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d e Pa r tm e nt s
6 Almanac 22 Biz Briefs 25 chamber report 27 economic Profile 28 Image Gallery 34 Local Flavor 38 Arts & culture 40 education 42 health & Wellness 44 Sports & recreation 47 community Profile 48 through the Lens
on the cover The Johnston County Courthouse in Smithfield Photo by Todd Bennett
All or part of this magazine is printed with soy ink on recycled paper containing 10% post-consumer waste.
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livability.com/johnston-county/nc
Whats online
Photos
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2012 | LIVaBILITY.COM/jOHNSTON-COUNTY/NC
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Images Johnston County is published annually by Journal Communications inc. and is distributed through the Johnston County association of Chambers 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 info@jnlcom.com. fOR MORE INfORMaTION, CONTaCT: Greater Smithfield-Selma area Chamber of Commerce 1115 industrial Park dr. Smithfield, nC 27577 Phone: (919) 934-9166 fax: (919) 934-1337 smithfieldselma.com VISIT Images Johnston County ONLINE aT LIVaBILITY.COM/jOHNSTON-COUNTY/NC Copyright 2012 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
Smithfield Office
Whit Whitley Realtor, GRI, CRS Broker in Charge
Clayton Office
Denise Pilkington Realtor, SRES Broker/Manager
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10007 US 70 Business Hwy. W. Near Hwy. 42 East Intersection
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www.SellingClayton.com 5
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almanac
farm-fresh foods
Johnston County residents enjoy three primary farmers markets, all promoting eating fresher foods, supporting local farmers and businesses, and protecting sustainable resources. The Smithfield farmers market in downtown Smithfield opens on fridays during the spring and is also open on Saturdays during summer months. The Clayton farm and Community market, featuring foods and crafts from farmers and artisans in the Clayton community, is open between april and october. The four oaks farmers market, a food-only market, is held on Thursday, friday and Saturday during the growing season.
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Raleigh
Clayton Cleveland Area
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JOHNSTON
40 301
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Kenly
Benson
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Whats online
Take a virtual tour of Johnston County, courtesy of our awardwinning photographers, at livability.com/johnston-county/nc.
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Top 10
TUPELO AUTOMOBILE MUSEUM Tupelo, MS GREAT AMERICAN DOLLHOUSE MUSEUM Danville, KY STAR MUSEUM Abingdon, VA TEXAS COWBOY HALL OF FAME Fort Worth, TX AVA GARDNER MUSEUM Smithfield, NC LOUISVILLE SLUGGER MUSEUM & FACTORY LOUISVILLE, KY NATIONAL WRESTLING HALL OF FAME & MUSEUM Stillwater, OK NATIONAL MUSEUM OF ROLLER SKATING Lincoln, NE AMERICAN HELICOPTER MUSEUM & EDUCATION CENTER West Chester, PA THE MUSEUM OF MOUNTAIN BIKE ART & TECHNOLOGY Statesville, NC
Introducing the Livability.com Top 10 Lists New lists every month | Not your average lists | Not your average website
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LivinG
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jOHNSTON COUNTYS WELCOMING TOWNS aNd NEIGHBORHOOdS BLENd HISTORY & pROGRESS
SToRy By GaRY CaRTER
fter more than 50 years of observing life in Johnston County, local radio personality Carl Lamm certainly understands the heart and soul of his home area. In Johnston County, we have a blend of yesterday and today, with a present thats pointed toward the future, Lamm says. It makes this a well-balanced community and great place to live. Rural Roots Run deep The past is certainly evident in the eastern section of Johnston County, which remains deeply rural and tied strongly to the areas agricultural tradition. In
fact, the county still has the largest number of working farms in North Carolina, providing a solid economic foundation. Numerous small communities Princeton is the largest blend with farmland and forest to create a peaceful setting that reflects the areas historic roots. In contrast, lively modern development characterizes Johnston Countys western reaches, which have felt the influence of the nearby Triangle region with its urban centers, universities and pulsing economic activity. Several large manufacturers and pharmaceutical companies have spurred development in and around Clayton and Archer Lodge, situated just a short drive from the state capital of Raleigh and the progressive Research Triangle
Clockwise from top: johnston County has the largest number of working farms in north Carolina; a historic home on north Second Street in Smithfield; benson mule days is one of the largest festivals in the state, drawing 40,00050,000 people from around the world, and features rodeos, carnival rides, parades, bluegrass shows and more.
