sauce that the King family has used ever since. Today, King’s continues the legacy of serving the finest Eastern North Carolina style BBQ and southern food. The original restaurant, on East New Bern Road, has seating for more than 800 and caters special events. In the 1990s King’s went nationwide with King’s Oink Express, which allows hungry customers to order BBQ and have it shipped anywhere in the country within 48 hours.

Modern Southern Cuisine

ChEF & ThE FarmEr

Former New York caterers Ben Knight and Vivian Howard moved to eastern North Carolina in 2004 because Vivian’s parents lived here. The couple decided to open a restaurant, and eventually chose downtown Kinston, where the 70-seat Chef & the Farmer opened in 2006. Vivian, a chef, describes the restaurant as having a rustic urban vibe with new Southern cuisine. She buys fresh produce and meats from a network of small farmers, and changes the menu weekly, serving items such as kale and navel orange salad, rice-crusted catfish, bourbon-braised pork shoulder lasagna, and Painted Hills 20-ounce ribeyes.

Slice of the Good LifeCommunity savors a variety of restaurants

Variety is the spice of life, and that includes restaurants – especially in Kinston-Lenoir County, where restaurants range from fine dining to more casual places.

ThiNgS TO dO: LOCAL FLAVOR

Healthy Eating Never Tasted So GoodQueen street Deli, a delicatessen and bakery on south queen street in Kinston, is known for its healthy food offerings. the menu features preservative-free, homemade panini, cookies, soups and cakes. breakfast items include granola, oatmeal, muffins, wheatberry bread and several flavored coffees, while main course selections are eight different sandwiches, eight different panini and three salads.


518 Plaza Blvd. • P.O. Drawer 1475 • Kinston, NC 28503 (252) 523-5107 • Fax: (252) 523-8858

Check out available properties at:

www.perrysinc.com

Kinston and Lenoir County’s premier full-service commercial real estate company for over 50 years!

International Dining

TOkyO kiNSTON

Located on West Vernon Avenue, Tokyo kinston is regarded as one of the top Asian dining spots in Lenoir County. It is known for its fresh sushi with several menu options, and has perhaps the best miso soup in all of eastern North Carolina. The restaurant also takes great pride in its customer service.

By Kevin Litwin

Pasta, Pizza and All Things ItalianBellini’s Pizza & Grill provides an upscale, relaxing environment that is family friendly. its menu includes appetizers, salads, soups and main courses. Calamari, bruschetta and mussels are among the appetizer choices, soups range from new england clam chowder to seafood bisque, and baked pastas, ravioli, tortellini, sandwiches and pizzas round out the menu. the restaurant serves an italian lunch buffet monday through friday.

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http://www.perrysinc.com

http://www.visitkinston.com


Driving Tour

aFriCaN amEriCaN muSiC Trail

The North Carolina Arts Council has been spearheading a project called the african american music Trail, which will tell the story of past and present musicians who represent eastern North Carolina. Council officials hope this regional tourism trail – a self-driving tour – will be in full swing during 2013. Maps will be available at the Arts Council, which also has photo displays of musicians. A two-acre music park, slated to open in September, will feature a landmark sculpture and several interactive exhibits.The driving trail will wind through Edgecombe, Greene, Jones, Nash, Pitt, Wayne and Wilson counties. Recognized musicians from the eastern North Carolina region include trumpet player Dick Knight, drummer Melvin Parker, saxophonist Maceo Parker, gospel singer Bishop F.C. Barnes, Wilson native Bill Myers of the Monitors and popular singer Roberta Flack.

Real-Life Dramaarts, CuLture sCene remains vibrant

History, music and art play a big part in Lenoir County’s cultural scene. Here’s a look at attractions well worth visiting.

ThiNgS TO dO: ARTS & CuLTuRE

“[Caswell No. 1 Fire Station Museum] is free, historical, fun. 100% recommended if you are in the area and in need of a cheap weekend activity. Lots of history and artifacts.”

NiCOlE S., YELp.CoM usER

Step Back in Time and Discover Kinston’s Historyharriet’s Chapel, a 19th-century church, served as a Civil War field hospital where both union and Confederate soldiers were tended following the 1862 First Battle of Kinston. The church, on u.S. Highway 258 South, was eventually destroyed. Today, the New Beaverdam Primitive Church, similar in design to Harriet’s Chapel, is on the site. A historical marker on the grounds describes the Starr’s Battery encounter during the First Battle of Kinston. The church is open to visitors from dawn to dusk.


Commemorative Park

Chamber Centennial Corner Park

The Kinston-Lenoir County Chamber of Commerce has been serving the community since 1911, and part of its 100-year celebration in 2011 was a ribbon-cutting and time capsule ceremony at newly dedicated Chamber Centennial Corner Park. The park is named in honor of all who had a major impact on Kinston and Lenoir County. Located in downtown Kinston, it includes a sculpture, engraved bricks and benches.

By Kevin Litwin

SnapShot

A new bandstand in downtown Kinston’s Pearson Park is part of the african american music trail.

