It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic LeslieAlfordMims House gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Holly Springs, NC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“My family’s experience has been wonderful with Always Best Care. They are an exceptional team”
“Always going the extra mile making sure my father is being well taken care of.”
“Always best care is a family oriented agency . I am blessed in my heart”
“I am very grateful to work for Always Best Care since year 2019. All office”
“Wonderful company!”
“Always Best Care Senior Services was exactly what our family needed during a challenging time”
“Wow, the virtual reality dementia training is very eye opening. Gives you an idea of”
“Enjoyed taking this virtual trip through the mind of a dementia.”
“This was a very good experience. It changed my mind on a lot of things”
“I had a great experience”
“Great experience! I think everyone who cares for someone with dementia should have this experience.”
“This experience was great. It gave me a different perspective on dealing with dementia. I”
“It was a great experience and it is a eye opener I loved it”
“Very knowledgeable and informative! Definitely recommend”
“Great training”
“I am a past client of this provider Always Best Care provided excellent, diligent, responsive and”
“They helped me with getting a wheelchair! They didn't want anything but to help me”
“I feel so blessed to be served by such caring and helpful people. I had”
“ABC services do an amazing job. They have helped my 90 year old mother in”
“I cannot recommend this service enough. The owner Shawn was wonderful to speak with.”
“These people are Angels. Kathryn was lightning quick with new solutions everytime things changed,”
“Kind aides who were patient and caring with my Mother. Quality service.”
“Excellent! Shawn was a Godsend. He found a great, affordable community for my Mom. We”
“I contacted Shawn when my mother returned home from the hospital. There are so many”
“Watching your parents age is an emotional experience. My mother has suffered from emphysema since”
“My family’s experience has been wonderful with Always Best Care. They are an exceptional team of caregivers who really care about the well fare of their clients. They go above and beyond taking care of my parents and have been very professional and dependable. I would recommend ABC to anyone who needs a reliable and competent care team. Karen Lussi”
“Always going the extra mile making sure my father is being well taken care of.”
“Always best care is a family oriented agency . I am blessed in my heart to see the services being rendered to clients. Extra miles taken to make sure every client is well taken care, even in unpleasant weather conditions. The CEO and administrators were out in the snow last week picking up workers who were unsure of driving . I was glad to see this commitment, making sure families could sit back and relax. With no fear, I will recommend Always best to any family who needs awesome care for their love ones.”
“I am very grateful to work for Always Best Care since year 2019. All office staff are great people, very helpful and always treat everyone with love and respect. Definitively it is a bless to work for this agency.”
“Wonderful company!”
“Always Best Care Senior Services was exactly what our family needed during a challenging time with our father. It all began with a fall, followed by an ER visit, and soon after, my sister and I found ourselves flying to NC to care for him and plan the next steps. Kathryn from Always Best Care was an absolute lifesaver! She guided us seamlessly through the process of finding the perfect independent senior living community for our father. Her extensive industry knowledge helped us navigate the additional health services he required with ease. Kathryn went above and beyond, consistently checking in and patiently responding to countless texts and emails from us. Thanks to her support, our father is now thriving in a supportive environment and is healthier than ever. We can’t imagine how we would have managed this journey without Kathryn’s expertise and compassion. Truly an incredible experience!”
“Wow, the virtual reality dementia training is very eye opening. Gives you an idea of what someone living with dementia is like. This is such a horrible disease but this helps care givers understand the disease. Thanks so much!!”
“Enjoyed taking this virtual trip through the mind of a dementia.”
“This was a very good experience. It changed my mind on a lot of things . I didn’t know it was that bad for them and it’s very sad , I will always treat them all with care and love no matter what because there dealing with something that’s really hard to deal with .”
“I had a great experience”
“Great experience! I think everyone who cares for someone with dementia should have this experience.”
“This experience was great. It gave me a different perspective on dealing with dementia. I now know what to do differently when working with my residents. I think A all caregivers should experience this training.”
“It was a great experience and it is a eye opener I loved it”
“Very knowledgeable and informative! Definitely recommend”
“Great training”
“I am a past client of this provider Always Best Care provided excellent, diligent, responsive and caring home health assistance to my mother who was recovering from an unexpected surgery. They were able to assist on incredibly short notice and made a difficult situation for our family much better. Each of their carers was exceptionally professional and attentive, especially Lori and Kylie who were incredible. I felt safe leaving my loved one in their care and appreciated that they went above and beyond to meet our needs. They provided regular updates to me and my family and made my mother feel so well attended, especially as she needed extra mobility and personal care help. I would absolutely not work with any other company, should we ever need home health assistance again. Highly recommend.”