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Park. The easy commute makes this area ideal for families wanting to live in quiet suburban communities or along the tree-lined streets of charming small towns. driven by Transportation The past and future intersect in the central portion of Johnston County where transportation has played a key role in growth since a ferry crossing was put on the Neuse River in 1759. Now, with two interstates 40 and 95 and U.S. 70 crossing the county, it has become a vital corridor spurring business and development in Selma, Benson, Four Oaks, Kenly and Smithfield, which has been the county seat since 1771 and remains the largest town. Amtrak also makes a daily stop in Selma, while Johnston County Airport and easily accessible
Raleigh-Durham International Airport make air travel convenient. Living Options abound But even this rapid pace and high-tech infusion have not detracted from the traditional quality of life and relaxed atmosphere for which Johnston County is renowned. Newcomers and long-time residents can select from a broad selection of living options, ranging from contemporary suburban neighborhoods with amenities, to bungalows and stately Victorian homes on sedate streets. A highly regarded public school system serves Johnston Countys children, while Johnston Community College and other nearby colleges and universities offer access to higher learning programs.
Clockwise from top left: homes in downtown benson; Canoeing is a popular activity on the neuse river; his n hers antiques is one of many antique stores in Selma; johnston Community College and other nearby colleges and universities offer higher education in johnston County; mountain biking at legend park in Clayton
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A Seegars fence not only beautifies a home but increases property value as well. And with the Seegars name comes the assurance of the finest construction, selection, and security to give you satisfaction and peace of mind. As the industrys leader in quality and service for more than 62 years, seegars Fence Company can meet the demands of the most discerning customer.
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Todd BenneTT
Four distinct seasons, with generally mild temperatures, make Johnston County a perfect place for active individuals. The entire area is dotted with public parks and athletic complexes, while nature lovers will find miles of trails and pristine settings. Johnston County residents also benefit from a vibrant medical community that provides a complete range of outstanding services. In essence, its the best of all worlds in Johnston County, where high-tech buzz and Southern hospitality combine for a well-balanced lifestyle and promising future.
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Students work on a math problem at Corinth holders high School in northern johnston County
he Johnston County Schools system has been making a lot of news lately. A lot of good news. The district recently added two new high schools Cleveland High and Corinth Holders High bringing the total of schools in the system to 46. There are 32,000
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students in grades K-12 throughout JCS, and the districts 4,000 employees make it the countys largest employer. Meanwhile, two other high schools in the district Johnston County Early College Academy and Johnston County Middle College High both allow students to earn
college credits while they are enrolled in high school. Both schools let high schoolers attend several classes at Johnston Community College, and ultimately eliminate some future tuition costs for their parents, says Terri Sessoms, Johnston County Schools public information officer. Most students
in Early College Academy will have a college associate degree by the time they graduate from high school. advancEd Thinking Sessoms is also proud to point out that the district is now accredited by AdvancED, a global leader in advancing education excellence
through accreditation and school improvement. There are seven criteria a district needs to meet in order to become accredited by AdvancED, and Johnston County scored highly on all seven, she says. In fact, JCS achieved the highest possible score. Our system was ranked highly
functional, which is the best ranking a district can get. One of the criteria involves having a good relationship and communicating well with parents and community members, making sure they are involved in the districts decision making. When our high school graduates
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apply for various colleges, being accredited by AdvancED gives them an edge in the application process, Sessoms says. Going Global More than 40 languages are spoken by students in Johnston County, so it is one of the first school systems across the state to become an inaugural member of the Global Schools Network. As a result, Johnston County Schools is hosting 30 visiting international faculty members from around the world, and many local schools are partnering with schools in Australia, China, Denmark and South America. When people talk about a global environment, it is happening here in our school system, Sessoms says. International Intrigue Other news in the district includes an application being accepted for Smithfield-Selma High School to offer International Baccalaureate courses beginning in the 2012-13 school year, plus Sessoms says a few middle schools are now mixing English-speaking and Spanishspeaking students together in classrooms to learn all subjects side by side. Overall, the student population of Johnston County Schools has doubled in the past 15 years, due to the excellent education that is provided, she says. We have 292 nationally board-certified teachers, which places JCS within the top 50 school districts in the nation. Everything we do is aimed at empowering all of our students to become successful in a global society.
