Spalding named to Charlotte Regional Business Alliance executive committee

Rowan Chamber of Commerce President Elaine Spalding has been named to the executive committee of the newly created Charlotte Regional Business Alliance.

The alliance is the merged organization of the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce and Charlotte Economic Development Partnership.

Spalding was invited along with other regional leaders to help provide outreach to the entire metro area. There are 27 members of the executive committee.

Spalding is a regional partners co-chairwoman, joining Russ Rogerson of Iredell Economic Development.

Biscuitville president named to 2018 New Top Restaurant Executives list

Nation’s Restaurant News, a leading food service industry magazine, published its list of “2018 New Top Restaurant Executives” and included Biscuitville Fresh Southern President Kathie Niven.

Niven was named president of Biscuitville, which is based in Greensboro, in March.

The Nation’s Restaurant News list features 62 people who assumed the top post at restaurant-industry companies during 2018. In addition to Niven, the list included Ruth’s Chris CEO Cheryl Henry, Chipotle CEO Brian Niccol, Buffalo Wild Wings President Lyle Tick, and Cinnabon President Kristen Hartman.

“We’re thrilled for Kathie to be included among the leaders of America’s restaurant industry. She is certainly deserving of this accolade,” Biscuitville CEO Burney Jennings said. “Kathie was the perfect fit to become Biscuitville’s president last spring, and she immediately began 

providing tremendous leadership and vision for our company.”

Niven was previously the chief brand officer at Biscuitville. Niven has also served as vice president of field marketing for Quiznos and marketing executive with RTM/Arby’s Roast Beef, Burger King, and Krispy Kreme Doughnuts.

Biscuitville employs more than 1,200 people and operates 55 restaurants in North Carolina and Virginia.