WASHINGTON – The Federal Trade Commission has launched a consumer hotline to assist alleged victims of a Web cramming scam operated by Miami-based Epixtar Corporation and several of its subsidiaries, including one formerly known as SBA Online, Inc.

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Small Business Administration today announced a new legislative proposal that is expected to add at least $3 billion in lending authority to the 7(a) loan program this year.

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Small Business Administration today announced a fiscal year 2005 budget request of $678.4 million that increases loan authority for the agency’s flagship lending program and strengthens the agency’s most successful programs.

SANFORD – The Pantry, Inc. (NASDAQ: PTRY), the leading independently operated convenience store chain in the southeastern United States, has announced that it priced $250 million aggregate principal amount of 7.75 percent Senior Subordinated Notes due 2014.

SANFORD – The Pantry, Inc. (NASDAQ: PTRY), the leading independently operated convenience store chain in the southeastern United States, today announced that it intends to offer $225 million principal amount of senior subordinated notes due 2014, subject to market and other conditions. The senior subordinated notes will be guaranteed by The Pantry’s subsidiaries.

SANFORD - Despite dodging winter storms and trying to work on saturated ground, expansion of the Lee County Industrial Park should be completed on schedule, according to officials.

PITTSBORO – HepatoTech Inc., which grows cells to study liver metabolism and the toxicity of experimental drugs, has been acquired by CellzDirect Inc. Terms of the deal weren’t disclosed.

ERWIN – Good Hope Hospital filed suit Thursday against state regulators and two area hospitals, alleging they are blocking Good Hope’s attempt to build a new hospital in Lillington.

PINEHURST – The three FirstHealth of the Carolinas hospitals have received grants totaling more than $159,000 from the federal Health Resources and Services Administration to assist in strengthening their disaster preparedness plans.

TROY – First Bancorp (Nasdaq: FBNC), the parent company of First Bank, has declared a cash dividend of 24 cents per share, payable April 23 to shareholders of record March 31. The dividend rate is an increase of 4.3 percent over the dividend rate declared in the same period of 2003.

SOUTHERN PINES – Nominations of North and South Carolina-based entrepreneurs are now being sought for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2004 Awards, one of the most prestigious business award programs in the world.

FAYETTEVILLE – Design-build construction firm Construction Systems Inc. will relocate its headquarters from Lumberton to Fayetteville by early March to take advantage of business in the larger market.

CARY – Crescent Financial Corp. (Nasdaq: CRFN), parent company of Crescent State Bank, has declared a 6-for-5 stock split, effected as a 20 percent stock dividend payable April 16 to shareholders of record March 12. Cash will be paid in lieu of fractional shares.

FAYETTEVILLE – The Cumberland County Business Council announced today that it has received more than $1.5 million in pledges toward its goal of $2.6 million for economic investment under a program called Strike Force 2008.

SANFORD – The Pantry, Inc. (NASDAQ: PTRY), the leading independently operated convenience store chain in the southeastern United States, today announced that it is calling for redemption all of its outstanding 10¼ percent Senior Subordinated Notes due 2007.

RALEIGH – The board of directors of Capital Bank Corp. (Nasdaq: CBKN) has elected Chief Operating Officer B. Grant Yarber to the additional role of president.

RALEIGH – One day after announcing it was selling three small-town branches, Capital Bank Corp. (Nasdaq: CBKN) said it intends to open three bank branches in larger markets by the third quarter.

RALEIGH – Capital Bank Corp. (Nasdaq: CBKN) has agreed to sell branch offices in three small towns in northeast North Carolina. Terms of the deals, which are expected to close later this year, weren’t disclosed.

RALEIGH – Capital Bank Corp. (Nasdaq: CBKN), which has four Sandhills branches, reported a return to profitability in the fourth quarter, with income of almost $1.6 million, or 24 cents a share.

FAYETTEVILLE – Cape Fear Valley Health System has signed an agreement with Cogent Healthcare Inc., a provider of inpatient management services, to provide hospitalist services for patients without a physician.

FAYETTEVILLE – Opportunities for spouse employment is one of several reasons why Fort Bragg was recently named the best overall post by Army Times readers.