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The communities in North Carolina's Johnston County – Smithfield, Selma, Clayton, Benson, Cleveland, Four Oaks and Kenly – make up one of the fastest-growing areas in the state. Part of the reason is the easy access to Raleigh-Durham and the Triad region, located just 30 minutes away. Smithfield, right off Interstate 95, was the birthplace of Ava Gardner, and a museum and yearly festival honor her. The Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site, the largest Civil War Battlefield in North Carolina, is located in eastern Johnston County. Johnston Community College offers higher education opportunities, and the Neuse River is a favorite outdoor recreation spot.
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THIS WILL BEON THE TESTSchool system garners high marks
LIVING TOYOUR LIKINGCommunities blend history and progress
Courting More BusinessGrowth continues with new companies, expansions
2012 | LIVaBILITY.COM/jOHNSTON-COUNTY/NC
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on the cover The Johnston County Courthouse in Smithfield Photo by Todd Bennett
dePartments
6 Almanac
22 Biz Briefs
25 chamber report
27 economic Profile
28 Image Gallery
34 Local Flavor
38 Arts & culture
40 education
42 health & Wellness
44 Sports & recreation
47 community Profile
48 through the Lens
2012 edItIon | voLume 7
JohnSton county, north cAroLInA
®
contents
Features
10 LIvInG to your LIkInGCommunities blend history and progress
16 thIS WILL Be on the teStSchool system garners high marks
20 courtInG more BuSIneSSGrowth continues with new companies, expansions
10
16
livAbilit y.com/johnston - count y/nc 3
See more great photos of Johnston County in our online photo galleries
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Digital magazine
THIS WILL BEON THE TESTSchool system garners high marks
LIVING TOYOUR LIKINGCommunities blend history and progress
Courting More BusinessGrowth continues with new companies, explansions
2012 | LIVaBILITY.COM/jOHNSTON-COUNTY/NC
SpONSOREd BY THE jOHNSTON COUNTY aSSOCIaTION Of CHaMBERS Of COMMERCE
®
jOHNSTON COUNTY, NORTH CaROLINa
Facts Get the most up-to-date info on cost of living, top employers, schools, population demographics and more
living hereLearn the basics about local neighborhoods, schools and health care providers
viDeoWatch quick videos of local attractions
What’s online livability.com/johnston-county/nc
livabilit y.Com/johnSton - Count y/nC 5
jOHNSTON COUNTY, NORTH CaROLINa
®
CONTENT dIRECTOR LiSa BaTTLeS
pROOfREadING MaNaGER Raven PeTTy
CONTENT COORdINaTOR JeSSiCa WaLkeR
STaff WRITER kevin LiTWin
COpY EdITOR JiLL WyaTT
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS GaRy CaRTeR,
meLanie hiLL, Joe moRRiS, JeSSiCa WaLkeR,
BeTSy WiLLiamS, Tiffany WiLLiamS
SENIOR GRapHIC dESIGNERS LauRa GaLLaGheR,
Janine maRyLand, kRiS SexTon, vikki WiLLiamS
GRapHIC dESIGNERS RaChaeL GeRRinGeR, TayLoR nunLey
SENIOR pHOTOGRapHERS Jeff adkinS, BRian mcCoRd
STaff pHOTOGRapHERS Todd BenneTT, anTony BoShieR
COLOR IMaGING TECHNICIaN aLiSon hunTeR
INTEGRaTEd MEdIa MaNaGER JaRed Lane
ad pROdUCTION MaNaGER kaTie middendoRf
ad TRaffIC aSSISTaNTS kRySTin Lemmon, PaTRiCia moiSan
CHaIRMaN GReG ThuRman
pRESIdENT/pUBLISHER BoB SChWaRTzman
ExECUTIVE VICE pRESIdENT Ray LanGen
SENIOR V.p./SaLES Todd PoTTeR
SENIOR V.p./OpERaTIONS CaSey heSTeR
SENIOR V.p./CLIENT dEVELOpMENT Jeff heefneR
SENIOR V.p./BUSINESS dEVELOpMENT SCoTT TemPLeTon
SENIOR V.p./aGRIBUSINESS pUBLISHING kim hoLmBeRG
V.p./BUSINESS dEVELOpMENT ChaRLeS fiTzGiBBon
V.p./ExTERNaL COMMUNICaTIONS TeRee CaRuTheRS
V.p./VISUaL CONTENT maRk foReSTeR
V.p./CONTENT OpERaTIONS naTaSha LoRenS
V.p./TRaVEL pUBLISHING SuSan ChaPPeLL
V.p./SaLES heRB haRPeR, JaRek SWekoSky
CONTROLLER ChRiS dudLey
SENIOR aCCOUNTaNT LiSa oWenS
aCCOUNTS paYaBLE COORdINaTOR maRia mcfaRLand
aCCOUNTS RECEIVaBLE COORdINaTOR diana Guzman
SaLES SUppORT COORdINaTOR aLex maRkS
SaLES SUppORT pROjECT MaNaGER SaRa quinT
SYSTEM adMINISTRaTOR danieL CanTReLL
daTaBaSE MaNaGER/IT SUppORT ChandRa BRadShaW
WEB CREaTIVE dIRECTOR aLLiSon daviS
WEB CONTENT MaNaGER John hood
WEB pROjECT MaNaGER noy fonGnaLy
WEB dESIGNER II RiChaRd STevenS
WEB dEVELOpMENT LEad yameL haLL
WEB dEVELOpER I neLS noSeWoRThy
WEB aCCOUNT MaNaGER LauRen euBank
pHOTOGRapHY dIRECTOR JeffRey S. oTTo
CREaTIVE SERVICES dIRECTOR ChRiSTina CaRden
pUBLICaTION dESIGN dIRECTOR muRRy keiTh
CREaTIVE TECHNOLOGY aNaLYST BeCCa aRy
aUdIENCE dEVELOpMENT dIRECTOR deanna neLSon
dISTRIBUTION dIRECTOR GaRy SmiTh
ExECUTIVE SECRETaRY kRiSTy dunCan
HUMaN RESOURCES MaNaGER PeGGy BLake
RECEpTIONIST Linda BiShoP
Images Johnston County is published annually by Journal Communications inc. and is distributed
through the Johnston County association of Chambers 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:Greater Smithfield-Selma area Chamber of Commerce
1115 industrial Park dr. • Smithfield, nC 27577Phone: (919) 934-9166 • fax: (919) 934-1337
smithfieldselma.com
VISIT Images Johnston County ONLINE aT LIVaBILITY.COM/jOHNSTON-COUNTY/NC
©Copyright 2012 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 Greater Smithfield-Selma area Chamber of Commerce
• Freehotbreakfast
• Freehigh-speedInternet
• In-roomcoffeemaker,hairdryer, ironandironingboard
• Freecoffee,localcallsand newspaperMonday-Saturday
• Exerciseroomandseasonal outdoorpool
• Nearmanyareaattractions includingAvaGardnerMuseum, BentonvilleBattlefieldand severalrestaurants
• Adjacentto PremiumOutletMall withover80stores
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www.SellingJohnstonCounty.com www.SellingClayton.com
Smithfield OfficeWhit Whitley
Realtor®, GRI, CRS –Broker in Charge
(919) 934-4550200 Fareway Dr.
