Thank you to North Carolina Secretary of State, Elaine Marshall and her staff for visiting Whiteville this week. City leaders and community partners gathered Monday for a Downtown Business Walk, giving Secretary Marshall a firsthand look at our local businesses and the resilience, determination, and investment that continue to strengthen our community. The visit also highlighted the North Carolina Secretary of State's Rural RISE NC initiative. RISE—Resources for Innovators, Start-Ups, and Entrepreneurs—is designed to connect businesses with county-specific resources, including business counselors and funding opportunities, to help entrepreneurs and small businesses succeed. To learn more about Rural RISE NC, visit sosnc.gov/rural_rise. Thank you to our partners at Southeastern Community College for capturing the downtown walking tour.

Join us in Downtown Whiteville next Thursday, July 30, for an evening of shopping, live music, and community! 🍅 Downtown Open-Air Market 🕓 4:00–8:00 PM | Vineland Station Depot Front Lawn Browse a variety of fresh produce, baked goods, handmade items, and more from local vendors while supporting small businesses and local agriculture. 🎶 Music in the Alley featuring the Crenshaw Trucking Band 🕖 7:00–9:00 PM Bring a lawn chair, enjoy dinner at one of our downtown restaurants, and relax with an evening of live music sponsored by Duke Energy. Whether you're shopping, dining, or simply enjoying the atmosphere, there's something for everyone in Downtown Whiteville. We look forward to seeing you next Thursday!