Research Center

heritage PlaCe at lenoir Community College

heritage Place was established in 1988 on the campus of Lenoir Community College to provide resource materials that go way back in history. The records focus primarily on eastern North Carolina, especially Lenoir, Greene and Jones counties, and a large section of Virginia. Several genealogical and local history collections dating back to the late 1700s contain death records, maps, picture files, newsletters and a microfilm collection.

Check out more fun things to do in Kinston-Lenoir County at livability.com/kinston/nc/things-to-do.


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Fitness

COmmuNiTy SPiriT

Open since 2011, the Pink hill wellness and Education Center includes two exercise rooms with treadmills, elliptical machines, recumbent bicycles and strength equipment, as well as a nursery, youth fitness room, classrooms for Lenoir Community College and more. Pink Hill also offers fitness classes such as Zumba, kickboxing and yoga.

In July 2012 Kinston residents welcomed the 53,000-square-foot woodmen Community Center, which offers a fitness center, an aquatics center, a gymnasium that can be separated into two spaces, an elevated track for running and walking, and group fitness classes. In May 2013, the facility opened its Lions Water Adventure water park, which includes a 650-foot lazy river, three water slides and more.

Golf options

TradiTiONal aNd uNuSual COurSES

North Carolina has a wealth of excellent golf venues, and Kinston is home to four of them. The city’s courses – Falling Creek Country Club, kinston Country Club, Bill Fay Park golf Course and Cutter Creek golf Club – challenge golfers of all skill levels.

The area also offers disc golf thanks to Barnet Park, which is home to a nationally acclaimed 18-hole disc golf course that winds through the woods around the scenic park and offers a great mix of wooded and open holes. An active roster of games and tournaments draws disc golf players to Kinston from around the nation.

Active CommunityKinston-Lenoir County’s reCreationaL offerings Keep residents energized

In Kinston-Lenoir County, there’s always plenty to do. Residents have easy access to community centers, fitness facilities, golf courses, parks and more, and can also enjoy a variety of local events.

ThiNgS TO dO: SPORTS & RECREATION

Batter upKinston’s historic grainger stadium hosts the Freedom Classic baseball tournament, an annual three-game event during which members of the united states naval academy and air force academy come together to play ball. the tournament is an opportunity to bring the Kinston community together while honoring and remembering the area’s military members. in 2013, the event’s third year, nearly 4,000 fans attended the games.


Motorsports

rEady TO rEV

Action has its place at ironclad motorsports. Located at the fairgrounds, Kinston’s most extreme event center features a monstrous motocross track and flat dirt track for two types of racing. Several televised races at the track have earned Ironclad national exposure, bringing both pros and amateurs to try their hand there.

Dog Park

gONE TO ThE dOgS

The 32-acre rotary dog Park, just down the road from the Neuseway Nature Center, features large ponds, open areas and walking trails for dog training and exercise, and the Randall Family Pet Memorial Gardens.

Back to Natureone of the county’s top attractions, the neuseway nature Park covers 55 acres along the neuse river. it features hiking trails, ponds for fishing, canoes, an 18-foot wall for rock climbing and a saltwater “touch tank” with sea urchins and starfish.

outdoor Activities, Destinations

mOrE PlaCES TO Play

Kinston-Lenoir County offers the annual kinston 8000: run for the river, an 8K race and one-mile fun run; Tull’s millpond, a 200-acre millpond open to the public for fishing, kayaking and canoeing; and Mock Athletic Skills Facility with batting cages, a basketball court, weight room and game room.

By Rebecca Denton

Bethel Christian AcademyDaycare • Preschool • Elementary • High SchoolTrain up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. ~ Proverbs 22:6

1936 Banks School Rd. Kinston, NC 28504 (252) 522-4636

www.bcatrojans.com

http://www.bcatrojans.com


liViNg

In the midst of growth and progress, community leaders are taking steps to ensure Kinston and Lenoir County don’t lose the hometown atmosphere that has long enticed people to make them their home. Along with economic enhancements have come amenities that improve the area’s already high quality of life.

“Kinston continues to have a small-town feel, and now it has large-city amenities,” says Jim Stolze, director of community partnerships for Woodmen of the World Life Insurance Society, whose Woodmen Foundation helped fund Kinston’s new community center and water park. “The growth of new businesses surrounding the Woodmen Community Center will only increase options available to local residents. It’s the best of both worlds – a community where you know your neighbors, yet have many options for recreation.”

wOOdmEN COmmuNiTy CENTErBacked by an investment of nearly $9 million from the

Woodmen Foundation and contributions from the City of Kinston, Lenoir County and the Golden Leaf Foundation, the Woodmen Community Center opened in July 2012. The 53,000-square-foot building has a double gymnasium, elevated walking track, indoor and outdoor competition and therapy pools, cardiovascular fitness equipment, an advanced weight-training area, locker rooms, a snack bar and a multi-purpose banquet room.

Drive around Kinston and Lenoir County, and you’ll see lots

of new construction. The community’s growth has prompted a surge of new homes and public buildings, including two new fire stations, a community center and water park, and a long-awaited veterans nursing home.