Off West Market St. across from Rose Manor Subdivision
Clayton Office Denise Pilkington Realtor®, SRES –Broker/Manager
(919) 359-213110007 US 70 Business Hwy. W.Near Hwy. 42 East Intersection
The ONLY Company that has SOLD Johnston County 50+ years!
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TWO LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU:
livabilit y.Com/johnSton - Count y/nC 5
Welcome to Johnston Countyan introduCtion to the area’S people, plaCeS and eventS
farm-fresh foodsJohnston County residents enjoy three primary
farmers markets, all promoting eating fresher
foods, supporting local farmers and businesses,
and protecting sustainable resources. The
Smithfield farmers market in downtown
Smithfield opens on fridays during the
spring and is also open on Saturdays
during summer months. The Clayton
farm and Community market, featuring
foods and crafts from farmers and
artisans in the Clayton community, is
open between april and october. The
four oaks farmer’s market, a food-only
market, is held on Thursday, friday and
Saturday during the growing season.
almanac
Preserving the Past
The Benson museum of Local history
was established in 1987 with the mission
of collecting, preserving and displaying
historically significant items related
to Benson’s agricultural heritage, its
founding fathers, its country doctors
and more. These items include railroad
memorabilia, antiques, quilts, farming
equipment and hardware artifacts. The
Johnston County heritage Center is a
department of the Johnston County
government and was created in 1997
to preserve the history and culture of
Johnston County. The heritage Center
offers numerous print, microfilm and
digital exhibits that contain information
about Johnston County, such as census
records from 1850 to 1930, records of
wills from 1761 to 1968 and a digital
database of newspaper obituaries
from 1801 to present.
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nostalgic Treasures
Selma’s antique district is filled
with antique dealers, art shops and
specialty stores, all situated along a
picturesque 1950s streetscape. The
district has provided an economic
boost for the area and drawn national
attention over the past several years.
Selma hosts several antiques-related
national events, such as the annual
Selma east Coast Show, which attracts
dealers of books, tools, furniture, and
coins and Confederate money. in all,
the district is home to more than
100,000 square feet of antique shops
and malls. While the competition is
steep, the antique dealers remain
friendly and cooperative.
Fast Factsn johnston County is located midway between new york and Florida on i-95.
n the county has 11 municipalities: benson, Clayton, Four oaks, Kenly, micro, pine level, princeton, Selma, Smithfield, archer lodge and Wilson’s mills.
n the tobacco Farm life museum in Kenly showcases agriculture as it was in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
n johnston County ranks first in the state of north Carolina for the number of operating farms.
n pharmacist lunsford richardson, who developed the formula for the cold salve vicks vaporub, grew up near Selma in the mid-1800s.
n johnston County is the nation’s largest grower of sweet potatoes, and the north Carolina Sweet potato Commission is headquartered in benson.
n Smithfield has been named one of the top 10 Great places to ride a bike by livability.com.
50
9696
JOHNSTON
301301
3017070
701
4040
40
95
9595
Raleigh
Benson
Cleveland Area
Clayton
SelmaSmithfield
Kenly
Four Oaks
pOpULaTION (2010 ESTIMaTE)
Johnston County: 168,878
Clayton: 16,116
Smithfield: 10,966
Selma: 6,073
Benson: 3,311
Cleveland area: 11,900
LOCaTION
Johnston County is in east-
central north Carolina, about
30 miles south-east of Raleigh.
BEGINNINGS
Johnston County was formed
in 1746 and named after
Gabriel Johnston, a royal
governor of the state.
fOR MORE INfORMaTIONGreater Smithfield-Selma
area Chamber of Commerce
1115 industrial Park dr.
P.o. Box 467
Smithfield, nC 27577
Phone: (919) 934-9166
fax: (919) 934-1337 www.smithfieldselma.com
Johnston county at a glance
What’s online Take a virtual tour of Johnston County, courtesy of our award- winning photographers, at livability.com/johnston-county/nc.
Johnston County
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Top 10Fun and Unusual
Museums
Introducing the Livability.com Top 10 Lists New lists every month | Not your average lists | Not your average website
Smithfieldmade the list.Top 10 Fun and Unusual MuseumsSee more Top 10 lists at Livability.com.
TUPELO AUTOMOBILE MUSEUMTupelo, MS
GREAT AMERICAN DOLLHOUSE MUSEUMDanville, KY
STAR MUSEUMAbingdon, VA
TEXAS COWBOY HALL OF FAMEFort Worth, TX
AVA GARDNER MUSEUMSmithfield, NC
LOUISVILLE SLUGGER MUSEUM & FACTORY LOUISVILLE, KY
NATIONAL WRESTLING HALL OF FAME & MUSEUM
Stillwater, OK
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF ROLLER SKATINGLincoln, NE
AMERICAN HELICOPTER MUSEUM & EDUCATION CENTER
West Chester, PA
THE MUSEUM OF MOUNTAIN BIKE ART & TECHNOLOGY
Statesville, NC
honoring a Legend of Tinseltown’s Golden era
The ava Gardner museum preserves the legacy of
actress ava Gardner, a tinseltown legend who found
fame and fortune after humble beginnings in a rural
community seven miles east of Smithfield.
The museum features memorabilia from some of ava’s
films, such as her cape and shoes from The Barefoot Contessa and her classic dress from The Great Sinner. in
addition to these types of items, the museum displays
some things more reflective of her personal life, such as
a watch she gave to former husband frank Sinatra.
in all, the museum is home to more than 20,000
pieces plus various multi-media exhibits, giving visitors
the ability to better appreciate ava’s life and career.
honoring the arts and artist
artist frank Creech spent two decades teaching, painting,
drawing, sculpting and photographing at Johnston Community
College. in december 2010, the college proudly unveiled the frank
Creech art Gallery to honor Creech’s contributions to both the
college and the arts.
This 1,500-square-foot gallery contains state-of-the-art
exhibition space and a 750-square-foot reception area used to
sell art. The gallery has museum-quality lighting, climate control,
hanging and security systems.
