Images Kinston-Lenoir County, NC: 2012
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Transcript of Images Kinston-Lenoir County, NC: 2012
GOOD TO THE LAST CROP
Farm-to-fork restaurant becomes destination
GREAT LIVINGMartha Stewart’s
brand brings jobs
Fishing for Compliments Good recreation options are abundant
SPONSORED by THE KINSTON-LENOIR COuNTy CHAmbER OF COmmERCE
2012 | ImAGESKINSTON.COm
KINSTON-LENOIR COuNTy, NORTH CAROLINA
®
The 2010 brand-new two-million-dollar renovation is complete,
and we are waiting for you! The Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Kinston
is the best value for you or your visiting guests. We provide terrific
customer service, offer a hot complimentary Fresh Start breakfast,
and are conveniently located off of US 70.
The Holiday Inn Express & Suites of Kinston
Stay Real, Stay You.Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites1156 Hill Farm Rd. • Kinston, NC 28504 • (252) 559-8888 • (252) 559-6588 faxwww.hiexpress.com/kinstonnc
What’s Online imageskinston.com
GOOD TO THE LAST CROP
Farm-to-fork restaurant becomes destination
GREAT LIVINGMartha Stewart’s
brand brings jobs
Fishing for Compliments Good recreation options are abundant
SPONSORED by THE KINSTON-LENOIR COuNTy CHAmbER OF COmmERCE
2012 | ImAGESKINSTON.COm
KINSTON-LENOIR COuNTy, NORTH CAROLINA
®
Visually explore Kinston-Lenoir County in our online photo and video galleries
Flip through the pages of this magazine and easily share articles using Facebook, Twitter or email.
Photos & Videos
digital magazine
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
KINSTON-LENOIR COuNTy, NORTH CAROLINA
®
EDITORIAL PROjECT mANAGER mitch Kline
CONTENT DIRECTOR lisa battles
PROOFREADING mANAGER Raven Petty
CONTENT COORDINATOR Jessica WalKeR
STAFF WRITER Kevin litWin
COPy EDITOR Jill Wyatt
CONTRIbuTING WRITERS baRbaRa biehleR,
Rebecca Denton, KaRen schWaRtzman
SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNERS lauRa GallaGheR,
Jessica manneR, 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
ExECuTIVE INTEGRATED mEDIA mANAGER suzi mcGRuDeR
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
OFFICE mANAGER/ACCOuNTS RECEIVAbLE
COORDINATOR shelly milleR
SALES SuPPORT COORDINATOR alex maRKs
I.T. DIRECTOR yancey bonD
SySTEm ADmINISTRATOR Daniel cantRell
WEb CONTENT mANAGER John hooD
WEb PROjECT mANAGER noy fonGnaly
WEb DESIGNER II RichaRD stevens
WEb DEVELOPER I yamel hall, nels noseWoRthy
WEb ACCOuNT mANAGER lauRen eubanK
PHOTOGRAPHy DIRECTOR JeffRey s. otto
mEDIA TECHNOLOGy DIRECTOR chRistina caRDen
mEDIA TECHNOLOGy ANALySTS becca aRy,
chanDRa bRaDshaW, lance conzett
AuDIENCE DEVELOPmENT DIRECTOR Deanna nelson
mARKETING CREATIVE DIRECTOR Keith haRRis
DISTRIbuTION DIRECTOR GaRy smith
ExECuTIVE SECRETARy KRisty Duncan
HumAN RESOuRCES mANAGER PeGGy blaKe
RECEPTIONIST linDa bishoP
Images Kinston-Lenoir County is published annually by Journal communications inc. and is distributed through
the Kinston-lenoir county chamber 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:Kinston-lenoir county chamber of commerce
301 n. Queen st. • Kinston, nc 28501Phone: (252) 527-1131 • fax: (252) 527-1914
www.kinstonchamber.com
VISIT Images KInston-LenoIr County ONLINE AT ImAGESKINSTON.COm
©copyright 2011 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 Kinston-lenoir county chamber of commerce
2 KinSton -Lenoir Count y iMaGeSKinSton.CoM 3
all or part of this magazine is printed with soy ink on recycled paper containing 10% post-consumer waste.
Please recycle this magazine
ON THE COVER Photo by Jeffrey s. otto science and nature campers explore neuseway nature center’s 55 acres along the neuse River.
dePartments
4 Almanac
14 biz briefs
16 Chamber Report
17 Economic Profile
18 Image Gallery
20 Local Flavor
22 Arts & Culture
26 Health & Wellness
28 Education
31 Community Profile
32 Through the Lens
2012 EDITION | VOLumE 5
KINSTON-LENOIR COuNTy, NORTH CAROLINA
®
cOntents
Features
6 GOOD TO THE LAST CROPfarm-to-fork restaurant becomes destination
10 GREAT LIVINGmartha stewart’s brand brings jobs
24 FISHING FOR COmPLImENTSGood recreation options are abundant
22
6
5thanniversary
issue
2 KinSton -Lenoir Count y iMaGeSKinSton.CoM 3
bbQ for allWhat began as the hog happenin’ in the 1970s has grown
into a festival that features the largest barbecue cook off
in the state: bbQ festival on the neuse. the event, which
takes place in downtown Kinston, is sponsored by the
Kinston-lenoir county chamber of commerce. it features
artistic displays, custom cars, fireworks and, of course, plenty
of barbecue. festival-goers can also enjoy live music at the
event, with acts such as the embers and hip Pocket band
taking the stage in previous years. to learn more, visit
www.bbqfestivalontheneuse.com.
artfully historiclocated in the historic commodore barrow
house, the la Grange arts center is home
to exhibits, craft shows and art classes. the
structure, built circa 1905, was the first brick home
in la Grange and still includes many of its original
architectural details, such as a “grained” staircase.
in addition to exhibit space, the center includes a
studio for classes, as well as a clay room and kiln.
offering free admission, the center is open from
10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Wednesdays and saturdays
and on tuesdays for classes. the la Grange area
is also known for its charming, historic houses,
which are scattered throughout the town.
