Christina Haley discusses how a career that started in journalism eventually led to her taking the helm as President & CEO of Wilmington Downtown, Inc. (WDI), an organization dedicated to promoting the economic growth and development of downtown Wilmington. Haley discusses the importance of perseverance, the power of networking, and her passion for strengthening the economy of downtown Wilmington. 

In her capacity as President and CEO of Wilmington Downtown, Inc. (WDI), Haley leads efforts to revitalize and drive economic growth in downtown Wilmington. Since joining WDI in 2021, she has overseen economic development initiatives, business recruitment, and the Municipal Services District (MSD), which provides safety, cleaning, and outreach services. She has strengthened key programs such as the Facade Improvement and Microloan Programs and is launching a new Public Safety Grant Program. Christina also spearheaded an economic impact study on Wilmington’s hospitality sector and led efforts to expand downtown’s Holiday Lighting Program and introduce Wilmington’s first daytime pilot social district. She serves as Chair of the Downtown Parking Advisory Committee, is a member of the Wilmington Convention Center Advisory Committee, and sits on the boards of the Public Archaeology Corps and the Wilmington Area Hospitality Association. She is also an active member of the North Carolina Downtown Development Association and the North Carolina Economic Development Association.

Carolyn Moshier, owner of Urge to Purge Photo Organization & Management, LLC, describes her journey from Occupational Therapist to self-employed photo organizer and discusses her passion for helping people preserve and organize their family's treasured historical photos.

With a special focus on Baby Boomers, busy professionals and seniors, Carolyn aims to help folks navigate the digital age, avoid the inheritance of a disorganized photo mess and avoid stress centered around the overwhelming and daunting task of organizing one’s photos.

She says, “In today's fast-paced world, memories are often scattered across multiple devices as well as old albums and shoeboxes, creating a barrier to reliving and sharing those special moments. “

Urge to Purge Photo Organization & Management offers a range of services, including:

Carolyn has additional expertise in:

Jeremy & Billie Gunn, co-owners of JBG Services, discuss how a side gig quickly turned into a painting business that has steadily grown since they formed it four years ago. Jeremy, who is the 2024-25 President of the North Brunswick Chamber of Commerce, and Billie, who is the current Secretary of the Leland Area Rotary Club, also share why community involvement is such an important part of what they do. 

Alexandra Lysik, owner of Cavik Insurance, describes how her career led her from working in risk management for a local government to owning a successful insurance agency, what lessons she's learned along the way, and what advice she'd give someone starting out. Also, find out how many times she's been to Disney World (hint: it's a high number).

Cape Fear Business Roundtable is sponsored by Pioneer Strategies and Pioneer Specialties.

This week's guest is Lucinda Arnold, a serial entrepreneur, prolific networker and connector, and community leader. Lucinda and her husband, Eugene, co-own Coastal Painting & Improvements, are part owners of Made New Interiors, and own several AirBNBs in Brunswick County. Before moving to southeastern North Carolina from the frozen tundra of upstate New York, they owned a successful scrap metal business in the Buffalo area. Lucinda is a past president of the Southport-Oak Island Chamber of Commerce, has led the Chamber's business connections group for the past decade, and is actively involved in numerous other business organizations. Listen and learn about her leadership philosophy and keys to success. 

This week's guest on Cape Fear Business Roundtable is CJ Jones with Southern Moving & Storage. Learn how CJ's career led him from Philadelphia to southeastern North Carolina, why moving is his passion, and how his appreciation for networking led him to form a new online networking group that will soon hold its first in-person event.

This week's guest is George Murray, a former corporate controller, artist, community leader and serial entrepreneur whose business ventures have included a frame shop, a sign and design shop, and a gourmet popcorn and ice cream shop. 

Natalie English, CEO of the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce, tells us how her career trajectory changed from initially planning to major in Chemical Engineering to working in government relations and eventually becoming a Chamber CEO. She also discusses the Wilmington Chamber's mission, focus, priorities, and goals and touches on issues and challenges facing the southeastern North Carolina business community.

This week's guest is Justin Williams, founder of Carolina Marketing Company, Inc. Justin launched the business in 2005 with North Brunswick Magazine. Since then, the company has expanded to produce 10 regional lifestyle and tourism publications, along with custom publications, digital marketing, advertising, and a range of media opportunities for its clients. Discover more at CarolinaMarketingCompany.com.

Interview with Jeff Moss, U.S. Army Veteran, owner of College Hunks Hauling Junk of Wilmington/Leland, and the author of "My Leading Edge."