The gallery’s inaugural show, Frank & Friends, featured
selected acrylic, mixed-media and watercolor paintings from
Creech’s personal collection, as well as oil paintings, pottery,
photography and jewelry created by fellow artists and his
10-year-old granddaughter, emma.
fighting the erosion of Time
fought over the course of march
19-21, 1865, the Battle of Bentonville
was the last full-scale combat of the
Civil War in which Confederate forces
mounted a tactical offensive.
it was the largest battle ever fought in
north Carolina and the only significant
effort to challenge Gen. Sherman’s troops
in their march through the Carolinas in
spring spring 1865.
Today, the site is a national historic
Landmark, and much of the battlefield
remains undisturbed. Special activities
surround the anniversary of the battle
each march, with living history programs
in July and august. The visitor center
features a 10-minute audiovisual exhibit,
as well as a new, audiovisual fiber-optic
map.
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after more than 50 years of observing life in Johnston County, local radio personality Carl Lamm certainly understands the heart and soul of his home area.
“In Johnston County, we have a blend of yesterday and today, with a present that’s pointed toward the future,” Lamm says. “It makes this a well-balanced community and great place to live.”
Rural Roots Run deepThe past is certainly evident in the eastern section
of Johnston County, which remains deeply rural and tied strongly to the area’s agricultural tradition. In
fact, the county still has the largest number of working farms in North Carolina, providing a solid economic foundation. Numerous small communities – Princeton is the largest – blend with farmland and forest to create a peaceful setting that reflects the area’s historic roots.
In contrast, lively modern development characterizes Johnston County’s western reaches, which have felt the influence of the nearby Triangle region with its urban centers, universities and pulsing economic activity. Several large manufacturers and pharmaceutical companies have spurred development in and around Clayton and Archer Lodge, situated just a short drive from the state capital of Raleigh and the progressive Research Triangle
SToRy By GaRY CaRTER
LivinGjOHNSTON COUNTY’S WELCOMING TOWNS aNd NEIGHBORHOOdS BLENd HISTORY & pROGRESS
To youR LikinG
Clockwise from top: johnston County has the largest number of working farms in north Carolina; a historic home on north Second Street in Smithfield; benson mule days is one of the largest festivals in the state, drawing 40,000-50,000 people from around the world, and features rodeos, carnival rides, parades, bluegrass shows and more.
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Park. The easy commute makes this area ideal for families wanting to live in quiet suburban communities or along the tree-lined streets of charming small towns.
driven by TransportationThe past and future intersect in the central portion
of Johnston County where transportation has played a key role in growth since a ferry crossing was put on the Neuse River in 1759. Now, with two interstates – 40 and 95 – and U.S. 70 crossing the county, it has become a vital corridor spurring business and development in Selma, Benson, Four Oaks, Kenly and Smithfield, which has been the county seat since 1771 and remains the largest town. Amtrak also makes a daily stop in Selma, while Johnston County Airport and easily accessible
Raleigh-Durham International Airport make air travel convenient.
Living Options aboundBut even this rapid pace and high-tech infusion
have not detracted from the traditional quality of life and relaxed atmosphere for which Johnston County is renowned. Newcomers and long-time residents can select from a broad selection of living options, ranging from contemporary suburban neighborhoods with amenities, to bungalows and stately Victorian homes on sedate streets. A highly regarded public school system serves Johnston County’s children, while Johnston Community College and other nearby colleges and universities offer access to higher learning programs.
Clockwise from top left: homes in downtown benson; Canoeing is a popular activity on the neuse river; his ‘n hers antiques is one of many antique stores in Selma; johnston Community College and other nearby colleges and universities offer higher education in johnston County; mountain biking at legend park in Clayton
STaff PhoTo
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Convenient Drop-Off Hours and Evening/Saturday Office Hours
Complete Companion Animal Care
Dentistry
On-site Diagnostic Laboratory
Elective Surgeries
Orthopedic and Soft Tissue Surgeries
Geriatric Care
At-Home Veterinary Hospice Care and Euthanasia
Wellness and Preventative Medicine
Digital Radiology
Ultrasonography and Endoscopy
Grooming
Boarding with Luxury Suites
Microchipping
Dr. William E. Smith Dr. Eileen P. Langdon
Willowrun Veterinary Hospital1417 S. Brightleaf Blvd. • Smithfield, NC 27577
State-of-the-art veterinary care with a hometown feel.
919.934.1504 | Fax: 919.934.1668 | www.willowrunvet.com
Residential CommeRCial industRial
demand the Best.
1-888-seeGaRs www.seegarsfence.com
A Seegars fence not only beautifies a home but increases
property value as well. And with the Seegars name comes
the assurance of the finest construction, selection, and
security to give you satisfaction and peace of mind.
As the industry’s leader in quality and service for
more than 62 years, seegars Fence Company can
meet the demands of the most discerning customer.
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Four distinct seasons, with generally mild temperatures, make Johnston County a perfect place for active individuals. The entire area is dotted with public parks and athletic complexes, while nature lovers will find miles of trails and pristine settings. Johnston County residents also benefit from a vibrant medical community that provides a complete range of outstanding services.
In essence, it’s the best of all worlds in Johnston County, where high-tech buzz and Southern hospitality combine for a well-balanced lifestyle and promising future.
homes in Flowers plantation, a planned community in ClaytonTodd BenneTT
For more infoFor even more reasons to call Johnston County home, visit livability.com/johnston-county/nc. There you’ll find more information on the region’s attractions, education options, economic climate, restaurants, sports and recreation offerings and more.
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SCHOOL SYSTEM EaRNS HIGH MaRKS IN SEVERaL aREaS
The Johnston County Schools system has been making a lot of news lately. A lot of good news.
The district recently added two new high schools – Cleveland High and Corinth Holders High – bringing the total of schools in the system to 46. There are 32,000
students in grades K-12 throughout JCS, and the district’s 4,000 employees make it the county’s largest employer.
Meanwhile, two other high schools in the district – Johnston County Early College Academy and Johnston County Middle College High – both allow students to earn
college credits while they are enrolled in high school.
“Both schools let high schoolers attend several classes at Johnston Community College, and ultimately eliminate some future tuition costs for their parents,” says Terri Sessoms, Johnston County Schools public information officer. “Most students
SToRy By KEVIN LITWIN | PhoToGRaPhy By TOdd BENNETT
Students work on a math problem at Corinth holders high School in northern johnston County
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in Early College Academy will have a college associate degree by the time they graduate from high school.”
advancEd ThinkingSessoms is also proud to point
out that the district is now accredited by AdvancED, a global leader in advancing education excellence
through accreditation and school improvement.
“There are seven criteria a district needs to meet in order to become accredited by AdvancED, and Johnston County scored highly on all seven,” she says. “In fact, JCS achieved the highest possible score. Our system was ranked ‘highly
functional,’ which is the best ranking a district can get.”
