SALISBURY — Fitness instructors Sacha Roberts and Jacqui Shive have launched a business offering yoga, meditation and positive thinking workshops for adults and children.
The Playful Elephant holds two-hour workshops once a month and will travel to area businesses, homes and other locations. The workshops are perfect for beginners or serve as a refresher course for veterans of yoga, meditation and positive thinking, Shive said.
Shive and Roberts, who are cousins, began teaching fitness classes together in 2004.
“There is something about the chemistry that she and I have when we work together that is magical and motivating,” Shive said.
The children’s workshops offer kids the chance to “just be” without all the distractions, Roberts said, “to love themselves for who they are and not for what they do or don’t have.”
Meditation can calm children, and a happy child can make a happy family, Roberts said.
To learn more, call 1-415-967-3568 or email theplayfulelephant@gmail.com.
Swing Transport wins national safety honor
SALISBURY — Swing Transport Inc. recently won a Platinum Award from Great West Casualty Co. as part of the 2011 National Safety Awards Program.
Last year marked the fifth consecutive year that Swing, headquartered in Salisbury, has earned the highest honor.
Swing Transport is a dry good carrier that began operations in 1975. It has terminals in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia and Alabama.
The National Safety Awards program recognizes carriers in similar operations with awards based on their year-end preventable accident results. More than 625 participants from across the country applied for the honors.
Magazine honors Rowan Regional
SALISBURY — Rowan Regional Medical Center has been named one of the nation’s Best Regional Hospitals, according to U.S. News & World Report.
The magazine listed 247 hospitals in areas with populations less than 500,000 as Best Regional Hospitals. To be considered a Best Regional Hospital, the organization must rank in the top 25 percent of all hospitals in at least one of 16 categories.
The magazine reviewed more than 5,000 hospitals in compiling the list. Rowan Regional is one of 10 hospitals in North Carolina to receive this recognition.
“This recognition validates our commitment to providing the best possible care for our patients and community,” said Dari Caldwell, president of Rowan Regional.
Visit www.usnews.com/bestregionalhospitals to see the list.
Jewelry designer to appear on ShopNBC
Formerly a resident of Spencer and special education teacher in Salisbury, jewelry designer Meghan Browne will appear for the second time on ShopNBC at 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. May 23.
Browne started her career as a special education teacher, but she always had a passion for accessories. Now with more than 12 years of jewelry industry experience, Browne shares her passion and knowledge with the public in many ways. As a fashion stylist, she has appeared on a local TV station, she sells her line to boutiques and also holds trunk shows throughout the area.
Meghan Browne Style is a fashion jewelry line that blends classic looks and current trends. She mingles metals and incorporates hints of leather, colorful beadwork and simulated gemstones
Visit http://meghanbrowne.com/ for more information.
Leadership Rowan holds graduation
Twenty Rowan County area residents joined the ranks of Leadership Rowan alumni this past week at the graduation ceremony held at the Country Club of Salisbury. The program is sponsored by the Rowan County Chamber of Commerce.
Dave Treme, Salisbury city manager emeritus, was Thursday evening’s featured speaker. Leadership Rowan Steering Committee Chair Jeff Jones (Delhaize America – Food Lion) served as master of ceremonies.
Graduates of the 2011-12 class are Kelly Baker (city of Salisbury), Jessica Castrodale (Carolinas Medical Center – NorthEast), Holly Czuba (Global Contact Services), Paula Dibley (Rowan-Cabarrus Community College), Jena Hare (Home Instead Senior Care), Linda Heeg-Krause (V.A. Medical Center), Katrina King (Rowan Regional Medical Center) and Patricia Long (V.A. Medical Center).
Michelle Macon (Partners in Learning Child Development Center), Amy Milenberg (V.A. Medical Center), Sandy Moore (F&M Bank), Linda Pigg (Carolinas Medical Center – NorthEast), Deborah Scales (Delhaize America – Food Lion), Jeff Schall (Conagra Foods), Amy Smith (Rowan County Health Department), Sherry Smith (Rowan Helping Ministries), Mark Thompson (city of Salisbury), Crystal Vail (Rowan-Salisbury Schools), Jason Wilson (Salisbury-Rowan Utilities) and Courtney Wyrick (Carolina Stalite).
Members of the Leadership Rowan Steering Committee are Jeff Jones (Delhaize America – Food Lion) Chair; Myra Heard (city of Salisbury) and Tyler Weant (Elium Exterminator).
Jenny Tenney Photography now open
SALISBURY — Jenny Tenney Photography specializes in fun, fresh and genuine wedding and portrait photography.
Tenney started the business in 2009 after graduating from UNC Chapel Hill’s School of Journalism and Mass Communication with a degree in photojournalism. She also offers maternity, baby and family sessions and produces short videos for Our State Magazine.
Based in Salisbury, Tenney is available for travel.
“My main goal as a photographer is to create a beautiful visual record for families so that they may pass down memories from one generation to the next,” Tenney said.
Tenney said she tries to capture genuine emotion in her photographs. Sessions are interactive and fun, and clients are free to relax and have a good time.
Tenney has won The Knot Best of Weddings 2012 and WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Award 2012.