“They helped me with getting a wheelchair! They didn't want anything but to help me gain my mobility! They are all super nice and very helpful! Give them your trust, they have mine. If I ever need home help, it'll be through them!”
“I feel so blessed to be served by such caring and helpful people. I had to downsize due to an unexpected illness and Always Best Care (ABC) stepped in to make this possible. Kind, compassion, pleasant, friendly, joyful and talented professionals comprise those providing this service. I literally couldn’t have lived for at my assisted living since I had so many hospital visits each week. I didn’t want to go alone to these appointments and this freed my family from needless distress and worry about my wellbeing when they couldn’t be there. I highly recommend ABC since they are an essential component providing excellent and reliable support.”
“ABC services do an amazing job. They have helped my 90 year old mother in law transition into her new home after moving to Raleigh from Winston Salem. She has dialysis 3x a week and they have worked so hard to coordinate a schedule to make sure everything runs smoothly. Sherry continues to amaze me in how she is able to help figure out schedules and provide customer services in a kind and professional manner. We will continue to look to this wonderful service provider as her needs change and feel blessed to have them on site at Atri”
“I cannot recommend this service enough. The owner Shawn was wonderful to speak with. He was sincerely concerned about my mom and our family. He is an excellent listener and introduced me to Paige who is equally wonderful. Together they found a great place for my mother in a very short time. Paige was always available to speak on the phone and addressed my questions or concerns. I would recommend using this service for your loved one. Laura B of Raleigh”
“These people are Angels. Kathryn was lightning quick with new solutions everytime things changed, and things changed constantly. My dad has a chance to live the rest of his life with dignity and my mom has a chance to live a fuller life because of the help we got from Kathryn and this team. They have a great network and valuable knowledge but what observed that makes them invaluable is that they care...and when you are on this situation I found that this is the quality that matters the most. Cannot thank them enough.”
“Kind aides who were patient and caring with my Mother. Quality service.”
“Excellent! Shawn was a Godsend. He found a great, affordable community for my Mom. We are very satisfied with his service and professionalism. He took his time and our requirements and found the perfect place. Highly recommend him and Always Best Care!”
“I contacted Shawn when my mother returned home from the hospital. There are so many options it was confusing for me! Shawn and his team sent me several places to review and then accompanied me to visit independent living facilities. I appreciate the resources and information provided. Shawn, thank you for being focused on our family's needs and sharing your expertise. Your compassion and patience is so very appreciated!”
“Watching your parents age is an emotional experience. My mother has suffered from emphysema since the early 2000s and was diagnosed with dementia in 2018. We've worked with many companies to provide care for her and companionship. Since 2020, as my mother has significantly declined, we've had to make the decision to move her into a facility. For the past three years, Always Best, and more specifically Nancy Newcomer, has provided consistent and quality care for our family. Nancy is always on time, caring, and reliable. We've experienced companies with high turnover and feel blessed to have had Nancy's support for three years. She doesn’t do this solely for a paycheck but also checks on my dad on her days off and genuinely cares. I'd highly recommend this company to help care for your aging loved ones.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Bass Lake Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Spazio Vino Cucina or visit McLeanGrigsby House, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Holly Springs, NC, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Holly Springs, NC understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Holly Springs, NC 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
HOLLY SPRINGS, N.C. (WTVD) -- Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies held a grand opening for its Holly Springs facility Wednesday, part of a years-long project that signaled the company's largest investment in the United States."They have worked tirelessly to bring this facility to life. It just is a demonstration of when you bring people together that are really talented, that are committed to making life-changing medicines and really care about people's lives, that we can do anything together," said Laurie Braxton, the Senior ...
HOLLY SPRINGS, N.C. (WTVD) -- Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies held a grand opening for its Holly Springs facility Wednesday, part of a years-long project that signaled the company's largest investment in the United States.
"They have worked tirelessly to bring this facility to life. It just is a demonstration of when you bring people together that are really talented, that are committed to making life-changing medicines and really care about people's lives, that we can do anything together," said Laurie Braxton, the Senior Vice President and Head of North Carolina Operations for Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies.