One of the criteria involves having a good relationship and communicating well with parents and community members, making sure they are involved in the district’s decision making.
“When our high school graduates
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apply for various colleges, being accredited by AdvancED gives them an edge in the application process,” Sessoms says.
Going GlobalMore than 40 languages are
spoken by students in Johnston County, so it is one of the first school systems across the state to become an inaugural member of the Global Schools Network. As a result, Johnston County Schools is hosting 30 visiting international faculty members from around the world, and many local schools are partnering with schools in Australia, China, Denmark and South America.
“When people talk about a global environment, it is happening here in our school system,” Sessoms says.
International IntrigueOther news in the district includes
an application being accepted for Smithfield-Selma High School to offer International Baccalaureate courses beginning in the 2012-13 school year, plus Sessoms says a few middle schools are now mixing English-speaking and Spanish-speaking students together in classrooms to learn all subjects side by side.
“Overall, the student population of Johnston County Schools has doubled in the past 15 years, due to the excellent education that is provided,” she says. “We have 292 nationally board-certified teachers, which places JCS within the top 50 school districts in the nation. Everything we do is aimed at empowering all of our students to become successful in a global society.”
Clockwise from top left: Students work in the library at Cleveland high School, one of johnston County’s newest high schools; there are 32,000 students in grades K-12 throughout the johnston County Schools system; Cleveland high School in Clayton
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Business
When proactive leadership, a strategic location and a skilled workforce are combined, economic magic can happen.
That has certainly been the case in Johnston County, which has pulled several big rabbits out of its proverbial hat during the past two years.
From the November 2011 opening of the $25.4 million Automatic Rolls of North Carolina facility in Clayton to the $268 million expansion of Grifols Inc. (formerly Talecris), Johnston County is seeing explosive growth, with payrolls to match.
New Companies, Big ExpansionsAutomatic Rolls’ Clayton plant, the country’s
largest hamburger bun supplier for McDonald’s, employs 84 workers at an average wage of $42,000 at its 80,000-square-foot facility.
Grifols, the third largest manufacturer of medicine from plasma, will provide 259 new jobs with its 160,000-square-foot expansion
of the Clayton blood fractionation facility, thus allowing a 43 percent increase over its current plasma processing capacity.
Becton, Dickenson and Company, an international pharmaceutical conglomerate with research facilities in the nearby Research Triangle Park, has invested $38 million in a 750,000-square-foot, LEED-certified distribution facility located in Four Oaks, where 190 people will be hired over the course of the next few years. And Caterpillar just announced 199 new jobs at its plant in western Johnston County.
“The county is an excellent location for industry,” says Peggy Anderson, director of the Johnston County Economic Development Commission. “With two major interstates serving our communities, access to two ports, rail service, our proximity to the Research Triangle Park, a highly skilled and available workforce, and the strong leadership that guides our economic and community development efforts, we have been extremely successful in weathering the economic
SToRy By BETSY WILLIaMS | PhoToGRaPhy By TOdd BENNETT
jOHNSTON COUNTY KEEpS GROWING WITH NEW COMpaNIES, ExpaNSIONS
READY FORBUSINESS
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downturn and seeing companies continue to locate and expand here.”
Ready for fast-Track projectsThe county offers several certified shovel-ready sites
along the I-95 corridor, meaning that environmental assessments, surveys and geotechnical studies have been completed.
“We know the soil quality, how many buildable acres and what percentage of wetlands a site might contain,” Anderson says. “So many projects today are fast-tracked, and this puts us in the lead position when it comes to successfully recruiting multimillion dollar investments and new jobs into Johnston County.”
Anderson says that one of the county’s strongest assets is its proximity to a university system that includes the University of North Carolina, Duke University, North Carolina State University and East Carolina University, which play a huge role in the recruitment of new pharmaceutical jobs.
The county has its own incentive fund pool that may be offered to qualifying companies, and local leaders work in cooperation with regional and state officials in securing additional grants that help seal the deal when new companies come calling. These grants are used to fund water, sewer and road infrastructure.
Ergonomic ConceptsLeadership played a big factor when Ergonomic
Concepts, a manufacturer of ergonomic office furniture, selected Johnston County as its home.
“Selma city officials and the Johnston County Economic Development Authority have been extremely helpful,” says company owner Brian Frazier. “Their sensitivity to my needs as an employer in Johnston County exemplifies their commitment to be a proactive partner in the business community, and I would highly recommend any company looking to relocate to consider the Smithfield-Selma area.”
Top and bottom left: ergonomic Concepts, a manufacturer of ergonomic office furniture, in Selma Bottom right: automatic rolls of north Carolina is the country’s largest hamburger bun supplier for mcdonald’s.
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scorecardBUSINESS aT
a GLaNCE
$2 billionannual Retail Sales
$12,565Retail Sales
per Capita
$197 millionannual Hotel
and food Sales
13,283Total Number
of firms
source: u.s. Census QuickFacts
Business
Biz BriefsbuSineSSeS – both larGe and Small – that help deFine
johnSton County’S eConomiC Climate
fOUR OaKS BaNKBiz: BankBuzz: Celebrating 100 years of service in 2012, Four Oaks Bank opened its first office in Four Oaks, N.C. The bank opened another branch in Clayton in 1986, and soon began constructing additional locations in Clayton, Smithfield, Garner, Benson and other cities. Now, Four Oaks Bank has 17 offices in eight counties in eastern North Carolina.www.fouroaksbank.com
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THE CLaYTON NEWS-STaRBiz: NewspaperBuzz: The Clayton News-Star has been keeping Johnston County residents up-to-date on local happenings for 100 years. Owned by The News & Observer, the newspaper primarily focuses on Clayton, while also reporting on newsworthy occurrences in Smithfield. The Clayton News-Star currently reaches approximately 19,000 households and is published three times a week, which includes a Sunday edition.www.claytonnewsstar.com
ZaxBY’SBiz: RestaurantBuzz: Zaxby’s offers two locations in Johnston County, in Clayton and Smithfield, both of which are locally owned and operated by Michael and Kelly Smith. In addition to serving fresh chicken, sandwiches, salads and more, these Zaxby’s restaurants support various local organizations and make an annual donation of $25,000 to the Johnston Community College Performing Arts Program.www.zaxbys.com
E.d. paRKER CORp.Biz: Construction firmBuzz: Specializing in apartment, commercial and industrial construction, E.D. Parker Corp. has been serving the Mid-Atlantic area since 1975. The Benson-based company constructs new facilities and completes renovations, and offers its services from the pre-construction phase all the way through post-construction. E.D. Parker Corp. has worked on hotels, warehouses, medical buildings, car dealerships and other projects.www.edparkercorporation.com
MaSTERTRaxBiz: Recording studioBuzz: Located in Selma, MasterTrax serves both individual artists and large groups, and offers clients an affordable experience while also creating high-quality products. The recording studio is equipped with custom audio designs and includes a tracking room, drum and isolation booths, and a lounge. Studio musicians are available to assist with projects, as well as a graphic artist and photographer.www.mastertraxstudio.com
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Benson AreA MedicAl center is A coMMunity-owned, non-profit providing quAlity heAlth cAre to All Ages.
