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NCDOT wants tolls for I-95; public hearing set for Feb 20
 In order to finance a $4.4 billion upgrade to Interstate 95, the North Carolina Department of Transportation wants to collect tolls electronically on the major north-south corridor.
Nine tolling gantries, similar to those on the new Triangle Expressway, would be placed approximately 20 miles apart throughout the North Carolina stretch of the highway. The cost to travel the entire stretch would be $19.80 in one direction. In Johnston County, a $2 toll gantry would be placed near mile marker 88 (between US 701 and Four Oaks exits) beginning in 2019.
The plan calls for widening I-95 to eight lanes from I-40 to Lumberton and to six lanes on the remaining portion. Many bridges would be replaced and 17 interchanges would be rebuilt, many in Johnston County. The entire project would start in 2016 and be completed by 2032.
A public hearing on the matter is scheduled for Monday, February 20 from 4 pm to 7 pm in the Great Hall at Johnston Community College in Smithfield. Visit the following links for more information.
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42nd Annual Meeting award recipients
The Chamber presented a number of citizen awards at the 42nd Annual Meeting of the Chamber on January 30. Shown are (left to right):
- Jason Wenzel, Attorney, Howard Best Award, outstanding member of the Board of Directors - sponsored by W. Landis Bullock Industrial Contractor Supply.
- Michael & Kelly Smith, Zaxby's, Jimmy Creech Small Business Persons of the Year from Smithfield - sponsored by Mitchell Temporary Services.
- Charles "Peg" Woodall, Distinguished Citizen from Selma - sponsored by Johnston County Farm Bureau Insurance - Keith Brinson.
- Rosa Andrews, JCC Small Business Center, Athena Award - sponsored by CORESTAFF Services.
- Chris Johnson, Downtown Smithfield Development Corp., Citizen of the Year - sponsored by Woody's Computing Service.
- Kelly Aycock, KS Bank, Ambassador of the Year - sponsored by Watson, Cooke & Jones, PA.
- Tommy Williford, Distinguished Citizen from Smithfield - sponsored by Dees, Jackson, Jackson & Associates.
- Keith Brinson, Past Board Chair
- Dr. Dicky Parrish, Dentist, Jimmy Creech Small Business Person of the Year from Selma - sponsored by Stancil Oil Company.
Annual Meeting Photo Gallery
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Deacon Jones Auto Park celebrates makeover
The Smithfield-Selma Chamber held a grand opening on Saturday, January 21 for the newly-renovated Deacon Jones Auto Park at 1115 North Bright Leaf Boulevard in Smithfield. The automobile dealership has a new showroom and state-of-the-art service department along with new ammenities for waiting customers. In the picture, company owners Dale Jones, Tina Jones Winborne and Ken Jones cut the ribbon at the grand opening with other community and business dignitaries. The family-owned business has been in operation over 36 years in the Smithfield area.
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Upcoming Events
 February 20 - Member Services Commitee, Chamber office, 12:00 noon.February 20 - Public Hearing on I-95, Great Hall at JCC, 4-7 pm.
February 22 - President's Surprise Patrol, 1:30 pm.
February 27 - Public Policy Committee, Chamber office, 12:00 noon.
February 28 - Open House at Johnston County Visitors Bureau, 235-A E. Market Street, Smithfield, 3-6 pm.
March 28 - Free seminar: "Hire Smart, Save Money," by Deb Pattison, Chamber office, 9 am - 12 noon. Register here
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Chamber seeks sponsors for After Hours socials
 Would your company like to host Business After Hours this year? If so please contact the Chamber office. A number of dates are available.
Business After Hours are Chamber socials, held from 5-7 pm on a week day. Sponsors provide a place, refreshments and door prizes. The Chamber promotes the event to the membership.
Business After Hours is a great way to showcase your company! To sign up for get more information, call the office at 919.934.9166 or email Kellty Wallace at kwallace@smithfieldselma.com. |
In order to give the Chamber a fresh, new look, the Marketing Committee unveiled a new logo at this year's annual meeting.