We’re excited to welcome Ripe for Revival as a new Chamber member! This nonprofit is rooted in a powerful mission: to bridge the gap between farm excess and food access.

In 2018, entrepreneur Will Kornegay launched Ripe Revival to help farmers find markets for their “imperfect” produce - fruits and vegetables that might not make it to grocery store shelves because of size or cosmetic blemishes. By turning that produce into value-added products and home-delivered subscription boxes, Ripe Revival began reducing waste while supporting local farmers.

Three years later, the nonprofit arm Ripe for Revival was born, with an even bigger vision: to bring healthy, affordable food directly to communities facing food insecurity. Today, their pay-what-you-can Mobile Market buses travel weekly to about 30 sites across eastern North Carolina, offering local produce, meat, and dairy. Along with fresh food, the program provides cooking demonstrations and nutrition education to help families feel confident preparing what they bring home.

Right here in Winterville, you can find the Ripe for Revival Mobile Market every Thursday at Market Square, giving our community consistent access to fresh, locally sourced foods. Shoppers are invited to pay what they can, ensuring that cost is never a barrier to healthier meals.

The work of Ripe for Revival is as much about hope as it is about food. By creating new markets for farmers and new opportunities for families, the organization is helping communities thrive. As Kornegay says, “It’s a paradox that we have so much food going to waste in one of the nation’s leading agricultural states, and millions of people are starving. We want to change that.”

Come celebrate the differene R4R is making right here in Winterville with their ribbon cutting on October 2nd!

We’re also welcoming Mosquito Joe of Eastern NC to the Winterville Chamber this month! Mosquito Joe helps families and businesses enjoy their outdoor spaces without the nuisance of mosquitoes, fleas, ticks, or even fire ants.

Their team offers a variety of treatments, including barrier sprays, natural and botanical options, and specialized services for events—perfect for everything from backyard gatherings to larger community celebrations. Treatments typically provide protection for up to three weeks at a time, giving you peace of mind while you relax or entertain outside.

What sets Mosquito Joe apart is not just their effective services, but their commitment to customer care. With licensed and trained technicians, friendly office staff, and their MoJo Satisfaction Guarantee, you can count on reliable service that’s focused on making your yard safe and enjoyable.

Whether you’re looking for ongoing protection or a one-time treatment for a special occasion, Mosquito Joe is here to help make “outside fun again” right here in Eastern NC.

📍 Learn more or schedule service by emailing easternnc@mosquitojoe.com

We are thrilled to welcome our BREW graduate and pitch competition winner, JC Java to our membership this month - owned and operated by Nicole Weston.

Nicole brings her barista background and passion for people into this new venture, where her vision is to bring the coffee shop experience directly to you. Whether it’s a wedding, birthday, corporate meeting, or community event, JC Java is all about creating memorable moments while serving high-quality, premium drinks.

At the heart of JC Java is a mission Nicole describes as “serving coffee with purpose.” That purpose goes beyond customer service - it also means giving back. 30% of all Bulldog Brew 1897 sales will support the Building Resilient Entrepreneurs in Winterville (BREW) Program, helping other aspiring business owners with their start-up costs – and effectively giving back to the program that helped her get her start.

Nicole plans to attend local pop-up markets and festivals, book specialty events, and partner with area businesses for staff appreciation days and meetings. With JC Java, she’s not only fueling Winterville with great coffee but also helping fuel the growth of its entrepreneurs. You can book JC Java at your next company event by visiting www.jcjavanc.com

Also being welcomed to the Winterville Chamber family is Optimum! Optimum provides high-speed broadband, entertainment, mobile service, and more to both residential and business customers, all powered by an advanced network.

As part of Altice USA—one of the largest communications and video service providers in the country—Optimum is focused on keeping communities connected. Whether it’s helping families stay in touch, giving students the tools they need to succeed, or ensuring small businesses have the technology to grow, Optimum’s mission goes beyond internet and cable. They are committed to creating opportunities and providing access that supports local communities across their service areas.

With reliable service, innovative solutions, and a dedication to customer experience, Optimum continues to invest in making connectivity simple, seamless, and accessible for everyone. We’re proud to welcome them to Winterville and look forward to seeing the impact they will make in our community.

Learn more about Optimum’s services at www.optimum.com.

Rebecca Caveness

Executive Director

252.814.0192

director@wintervillechamber.com