CONCORD — It was announced in September that Amazon, the huge online retailer, is opening a distribution center in Concord.

The online retailer will occupy a facility at the Concord Airport Business Park, according to an article in the Independent Tribune of Cabarrus County. Concord Mayor Scott Padgett told the Tribune Amazon plans to hire 150-200 workers beginning in January.

At www.amazonfulfillmentcareers.com, the only job listed for the Concord facility as of Friday was a “part-time seasonal fulfillment associate.” To find the job posting, go to the site and click on “hourly jobs” in the upper right, and then on the next page click on “see our current openings” on the right side of the page.

Chick-N-Ale will have table service starting Monday

Chick-N-Ale , a new restaurant on E. Innes Street downtown, will begin table service Monday. Originally, customers ordered at the bar before finding a seat. But after receiving customer feedback, the restaurant decided to make the change.

“Guests state that our extensive menu, great beer selection, cool bar and warm environment doesn’t say quick casual. It says come in, sit and stay awhile. It says, order another round.,” a press release from the restaurant states.

“Also on every Monday going forward from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.. We will be hosting a beer or wine tasting dinner …  for $15.00 per person,” the release states. The dinner will include a four or five course paring of upscale food and beverage including dessert.

Allison named branch manager at CommunityOne Bank

CommunityOne Bank N.A. recently named Frank Allison as the branch manager for the Faith Road Office and Jake Alexander Office in Salisbury.

“We are pleased to welcome Frank to the Consumer Banking team at CommunityOne and believe that his knowledge and experience will be an asset toward increasing our community presence and growing business at our Salisbury branches” commented Darrell Rogers, Consumer Banking Manager for CommunityOne.

Allison joins the Consumer Banking team with over 13 years of banking experience most recently as Vice President Retail Operations Manager, NC/SC for Bank of North Carolina.  He is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree with a concentration in Consuming Lending and Credit Risk Management from the University of Phoenix.  He is an active member of Jamestown United Methodist Church where he has served as Scout Master and Assistant Scout Master for the Boy Scouts of America.

CommunityOne Bank N.A. is a subsidiary of CommunityOne Bancorp.  Opened in 1907, CommunityOne operates 50 branches throughout central, southern and western North Carolina.

Forbes: North Carolina 3rd best for business in U.S.

Forbes, a leading business and financial publication, recently named North Carolina the nation’s third best state for business.

“With one of the highest net migration rates in the U.S., people have been flocking to North Carolina for the past decade. They are chasing jobs. The unemployment rate was stuck above 10 percent for most of 2009 through 2011, but was down to a recent 6.7 percent,” the article said.

The article also said North Carolina has the smallest union workforce in the country, resulting in cheaper labor costs.

Utah was ranked the best state for business while North Dakota was second and Virginia was fourth. Mississippi was ranked the worst state for business.

In 2013, Forbes ranked North Carolina number 4

Credit union raises money for two programs

In September and October, Lion’s Share Federal Credit Union staff raced “Horse Power against Horsepower” to raise money for Saving Grace Therapeutic Programs and Victory Junction Camp.

Lion’s Share Members were asked to make a donation to either charity.  Each donation to Saving Grace moved a horse around the track. Each donation to Victory Junction moved a race car.  At the end of the race Lion’s Share FCU matched their Member’s contributions dollar for dollar and helped both Saving Grace and Victory Junction be a winner.

Saving Grace Therapeutic Programs is located in Salisbury and provides physical, mental, social, educational, and emotional benefits to people with special needs and disabilities by providing equine assisted activities. Instructors work with teachers, parents, doctors, and therapists on goals and objectives, and incorporate them into the therapeutic horsemanship programs.

Saving Grace’s Program Director, Janna Griggs stated, “We greatly appreciate the support from Lion’s Share and their staff, and plan to use the funds to sponsor riders and groups who would like to participate in our programs, but are limited financially.”

To learn more about Saving Grace, or to make a donation to sponsor a participant, visit them online at www.savinggracefarm.com

Victory Junction Camp enriches the lives of children with serious illnesses by providing life changing camping experiences that are fun and empowering. Victory Junction strives to create a foundation that fosters independence, confidence, and continuous growth after camp to better the quality of life for children. To make donations and learn more, visit www.victoryjunction.org.

Blood Drive at Lake Norma hospital Dec. 19

MOORESVILLE — Lake Norman Regional Medical Center will host a Blood Drive with the American Red Cross Dec. 19. The blood drive will take place in Community Rooms A and B in the main building of Lake Norman Regional Medical Center from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.  The blood drive is open to the public, and appointments are not required but recommended.  You will need to bring photo identification with you.

While the area has been spared by natural disasters this year, the blood supply for the region is still below the levels needed for the area’s population count. Therefore, donors are in great need.

To register or to find out more about this blood drive, please call the hospital’s Community Outreach department at 704-660-4859 or visit www.redcrossblood.org.