KINSToN AND LENoIR CouNTy’S GRoWTH INCREASES RESIDENTS’ quALITy oF LIFE

grOwiNgGoodness, We’re


Hours of operationmon.-fri., 5:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. saturday, 7:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. sunday, 12:30 p.m.-6:00 p.m. for more information, call (252) 939-1330 or visit www.woodmencenter.com.

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http://www.woodmencenter.com


Healthy DevelopmentKinston’s Woodmen Community Center keeps residents active and provides group fitness classes such as kickboxing, yoga, zumba and water aerobics, as well as swimming lessons.


“The Woodmen Community Center will dramatically improve the lives of Kinston and Lenoir County residents,” Stolze says. “The state-of-the-art facility will be a beacon for everyone entering Lenoir County who seeks fitness, camaraderie, family activities and community events. Having a facility of this stature will also help recruit business and commerce to the area by offering amenities that were not previously available.”

Kinston’s new Lions Water Adventure water park, open during summer months, includes a large pool, an 800-foot lazy river, three water slides from a 36-foot tower and a children’s pool. Admission is included with a membership to Woodmen Community Center.

“There were many significant donations by local benefactors that enabled this spectacular project to move forward,” Stolze says. “There is no water park of this magnitude within 150 miles of Lenoir County.”

kiNSTON FirE STaTiONSKinston’s growth prompted

the construction of two new fire

stations, both of which opened in August 2012. Station No. 3 on Hill Farm Road and No. 2 on Carey Road replaced older, outdated stations the city’s fire department had outgrown. They were also relocated to better serve fast-growing areas.

“This gives us quicker response times to areas like the Industrial Park,” says Don Crawford, assistant fire chief for the City of Kinston. “The new stations have bi-folding doors that open from the middle to the outside to eliminate trucks hitting overhead doors when responding to calls.”

Training space, meeting rooms, sleeping quarters and full sprinkler systems are other components of the new stations.

kiNSTON VETEraNS hOmEIn December 2012, Kinston

veterans and leaders gathered to dedicate a new 111,000-square-foot N.C. State Veterans Home, which began welcoming residents in spring 2013. Funded by federal and state governments, the 100-bed veterans home will provide skilled nursing care to Lenoir

County’s large veteran population. More than a decade in the making, it is expected to employ 175 people.

“It appears the community is very excited,” says James Woodard, program director for N.C. State Veterans Homes. “We tried to take the institution feel out of it. For every 12 to 14 residents, there’s a living room with a fireplace, a day room and an eating room. It’s state-of-the-art, with a therapy pool that has underwater cameras and a floor that lowers into the water. We hope to give veterans the best care they can find in North Carolina.”

by Jessica Mozo by staff photographer

Martin B. Cherry

find out more about growth and development in Kinston-Lenoir County at livability.com/kinston.

Kinston’s new fire stations are located in the city’s major growth areas.

snAPsHot

Located off Carey Road, Kinston’s Fire Station No. 2 opened in 2012 as one of the city’s two new stations.





STEM Education

lENOir COuNTy ParT OF NC STEm lEarNiNg NETwOrk

Exposing students as early as possible to career opportunities in the region is a primary goal of STEM East, an offshoot of the NC Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Learning Network. The group partners with several corporations who gain the ability to communicate with educators, influence curriculum and introduce needed skills sets to the area. These partners help create educational pathways.

Public Schools

lENOir COuNTy PuBliC SChOOlS

lenoir County Public Schools’ prestigious offerings include the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme at Kinston High School, a nationally recognized pre-engineering program at South Lenoir High School and cyber campuses that provide distance learning and video conferencing at three high schools. Each middle and high school offers the AVID( Advancement Via Individual Determination) program, which targets students with average grades and helps them prepare for college. The district is home to five high schools, including Sampson Alternative and Lenoir County Early College at Lenoir Community College, as well as eight elementary schools, three middle schools and a K-8 school. www.lenoir.k12.nc.us

Private Schools

COllEgE PrEP, SPECial EduCaTiON

arendell Parrott academy in Kinston, a K-12 college preparatory school, draws from a nine-county region and is the largest independent school east of Raleigh. Bethel Christian academy in Kinston, which serves pre-K through 12th-grade students, is a ministry of Bethel Free Will Baptist Church. Nova Five Points day School works with children 17 years old and younger who have been diagnosed with a mental illness, emotional disturbance or substance-related disorder.

Education Takes Priority students have pLenty of new and existing eduCationaL opportunities

Kinston students are well-educated, and it’s easy to see why. Public, private and charter schools are thriving, and new programs are on the way. Lenoir Community College is in Kinston, which is located near two four-year schools.

liViNg: EDuCATION

Education Begins Earlythe partnership for Children of Lenoir and greene Counties is the area’s early childhood education hub, administering smart start and nC pre-K programming and providing early childhood development resources. their mission is to develop today’s children to become tomorrow’s leaders. www.partner ship4children.com.

