09.05.2024

Today’s Forecast

76º | 0% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 6:56 a.m. | Sunset 7:42 p.m.

Reaching new heights

Drone Express CEO talks about drone delivery launching in Winston-Salem

Woman in black jacket, pants, hat and sunglasses stands in front of a mural on a wall that says "Greetings from Winston-Salem, NC." Her arms are outstretched and a drone is on the sidewalk.

Drone Express CEO Beth Flippo calls drone delivery the “natural evolution” of transportation technology. | Photo courtesy Drone Express

As Drone Express prepares to take flight in Winston-Salem, Owner and CEO Beth Flippo says the sky is the limit for the company. City Editor Cambridge sat down with her ahead of the company’s Sept. 13 ribbon cutting to talk about how it started and where it’s going.

Getting off the ground

Flippo founded Drone Express in 2021 and started working on earning certifications to fly. She says the opportunity to collaborate with AeroX was only part of the Twin City’s allure.

“Winston-Salem we really love because of the diversity of the city. There’s people from all walks of life. And that’s what we’re trying to see — all ages, all demographics, how is this going to impact all of us and how we live?”

Drone in field with trees behind it. The top of the drone is blue with a box that says "NOW" on it. — Drones fly at 400 ft so don’t expect to see them in transit around the city.
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Photo courtesy Drone Express

Once services launch, subscribers will get unlimited deliveries for $5.99 a month without minimums or tipping, and orders should take about 15 minutes to arrive at your doorstep. Not only will you be able to order just what you need, Flippo says you’ll be able to order better quality items — goods you would find at local retailers if you had the time to visit them.

“A big benefit is the local retailers will finally have a way to fight back against online retailers, which have taken a lot of their business. Most of the stuff we buy is within a mile of our house, we’re all just — myself included — too lazy to go get it.”

Business is buzzing

Flippo believes the bigger impact of drone delivery will be building stronger communities and more support for local businesses. She envisions retailers eventually paying a monthly subscription to have their products featured + delivered through the Drone Express app. When it comes to how those goods get to your doorstep, Flippo says drones are just the beginning.

Her vision for the future

Events

Thursday, Sept. 5

Sunset Salutations | Thursday, Sept. 5 | 6-7 p.m. | Bailey Park | Free | Self-reflect and get in tune with your body — remember to bring a yoga mat and arrive early to sign a waiver if it’s your first time.

Friday, Sept. 6

Mad Hatter’s Tea Party Fundraiser | Friday, Sept. 6 | 7-10 p.m. | North Trade Street Arts Center | Donations accepted | Wear a hat and bring a very important date to this “Alice in Wonderland"-themed evening to benefit the Lewisville Area Arts Council.

Saturday, Sept. 7

2024 Jazz Series: Jamile Staevie Ayres | Saturday, Sept. 7 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | NC Museum of Art, Winston-Salem | $12-$25 | The vocalist performs selections from her debut album that blends jazz, Brazilian music, soul, and bolero.
Brazilian Festa | Saturday, Sept. 7 | 4-6 p.m. | Authoring Action | Free | Hear a live Samba band and take a dance class — children aged 6-12 can make their own percussive instruments.

Sunday, Sept. 8

Summer Dance Social | Sunday, Sept. 8 | 2-5 p.m. | Tanglewood Park | Free | Enjoy a combination concert and large-scale community dance class at this family-friendly event.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Traffic

You’ll soon need to slow down on Griffith Road between Hanes Mall Boulevard and Clemmonsville Road. This week, City Council unanimously approved a resolution to reduce the speed limit in the area from 45 mph to 35 mph. (FOX8 WGHP)

Number

$280,000. That’s how much Winston-Salem will receive in grant funding from the US Department of Transportation to develop a comprehensive safety action plan. The money is part of $5.2 million awarded through the Safe Streets and Roads for All grant program to improve infrastructure in NC.

