Strengthening Public Speaking to Drive Small-Business Growth
Small business owners in New Bern often face a quiet truth: growth isn’t only about strategy, products, or pricing. It’s also about voice — the ability to communicate ideas clearly, confidently, and persuasively in front of real people. Public speaking is not a “nice-to-have” skill; it is a local-business growth engine. In brief: Strong speaking positions you as a trusted authority in your market Clear verbal communication improves customer understanding and loyalty Confident presentations help win
CarolinaEast Medical Center Receives 2026 Best Hospitals Rankings By Women’s Choice Award®
New Bern Hospital Recognized as one of America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Patient Experience Plus Six Specialties (New Bern, NC) – CarolinaEast Medical Center has been recognized as one of America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Patient Experience by Women’s Choice Award®. This honor places CarolinaEast among the top 100 hospitals in the nation within its size category, based on number of beds. Additionally, CarolinaEast received top rankings in Knee and Hip Replacement, Minimally Invasive Surgery, Obstetrics,
New Bern Civic Theatre Presents ''Beetlejuice Jr.''
NEW BERN, NC February 19, 2026– New Bern, NCFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE“Beetlejuice Jr.” Opens March 6 at New Bern Civic TheatreFamily-friendly musical comedy runs for three weekends in March, sponsored by Coastal Children's ClinicNew Bern — Get ready to laugh, gasp, and say his name three times! New Bern Civic Theatre proudly presents Beetlejuice Jr., opening Friday, March 6, 2026, and running for three weekends of spooky fun and outrageous comedy.Based on the hit Broadway musical and the beloved Beetlejuice
Party City now at Staples
Staples is excited to announce our new partnership with Party City, bringing an expanded range of celebration essentials directly to our community. With this collaboration, customers can now find vibrant balloons, festive piñatas, and a wide selection of party supplies right in our store. In addition, our Print & Marketing Services team is ready to support local events with custom banners, invitations, event boards, and yard signs making Staples a one-stop destination for both planning and promoting any
Pilot John International to Exhibit at the 2026 AEA International Convention in Dallas
Pilot John International® (PJi®) will exhibit at the 2026 AEA International Convention & Trade Show, taking place March 23-26 at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas, Texas. As the largest gathering of general aviation avionics manufacturers, distributors, and government-certified repair stations worldwide, the AEA Convention has served the industry since 1957 and remains the premier venue dedicated exclusively to avionics professionals. The annual event provides a unique opportunity for manufacturers,
Tried By Fire Fashion Show Headlines New Bern Fashion Week on March 28
Tried By Fire, Inc. is pleased to host the First New Bern Fashion Week & Fashion Show on Saturday, March 28, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Carolina Colours Pavilion, 3300 Waterscape Way. The evening includes hors d’oeuvres catered by the venue’s executive culinary staff, with a cash bar, silent auction, and other special surprises for this fundraising event to benefit My Sister’s House, a supportive transitional home for justice-involved women who do not have safe alternatives for housing when
Craven Community College Receives $2.4 Million Gift from Tim and Linda Hinken
NEW BERN – Craven Community College (Craven CC) has received a $2.4 million gift from Dr. Tim and Linda Hinken, marking one of the largest private donations in the College’s history. The gift, which was bequeathed after the Hinkens’ death in 2024, will support major capital projects, expand workforce development opportunities in the healthcare field, and establish the Tim and Linda Hinken Memorial Scholarship Endowment to benefit future students. A significant portion of the funding will be directed
New Bern Pride to host Open Mic
New Bern Pride to host Open Mic Bank of the Arts, 317 Middle St March 7, 2pm-4pm New Bern Pride is proud to host an Open Mic event at Bank of the Arts on March 7, 2pm-4pm. This event encourages local poets, writers, musicians, and other creatives to share their original works with the community in a free and open setting. Artists may register to participate at www.newbernpride.com or the day of the event. This event is free and open to the public. Open Mic events offer local creatives the opportunity to
Call for Art: Expressions of MERCI
Local nonprofit seeking artwork for thank you cards and merchandise Bank of the Arts, 317 Middle St MERCI Clinic and Craven Arts Council & Gallery are proud to announce a new call for art, Expressions of MERCI. This call for art seeks works inspired by the mission and activities of MERCI Clinic, a local nonprofit offering free healthcare to those in need in our community. Up to four artworks will be selected with artists receiving stipends for the rights to their works. The deadline to submit is April
Empty Bowls Main Event