almanac
Welcome to Kinston- Lenoir County
Park itlocated along the neuse River,
neuseway Park is a beautiful place
to set up camp. campers can enjoy
a variety of amenities at this full
hook-up campground, including hot
showers, fire rings and picnic tables.
the 55-acre area offers 14 sites with
50-, 30- and 20-amp services that
can be rented for $10 per night,
as well as tent sites without
hook-ups that are available
for $6 per night. campers
seeking a more authentic
experience can stay in
a replicated indian
tepee, made of
canvas, which can
be rented for
$25 per night.
an introduCtion to the area’S peopLe, pLaCeS and eventS
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POPuLATION (2010 ESTImATE)Kinston: 21,677
lenoir county: 59,495
LOCATIONthe county seat of lenoir county,
Kinston is located in east-central
north carolina, approximately 75
miles east of Raleigh, the state capital.
bEGINNINGSthe community of Kingston was
established in 1759 and named for
King George iii of england. the “g”
was dropped from the name in 1794
after the american Revolution.
Kinston was incorporated in 1826.
FOR mORE INFORmATIONKinston-lenoir county
chamber of commerce
301 n. Queen st.
Kinston, nc 28501
Phone: (252) 527-1131
fax: (252) 527-1914 www.kinstonchamber.com
Kinston-lenoir county at a glance
Kinston-Lenoir
What’s Online Take a virtual tour of Kinston-Lenoir County, courtesy of our award-winning photographers, at imageskinston.com.
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70
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LENOIR
Neuse R.
Pink Hill
La GrangeKinston
Fast Factsn Kinston won an all-america City award in 2009. the national Civic League gives the awards to recognize communities that work to advance citizen democracy and good government.
n Kinston drag Strip is a quarter-mile international hot rod association-sanctioned drag strip that opened in 1960.
n Besides Kinston, the incorporated cities in Lenoir County include La Grange and pink hill.
n home to Spirit aeroSystems’ 500,000-square-foot facility, the north Carolina Global transpark is a 2,400-acre industrial/airport site near Kinston, featuring one of the longest runways on the eastern Seaboard.
n the neuseway planetarium, health and Science Museum are located in the neuseway nature park, which also offers opportunities for bird-watching.
fore!the Kinston Country Club
provides members a par-71, 18-hole, championship golf course, which was designed by ellis Maples in 1924. this private club also offers chipping and putting practice areas, as well as a tree-lined driving range. in addition, members can enjoy tournaments, inter-club matches and other social, golf-related activities, as well as professional instruction and clinics. those interested in stocking up on equipment and apparel can take advantage of the club’s pro shop, which also provides club fitting and repair services. Learn more at www.kinstoncc.com.
iMaGeSKinSton.CoM 5
FARm-TO-FORK RESTAuRANT bECOmES DESTINATION
Good to the Last Crop
stoRy by KEVIN LITWINPhotoGRaPhy by jEFFREy S. OTTO
6 KinSton -Lenoir Count y iMaGeSKinSton.CoM 7
The owners of Chef & the Farmer restaurant in Kinston spent a whopping $120,000
on food purchased from local farmers in 2010.
Since opening more than five years ago, owners Ben Knight and Vivian Howard say their 66-seat restaurant in the Kinston downtown district has become a dining destination for a number of reasons. The married couple admits that one of the biggest factors is their farm-to-fork philosophy, buying as much food as possible from local farmers to keep money in Kinston-Lenoir County.
“We buy produce primarily from three farms in the area – Warren Brothers Farm, Putnam Family Farms and Scott Farm Organics – and our chicken and pork comes from Rainbow Meadow Farms in Snow Hill, and a lot of our beef comes from Nooherooka Natural in Snow Hill,” says Knight, who manages Chef & the Farmer while Howard serves as executive chef.
79 of 100 DollarsKnight says the restaurant’s
menu changes often depending on what is available from the local farms, which keeps the menu fresh in both quality and variety.
“We have actually become a tourist attraction, with approximately 80 percent of our evening diners traveling at least 30 miles to get to us,” he says. “People in Kinston have really spread the word during the five years we’ve been open. I think the residents here appreciate how we give back to the community by helping local farmers.”
Knight is also proud to point out a recent Seattle-based study stating that 79 of every 100 dollars spent at farm-to-fork restaurants remain in the community, compared to about 50 of every 100 dollars spent at conventional eateries.
“I’d also like to mention that we
the Chef & the Farmer restaurant highlights the region’s culinary traditions and uses local sources of ingredients, such as the molasses-glazed salmon, country-style pole beans, and marinated cucumber and tomatoes (left).
6 KinSton -Lenoir Count y iMaGeSKinSton.CoM 7
are a AAA Four Diamond restaurant, of which there are only about 12 such restaurants in all of North Carolina with that distinction,” he says.
Smoked Corn RelishAs for Vivian Howard, she
got her culinary training in New York and cooked at several fine Manhattan restaurants, but she and Knight ultimately moved to Kinston in the mid-2000s because she is originally from the area.
“Our menu is vegetable heavy with a lot of f lavor, and I would describe the type of food we prepare as being nouveau Southern,” she says. “One example of my entrees is a pan-roasted red grouper with fried green tomatoes, grilled eggplant puree and a smoked corn relish. Another dinner item is a ribeye steak with chimichurri marinade and grilled summer vegetables. The restaurant uses the local ingredients that are cooked in ways where I can utilize some of my training techniques.”
Even a Wine StoreChef & the Farmer is a
dinner-only restaurant, opening at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Knight says the couple strives to provide a modern atmosphere and experience while highlighting the rich culture of North Carolina’s Coastal Plain.
“Our whole operation is housed in a converted 100-year-old mule stable, so we describe the restaurant’s ambience as both rustic and modern,” he says. “The kitchen staff also puts up preserves, pickles and jellies, and we opened a wine store. Customers are pleasantly surprised when they visit us in downtown Kinston.”
