Get a head start on team volunteer opportunities. | Photo via Activate Good
Spring is here, and with it comes one of our favorite traditions: company volunteer days. National Volunteer Week is April 19-25. Where is your company volunteering this year? We’ll highlight some of the best opportunities for your biz in an upcoming newsletter. In the meantime, browse the Activate Good website for upcoming volunteer opportunities, and save the date for the Triangle Businesses for Good Summit on Wednesday, May 13.
Asked
Asked
Where is your company volunteering this year, and what types of opportunities are you looking for?
77% of companies reported increased employee participation in volunteer opportunities in 2024 compared with the year before, showing workplace service is becoming a bigger part of company culture.
Volunteering isn’t just giving back — it helps businesses build stronger teams, connect with their community, and show clients they care. It can also boost employee satisfaction and attract purpose-driven talent.
News Notes
News Notes
Biz
Last week, Epic Games announced layoffs of over 1,000 employees, citing declining Fortnite engagement, industry-wide slowdown, and rising costs. The company plans $500 million in savings, refocus on stronger Fortnite content, and advance Unreal Engine development. Epic said AI wasn’t a factor, and impacted employees will receive severance, healthcare coverage, and accelerated equity vesting.
Development
Hub RTP was named a top 10 life sciences project, spotlighting more than 1 million sqft of development capacity and investor-ready lab and office sites in Research Triangle Park. Separately, MAA Nixie opened as RTP’s first residential community in 65+ years. Check out more leasing opportunities. (Real Asset Insight)
Thought Leadership
The NC State Alumni Association is accepting nominations for its Alumni Achievement Awards through tomorrow, March 31. The honors recognize alumni and university supporters who have made outstanding contributions to their professions, communities, and NC State. Awards include categories for young alumni, global alumni, and non-alumni supporters.
Job
Durham’s Environmental & Street Services department is hiring a Deputy Director, overseeing streets, stormwater, and solid waste operations. Leading an over $42 million budget and 200+ team members comes with a salary of $136,211-$217,960. If keeping the city moving sounds like your thing, this could be your next gig.
Cause
Sponsors wanted. The Great Raleigh Cleanup is seeking sponsors by Monday, April 4 for Earth Yay! 2026, a community cleanup and sustainability fair on Monday, April 18 at Coastal Credit Union Music Park. Support levels range from $500 to $5,000, with proceeds helping keep the event free and community-focused.
Learn
What if AI could truly work for everyone? Carolina’s AI for the Public Good Conference is Monday, April 13 at UNC’s William and Ida Friday Center. Expect keynotes, panels, and cross-sector conversations on responsible AI. Open to all shaping an AI-driven future. Tickets are $250, with discounts available for faculty, staff + students.
Leadership
Speaking of AI at UNC, Jeffrey Bardzell, vice provost and chief AI officer, is leaving to become dean at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. At UNC, he advanced AI across schools, helped shape the new School of Information and Data Sciences, and will co-chair the AI for Public Good Conference. (ChapelBoro)
Real Estate
Thinking about adding to your real estate portfolio? Experts say the Lake Norman area, including Mooresville and Cornelius, is a top place to buy a lake house right now. With steady demand, rising home values, and proximity to Charlotte, the region offers a strong mix of lifestyle appeal and investment potential. (Travel and Leisure)
State
If you’ve got your eye on agriculture in North Carolina, there’s a good reason. Farmers across the state are facing mounting financial pressure in 2026, driven by prolonged drought, rising production costs, and global conflicts that are pushing up the cost of essentials like fertilizer and fuel. Dive into what the experts are saying. (Star News Online)
Watch
Step inside Biscuitville in a new episode of “On the Ground” from Business North Carolina and Bclip Productions. From scratch-made biscuits to local farm partnerships, see how this Greensboro family business stays true to its Southern breakfast roots while growing into a regional favorite.
Category
Business
🤝 Raleigh changemakers to know
Raleigh’s skyline, home to women shaping the city’s future. | Photo by RALtoday
We asked our readers which women leaders in Raleigh are making waves, and you delivered. Here’s a look at six local women who are running companies, launching ideas, and shaping the community.
Amy Smith, Executive Director, Women’s Center of Wake County | Since 2023, Smith has helped serve over 1,200 single women experiencing homelessness each year (1,800+ in 2024) and works tirelessly to advocate for and end homelessness in Wake County.
Jennie Kowaleski, Founder + Owner, Azura Skin Care Center | Since 2022, Kowaleski has served as Board President for SHIELD NC while growing Azura Skin Care Center. In 2025, her “servant leadership” helped expand SHIELD NC’s Demand Reduction Task Force, training 150+ law enforcement leaders across North Carolina on human trafficking. | Nominated by Lisa Jeffries Nobling
Kim Simmons, Founder + Co-owner, Hush Raleigh | Simmons’ leadership redefines excellence in our industry. By empowering others and pushing creative and professional boundaries, they’ve become a true source of inspiration. | Nominated by Sydney
TEDxNCState | Friday, April 3 | 3-7 p.m. | Kennedy-McIlwee Studio Theatre | $45 | Hear fresh perspectives at this event featuring seven speakers, curated performances, and thought-provoking talks centered on reframing your perspective.
Smoky Hollow features office, apartment, retail, and restaurant spaces.
Photo by RALtoday
Office, for lease
Smoky Hollow, 421 N. Harrington St. | 6,611-82,780 sqft | Contact for rates | Modern Class A office space in Smoky Hollow with outdoor terraces, collaborative amenities, and walkable retail and dining.
Smoketree Tower, 3100 Smoketree Ct. | 1,949-54,151 sqft | Contact for rates | Eight spaces available in this Class A office building with a new fitness center, updated café, and easy access to Capital Boulevard and I-440.
213 Fayetteville St. | 4,840 sqft | $36/sqft/yr | Prime Fayetteville Street space with strong foot traffic, walkable attractions, and high-visibility storefront presence.
6512 Six Forks Rd. | 85-182 sqft | $59.34-$91.30/sqft/yr | Four executive offices available in North Raleigh with utilities, Wi-Fi, and short-term lease options included.
Retail, for lease
The Edge, Midtown, 4109 Wake Forest Rd. | 3,358 sqft | $38.50/sqft/yr | First-floor space near Starbucks and Liberty Mutual with strong frontage and consistent daytime traffic.
Everyone has a pipe dream… mine just happens to be opening a hot dog spot someday (there’s much more to it, but I can’t spill my business plan — you might steal it).
When I’m ready, I know the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina will have my back. And with support from City of Raleigh services, I’ll have plenty of resources at my fingertips. On my radar? An upcoming panel by the Downtown Raleigh Alliance on Thursday, April 2, featuring small business owners and content creators sharing practical strategies for engaging on social media.
What’s your dream? Hit reply and let me know — I’d love to hear it.
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