Civic

Watch the Forsyth County Board of Elections conduct a pre-election test of voting machines between today, Sept. 5 and Monday, Sept. 16. The process is open for public observation — call Jay Lerman at 336-703-2804 to reserve your spot.

Development

City Council unanimously approved an incentives package worth $85,550 for Foster USA this week. The produce distributor based in Colfax is considering an expansion to Winston-Salem. Forsyth County Commissioners are expected to discuss a separate incentives packages today, Sept. 5 at 2 p.m. (Triad Business Journal)

Biz

A bank out of Columbus, OH (Hey, CBUStoday) has its eye set on the Twin City. Huntington National Bank filed an application with the US Office of the Comptroller of the Currency to open a staffed branch at 751 W. 4th St. (Triad Business Journal)

Edu

Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools is celebrating improvement in multiple areas of student achievement for the 2023-2024 school year. Third grade reading scores improved, 61% of schools in the district met or exceeded growth, and the five-year graduation rate hit 88.1%.

Outdoors

Enjoy unlimited access to Tanglewood Park for $12 through the end of the year. Pick up a discounted 2024 park pass at the Welcome Center in Clemmons — without one, entrance to the park is $2 for personal vehicles.

Answered

There’s no fooling our followers. The serene spot we highlighted on Instagram this week is Grace Court. The park on 4th Street in West End dates back to 1892 and includes a gazebo, benches, fountains, lots of shade, and even a time capsule.

Arts

“A Dotted Tribute”

Late local resident Sam McMillan’s art goes on display in new exhibition

Man in multicolored hat, jacket and tie with multicolored artwork behind him.

McMillan worked in tobacco, cotton, truck driving, furniture making and repair, and was a handyman prior to beginning his career as an artist. | Photo courtesy Arts Council of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County

Works of a local legend will dot the walls of the Main Gallery at Milton Rhodes Center for the Arts starting Friday, Sept. 6. “A Dotted Tribute” will celebrate late artist and Winston-Salem resident Sam McMillan.

Affectionately known as “The Dot Man,” McMillan took up painting in his 60s, creating vibrant pieces on everyday items like clothing and furniture. His signature style was using multicolored dots — along with featuring a favorite subject, his Dalmatian Helen. McMillan’s home on Northwest Boulevard was also where he sold works until his death in 2018.

Bob Moyer, who collected McMillan’s art, has lent his personal collection for the exhibition. Works from artists Angel Fant and Natalie Jester will also be included.

The public is invited to an opening reception in the Main Gallery on Friday, Sept. 6 from 5 to 7 p.m. “A Dotted Tribute” will be on display through Saturday, Oct. 26. Admission is free.

The Buy

The Buy 9.05.24 (Affiliate)

A bottle of Sol de Janeiro’s Cheirosa 76 Perfume. The limited edition fall scent features notes of jasmine, amber, and black currant.

More worth The Buy

Answered

We recently asked, “What changes to downtown parking do you hope to see?” Here’s what you chose (multiple selections were permitted):

Front of parking meter in front of a street and a concrete building in the background. — Modernizing parking is part of the 10-year Downtown Plan.
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Photo by WStoday

More on-street or metered parking spaces — 54%
Card and digital payment options — 48%
More locally owned lots — 46%
Parking deck improvements/additions — 32%
Stricter enforcement/higher fines for violations — 5%
Other — 14%

Those who answered “Other” said they want free parking, including:

“Free handicapped parking, free after 5 p.m.”
“Cheap or free parking nights and weekends to encourage more people to come downtown.”
“More free parking, particularly on the street, and fewer corporate owned lots!”

See what our Instagram followers are saying

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Cambridge

From the editor

If you’re into bird watching, check out Gateway Nature Preserve’s new birding platform, west of the pollinator garden. It’s ADA compliant and will elevate you above the meadow grasses. I think it’ll also be a great spot to take in sunsets this fall.

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