Clockwise from top left: Students work in the library at Cleveland high School, one of johnston Countys newest high schools; there are 32,000 students in grades K-12 throughout the johnston County Schools system; Cleveland high School in Clayton
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Business
READY FOR
BUSINESS
jOHNSTON COUNTY KEEpS GROWING WITH NEW COMpaNIES, ExpaNSIONS
SToRy By BETSY WILLIaMS | PhoToGRaPhy By TOdd BENNETT
hen proactive leadership, a strategic location and a skilled workforce are combined, economic magic can happen. That has certainly been the case in Johnston County, which has pulled several big rabbits out of its proverbial hat during the past two years. From the November 2011 opening of the $25.4 million Automatic Rolls of North Carolina facility in Clayton to the $268 million expansion of Grifols Inc. (formerly Talecris), Johnston County is seeing explosive growth, with payrolls to match. New Companies, Big Expansions Automatic Rolls Clayton plant, the countrys largest hamburger bun supplier for McDonalds, employs 84 workers at an average wage of $42,000 at its 80,000-square-foot facility. Grifols, the third largest manufacturer of medicine from plasma, will provide 259 new jobs with its 160,000-square-foot expansion
of the Clayton blood fractionation facility, thus allowing a 43 percent increase over its current plasma processing capacity. Becton, Dickenson and Company, an international pharmaceutical conglomerate with research facilities in the nearby Research Triangle Park, has invested $38 million in a 750,000-square-foot, LEED-certified distribution facility located in Four Oaks, where 190 people will be hired over the course of the next few years. And Caterpillar just announced 199 new jobs at its plant in western Johnston County. The county is an excellent location for industry, says Peggy Anderson, director of the Johnston County Economic Development Commission. With two major interstates serving our communities, access to two ports, rail service, our proximity to the Research Triangle Park, a highly skilled and available workforce, and the strong leadership that guides our economic and community development efforts, we have been extremely successful in weathering the economic
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Top and bottom left: ergonomic Concepts, a manufacturer of ergonomic office furniture, in Selma Bottom right: automatic rolls of north Carolina is the countrys largest hamburger bun supplier for mcdonalds.
downturn and seeing companies continue to locate and expand here. Ready for fast-Track projects The county offers several certified shovel-ready sites along the I-95 corridor, meaning that environmental assessments, surveys and geotechnical studies have been completed. We know the soil quality, how many buildable acres and what percentage of wetlands a site might contain, Anderson says. So many projects today are fasttracked, and this puts us in the lead position when it comes to successfully recruiting multimillion dollar investments and new jobs into Johnston County. Anderson says that one of the countys strongest assets is its proximity to a university system that includes the University of North Carolina, Duke University, North Carolina State University and East Carolina University, which play a huge role in the recruitment of new pharmaceutical jobs.
The county has its own incentive fund pool that may be offered to qualifying companies, and local leaders work in cooperation with regional and state officials in securing additional grants that help seal the deal when new companies come calling. These grants are used to fund water, sewer and road infrastructure. Ergonomic Concepts Leadership played a big factor when Ergonomic Concepts, a manufacturer of ergonomic office furniture, selected Johnston County as its home. Selma city officials and the Johnston County Economic Development Authority have been extremely helpful, says company owner Brian Frazier. Their sensitivity to my needs as an employer in Johnston County exemplifies their commitment to be a proactive partner in the business community, and I would highly recommend any company looking to relocate to consider the Smithfield-Selma area.
