They currently represent more than 3,900 member dentists in North Carolina. Headquartered in Cary, the North Carolina Dental Society is part of the American Dental Association.

With a mission to help all members succeed, the NC Dental Society (NCDS) offers a variety of benefits to their members including networking events, an active online community, a job board, and numerous training and coaching opportunities.

The NC Dental Society also gives back to the community through Missions of Mercy (MOM) clinics that serve people in North Carolina who need dental care but cannot afford it. Portable free dental clinics are staffed by volunteer dentists and professionals. The Give Kids a Smile program brings care and education to underserved children. The USO of NC Dental Supply Drive provides oral essentials like toothpaste, toothbrushes, and floss to servicemen and women throughout North Carolina. TowneBank knows that support for the NC Dental Society Foundation makes a difference in so many lives.

TowneBank is honored to be the endorsed provider of private banking services for the NC Dental Society. Private Banking offers the highest level of expertise and personal attention from a banker who is dedicated to the unique financial needs of dental professionals. Our private bankers are experienced lenders and banking relationship managers who take an individualized approach to each of their members.

"The NC Dental Society's member dentists are completely committed to providing the highest level of care for their patients, and that commitment is in line with the level of financial services and support we provide to our members here at TowneBank," says Kristin Sutton, senior vice president and commercial banking officer in the TowneBank Cary office. "As an endorsed provider, we are a trusted resource and financial partner who can connect directly to NCDS members through conferences, meetings, and publications. I've enjoyed meeting and working with these dentists and their staffs in North Carolina, and I look forward to expanding this relationship."

We've all seen the recent news. The supply chains that keep the economy flowing are under extreme stress. Obstacles include congestion at the ports, supply shortages, and a lack of truck drivers. A family-owned and operated company in Wilson, NC, that provides temperature control units for the transport industry is feeling the heat, but they have also found innovative ways to remain resilient in the face of pandemic challenges.

In 2004, Jeanette and Roger Cornett purchased Temperature Control Solutions (TCS) from the previous owner. At the time, the business went by another name, and they decided to change the name to Temperature Control Solutions. They wanted their customers to know that they are not just in the sales business, they are in business to understand the needs of their customers and provide a solution. Fast forward to 2021, Jeanette, who has been with the business for 44 years, now serves as president of the company. They also have three additional locations in Raleigh, Henderson, and Fayetteville, with a refrigerated rental fleet of about 450 trailers. The company is celebrating a huge milestone in 2021, their 50th anniversary. They are preparing for the 50 years ahead by putting together a next generation team for their son, Michael Cornett, who plans to take TCS to the next level.

Jeanette shares that due to current supply shortages, the company decided to sell used parts when new parts are unavailable. Their inventory of used Thermo King units has allowed them to support their customers with an additional solution at a time when they cannot afford to lose loads. Refrigerated vans also play an important role in the delivery chain. The company insulates and installs Thermo King refrigeration units on vans – a thriving business due to the increase in home deliveries during the pandemic. By putting a Thermo King unit on cargo vans, they are supporting last mile deliveries of essentials such as food and pharmaceuticals. A last mile delivery is the last leg of a product's journey, from a transportation hub to the final delivery destination, or "from field to fork."

TCS has also been Blue Track certified by Thermo King Corporation. The Blue Track designation highlights dealers that have taken extra measures to provide better, faster, and more proactive service. Jeanette says she owes this to her amazing technicians and employees, who are like family. They know their work is essential, and they have worked every day throughout the pandemic to support their customers and ease frustrations from supply chain disruptions.

Jeanette says they looked at several banks when they purchased the business from the previous owner in 2004. They ended up choosing Paragon Bank, which joined the TowneBank family in 2018. TCS continued its longstanding relationship with Brian Reid, now president of TowneBank Triangle. "Now we feel like we're part of the Towne family. We've never felt that way about another bank." Jeanette continues, "I don't think there is a service that Towne has that we don't use. If Greg Taylor, our current banking partner, were offering something new today, I'd probably sign up for it. He knows our business that well."

"We are huge fans of the Treasury Management products. And we appreciate that when we need loan services, we get answers before getting up from the conference table. We've purchased two buildings and built three and it's always a very simple process." For more information on Temperature Control Solutions, visit tcstk.com.

With the support of many organizations and individuals in the Raleigh area, Hilltop Home opened in 1960. An Intermediate Care Facility, Hilltop home supports 22 children, age birth through six years, with a comprehensive program that offers individualized medical, therapeutic, and developmental/educational services.

Casey Humble serves as Hilltop Home's executive director. He sums up their mission – "Enriching children's lives, that's what we are here for. Making sure on a day-to-day basis that we are enhancing the lives of the children here and helping them have a very special day that they might not be able to have anywhere else."

Hilltop Home's educational program includes arts and crafts, music, language, developmental play, and experiences in the community. The children at Hilltop Home receive specialized around-the-clock care, including nursing care and therapeutic services that are focused on the needs of each child.

