by Cameron Rhinehardt | Apr 17, 2023 | April 2023, Buzz
A global pharmaceutical consulting org doubles down on DTR—and is bringing 100+ life sciences jobs to NC.
It’s no secret that life sciences are booming in Raleigh and the surrounding area. The region boasts more than 650 life sciences companies and is ranked No. 6 in CBRE’s 2022 analysis of life science research talent clusters.
Further contributing to that growth is ProPharma Group, an international pharmaceutical consulting org setting up camp at 107 W. Hargett St. (aka the historic 1924 building that housed the iconic OG Father and Son Antiques, which moved locations in 2018), and bringing with it up to 100 (!) new life sciences jobs over the next two years—think biotech, medical device and diagnostics, and pharmaceutical organizations. After recognizing the growth Raleigh has experienced as a social and professional hub—NTM the area’s natural talent pool—ProPharma Group chose Raleigh for its global headquarters.
“The growth in Downtown Raleigh over the past few years has been monumental, and we’re excited to add another dimension to the city’s expanding commerce and life sciences scene,” says ProPharma CEO Michael Stomberg. “We are also proud to be the first-ever Research Consulting Organization (RCO) to call Downtown Raleigh its home.”
Adds Downtown Raleigh Alliance President and CEO Bill King in an interview with ABC11: “Life science is an area the Triangle is really strong at. We haven’t traditionally seen as much of that in Downtown Raleigh, so we’re really excited about this announcement.”
An MO of patient health, wellness and safety as its No. 1 priority led Stomberg to create the company—previously located in Overland Park, Kansas—in 2001. Now, ProPharma provides pharmaceutical and medical advice to their clients and partners across the globe.
It’s also the world’s largest RCO—meaning they partner with international companies to work toward different goals in the science world, from helping produce a vaccine against COVID-19 to providing pharmaceutical information for medical companies. This RCO model—the first of its kind—is designed to focus more on “orphan drugs,” or drugs for people with rare diseases.
“Working in close partnership with our clients to improve the health and safety of patients, our global teams are committed to quality and excellence in everything we do to support clients throughout the full product lifecycle,” says Stromberg. Talk about looking at the glass—er, beaker—half-full!
by Cameron Rhinehardt | Mar 28, 2023 | April 2023, Do
New luxe glamping experience on the Cape Fear River
Not an outdoorsy person, you say? Allow us to change your mind. Glamping is the ideal way to combine comfort and adventure—and skip a lot of the work normally associated with an overnight foray into the forest. And, P.S., camping in a fully equipped modern luxury wagon still counts as camping btw.
Enter The Cozy Heron, a new glamping resort from Cape Fear River Adventures (CFRA) in Lillington (a short hour drive from Raleigh), now open for bookings—with its grand opening slated for April.
Stacked with five handcrafted, made-in-the-USA wooden Conestoga wagons—each equipped with heat and air conditioning; a king-size bed; two bunk beds; and a kitchenette complete with a refrigerator, microwave and coffeemaker—this slumber space has all the amenities and s’more (!). To boot, the wagons are nestled along the banks of the Cape Fear River, allowing campers to drink in
impeccable views.
“We wanted to create an environment where you can experience an outdoor adventure with all the comforts of home,” says The Cozy Heron owner Ilia Smirnov. “The wagons will encourage people to get outdoors and enjoy all the river and surrounding area have to offer.”
For those who don’t mind stepping outside their comfort zone (read: the comforts of luxe wagons), CFRA also hosts several outdoor adventures—from kayaking and paddleboarding rentals, classes and excursions to river tubing and canoe trips—and Raven Rock State Park is nearby, if hiking is your thing. After all that activity, you can nosh on a slice of pizza and sip a craft beer or two at the on-property Lost Paddle Tavern.
No doubt an in-tents experience, Smirnov says “glamping is unique because it combines the joy of the outdoors with the comforts of modern homes. You get to experience the feel of nature all around you while enjoying the conveniences of everyday living.” Sounds like the perfect recipe for happy campers, no? capefearadventures.com
Let’s Go Glamping
More luxe camping outfitters in NC
Glamp Raleigh
There’s no place like home—so bring the glamping experience to your backyard by transforming your lawn into a stylish, magical outdoor oasis complete with gorgeous decor, lush bedding and romantic lighting. … The best part? You don’t even have to lift a finger! Now that’s our kinda camping. glampraleigh.com
Smoky Mountain Glamping
Roughing it not your style? Serve up some self-care a la fresh mountain air via this comforting and glamorous “camping” excursion (think linens, robes, local soap, coffee, fruit—the list goes on). This mountainous retreat might just make you say goodbye to “regular camping” forever. How’s that for a peak experience? smokymountainglampingnc.com
Southern Nights
Camping is easy! Well, if you
(gl)amp it up a little (!). Based in Wilmington—with an added op to travel up to 25 miles away—this slew of glamping selects promises to match your vibe, from romantic to family-friendly. NTM curated luxury picnic setups on the beach, in your backyard or at your fave park. Yes, please! southernnightsglamping.com
by Cameron Rhinehardt | Nov 30, 2022 | December 2022/January 2023, Stuff
Show your love for Raleigh via Gold Leaf Apparel.
“Inspired by the past, made for now,” Gold Leaf Apparel uses Raleigh’s history, landmarks and old photos as its muse for the brand’s locally inspired tees and other accessories. Think a cozy tee sporting a 1937 NC State Fair catalog cover or a tumbler emblazoned with a U.S. Air Mail stamp.