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Business
Biz Briefs
buSineSSeS both larGe and Small that help deFine johnSton CountyS eConomiC Climate
scorecard
BUSINESS aT a GLaNCE
$2 billion
annual Retail Sales
$12,565
Retail Sales per Capita
13,283
Total Number of firms
source: u.s. Census QuickFacts
$197 million
fOUR OaKS BaNK Biz: Bank Buzz: Celebrating 100 years of service in 2012, Four Oaks Bank opened its first office in Four Oaks, N.C. The bank opened another branch in Clayton in 1986, and soon began constructing additional locations in Clayton, Smithfield, Garner, Benson and other cities. Now, Four Oaks Bank has 17 offices in eight counties in eastern North Carolina. www.fouroaksbank.com 22
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THE CLaYTON NEWS-STaR Biz: Newspaper Buzz: The Clayton News-Star has been keeping Johnston County residents up-to-date on local happenings for 100 years. Owned by The News & Observer, the newspaper primarily focuses on Clayton, while also reporting on newsworthy occurrences in Smithfield. The Clayton News-Star currently reaches approximately 19,000 households and is published three times a week, which includes a Sunday edition. www.claytonnewsstar.com ZaxBYS Biz: Restaurant Buzz: Zaxbys offers two locations in Johnston County, in Clayton and Smithfield, both of which are locally owned and operated by Michael and Kelly Smith. In addition to serving fresh chicken, sandwiches, salads and more, these Zaxbys restaurants support various local organizations and make an annual donation of $25,000 to the Johnston Community College Performing Arts Program. www.zaxbys.com E.d. paRKER CORp. Biz: Construction firm Buzz: Specializing in apartment, commercial and industrial construction, E.D. Parker Corp. has been serving the Mid-Atlantic area since 1975. The Benson-based company constructs new facilities and completes renovations, and offers its services from the preconstruction phase all the way through post-construction. E.D. Parker Corp. has worked on hotels, warehouses, medical buildings, car dealerships and other projects. www.edparkercorporation.com MaSTERTRax Biz: Recording studio Buzz: Located in Selma, MasterTrax serves both individual artists and large groups, and offers clients an affordable experience while also creating highquality products. The recording studio is equipped with custom audio designs and includes a tracking room, drum and isolation booths, and a lounge. Studio musicians are available to assist with projects, as well as a graphic artist and photographer. www.mastertraxstudio.com
Benson AreA MedicAl center is A coMMunity-owned, non-profit providing quAlity heAlth cAre to All Ages.
The providers at Benson Area Medical Center Inc. are specially trained and certified in the care of infants, children, adults and the elderly. We are dedicated to giving caring service and providing comprehensive health care to all members of your family.
Chairman
Jeffrey P. Carver
Vice-Chairman
DeVan Barbour Tony Braswell Cookie Pope Wade M. Stewart W. Ray Woodall
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Business
chamber report
Seven ChamberS baCK teaCher oF the year aWard
ach may, the seven-chamber Johnston County association of Chambers of Commerce announces the recipient of the annual flame for Learning award. The prestigious honor is Johnston Countys equivalent to the teacher of the year award. The term flame for Learning is taken from the Johnston County Schools mission, which states that the district will foster a flame for learning within each child that will last a lifetime, says Rick Childrey, president of the Greater SmithfieldSelma area Chamber of Commerce.
by delta kappa Gamma international. The seven Johnston County chambers all enjoy being part of such a worthwhile project, Childrey says. The hard-working, innovative teachers of this community deserve such recognition. Kevin Litwin
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ECONOMIC pROfILE
BUSINESS CLIMaTE
Johnston County offers a workforce development center and is close to the renowned Research Triangle area, as well as three nationally known research hospitals. it is one of the fastestgrowing counties in the united States.