The Kinston Winter Bluegrass Festival takes place each February at lenoir Community College.

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http://www.lenoir.k12.nc.us

http://www.partner


Charter Schools

ChildrEN’S VillagE aCadEmy, kiNSTON CharTEr aCadEmy

Founded in 1997, Children’s Village academy was the first public charter school established in Lenoir County. Children’s Village Academy has small class sizes and uses a variety of strategies and styles to reach all students. kinston Charter academy is a public charter school with an academic focus on science, math and Spanish. www.cvatigers.com

By Jessica Walker Boehm and Rebecca Denton

find out more about why Kinston-Lenoir County is a great place to learn at livability.com/kinston/nc/schools.

Preparing for CollegeArendell Parrott Academy in Kinston enables high school students to take a variety of advanced placement courses in subjects such as english, world history, music theory, statistics, biology, environmental science and psychology.

http://www.cvatigers.com

http://livability.com/kinston/nc/schools

http://www.discoverlcps.org

1201 J. W. Vernon Ave. • Kinston 252-208-1605 • www.hammeroutcrossfit.com

HOURS: M-F 8 a.m.-12 p.m. and 4-9 p.m. with other hours

by appointment only. Sat.-Sun. 1-4 p.m. Class times: 4 p.m./5:30 p.m./7 p.m. with other class times to be announced. Personal trainer on site at all times doors are open.

Fundamentals (1:1 classes with Level 1 CrossFit trainer) required.

Special rates for state employees, police/fire, seniors, students and military.

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Family & CosmetiC Dentistry

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liViNg: HEALTH

gary BlaCk, CiTizEN OF ThE yEar

under Gary Black’s leadership for more than 20 years, Lenoir Memorial Hospital has made great strides in offering the region top-quality health care with outstanding physicians, nurses and other staff.

That is one reason Black was named Lenoir County’s 2011 Citizen of the Year. As president and CEO of Lenoir Memorial since 1992, Black has had a vision that “has resulted in outstanding clinical outcomes, financial viability, a caring culture of patient service, and strong community service and support,” according to the proclamation honoring him. “Because of his efforts, LMH has been described as one of the ‘Crown Jewels’ of Lenoir County.”

Lenoir Memorial Hospital is all about the community it serves.

With 261 beds and a medical staff of more than 100 physicians, the nonprofit facility offers a long list of services and technology typically found in hospitals located in major cities. Yet, it maintains a “small-town quality” with personal touches and wellness programs that benefit all within Lenoir, Greene and Jones counties and nearby communities.

PlENTy OF SErViCES, PrOgramS

In addition, Lenoir Memorial Hospital presents a wide range of free health and wellness programs, seminars and screenings. Its Minges Wellness Center is a medically based fitness facility that conducts 25 group exercise classes every week and includes 58 pieces of exercise equipment. Certified fitness instructors are on duty at all times.

One of the hospital’s recent community programs has been Lighten Up Lenoir, a team-based weight-loss challenge launched in January 2012. In its first year, the program had some 1,200 people and more than 40 businesses and organizations participating.

“It’s been wonderful,” says Constance Hengel, Lenoir Memorial’s director of community programming and development. “There has been real great support from the community. These days, individuals – as well as employers, churches and other organizations – are understanding the importance of good health.”

QuiCk CliCk TO wEighT lOSS Lighten Up Lenoir, a Web-based

program, has three 16-week sessions throughout the course of a year. However, anyone can join at any time.

Hengel says 80 percent of participants are part of a four-person team, but folks can join as individuals as well.

“It seems that when people are doing this with their buddies or co-workers or whatever, they’re more motivated,” she says.

Judging by some of the teams’ names, it appears “Lighten Up” means more than shedding pounds.

“There are some wild, wacky names people are using for their teams,” Hengel says, pointing out Thighsman Trophy Wannabees as an example.

By John McBryde

Here’s to Good HealthLenoir memoriaL pLaCes priority on serving Community

Lenoir memorial hospital

LivabiL it y.Com/Kins ton 25 24 Kins ton-Lenoir Count y


252-523-4300

Serving Eastern North Carolina Since 1952

4206 W. Vernon Ave. • Kinston, NC 28504

www.PooleRealtors.com

COMMERCIAL RESIDENTIAL

REAL ESTATE

Proud to be a Part of Lenoir County

(252) 522-2418 • www.barnet.com

Community PRoFiLE COST OF liViNg

$25,925Median Household Income

$86,040Median Home Price

$605Median Rent for a Two-Bedroom Apartment

TraNSPOrTaTiON

Median Travel Time to Work

agE

TEmPEraTurE

January Average Low July Average High

EThNiCiTy

19 and under

20-54

55 and Over

White

Black

Hispanic

Other

14 minutes

Closest Airport:raleigh-durham international

95 milesJanuary Low National Low July High National High

89°

31° 31°

76°

(percentages based on the total = 22,237) (percentages based on the total = 22,658)

27%

46%

30%

65%

3%

2%

28%


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L ivabiL it y.Com/Kins ton 27

Top Companies

SuPPliErS aNd dEmaNd

Spirit aeroSystems began production in July 2010 at its $570.5 million, 500,000-square-foot facility at the North Carolina Global TransPark and plans to hire another 800 workers within five years.