The $3.2 billion biopharmaceutical manufacturing facility employs 700 people, a figure the company expects to double by 2031.
"The local universities and community colleges and people moving into this area are really critical, so the talent that we have here is like none other," Braxton shared.
"Our community college system has programs dedicated to Biomanufacturing and Bioprocessing, so the whole focal point of their investment here is to be able to hire local. And it's what's differentiating North Carolina from other locations internationally, but as well as from other domestic locations is the presence of an embedded and the capacity to train to a local workforce," added Bill Bullock, Senior Vice President of Economic and Statewide Development at the North Carolina Biotechnology Center.
At its peak, 4,000 people were coming on and off the site during its construction.
Eighty percent of workers are local, a metric that has drawn increased attention after President Donald Trump signed a proclamation adding a $100,000 fee for H-1B visa applications.
Gov. Josh Stein, who delivered remarks at Wednesday's ceremony, said he expects the company's investments will grow the state's economy by $10 billion in the next decade, playing a key role in an increasingly important field.
"More than 840 companies do business here in North Carolina that are life sciences, with an additional 2,500 providing some kind of support to the sector. In all, we're talking about 225,000 jobs. The sector generates $88.3 billion in economic activity every year, $12 billion in pharmaceutical exports, and $2.4 billion in state and local taxes," Stein said.
WATCH: Gov. Stein's full remarks
"Holly Springs is a great example of that. Novartis now, Seqirus came. Fujifilm came. They do their due diligence. Those companies want to be around one another for workforce and inherent workforce development. But since FUJIFILM's initial footprint here, we've seen Amgen come into this community, and most recently we've seen Genentech come into this community," Bullock said.
Leaders in Holly Springs explain the biotech boom that's happening in this community and its effects.
"One of the things that you've seen a big change is it used to be that Friday night, Saturday nights were the time to come downtown. You come down any day of the week down here, and you're seeing mom and pops. You're seeing the strollers. You see them going in and out of the restaurants and the shops that we've got. It's kind of brought a lot of life to our downtown area," said Holly Springs Mayor Sean Mayefskie.
The company committed to invest $1.2 billion and promised to create 680 new jobs in Wake County.
"North Carolina is home to the future of biotech, and we welcome Fujifilm, an industry leader," said Stein. "This overall project will create 1,400 new, good-paying jobs in North Carolina by 2031 and will grow our state's economy by more than $10 billion over the next decade. Fujifilm isn't just strengthening the workforce of today - it's investing in the workforce of tomorrow."
Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies operates as a contract development and manufacturing organization, securing deals with major pharmaceutical companies like Johnson & Johnson and Regeneron.
"We make monoclonal antibodies so we can make cancer drugs, autoimmune disease, chronic disease, rare disease, anything that can really have an impact on making a change to people's lives," said Braxton.
"The space that they have at this contract facility means that lots of different pharmaceutical companies can use this space. And that only helps to bolster our reputation as the leading life sciences and pharmaceutical manufacturer in the United States," explained Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley.
So far, 90 acres of the 150-acre campus have been developed, as company officials acknowledged the possibility of further construction.
"We always are continuously looking at what do we do in the future and what's the demand telling us," said Braxton.
There are currently 16 production bioreactors on site, with the possibility to ultimately double that amount. Fujifilm plans to start its initial drug substance process by the end of the fall.
"By 2031, we'll be able to make a total of about 50 million doses of medicine each year," Braxton said.
Wednesday's grand opening also served as a further example of the strong ties between North Carolina and Japan.
"Japan is the top source of foreign direct investment in North Carolina by an overwhelming number. More than 40% of all direct investment comes from Japanese companies," said Stein.
Last year, then-Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida visited North Carolina, where he met with state leaders. Next month, the state plans to send a delegation to the annual Southeast US Japan Association conference in Tokyo. Last year, the conference was held in Charlotte.
"When we're looking to attract new investment, obviously, you want big numbers like this one, $3.2 billion investment, 1,400 jobs. But name brands really help. Fujifilm's got a long history in a variety of different verticals. What they're doing here on the biotechnology side is really their most explosive vertical, and that helps build our reputation for this sector, biotechnology, but also generally with Japanese companies," Lilley said.
Fujifilm has also partnered with Wake Tech to establish a biomechatronics apprenticeship program.
