After two years of life-uprooting curveballs thrown by a global pandemic, the end of 2022 was marked by COVID-19’s near-absence of a presence in daily life. 
 
However, the pandemic’s impacts still reverberate, certainly so in the pressures exerted upon the health care system, which was critically strained this summer.
 
This year’s real estate market finally cooled this fall after a historic red-hot streak. As interest rates rose, market activity slightly waned, though many local agents say demand is still strong. 

Before markets slowed, local officials approved a slew of economic development incentive packages for a range of projects. 
 
The wave of incentivized projects includes nearly $2.9 million pledged by local governments in the Cape Fear region to bring in nearly 1,200 jobs.  
 
Leadership shakeups were seen across industries in the area this year, with new top officials starting roles in the education system, economic development agencies, private industry and more.  
 
The year also saw the collapse of TRU Colors, a unique business concept centered on gang members combatting violence under one roof on Greenfield Street. Its owner, entrepreneur George Taylor, announced the sudden closure of the brewery in September, giving employees just days’ notice before shuttering operations.

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Top stories of 2022:

A backyard energy revolution
State rejects Project Grace plan
Incentives: $2.9M for 1,200 jobs
Local home sales see slowdown
Organizations fill top positions
Bonuses, pay bumps address work woes
Gang brewery TRU Colors closes
ILM takes off with new carriers, business
A challenging year for Novant NHRMC
Endowment gets to work