As 2024 comes to a close, we reflect on a year of growth, achievement, and community spirit in the Twin Counties. From historic events to transformative initiatives, our region has proven itself to be a place of innovation, resilience, and collaboration. Here are some of the incredible milestones that made this year unforgettable, along with a heartfelt thank-you to our community partners for their unwavering support.

Highlights from 2024

Educational Strides in the Twin Counties

In May, Southside Academy celebrated a major milestone by earning Foundational Accreditation from the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). This achievement, just two years after the academy's opening, highlights its commitment to excellence and its positive impact on the community.

Before the 2024-2025 school year, Nash County Schools joined Edgecombe County Schools in offering free breakfast and lunch to all students under the Community Eligibility Provision Program. This initiative is a significant step toward combating food insecurity and supporting the well-being of local families. Together, these efforts ensure that every child in our community has access to nutritious meals, fostering a healthier, more equitable environment for learning.

Art, Heritage, and Culture Continues to Thrive

Downtown Rocky Mount welcomed a stunning new mural this spring, honoring the region's vibrant musical history. Located at the corner of SE Main Street and Marigold Street, the mural, designed by local artist Marion Weathers and painted by renowned muralist Sean Kernick, features seven inductees of the Twin County Hall of Fame. To mark the occasion, Motown legend Martha and the Vandellas performed at the unveiling, bringing music to the streets of Rocky Mount once again.

In October, Rocky Mount and Tarboro hosted Preservation NC’s Annual Conference, bringing preservationists and historians together to celebrate our region’s rich architectural and cultural heritage. This three-day event underscored the importance of safeguarding our historic landmarks while exploring innovative ways to revitalize the Twin Counties.

Presidential Campaign Events Shine a Spotlight on Rocky Mount

This November, Rocky Mount took center stage in the 2024 presidential race. Former Presidents Bill Clinton and Donald Trump both visited the city, underscoring its importance as a battleground region. Clinton, campaigning on behalf of Kamala Harris, spoke at Word Tabernacle Church and Station Square, while Trump drew over 6,000 attendees at a rally held at the Rocky Mount Event Center. These high-profile visits showcased the national spotlight on the Twin Counties during this critical election season.

Major Economic Growth in Nash and Edgecombe Counties

August and November brought exciting news for Edgecombe County’s economic future. Natron Energy, Inc., a global leader in sodium-ion battery technology, has announced plans to establish the first sodium-ion battery gigafactory in the United States at Kingsboro Business Park. This significant investment, valued at nearly $1.4 billion, is expected to bring over 1,000 jobs to the Rocky Mount, Nash, and Edgecombe County area. In addition, Amazon acquired of 77 acres in the Tarboro Commerce Center, which signals potential industrial and distribution growth for the area.

In Nash County, GXP-Storage is investing $80 million to develop a 30-acre campus in the Middlesex Corporate Centre, located just east of Raleigh off US Hwy. 64. Serving as its international headquarters, the facility will specialize in storing materials for life sciences companies in temperature-controlled settings, ranging from ambient to cryogenic. GXP plans to hire up to 100 employees and expects the first facility, housed in an existing shell building purchased from Nash County for $4.6 million, to be operational by May.

Meanwhile, in Nashville, Ripe Revival’s $10 million Innovation Campus promises to redefine the region’s agricultural heritage and establish a national hub for farming, food, and community development. Since January 2024, Ripe for Revival has distributed over 1.3 million servings of food to more than 20,000 families.

A Year of Milestones for Twin County Media

This year, Twin County Media proudly released three magazines that captured the spirit of our community:

• Real Estate Magazine Volume 1:  Our debut edition, focusing on schools and hidden gems in the area.

• Real Estate Magazine Volume 2: Featuring local market trends, preservation efforts, and stories of growth in the Twin Counties.

• Real Estate Magazine Volume 3: Showcasing the economic and cultural transformations happening across Nash and Edgecombe Counties.

• Tar River Art + Culture Volume 1: A celebration of local art, music, food, and tourism, highlighting the incredible talent and stories that make our community unique. This was a joint collaboration with Justin Sykes, also known as Nash County Nosh.

Each magazine represents our commitment to amplifying the voices and achievements of the Twin Counties, and we are grateful to everyone who contributed to their success. You can find each of our publications at https://www.twincountymedia.com/realestatemagazine.

Thank You to Our Partners

As we look back on this remarkable year, we want to express our deepest gratitude to our community partners who have supported us every step of the way. Your collaboration and dedication have helped make 2024 a banner year for the Twin Counties.

To those joining us in 2024, welcome! We are thrilled to have onboarded 14 new community partners this year. Check out all of Twin County Media’s Community Partners by checking them out on our website.

Looking Ahead

With 2025 on the horizon, we are excited for the opportunities to come. Together, we will continue to celebrate the people, places, and projects that make the Twin Counties a truly special place to live, work, and grow. Thank you for making 2024 unforgettable. Here’s to an even brighter year ahead!