Mari-inetta Pavlic, the CCCC Small Business Center Coordinator - Harnett County, speaks at the 30th anniversary celebration of the Triangle South Enterprise Center. Daily Record Photo by Melody Brown-Peyton.
By Melody Brown-Peyton, The Daily Record of Dunn.
DUNN - For anyone achieving one milestone, that's a reason to celebrate. Triangle South Enterprise Center and the old Magnolia School in which it operates at 600 S. Magnolia Ave. in Dunn have double reasons to celebrate.
The center is celebrating 30 years of service to the community while also celebrating the building that houses its offices which has been in existence for 100 years. An open house and celebration were held there this week.
Triangle South serves as a small business incubator, helping entrepreneurs succeed in their start-up endeavors. The program falls under the umbrella of Central Carolina Community College. CCCC Harnett County Provost Jon Matthews was on hand for the open house to bring greetings.
During Wednesday's event, the community came out to celebrate both milestones as they heard success testimonies from entrepreneurs who have taken part in the program.
Raul Hernandez and his wife, Veronica Hernandez, owners of Print-A-Tee, graduated in August. They shared their success story. Their business expanded and they had to move to another location in order to meet the demands of their customers. They will open their new location in mid-November at 101 S. Clinton Ave. in Dunn.
"If it does not move, we can embroider anything," Mrs. Hernandez said.
They came to Triangle South with a small blueprint for their business and Mari-inetta Pavlic, who serves as the director of Triangle South Enterprise Center, shared with them the blueprint to a successful business.
Attendees were treated to an assortment of finger foods catered by Crimson Lights Catering. Crimson Lights is a successful client at Triangle South.
Dunn Mayor Pro Tem Billy Barfield gave greetings on behalf of the city. Other city council members who attended this event were Dr. Gwen McNeill, Billy Tart and Chuck Turnage along with acting Dunn Police Chiefs Capt. Johnny Royal and Larry Jenkins.
During a client's initial meeting with Mrs. Pavlic, she provides business owners with a step-by-step plan that provides entrepreneurs with a detailed plan on how to ensure that their business is a success.
Through this program entrepreneurs have access to tools and the resources they need to get their businesses off the ground. Through the Dunn Committee of 100, qualifying businesses can obtain loans.
Former Dunn Mayor and Harnett County Commissioner Abe Elmore was instrumental in bringing this incentive to the area. He said former North Carolina Gov. Jim Martin had a vision for a program that would help new business owners get their businesses off the ground. Over the years, Triangle South has assisted in bringing 4,400 jobs to the area, which has provided a major economic impact to the community.
"I'm proud of the work that this agency has been able to provide to the community over the years and look forward to continued success," Mrs. Pavlic said.
While in this program, business owners rent office space from Triangle South. Currently, there are nine office spaces available for rent. Anyone interested in learning more about the program and leasing office space can contact (910) 892-2884. Office space is as low as $130 a month.
Mari-inetta Pavlic, the CCCC Small Business Center Coordinator - Harnett County, speaks at the 30th anniversary celebration of the Triangle South Enterprise Center. Daily Record Photo by Melody Brown-Peyton.
Veronica Hernandez speaks during the celebration of Triangle South as her husband, Raul Hernandez, looks on. The couple started their business, Print-A-Tee, in the incubator program at Triangle South and graduated last month. Daily Record Photo by Melody Brown-Peyton.
A grand celebration was held on Sept. 20 to mark two milestones - the 30 years of service of the Triangle South Enterprise Center and the 100 years in existence of Magnolia School. Daily Record Photo by Melody Brown-Peyton.
A grand celebration was held on Sept. 20 to mark two milestones -- the 100 years in existence of Magnolia School and the 30 years of service of the Triangle South Enterprise Center. Daily Record Photo by Melody Brown-Peyton.