TC Spotlight

Kevin Wilson - Oak Grove Retreat

In this episode, we sit down with Kevin Wilson, owner of The Oak Grove Retreat [https://www.oakgrove-retreat.com/] in Tarboro, North Carolina. Kevin shares the unique story of how a small historic church was transformed into a peaceful retreat center dedicated to rest, reflection, and renewal. What began as a vision to preserve a meaningful space has evolved into a destination where individuals, couples, and small groups can step away from the busyness of everyday life and reconnect with themselves, their faith, and nature. We discuss Kevin’s journey in creating the retreat, the challenges and rewards of restoring the property, and the intentional design behind the Oak Grove experience. From quiet spaces for meditation and prayer to opportunities for personal reflection and relaxation, Kevin explains what visitors can expect during their stay and why he believes places like Oak Grove are needed now more than ever. Tune in to hear the inspiring story behind one of Edgecombe County’s hidden gems and learn how The Oak Grove Retreat is creating a space for peace, reflection, and restoration right here in Eastern North Carolina.

Ron Green, Melvin Mitchell, Gus Tulloss - Project DREAM, Boys & Girls Club

In this episode, we sit down with Ron Green, CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tar River Region, along with Melvin Mitchell and Gus Tulloss, who are helping lead the capital campaign for one of the most ambitious youth development projects in our area: Project DREAM. Project DREAM is a transformational initiative that will convert the former National Guard Armory in Rocky Mount into a state-of-the-art teen center and workforce development hub designed to prepare the next generation of Twin Counties leaders. The project represents a roughly $10 million investment into the future of local youth, creating a space where students can access career readiness training, mentorship, leadership development, educational support, technology resources, and workforce preparation opportunities. In our conversation, Ron, Melvin, and Gus discuss the vision behind Project DREAM, why the Boys & Girls Club identified the need for a dedicated teen-focused facility, and how the project fits into broader efforts to strengthen workforce development and economic mobility in our region. We also discuss the capital campaign currently underway, the community partnerships helping move the project forward, and the long-term impact this investment could have on thousands of young people across Nash and Edgecombe counties.Tune in to hear how Project DREAM aims to transform a historic Rocky Mount landmark into a launching pad for future leaders, entrepreneurs, skilled workers, and community changemakers throughout Eastern North Carolina.

Bryan Braswell - Rocky Mount Radiator

In this episode, we sit down with Bryan Braswell, fourth-generation operator of Rocky Mount Radiator, to discuss the incredible story of a family business that has been serving the region since 1927. Bryan shares how his family started the company nearly 100 years ago and the many industry changes and economic challenges they’ve successfully navigated across four generations. We dive into the highly specialized work Rocky Mount Radiator performs, from repairing everyday car radiators and AC systems to servicing heavy equipment radiators and even large-scale commercial and hospital heat exchangers. Bryan explains how the company carved out a niche in the heat exchanger and radiator industry through technical expertise, quality workmanship, and long-term customer relationships. Tune in to hear the story behind one of Rocky Mount’s longstanding businesses and learn more about the important role Rocky Mount Radiator continues to play in keeping vehicles, equipment, and major facilities running efficiently across Eastern North Carolina.

Rocky Mount Kids’ Camp - David Farris, Beth Covolo, Bunn Boddie

In this episode, we sit down with David Farris, President of the Rocky Mount Chamber of Commerce, Beth Covolo, Head of School at Rocky Mount Academy, and Bunn Boddie of Boddie-Noell Enterprises to discuss a community-led effort to keep a critical summer camp program alive for local Rocky Mount children. For years, this summer camp served inner city children ages 5–8 whose families may not be able to take time off work during the summer months. Due to the city’s recent financial challenges, support for the program was discontinued—creating a major gap for working families across our community. In response, local business and civic leaders stepped up to organize a private fundraising campaign to ensure the camp continues this summer at Rocky Mount Academy. Our conversation explores why this program matters so deeply, how it supports both children and working parents, and what it says about the power of community collaboration in the Twin Counties. The group is currently working to raise $60,000, and they have already secured approximately half of that goal. Sponsoring one child for the full summer costs $1,000. Individuals and businesses interested in supporting the effort can make check outs to "Community Development Foundation of Rocky Mount" with Kids’ Summer Camp  in the memo line and can be sent to: Rocky Mount Area Chamber of Commerce 100 Coastline Street, Ste #200 Rocky Mount, NC 27804 Tune in to hear how local leaders are rallying together to support families and make sure children in our community have a safe, enriching place to learn and grow this summer.

Dr. Nettie Williams - Tarboro Choral Society

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Nettie Williams, founder and artistic director of the Tarboro Choral Society, to talk about her journey in music and her vision for bringing high-level choral performance back to Eastern North Carolina. A Tarboro native with a distinguished career as a conductor and educator, Dr. Williams returned home and launched the Tarboro Choral Society to enrich the region through music and create opportunities for both professional and community performers.   We dive into the mission of the Tarboro Choral Society, which brings together singers from across Eastern NC to study and perform classical and contemporary works while making music accessible to the community.   The organization hosts an annual multi-day music festival featuring concerts, educational programming, and collaborations with musicians from across the state—all aimed at reviving Tarboro’s rich musical traditions and making the arts available to everyone.   We also highlight the upcoming Choral Society Festival weekend (May 15–17), which includes multiple performances and events throughout Tarboro, including a featured concert on Sunday, May 17.   From classical and gospel to Broadway and jazz, the festival showcases a wide range of musical styles designed to inspire audiences of all backgrounds. Tune in to hear Dr. Williams’ story and the impact of the Tarboro Choral Society—and be sure to learn more about the festival and how to attend at: https://tarborochoralsociety.com/ [https://tarborochoralsociety.com/]