johnston County airport 3149 Swift Creek Road Smithfield, nC 27577 (919) 934-0992 www.jnx-airport.com Selma historic union Station/amtraK 500 Railroad St. Selma, nC 27576 (800) 872-7245
ECONOMIC RESOURCES
Greater Smithfield-Selma area Chamber of Commerce (919) 934-9166 www.smithfieldselma.com Kenly area Chamber of Commerce (919) 284-5510 www.visitkenly.org Four oaks area Chamber of Commerce (919) 963-4004 www.fouroaksareachamber.com benson Chamber of Commerce (919) 894-3825 www.benson-chamber.com Clayton Chamber of Commerce (919) 553-6352 www.claytonchamber.com princeton Chamber of Commerce (919) 631-6860 Greater Cleveland Chamber of Commerce (919) 773-8448 www.greatercleveland chamber.com johnston County economic development (919) 989-5007 www.jcnced.com johnston County visitors bureau (919) 989-8687 www.johnstoncountync.org
WORKfORCE
74%
White-Collar jobs
Tax STRUCTURE
26%
blue-Collar jobs
2.5%
County Sales tax
5.25%
State Sales tax
EdUCaTION
26%
associate degree
7.75%
total Sales tax
13%
bachelors degree
INCOME
$18,406
per Capita income
5%
Graduate degree
$43,755
average annual household expenditure
TOp EMpLOYERS
Johnston County School System Johnston County Government Wal-mart Stores Johnston Community College Johnston health Caterpillar, inc. Precision air/flanders
TRaNSpORTaTION
johnston County area transit System 309 e. market St. Smithfield, nC 27577 www.jcats.org
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image Gallery
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image Gallery
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image Gallery
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image Gallery
World War I memorial at the Johnston County Courthouse in Smithfield Photo by Todd Bennett
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Players battle in a game of pickup basketball at Smithfield Recreation & Aquatics Center in Smithfield Photo by Todd Bennett
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Local flavor
home-grown goods
County eaterieS, FaCilitieS attraCt Food loverS From all over
griculture keeps Johnston Countys economy thriving, and keeps residents and visitors enjoying delicious eats throughout the year. in addition to being a haven for food manufacturers, the area is well-stocked with fresh produce and several cant-miss wineries and vineyards.
The Johnston County visitors Bureau keeps an up-to-date listing of agribusiness sites and is adding more all the time.
above: hinnant Family vineyards in pine level Right: the pick-your-own industry is thriving in johnston County.
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Fine Wines
HINNANT FAMILY VINEYARDS (919) 965-3350 www.hinnantvineyards.com ENOCH WINERY & VINEYARD (919) 207-0100 www.enochwinery.com GREGORY VINEYARDS (919) 894-7700 gregoryvineyards.com ADAMS VINEYARDS (919) 567-1010 www.adamsvineyards.com
JeffRey S. oTTo
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OW LANES INB RA
FAMILY FUN CENTER
Kathy L. Parker
Broker in Charge 223 King Mill Rd. Four Oaks, NC 27524 (919) 369-5339 kathyparker6@gmail.com
223 King Mill Rd. Four Oaks, NC 27524 (919) 934-3881 tapconinc@gmail.com
Locally Owned & Operated Serving Johnston County Since 1988 CLERICAL PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRIAL GENERAL LABOR 102 E. Johnston St. Smithfield, NC 27577 (919) 934-0909 www.mitchelltemporary.com
Mitchell Temporary Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer
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Local flavor
based sauce, can be found at Johnston County restaurants including Stephensons Bar-B-q and White Swans Bar-B-q.
Todd BenneTT
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rave reviews
County iS home to many artS and Cultural attraCtionS
Whats online
Read more about Johnston Countys arts and culture scene at livability.com/ johnston-county/nc.
here are many sites to see in Johnston County, especially if you like arts and culture.
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historic attractions
Those wanting to take a journey back to a simpler time can choose from a variety of museums in Johnston County. The Johnston County heritage Center is in Smithfield, as is the ava Gardner museum dedicated solely to the late hollywood starlet who was born in nearby Brogden. also in the community are the Benson museum of Local history, and Bentonville Battlefield State historic Site where the largest Civil War battle in north Carolina history was fought. Selma antique district, while not a museum, still preserves history with its array of antique shops and malls, all within walking distance of each other.
Todd BenneTT
more than 3,000 reenactors at the bentonville battlefield State historic Site
Southland Realty II
theatrical PerFormances
neuse Little Theatre, an actors group in Smithfield, holds four performances each year at the former american Legion hut overlooking the neuse River. meanwhile, Benson Little Theatre has been hosting performances since 2000 at the W.J. Barefoot auditorium, while the Clayton youth Theater has been producing quality shows by young people since 2007. Tiffany Williams
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education
Todd BenneTT
extra credit
StudentS have multiple eduCation optionS
Whats online
Read more articles about Johnston Countys diverse learning environments by going to livability.com/ johnston-county/nc.
here are multiple choices for getting a good education in Johnston County, starting from preschool and extending through the college experience.
achievement ranks in the top 20 percent of all north Carolina districts, and SaT scores averaging 1022 are above the state and national average.