Clockwise from top left: Fried green tomatoes with fire-roasted corn salad and a smoked corn aioli; the restaurant owners opened a high-end wine and beer store next door; Warren Brothers on his farm in La Grange, where most of the restaurant’s produce comes from; Chef & the Farmer is housed in a converted 100-year-old mule stable.
8 KinSton -Lenoir Count y iMaGeSKinSton.CoM 9
Ag Director Wins Pinnacle Award all hail, tammy Kelly.
the director of the north carolina
cooperative extension’s lenoir county
center is also the 2011 winner of the Pinnacle
of achievement, an award presented by the
Kinston-lenoir county chamber of commerce.
the annual award recognizes a top woman
business professional in the community.
Kelly was caught by surprise when it was
announced at a Rotary club meeting that
she’d won the award.
“i said, ‘What? Why me?’” Kelly recalled.
“it was very nice to be recognized.”
among the many reasons why Kelly was
honored was her role in helping to revitalize
the lenoir county farmer’s market. the market
has been around since 1979 but had reached
a level of disinterest in recent times, so in 2010
Kelly formed an advisory board of farmers and
community members to plan ways to make
the market vital again.
“the market is right across the street from
chef & the farmer, the farm-to-fork restaurant
whose owner ben Knight was on the advisory
board,” Kelly says. “ben really encouraged
vendors to return to the market once again,
and things began to snowball from there.”
900 VISITORStoday, lenoir county farmer’s market
is open every tuesday and saturday, with 18 to 20 vendors in attendance.
“We counted 900 people visiting the market one saturday in June 2011, compared to a typical attendance of 75 or so during the slower years,” Kelly says. “We also have a full-time market manager now on-site – Pat Jenkins – who takes care of any issues that pop up.”
meanwhile, Kelly wants to point out that the lenoir county cooperative extension is also involved with a lenoir county children’s Garden, which is managed by coop extension horticulturalist Peg Dodwin along with a community group called master Gardeners. children plant and harvest on a small plot of county-owned land on east lincoln street in Kinston as part of an agricultural learning experience.
“as for myself, i’m still involved in a lot of activities, many of which are connected to lenoir county agriculture,” Kelly says. “agriculture accounts for 26 percent of the lenoir county economy, so it’s a big part of what this community is all about.”
– Kevin Litwin
8 KinSton -Lenoir Count y iMaGeSKinSton.CoM 9
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Inking a deal to produce a line of premium cabinets for Martha Stewart Living has allowed MasterBrand Cabinets
to more than double its previous workforce, bringing hundreds of new jobs and a much-needed economic boost to Lenoir County. MasterBrand, the Kinston manufacturer known for producing the Aristokraft cabinetry line, now builds a fashionable line of Martha Stewart Living Kitchen Cabinets sold exclusively in The Home Depot, the world’s largest chain of home improvement stores.
Since manufacturing is
the second-largest industry in Lenoir County, behind health care and social assistance, adding approximately 350 new employees to the MasterBrand workforce not only supports the industry, but boosts the local economy by bringing revenue to other Lenoir County businesses that support the factory workers.
A High-Profile Lenoir County Visit
This economic boost was emphasized by the lifestyle diva herself, when Martha Stewart toured the MasterBrand Cabinet facility. While the deal to produce
cabinets for Martha Stewart Living was clouded in secrecy until the line was unveiled in September 2010, Martha Stewart traveled to Kinston in early 2011, along with designer Kevin Starkey, to see how the cabinets were produced and to meet some of the experienced craftsmen who help build her signature line.
“It was great to see for myself that the products are of the high quality our customers expect from us and I am happy with what I saw,” Stewart revealed on her blog. “I was also very glad to have the opportunity to thank the skilled
mARTHA STEWART LINE SECuRES NEW mANuFACTuRING jObS IN KINSTON
stoRy by bARbARA bIEHLER
Martha Stewart at the MasterBrand Cabinet facility in early 2011
LivingGreat
10 KinSton -Lenoir Count y iMaGeSKinSton.CoM 11
men and women at MasterBrand who make these beautiful, innovative and practical cabinets.”
While Stewart’s high-profile visit to the MasterBrand facility brought plenty of attention to Kinston, Ron Cullison, general manager of the plant, was happy to note that the visit was not about the domestic guru.
“She wanted it to be about her product,” Cullison said, as reported by the Kinston Free Press. “She wanted it to be about the jobs
we created; she wanted it to be about MasterBrand.”
Stewart Tours Other Kinston businesses
Stewart also made time to visit a number of businesses before leaving Kinston, all of them just minutes away from the MasterBrand facility. On their way to the airport, Stewart and her designer Kevin Starkey stopped at Piggly Wiggly grocery store on U.S. Highway 70 East to buy
some unique Mr. Pig T-shirts, then picked up some local cuisine next door at King’s Restaurant, which also ships its signature barbecue throughout the continental U.S.
Stewart and Starkey’s next stop led them to Mother Earth Brewing, after they noticed solar panels on the building’s rooftop while driving through town. Impressed by the company’s use of green technology to produce their signature selections, Stewart and Starkey also
Wilbur King, owner of King’s restaurant, holds a picture of Martha Stewart enjoying his barbecue on a private jet after her stop in Kinston. Right: Stewart traveled to the MasterBrand Cabinet warehouse in Kinston to meet the craftsmen who build her signature line.
12 KinSton -Lenoir Count y iMaGeSKinSton.CoM 13
enjoyed touring the facility and seeing the striking commissioned artwork the company uses for the labels on their beer bottles.
Their final stop was Parrott Brothers Farm & Garden, a merchandiser established for years in the Kinston community. Seeds, vegetable-planting guides, garden tools, farm-themed toys and penny candy are among the many things Stewart and Starkey found in this one-of-a-kind store.