Holly Springs, NC, Sep. 29, 2025 — As Holly Springs prepares for the upcoming municipal elections, Holly Springs Update (HSU) and What’s Happening Holly Springs (WHHS) are working to give residents a clear view of where the candidates stand on key issues.Earlier this month, all candidates were provided with a questionnaire developed from community-driven submissions and refined by Christian Hendricks, publisher of HSU, and Aaron Wenzel, moderator of WHHS. Candidate response documents were first published together in a stor...
Holly Springs, NC, Sep. 29, 2025 — As Holly Springs prepares for the upcoming municipal elections, Holly Springs Update (HSU) and What’s Happening Holly Springs (WHHS) are working to give residents a clear view of where the candidates stand on key issues.
Earlier this month, all candidates were provided with a questionnaire developed from community-driven submissions and refined by Christian Hendricks, publisher of HSU, and Aaron Wenzel, moderator of WHHS. Candidate response documents were first published together in a story on September 22nd.
Earlier story: All Candidate Submissions Now Published in Holly Springs (NC) Mayoral & Town Council Questionnaire (9/22/25).
To facilitate easier comparison and contrast of answers, responses are being shared on an individual basis. Beginning September 24 and continuing through October 4, one question will be featured each day.
Today’s installment marks Day 6 of the series. For readers who missed prior days’ coverage, stories can be found by clicking on the links below:
Day 1:How will you ensure that growth does not outpace the town’s capacity for infrastructure (roads, water, sewer, safety, technology, utilities)?Day 2:What specific steps would you take to address congestion on NC 55, Avent Ferry, Sunset Lake, and other deficient roads and connectivity and walkability of greenways and sidewalks?
Day 5:How do you plan to limit the impact on ratepayers while maintaining and improving the quality of tap water in Holly Springs?
Note: All candidate responses are published exactly as submitted, without editing, and are presented in alphabetical order by last name. Links are also provided below to all answers from each candidate and their respective campaign websites.
We’re blessed with large employers with which we can partner to create a professionally managed investment fund. Over time, this fund can attract more capital and generate returns that can be used to work with developers to finance the inclusion of affordable units in their development plans. Using this approach, we don’t rely on developers’ generosity, nor do we burden taxpayers.
I’d also like to take advantage of Wake County’s investments in affordable housing. We send taxes to Raleigh every year; it only makes sense to get some of it back, rather than seeing it go to other towns.
Property values in Holly Springs continue to rise — a testament to our strong community, but also a growing affordability concern. We must hold County officials accountable for the rising costs tied to property ownership. As Mayor, I’ve kept town taxes and fees low and supported diverse housing options that allow people at every life stage to call Holly Springs home. We approved a new active adult community to help older residents stay near family. I’ll continue pursuing housing strategies that preserve our charm while keeping our town accessible.
During my time on the Planning Board, we have approved three separate 55-and-older communities. While that may not solve the challenge for seniors on fixed incomes, it does provide options for families in Holly Springs who are looking to downsize and stay in town rather than moving elsewhere. We have also seen assisted living facilities come online, and our first nursing home was recently approved by Council and will open within the next two years. These steps matter because they provide seniors with more ways to remain part of our community at different stages of life.
Affordable housing is a much more complicated issue. There are essentially two paths. One approach is to require that a certain number of units within a larger development be designated as affordable or workforce housing. The other is to create entirely affordable developments, but those almost always require subsidies. If the cost falls directly on Holly Springs taxpayers, it can become very expensive and place the burden of supporting future residents onto current ones, which I do not believe is the right approach.
A more balanced solution is to continue to approve a variety of housing types, such as townhomes, smaller single-family homes, and multifamily options, while setting reasonable expectations for affordability within those projects. This must be carefully managed, because residents are right to be concerned about unchecked density and the strain that rapid population growth places on traffic, schools, and public services.
At the end of the day, housing affordability and growth are a balancing act. More housing supply can help bring prices down, but more housing also means more cars on the road and more demand on fire, police, and waste management. The challenge is to approve the right mix of projects that serve the needs of seniors, families, and workforce residents without overwhelming the infrastructure that makes Holly Springs such a desirable place to live.
