TC Spotlight

In this episode, we sit down with Ron Green, CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tar River Region, along with Melvin Mitchell and Gus Tulloss, who are helping lead the capital campaign for one of the most ambitious youth development projects in our area: Project DREAM.

Project DREAM is a transformational initiative that will convert the former National Guard Armory in Rocky Mount into a state-of-the-art teen center and workforce development hub designed to prepare the next generation of Twin Counties leaders. The project represents a roughly $10 million investment into the future of local youth, creating a space where students can access career readiness training, mentorship, leadership development, educational support, technology resources, and workforce preparation opportunities.

In our conversation, Ron, Melvin, and Gus discuss the vision behind Project DREAM, why the Boys & Girls Club identified the need for a dedicated teen-focused facility, and how the project fits into broader efforts to strengthen workforce development and economic mobility in our region. We also discuss the capital campaign currently underway, the community partnerships helping move the project forward, and the long-term impact this investment could have on thousands of young people across Nash and Edgecombe counties.Tune in to hear how Project DREAM aims to transform a historic Rocky Mount landmark into a launching pad for future leaders, entrepreneurs, skilled workers, and community changemakers throughout Eastern North Carolina.

In this episode, we sit down with Bryan Braswell, fourth-generation operator of Rocky Mount Radiator, to discuss the incredible story of a family business that has been serving the region since 1927. Bryan shares how his family started the company nearly 100 years ago and the many industry changes and economic challenges they’ve successfully navigated across four generations.

We dive into the highly specialized work Rocky Mount Radiator performs, from repairing everyday car radiators and AC systems to servicing heavy equipment radiators and even large-scale commercial and hospital heat exchangers. Bryan explains how the company carved out a niche in the heat exchanger and radiator industry through technical expertise, quality workmanship, and long-term customer relationships.

Tune in to hear the story behind one of Rocky Mount’s longstanding businesses and learn more about the important role Rocky Mount Radiator continues to play in keeping vehicles, equipment, and major facilities running efficiently across Eastern North Carolina.

In this episode, we sit down with David Farris, President of the Rocky Mount Chamber of Commerce, Beth Covolo, Head of School at Rocky Mount Academy, and Bunn Boddie of Boddie-Noell Enterprises to discuss a community-led effort to keep a critical summer camp program alive for local Rocky Mount children.

For years, this summer camp served inner city children ages 5–8 whose families may not be able to take time off work during the summer months. Due to the city’s recent financial challenges, support for the program was discontinued—creating a major gap for working families across our community. In response, local business and civic leaders stepped up to organize a private fundraising campaign to ensure the camp continues this summer at Rocky Mount Academy.

Our conversation explores why this program matters so deeply, how it supports both children and working parents, and what it says about the power of community collaboration in the Twin Counties. The group is currently working to raise $60,000, and they have already secured approximately half of that goal. Sponsoring one child for the full summer costs $1,000.

Individuals and businesses interested in supporting the effort can make check outs to "Community Development Foundation of Rocky Mount" with Kids’ Summer Camp  in the memo line and can be sent to:

Rocky Mount Area Chamber of Commerce

100 Coastline Street, Ste #200

Rocky Mount, NC 27804

Tune in to hear how local leaders are rallying together to support families and make sure children in our community have a safe, enriching place to learn and grow this summer.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Nettie Williams, founder and artistic director of the Tarboro Choral Society, to talk about her journey in music and her vision for bringing high-level choral performance back to Eastern North Carolina. A Tarboro native with a distinguished career as a conductor and educator, Dr. Williams returned home and launched the Tarboro Choral Society to enrich the region through music and create opportunities for both professional and community performers.  

We dive into the mission of the Tarboro Choral Society, which brings together singers from across Eastern NC to study and perform classical and contemporary works while making music accessible to the community.   The organization hosts an annual multi-day music festival featuring concerts, educational programming, and collaborations with musicians from across the state—all aimed at reviving Tarboro’s rich musical traditions and making the arts available to everyone.  

We also highlight the upcoming Choral Society Festival weekend (May 15–17), which includes multiple performances and events throughout Tarboro, including a featured concert on Sunday, May 17.   From classical and gospel to Broadway and jazz, the festival showcases a wide range of musical styles designed to inspire audiences of all backgrounds.

Tune in to hear Dr. Williams’ story and the impact of the Tarboro Choral Society—and be sure to learn more about the festival and how to attend at:
https://tarborochoralsociety.com/

In this episode, we sit down with Chris Edwards, Manager of Broadcast & Media Relations for the Wilson Warbirds, to talk about his journey into the world of sports media and broadcasting. Chris shares his early aspirations in media, how he got his start, and the path that ultimately led him to join the Warbirds organization.

We dive into what it’s like to help launch a new Minor League team from the ground up, from building a brand to engaging fans and telling the story of the team. Chris gives us a behind-the-scenes look at his role with the Warbirds and how media, storytelling, and community engagement all come together in the organization’s growth.