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business
Biz BriefsBuSineSSeS – Both LarGe and SMaLL – that heLp deFine
KinSton-Lenoir County’S eConoMiC CLiMate
scorecardbuSINESS AT
A GLANCE
$843 millionAnnual retail sales
$14,876Retail sales
per capita
$70 millionAnnual hotel
and food sales
3,889Total number
of firms
source: u.s. Census QuickFacts
CITIZEN OF THE yEAR
RICK HOLDER HARVEy GROuP FERTILIZERBiz: Farm suppliesBuzz: Harvey Group Fertilizer president Rick Holder was named the 2010 Citizen of the Year by the Kinston-Lenoir County Chamber of Commerce. Recognized for his significant contributions to the community, including his help bringing Spirit AeroSystems to the county and support of the Golden L.E.A.F. Foundation, Holder now joins the ranks of other prestigious community members recognized annually since 1963.
AmbASSADOR OF THE yEAR
LyNDON FuLLER
Biz: NonprofitBuzz: Lyndon Fuller was named the Kinston-Lenoir County Chamber of Commerce’s 2010 Ambassador of the Year. Recipients are described as representatives of the chamber who help to build and maintain its membership base, and Fuller was recognized for his enthusiasm, leadership of the Hug Patrol and work promoting the chamber.
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FOSS RECyCLING Biz: Scrap metal recyclerBuzz: As one of the leading scrap metal recyclers and brokers on the East Coast, Foss Recycling operates five centers throughout North Carolina, including one in La Grange. The business was established in 1982, and in addition to buying and recycling all types of metals, Foss Recycling also offers a range of hauling services for fast, efficient service.www.fossrecycling.com
TRAVELING AND bEyONDBiz: Travel agencyBuzz: Traveling is made easy in Kinston-Lenoir County thanks to Traveling and Beyond, a travel agency dedicated to getting residents to their destinations of choice. Agent Melanie Smith was recognized as a 2010 Certified Travel Associate and 2011 Travel Industry Executive, and assists in coordinating and organizing business travel needs.www.travelingandbeyond.com
WEST PHARmACEuTICALSBiz: Pharmaceutical manufacturerBuzz: Founded in Philadelphia in 1923, West Pharmaceuticals is a manufacturer of pharmaceutical packaging and delivery systems. The company is headquartered in Pennsylvania, but operates a plant in Kinston. The variety of products manufactured infusion and IV system components, pre-fillable syringes, cartridge components and large- and small-volume parenterals.www.westpharma.com
We carry over 600,000 custom, imprinted promotional items and serve over 450 customers throughout the United States.
Customer Appreciation Items • Golf & Sports Promotions Wedding/Party Invitations & Gifts • School Uniforms Employee Incentives & Gifts • Corporate Event Ideas
(252) 526-9862 • www.coastal-connections.com
Lenoir Committee of 100 Inc.www.kinstonchamber.com/C-100-kinston-on-the-way
FIND US ON
Please visit our online store @ www.motherearthbrewing.com
A Ribbon of Green Runs Through Every
Aspect of Mother Earth Brewing
“Come Relax in Our Peaceful Tap Room and Beer Gardens!
Add us to the list of things you rely
on every day!
ConstruCtion Mro
speCialty trade
(252) 527-8077 www.nesrentals.com
14 KinSton -Lenoir Count y iMaGeSKinSton.CoM 15
business
chamber reportKinSton-Lenoir County ChaMBer turnS 100
The Kinston-lenoir county chamber of
commerce looks pretty good for 100 years old.
the 700-member chamber that was formally
established in october 1911 is spending all of 2011
celebrating its 100th anniversary, culminating
with the sinking of a time capsule in early 2012.
memorabilia items are being collected and
photographed. the items themselves will be on
display in november at the county’s arts center.
the photos will be placed in the capsule, which
will go under ground at the new centennial
corner park in Kinston.
“centennial corner will be at the intersection of
heritage and King streets and will feature a seating
area, crepe myrtles, flowers and a brick walkway,”
chamber President laura lee sylvester said before
centennial corner’s dedication in october. “People
can sponsor the walkway bricks, engraved with the
names of individuals and businesses that have made
Kinston what it is today.”
as for the chamber, sylvester says it has been a
vital part of the community during its first 100 years.
“for example, the chamber took part in many of
the original infrastructure decisions for the main
roads, railroad lines and street projects,” she says.
“hats off to those businesses and individuals who
took an active interest in our organization, and there
are generations of people, families and businesses
still active in the chamber today.”
Ways that the chamber is celebrating its
anniversary in 2011 include the introduction of
a new logo, a bbQ festival on the neuse, a living
the Good life in eastern north carolina expo and
the centennial corner oct. 31 party. the chamber’s
annual membership banquet in January 2012
will also look back at the year.
“in addition, the chamber will post a
100-year timeline of Kinston-lenoir county on
our www.kinstonchamber.com website, beginning
in september,” says Jan barwick, chamber director
of events and programs.
young Professionalsthe chamber would also like to point out
that their young Professionals of lenoir county
networking group is seeking new members.
the yPlc is open to anyone ages 21 to 39 looking
to enhance their professional development,
community outreach and social networking.
several exclusive events and programs are
offered throughout the year. membership is $50
for chamber member employees and $75 for
non-members. call laura lee sylvester at
(252) 527-1131.
– Kevin Litwin
Visit the Kinston-Lenoir Chamber of Commerce website to see a 100-year timeline of the chamber. www.kinstonchamber.com
16 KinSton -Lenoir Count y iMaGeSKinSton.CoM 17
EDuCATION
26%associate degree
11%Bachelor’s degree
5%Graduate degree
ECONOmIC RESOuRCES
Kinston-Lenoir County
Chamber of Commerce
301 n. Queen st.
