Business roundup: Lighting company CFO finalist for honor

A Salisbury resident is among finalists for The Charlotte Business Journal’s CFO of the Year Awards, which honor the region’s professionals who exemplify excellence as corporate financial stewards.

A ceremony will be held Aug. 18 at the Ritz-Carlton in Charlotte.

Gary Langford of Nexxus Lighting Inc. is a finalist in the public company category. Also in the category with the Salisbury resident are David Dzuricky of Piedmont Natural Gas and Lynn Good of Duke Energy.

Harmony Labs in Kannapolis changes its name to Ei

KANNAPOLIS — Harmony Labs has changed its name to Ei, A Pharmaceutical SolutionWorks.

“We’ve created a new name and classification for what we do to reflect the dramatic shift in the way we provide value to our customers. We bring the best development and manufacturing practices and a high-level understanding of branding into outsourced manufacturing. For the right company, we offer a partnership they just can’t get anywhere else,” said Michael Kane, CEO, in a press release.

In 2009-10, the company established a new management team behind Kane, with industry experts in manufacturing, formulation, regulatory, sales and human resources. It also constructed and opened a new 165,000-square-foot manufacturing facility.

The name Ei (pronounced like the letters e-i) is derived from the chemical concept of ionic bonding. It is also an analogous explanation of what the company has become: Ei uses state-of-the-art science and manufacturing in the creation of products, but also forms unparalleled bonds with their partnering companies, helping them to move their brands forward.

Ei develops and manufactures liquid, semi-solid and powder skin care and animal health products. The company is privately held and has been in business since 1983. Visit www.eisolutionworks.com for more information.

First Citizens taking over Colorado Capital Bank assets

RALEIGH — First Citizens Bank, a subsidiary of First Citizens BancShares, has entered into an agreement with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. to purchase substantially all the assets and assume the majority of the liabilities of Colorado Capital Bank of Castle Rock, Colo.

The Colorado Division of Banking closed Colorado Capital Bank and appointed the FDIC as receiver.

The move is First Citizens’ sixth FDIC-related agreement since July 2009. The purchase complements Colorado branches currently operated by First Citizens Bank — four First Citizens Bank branches and three operated by First Citizens’ IronStone Bank division.

Helms to manage masonry department for Locust Lumber

Locust Lumber has appointed Alan Helms as manager of the newly formed masonry department at Locust Lumber. Helms comes to the company with over 45 years of industry experience.

Locust Lumber has locations at 312 E. Main St. in Locust and 1709 Airport Road in Monroe.

Call 704-888-4411 and visit the Locust Lumber website at www.locustlumber.com.

Top beginning lia sophia sales adviser in Linwood

LINWOOD — Fashion jeweler lia sophia recently announced top honors for its Excellent Beginnings Program Achievers for their outstanding sales accomplishments and professionalism. Having just joined the fashion jewelry business, Dana Stewart earned the accomplishment in the first 15 weeks by attaining certain sales levels and sharing lia sophia with other advisers.

According to Bonni Davis, vice president of lia sophia, “This immediate success is a result of Dana’s hard work and dedication. lia sophia is fortunate to have this individual as part of our team and we look forward to celebrating future successes.” The direct selling company offers fashion jewelry through in-home demonstrations. Contact Dana Stewart at www.liasophia.com/danastewart or call 1-800-487-3323.

Submit information about new businesses, honors and management promotions to bizbriefs@salisburypost.com.