GOLDSBORO, N.C. — Wayne County leaders, business owners, and community members gathered to honor 15 businesses and organizations that have operated in Wayne County for 100 years or more, recognizing their resilience, leadership, and lasting impact on the community.
The Wayne County Centennial Business Awards Celebration recognized companies that have endured wars, economic downturns, technological change, and generational transitions — while maintaining an unwavering commitment to Wayne County.
“This celebration is about more than longevity,” organizers said. “It’s about legacy, leadership, resilience, and service. These businesses have created jobs, supported families, strengthened neighborhoods, and helped shape Wayne County into the community we’re proud to call home.”
The event created by United Way of Wayne County and Wayne County Chamber of Commerce was hosted at Mount Olive Pickle Company’s Wayne County facility, with Mount Olive Pickles President and CEO Bobby Frye welcoming attendees and reflecting on the importance of collaboration between business, local government, and the state.
“We have been good for Wayne County, and Wayne County has been good to us,” Frye said, noting the company’s growth from a regional operation to the largest pickle brand in the United States.
City, County and state leaders, along with community officials, and representatives from across the region, praised the honorees for their perseverance and service. Wayne County Commissioner Chair Joe Daughtery commended the businesses for building strong local economies and supporting generations of Wayne County families.
“These companies represent far more than just longevity,” Daughtery said. “They represent integrity, resilience, and deep investment in our community.”
The following organizations received Centennial Business Awards:
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Caterpillar (1926–2026)
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City of Goldsboro (1848–2026)
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County of Wayne (1779–2026)
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Crawford-Henderson Insurance (1893–2026)
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First Citizens Bank (1899–2026)
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Goldsboro Milling Company (1916–2026)
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Goldsboro News-Argus (1885–2026)
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KS Bank (1924–2026)
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Mount Olive Pickle Company (1926–2026)
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Seymour Funeral Home (1921–2026)
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Southern Bank (1901–2026)
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TA Loving Company (1925–2026)
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UNC Health Wayne (1896–2026)
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Wayne County Chamber of Commerce (1898–2026)
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Weil Family Business (1866–2026)
Former Representative Phil Baddour highlighted the shared history between Wayne County and its century-old institutions, emphasizing how community support helped launch some of the county’s most iconic companies.
Keynote speaker, North Carolina Governor Josh Stein closed the program by praising Wayne County’s role in the state’s economic success and noting that fewer than half a percent of businesses nationwide reach the 100-year mark.
“The strength of North Carolina doesn’t just come from our largest cities,” Stein said. “It comes from communities like Wayne County and the businesses that stay rooted, adapt, and invest in people.”
The event concluded with a call to continue building on the foundation laid by generations of leaders, ensuring Wayne County remains strong for the next 100 years.