Kinston, nc 28501
(252) 527-1131
www.kinstonchamber.com
Lenoir County economic
development department
101 n. Queen st., 2nd floor
Po box 897
Kinston, nc 28502
(252) 527-1963
www.lenoiredc.com
mAjOR EmPLOyERS
Caswell Center 1,634 employees
Lenoir County public Schools 1,310 employees
Lenoir Memorial hospital 1,200 employees
electrolux home products 793 employees
associated Materials, inc. 572 employees
Lenoir County 541 employees
Lenoir Community College 520 employees
hillco Ltd 412 employees
Wal-Mart 370 employees
City of Kinston 365 employees
WORKFORCE
73%
White-Collar Jobs
27%
Blue-Collar Jobs
SALES & uSE TAx RATE
5.5%State
2.25%Local
INCOmE
$22,462per Capita income
$42,883average annual
household expenditure
TRANSPORTATION
AIRPORTS:
Kinston regional Jetport (252) 522-4929 www.jetkinston.com
raleigh-durham international airport (919) 840-0175
www.rdu.com
ECONOmIC PROFILE
buSINESS CLImATEsince 2007, the lenoir county economic Development Department
has announced more than 4,000 new local jobs and more than
$984.7 million in new investments. Whether it’s new companies
or expanding current businesses, lenoir county is definitely
“on the way.”
Restaurants
Shopping
Sightseeing
Concerts
327 N. Queen St. • Kinston, NC • (252) 522-4676
www.downtownkinston.com
Your Source for Downtown Information
408 Heritage St.Kinston, NC
252.527.8515ww
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alex
perie
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inst
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Salon & Spa• Salon Services• Body Treatments• Massage Therapy• Waxing• Manicures/Pedicures
The Total Experience
16 KinSton -Lenoir Count y iMaGeSKinSton.CoM 17
image Gallery
Epoch by Andy Anyardo at the Community Council for the Arts
Photo by Jeffrey S. Otto
18 KinSton -Lenoir Count y
The Queen Street United Methodist Church in Kinston, NC.
Photo by Todd Bennett
iMaGeSKinSton.CoM 19
local flavor
million dollar biscuits? that’s
what byrd’s restaurant is
known for, and people from as far
away as apex, Garner, Goldsboro
and Raleigh stop at the landmark
Kinston eatery on their way to
the atlantic ocean beaches.
“We were named one of the
best breakfast spots in north
carolina in 2011 by Our State
magazine, and that recognition
has been bringing us customers
from many different cities and
towns,” says c.J. Jarrell, owner
of byrd’s, which first opened
in 1977. “yes, our biscuits are
amazing. our biscuit makers
are mary alice Jones and cynthia
bingham who arrive here at
4 a.m. every day to make
them from scratch.”Jarrell says all food prepared
at byrd’s is fresh.
“We’re just a tiny, nondescript
restaurant on highway 58 south
across from lenoir community
college, and we serve breakfast
and lunch every monday through
saturday,” she says. “come see
us if you’re in the neighborhood.”
try the BaKed chicKen
byrd’s is just one of many
interesting dining spots in
Kinston-lenoir county that
offer customers home-cooked
favorites. another popular
destination that has been around
even longer than byrd’s is smith’s
cafe, which first opened in 1942
as a combination grocery store
and small diner.
third-generation family
member George smith is the
current owner and chef.
“Probably our most popular
dish is the baked chicken, which
some people call roasted chicken,
and i use a mix of special
ingredients that draws customers
from miles around,” smith says.
“in fact, i don’t have a website
or facebook page but have
customers from as far away as
louisiana and mississippi who
stopped in for the baked chicken.”
smith’s cafe has six employees
and is open from 4 a.m. to 2 p.m.
monday through saturday.“home cooking is the best
cooking there is, and we’ve been cooking here a long time,” smith says. “i’m also getting ready to remodel the place, which will make the atmosphere even that much nicer.”
Better than grandma’s
other top dining spots in
Kinston include christopher’s,
southern comfort FoodreStaurantS With hoMe CooKinG are pLentiFuL
20 KinSton -Lenoir Count y iMaGeSKinSton.CoM 21
King’s Restaurant, Kinstonian
family Restaurant and
lovick’s café. one of the
newest places in town is
Popp’s Place, which is across
from vernon Park mall.
“We have already built up a
reputation for our secret sauce
ribs and spaghetti casserole, even
though we just opened in april
2011,” says sherrie christian,
owner of Popp’s Place with
her husband, Joel.
Popp’s is open tuesday
through saturday for breakfast,
lunch and dinner, and sundays
for lunch and dinner.
“all the ingredients on our
menu are fresh, and all breads and
desserts are made from scratch,”
christian says. “our food is just
like Grandma used to make,
and maybe even a bit better.”
– Kevin Litwin
Smith’s Cafe has been serving home cooking since 1942. Left: Fried chicken served with greens, sweet potatoes, mac and cheese, and banana pudding at popp’s place
Ph
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20 KinSton -Lenoir Count y iMaGeSKinSton.CoM 21
Home to a rich civil War
history, bluegrass music,
public art and more, Kinston’s
cultural scene offers a wide,
diverse range of attractions.
living histOrycivil War history comes to
life in Kinston and lenoir county,
where the first battle of Kinston
took place in 1862. two years
later, the crew of the confederate
ironclad CSS Neuse set fire to
their vessel to cover their retreat
following the 1865 battle of
Wyse fork (also called the second
battle of Kinston). the battlefields
today look much like they did
then, and the burned-out remains
of the CSS Neuse are on display.
in 2012, the opening of the
css neuse interpretive center
will position Kinston as the most
comprehensive resource for civil
War exploration and education
in north carolina. visitors will be
able to view the largest collection
of civil War naval artifacts,
including the remains of the
CSS Neuse. Just a short distance
from the interpretive center is a
full-scale replica of the gunboat,
dubbed the CSS Neuse II.
the visitor center, located on the
battlefield, makes a good starting
point for an area history tour. here,
visitors can pick up a brochure to
guide them on a 12-stop civil War
driving tour, and serious civil War
buffs can purchase a set of maps
that trace troop movements for
the battles that took place in
the region. audio cD tours are
available, and 10 north carolina
civil War trail markers highlight
significant sites.
lOOKing FOr live music?
bluegrass music is an integral
part of the culture in Kinston-
lenoir county, and folks here
have plenty of opportunities
to experience it live. a bluegrass
jam session is held the second
saturday night of each month at
lenoir community college, and the
Kinston Winter bluegrass festival
brings internationally known
bluegrass artists and crowds of
fans to Kinston each february.