3333 N.C. Hwy. 242 N. • Benson, NC • (919) 894-2011 www.bensonmedical.org
The providers at Benson Area Medical Center Inc. are specially trained and certified in the care of infants, children, adults and the elderly. We are dedicated to giving
caring service and providing comprehensive health care to all members of your family.
NEWPATIENTSWELCOME
a great placeto work and play!
Johnston County
Johnston County Board of Commissioners
Allen L. Mims Jr. Chairman
Jeffrey P. Carver Vice-Chairman
DeVan Barbour Tony Braswell Cookie Pope
Wade M. Stewart W. Ray Woodall
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Business
chamber reportSeven ChamberS baCK teaCher oF the year aWard
E ach may, the seven-chamber
Johnston County association
of Chambers of Commerce
announces the recipient of the
annual flame for Learning award.
The prestigious honor is Johnston
County’s equivalent to the teacher
of the year award.
“The term flame for Learning is
taken from the Johnston County
Schools mission, which states that
the district will foster a flame for
learning within each child that will
last a lifetime,” says Rick Childrey,
president of the Greater Smithfield-
Selma area Chamber of Commerce.
Innovation and CreativityThe flame for Learning award
is meant to recognize innovation
and creativity in the classroom,
with the annual winner being
chosen from 20 semifinalists.
Those 20 teachers are nominated
by anyone who is an employee of
Johnston County Schools.
“nominations can come from
the superintendent, principals,
teachers, cafeteria workers, bus
drivers, maintenance – any JCS
employee can nominate a teacher
who uses a “great best practice”
in the classroom, and has the
biggest impact on their students,”
Childrey says.
The flame for Learning award
began in 1994, and the 19th winner
will represent the district during
the 2012-13 school year once their
name is announced at the may
2012 banquet.
“The winner is always named
prior to the upcoming school
year, because that person will
then compete in future months
on a regional and statewide level
to hopefully achieve more top
teacher honors,” Childrey says.
Saluted by delta Kappa Gamma
The reigning flame for Learning
award winner for Johnston County
Schools is Randy Parker, a teacher
at Clayton high School who
garnered the 2011-12 honor. The
overall program has received plenty
of positive accolades, including
being called an excellent initiative
by delta kappa Gamma
international.“The seven Johnston County
chambers … all enjoy being part
of such a worthwhile project,”
Childrey says. “The hard-working,
innovative teachers of this
community deserve such
recognition.”
– Kevin Litwin
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Design-Build | Since 1973Commercial, Medical, Industrial &
Commercial Property Management
For more information, contact us at (919) 934-6651 or visit our website at www.sgcdesignbuild.com
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Carolina Packers
novo nordisk
Grifols uSa
ECONOMIC RESOURCES
Greater Smithfield-Selma
area Chamber of Commerce
(919) 934-9166
www.smithfieldselma.com
Kenly area
Chamber of Commerce
(919) 284-5510
www.visitkenly.org
Four oaks area
Chamber of Commerce
(919) 963-4004
www.fouroaksareachamber.com
benson Chamber of Commerce
(919) 894-3825
www.benson-chamber.com
Clayton Chamber of Commerce
(919) 553-6352
www.claytonchamber.com
princeton Chamber
of Commerce
(919) 631-6860
Greater Cleveland
Chamber of Commerce
(919) 773-8448
www.greatercleveland
chamber.com
johnston County
economic development
(919) 989-5007
www.jcnced.com
johnston County
visitors bureau
(919) 989-8687
www.johnstoncountync.org
johnston County airport
3149 Swift Creek Road
Smithfield, nC 27577
(919) 934-0992
www.jnx-airport.com
Selma historic union
Station/amtraK
500 Railroad St.
Selma, nC 27576
(800) 872-7245
WORKfORCE
74% White-Collar jobs
26% blue-Collar jobs
EdUCaTION
26%associate degree
13%bachelor’s degree
5%Graduate degree
TOp EMpLOYERS
Johnston County
School System
Johnston County Government
Wal-mart Stores
Johnston Community College
Johnston health
Caterpillar, inc.
Precision air/flanders
BUSINESS CLIMaTEJohnston County offers a workforce development center and is
close to the renowned Research Triangle area, as well as three
nationally known research hospitals. it is one of the fastest-
growing counties in the united States.
ECONOMIC pROfILE
Tax STRUCTURE
2.5%County Sales tax
5.25%State Sales tax
7.75%total Sales tax
INCOME
$18,406per Capita income
$43,755average annual household expenditure
TRaNSpORTaTION
johnston County area transit System309 e. market St.
Smithfield, nC 27577
www.jcats.org
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image Gallery
Selma-Smithfield Amtrak Station in Selma
Photo by Todd Bennett
image Gallery
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image Gallery
Holt Lake in Smithfield
Photo By Todd Bennett
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image Gallery
livabilit y.Com/johnSton - Count y/nC 31 30 johnSton Count y
The sun sets behind Holt Lake.
Staff Photo
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image Gallery
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World War I memorial at the Johnston County Courthouse in Smithfield
Photo by Todd Bennett
Players battle in a game of pickup basketball at Smithfield Recreation & Aquatics Center in Smithfield
Photo by Todd Bennett
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Local flavor
home-grown goodsCounty eaterieS, FaCilitieS attraCt Food loverS From all over
above: hinnant Family vineyards in pine level Right: the pick-your-own industry is thriving in johnston County.
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a griculture keeps Johnston County’s economy
thriving, and keeps residents and visitors
enjoying delicious eats throughout the year. in
addition to being a haven for food manufacturers,
the area is well-stocked with fresh produce and
several can’t-miss wineries and vineyards.
year-round oPPortunities For Produce
during most warm months, the pick-your-own
industry is bustling here. Beasley’s Berries offers
strawberries from mid-april through mid-June;
hill’s Peach and Berry farm & Jan’s Strawberries
does as well, along with blackberries, peaches and
watermelon in season; blueberries are a specialty
at middlecreek farm, where trees, birds and cattle
also can be had; and Smith’s nursery in Benson is
open year-round with blackberries, blueberries and
strawberries in season, and home-produced honey,
produce and much more. Want to explore more?