Holly Springs needs to develop a long-term plan to address a ordable housing. This will create opportunities for our teachers and emergency responders, as well as improve the local economy. Housing options that free up some disposable income will allow families to spend more on local goods and services. I believe we should be completing a regular housing inventory and occupancy rate study to evaluate the housing supply and gaps in supply every two years. This information can be used to prioritize developments based on the need they address and could lead to rezoning. We should create a policy to incentivize a ordable housing incorporation into developments, whether that is through zoning-based, financial or non-financial options. The town o ers a utility allocation plan that prioritizes development projects that include infrastructure improvements, sustainable design, workforce housing and open space/tree preservation. The a ordable housing incentive is not being used by developers. I suggest we re-evaluate the water resource management plan and find ways to make the incentives around a ordable housing more attractive. Lastly, the town needs to be on the lookout for opportunities for a public/private partnership on a ordable housing. A partnership with a private company would facilitate a faster delivery of the project while minimizing the impact to Holly Springs.
Holly Springs must protect the character of our town while making room for responsible growth. Housing should reflect the needs of families, seniors, and young professionals—but it cannot come at the expense of overdevelopment, overcrowded schools, or strained infrastructure.
First, I believe in responsible growth, not unchecked density. Townhomes, senior living, and workforce housing should be limited, well-placed, and located near major transportation corridors or services—not scattered in ways that overwhelm existing neighborhoods.
Second, growth must be tied directly to infrastructure capacity. Roads, schools, water, and sewer need to be in place before development moves forward. That’s why I’ve supported tying approvals to infrastructure readiness and why only about 20% of proposals are approved—because Holly Springs deserves better than rubber-stamping projects.
Third, I do not believe local taxpayers should fund large-scale “affordable housing” programs. If workforce housing is to be part of our mix, it should be delivered through partnerships with Wake County, state programs, and nonprofits—not by raising taxes on Holly Springs residents.
Fourth, protecting homeownership stability is key. Too many rentals weaken neighborhood ties and create a transient community. Our policies should promote ownership, generational investment, and stability—values that have made Holly Springs strong.
Finally, we must hold developers accountable. Through impact fees and strong design standards, new projects should contribute their fair share for roads, utilities, and parks, while preserving green space and our small-town character.
The bottom line: Holly Springs needs to grow, but it must grow responsibly. By putting residents first, holding developers accountable, and protecting our town’s character, we can provide options for families and seniors while keeping Holly Springs the community we all love.
Holly Springs has one of the highest median household incomes in the county, around $132,000, but rising housing costs have left many first-time buyers and seniors struggling to find options that fit their needs. Families are concerned about starter homes being replaced with luxury builds, while older adults worry about downsizing without leaving town.
I believe in attainable housing, options that allow people at every stage of life to call Holly Springs home. That means encouraging a balanced mix, townhomes and smaller single-family homes for young families, senior living communities with walkability and services, and affordable units integrated thoughtfully into our neighborhoods.
We must also be mindful of overdevelopment. High-density projects should be paired with strong design standards, adequate parking, and preserved green space so they enhance rather than overwhelm. Redevelopment of underused sites should take priority over endless outward sprawl, which strains both infrastructure and community identity.
Housing is not just about shelter, it is about belonging. By planning with intention, we can keep Holly Springs a place where every generation can live, grow, and stay connected.
Links: (candidate submittals, website)
In Holly Springs, and the surrounding areas, home prices continue to rise, starter homes are limited, and seniors and lower-income residents are struggling to find options that fit their needs. While the Town cannot control the housing market entirely, there are meaningful steps we can take to support diverse housing options and prevent overdevelopment.
I support partnering with Wake County and other regional entities to bring affordable housing resources and programs into Holly Springs. I will advocate for developers to include affordable units in new projects and explore incentives that make it feasible for the Town to support these initiatives. At the same time, we must ensure that new development aligns with our Unified Development Ordinance, which balances growth with neighborhood character and infrastructure capacity.
Council also plays a key role in guiding long-term planning. By reviewing proposed developments with an eye toward housing diversity including townhomes, senior living, and workforce housing, we can help ensure residents have a range of options.
There are several recent candidates (and a few members of our current council) that talk about “Affordable Housing”. Conveniently, affordable housing isn’t easily defined and can mean many different things to many people. Most of the definitions at the end of the day, mean higher prices for the development project and/or higher taxes for the residents of Holly Springs. It’s a tough question because we have to balance the responsibilities of our current residents versus ones that will be here eventually.
