A bill that’s been introduced in the state Senate would extend the state’s state tax credit for renewable-energy projects, such as the use of solar energy, until 2020.

The tax credit is set to expire at the end of this year, but the bill would keep it going for another five years.

“The tax credit amounts to 35 percent of the costs of a renewable-energy project, the most generous state incentive in the nation. It has played a major role in boosting North Carolina to second in the nation for new solar-energy construction last year,” the Charlotte Business Journal wrote.

The bill, called The Energy Investment Act, states renewable-energy has generated $2.6 billion worth of private investment in the state.

Veterinarian clinic offering tours

Lazy 5 Vets will open its entire campus to the public for guided tours of the hospital and new boarding facility on April 4 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m..  Tours will be informative as well as educational for adults and kids of all ages.

The tour will include veterinary health information, veterinary nutrition, grooming demonstrations, Teddy Bear Repair Station with practicing veterinarians and many other veterinary educational displays.

Kids can enjoy a petting zoo, bounce houses, face-painting as well as drawings and prizes. Refreshments will be provided. Lazy 5 Vets is located at 2916 S. Main St. in Salisbury. Visit www.lazy5vets.com for more information.

New tenants in Salisbury Business Center

Two new tenants have moved into the Salisbury Business Center, home to Integro Technologies, on South Main Street.

Greensboro-based Piedmont Digital Solutions, which specializes in sales of office equipment, such as printers and copiers, and Wells Fargo Advisors have leased space in the building at 301 S. Main St. Recently, additional office space was added.

Hospital names employee of the year

MOORESVILLE — Gill Lyon has been named 2014 Employee of the Year for Lake Norman Regional Medical.

Employees are nominated for the award by their colleagues based on their commitment to patient care, their professionalism and their contributions on the job. Lyon was nominated and chosen by her peers from among 650 employees for the recognition.

“Each employee plays an important role in delivering quality care and creating the best possible experience for our patients,” said CEO Stephen Midkiff. “Gill Lyon exemplifies the best of who we are as healthcare providers through her dedication to our patients and the hospital. It is a pleasure to recognize Gill Lyon and celebrate the hard work of all our employees.”

Lyon has worked at Lake Norman Regional Medical Center since January 1995. First joining the hospital as a volunteer, Lyon was soon hired for the position of switchboard operator where she remained until her promotion to current position of patient services coordinator.

Lyon said, “What is most rewarding about my role is working with patients, family members, volunteers, and staff where I have the opportunity to use my skills in communications and personal relations to coordinate with families to help provide them with the best possible experience.”

Study shows Cabarrus College’s economic impact

A recent economic impact study showed that in fiscal year 2012-13, payroll and operations spending of Cabarrus College, together with the spending of its visitors and alumni, created $16.8 million in added regional income to the Cabarrus College Service Area economy, which is the equivalent of creating 301 new jobs.

The study was conducted as part of a larger effort to assess the economic value of North Carolina’s higher education institutions in the state.

The results of this study also concluded that Cabarrus College benefits the region by increasing consumer spending and supplying a steady flow of workers in the labor force. It also enriches the lives of students by increasing their employability and raising their lifetime incomes.

Cabarrus College is ranked one of the top 10 colleges and universities in North Carolina by a national ranking system of more than 2,000 four-year institutions. College Factual ranked Cabarrus College number eight out of 51 colleges and universities in the state.

Founded in 1942, Cabarrus College of Health Sciences is located in Concord on the campus of Carolinas Medical Center-NorthEast. The college offers master, bachelor and associate degrees, as well as, diplomas, certificates and continuing education. For more information on the college and the programs they offer, visit www.cabarruscollege.edu, or call 704-403-2589 to schedule a visit.

Lutheran Services focusing on business development

In order to further expand its ministries throughout the Carolinas and serve more people, Lutheran Services Carolinas has added two new positions that focus on business development.

John Frye, the former administrator of Trinity Grove, a skilled care nursing home in Wilmington, has been named director of business development for senior services. Frye began his career with LSC in 2009  overseeing the development of Trinity Grove, where he has served as administrator since the home’s opening in 2011. Frye will seek out new business opportunities, look for ways to enhance current programs, research and evaluate industry trends and opportunities as they apply to LSC, and assist with implementing new projects.

Kelly Scherer of Charlotte is heading up new business development for LSC child and family services. Currently, Scherer is helping LSC expand its foster care reach to the Wilmington area. Scherer comes to LSC from a large children’s behavioral health agency, where during his eight years as chief operating officer he helped the agency grow 12 percent annually.

Lutheran Services Carolinas is based in Salisbury. In Rowan County, LSC operates Trinity Oaks, Trinity Living Center and Trinity at Home.