The Johnston County visitors Bureau keeps an
up-to-date listing of agribusiness sites and is adding
more all the time.
muscadine heritage Wine trailComprising hinnant family vineyards, enoch
Winery & vineyard, Gregory vineyards and adams
vineyards, the muscadine heritage Wine Trail allows
participants to enjoy a variety of wines while also
learning more about each family-owned and -operated
facility. To complete the trail, visitors must do a paid
wine tasting at each winery and buy one bottle from
each winery.
a local croWd PleaserTrue barbecue fans can’t get enough of a
Johnston County favorite, known as eastern
Carolina-style barbecue. This particular style of
barbecue, which includes a vinegar-based sauce
rather than a mustard-based dry rub or a tomato-
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Je
ff
Re
y S
. o
TT
oFine Wines
HINNANT FAMILY VINEYARDS (919) 965-3350 www.hinnantvineyards.com
ENOCH WINERY & VINEYARD (919) 207-0100 www.enochwinery.com
GREGORY VINEYARDS (919) 894-7700 gregoryvineyards.com
ADAMS VINEYARDS (919) 567-1010 www.adamsvineyards.com
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Kathy L. ParkerBroker in Charge
223 King Mill Rd. Four Oaks, NC 27524
(919) 369-5339 [email protected]
223 King Mill Rd. Four Oaks, NC 27524
(919) 934-3881 [email protected]
Locally Owned & Operated
Serving Johnston County Since 1988
CLERICAL • PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRIAL • GENERAL LABOR
102 E. Johnston St. • Smithfield, NC 27577 (919) 934-0909 • www.mitchelltemporary.com
Mitchell Temporary Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer
FAMILY FUN CENTER
RAINBOW LANES
850 Hwy. 42 W. Clayton, NC 27520
(919) 553-4-FUN
www.rainbowlanesclayton.com
Living green is making sure the air in your home is healthy for your family to breathe. Test your home for radon and build radon-resistant.
It's easy. That's living healthy and green.
Just call 866-730-green or visit www.epa.gov/radon
Living greenstarts from the ground up.
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Local flavor
atkinson milling Company
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based sauce, can be found at Johnston County
restaurants including Stephenson’s Bar-B-q and
White Swan’s Bar-B-q.
Food manuFactured hereLocated in Smithfield, Johnston County hams
produces country hams‚ spiral-sliced honey hams‚
smoked turkey, prosciutto, and dry-cured and hickory-
smoked bacon. The business was started in 1946
and today the food is sold in specialty markets,
delis, catalogs and online.often called Packers dogs or Bright Leaf dogs,
Carolina Packers hot dogs are a staple food item at north Carolina State university football games. easily recognizable due to their red color, the hot dogs are produced and packaged in Smithfield. Stevens Sausage is also manufactured in Smithfield, offering a variety of pork products such as country ham, chitterlings and red smoke sausage.
house-autry mills in four oaks has been creating
quality food products since 1812, including corn meal,
hushpuppies, and biscuit and cornbread mixes, as well
as breaders and coatings for chicken, seafood and pork.
Johnston county Farms oFFer Variety oF Produce, WorkshoPs
Take Boyette farms in Clayton, where every fall
the Clayton fear farm offers a pumpkin patch, corn
maze, hay playground and halloween-themed events.
Then there’s the Lazy o farm in Smithfield, which
hosts educational tours for children and families as
well as special events.
Those looking for a little more colorful experience
can stop by Toad Song farm in Clayton, which grows
a broad array of herbs, perennial plants and vegetables,
and holds workshops throughout the year. Then mix
it up with some friendly critters at arrowhead farm,
where you can milk a goat, hunt for green eggs
and more.
The atkinson milling Company is the last water-
powered gristmill operating in eastern north Carolina.
Take a trip to the historic gristmill north of Selma
or visit the website at www.atkinsonmilling.com
to learn the rich history and order some quality
cornmeal products.
– Joe Morris
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T here are many sites to see in Johnston
County, especially if you like arts
and culture.
Johnston county arts council
The council promotes the importance
of art and culture through dance, music,
theater, storytelling, literary arts, visual
arts, folk arts and its artists-in-the-
Schools program. JCaC was founded
in 1972 and today secures grants to
provide financial assistance and services
to local artists and nonprofit arts and
service organizations.
FestiVals and celebrations
Johnston County communities know how to throw a party. every april, the town of Cleveland hosts a Strawberry festival, while Smithfield has a ham & yam festival in may and a friends of the 4th independence day in July. other celebrations include an acorn festival and oaktoberfest in four oaks, kruisin’ kenly festival, Benson mule days, harvest festival in Clayton, and the Johnston County december festival of Trees in Smithfield.
rave reviewsCounty iS home to many artS and Cultural attraCtionS
PhoTo CouRTeSy of dave BRainaRdKathy mattea performs at the Clayton Center.
arts & Culture
What’s online
Read more about Johnston County’s arts and culture
scene at livability.com/johnston-county/nc.
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Southland Realty II
5160 NC Hwy. 42 W. • (I-40/42 Exit 312) Garner, NC • (919) 773-0991
www.southland4042.com
Toll-free: (800) 325-1845
Voted #1 in Johnston County
historic attractionsThose wanting to take a journey
back to a simpler time can choose
from a variety of museums in
Johnston County. The Johnston
County heritage Center is in
Smithfield, as is the ava Gardner
museum dedicated solely to the
late hollywood starlet who was
born in nearby Brogden. also in
the community are the Benson
museum of Local history, and
Bentonville Battlefield State historic
Site where the largest Civil War
battle in north Carolina history
was fought. Selma antique district,
while not a museum, still preserves
history with its array of antique
shops and malls, all within walking
distance of each other.
music and morefor music enthusiasts, the
Clayton Center stages musical
theater performances, some
concerts and author appearances.
in Selma, visitors and residents
can enjoy the american music
Jubilee, a two-hour variety show
that has become a favorite with
tour and church groups from
around the country. every June,
Benson hosts the State annual
Singing Convention, while in
Smithfield, Johnston Community
College hosts the popular Country
music Showcase, a bimonthly
show that allows local singers to
perform with a live band in a
professional setting.
theatrical PerFormances
neuse Little Theatre, an actors
group in Smithfield, holds four
performances each year at the
former american Legion hut
overlooking the neuse River.
meanwhile, Benson Little Theatre
has been hosting performances
since 2000 at the W.J. Barefoot
auditorium, while the Clayton
youth Theater has been producing
quality shows by young people
since 2007.
– Tiffany Williams
more than 3,000 reenactors at the bentonville battlefield State historic Site
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education
T here are multiple choices for
getting a good education in Johnston
County, starting from preschool and
extending through the college experience.