Empty Bowls Main Event Local Annual Fundraiser to fight hunger and support the arts Temple Church, 1500 Kingdom Way February 20, 2025; 11 am to 1 pm Craven Arts Council & Gallery (CAC&G) and Religious Community Services (RCS) are proud to present the Empty Bowls Main Event, from 11 am to 1pm on February 20, 2026 at Temple Church, 1500 Kingdom Way, New Bern, North Carolina. This annual event serves as a fundraiser to fight hunger and support the arts in Craven County, supporting two local nonprofits -
Tryon Palace Welcomes Dr. Michael Hattem
Tryon Palace Welcomes Dr. Michael Hattem to the North Carolina History Center for two insightful NC Community Classes on the American Revolution (NEW BERN, NC) February 5, 2026 - The 250th anniversary of our nation’s independence from Great Britain is fast approaching, and Tryon Palace, North Carolina’s first state capital in New Bern, is commemorating the semiquincentennial with an exceptional line-up of America 250 NC programs and exhibits.Tryon Palace is part of the North Carolina Department of
News Release: 2/5/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Anthony Giardino, Executive DirectorDirector@NewBernHistorical.org252-638-8558 Feb. 2, 2026 Hallowed Ground Lantern TourExciting Storytelling Event Returns for its 5th Year! NEW BERN, NC, The New Bern Historical Society invites you to an exciting storytelling event, the Hallowed Ground Lantern Tour, March 19, 20 & 21, 6-9pm. New Bern Battlefield Park, site of the first Battle of New Bern, hosts this intriguing event. The tour takes you on a guided, lantern-lit walk
Director’s Gallery: In Search of Color by Chuck Colucci
Craven Arts Council & Gallery presents solo exhibition by local nature photographer 317 Middle Street February 2026 For the month of February, Craven Arts Council & Gallery is proud to present In Search of Color, a solo exhibition from local nature photographer, Chuck Colucci. Displayed in the Director’s Gallery, Colucci showcases his nature photography, highlighting different editing techniques for each photo display. A reception for the exhibition will be hosted during Artwalk on Friday, February
PJi Announces 2026 Trade Show Schedule Across Major Aviation Events
Pilot John International® (PJi®), a global leader in aviation maintenance support, has announced its 2026 trade show schedule, offering aviation professionals multiple opportunities to connect with the PJi team in person throughout the year. The company will participate in several of the industry’s most influential maintenance, avionics, and business aviation events across the United States, including: Aircraft Electronics Association (AEA) – March 23-26, 2026 | Dallas, Texas MRO Americas – April
Winterfeast - Tryon Palace Foundation
For Immediate Release Winterfeast – A Fabulous Oyster Roast, Shrimp and Barbeque Foodfest in support of the Tryon Palace Foundation Saturday, March 14, 2026, 6:30 to 8:30 PMNorth Carolina History Center, New Bern (NEW BERN, NC) January 26, 2026 - If you crave plump, salty oysters, shrimp and barbeque, then Winterfeast is a must do for you! The Tryon Palace Foundation’s Winterfeast returns to the
OKTOBERFEST
For Immediate Release – January 26, 2026Contact – Deedra Durocher, 252-670-1907, deedra.rotary7720@gmail.com Richard Goldstein, 252-567-5533, goldsteinrichard925@gmail.com SAVE THE DATE FOR THE 15TH ANNUAL BSH OKTOBERFEST HOSTED BY NEW BERN ROTARY CLUB NewBern,January26,2026: TheNewBernBreakfastRotaryClub has set September 26, 2026, as the date for the 15th Annual BSH Oktoberfest event that serves as a major fundraiser to support their “Kicks-For-Kids” program as well as local scholarships
February Main Gallery Art Exhibition
A Mason Duet: Color, Movement, and Mark-Marking by Georgia & Nicola Mason Craven Arts Council & Gallery presents a joint 2D art exhibition from mother-daughter duo February 2026 Craven Arts Council & Gallery is proud to present the works of mother and daughter artists, Georgia and Nicola Mason in A Mason Duet: Color, Movement, and Mark-Making. The exhibition will feature 2D abstract displays, as the duo showcases their mixed media layered in colorful shapes, lines, and arcs. A reception will be held
How 813 Schools Were Built in Rural Black North Carolina During the Jim Crow Era
It took a strong team with the right tools. Led by educator, scientist, founder of Tuskegee Institute, Booker T. Washington and Julius Rosenwald, President and key entrepreneur in the growth of Sears-Roebuck, the Rosenwald Fund was established. It was a remarkable philanthropic partnership that helped construct over 800 Black schools across North Carolina during the 1910s -1930s providing seed grants and state-of-the-art architectural plans. Local Black communities more than matched those grants. Nearly a
Habitat for Humanity Women Build 2026
Habitat for Humanity of Craven County seeks volunteers, donations for Women Build 2026 project PRESS RELEASE: New Bern, NC For Immediate Release: January 20, 2026 Information Contact: Tracey Lilly, tlilly@cravencountyhabitat.org, 252-633-9599 Women from across the area will come together next month to work with Habitat for Humanity of Craven County to help make the dream of homeownership come true for one local family. HFHCC will hold its Women Build 2026 program on February 25-28. Women
Applications for New Bern Historical Society Scholarships March 20th