Her work is available at www.jennytenneyblog.com and www.jennytenney.com. Meetings are by appointment only. Contact her at photo@jennytenney.com or 704-223-4570.
Dillon gets first Senior Worker Award
Josephine Dillon, caregiver with Comfort Keepers In-Home Care of Salisbury, was awarded the first Rowan County Senior Worker Award by the Rowan County Council on Aging at the Service to Seniors Awards Luncheon held May 11 at Rufty-Holmes Senior Center.
The award recognizes accomplishments of public or private sector employees 55 and older for their dedicated efforts in acquiring knowledge and/or skills to succeed in the work place.
Dillon will now be nominated by the Council on Aging for the Mark Sabula/Ann Johnson Older Worker Award through the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Aging & Adult Services in Raleigh. The winner of the Mark Sabula/Ann Johnson Older Worker Award will be announced during Older Workers Week, and state winners will be recognized at the Governor’s Conference on Aging.
Dillon has been employed by Comfort Keepers as a home health aide since 2008.
Real estate investors meeting Tuesday
The Rowan Real Estate Investors and Associates will meet Tuesday, May 22, at 7 p.m., to discuss various types of marketing and branding.
Some of the costs associated with marketing and examples that have been used successfully and maybe not so successfully will be discussed.
The group meets regularly at China Buffet (on Arlington Street behind O’Charleys near Interstate 85 exit 76) on the fourth Tuesday of each month. It is open to all.
Call 704-762-1117 for more information.
Hampton Inn wins Lighthouse Award
The Hampton Inn in Salisbury, 1001 Klumac Road, has earned the company’s Lighthouse Award, designating it as one of the chain’s top performing hotels among more than 1,800 Hampton properties.
It was recognized for high rankings in overall accommodations, service and quality. The award criteria was based on customer feedback measured through guest satisfaction surveys on the hotel, as well as product quality and service scores measured quarterly by Hampton Hotels.
“The competition to be among the elite group of Hampton Lighthouse Award winners becomes stronger each year as the Hampton brand continues to add more hotels and continually looks for ways to strengthen the guest experience. This makes us especially proud to receive the honor,” said Krista Osterweil, general manager.
For more information on the 119-room Hampton Inn, visit www.hampton.com or or call 1-800-HAMPTON.
Free Memorial Day weekend events
CONCORD — Crescent Heights, an independent senior retirement community, is holding free Memorial Day weekend events May 25-28 at 240 Branchview Dr. NE in Concord
First is a military movie night on May 25 at 7 p.m.; a “Respecting Our Flag” celebration is on May 26 at 11 a.m.; a sundae social on May 27 at 1:30 p.m.; and a Memorial Day cookout is on May 28 at 2 p.m.
Guests must RSVP by calling 704-794-6248 and you can visit www.crescentheightsretirement.com for more information.
CCI Telecom sells wireless division
Statesville — CCI Telecom Inc., a Statesville-based telecommunications company, has sold its wireless retail division, which includes three retail stores in Mecklenburg and Iredell counties.
CCI’s telecom division provides businesses with telecommunications solutions like data networks, phone and voicemail systems.
Todd Rankin, CCI’s president of operations, says, “Business technology in the voice and data world is changing at an unprecedented speed. It’s critical that we commit our team to the education and training processes required to be an industry leader. The telecom division represents our best opportunity for growth and needs 100 percent of our attention.”
The PCS Experts, a preferred retailer of Sprint, finalized purchase of the retail stores on April 30.
Two new hires at Walker Marketing
CONCORD — Walker Marketing has hired two staff members: Tammy Kazmierczak, a senior account manager, and Meredith Holt, a public relations account manager.
Kazmierczak has more than 15 years of experience in account management, traffic and production. Holt will work on public relations efforts and has worked as a consultant for multiple clients in the not-for-profit, construction, restaurant and medical institution industries.
Submit information about new businesses, honors and management promotions to bizbriefs@salisburypost.com. Include a daytime phone number.
EnergyUnited works on contingency plans
STATESVILLE — EnergyUnited has been busy ensuring that 20 of its largest electric customers are ready with a contingency plan to prepare for potential extended power interruptions in a program dubbed, “What do you do when the lights go out.”
Led by Mike Russell, energy sales manager, and Keith Wingler, business development and key accounts manager, planning sessions took place at EnergyUnited’s headquarters in Statesville and locations in Huntersville and Lexington.
Carolina CAT partnered with EnergyUnited to bring in expertise on generators and equipment needs. Carolina CAT also drew on its experience and association with the Contingency Planning Association of the Carolinas (CPAC).
Freightliner has new smartphone app
FORT MILL, S.C. — Freightliner Trucks has introduced a new application for smartphone users. Designed for iPhone and Android users to commemorate the company’s 70thanniversary, the free app offers a suite of functional tools for drivers.
The app is an extension of www.freightlinertrucks.com/ 70years, which provides a snapshot of Freightliner’s legacy of innovation withvideos and a detailed timeline. The new app includes dealer locations based on the driver’s current location, event listing and product information.
“Not only are we celebrating our history in a technologically advanced way, but we continue to support our customers by offering a thorough and easy-to-use reference tool that helps drivers while they’re on the road,” said David Marx, manager brand development for Freightliner Trucks.