Laura Hamilton to speak at Power in Partnership

Laura Hamilton will present “Why Are You Looking for the Wizard?” at the Rowan County Chamber of Commerce’s Power in Partnership breakfast at 7:30 a.m. May 16 at Trinity Oaks.

The breakfast will also be the graduation ceremony for the Leadership Rowan Class 26 and is sponsored by Duke Energy.

Hamilton is president of her own speaking, training and consulting business. Laura Hamilton Seminars Inc. has been conducting seminars and workshops in the area of communication skills for more than 25 years across the Southeast. She numbers among her clients Dell, Chevrolet, GMC Truck, Home Depot and nonprofit organizations across the United States.

“Why Are You Looking for the Wizard?” focuses on Dorothy and her cronies who went to Emerald City to pursue unfulfilled dreams from the wizard. Most people are looking for a wizard or something magical to help solve their personal and professional concerns. This presentation helps participants become aware that the “Wizard” is within. Topics include:

• The strength in a resilient leader.

• The power of effective teamwork.

• The value of flexibility in times of change.

• The insight to value each other’s skill sets.

• Ways to handle the fear of the unknown.

• The desire to define goals.

• Adaptability to redefine goals.

• Obtainable solutions.

• The adventurous trip down the yellow brick road.

A graduate of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Hamilton received the certified speaking professional designation from the National Speakers Association, which has been awarded to fewer than 500 professional speakers in the nation.

This is the last Power in Partnership of the series. It will take a break for the summer and return Sept. 19, Oct. 17, Nov. 21 and Dec. 19.

Reservations are required for non-Power Card members. To register, contact the chamber at 704-633-4221 or info@rowanchamber.com. The deadline is 5 p.m. May 14. The cost is $15 for members and $25 for nonmembers and includes the cost of breakfast and the program. 

The breakfast will be sponsored by Duke Energy.

Trinity Oaks is at 728 Klumac Road.

Salisbury given Main Street America accreditation 

RALEIGH — The National Main Street Center has designated Salisbury as an accredited Main Street America program for 2019. The city was one of 46 North Carolina communities to receive the designation from the North Carolina Department of Commerce.

The recognition is awarded to communities that demonstrate exemplary commitment to preservation-based economic development and community revitalization through the Main Street approach.

“The Main Street and Rural Planning Center builds capacity in our rural and small-town communities,” said Secretary of Commerce Anthony M. Copeland. “These nationally accredited communities work closely with the community development experts in the Department of Commerce to create vibrant downtowns that attract investment and create jobs all across our state.”

“We are proud to acknowledge this year’s nationally accredited Main Street America programs that have worked tirelessly to strengthen their communities,” said Patrice Frey, president and CEO of the National Main Street Center. “These programs deserve recognition for generating impressive economic returns, preserving community character, and celebrating local history.”

Retail Business Services leaders recognized as Women of Influence in the Food Industry

Adrienne Heil and Christy Phillips-Brown of Retail Business Services have been named to The Griffin Report of the Northeast’s 2019 Women of Influence in the Food Industry list, which honors women  leadership, dedication and expertise in their industries.

Retail Business Services is the services company of Ahold Delhaize USA.

Heil, vice president of human resources, has a 19-year tenure with Ahold Delhaize USA legacy companies. She joined Retail Business Services when the company was launched in 2018. 

She began her career as a generalist and a human resources business partner, moving into progressively responsible roles leading staffing and diversity, executive talent and serving in brand HR leadership roles with Ahold USA.

“Ahold Delhaize USA has offered me remarkable development opportunities over the course of my career, not the least of which has been the chance to work with and be mentored by dynamic, supportive leaders,” Heil said. “It is exciting to be acknowledged along with Christy and our colleagues from the great local brands.”

Christy Phillips-Brown has been vice president of communications for Retail Business Services since January 2018. Before that, she served for nine years with Food Lion, where she helped develop and launch the Food Lion Feeds program, which has pledged to donate 500 million meals by the end of 2020.

“I’ve been fortunate to have many great opportunities to lead initiatives that have helped me grow professionally and personally, and these efforts were not without great mentors and colleagues who helped influence, guide and shape the person I am today,” Phillips-Brown said. “I’m truly grateful for all of the opportunities and to work for a great organization that cares for its associates and focuses on development and growth of its people.”

Sheetz for the Kidz donates $601,000 to feed children struggling with hunger 

ALTOONA, Pa. – Sheetz for the Kidz, an employee-driven charity that helps children in need, has donated $601,000 to local Feeding America member food banks in Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio and Maryland.

The donation is meant to provide hunger relief to children struggling throughout the states in which Sheetz operates.

The $601,000 donation will help provide 6 million meals for children and is part of a new annual commitment to Feeding America.

“Proper nutrition is critical to a child’s health, growth and development. Yet one in six children face hunger in America,” said Nancy Curby, senior vice president of corporate partnerships at Feeding America. “Feeding America is thankful to Sheetz for the Kidz for its generous support and commitment to helping children who need it most during the summer months.”

CarolinaMLS becomes primary multiple listing service for Salisbury/Rowan Association of Realtors

CHARLOTTE — The Carolina Multiple Listing Services Inc., known as CarolinaMLS, is now the primary multiple listing service for Salisbury/Rowan Association of Realtors.

CarolinaMLS, which has about 16,300 subscribers, is the private cooperative Realtors use to access tens of thousands of residential listings in a multicounty area, including Charlotte, the Piedmont and the mountain areas of North Carolina and South Carolina. It is a subsidiary of the Charlotte Regional Realtor Association.

“We’re excited about becoming part of CarolinaMLS and the wealth of possibilities this new alliance offers,” said Tom Bost, president of the Salisbury/Rowan Association of Realtors. “We believe CarolinaMLS will provide our members with greater access to technology and resources.”

CarolinaMLS offers multiple tools and training to equip Realtors with up-to-date, accurate information to better serve clients and compete in today’s rapidly changing real estate market.

“We’re excited to welcome our new (multiple listing service) subscribers in Rowan, Burke and McDowell counties and look forward to providing the latest in technology, such as interactive real estate analysis tools and robust housing market reports,” said Brenda Hayden, president of the Charlotte Regional Realtor Association and CarolinaMLS.

Cabarrus County Destination & Motorsports Guide available

CONCORD — The latest edition of the official travel resource for Concord, Kannapolis, Harrisburg, Midland and Mount Pleasant is available from the Cabarrus County Convention and Visitors Bureau.

As a tribute to NASCAR artist Sam Bass and to mark the 60th Coca-Cola 600, the cover of this year’s Destination & Motorsports Guide features a Bass design to commemorate the 2009 race. Inside, stories showcase new attractions, seasonal itineraries, the craft beverage scene in Cabarrus County and more.

“The guide has always been a reflection of our community, and Cabarrus County is a destination that’s steeped in tradition and excitement,” said Donna Carpenter, bureau president and CEO. “From the energy portrayed in Sam’s work to the vibrant images and videos incorporated throughout, this year’s guide inspires action and encourages everyone who picks it up to experience the full-throttle fun of Cabarrus County.”

Augmented reality brings the guide to life when paired with the free Visit Cabarrus app. To access exclusive videos, download or update the app in the App Store or Google Play. Then, hover the device over any image with the “AR” icon and follow the prompts.

To request a copy of the guide, go to VisitCabarrus.com. The guide is also available at the Cabarrus County Visitor Center, major Cabarrus attractions, participating restaurants and Cabarrus County hotels. To offer the guide at your location, contact Amber Levi at 704-456-7974.