The New Bern Historical Society has established the deadline for the combined Harriet Marks Scholarship and the John R. and Alice Land Taylor Scholarship as March 20, 2026. Scholarship applications are available on the New Bern Historical Society website (www.newbernhistorical.org/scholarships) and on the New Bern High School website (nbh.cravenk12.org/student-life/scholarship-information) They must be hand delivered to the New Bern Historical Society by Friday, March 20, 2026, or postmarked on or before
Business Basics 101: Essential Terms Every New Entrepreneur Should Know
Starting a business can feel like learning a new language. Whether you’re launching your first startup or opening a local shop, understanding basic business terms is essential for making smart decisions and communicating with confidence. This guide breaks down key business terminology—explained clearly and practically—to help you build a strong foundation for your entrepreneurial journey. TL;DR If you’re new to business, focus first on understanding these essentials: Cash flow: The movement of
How to Open a Successful Dental Office: Strategy, Setup, and Systems
Opening a dental practice is one of the most rewarding milestones in a clinician’s career — but it’s also a complex process that blends healthcare compliance, financial planning, and brand development. Whether you’re launching a new office or transitioning from an associate role, success depends on structure, foresight, and sustainable systems. This guide outlines the essential strategies for opening a dental practice, with checklists, FAQs, and smart resource recommendations to help you navigate every
From Launch to Longevity: Strategic Investments for New Entrepreneurs
Launching a business is an exciting transition, but it’s also a moment filled with decisions that shape your future. The right investments early on can determine whether you simply survive or thrive in the years ahead. From foundational technology to financial systems and marketing visibility, every choice has ripple effects. Below, we’ll explore core areas where new entrepreneurs should prioritize investment, blending practical tips with resources to guide your journey. 1. Build a Financial Safety
Seen, Felt, Shared: Building Visuals That Stick with Younger Audiences
Getting the attention of younger audiences on social media isn’t about trickery or gimmicks. It’s rhythm. Texture. A look that punches before it speaks. Today’s younger users—especially Gen Z—are hypersensitive to inauthenticity and allergic to old-school polish. If your visuals feel templated or detached from the human pulse, they’ll scroll right past you. So, if you want your marketing to resonate—actually resonate—you’ll need to trade in polish for presence. Your goal isn’t just to be seen. It’s to be
The Window In: How Storefront Displays Turn Heads and Drive Foot Traffic
Even in the age of online-first everything, storefronts still wield remarkable influence. A strong window display stops a passerby mid-step, lures them with curiosity, and nudges them through the door before they even realize they’ve made the decision. For small business owners, the display isn’t just decoration—it’s strategy. When executed with precision and purpose, it’s a persuasive argument made entirely without words, turning glass into an invitation. Colors and Contrast That Wake Up the
Seeing the Message: How Visual Storytelling Is Transforming Internal Corporate Communication
When internal messages fall flat, teams drift. The speed of business demands clarity, not just in what is said, but how it's delivered. Traditional memos and slide decks often leave employees tuning out or missing the point entirely. Visual storytelling, long the domain of advertising and entertainment, has stepped into the boardroom—and not just as decoration. It’s reshaping how teams connect, retain knowledge, and act with unity. Beyond the PowerPoint: Narrative-Driven Design Forget the default
How Small Businesses Win Big by Turning Conversations Into Connections
In the post-pandemic churn of shifting priorities and changing customer habits, small businesses are back in a spotlight they never really left—forced to navigate a noisy market without the marketing war chest of larger brands. While big players throw dollars at impressions, small businesses survive on interaction. The edge, however, doesn’t lie in size but in intimacy. The businesses that win are the ones that understand their customers as more than metrics and treat engagement as a two-way street rather
Deliver Impactful Client Presentations with These Powerful Methods
In the competitive world of business presentations, standing out requires more than just a well-designed slide deck. It’s about crafting a narrative that speaks directly to your audience’s needs and preferences. By focusing on strategies that enhance clarity, engagement, and personalization, you can transform your presentations into compelling stories that captivate and persuade. Whether you’re addressing a room full of executives or a diverse group of stakeholders, the key lies in understanding your
Unlocking the Power of Personalized Mail for Business Growth
In today's digital age, businesses often overlook the impact of traditional mail. Sending personalized letters, thoughtful cards, and eye-catching postcards offers a unique, tangible connection that emails or social media can't replicate. These physical forms of communication leave lasting impressions and foster stronger relationships with clients and customers. By adding a personal touch, businesses can stand out and create meaningful interactions that drive loyalty and engagement.Boosting Customer
