Two Fayetteville-based programs that help companies tap into military business got some attention recently from the Defense Department.

Kathleen Harger was in town Dec. 9 for a forum on the state’s “scientific entrepreneurs” — companies that develop technologies that could play a role with the military. Harger is assistant deputy under secretary of defense for innovation and technology transition.

The forum was hosted by Fayetteville Technical Community College and the North Carolina Military Business Center. Also highlighted was the Defense and Security Technology Accelerator, a program of the Partnership for Defense Innovation, which is a nonprofit organization that promotes economic development.

Harger talked about the need for DoD to more efficiently transition urgently needed technologies from civilian laboratories and entrepreneurs into the hands of the military, according to a news release from the Military Business Center.

Also attending were representatives from the BRAC Regional Task Force, Fayetteville State University, the state Commerce Department and the Small Business & Technology Development Center (which is the UNC system’s business and technology extension service).

There were no disasters Monday when four Omni National Bank locations around Fayetteville officially opened as Capital Bank branches, marking the Raleigh-based bank’s first entry into our market.

That’s according to Capital CEO Grant Yarber, who also gave a hint about the bank’s bullish plans for the future here.

“The comments I got back Monday night from all the associates was ... they said it was the busiest day they had in years,” he said. “Many of the clients came in to see how things were, and to be reassured.”

Capital kept on the existing employees during the deal, in which Capital acquired $110 million in deposits and $45 million in loans and real estate from Omni, he said.

Capital’s leadership team was in Fayetteville for the transition, including Todd Baker, the regional president in charge of the area including Sanford and Fayetteville, and David Goodyear, the former Omni market executive for Fayetteville who stays on with Capital.

As for that hint: Yarber says one Omni-turned-Capital location in Parkton could be consolidated into a new branch more central to Hope Mills, where he sees plenty of growth opportunity.

Finally, children who have to endure a hospital visit will get a special gift thanks to members of the Fayetteville Regional Association of Realtors.

The association collected nearly 500 teddy bears and other stuffed animals at its annual luncheon last week. The toys will go to the Friends of the Children of Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, which gives the stuffed animals to young patients to make them feel more comfortable. This is the 10th year for the collection.

“I think that’s the most we’ve ever had,” said Jane Cannon of the association. “Most everyone who was there brought at least one.”