Sanderson Farms invested $121 million in Kinston to build a poultry processing plant, feed mill and hatchery, which created about 1,500 jobs when it opened in January 2011.

masterBrand Cabinets announced that 334 new jobs will be created in the next three years. The growth, spurred by the introduction of a new product line, will more than double the facility’s workforce.

Big and Small Businesses

hEalThy miX OF iNduSTriES

The downtown areas in Kinston, Pink Hill and La Grange feature one-of-a-kind shops, restaurants and services. A wealth of businesses are located in commercial centers throughout the county including Vernon Park mall, the Shops of Frenchman’s Creek, downtown kinston, herritage landing and kinston Plaza Shopping Center.

Big business also plays a key role in the county’s economy, and such major employers as Electrolux home Products, lenox China, masterBrand Cabinets, associated materials, hillco lTd, Smithfield Foods and west Pharmaceutical Services call Lenoir County home.

Agriculture

CONNECTEd TO ThE laNd

Agriculture plays a big role in the economic development of Lenoir County. Approximately 68 percent of the county’s total personal income consists of agricultural production or service, and farm employment is responsible for 66 percent of the workforce, says Tammy Kelly, county extension director for the North Carolina Cooperative Extension.

By Rebecca Denton

Boosting Businessa mix of new and oLd gives Kinston business a boost

Lenoir County boasts a diverse economic base, with a healthy mix of large and small manufacturers and a strong foundation of small businesses, tourism and agriculture.

BuSiNESS: OVERVIEW

Buy Local, Support Small Businessesthe Lenoir County Farmers market supports the area’s agriculture industry by selling local farmers’ goods and produce.

stay plugged into Kinston-Lenoir County’s business community at livability.com/kinston/nc/business.

Industrial Park

CuTTiNg EdgE OF COmmErCE

The North Carolina global TransPark near Kinston covers 2,500 acres and offers access to air, rail, highways and the state’s two international ports. The GTP is growing the aerospace, logistics, manufacturing, emergency services, defense contracting and supporting industries.

Tourism

aTTraCTiONS draw ViSiTOrS

With Lenoir County’s Civil War history, bluegrass roots, African-American heritage, performing arts venues, outdoor recreation and sports attractions, tourism is another major economic engine for the county. Restaurants, shops, hotels and other services benefit from visitors who flock here to enjoy the area’s diverse attractions.

http://livability.com/kinston/nc/business


business

From aerospace to Food, Kinston-Lenoir investments are on an upward trajectory

SonicBoomtown


spirit Aerosystems has a 500,000-square-foot facility in Kinston’s Global transPark.

economic development activity is soaring

in Kinston and Lenoir County, with recent projects taking flight in such diversified industries as food production and research to pharmaceuticals and aerospace. These advancements illustrate the continued success businesses experience here and the range of jobs available.

Smithfield Packing is starting production at its $85.5 million expansion in 2013, and Spirit AeroSystems began delivering its first center fuselages to France for the Airbus A350 wide body in late 2011. DuPont affiliate Pioneer Hi-Bred completed a 26,000-square-foot research and development center for soybean and corn farming in 2012, while West Pharmaceuticals is investing $29 million to expand its Kinston plant.

“Lenoir County’s rebounded well in the environment that’s happened over the last few years,” says Mark Pope, Lenoir County Economic Development executive director. “With the economy where it’s been, we’ve been very blessed.”

In the past five years 11 existing and 11 new companies have announced a combined $1 billion in new investments and the creation of more than 4,100 jobs in the area.

Food Production, research helP Growth

Smithfield added 330 jobs, doubling the company’s workforce in Lenoir County with a new hot-dog facility that cranked up in early 2013. Bologna production will follow. Smithfield previously upgraded its ham and lunch-meat facility and is adding a lot of technology, including robotics.

“This will be a state-of-the-art hot-dog system, probably one of the latest in this country,” Smithfield official Dennis

Photo Credit sPirit Aerosystems, inC.

L ivABiL it y.Com/Kins ton 29 28 Kins ton-Lenoir Count y


Pittman says. “We’ll be able to produce more hot dogs with a longer shelf life because of the clean room environment that is being set up.”

Lenoir Community College has helped find qualified workers, and local leaders have been encouraging and responsive for Smithfield to stay and expand, Pittman says.

“We’ve had a good workforce there, a workforce that accepts a new challenge when something new comes along,” he says. “Not only that, the infrastructure seems to be there with the training and all through the community college.”

Pioneer Hi-Bred’s new R&D center “shows agriculture is still alive” and “will help farmers develop new ways to farm,” Pope says. “We hope to see more things come with Pioneer and DuPont in the facility at our industrial park.”