I personally believe the best pathway to more housing that makes sense for Holly Springs is to work with developers for a shorter start to finish process to ensure that the cost savings in development get passed on to the end user and is not subsidized by taxpayers who are already burdened by rising costs.
Holly SpringsHolly Springs, NC, Sep. 27, 2025 — As Holly Springs prepares for the upcoming municipal elections, Holly Springs Update (HSU) and What’s Happening Holly Springs (WHHS) are working to give residents a clear view of where the candidates stand on key issues.Earlier this month, all candidates were provided with a questionnaire developed from community-driven submissions and refined by Christian Hendricks, publisher of HSU, and Aaron Wenzel, moderator of WHHS. Candidate response documents were first publish...
Holly Springs
Holly Springs, NC, Sep. 27, 2025 — As Holly Springs prepares for the upcoming municipal elections, Holly Springs Update (HSU) and What’s Happening Holly Springs (WHHS) are working to give residents a clear view of where the candidates stand on key issues.
Earlier this month, all candidates were provided with a questionnaire developed from community-driven submissions and refined by Christian Hendricks, publisher of HSU, and Aaron Wenzel, moderator of WHHS. Candidate response documents were first published together in a story on September 22nd.
Earlier story: All Candidate Submissions Now Published in Holly Springs (NC) Mayoral & Town Council Questionnaire (9/22/25).
To facilitate easier comparison and contrast of answers, responses are being shared on an individual basis. Beginning September 24 and continuing through October 4, one question will be featured each day.
Today’s installment marks Day 4 of the series. For readers who missed prior days’ coverage, stories can be found by clicking on the links below:
Day 1:How will you ensure that growth does not outpace the town’s capacity for infrastructure (roads, water, sewer, safety, technology, utilities)?Day 2:What specific steps would you take to address congestion on NC 55, Avent Ferry, Sunset Lake, and other deficient roads and connectivity and walkability of greenways and sidewalks?
Note: All candidate responses are published exactly as submitted, without editing, and are presented in alphabetical order by last name. Links are also provided below to all answers from each candidate and their respective campaign websites.
As municipal officials, our first job is to build strong relationships with our colleagues on the school board who determine these issues.
At the municipal level, Holly Springs needs to continue to submit new development plans to the Wake County Public School System to help assess their future impact on schools. This should continue to be an important factor for the mayor and council members as they discuss rezoning decisions.
We can also work to understand our residents’ preferences in neighborhoods affected by potential reassignments and, to the greatest degree practical, help them advocate for their preferences with the school board.
School decisions — including assignments and classroom policy — are made at the county and state level. However, I’ve made it a priority to ensure town staff communicate proactively with Wake County Public Schools about new development so they can plan school growth accordingly.
My own family experienced reassignment during the early 2000s, so I understand the frustration families feel. I’ll continue to support strong planning and family communication wherever possible, even if those decisions aren’t ours to make.
Unfortunately, the Town of Holly Springs does not have direct control over the Wake County Public School System (WCPSS), and we do not have authority over student reassignments.
These decisions rest with the County. However, it is important for residents to understand how the process works. WCPSS is reactive to municipal growth. They monitor development approvals in towns like ours, then adjust enrollment projections, capacities, and ultimately school construction and assignment decisions based on that growth.
This means that as Holly Springs continues to grow, new schools will likely be announced, but the process tends to lag behind. It is reactive rather than proactive. That lag is what leads to overcrowding in the short term and frequent reassignments as the county works to balance enrollment across campuses.
At the town level, what we can do is ensure that schools remain a part of the conversation during the rezoning and development approval process. That means considering traffic impacts, site access, and the timing of new neighborhoods in relation to school capacity. It also means continuing to advocate strongly to the county and to WCPSS for timely investments here in Holly Springs so that new schools keep pace with demand.
Ultimately, while the Town cannot change how assignments are managed, we can make sure our voice is clear and consistent. Families in Holly Springs need predictable and accessible schools, and the county must keep pace with the growth that our community continues to experience.
The Town Council doesn’t have any direct control over school reassignments. However, it is important for our Council to have strong relationships with the WCPSS school board members. In 2024, I sat down with Wake County Public School Board member to discuss the redistricting and the impact to Holly Springs. Building a working relationship with those making the decisions so we have line of sight to the plan for Holly Springs students and we can discuss together and advocate for the students in Holly Springs.
