Chamber of Commerce kicks off 2019 campaign

The Rowan County Chamber of Commerce will kick off its 2019 Total Resource Campaign on Monday.

The kickoff will be from 5 to 7 p.m. in conjunction with its Business After Hours mixer at Trinity Oaks, 728 Klumac Road.

The theme of this year’s campaign is “2020 Vision: Back Your Future With the Chamber.” Team captains will be dressed in futuristic costumes as they encourage volunteers to make the campaign an “out of this world” opportunity for the business community.

“We have a clear vision for 2020,” said Gary Blabon, of Novant Health Rowan Medical Center, chairman-elect of the chamber and the campaign chairman.

Team captains include Martha Bostian, of Novant Health Rowan Medical Center; Elia Gegorek, of Gegorek & Associates Realty LLC/Minority Business Council; Ted Goins, of Lutheran Services Carolinas; Donna Groce, of Trinity Oaks; Bob Honeycutt, of F&M Bank; Ken Ingle, of Rowan-Cabarrus Community College;  Daniel Matangira, of Holmes Iron & Metal/Matangira Recycling; Dr. Nicole Sherrill-Corry, of NSC Behavioral Health Concepts; and Pete Teague, of Livingstone College.

After the kickoff, campaign volunteers will participate in sales training sessions to learn about new benefits and services.

The campaign will run through Sept. 13, with prizes being awarded at the Sept. 16 board meeting. The goals include 50 new members; 90% retention of first-year renewals; 10% tiered benefit members for 2020 investments; and $5,000 in nondues revenue.

Salisbury Dental Care welcomes Brett Leslie

Dr. Brett Leslie has joined Salisbury Dental Care, 480 Jake Alexander Blvd.

Leslie is a native of Rowan County. He attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for his undergraduate education and received his doctorate in dental medicine with honors from the East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine.

He was inducted into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon national dental honor society and is a member of the American Dental Association and the North Carolina Dental Society.

Leslie enjoys playing golf, spending time with his family and friends, and cheering on the UNC Tar Heels and ECU Pirates.

 

Longtime groomer opens boarding, dog day care

Denise Youker has expanded her business to include boarding and day care, creating what she likes to call a “home away from home” for dogs.

Puppy Luv Doggie Daycare, formerly known as The Gentle Groomer, will host an open house and grand opening from 2 to 4 p.m. Aug. 18. Still located at 1425 Jake Alexander Blvd. S., the business now has more than 2,600 square feet of renovated space.

“I wanted to make Puppy Luv feel like a home away from away, where dogs can be happy and relaxed,” Youker said. “Once they arrive, it doesn’t take them long to understand that this is a place where they are loved and safe.”

Youker has created indoor and outdoor play areas for large and small dogs with a separate area for grooming. Dogs have ongoing interaction throughout the day with Youker and her staff, as well as with other dogs.

Puppy Luv Doggie Daycare requires a free evaluation for all new dogs. Youker and her staff will determine each dog’s compatibility for group interaction and play. To schedule an evaluation, call 704-431-4121.

Day care is offered from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Overnight boarding is offered seven days a week. Owners must provide vaccination records, and pets must be current on flea and tick treatment.

During the open house Aug. 18, Puppy Luv will collect dog food for the Humane Society of Rowan County and the AnimMeals program with Meals on Wheels, for companion animals.

To learn more about Puppy Luv Doggie Daycare, visit www.puppyluvdoggiedaycare.com.

Rowan Medical Center tech receives registered nurse scholarship

Novant Health has awarded 20 men and women its Upward Mobility RN Scholarship, which supports team members who aspire to be registered nurses.

Among those receiving the scholarship is Sarah Agner, a behavioral health technician at Novant Health Rowan Medical Center. Other recipients work in the Winston-Salem and Charlotte areas.

Through the Upward Mobility RN Scholarship program, Novant Health team members received up to two years of up-front coverage of tuition and fees for the accredited nursing program leading to licensure as a registered nurse; flexibility of working a reduced schedule without a reduction in pay and benefits; and access to mentorship and career coaching.

Senior insurance counselor honored

Kenny Hayes, a senior health insurance information counselor at Rufty-Holmes Senior Center, received the 2019 Piedmont Regional Volunteer of the Year Award.

Hayes has been a volunteer counselor since October 2006 and was recognized for going above and beyond for the beneficiaries he counsels.

He is one of Rowan County’s most experienced SHIIP volunteer counselors and is charged with ensuring each client fully understands Medicare options.

Rufty-Holmes is home to the SHIIP program for Rowan County.

Open enrollment is soon. Last year, volunteers helped save Rowan Medicare beneficiaries more than $200,000 in drug costs.

Call 704-216-7704 for more information or to make an appointment.