Big Expansions Lead to job Creationsmithfield Packing plans to double its workforce in Lenoir County with a new hot-dog facility scheduled to open in 2013. the company is the largest pork processor and hog producer in the united states.


walTEr POOlE rEalTy iNC.This real estate agency, which comprises six agents, helps clients purchase and sell residential, commercial and industrial properties, as well as farms and land, in the Lenoir County area.www.poolerealtors.com

l. harVEy & SON COmPaNyKinston’s oldest business, L. Harvey & Son Company, was established in 1871. The company is made up of finance, publishing, farming and distribution businesses.(252) 523-9090

FiEld CONTrOlSBased in Kinston, Field Controls provides products designed to improve air quality in homes, as well as draft control products, venting systems and more for commercial operations. Jane Wynne, an executive assistant at Field Controls, was the Chamber’s 2011 Ambassador of the Year.www.fieldcontrols.com

rEalO diSCOuNT drugSThis pharmacy fills prescriptions in 15 minutes or less and provides local delivery services. Realo Discount Drugs also offers vitamins, minerals and herbs, mobility aids, and home medical equipment.www.realodiscountdrug.com

COrPOraTE rESOurCESBased in Kinston, Corporate Resources sells products, furniture and accessories for offices. It also provides print and digital marketing services, promotional products and more.www.corporateresources.net

Business Spotlight

spirit aerosystems produces materials for the new airbus a350 xwb.

Learn more about Kinston-Lenoir County’s thriving business climate at livability.com/kinston.

Sanderson Farms’ poultry complex, which opened in 2011, is at full capacity with 1,562 employees, processing 1.2 million chickens a week, Pope says.

aErOSPaCE, PharmaCEuTiCal FirmS EXPaNdiNg

Spirit now has almost 400 employees at its Airbus fuselage and wing spar facility, and could add up to 200 new jobs for its Gulfstream wing production. Airbus parts are transported to France, which benefits the North Carolina Global TransPark logistics cluster, Pope says.

“Activity has been very good for the county and for the Global TransPark,” Pope says. “We’re seeing folks from North America to international companies looking at both parks. Some of them will be tied to aerospace whether with

Spirit or just aerospace companies seeing some of the success stories of Spirit with the workforce and the training we can do.”

Pope says West Pharmaceutical has completed some construction with more to come on its “clean rooms, and upgrading that to a world-class facility.” More jobs and training are on tap for 2013.

Adding high-tech industry has inspired the younger generation to focus on education, including STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) labs.

“There are good-paying jobs to be had if we just prepare them properly,” Pope says.

by Carol Stuart

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visit ouradvertisersBarnet www.barnet.com

Bethel Christian Academy www.bethelfwb.com

Chef & the Farmer www.chefandthefarmer.com

CIC Insurance www.cicfinancial.com

Courtney Mitchell III DDS PA www.high-techdentistry.com

Farm Bureau Insurance www.ncfbins.com/lenoir-parks/lenoircountyoffice.html

HammerOut CrossFit www.hammeroutcrossfit.com

Holiday Inn Express www.hiexpress.com/kinstonnc

Job Link Career Center www.lenoircc.edu

Kinston Dental Associates www.kinstondentist.com

Kinston-Lenoir County Tourism Development Authority www.visitkinston.com

Kinston Medical Specialists www.kinstonmd.com

Kinston Public Services www.kinstonpublicservices.com

Lenoir Community College www.lenoircc.edu

Lenoir County Economic Development Department www.lenoiredc.com

Lenoir County Public Schools www.lenoir.k12.nc.us

Lenoir Memorial Hospital www.lenoirmemorial.org

Lions Industries for the Blind Inc. www.lionsindustries.org

Mills International Inc. www.millsinternationalinc.com

MOEN www.moen.com

Mother Earth Brewing www.motherearthbrewing.com

NES Rentals www.nesrentals.com

North Carolina Global TransPark www.ncgtp.com

Parrott Insurance Agency www.parrottins.com

Perry Management www.perrysinc.com

Poole Realtors www.poolerealtors.com

Pride of Kinston www.downtownkinston.com

Realo Discount Drug Store www.realodrugs.com

Spring Arbor of Kinston www.springarborliving.com

We’re seriousabout Auto Insurance.

252-522-3911http://www.ncfbins.com/lenoir-parks/lenoircountyoffice

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*North Carolina Farm Bureau ® Mutual Insurance Co.*Farm Bureau ® Insurance of North Carolina, Inc.*Southern Farm Bureau ® Life Insurance Co., Jackson, MS*An independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield AssociationNC

AUNP

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mailto:[email protected]

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Through a series of meetings, discussions and plenty of feedback, the Kinston-Lenoir County Chamber of Commerce worked throughout 2012 to create a vision and a plan to help the area’s business community into 2020 and beyond.

Known as Lenoir 2020, it’s a strategic initiative unlike any other for the chamber in recent years.

“This is the first year where we worked hard to identify meaningful and necessary projects that can help our business community,” chamber president Laura Lee Sylvester says.

The project’s committee first met in February 2012, and identified five focus areas to evaluate: education, housing and amenities, health care, public safety and human relations. By late November, “we were able to come away with concrete projects for the coming year,” Sylvester says.