the Kinston community council
for the arts is working on the
african-american heritage music
trail, an innovative project that will
highlight the deep blues and jazz
roots that run through this region.
the trail will include interactive
video and audio kiosks at dozens
of sites in eight counties. the
project’s most popular feature is
its calendar of live performances
by the trail’s living artists. Residents
and visitors alike have packed the
cca building in downtown Kinston
and other local venues for jazz
nights, benefits and other events.
heart OF the artsKinston is home to the mrs. J.s.
brody Permanent Public arts
collection, which includes the
largest collection of public art
culturally cultivated in KinstonreSidentS Can enJoy variouS art ForMS throuGhout the City
arts & culture
From left: Grainger-hill performing arts Center; the remains of the CSS Neuse
to
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Photo by JeffRey s. otto
22 KinSton -Lenoir Count y iMaGeSKinSton.CoM 23
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Comprehensive Family and Cosmetic Dentistry“New Patients Welcomed”
Most Insurance Accepted
522-4313 • www.high-techdentistry.com2500 N. Herritage St. • Kinston (Professional Center)
• Root Canal Therapy
• Sedation Dentistry
• Children’s Dentistry Including Orthodontics
• Oral Surgery Including Implants and Restorative
east of Raleigh. the assortment
comprises downtown murals,
sculptures, bike racks, benches
and more.
one of the murals was recently
completed in lenoir memorial
hospital, which depicts various
scenes of patients being cared for.
another mural on the south wall
of the private property bordering
spring hill and south Queen
streets depicts a scene of the
neuse River. another piece of art
for the public to enjoy is currently
being constructed in Pearson Park,
which will consist of stainless steel,
bronze and copper. the sculptural
bandstand canopy will serve as an
entertainment venue and provide
an insight to the area’s rich
african-american music heritage.
located in a renovated building
downtown, the Kinston community
council for the arts hosts changing
art exhibitions along with classes
and workshops, and it brings
world-class music and other
arts events to Kinston
throughout the year.
in the sPOtlightbuilt in 1925 as a public school,
the Grainger-hill Performing arts
center in Kinston is now a 1,131-seat
theater housed inside one of the
last remaining examples of Greek
classical Revival architecture still
standing in north carolina. a
volunteer group of concerned
alumni and friends has renovated,
restored and now manages the
auditorium. Grainger-hill’s onstage
series features concerts in a
nightclub-type setting.
the lenoir community college
Playmakers and the Kinston-lenoir
Performing arts center also
present popular live performances.
– Rebecca Denton
For more information about attractions and events in Lenoir County go to www.visitkinston.com
22 KinSton -Lenoir Count y iMaGeSKinSton.CoM 23
sports & Recreation
With a world-class nature center, family-friendly
hiking trails, fishing ponds, baseball tournaments, a nationally acclaimed disc-golf course, 11 bustling parks and more, Kinston is an excellent place to enjoy the great outdoors.
BacK tO natureone of the county’s top
attractions, the neuseway nature center is located on 55 acres along the scenic neuse River and features several hiking trails, stocked catfish ponds, canoes, an 18-foot wall for rock climbing, and a saltwater “touch tank” where children can feel sea urchins, starfish and other creatures. the park allows tent and Rv camping as well as picnicking, and a miniature train called big Daddy’s
express will take children and adults on a ride for a small fee. also at the park are a planetarium, a fossil dig, and a hands-on health and science museum. in addition, a huge tepee is available for rent on the banks of the neuse, with room for eight people to spend the night. for more information, visit www.neusewaypark.com.
Batter uPbaseball seems to be the
sport of choice for many Kinston residents. tournaments dedicated to the sport abound, including multiple put on by top Gun sports. the program hosts tournaments throughout the state, and has three fields in Kinston. in addition to multiple top Gun tournaments, the city offers usfa softball and babe Ruth baseball tournaments.
tee timenorth carolina has a wealth of
excellent golf venues, and Kinston is home to four of them. the city courses – falling creek Golf course, Kinston country club, bill fay Park Golf course and cutter creek Golf club – challenge golfers of all skill levels.
ready tO revaction has its place at ironclad
motorsports. located on the fairgrounds, Kinston’s most extreme event center features a monstrous motorcross track and flat dirt track for two types of racing. several televised races at the track have earned ironclad national exposure, bringing both pros and amateurs to try their hand at ironclad.
the Outdoors never looked so greatFun reCreationaL opportunitieS are eaSy to Find in KinSton
the neuseway nature Center is located along the neuse river and features hiking trails, ponds, canoes and more.
24 KinSton -Lenoir Count y iMaGeSKinSton.CoM 25
disc gOlFbarnet Park’s nationally
acclaimed 18-hole disc golf course winds through the woods around the scenic park, offering a great mix of wooded and open holes. an active roster of games and tournaments draws disc golf players to Kinston from around the nation. for more information, visit www.kinstondiscgolf.com.
gOne tO the dOgsthe 32-acre Rotary Dog Park,
just down the road from the neuseway nature center, features
large ponds, open areas, and walking trails for dog training and exercise.
Other Places tO Playthe Kinston-lenoir county
Parks & Recreation Department offers a wide range of athletic programs throughout the year, including soccer, football, tennis‚ basketball‚ baseball, bowling, softball‚ group exercise classes and more. Details can be found at www.kinstonrec.com.
other recreation attractions include the annual Kinston 8000:
Falling Creek golF Course 2359 Falling Creek Rd. Kinston, NC 28504 (252) 522-1828 www.fallingcreekgolf.com
kinston Country Club 1501 Country Club Dr. Kinston, NC 28504 (252) 523-2197 www.kinstoncc.com
bill Fay Park golF Course Phillips Rd. Kinston, NC 28504 (252) 939-3356
Cutter Creek golF Club 28 Nina Lake Dr. Snow Hill, NC 28580 (252) 747-4653 www.cuttercreekgolfclub.com
get Out the golf clubs and hit the links
Looking for more to do in Kinston?
