Hair recognized for business accomplishments

By Shelley Smith

ssmith@salisburypost.com

Beatrice Hair, founder of Salisbury Tutoring Academy, was awarded the 2010 North Carolina Small Business Person of the Year Award during Tuesday's Salisbury City Council meeting. A reception for Hair was held prior to the meeting.

David Dilworth of the U.S. Small Business Association, presented the award to Hair, calling her accomplishments since 1996 "very significant."

"Her business has grown from just having a few part-time teachers to 25 full time," Dilworth said. "She has turned profit every year, adding to the economy of the town and the state."

"We are so proud of you and your accomplishments and the recognition you brought not only to yourself and your business, but this city," Salisbury Mayor Susan Kluttz said.

Hair, who was supported during the meeting by more than 40 friends, family and students, said the award symbolized her passion for teaching.

"My goal is to help these children achieve their own greatness," she said. "All types of students benefit from one-on-one instruction, and serving all of these children is just a great pleasure.

"We know how important it is to see that every single young person in this city makes the most of their lives and is successful."

Hair's brother came all the way from Atlanta for the celebration.

"We are very proud of her," he said. "I was there at her house when she started her tutoring around her kitchen table.

"Then the tutoring got a waiting list, and then neighbors were complaining about all of the cars in front of the house and on the roads.

"We've watched her grow."

Two of Hair's current students, twin eighth-graders Maddie and Emma Laboritz said the one-on-one instruction was what helped them the most.

"I originally went for writing because I failed the fourth grade writing test," Emma said. "I used to be two years behind in spelling, and now I'm one year ahead.

"It's nice to go to the same person (tutor) every week. You get to really know your tutor."

Maddie had problems with math.

"Math has never really been my strong point," she said. "The one-on-one experience is really good. I've developed a bond with my tutor.

"It's better than being in a class because I'm not embarrassed to ask questions."

Hair has served on the Board of Directors for the Rowan County YMCA and an ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) summer camp, which she helped to create. She and the STA have sponsored the Race Against Violence to stop domestic abuse and the Hurley YMCA Youth Soccer League in Rowan County.

For more information on the Salisbury Tutoring Academy, visit http://staltd.com/.