Salisbury-Rowan Realtors association installs officers

The Salisbury-Rowan Association of Realtors installed its 2019 officers and directors at a January meeting.

Officers for 2019 are President Tom Bost; Treasurer Jason Wallace; Secretary Monica Poole; President-Elect Kelli Fischer; and Immediate Past President Mary Arey. Directors for 2019 are Penny Adelsberger, Beth Bean, Mike Rusher and Dan Wagoner.

During the meeting, Arey recapped 2018 highlights, which included the association celebrating its 60th anniversary in June.

The association consolidated operations in July by moving into the South State Bank building.

Its summer golf tournament allowed it to donate $2,000 to Rowan-Salisbury Schools’ Summer Meals Program.

Small business optimism remains strong

A survey released last week by the National Federal of Independent Business said optimism among small businesses remains strong.

NFIB’s optimism index drifted down by 0.4 points, to 104.4, according to the report.

While state-specific data was not available, the organization’s state director, Gregg Thompson, said North Carolina income tax cuts that take effect this month should further help businesses grow in 2019.

Unfilled jobs and the lack of qualified applicants continue to be a primary driver, with job openings setting a record high and job creation plans strengthening, a news release said.

The survey polled a random sample of NFIB members.

Novant Health adds members to board of trustees

Novant Health on Wednesday announced the addition of two ex-officio, nonvoting members to its board of trustees.

While Novant Health operates Rowan Medical Center, the the new trustees will serve on the board for the broader company, which serves the Carolinas, Virginia and Georgia.

They are Joia Johnson, who will chair the Triad region board, and Lee Myers, who will chair the Southern Piedmont region board. Terms began Jan. 1 and end Dec. 31, 2021.

Johnson is the chief administrative officer, general counsel and corporate secretary for Hanesbrands.

Myers is a lifelong resident of Mecklenburg County and has practiced law for more than 40 years.

“These new board members will bring insight to how we can continue to improve the health of our communities and advance our mission, vision and values, including our promise to deliver convenient, accessible and affordable care to our patients,” said Carl S. Armato, president and CEO of Novant Health.