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students, and will add grades 11 and 12 over the next two years. neuse Charter School admits students through a lottery system and focuses on international studies, offering foreign language education as early as kindergarten.
child care options, and overseeing an intensive parent education program that educates families on child development and parenting skills, in order to promote child language, intellectual growth, and physical and socialemotional skills. Jessica Walker
the new $8.2 million learning resource center at johnston Community College
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at your service
johnSton health brinGS the lateSt ServiCeS, teChnoloGy to patientS in johnSton County
ohnston health is redefining health care in central north Carolina. a recent $144 million investment has funded state-of-the-art medical buildings, equipment and services, transforming the system into a comprehensive health-care community. Today, Johnston health is comprised of 179-bed Johnston medical Center-Smithfield, medical practices in kenly and Clayton, and Johnston medical Center-Clayton, a $30 million emergency care and outpatient center that opened in 2009.
our patients know and trust our duke-affiliated oncologists, one of whom has been with us since our program began in 1997, says Johnston health Ceo Chuck elliott. Because of our relationship with duke, our patients can get world-class care without leaving their home county. The system also has partnered with Raleighbased Rex-unC health Care to offer radiation oncology at clinics in Smithfield and Clayton. Services also include the latest in diagnostic imaging and minimally invasive surgery for detecting and destroying tumors.
technicians assist a patient undergoing treatment at the linear accelerator at johnston medical Center.
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$1.5 million expansion and modernization of the Smithfield emergency department. Currently, the department welcomes more than 47,000 patient visits each year.
robotic-assisted surgery
in 2011, Johnston health welcomed the addition of robotic-assisted surgery via the da vinci Surgical System. Currently used by Johnston health urologists and gynecologists, the high-tech tool enables surgeons to perform complex procedures, such as prostatectomy, with minimal invasion and unmatched precision.
electroPhysiology studies
electrophysiology studies are another new addition to Johnston health. Conducted by a specially trained cardiologist in a catheterization lab, the minimally invasive procedures help diagnose and treat abnormal heart rhythms. Were pleased that the hospital is able to offer more advanced services such as this to patients, elliot says. Johnston healths commitment to progress is clear. in 2011, the organization was one of 36 hospitals to receive the annual Top improver award by Press Ganey, the company that measures patient satisfaction for hospitals across the country. The award recognizes clients who have shown continuous improvement over two years. Melanie Hill
Todd BenneTT
hospice house
Terminally ill patients find comfort and compassion at the SECU Hospice House of Johnston Health. The 13,689-squarefoot residential and inpatient center opened in 2010 following a $4.5 million capital campaign by the Johnston Health Foundation and a $1 million grant from the State Employees Credit Union Foundation. At the Hospice House, an interdisciplinary team provides 24-hour care for patients in a home-like environment. All 18 patient rooms have separate heating and cooling units, in-suite baths and sleeper sofas for visitors. A chapel and meditation garden, full-service kitchen, and dining and living rooms also are on-site. Just as the project was a community effort, so is patient care at the Hospice House. Volunteers provide 13 percent of the care given to patients, far exceeding the 5 percent Medicare mandate for hospice programs.
24-hour skilled nursing Assisted living facility Short-term rehabilitation Physical therapy Speech therapy Occupational therapy Special care unit
Have the security of knowing someone is always there to assist you! There is no time like the present to find out more about our CONTINUUM OF LIFESTYLE CHOICES. Call (919) 207-1717 to learn more about our services or to schedule a personal tour. Located at 2315 NC Hwy. 242 N., Benson, NC 27504.
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an active lifestyle
johnSton CountyS parKS, playGroundS and reCreation optionS FoSter aCtivity For younG and old
hile lounging in a rocker on the front porch may be a Southern tradition, Johnston County residents and visitors also enjoy ready access to a wide range of recreational areas and activities that contribute to an active lifestyle. Pick your favorite sport and theres likely a league or organization ready to welcome you, whether youre 5 or 55. and if youre a fan, the nearby Triangle area offers a year-round menu of college and professional sports.