Johnston county schoolsThe district has 46 schools with
32,000 students in grades k-12, making it
the sixth largest school system in north
Carolina. With the overall population of
Johnston County growing each year, JCS
is currently the second fastest-growing
school system in the state. Student
achievement ranks in the top 20 percent
of all north Carolina districts, and SaT
scores averaging 1022 are above the
state and national average.
neuse charter schoolJohnston County’s only free public
charter school made news in 2011 when it
opened a new campus off Booker dairy
Road, with separate pods for kindergarten,
elementary (grades 1-5), middle school
(6-8) and high school (9-10). The school
first opened in 2007 and today has 540
extra creditStudentS have multiple eduCation optionS
Todd BenneTT
Read more articles about Johnston County’s diverse learning environments by
going to livability.com/johnston-county/nc.
What’s online
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students, and will add grades 11
and 12 over the next two years.
neuse Charter School admits
students through a lottery system
and focuses on international
studies, offering foreign language
education as early as kindergarten.
Johnston community college
The college, with 4,300 full-
time students, opened a new
$8.2 million learning resource
center in 2011. it measures 11,500
square feet compared to the old
7,000-square-foot library. The new
building is a focal point of the
campus, and the second floor is
outfitted with distance-learning
classrooms. JCC officials now
envision a $4 million renovation to
turn the old library into a practice
hospital for health sciences students.
Johnston county WorkForce deVeloPment center
The Johnston County Workforce
development Center in Clayton
is a training facility focusing
on life sciences programming,
business training, and workforce
development in biotechnology and
other sciences. it is a collaborative
effort between Johnston County,
Johnston County Schools,
Johnston County economic
development, Johnston
Community College and local
biopharmaceutical industries.
PartnershiP For children oF Johnston county
This nonprofit organization
provides a variety of programs
and services to assist families.
Partnership for Children programs
include providing support and
information for families seeking
child care options, and
overseeing an intensive
parent education program
that educates families on child
development and parenting
skills, in order to promote child
language, intellectual growth,
and physical and social-
emotional skills.
– Jessica Walker
the new $8.2 million learning resource center at johnston Community College
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j ohnston health is redefining health care in central
north Carolina. a recent $144 million
investment has funded state-of-the-art medical
buildings, equipment and services, transforming the
system into a comprehensive health-care community.
Today, Johnston health is comprised of 179-bed
Johnston medical Center-Smithfield, medical
practices in kenly and Clayton, and Johnston
medical Center-Clayton, a $30 million emergency
care and outpatient center that opened in 2009.
Partners in cancer careCancer patients receive quality care thanks to
a partnership between Johnston health and duke
university hospital in durham. With locations in
Smithfield and Clayton, Johnston hematology &
oncology offers patients multiple cancer services
under one roof.
“our patients know and trust our duke-affiliated
oncologists, one of whom has been with us since our
program began in 1997,” says Johnston health Ceo
Chuck elliott. “Because of our relationship with duke,
our patients can get world-class care without leaving
their home county.”
The system also has partnered with Raleigh-
based Rex-unC health Care to offer radiation
oncology at clinics in Smithfield and Clayton. Services
also include the latest in diagnostic imaging and
minimally invasive surgery for detecting and
destroying tumors.
keePing uP With smithFieldin 2010, Johnston health opened a $62 million,
five-story patient tower to replace the original
Smithfield hospital. and in 2011, the Johnston health
foundation announced fundraising efforts for a
at your servicejohnSton health brinGS the lateSt ServiCeS, teChnoloGy to patientS in johnSton County
health & Wellness
technicians assist a patient undergoing treatment at the linear accelerator at johnston medical Center.
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LIBERTY COMMONS NURSING AND REHABILITATION CENTER
OF JOHNSTON COUNTY
Caring with Excellence
• 24-hour skilled nursing• Assisted living facility• Short-term rehabilitation• Physical therapy• Speech therapy• Occupational therapy• Special care unit
• Respite care• Hospice care• Daily housekeeping and laundry services• Specialized diets• State-of-the-art facility• Full-time, on-site professional management
Have the security of knowing someone is always there to assist you! There is no time like the present to find out more about our
CONTINUUM OF LIFESTYLE CHOICES.
Call (919) 207-1717 to learn more about our services or to schedule a personal tour. Located at 2315 NC Hwy. 242 N., Benson, NC 27504.
Terminally ill patients find comfort and compassion at the SECU Hospice House of Johnston Health. The 13,689-square-foot residential and inpatient center opened in 2010 following a $4.5 million capital campaign by the Johnston Health Foundation and a $1 million grant from the State Employees’ Credit Union Foundation.
At the Hospice House, an interdisciplinary team provides 24-hour care for patients in a home-like environment. All 18 patient rooms have separate heating and cooling units, in-suite baths and sleeper sofas for visitors. A chapel and meditation garden, full-service kitchen, and dining and living rooms also are on-site.
Just as the project was a community effort, so is patient care at the Hospice House. Volunteers provide 13 percent of the care given to patients, far exceeding the 5 percent Medicare mandate for hospice programs.
hospice house
$1.5 million expansion and modernization of the
Smithfield emergency department. Currently, the
department welcomes more than 47,000 patient
visits each year.
robotic-assisted surgeryin 2011, Johnston health welcomed the addition
of robotic-assisted surgery via the da vinci® Surgical
System. Currently used by Johnston health urologists
and gynecologists, the high-tech tool enables surgeons
to perform complex procedures, such as prostatectomy,
with minimal invasion and unmatched precision.
electroPhysiology studieselectrophysiology studies are another new addition
to Johnston health. Conducted by a specially trained
cardiologist in a catheterization lab, the minimally
invasive procedures help diagnose and treat abnormal
heart rhythms.
“We’re pleased that the hospital is able to offer
more advanced services such as this to patients,”
elliot says.
Johnston health’s commitment to progress is
clear. in 2011, the organization was one of 36 hospitals
to receive the annual Top improver award by Press
Ganey, the company that measures patient satisfaction
for hospitals across the country. The award recognizes
clients who have shown continuous improvement
over two years.
– Melanie Hill
dr. Charles Scarantino, a radiation oncologist with rex-unC health Care
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Sports & Recreation
W hile lounging in a rocker
on the front porch may
be a Southern tradition, Johnston
County residents and visitors
also enjoy ready access to a wide
range of recreational areas and
activities that contribute to an
active lifestyle.
