Business roundup: Truck bed extender facility

The makers of the Extend-A-Haul truck bed extender have established a manufacturing facility in Salisbury in the Speedway Business Park along Interstate 85.

The company has 10 employees so far and may add more in the next few months.

Extend-A-Haul recently won two awards at the Specialty Equipment Market Association show in Las Vegas: Global Media Awards, first place "New Product of the Year" and runner up for overall "New Product Of The Year" at the 2009 show, which is the premier automotive specialty trade show in the world, attracting more than 100,000 people, with nearly 1,500 new products introduced.

Extend-A-Haul is an aluminum truck bed extender that doubles as a ramp for all-terrain vehicles and motorcycles. It also allows truck owners to carry building materials too long for the bed of a truck.

"We chose Salisbury for setting up our manufacturing operation because of its pool of qualified workforce, affordable manufacturing space and central location," said Chris Eales, president and CEO. "If our products sell as well as we project, we hope to employ several more people in the coming months."

Several new models are planned, including one that extends the bed of utility vehicles, such as John Deere's Gator. Accessories for the truck model include a stand for a motorcycle, a portable conversion kit and various tie-downs. The company is also offering a free electric winch to anyone who purchases an Extend-A-Haul before March.

Extend-A-Haul was invented by entrepreneur Alan Carver of Florida.

The Extend-A-Haul can be purchased online at www.extendahaul.com or by calling 1- 877-848-2125. You can avoid shipping costs if you pick up at the manufacturing facility.

Realtors group officers installed

Debbie Miller was installed as president of the Salisbury/Rowan Association of Realtors by Mary Edna Williams, who is president of the North Carolina Association of Realtors, at the January meeting.

Also installed were President-elect Michael Rusher (1st Cooperative Realty); Treasurer Beth Bean (Re/Max Leading Edge); Secretary Dale Yontz (B&R Realty); Past President James Poe (Wallace Realty); and Directors Jerry Davis (Century 21 Towne & Country), Cindy Ehrman (Key Real Estate), Bonzie Everson (Wallace Realty), Terry Frances (Wallace Realty), Cathy Griffin (Century 21 Towne & Country), Dorothy Kirtley (Dorothy Kirtley Real Estate), Shelly Kranz (U.S. Realty), Roger Kraycirik (B&R Realty), Gail Swan (Wallace Realty) and Dan Waggoner (Waggoner Realty).

Poe recognized outgoing Directors Sheryl Fry (Century 21 Towne & Country), Elia Gegorek (Apple House Realty) and Diane Hunter (Kirby Realty) and presented them with plaques in appreciation for service. Directors serve three year terms on the board. Poe also presented Bonzie Everson (Wallace Realty) a pin for 30 years as a Realtor.

Miller presented Poe with a plaque and expressed appreciation on behalf of the membership for his leadership and service.

Cabarrus Senior Link meeting TuesdayCabarrus Senior Link, professionals who work with seniors, will hold its monthly meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 12, at 11:30 a.m.

Lunch will be provided, new members are welcome and there are no fees.

For reservations and additional information, contact Susan Wear at Gentiva Home Health 704-933-1001.

Carolina Farm Credit board, employees donate to charities

More than $5,000 was collected by the employees and board members of Carolina Farm Credit after participating in a charity contribution throughout 2009. Each of the Carolina Farm Credit 37 service centers submitted a local charity choice and five charities were selected through a random drawing to divide the donations.

The following groups will each receive $1,013 from Carolina Farm Credit: Victory Junction Gang Camp of Asheboro, Habitat for Humanity of Monroe, Baptist Children's Home of Thomasville, Solid Rock Food Closet of Sparta and Anson Crisis Ministries of Wadesboro.

Nursing assistant classes being offered in Kannapolis

Certified Nursing Assistance I classes will begin Wednesday, Jan. 13, from 9 a.m. until noon and 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. at the New Careers Learning Center at 510 Old Centergrove Road in the Marable Memorial Plaza in Kannapolis.

The sessions last four weeks, and seating is limited. To register and for more information, call 704-298-4450 or visit www.newcareerslearningcenter. com.

PGT names vice president of N.C. operations

PGT Inc. has promoted Monte Burns to vice president of North Carolina operations. In this role, Burns will oversee all operations in PGT's Salisbury plant, including manufacturing, supply chain, logistics and the company's inventory to ensure that product supply effectively meets customer demand

Burns will report to Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Jeff Jackson, and he will be a member of the company's executive management team.

Burns has been with PGT for 22 years, holding positions as group leader for Eze Breeze, industrial engineer and others.

Burns most recently led the implementation of the Series 2100, 2200 and 2300 and Curtain Wall product lines in the North Carolina plant.

Cozart Lumber donates to Habitat for Humanity store

Cozart Lumber and Supply Co. recently donated lumber with a retail value of $9,400 to Habitat for Humanity's ReStore in Rowan County.

Submit information about new businesses, honors and management promotions to bizbriefs@salisburypost.com. Include a daytime phone number.