TC Spotlight

Join us as we sit down with Sara Kusan and Tyler Pollock from the Franklin County Home Builders Association, now expanding to encompass Nash County!

They share insights into the association's membership benefits, including networking opportunities, continuing education, Builder's Mutual Insurance, and special events tailored for members in the building industry.

Tune in to hear how this expansion aims to shape the future of home building in our region and how you can get involved as a potential member of the Home Builders Association.

The Home Builder's Association is seeking valuable feedback from future Nash County members through a quick survey - make your voice heard! 

Link: Feedback Survey for Future Nash County Members

If you've seen Twin County Media's social media podcast graphics, you might be wondering - 'who's behind the photography?' In this episode, we’re republishing our conversation with Eric Brown, our partner and a talented professional photographer, who is responsible for much of Twin County Media's headshots.

Eric recently published a new book full of his best work, ITELDU. If you haven’t checked it out yet, be sure to click the link below to see more of Eric's incredible work.

Book Link: Eric Brown Photography

Tar River Arts + Culture is out with its second edition! Eki Asemota, along with Justin Sykes, editor of the TRAC Magazine, discusses the latest release of Tar River Arts + Culture (TRAC) magazine, highlighting Eki’s studio among its featured stories.

Eki’s Famous is a celebrated dance studio located in downtown Rocky Mount.  We explore Eki’s journey in dance education, the cultural impact of her studio, and its role in enriching Rocky Mount’s vibrant arts community. We also discuss Eki's vision for a downtown arts district and her upcoming fashion show. Discover more about Eki’s Famous and its contributions to Rocky Mount’s cultural scene at Eki’s Famous. 

Additionally, delve into captivating stories and features celebrating arts and culture in our region in the latest edition of Tar River Arts + Culture magazine: TRAC Magazine Spring 2025.

In this episode, we sit down with Breonna Walker, Head of School at Southside Academy in South Rocky Mount. Breonna shares her inspiring journey into education and her vision for Southside Academy—a Christian-based, classical school committed to providing a remarkable, God-centered education to children in under-resourced areas.Founded in 2022, Southside Academy currently serves students in grades K–3 and plans to add one grade each year until reaching 8th grade. The school operates with a 12:1 student-to-teacher ratio, ensuring personalized attention and a nurturing learning environment. With a tuition of just $35 per month, the school remains accessible to low-income families, thanks to support from North Carolina Opportunity Scholarships and community partnerships.

Breonna discusses the school's seven guiding philosophies, which include Christ-centered instruction, fostering a love of learning, and promoting character development. She also highlights the importance of community involvement and the school's efforts to expand its impact through donor support. As Southside Academy looks to the future, Breonna emphasizes the need for additional resources to support the school's growth and continue offering quality education to the children of South Rocky Mount.

For more information or to support Southside Academy, visit their website at southside.academy.

In this episode, we sit down with Gary Lee, President and CEO of Free Will Baptist’s Children’s Home in Middlesex, to explore his journey with the organization and their mission to provide compassionate care for foster children and young adults. Gary shares insights into the organization’s deep-rooted commitment to nurturing and supporting vulnerable youth, emphasizing their holistic approach to meeting emotional, physical, and educational needs.

We delve into the programs and services offered by Free Will Baptist’s Children’s Home, aimed at creating stable and nurturing environments where children can thrive. Gary discusses the challenges and rewards of working in child welfare and highlights the importance of community support in making a lasting difference in the lives of these young individuals. For more information on their mission and how you can get involved, visit their website at Free Will Baptist’s Children’s Home. Join us as we explore the inspiring work of this vital organization dedicated to transforming the futures of children in need.

In this episode, we sit down with Kari Young, Executive Director of the Nash Community College Foundation, to discuss her inspiring journey from Washington to North Carolina and the impactful work she’s doing to support students in the Twin Counties. Kari shares how her background in education and nonprofit management led her to the Foundation, and how her passion for community-driven success fuels her work every day.

We dive into the Foundation’s key initiatives, including the scholarships and programs they offer to help students achieve their educational goals. Kari highlights the incredible impact these resources have on the lives of local students and the future workforce.