Seeing the Hilltop Home children improve is the biggest reward for Casey. "When you are out in the business word, it usually comes down to making a living. You don't get into the nonprofit world to make a living, rather it's because you believe in the mission. With a lot of our kids, we get to see changes that are wonderful. The nurses at WakeMed Hospital, which is right across the street, often comment on what good care our staff provides these children and how much they improve once they come to Hilltop Home."

Casey credits the Hilltop Home staff with making all the difference. "It all comes down to our staff – I can make the building look pretty, I can redesign the website, but our staff is how everything here happens. They are top notch, and their dedication during COVID has been amazing. Our children and our staff stayed safe and healthy in the midst of the pandemic."

Casey describes how Hilltop Home became a TowneBank member. "When I first came here, we were using another bank. I was not pleased with how they handled us as a nonprofit. We weren't getting personal attention. We switched to Paragon Bank which is now TowneBank because we needed someone we could trust. Brandi Gerew has called to check in with me and that is a great sense of comfort that someone would take the time to reach out.

"Hilltop Home is an absolute asset to our community," says Brandi, vice president and private banking officer in TowneBank's Raleigh office. "Their mission resonates with me and I am proud they are TowneBank members so we can help them achieve their mission."

Rey Arias opened his namesake restaurant in 2004 in a building that had been part of the Ruth's Chris Steakhouse chain. Rey had a long history with Ruth's Chris and helped open locations around the world and then served as general manager of the Raleigh site. When Ruth's Chris moved their restaurant to the Arboretum in Cary, Rey saw an opportunity to start his own restaurant.

"I began my restaurant career at a very young age in New Orleans," Rey says. He was fifteen and had recently arrived in the U.S. from his native Cuba. "I've been a busboy, a server, assistant manager, and a manager, so I thought with all that experience, I would be able to succeed."

Succeed he did. In 2009, Rey purchased the 11,100 square foot, 226 seat restaurant. "I gave my name to the restaurant out of a sincere sense of pride and confidence in our menu and our staff. I thought that if we never compromised the quality of our food, and served meals in a comfortable, relaxed surrounding with warm, friendly service… people would keep coming back. It worked! And we've never changed our vision over the years."

Today, Rey's Restaurant continues to receive awards and rave reviews. Rey remains enthusiastic about his life's work, "I still love the business and I'm very passionate about it. I enjoy talking to people and making people happy. It's a fun business." Part of that fun is watching Rey create his famous tableside Bananas Foster with a spectacular flaming finish.

Rey's Restaurant offers dining as well as private rooms for banquets, wedding receptions, and corporate events. Rey's wife Cecelia, who is from Mexico, works side-by-side with Rey, managing the office and the bookkeeping. They are both committed to giving back to their community. "God has blessed me and I like to give some of the blessings back," Rey says. "We all need to share our good fortune. That's what God wants us to do."

A longtime friendship with former Paragon CEO Bob Hatley led to Rey's relationship with TowneBank. He also has known Patsy Johnson, TowneBank Cary president, for many years. "When I was purchasing the building, TowneBank helped us with the loan. We created a great partnership that has been very good for me and the business," Rey says.

Raleigh

In Raleigh, the TowneBank team coordinated with Oak City Cares, an organization that serves as a hub for individuals and families at risk of experiencing homelessness. The organization connects those in need to services that help create a path to stable housing and renewed hope. Donations were collected leading up to the Day of Caring event. Mark Bolash, senior vice president and commercial banking officer, offered to match donations up to $300, igniting support and leading to $1300 in donations from the TowneBank team! Funds were used to purchase sustainable snacks and food, mini flashlights, toiletries, face masks, and hand sanitizer, among other goods.

On Saturday, September 25, volunteers from TowneBank helped organize and set-up the donated goods during Oak City Cares weekend distribution. Oak City Cares offers a grocery store style set-up, allowing guests to make selections from the assortment of goods. TowneBank volunteers served as greeters as individuals arrived at the facility, offering help with shopping and creating a warm sense of camaraderie while the guests were there.

Greenville

The TowneBank Family in Greenville also responded to the call for Day of Caring volunteers. The team partnered with Daughters of Worth (DOW), an organization that helps educate, equip, and empower girls of all ages to become strong women and have a positive influence on their community. Through the organization, TowneBank recorded a video about financial literacy that can be shared with several schools. Budgeting worksheets and savings tips were also provided to be used in tandem with the presentation that will be shared throughout the counties DOW works with in North Carolina.

Greensboro

In Greensboro, the TowneBank team was busy volunteering throughout the 3-day North Carolina Folk Festival. The festival is free to attendees and relies on volunteer support to pull-off an incredible weekend of multicultural music, food, and crafts.

Additionally, volunteers in Greensboro partner with Senior Resources of Guilford to help distribute meals for the elderly. Through the Meals on Wheels program, TowneBank volunteers help provide nutritious meals to independently living seniors, as well as conduct wellness checks and offer companionship.

The United Way's Day of Caring event serves as a wonderful opportunity for our TowneBank Family to connect throughout and across states through the act volunteerism. Visit your local United Way chapter's website to learn about volunteer opportunities near you: UnitedWayNC.org.