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💼 Let’s get down to biz
BizBrief is your weekly, business-focused companion to the daily newsletter. | Graphic by 6AM City
Hi there — I’m Cat, Senior Managing Editor of BizBrief, our new weekly newsletter built to highlight our local business community.
BizBrief is your download on the local business landscape, delivering concise recaps — from news and podcasts to events, thought leadership, jobs, and company updates — all in one scroll-worthy newsletter to start your week informed, not overwhelmed.
If you already read WStoday, think of BizBrief as its weekly, business-focused companion — zooming in on the stories, opportunities, and conversations shaping the local business community.
I’m thrilled to welcome Jess, who is joining us to help launch BizBrief in WStoday. They bring experience covering the local hospitality and dining scene, plus you may have noticed their signature touch behind the scenes of several of our other city newsletters. Jess will share fresh perspectives and stories from across the region.
We want BizBrief to highlight what matters most to you. Got a local business story, podcast, or company update worth sharing? Send it our way or fill out this short survey — your ideas can help guide our coverage.
Asked
Asked
Help shape BizBrief:
Share your own company updates or point us to your favorite local podcasts, press releases, thought leadership, and real estate listings you follow so we can spotlight them in future editions.
Applications are open for Leadership Winston-Salem’s Class of 2027, a flagship program focused on networking and civic leadership development. Multiple info sessions are scheduled, with the first on Friday, April 10. Register online.
Biz
Herbalife’s new CEO Stephan Gratziani saw compensation rise to $7.4 million following the leadership transition, while former CEO Michael Johnson took a significant pay cut in fiscal 2025. Closer to home, ZipRecruiter estimates the average hourly pay for a Herbalife employee in Winston-Salem is ~$24. (Winston-Salem Journal)
Network
Follow Janet Spriggs on LinkedIn. The 2026 President of the Year has more than doubled Forsyth Tech’s graduation rate — from 19% to 45% (a 26-point increase) — during her tenure.
Real Estate
Thinking about adding to your real estate portfolio? Experts say the Lake Norman area, including Mooresville and Cornelius, is a top place to buy a lake house right now. With steady demand, rising home values, and proximity to Winston-Salem, the region offers a strong mix of lifestyle appeal and investment potential. (Travel and Leisure)
State
If you’ve got your eye on agriculture in North Carolina, it’s for good reason. Farmers across the state are facing mounting financial pressure in 2026, driven by prolonged drought, rising production costs, and global conflicts that are pushing up the cost of essentials like fertilizer and fuel. Dive into what the experts are saying. (Star News Online)
Thought Leadership
“You can’t have economic development without community development.” That’s Mark Owens, CEO of Greater Winston-Salem Inc., in an interview with Innovation Quarter. He was discussing the organization’s long-term vision for making Winston-Salem a stronger place to start, grow, retain, and attract businesses.
Job
La Petite Academy is hiring a director. The role will oversee daily childcare center operations, manage staff, and ensure compliance with licensing standards while supporting early childhood education programs. Apply on the company’s website.
Plan Ahead
Plug into Winston-Salem’s business community through Greater Winston-Salem, Inc.’s event calendar. Scroll down for our picks.
Events
Agenda
Editor’s Picks
Pitch-Space LIVE | Tuesday, April 7 | 5-6:30 p.m. | Flywheel Coworking | Free | Early- to growth-stage companies are invited to present to investors and get live feedback
If you already read WStoday, think of BizBrief as its weekly, business-focused companion. | Graphic by 6AM City
We sat down with our CEO, Ryan Johnston, for a behind-the-scenes look at what fuels BizBrief — and him.
Why introduce a business newsletter?
I think of it less as a newsletter and more as a weekly business section.
What problem does your product solve?
Talking about business together and delivering everything you need to make the most of the city you call home. Like WStoday, BizBrief will center on strong reader participation and source from traditional media, influencers, and company communications — creating a community that engages with local business news together.
How will BizBrief differ from all the other local business newsletters?
BizBrief will follow the same formula as our daily WStoday newsletter — aggregating, curating, narrating, and highlighting the most important business news from across the local business landscape. The goal: to help local businesses and the professionals who work in them thrive.
540 N. Trade St. | 2,199–10,035 sqft | $21/sqft annually | Class A office space in the LEED-certified Traders Row mixed-use development in downtown Winston-Salem’s Arts District, adjacent to Innovation Quarter with flexible floor options and nearby deck parking.
Office, for sale
331 High St. | 2,450 sqft | $600,000 | Fully renovated stand-alone office building with gated on-site parking in downtown Winston-Salem, offering a prime owner-user opportunity in a central, walkable location.
175 Sunnynoll Ct. | 19,720 sqft | $3.49 million | Investment-grade office building with 7.30% cap rate and long-term lease in place, offering stable cash flow in a prime Winston-Salem location with flexible office zoning.
Retail, for sale
622–632 N. Trade St. | 12,652 sqft | $3.1 million | Multi-tenant investment property in downtown Winston-Salem’s Arts District with NNN leases and redevelopment upside, including income-producing retail spaces and a 50-space parking lot in an opportunity zone.
215 N. Broad St. | 7,040 sqft | $995,000 | Two-story downtown building with strong visibility, surface parking, and redevelopment potential, located near Truist Stadium with easy access to I-40 and surrounding mixed-use growth.
Commercial land, for sale
321 Seventh And One-Half St. | 0.10 acres | $185,000 | Development-ready lot in the Innovation Quarter with flexible CI zoning, offering strong access to US-52, MLK Jr Drive, and the Trade Street corridor.
Long time no see, Winston-Salem We’re all amped to launch BizBrief as a part of WStoday. I’ll be working closely with Kellina — y’all know Kellina — and I’m curious to know what you want to see from our BizBrief coverage.
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