DUNN - Mari-Inetta Glover Pavlic is the new Central Carolina Community College Small Business Center Coordinator for Harnett County. She succeeds Nancy Blackman, who retired as the Harnett SBC Director.

Pavlic is originally from Harnett County, as she graduated from Harnett Central High School before going on to earn a Bachelor's Degree in Communication Studies from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Upon graduating from UNCG, she moved to Sanford.

Pavlic briefly worked in banking before starting her own business to work within the family-owned business - North Carolina Fireplace Company, Inc., located in Sanford. By using her skills and expertise in sales, customer relations, and office management, Pavlic helped grow NC Fireplace to one of the largest independent hearth dealers in the Southeast.

Pavlic has over 10 years of small business experience and understands that small businesses are vital for community growth. "It is important to understand that the small businesses that make up our community deeply impact our economic growth as a whole. Without small businesses, our small towns simply would not be what they are today," she said. "I look forward to this new role and understand the hard work and dedication it will take to do this job well. Nancy Blackman has left big shoes to fill, but I am eager to get started. I am happy to be back in Harnett County. I feel like I am home."

Jon Spoon, CCCC Small Business Centers Director, said, "We are excited to have Mari-Inetta as a part of the CCCC SBC team. Her experience as a small business owner and local knowledge of Harnett County position her well to have positive impact on the small business community. Nancy Blackman left a wonderful legacy and lasting imprint on Harnett County. We are glad to have Mari-Inetta continuing that great work."

The Small Business Center is located in the Triangle South Enterprise Center at 600 S. Magnolia Ave., Dunn. The Small Business Center provides one-on-one counseling, as well as holds various seminars throughout the year to help local residents interested in starting, maintaining, or expanding a small business. All seminars and services are free of charge. Individuals can register for seminars at www.harnettsbc.com.

For more information about the Harnett County Small Business Center, people can call Mari-Inetta Pavlic at 910-892-2884.

For more information on the CCCC Small Business Centers, visit www.cccc.edu/sbc.