We also discuss the Warbirds’ deep involvement in the Wilson community and Chris’s vision for the future of the team. Tune in to hear how a passion for media and sports is helping bring baseball—and community pride—to life in Wilson.

Website: https://www.mlb.com/milb/wilson

In this episode, we sit down with George Thorne, Commissioner for Edgecombe County, to talk about his decision to return home after college and invest his time and energy back into the community that raised him. George shares what drew him to public service, what he’s learned as a county commissioner, and why he believes local leadership plays such a critical role in shaping the future of Eastern North Carolina.

We also explore George’s writing through his Substack, Briarpatch, where he offers thoughtful reflections on life in Eastern NC, culture, and the ongoing progress in Edgecombe County. From economic development initiatives to the everyday realities of rural communities, George provides a grounded and insightful perspective on where the region is headed.

Tune in for a conversation about leadership, place, and purpose—and be sure to check out his writing here: https://briarpatchnc.substack.com/.

In this episode, we sit down with Joseph Bobbitt, a local financial advisor and Momeyer native, to talk about his incredible journey from a novice runner to qualifying for the Boston Marathon. Joseph shares how he first got into running, the discipline it took to improve, and the mindset required to push through setbacks and reach an elite level of performance.

We also dive into Joseph’s roots in Momeyer, including his connection as the great-grandson of the founder of Bass Brothers, and how his upbringing shaped both his personal and professional life. From balancing a career in financial advising to training at a high level, Joseph’s story is one of consistency, resilience, and long-term thinking.

Tune in to hear how dedication and daily discipline can lead to extraordinary outcomes—and how a runner from Eastern North Carolina earned his spot at one of the most prestigious races in the world.

In this episode, we sit down with Cutchin Anderson, Town Councilman in Tarboro and manager at Anderson Farms, to talk about leadership, agriculture, and the future of Edgecombe County. Cutchin shares his background growing up in Tarboro, his work in the family farming business, and what ultimately led him to step into public service.

We dive into the momentum building in downtown Tarboro, the broader landscape of economic development in Edgecombe County, and the opportunities and challenges facing the region. Cutchin offers a thoughtful perspective on why he chose to run for office, what he’s focused on as a councilman, and how local leadership can help shape meaningful progress.

Tune in to hear Cutchin’s vision for Tarboro’s future and how agriculture, community investment, and strong leadership can come together to drive long-term growth in Eastern North Carolina.

In this episode, we sit down with Kristen Brabble, COO of First Carolina Bank and the founder of the Tackle the Tar race in Rocky Mount. Kristen shares the story behind launching the event nearly a decade ago and how a simple idea—bringing the community together for a fun but challenging race—has grown into one of the region’s most impactful fundraisers.

Tackle the Tar is a 5K obstacle course race with more than 20 obstacles, often described as a “Tough Mudder-style” event that takes participants through mud pits, walls, crawls, and other physical challenges across the course. Tackle the Tar 5K obstacle race raises money for scholarships that support students attending Nash Community College, Edgecombe Community College, and North Carolina Wesleyan University, and since its founding in 2016 the event has generated more than $700,000 in scholarships for local students. 

This year’s race will take place on Saturday, May 16 at the Rocky Mount Sports Complex, and there are several ways to get involved. Participants can sign up to run the race, businesses can sponsor the event, and volunteers are always needed to help make the day a success. Kristen explains how the event has become a community tradition and why it continues to grow every year. This year, they expect close to 1,000 visitors to the area for the race. 

Tune in to hear Kristen’s story and the mission behind the race—and if you want to participate, volunteer, or become a sponsor, visit the official website:
https://www.tacklethetar.com. 

In this episode, we sit down with Nasir Dukes, founder of Dukes Properties & Construction, to discuss his firm’s growing development footprint in both Raleigh and Rocky Mount. Founded in 2004, Dukes Properties & Construction is a real estate investment and development firm focused on building high-quality residential and commercial projects and revitalizing neighborhoods through thoughtful design and construction. (dukesproperties.com)

Nasir shares the story behind the company, how the firm built its reputation through development projects in the Raleigh market, and why he’s excited about expanding into Rocky Mount. We dive into the firm’s first two local projects—Grace Street Flats and Studio13—and discuss the strategy behind bringing new housing and redevelopment opportunities to the downtown area.

We also announce Dukes Properties’ newest project: Legacy Lofts at 216 S Washington St in Downtown Rocky Mount, a 16-unit apartment redevelopment featuring industrial loft-style design units. The project is expected to be available for lease in mid-April and represents another step forward in the revitalization of downtown Rocky Mount.

To learn more about Dukes Properties & Construction, visit https://www.dukesproperties.com. For leasing information and to receive updates on Legacy Lofts, be sure to visit the Simmons & Harris listing link below.

https://listings.simmonsandharris.com/residential-unit-details/?uid=4319&location=1