OBX Chosen for National Tourism Study

The Outer Banks Visitors Bureau was among 35 U.S. destinations selected for Destination Forward, the largest national study of its kind that explores how destination stewardship aligns with sustainability and shapes tourism policy.

Released June 25 by George Washington University’s International Institute of Tourism Studies, in partnership with the Coraggio Group, the report includes insights from 31 destination leaders and showcases exemplary practices.

The Dare County Tourism Board’s Special Committee for the Outer Banks received praise for its Long-Range Tourism Management Plan. The Outer Banks Promise, which pledges to foster responsible behavior and respect for local culture and the natural environment, was also recognized for its innovative approach to sustainable tourism management.

California claimed the highest number of destinations in the report, followed by Colorado. New Smyrna Beach, Florida, was the only other Southeastern destination included.

NC Ranked No. 3 Recession-Proof State

Two days after CNBC named North Carolina the top state for business, it ranked the state’s economy No. 3 in recession preparedness, behind No. 1 Florida and No. 2 Texas.

CNBC cited North Carolina’s gross domestic product and job growth, affordable housing market, and minimal impact from federal budget cuts among the reasons for its strong economy.

An adviser to CNBC’s rankings also credited North Carolina’s success to having large sites ready for major projects.

Secretary of State Elaine Marshall offered more evidence of the Tar Heel State’s economic durability last week, stating that 17,373 new businesses were created in North Carolina in May. Gov. Josh Stein also announced that North Carolina had its best month for job recruitment in June.

Sunflower Fields Bloom Across NC

Sunflower fields are blooming across North Carolina this month, luring visitors who enjoy viewing and taking photos of the vibrant flowers.

In Raleigh, 125,000 sunflower seeds planted in May at Dorothea Dix Park are expected to peak in late July, with blooms lasting about two weeks.

Sunflower fields in the Charlotte area include Draper Wildlife Management Area, Carrigan Farms, McLawland Farms, Monroe Sunflowers, Wise Acres, and others. See a full list here.

In Davie County, experience a sunflower maze at The Fields at Sunflower Trail, which is open through Aug. 1 and hosts its Sunflower Extravaganza July 26-27.

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ I-85: Lane Construction Corp. was selected to carry out a $337 million expansion of I-85 between Mount Holly and Belmont that will add lanes and replace or improve six bridges to reduce congestion. (More)

➤ Charlotte: NAACP Chair Leon Russell, in town for the NAACP National Convention this week, told Queen City News Saturday that civil rights progress has regressed under President Trump. (More)

➤ Chapel Hill’s Eastgate Crossing shopping center faces extensive recovery after Tropical Storm Chantal’s flooding damaged local businesses like The Loop. The town has launched an Economic Recovery Center for the affected stores. (More)

➤ Durham residents Daniel Garcia Garcia, 25, and Manuel Mauro Sifuentes Soto, 36, have been tentatively identified as the boaters who died on Jordan Lake during Tropical Storm Chantal. (More)

➤ Union County Sheriff’s Office arrested Juan Peterson-Gannon, 41, for stealing mail from eight Unionville residents. Detectives used witness tips and license plate reader technology to track his vehicle. (More)

➤ Outer Banks: The Corolla Wild Horse Fund reported that a wild stallion survived being struck by a speeding pickup truck on July 4 in Carova. Police are still looking for the driver who fled the scene. (More)

Enjoy reading Flyover North Carolina? Click here to share with your friends and family. ✈️

➤ Wake Forest shortstop Marek Houston was the 16th overall pick of the MLB Draft on Sunday night, chosen by the Minnesota Twins, and Wake Forest right fielder Ethan Conrad went 17th overall to the Chicago Cubs. (See Picks)

➤ Meanwhile, shortstop Josh Hammond of Wesleyan Christian Academy in High Point was selected 28th overall by the Kansas City Royals, and UNC catcher Luke Stevenson went 35th overall to the Seattle Mariners. (See Picks)

➤ Mecklenburg County high school football standout Nick Reddish has committed to Notre Dame, choosing the Irish over offers from Indiana, Virginia Tech, and Wisconsin. (More)

➤ The Charlotte Hornets improved to 2-0 in the NBA Summer League after KJ Simpson led the way with 19 points and seven rebounds. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: MLB | Soccer | WNBA | Wimbledon | PGA | LPGA | Indy | NASCAR

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Track your health and crush your goals with the Sync Fitness Watch. Monitor heart rate, steps, sleep, and more—all from your wrist. Sleek, durable, and easy to use, it’s the perfect companion for your active lifestyle. Stay connected, stay motivated, and take control of your fitness today!

➤ GMAX Industries, a New York-based disposable medical product manufacturer, will invest $11.4 million to build a 144,000-square-foot facility in Winston-Salem, creating 36 jobs with an annual average salary of $66,667. (More)

➤ Explore Asheville’s 2025 Indie Retail Challenge encourages shoppers to visit 239 Buncombe County retailers via an app, with check-ins earning entries for a goodie bag that will be given to a random winner in early August. (More)

➤ The State Board of Education approved a six-month extension of PowerSchool’s contract for teacher evaluations and hiring systems, with the National Guard conducting a cybersecurity review as the state transitions to a new student data platform. (More)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Want to save money, time, and stress? Discover the top genius life hacks from The Penny Hoarder! These simple, smart tips help you stretch your budget, boost productivity, and make everyday life easier. Perfect for savvy savers and busy people alike—unlock your free list of hacks today!

Flying together with our sponsor

Why Wall Street Rates This Stock a ‘Strong Buy’

The some analysts give this stock a 140% one-year growth target—projecting a $10.33 share price from the recent $4.29.

But right now, you can invest in Worksport for $3.25 per unit

For $3.25, you get one preferred share convertible into one share of common stock and a warrant. That means you’re buying in at a discount from the recent share price, with a warrant for an additional share on top.

Worksport is on track for $20M in revenue and 30% margins by year-end for their truck tonneau cover business. Their revenue is up 455% year over year.

Next up: the launch of their flagship solar + battery system. It has the potential to power everything from camping to construction sites, creating a $13B market opportunity.

With cash flow positivity in sight, the next 6 months could be pivotal.

Invest now at $3.25 per unit while it lasts.

➤ Garner native and country singer Scotty McCreery shared on Facebook that his “heart is absolutely broken” after both of his grandmothers passed away on the same day, July 9. (See Details)

➤ A LEGO F-1 event featuring life-sized LEGO vehicles and a wind tunnel for testing racers was held at Symphony Park in South Charlotte over the weekend. (See Photos)

➤ A Triad man paid around $50,000 for a biotechnology company called ViaGen to clone his dog, Vicenza. Two puppies, Legacy and Phoenix, were created using a DNA sample taken from Vicenza’s stomach. (More)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Shiny White Toilet Trick. Tired of scrubbing your toilet? Splash Foam Cleaner is the fast, hands-free way to keep your toilet fresh and spotless. Clean toilet rings, stains, and more without forceful scrubbing. Just pour, let it foam, and flush. No scrubbing. No mess. It removes stains, eliminates odors, and leaves your bathroom smelling clean. (Learn More)

Would you clone a beloved pet if given the opportunity?

1. Heck yeah
2. Absolutely not
3. Tempting … I’ll ponder it

Yesterday’s Results:

Do you still use a treasured recipe from a grandparent?

1. Always: 30%
2. Once in a while: 32%
3. I don’t cook: 21%
4. Never: 17%

Who founded Boone-based Samaritan’s Purse?

Show me the answer