Scan this QR code.
Run for the River event, an 8K race and 1-mile fun run; tull’s millpond, a 200-acre millpond that’s open to the public for fishing, kayaking and canoeing; and West Water Park, featuring five pools and a four-story water slide.
– Rebecca DentonJe
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24 KinSton -Lenoir Count y iMaGeSKinSton.CoM 25
health & Wellness
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Lenoir memorial Hospital
26 KinSton -Lenoir Count y iMaGeSKinSton.CoM 27
Home to a hospital with more
than 250 beds and a state-
of-the-art cancer center, as well
as various wellness programs and
north carolina’s oldest residential
facility serving individuals with
mental retardation, Kinston
offers top-notch health care.
a BrOad range OF services
With a medical staff of more
than 100 physicians and nearly
1,100 employees, the not-for-profit
lenoir memorial hospital in
Kinston provides residents with
the kind of quality inpatient‚
outpatient and preventative health
services typically found in much
larger cities. in addition to general
medical‚ surgical‚ obstetrical and
gynecological services‚ lenoir
memorial offers a broad range of
specialties‚ including cardiology‚
pulmonology‚ oncology‚ radiology,
urology, rheumatology, vascular
and thoracic surgery, and
a variety of laparoscopic
procedures.
the lenoir memorial sleep
center, under the management
and direction of the hospital’s
cardiopulmonary department,
has a four-bed lab that offers
an assortment of tests for
sleep disorders.
cOnvenient cancer treatment
the lenoir memorial cancer
center – located just across from
the hospital’s emergency entrance
– provides state-of-the-art
radiation treatment and support
services. the cancer center
also offers the technology to
provide image-guided radiation
therapy, which is one of the most
cutting-edge innovations in
cancer treatment.
outpatient radiation therapy
and support services, including
an on-site nutritionist and social
worker, are also available.
PreventiOn & educatiOn
lenoir memorial provides many
educational health programs‚
screenings and seminars at no
charge‚ including infant cPR
training‚ colorectal‚ skin and
prostate cancer‚ and mammogram
screenings. monthly nutrition
seminars teach healthy eating
habits. and residents are invited
to use the lenoir memorial
community Walking track
(with convenient parking, a water
fountain, fenced-in playground
and picnic tables) 24 hours a
day. more than 15 support groups
are available to the community.
heart healthylenoir memorial offers
a comprehensive cardiac
Rehabilitation Program that
provides people who have
heart disease with a medically
monitored exercise program.
the program lasts an average
of 36 sessions and meets every
monday, Wednesday and thursday.
a typical routine includes stretch
and flex exercises, aerobic
conditioning, cool-down activities,
and relaxation or education.
Quality care at an aFFOrdaBle cOst
for more than 15 years, Kinston
community health center has
been providing comprehensive
dental, medical, pediatric and
ob/Gyn services for lenoir
county’s underserved populations.
through its community outreach
program, the center also offers
transportation to and from
appointments, at-home health
assessments, health education
classes and on-site translators.
the center’s dental clinic serves
an eight-county region and
offers both preventative and
restorative dental care for kids
and adults – at affordable rates.
casWell develOPmental center
established in 1911, caswell
Developmental center in Kinston
provides residential treatment and
support services to people with
mental retardation in the eastern
part of the state. the 300-acre
campus has more than 100
buildings and is an agency of the
Department of health and human
services in the Division of mental
health, Developmental Disabilities
and substance abuse services.
services are tailored to patients’
individual needs and can include
arts and crafts classes, music
therapy, sensory stimulation
activities and off-campus
outings along with
psychological counseling.
– Rebecca Denton
caring for Kinston’s communityreSidentS enJoy quaLity Care CLoSe to hoMe
26 KinSton -Lenoir Count y iMaGeSKinSton.CoM 27
Students in lenoir county have
plenty of excellent education
choices, including charter schools,
private schools, traditional public
schools, an “early college” public
high school, a local community
college, and two four-year
universities just a short drive away.
higher educatiOnlenoir community college in
Kinston offers a wide range of
two-year degree programs that
allow students to move directly
into the workforce. for those
seeking a four-year degree, lcc’s
articulation agreement with the
university of north carolina
system allows a seamless
transition into all 16 universities in
the system and into most private
colleges and universities. the
college’s heritage Place was
established in 1988, and holds
research material primarily for
eastern north carolina. the center
features genealogy and local
history collections, and a
research staff available to assist.
two four-year colleges are
just a short commute away. east
carolina university in Greenville
is about 30 miles northeast of
Kinston, and north carolina state
university in Raleigh is about
75 miles northwest of the city.
PuBlic schOOlslenoir county school District
features a range of prestigious
offerings, including the
international baccalaureate
Diploma Programme at Kinston
high school, a nationally
recognized pre-engineering
program at south lenoir high
school, and cyber campuses
that provide distance learning
and video conferencing at three
high schools. each middle and
high school offers the aviD
(advancement via individual
Determination) program, which
targets students with average
grades and helps them prepare
for college. and the opportunities
are only improving. major
renovations were recently
completed at three elementary
schools – moss hill, banks
and south east.
the district is home to five high
schools, including sampson
alternative and lenoir county
early college. housed at lenoir
community college, the early
college high school aims to
graduate students in five years
with a high school diploma along
with an associate degree or two
years of transferable college
credit. the district also has eight
elementary schools, three middle
schools and a K-8 school.
charter schOOlsfounded in 1997, children’s
village academy was the first
public charter school in lenoir
county. children’s village
academy boasts small class sizes
and uses a variety of strategies
and styles to reach all students.
Kinston charter academy is
a public charter school with an
academic focus on science,
math and spanish.
Private schOOlsarendell Parrott academy
in Kinston, a K-12 college
preparatory school, draws from
a nine-county region and is the
higher educationeduCation optionS oFFer a ranGe oF exCeLLent ChoiCeS
education
28 KinSton -Lenoir Count y iMaGeSKinSton.CoM 29
518 Plaza Blvd. • P.O. Drawer 1475 • Kinston, NC 28503 (252) 523-5107 • Fax: (252) 523-8858
Check out available properties at:
www.perrysinc.com
Kinston and Lenoir County’s premier full-service commercial real estate company for over 50 years!