School overcrowding and frequent reassignments are some of the most difficult challenges for families in Holly Springs. While school construction and assignment decisions are ultimately made by the Wake County Public School System (WCPSS), the Town Council plays an important role in planning, advocacy, and coordination.
First, we must continue strengthening our partnership with WCPSS. That means advocating for new schools in Holly Springs, ensuring they are supported with the right roads, sidewalks, and utilities, and coordinating long-range land use planning so schools open where families live. Second, I believe in responsible growth management. The town has already updated zoning to better align developmentapprovals with infrastructure like schools. Growth must be tied to school capacity to prevent worsening overcrowding. Third, I support giving families more stability and predictability.
While reassignments will happen when new schools open, WCPSS should communicate changes clearly and well in advance, minimizing disruption. Fourth, I believe in supporting school choice options. Many Holly Springs families choose charter, private, or magnet schools to provide stability or special programs for their children. While those decisions are made at the county and state level, I support keeping school choice available, so parents have alternatives when reassignment or overcrowding creates challenges.
Finally, I support our continued efforts with exploring joint-use partnerships with WCPSS—shared athletic fields, greenways, and facilities that serve both schools and the community. The Town has been successful at a joint use partnership, and we must continue to look at it. This stretches resources and strengthens collaboration.
The bottom line: Holly Springs families deserve strong schools, stability inassignments, and real choices. By managing growth responsibly, advocating for timely school construction, and supporting school choice, we can reduce overcrowding and ensure every family has a path that works for their children.
School overcrowding and constant reassignments are among the most painful issues for Holly Springs families. Wake County Public Schools has grown by nearly 10,000 students in the last decade, and projections show enrollment could top 170,000 students by 2030. That pace of growth means every time a new school opens, boundary lines are redrawn and families feel like they are caught in a never-ending shuffle.
While school assignment decisions are ultimately made by the county, Holly Springs leaders can advocate for smarter, long-term planning. I believe we must push WCPSS to pair new school construction with more stable boundary projections, so families are not blindsided every few years.
Locally, the town can step up by supporting youth enrichment outside the classroom,after-school programs, tutoring partnerships, recreation programs, and mentoring initiatives that give kids stability even when their school assignment changes. We can also work with developers to ensure new housing projects anticipate school capacity needs and do not overwhelm nearby campuses.
Parents deserve a voice in the process. I will be a strong advocate with the county to ensure Holly Springs families are heard and that growth in our town is matched by reliable, stable educational opportunities for our children.
While the Town Council does not directly control school zoning or capacity decisions, we do play a critical role in planning and advocating for our residents.
As a councilmember, I would look at ways that growth and land-use decisions made by the Town, would impact our schools. This includes reviewing proposed developments with an eye toward impacts on student populations and communicating these changes with our WCPSS partners. Strong partnerships, clear communication and proactive planning are key.
Links: (candidate submittals, website)
Many share the recent frustration of school overcrowding, capping and redistricting. Myself included.
Unfortunately, Schools do not fall under the domain of the Holly Springs Town Council, rather its the responsibility of the county. How they’re built, when they’re built, how they’re staffed and where students get repositioned, all fall under the WCPSS.
The one thing Council has the power to do is to work with Town staff and communicate with WCPSS to help identify areas of future growth so that they can try to plan better. This is already happening and communication is continuous. We can also work to help WCPSS identify land in our areas of future growth.
Links: (candidate submittals, website)
Fujifilm Biotechnologies opened the first phase of its $3.2 billion manufacturing site in Holly Springs on Wednesday, where the Japanese company eventually expects 1,400 people to work to produce millions of doses of medicine each year.About 700 people already work at the plant, where the average wage of $110,000 is 147% of the current average wage in Wake County. Fujifilm expects to have 750 employees by the end of the year and keep adding workers through 2031.A second phase, which will double capacity, was announced in 2024. ...
Fujifilm Biotechnologies opened the first phase of its $3.2 billion manufacturing site in Holly Springs on Wednesday, where the Japanese company eventually expects 1,400 people to work to produce millions of doses of medicine each year.
About 700 people already work at the plant, where the average wage of $110,000 is 147% of the current average wage in Wake County. Fujifilm expects to have 750 employees by the end of the year and keep adding workers through 2031.