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Todd BenneTT
The town of Selma provides residents a variety of youth and adult athletic programs, and hosts the Johnston County Senior Games for the areas older athletes. a highlight of the towns special events is the annual Selma Railroad days festival, held each october. a center of recreational activity in kenly is a 9-acre complex with lighted softball and baseball fields, soccer field, trails, playground and picnic area. The municipal park in Benson has something for everyone, with facilities for baseball, softball, horseshoes, shuffleboard and even sand volleyball. and a large picnic shelter is designed for group gatherings.
2,800-acre park also is a recreational hub with hiking, camping, canoeing, hunting and fishing.
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and if golf is your game, theres an abundance of links to challenge you. Pine hollow Golf Club and Cardinal Country Club
are local favorites, while Country Club of Johnston County winds along picturesque holt Lake. Riverwood Golf & athletic Club offers 27 holes, while The neuse carries an impressive 4.5-star rating from Golf Digest, which also recognized Reedy Creek as one of its places to play. Gary Carter
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advertisers
Benson Area Medical Center www.bensonmedical.org Building Blocks Childcare & Development Center www.bbchildcare.net Carolina House www.brookdaleliving.com Century 21 Suburban Real Estate Inc. www.sellingclayton.com Four Oaks Bank www.fouroaksbank.com Hampton Inn www.dunn.hamptoninn.com Harnett Health System www.bjrh.org Johnston Community College www.johnstoncc.edu Johnston County Board of Commissioners www.johnstonnc.com Johnston Memorial Hospital Authority www.johnstonhealth.org Kathy L. Parker Real Estate Liberty Commons www.libertyhcs.com Mitchell Temporary Services Inc. www.mitchelltemporary.com Novo Nordisk www.novonordisk-clayton.com Perry Bros. Tire Service www.perrybros.com Rainbow Lanes Family Fun Center www.rainbowlanesclayton.com Re/Max Southland Realty II www.southland4042.com Seegars Fence Company www.seegarsfence.com Sign-A-Rama www.signarama-smithfieldnc.com Sleep Inn www.choicehotels.com/hotel/nc466 Stephenson General Contractors www.sgcdesignbuild.com TAP Construction Inc. The Tina Barletta Team www.tinabarletta.com Town of Smithfield www.visitsmithfield.org Waste Industries www.wasteindustries.com Willowrun Veterinary Hospital www.willowrunvet.com
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j o h n Sto n Co u nt y
COMMUNITY pROfILE
SNapSHOT
Smithfield and Johnston County offer a winning combination of small-town charm and easy access to big-city attractions in nearby Raleigh-durham-Chapel hill. The area has great health-care facilities and many great opportunities for recreational activities.
COST Of LIVING
ETHNICITY:
$40,369
median household income
59%
White
$107,681
median home price
23%
black
$762
median rent for a two-bedroom apartment
10%
hispanic
CLIMaTE
The temperature in Johnston County remains temperate year round, with four distinct seasons and a lengthy growing season for flowers and vegetables. Summer highs and winter lows can be extreme but are of very short duration.
8%
other
HOUSEHOLd INfORMaTION
aGE:
NUMBERS TO KNOW
drivers license, vehicle registration north Carolina division of motor vehicles (919) 715-7000 www.ncdot.org/dmv voter registration Johnston County Board of elections (919) 989-5095 www.johnstonnc.com/ elections Cable television
38
median resident age
90 F
28%
19 and under
29 F
45%
20-54
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annual rain Fall (vs. national average annual rain Fall of 37)
27%
55 and over
Time Warner Cable (866) 489-2669 www.timewarnercable.com diReCTv (888) 777-2454 www.directv.com Water and Sewer Johnston County Public utilities department (919) 989-5075 www.johnstonnc.com/utilities
TIME ZONE
MaRITaL STaTUS:
eastern
49%
married
TRaNSpORTaTION
29 minutes
median travel time to Work
51%
Single
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more online
See more favorite photos and read the stories behind the shots at throughthelensjci.com.
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