TC Spotlight

Twin County Media Group
  • 5.0 (4)
  • News
  • Updated Weekly

Our mission is to highlight the positive news and events taking place in Nash and Edgecombe counties. We shine the spotlight on those people doing interesting things in our community.

  1. 2d ago

    Matt Bristow-Smith - Edgecombe Early College

    Matt Bristow-Smith has spent over two decades in Edgecombe County schools — fifteen years teaching English at Tarboro High, and the last ten-plus as principal of Edgecombe Early College High School, a 200-student school in Tarboro that quietly posts some of the best outcomes in the state: an A-rating for four straight years, a 100% graduation rate, and 96% of students earning associate degrees before they walk across the stage.In March 2026, Governor Josh Stein, Senate leader Phil Berger, and House Speaker Destin Hall appointed him to the Blue Ribbon Commission on Public Education — an 18-member body tasked with rethinking teacher preparation, student advancement, and how schools actually get run. It's a seat that gives Eastern NC a direct line into statewide policy, and Matt earned it the same way he runs his school: by proving what's possible when you take the work seriously.The conversation isn't just about Matt. It's about what happens when education becomes an economic engine. Early College students graduate with college credits — real workforce-ready credentials — in a region that needs every single one of those kids to stay, build, and lead. It's about what local employers keep asking for, why some students thrive and others fall through the cracks, what state-level policy actually looks like from a principal's desk, and what gives a veteran educator genuine optimism about the next generation coming up in Edgecombe County.

  2. Jul 7

    KJ Askew - Director, Marketing & Strategic Engagement, Nash Community College

    In this episode of TC Spotlight, we sit down with Dr. Kenyon "KJ" Askew Jr., D.B.A., Director of Marketing & Strategic Engagement at Nash Community College.We start with KJ's story — growing up in Colerain, NC (Bertie County), the path from Bertie County Schools to a leadership role at Nash, and what that journey taught him about opportunity, drive, and what it takes for talented young professionals to rise quickly in the Twin Counties. His trajectory is the kind of local success story that proves the region can grow its own talent when the doors are open and the work ethic is there.Then we turn to Nash Community College. KJ walks us through current enrollment — the numbers, the momentum, and what's drawing students in 2026. We zoom out from there into a bigger-picture look at where community college sits in the higher education landscape today: more accessible than four-year universities, more career-focused than traditional liberal arts paths, and under increasing pressure to prove their value in a world full of alternative credentials.The conversation wraps with how higher ed is changing — shifting demographics, workforce demands, stackable certificates, AI in the classroom — and how Nash is positioning itself to stay ahead of the curve rather than scramble to keep up.

  3. Jun 30

    Eric Evans - Edgecombe County Manager

    In this episode, we sit down with Eric Evans, County Manager of Edgecombe County, North Carolina, for a conversation about what it takes to lead a rural county through rapid economic transitions. We dig into Edgecombe's current budget priorities and the fiscal realities of governing a community balancing growth with preservation. Eric walks us through their innovative "Get Off the List" initiative — a proactive strategy tackling blight, economic development, and systemic barriers that hold rural communities back. A major focus is Edgecombe's refreshingly inclusive approach to development policy. Rather than letting consultants and commissioners operate behind closed doors, Eric describes how they've convened citizen-led and expert-driven sessions to shape data center zoning through their Unified Development Ordinance updates — giving all citizens a real seat at the table when billion-dollar facilities are deciding where to land. Finally, we cast a wider net on economic development in Edgecombe County: what's working, what's on the horizon, and how small towns can compete in an era when rural America is suddenly the center of the renewable energy and data infrastructure boom.Whether you're a county commissioner, a local government professional, or just someone who believes rural communities deserve to shape their own future — we hope you will tune in to our conversation with Eric Evans.

  4. Jun 23

    Justin Sykes - Tar River Arts + Culture Magazine, Spring 2026

    This week we sat down with Justin Sykes, the multi-talented creative force and content producer behind Twin County Media’s Tar River Arts + Culture (TRA+C) Magazine. In this episode, we dive into the creative evolution of the publication and look at how TRA+C has become the definitive spotlight for the incredible, home-grown talent thriving right here across Nash and Edgecombe Counties. The core of our conversation centers on the freshly debuted 2026 Spring Edition, an issue full of stories that bridge the rich history and modern energy of our regional arts and culture scene. Justin takes us behind the scenes of this edition's marquee features, sharing what it was like to piece together tributes to local legends like Buck Williams and the iconic Thelonious Monk. We also discuss highlighting the vibrant visuals of local artist Lisa Meadows and capturing the enduring community impact of the Tar River Orchestra as they continue into their 40th year.  This episode is a must-listen for anyone who loves Eastern North Carolina, values local storytelling, or wants a sneak peek into the meticulous curation that goes into the magazine. Justin’s passion for our community’s shared heritage is infectious, offering a reminder of why preserving and championing local culture matters. Tune in to hear the stories behind the pages and be sure to check out the latest edition at the link above!

  5. Jun 16

    Derrick Vick - Freedom Industries

    In this episode, we sit down with Derrick Vick, President of Freedom Industries in Nash County, to trace the growth trajectory of this local mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) construction powerhouse. Derrick shares his personal journey of coming back home to Eastern North Carolina and details the company's transformative path to becoming a 100% employee-owned ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) business. Derrick breaks down exactly how an ESOP works in plain English, explaining how the model rewards team members with a tangible stake in the company’s financial success. We dive into how 100% employee ownership shapes an elite culture driven by safety, accountability, and quality. You'll also get an inside look at Freedom's turnkey MEP capabilities, which support complex, high-performance systems for life sciences, food and beverage, and industrial manufacturing facilities across the region. Looking ahead, we discuss where Freedom Industries is heading next and how they continue to champion regional economic development. Whether you're an entrepreneur curious about unique business succession models, a native looking for a path to return home, or a skilled professional wanting to work for a company where you are a true stakeholder, this conversation offers a blueprint for community-rooted corporate success. Freedom Industries is actively looking for high-caliber individuals who take pride in their work and want to build a career where they own a piece of the company. Explore open positions across field operations, project management, and specialized trades (mechanical, electrical, plumbing, welding) on the Freedom Industries Careers Page.

  6. Jun 9

    Kevin Wilson - Oak Grove Retreat

    In this episode, we sit down with Kevin Wilson, owner of The Oak Grove Retreat 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.

  7. Jun 2

    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.

  8. May 19

    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.

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Our mission is to highlight the positive news and events taking place in Nash and Edgecombe counties. We shine the spotlight on those people doing interesting things in our community.

Information

  • Creator
    Twin County Media Group
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    168
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Twin County Media Group
  • Show Website
    TC Spotlight

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