A second phase, which will double capacity, was announced in 2024. It will be the largest end-to-end cell culture contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) site in North America. It will start producing cancer and autoimmune medicines for companies, including Johnson & Johnson and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, later this year.
“Today’s opening allows Johnson & Johnson to further expand our U.S. manufacturing capacity to bring our growing portfolio of transformational medicines to patients,” said Joaquin Duato, chairman and CEO of Johnson & Johnson. “It also reinforces our long-standing and continued commitment to invest in U.S. manufacturing, innovation and job creation.”
The plant secures a stable supply chain for Fujifilm customers, says Toshihisa Iida, chair of Fujifilm Biotechnologies. The U.S manufacturing hub in Holly Springs “highlights Fujifilm’s dedication to supporting ur partners in delivering biologic medicines targeting complex diseases,” he says.
Fujifilm announced it would build a plant in Holly Springs in 2021, and at full buildout, it will become the town’s largest employer, says Holly Springs Mayor Sean Mayefskie. “Not only is this company providing high-quality jobs to our residents, but the impact of this investment will boost our local economy. It’s already attracting amazing companies, both large and small, to Holly Springs,” he says.
Dallas-based Jacobs was the project’s general contractor. The company used digital tools and modular replication to reduce construction time and costs. The Holly Springs campus and its “design one, build many” approach will be a model to support replication in Denmark, according to the company.
“I am inspired by our team’s incredible achievement in delivering this ambitious manufacturing hub in under five years,” said Lars Petersen, CEO of Fujifilm Biotechnologies. “This site bridges a critical gap in supply; with the world’s aging population driving a surge in chronic diseases, it’s vital to keep pace with the demand for life-changing medicines.”
Fujifilm Biotechnologies has opened its new manufacturing site in Holly Springs, North Carolina, which now represents one of the largest commercial-scale cell culture biomanufacturing sites in North America.The first phase of the planned $3.2 billion manufacturing site opens with a capacity of 8 x 20,000 liters (L) mammalian cell culture bioreactors to encompass drug product and drug substance manufacturing, while adding finished goods capabilities in 2026. The second phase expansion (announced in 2024) will double capacity with an ad...
Fujifilm Biotechnologies has opened its new manufacturing site in Holly Springs, North Carolina, which now represents one of the largest commercial-scale cell culture biomanufacturing sites in North America.
The first phase of the planned $3.2 billion manufacturing site opens with a capacity of 8 x 20,000 liters (L) mammalian cell culture bioreactors to encompass drug product and drug substance manufacturing, while adding finished goods capabilities in 2026. The second phase expansion (announced in 2024) will double capacity with an additional 8 x 20,000 L bioreactors for a total of 16 bioreactors.
“Our new commercial-scale manufacturing hub in the U.S. highlights Fujifilm’s dedication to supporting our partners in delivering biologic medicines targeting complex diseases,” said Toshihisa Iida, Director, Corporate Vice President, General Manager of Life Sciences Strategy Headquarters and Bio CDMO Division, Fujifilm Corporation, Japan, and Chairman, Fujifilm Biotechnologies. “Securing strategic manufacturing capacity is crucial to our ‘Partners for Life’ strategy, to help ensure a stable supply chain for our customers.”
The new, state-of-the-art facility currently employs over 680 employees, and is on track to reach 750 employees by the end of the year, with an overall goal of hiring a total of 1,400 by 2031.
“I am inspired by our team’s incredible achievement in delivering this ambitious manufacturing hub in under five years. Leveraging our pioneering kojoX modular facility design approach, our teams and partners are able to accelerate build times, which will help get medicines to patients faster,” said Lars Petersen, President and Chief Executive Officer, Fujifilm Biotechnologies. “This site bridges a critical gap in supply; with the world’s aging population driving a surge in chronic diseases, it’s vital to keep pace with the demand for life-changing medicines.”
By applying Fujifilm Biotechnologies’ kojoX approach, the Company was able to reduce design time by 70 percent, creating a near-replica of Fujifilm Biotechnologies’ existing commercial-scale site in Denmark.
With sustainability as a focus, 100% of carbon emissions from electrical consumption at the Holly Springs site will be offset through the purchase of renewable energy certificates via a virtual power purchase agreement. These achievements will contribute to Fujifilm’s overarching Sustainable Value Plan’s objective to achieve carbon neutrality by the end of fiscal year 2040.
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