In the education focus, for instance, the committee heard from people in the community with expertise on preschool, school- age, community college and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) emphasis.

After the series of discussions, the committee is developing a program that will emphasize education’s connection to manufacturing in the area. People, especially students, could visit a trailer to learn about the different manufacturers and other businesses in Lenoir County, allowing them to discover the types of jobs associated with these businesses and see related courses offered at Lenoir Community College.

That is but one example. There are several others for education as well as the other four focus areas.

“We want to make sure that Kinston and Lenoir County are attractive to new businesses, expanding businesses and new talent in our community,” Sylvester says.

aNNual hONOrSFor many years, the chamber of

commerce has honored residents

with Citizen of the Year and Ambassador of the Year awards.

Daniel Rice III, director of Woodmen of the World Life Insurance and president of the company’s Kinston Lodge 46, was named the chamber’s 2012 Citizen of the Year. Rice recently retired as director of community services at

the Caswell Center in Kinston and as executive director of the Caswell Center Foundation, Inc.

Molly Taylor, outreach coordinator at the Partnership for Children, was 2012’s Ambassador of the Year.

by John McBryde

2020 visionChamber’s new initiative, Lenoir 2020, has sights on business suCCess

BuSiNESS: CHAMBER REPORT



Service is Our Goal

Health • Life • Long-Term Care • Disability Medicare Supplement • Employee Benefits • Investments

605 N. Queen St. • Kinston, NC 28501 • (252) 527-6100 www.cicfinancial.com

Please visit our online store @ www.motherearthbrewing.com

A Ribbon of Green Runs Through Every

Aspect of Mother Earth Brewing

“Come Relax in Our Peaceful Tap Room and Beer Gardens!

Jake A. Parrott Insurance Agency

2508 N. Heritage St. Kinston, NC 28502

(252) 523-1041 tel • (252) 523-0141 [email protected] • www.parrottins.com

Auto • Home • Life • Commercial Insurance

Since 1937

3207 Carey Rd. • Kinston, NC 28504 (252) 523-3099 • www.springarborliving.com

Add us to the list of things you rely

on every day!

(252) 527-8077 • www.nesrentals.com

ConstruCtionMro

speCialty trade

MillsInternational Inc.

801 S. Queen St. Kinston, NC 28502

(252) 527-8083(888) 795-8414

www.millsinternationalinc.com

1700 Dobbs Farm Rd. Kinston, NC 28504

www.moen.com

Supporting Lenoir County


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http://www.motherearthbrewing.com


http://www.parrottins.com

http://www.springarborliving.com

http://www.nesrentals.com

http://www.millsinternationalinc.com

http://www.moen.com

http://www.linkedin.com



LENOIR COMMUNITY COLLEGECareer Planning, Training & Placement ServiceServing Lenoir, Greene & Jones Counties

(252) 527-7320 • (252) 527-2109 Fax Kinston, NC 28502 www.lenoircc.edu

Restaurants

Shopping

Sightseeing

Concerts

327 N. Queen St. • Kinston, NC • (252) 522-4676

www.downtownkinston.com

Your Source for Downtown Information

hOuSEhOld iNCOmE

TOP EmPlOyErS

$100,000+

$30,000-99,999

$29,999 and under

Caswell Center, Lenoir County Public Schools, Lenoir Memorial Hospital

Electrolux Home Products, Associated Materials, Inc., Lenoir County, Lenoir Community College

Hillco LTD, Wal-Mart, City of Kinston

EduCaTiON lEVEl

High School Graduate

Some College

Associate Degree

Bachelor’s Degree

Master’s Degree

TaXES

5%City Sales and use Tax

2.25%Local Sales Tax

wOrkFOrCE

73%White-Collar Jobs

27%Blue-Collar Jobs

SCOrECard

$843mAnnual Retail Sales

$70mAnnual Hotel and Food Sales

3,889Total Number of Firms

TraNSPOrTaTiON

1,0

00

+e

mp

loye

es

50

0-9

99

em

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0-4

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631

3,464

5,182 amtrakwww.amtrak.com

Kinston Regional Jetport (252) 522-4929 www.jetkinston.com

Raleigh-Durham International Airport (919) 840-0175 www.rdu.com

40%

30%

10%

12%

6%

EConomiC PRoFiLE



http://www.jetkinston.com

http://www.rdu.com

http://www.downtownkinston.com

http://www.amtrak.com


Ad Index 26 Barnet

17 BethelChristianaCademy

34 Chef&thefarmer

34 CiCinsuranCe

36 CourtneymitChelliiiddsPa

32 farmBureauinsuranCe

24 hammeroutCrossfit

C3 holidayinnexPress

35 JoBlinkCareerCenter

24 kinstondentalassoCiates

13 kinston-lenoir Countytourism develoPmentauthority

24 kinstonmediCalsPeCialists

2 kinstonPuBliCserviCes

15 lenoirCommunityCollege

36 lenoirCountyeConomiC develoPmentdePartment

23 lenoirCounty PuBliCsChools

C4 lenoirmemorialhosPital

33 lionsindustries fortheBlindinC.

