RALtoday staff here. We receive hundreds of thank you emails every week, and often you ask how you can support us. That’s why we’ve created this campaign with a goal to raise $2,500 by the end of the week. If you’ve gotten something out of being subscribed to RALtoday, like finding that life-changing concert in our Events section. Or using our City Guides to plan the perfect way to spend the day with family, we couldn’t be more honored to be a part of your life — and we’re calling on you now to help support our mission.
More than 1.2 million people (and thousands of businesses) contribute to the Raleigh area’s $95.6 billion economy. But have you ever wondered about the City of Oaks’ heaviest hitters?
Consider this Raleigh Business 101 — your guide to our region’s five key industries and six major employers.
The key industries
There are five key industries that represent around 70% of Wake County’s economy, based on data from the Raleigh Chamber and Wake County Economic Development. We’ve listed them in order of employment numbers.
Professional and Business Services | 146,721 employees
Everything from accounting and law firms to banks and marketing agencies fall under this umbrella — with larger employers including Fidelity Investments and Conduent Business Services.
Education and Health Services | 90,713 employees
Duke University and Duke Health Systems, the Wake County Public School System, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill take the lion’s share of this sector’s employment.
Cupcake Decorating | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Wyntons World Cooking School, Cary | $70 | Live out your “Cake Boss” dreams with this hands-on workshop.
DIY Pressed Flower Candles | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Joy Worthy Co. | $70 | Craft your own floral-themed candles.
Tuesday, Feb. 25
Trivia Tuesdays | 7 p.m. | Flying Saucer Draught Emporium | Free | Test your knowledge and tap into your competitive edge with trivia + $200 worth of prizes.
Wednesday, Feb. 26
Wine Tasting | 6-7:30 p.m. | Westgate Wine Bar | $20+ | Taste popular wines from the southern hemisphere.
“Mira” comes from the Latin word mirabilis, meaning wonderful. Here are just some of the features that validate their namesake and set life at Mira Raleigh apart:
Consulting firm DickersonBakker is planning a three-story office building on Creedmoor Road near Crabtree Valley Mall. The 17,542 sqft space will house its headquarters — the firm also plans to develop a mixed-use development including apartments on neighboring lots. (Triangle Business Journal)
Mansion Monday
Luxury living alert. A 6,841-sqft, five-bedroom home just hit the market in Raleigh’s North Ridge. The estate features a gourmet kitchen, custom pool, pool house, nine baths, and views of a golf course. Built in 2025, it offers top-tier finishes and a private sanctuary.
Festival
The Raleigh Comedy Festival returns Thursday, March 20 through Saturday, March 22 with headliners like Luke Null, Caitlin Peluffo, Amy Miller, and Chris Higgins. Check out the festival’s schedule and secure tickets online.
Real Estate
Hayes Barton Place, a luxury senior living complex near Oberlin Middle School, is open and offers 169 residences. The property features amenities like a movie theater, pickleball court, and multiple restaurants. The facility also plans to include assisted living + memory support wings in the future. (Triangle Business Journal)
Try This
Boxyard at RTP is hosting a Mardi Gras egg hunt tomorrow, Feb. 25 to Tuesday, March 4. Participants have the opportunity to find up to 30 eggs full of prizes, including drinks and food from vendors like RTP Uncorked, Lawrence Barbecue, and more.
Edu
Raleigh’s Quest Academy ranked as one of NC’s top elementary + middle schools in NC with a notable mention for academic excellence. Explore 45+ schools in the City of Oaks with our guide full of details from enrollment to class sizes. (The News & Observer)
Connect with our 71,000+ Instagram followers by partnering with RALtoday for a sponsored social post. Choose between our feed or story placements — or why not both? Explore even more advertising opportunities with us + elevate your brand’s reach.
Category
Civic
🪪 Get your REAL ID before the deadline
Starting May 7, you’ll need a REAL ID or a valid passport to fly within the US. | Photo by RALtoday
After years of delayed deadlines, it’s finally getting real — the official deadline to obtain a REAL ID is coming up on May 7, 2025.
Why do I need one?
You’ll need a REAL ID if you plan to fly domestically or enter secure federal or military facilities starting May 7. If you don’t have one by that time, you’ll still be able to vote, drive, purchase alcohol or cigarettes, and access federal courts with a standard state license.
How can I get one?
If you currently have a North Carolina driver’s license or ID, you can apply for a REAL ID at a Department of Motor Vehicles or the Wake County Clerk.
Make sure to bring the following (originals, not copies):
A great dermaplaning razor for unwanted facial hair. This reusable, plastic-free one comes with 11 refill blades and can remove dead skin cells, peach fuzz, and hair on the upper lip, cheeks, and eyebrows.
Perkins Orchard is in its 55th season. | Photo by RALtoday
I ventured out to Durham for my weekly produce run and to get in on the $25 fill-up bag deal. After a long Saturday night of eating delicious foods (I brought drinks, y’all know I don’t cook) by members of my friend group’s book club, I’m getting back on track. By the way, how are you doing on our local ins and outs for 2025? Let me know.
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