The leaders of six Lake Norman-based companies, including Dave Hawkins of Ingersoll Rand in Davidson and Presbyterian Hospital Huntersville president Tanya Blackmon, describe what makes the region attractive to their businesses and employees.
"Since 1976, Ingersoll Rand has called Lake Norman home," says Hawkins, vice president of talent and organization development. "With more than 1,100 employees on our Davidson campus, we understand what Lake Norman has to offer. The abundant recreational opportunities, proximity to a major airport, cultural amenities, affordable living costs and exceptional talent make it easy to attract and retain employees."
"The combination of an excellent education system and an innovative workforce with easy access to high quality healthcare makes the area attractive to businesses looking for a new home," says Blackmon.
Other executives featured in the new LNREDC Web-based testimonials include Mike Griffin of Griffin Brothers Companies, Wayne Hoffman of Forbo Siegling LLC, Ralph Daetwyler of Max Daetwyler Corp., and Prentis Trickett of ABB High Voltage Cables.
View the testimonials at www.lakenormanregion.com.
What a difference 1,500 feet could make
Carefree Boat Club of Lake Norman announced recently its relocation from WaterStreet Seaport to Morningstar Marinas at Kings Point in Cornelius, a move owner Marc Graveline said is small, yet big.
"Though we are only moving 1,500 feet north of our current facility, the benefits to our members are significant," he said in a recent statement. "The gas dock will be within a few boat lengths of our slips and members can unload their vehicles less than 100 feet from the dock."
Graveline says the new site also offers better proximity to bathrooms, showers and waterfront picnic areas.
Carefree Boat Club of Lake Norman opened in May 2010, and offers members rental use of its six-boat fleet through an online reservation system. Membership is reciprocal with other Carefree Boat Club locations along the east and south coasts, from Maryland to Florida to Texas.
The Cornelius location is independently owned and operated by Graveline and his wife, Oana. Learn more at www.carefreeboats.com.
Top skin care labels now available locally
Featuring skin care brands such as Mario Badescu, L'Occitane and Lather, Pretty — A Beauty Boutique has opened its doors in downtown Davidson.
Davidson Mayor John Woods helped boutique owner Leah Bartley-Addis cut the ribbon on her new business last week, which in addition to skin care products will offer a variety of natural men's, children's and hair care products.
Pretty — A Beauty Boutique is at 106 S. Main St., and is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Chamber sponsors run toward new home
The latest Our Towns Habitat for Humanity project — the Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce Business Build — is off and running, and is looking for runners to participate in an upcoming fundraiser for the $71,500 undertaking.
On Saturday, Feb. 25, several Chamber member businesses will join sponsors Aquesta Insurance Services and In Motion Fitness in a 10K Challenge Run/Walk at the Bailey Middle School track in Cornelius. Runners and walkers are asked to collect a $1 minimum pledge per lap, and are not required to complete the full 10 kilometers. Prizes will be awarded to the runners and walkers who collect the most pledges.
Wells Fargo Bank has already pledged $30,000 in initial direct funding, with another $20,000 committed in matching contributions. The project's leaders are Kevin Mahl of Champion Tire and Wheel and Kevin Pote, Wells Fargo's business banking manager for the Lake Norman region.
Interested participants or donors can register online at www.ourtownshabitat.org. Deadline to receive donations and sponsors for the build is Wednesday, Feb. 29.
2011 volume, sales rise, winners named
Lake Norman Realty reports it finished 2011 with a 45.3 percent increase in sales volume over 2010, while also posting an increase in sales units of nearly 47 percent when compared to the previous year.
"When compared to the average market growth of less than three percent, you can see why we're excited," says Abigail Jennings, company president.
At the company's recent annual meeting, several associates were recognized for their efforts in 2011, including Sheila Massey, Service Provider of the Year; Robb Collier, James A. Jennings Community Spirit Award; Michelle Giolitti, Success Award; and Nancy Hucks, President's Award.
Top listing associates were Debbie Monroe (Cornelius office), Jerry Gates (Denver), Maria Jacobs (Mooresville), Sally Parker (Statesville) and Hucks (Davidson and company overall).
Top sales associates were Mary Lou Haraburd (Cornelius), Eric Taylor (Denver), Ann Scott (Mooresville), Tom Gregory (Statesville) and Celeste Colcord (Davidson and company overall).
Real estate firm names sales manager
Park Avenue Properties, a real estate and property management firm, has named Dale Miller as its new real estate sales manager in charge of the firm's division of real estate agents.
Miller has worked in the real estate industry since 1992, including 10 years with Ryan Homes. He is a member of the National Association of Realtors and the Charlotte Regional Realtors Association, and holds a bachelor of science degree in management.
A Lake Norman resident for more than 20 years, Miller lives in the area with his wife and daughter.
Small biz on the move
After five years on the other side of the lake, Merle Norman Cosmetic Studio owner Celeste Driscoll has relocated her business from Denver to Birkdale Village.
The studio carries the largest selection of Rainbow Sandals and Switchflops in the area, and also offers jewelry, handbags, gift items and a full line of beauty products.
The new Merle Norman location is at 16835 Birkdale Commons Pkwy. For more information, visit www.morenorman.com or call 704-896-8222.
Also relocating is Personally Trained By Sophie, a personal fitness studio in Mooresville that has quickly outgrown its space on Lugnut Lane. After less than a year in business, owner Sophie Pratola has moved to 127 C-1 Promenade Drive, next to Brawley Tire and Automotive and only about one mile from her previous location.
The move has allowed Pratola to double the number of individuals she can train at one time, from three to six. A personal fitness instructor, Pratola holds degrees in food science and exercise science, and is a certified health fitness specialist through the American College of Sports Medicine.
For more information, contact Pratola at 704-604-1518 or visit www.personallytrainedbysophie.com.
Learn to stand up and be heard in April
During April, the Davidson Toastmasters will offer a four-session workshop on developing public speaking and leadership skills. The four one-hour speaking and leadership sessions will be held April 4, 11, 18 and 25, from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m.
Workshop cost is $20 and pre-registration is required before March 15.
To register, contact Tim White at 704-947-6932 or at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or send a $20 check made payable to Davidson Toastmasters to Paul Newton, VP Education, Davidson Toastmasters, P.O. Box 6329, Concord, NC 28027.
The Davidson Toastmasters club meets at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesdays at the Lake Norman YMCA (21300 Davidson St., Cornelius).