MOST PRESCRIPTIONS FILLED IN 15 MINUTES OR LESS
Our pharmacy should be your pharmacyA health care partner of Carolina Home Medical
Serving Lenoir County and Eastern North Carolina for over 25 years• We accept all major insurance plans• Citywide delivery service• Screening for drug allergies and interactions• Low discount prices
Also with locations to serve you in Trenton, Snow Hill, Smithfield, New Bern (two), Bridgeton, Cape Carteret, Jacksonville, Surf City and Greenville
KINSTON300 N. Queen St. (252) 527-6929
KINSTON1302 N. Vernon Ave.
(252) 523-6089
PINK HILL107 W. Broadway
(252) 568-3161
DISCOUNT DRUGS
www.realodrugs.com
largest independent school east
of Raleigh.
bethel christian academy in
Kinston, which serves students
in pre-K through 12th grade, is
a ministry of bethel free Will
baptist church.
nova five Points Day school
works with children 17 years old
and younger who have been
diagnosed with a mental illness,
emotional disturbance or
substance-related disorder.
tOP-nOtch child carelenoir and Greene counties
boast many top-notch child-care
facilities, with lenoir county
alone offering at least two dozen
child-care facilities with four- and
five-star ratings. the Partnership
for children of lenoir and
Greene counties is a nonprofit
organization that helps parents
find quality child care. With a
focus on kids up to age 5‚ the
state-funded organization also
provides technical assistance‚
teacher education and other
support to local child-care
centers. – Rebecca Denton
28 KinSton -Lenoir Count y iMaGeSKinSton.CoM 29
6039-TR12260M_TGB_Livability.indd 1 3/22/10 11:40:09 AM
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.
30 KinSton -Lenoir Count y iMaGeSKinSton.CoM 31
SNAPSHOTKinston is the lenoir county seat, and is among the oldest cities
in north carolina. it is home to civil War sites and the css neuse,
an ironclad war boat.
COmmuNITy PROFILE
visit ouradvertisersCherry Energywww.cherryenergy.com
Coastal Connections Marketingwww.coastal-connections.com
Committee of 100www.lenoiredc.com/com100.html
Courtney Mitchell III DDS PAwww.high-techdentistry.com
Holiday Inn Expresswww.hiexpress.com/kinstonnc
Kinston Public Serviceswww.kinstonpublicservices.com
Kinston-Lenoir County Tourism Development Authoritywww.visitkinston.com
Lenoir Community Collegewww.lenoircc.edu
Lenoir Memorial Hospitalwww.lenoirmemorial.org
Mother Earth Brewingwww.motherearthbrewing.com
NES Rentalswww.nesrentals.com
Perry Managementwww.perrysinc.com
Pride of Kinstonwww.downtownkinston.com
Realo Discount Drug Storewww.realodrugs.com
Suddenlink Communicationswww.suddenlink.com
The Total Experience Salon & Spawww.totalexperiencekinston.com
CLImATE
lenoir county enjoys a mild
climate with an average
temperature in the mid-60s,
low humidity and a lengthy
growing season.
89°
July high temperature
31°
January Low temperature
51"
annual rain Fall (vs. national average annual rain Fall of 37")
TImE ZONE
eastern
COST OF LIVING
$38,919Median household income
$116,000Median home price
$587Median rent for a two-Bedroom apartment
HOuSEHOLD INFORmATION
AGE:
42Median resident age
26% 19 and under
42% 20-54
32% 55 and over
mARITAL STATuS:
46% Married
54% Single
ETHNICITy:
50% White
45% Black
3% hispanic
2% other
TRANSPORTATION
16 minutesMedian travel time to Work
30 KinSton -Lenoir Count y iMaGeSKinSton.CoM 31
Ad Index 1 Cherryenergy
15 CoastalConneCtions Marketing
15 CoMMitteeof100
23 CourtneyMitChelliiiDDsPa
C2 holiDayinnexPress
C3 kinstonPubliCserviCes
23 kinston-lenoirCounty tourisMDeveloPMent authority
13 lenoirCoMMunityCollege
C4 lenoirMeMorialhosPital
15 Motherearthbrewing
15 nesrentals
29 PerryManageMent
17 PriDeofkinston
29 realoDisCountDrugstore
21 suDDenlinkCoMMuniCations
17 thetotalexPerienCesalon
&sPa
through the lens
… i have had the good fortune to travel a little in the great state of
north carolina here of late. and some of those travels have taken me
down barbecue road a little ways. this is a road i love to travel and
hope it has no end.
my most interesting barbecue trip thus far was a few months ago
when i had the good fortune of spending some time in Kinston, n.c.,
home of King’s barbecue. King’s is home of the “Pig in a Puppy.”
it’s barbecue served inside an enormous hushpuppy, the size of
a small hoagie roll.
this is by far the most peculiar barbecue creation i have come
across to date. and, to be honest, it’s not half bad. this is one of
those times when being open-minded is key.
FrOm Our PhOtO BlOg: KinstOn-lenOir 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 Kinston-lenoir county-lenoir 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
32 KinSton -Lenoir Count y
Kinston Public services … the Home Team Advantage
Kinston Public services delivers safe
and reliable electricity to more than
12,000 residents and businesses in Kinston
and surrounding communities. Kinston
Public Services customers receive excellent,
local customer service and reliable power,
all right in their hometown. In fact, Kinston
Public Services has been recognized as a
Reliable Public Power Provider (RP3) for
three consecutive years by the American
Public Power Association.
Kinston is proud to be one of more than
70 public power communities in North
Carolina. These communities own and
operate their electric systems, offering
customers excellent, local customer
service, reliable electricity and prompt
restoration after outages.
Find out more at
www.kinstonpublicservices.com
or www.ncpublicpower.com.