Owner James Hill started the online shop this spring after seven years of running an apparel store in DTR and attributes the “golden” idea for it to other Raleigh merchandise he’s seen. Translation: He wanted to create something truer to the heart of a Raleighite than acorns or squirrels (an idea def worth getting squirrely about).
“We used to pay our rent by selling Raleigh T-shirts, so we thought there might be something here—just a simple, classic Raleigh T-shirt brand,” says Hill.
The logo and name come from the idea that good things are often hidden in plain sight—our native ironwood trees, for instance. Beautiful in their own right, but because they do not grow as tall as oaks, they tend to often go unnoticed—a reminder to look for the hidden gems in everyday life.
Hill draws from that inspiration around town—from old Raleigh license plates, enamel pins and soda bottles to a search of the NC archives.
“My goal is to have people wear stuff that actually has meaning, is connected to the city and has history behind it” says Hill. “Everywhere I went, I felt like Raleigh shirts were made by people who don’t live here. These are shirts I hope people will actually wear, that are comfortable and represent who you are and your lifestyle.” Get ready to rep your city, Raleighites! goldleafapparel.com
by Cameron Rhinehardt | Nov 15, 2022 | Buzz, November 2022
With technology playing such a huge role in our day-to-day lives, access and connectivity online is critical to ensure kids and teens can succeed academically. Thanks to a donation from AT&T, local students are now being given the tools they need for academia and more through the Boys & Girls Clubs’ new local Connected Learning Center (CLC), slated to launch Nov. 16.
Part of AT&T’s three-year, $2 billion (!) commitment to bridge the digital divide, the learning center—located at the Boys & Girls Club’s “The Club” Teen Center, which already touts a gymnasium, study lounge, art studio and more—provides internet access, computers and financial means to help students obtain the resources they need to succeed.
“AT&T’s generous contribution supports the Boys & Girls Clubs’ goal of leveling the playing field for children and teens who face the greatest economic and social challenges in this community,” says Boys & Girls Clubs of Wake County President/CEO Ralph Capps. “Many of our families lack access to high-quality internet connectivity at home, putting their kids at a disadvantage with respect to academics, career development and the countless other ways in which internet connectivity equates to opportunity.”
In addition to the high-speed internet and computers at the CLC, AT&T also donated $50,000 in program support to help with access to other resources—think tutors, counselors/mentors, career development, etc.
AT&T allocates the inspiration for this donation to their consideration of education, and how important it is for students to do well in an academic and social setting. “The stakes for closing the digital divide are incredibly high, and it is imperative that we remove barriers to opportunity for children and families,” says AT&T Communications CEO Jeff McElfresh. “Education plays a vital role in the long-term success of our society, and we are committed to investing in the educational and connectivity needs of underserved communities while also expanding access to low-cost broadband services.”
Though this partnership between Boys & Girls Clubs and AT&T is not new, this is the telecommunication company’s biggest donation by far. “We are thrilled to collaborate once again with AT&T to enable even more youth across the nation to achieve a great future,” says Boys & Girls Clubs of America President/CEO Jim Clark.
And AT&T doesn’t plan on stopping anytime soon. As part of its three-year plan, AT&T hopes to make home internet more affordable nationwide, providing internet access to over 135,000 schools, in addition to an Emergency Broadband Benefit program that allows eligible customers to lower their monthly internet cost.
AT&T also ultimately hopes to bring these resources to individual homes to level the playing field and allow students to have all the tools they need right at their fingertips. “We know this support is vital to closing the digital divide, and that’s why we continue to prioritize our efforts in underserved communities around the country,” says AT&T CEO John Stankey. “The resources available in these centers are crucial to connecting more Americans to greater possibilities and helping them achieve educational, economic and work success.” Now how’s that for staying connected?!
by Cameron Rhinehardt | Oct 24, 2022 | Do, October 2022
What’s up, witches? With Halloween right around the corner, there’s no better time to jaunt—er, haunt?—over to Wilmington. One of the most actively haunted cities in the South, the Port City offers plenty of spooky entertainment in the form of ghost walks, haunted tours and more. Seas the day and trick or treat yo’self to some frightful fun—if you have the guts (!).
If you’re a paranormal junkie (hey, avid Ghost Adventures fans!), this ghost walk promises to deliver the scaries. The nationally acclaimed tour takes you to several haunted houses and graveyards, with professional storytellers and ghost hunters dishing eerie tales and true ghostly occurrences along the way. Boo!
Trick or tequila? … Why not both?! Explore Wilmington’s most haunted pubs while downing drinks (natch) and listening to tales of murder and mayhem. And watch out for the infamous ghost Meg, an old pub owner known for her love of violence. Talk about lifting your spirits!
One of the most haunted battleships in the country, the old World War II battleship is a true ghost ship—and has been a site of paranormal activity for years. During this spooky ghost hunt, attendees get exclusive overnight (!) access to off-limits parts of the ship, a group vigil with an experienced investigator, and use of ghost-hunting equipment like EMF readers and trigger objects.
All aboard! During this more family-friendly tour, a horse-drawn carriage will escort you around Wilmington while a costumed driver recites ghost stories tailored to children. Talk about a boo-tiful family outing!
This one is perfect for you and your boo. Take movie date night to the next level and tour the sites of several famous horror movies filmed right in Wilmington—think The Black Phone, Scream and Halloween Kills. “You’re making popcorn?”