Additionally, we discuss the exciting announcement of the new $22M Health Sciences Building at Nash Community College, which the Foundation is helping to bring to fruition. The new facility will provide state-of-the-art resources to enhance healthcare education in the region. Tune in to hear how the Nash Community College Foundation is shaping the future of education and workforce development in the Twin Counties.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Keisha B. Spivey, founder and Executive Director of Ripple Effects Group, a transformative nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the Twin Counties. Dr. Spivey shares her inspiring journey from ministry to nonprofit counseling, highlighting the pivotal moments that led her to establish Ripple Effects in 2016. Motivated by a series of community tragedies, she envisioned a space where individuals could find hope, healing, and holistic support.

Ripple Effects operates as a community collaboration hub, offering resource counseling, life skills workshops, case management, and other services designed to address holistic wellness. Serving over 600 people per month, the organization provides essential services through a unique and compassionate model of care. Dr. Spivey discusses the organization's mission to break cycles of desperation and hopelessness, creating new beginnings for individuals and families in crisis. She also shares her personal experiences and the lessons learned along the way, illustrating how faith, resilience, and community support can lead to profound transformation.

Additionally, Dr. Spivey talks about their candle company, BeLight Candle Co., which helps support Ripple Effects' operations. The company offers beautifully crafted candles, and every purchase contributes to the nonprofit's mission. To support Ripple Effects, check out their candle collection at BeLight Candle Co. and follow them on Facebook.

For more information about Ripple Effects Group, visit Ripple Effects Group.

In this episode, we sit down with Melanie Meeks, Anthony Hopkins, and Diane Porter of the C.A.R.E. Coalition—a vital organization in Rocky Mount dedicated to supporting individuals facing mental health and substance use challenges. Since its inception in 2017, C.A.R.E. has been a cornerstone in providing resources, education, and support for those in need, embodying a community-driven approach to recovery.

We delve into the history of C.A.R.E., exploring its mission to offer collaborative strategies and solutions that address substance use and behavioral health issues, ultimately improving the overall health of the community. The coalition’s open-table policy invites participation from community members, healthcare providers, law enforcement, and local organizations, creating a comprehensive support network.

Anthony and Diane share their personal journeys of overcoming addiction and mental health struggles, highlighting how their experiences fuel their passion for helping others. Their stories serve as powerful testaments to resilience and the transformative impact of community support.

For those seeking assistance or more information, visit the C.A.R.E. Coalition’s website at nashcountycare.org. There, you’ll find a wealth of resources for individuals in recovery, families, and community members, all aimed at fostering a healthier, more supportive environment for everyone in Nash County.

In this episode, we sit down with Barden Winstead, Co-Branch Manager and Senior Vice President of Investments at Stifel in Rocky Mount. With over 40 years in the financial services industry, Barden shares his journey from his early days in the field to his current role at Stifel, a national investment management firm with a strong local presence.

Beyond his professional achievements, Barden is deeply committed to civic service in the Rocky Mount community. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Carolinas Gateway Partnership, focusing on industrial recruitment and economic development.

Additionally, he is involved with the Central City Revitalization Panel and serves as the President of the Board of Directors for Downtown Renaissance Inc., working towards the revitalization and preservation of historic properties in downtown Rocky Mount.

Tune in to hear Barden's insights on the financial industry, his dedication to community service, and how his long-standing career has intertwined with the growth and development of Rocky Mount.

In this episode, we sit down with Dean Taitz, a founder at the Ruddell Group, to discuss the upcoming Rocky Mount Industrial Village—a transformative 55-acre industrial park set to begin construction in the next few months. 

Dean shares his vision for the park, emphasizing the importance of attracting light commercial and light manufacturing tenants to foster sustainable economic growth in the region. He highlights the strategic location of the industrial village at the intersection of Thomas A. Betts Parkway and Peele Road, providing easy access to major transportation routes and positioning it as a prime destination for businesses seeking to expand or relocate.

We also discuss the anticipated impact of the development, which is expected to create nearly 300 jobs and generate over $43 million in total economic output upon full buildout. Dean provides insights into the planning and development process, including infrastructure improvements such as water and sewer upgrades slated to begin in March 2025.

Tune in to learn more about the Rocky Mount Industrial Village and how it aims to serve as a catalyst for economic development in the Twin Counties.