34 millsinternationalinC.

34 moen

34 motherearthBrewing

34 nesrentals

C2 northCarolina gloBaltransPark

34 ParrottinsuranCeagenCy

13 Perrymanagement

26 Poolerealtors

35 Prideofkinston

32 realodisCount drugstore

34 sPringarBorofkinston

COURTNEY MITCHELL III DDS PAGeneral Dentist

Comprehensive Family and Cosmetic Dentistry“New Patients Welcomed”

Most Insurance Accepted

522-4313 • www.high-techdentistry.com2500 N. Herritage St. • Kinston (Professional Center)

• Root Canal Therapy

• Sedation Dentistry

• Children’s Dentistry Including Orthodontics

• Oral Surgery Including Implants and Restorative

www.lenoircountyc100.com FIND US ON

Lenoir Committee of 100 Inc.

www.lenoiredc.com

2013 edition volume 6

Editor | Mitch KlineContributing Writers | Miles Britton, Rebecca Denton, John McBryde, Jessica Mozo, Carol StuartContent Coordinator | Jessica Walker BoehmStaff Writer | Kevin LitwinProofreading Manager | Raven Petty

Lead Designer | Erica LampleySenior Graphic Designers | Stacey Allis, Laura Gallagher, Kris Sexton, Jake Shores, Vikki WilliamsGraphic Designers | Kara Leiby, Kacey PassmoreCreative Technology Analyst | Becca Ary

Lead Photographer | Martin B. CherrySenior Photographers | Jeff Adkins, Brian McCordStaff Photographer | Michael Conti, Wendy Jo O’Barr, Frank OrdonezColor Imaging Technician | Alison Hunter

Integrated Media Manager | Steve MurilloSales Support Project Manager | Sara QuintSales Support Coordinator | Christina Morgan

Ad Production Manager | Katie MiddendorfAd Traffic Assistants | Krystin Lemmon, Patricia Moisan

Web Project Manager | David Day Digital Project Manager | Jill RidenourDigital Product Designer | Erica LampleyWeb Development Lead | Yamel HallWeb Developer I | Nels NoseworthyWeb Designer II | Richard StevensWeb Product Manager | John HoodDigital Project Manager | Jill Ridenour

Chairman | Greg ThurmanPresident/Publisher | Bob SchwartzmanExecutive Vice President | Ray LangenSenior V.P./Sales | Todd PotterSenior V.P./Client Development | Jeff HeefnerSenior V.P./Operations | Casey Hester

Senior V.P./Sales | Jarek SwekoskyV.P./Content Operations | Natasha LorensAudience Development Director | Deanna NelsonCreative Services Director | Christina CardenDistribution Director | Gary SmithPhotography Director | Jeffrey S. OttoWeb Services Director | Allison Davis

Controller | Chris DudleySenior Accountant | Lisa OwensAccounts Payable Coordinator | Maria McFarlandAccounts Receivable Coordinator | Diana Guzman

IT Director | Daniel Cantrell

Executive Secretary | Kristy GilesHuman Resources Manager | Peggy BlakeReceptionist | Linda Bishop

Livability: Kinston-Lenoir County, NC is published annually by Journal Communications Inc. and is distributed through the Kinston-Lenoir County Chamber of Commerce and its member businesses.

For advertising information or to direct questions or comments about the magazine, contact Journal Communications Inc. at (615) 771-0080 or by email at [email protected].

For more information, contact:Kinston-Lenoir County Chamber of Commerce301 N. Queen St. • Kinston, NC 28502Phone: (252) 527-1131 • Fax: (252) 527-1914www.kinstonchamber.com

visit Livability: Kinston-Lenoir County, NC online at livability.com/kinston.

©Copyright 2013 Journal Communications Inc., 725 Cool Springs Blvd., Suite 400, Franklin, TN 37067, (615) 771-0080. All rights reserved. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without written consent.

Member The Association of Magazine Media

Member Custom Content Council

Member Kinston-Lenoir County Chamber of Commerce


36 KInS TOn-LEnOIR COunT y

http://www.high-techdentistry.com

http://www.lenoiredc.com

http://www.lenoircountyc100.com


http://www.kinstonchamber.com




http://www.jnlcom.com

L ivabiL it y.Com/Kins ton C3 pb Kins ton-Lenoir Count y

The two-million-dollar renovation is complete,

and we are waiting for you! The Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Kinston

is the best value for you or your visiting guests. We provide terrific

customer service, offer a hot complimentary Fresh Start breakfast,

and are conveniently located off of US 70.

The Holiday Inn Express & Suites of Kinston

Stay Real, Stay You.Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites1156 Hill Farm Rd. • Kinston, NC 28504 • (252) 559-8888 • (252) 559-6588 faxwww.hiexpress.com/kinstonnc

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http://www.lenoirmemorial.org

Livability Kinston-Lenoir County, NC 2013

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