Pick your favorite sport
and there’s likely a league or
organization ready to welcome
you, whether you’re 5 or 55. and
if you’re a fan, the nearby Triangle
area offers a year-round menu of
college and professional sports.
actiVities For all ages
The entire county is dotted
with public parks, athletic fields,
tennis courts and playgrounds
that encourage healthy activity,
relaxation and socializing. The
focus is on the entire family at
the Smithfield Recreation and
aquatics Center (SRaC), an
innovative joint venture between
Johnston County Schools and the
town of Smithfield. The spacious
facility houses a competition-
sized pool and children’s play
pool, gym, fitness and strength-
training rooms, racquetball courts
and even a pottery studio. SRaC
also offers a variety of classes
throughout the year.
mountain biking and eVen bocce
if you like your challenges on
two wheels, Clayton’s Legend
Park contains roughly 8 miles of
readily accessible trails, which
also are open to hikers. The town’s
42-acre Community Park features
eight bocce courts.
an active lifestylejohnSton County’S parKS, playGroundS and reCreation optionS FoSter aCtivity For younG and old
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#51000053
#51000277
#51000194
#51000725
The town of Selma provides
residents a variety of youth and
adult athletic programs, and hosts
the Johnston County Senior Games
for the area’s older athletes. a
highlight of the town’s special
events is the annual Selma Railroad
days festival, held each october.
a center of recreational activity
in kenly is a 9-acre complex with
lighted softball and baseball
fields, soccer field, trails,
playground and picnic area. The
municipal park in Benson has
something for everyone, with
facilities for baseball, softball,
horseshoes, shuffleboard and
even sand volleyball. and a large
picnic shelter is designed for
group gatherings.
a Paradise For nature loVers
The beautiful natural settings
in Johnston County also make it
an ideal place for nature lovers.
more than 50 miles of the scenic
neuse River flow through the
county, making it perfect for
kayaking, fishing, bird-watching
or a stroll along the 3-mile river
walk. The Clemmons educational
State forest was the first of its
kind in north Carolina, and is an
outdoor classroom where children
and adults learn about forest
ecosystems through ranger-
conducted classes and on
self-guided trails. education also
is a key component at howell
Woods near Bentonville, but the
2,800-acre park also is a
recreational hub with hiking,
camping, canoeing, hunting
and fishing.
tee it uPand if golf is your game,
there’s an abundance of links to
challenge you. Pine hollow Golf
Club and Cardinal Country Club
are local favorites, while Country
Club of Johnston County winds
along picturesque holt Lake.
Riverwood Golf & athletic Club
offers 27 holes, while The neuse
carries an impressive 4.5-star
rating from Golf Digest, which
also recognized Reedy Creek as
one of its “places to play.”
– Gary Carter
pine hollow Golf Club in Clayton
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visit ouradvertisersBenson Area Medical Centerwww.bensonmedical.org
Building Blocks Childcare & Development Centerwww.bbchildcare.net
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Four Oaks Bankwww.fouroaksbank.com
Hampton Innwww.dunn.hamptoninn.com
Harnett Health Systemwww.bjrh.org
Johnston Community Collegewww.johnstoncc.edu
Johnston County Board of Commissionerswww.johnstonnc.com
Johnston Memorial Hospital Authority www.johnstonhealth.org
Kathy L. Parker Real Estate
Liberty Commonswww.libertyhcs.com
Mitchell Temporary Services Inc.www.mitchelltemporary.com
Novo Nordiskwww.novonordisk-clayton.com
Perry Bros. Tire Servicewww.perrybros.com
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Sleep Innwww.choicehotels.com/hotel/nc466
Stephenson General Contractorswww.sgcdesignbuild.com
TAP Construction Inc.
The Tina Barletta Teamwww.tinabarletta.com
Town of Smithfieldwww.visitsmithfield.org
Waste Industrieswww.wasteindustries.com
Willowrun Veterinary Hospitalwww.willowrunvet.com
Can you imagine …a world without children?
We Can’t.Call 1-800-996-4100 to help.
www.stjude.org
6039-TR12260M_TGB_Livability.indd 1 3/22/10 11:40:09 AM
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CLIMaTE
The temperature in Johnston
County remains temperate
year round, with four distinct
seasons and a lengthy
growing season for flowers
and vegetables. Summer highs
and winter lows can be extreme
but are of very short duration.
90° Fjuly high temperature
29° Fjanuary low temperature
47”annual rain Fall (vs. national average annual rain Fall of 37”)
TIME ZONE
eastern
TRaNSpORTaTION
29 minutesmedian travel time to Work
ETHNICITY:
59%White
23%black
10%hispanic
8%other
NUMBERS TO KNOW
driver’s license, vehicle registration
north Carolina division
of motor vehicles
(919) 715-7000
www.ncdot.org/dmv
voter registration
Johnston County
Board of elections
(919) 989-5095
www.johnstonnc.com/
elections
Cable television
Time Warner Cable
(866) 489-2669
www.timewarnercable.com
diReCTv
(888) 777-2454
www.directv.com
Water and Sewer
Johnston County Public
utilities department
(919) 989-5075
www.johnstonnc.com/utilities
COST Of LIVING
$40,369median household income
$107,681median home price
$762median rent for a two-bedroom apartment
HOUSEHOLd INfORMaTION
aGE:
38median resident age
28%19 and under
45%20-54
27%55 and over
MaRITaL STaTUS:
49%married
51%Single
SNapSHOTSmithfield and Johnston County offer a winning combination
of small-town charm and easy access to big-city attractions in
nearby Raleigh-durham-Chapel hill. The area has great health-care
facilities and many great opportunities for recreational activities.
COMMUNITY pROfILE
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Through the Lens
Walking into Johnston County
hams in Smithfield, nC, there’s a
door just to the right behind the
counter. i follow one of the workers
through the door and down a
hallway, past a big industrial-sized
fan and into a room that would
make any country ham lover
feel like they’d died and gone
to hog heaven.
hanging from metal racks are
country hams on top of country
hams. This is one of the curing
rooms at Johnston County hams.
Rufus Brown is the current cure
master for Johnston County
hams, a position his father held
before him. Since 1967 the Browns
have been responsible for some of
the best tasting country hams in
the country, getting nods from
Esquire, Men’s Health and
Southern Living magazines.
as someone born and raised in
the South, i am all too familiar
with the tastes and smells of
country ham. for me, the smell
brings back fond memories of
Christmases past, waking up early
and rushing to see what surprises
lay buried beneath the tree …
after unwrapping everything in
From our Photo blog: Johnston county
PoSTed By Todd BenneTT
more online See more favorite photos and read the stories behind the shots at throughthelensjci.com.
now that you’ve experienced Johnston County through our photos, see it through the eyes of our photographers. visit throughthelensjci.com to view our exclusive photographers’ blog documenting what all went in to capturing those perfect moments.
get the story behind the Photo
sight with a bow on it, we would
almost always sit down to a
hearty breakfast cooked by my
mom. it wasn’t an elaborate meal
by any means; just eggs, bacon,
homemade biscuits and country
ham, enough to fill our bellies and
put a smile on our faces …
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