CONCORD — Allegiant Travel Company announced plans to establish a base of operations at the Concord-Padgett Regional Airport, investing $50 million into the new base and generating at least 66 high-wage jobs. The base will also house two Airbus aircrafts when it’s completed by October 2020.

The Las Vegas-based company focuses on linking travelers in small-to-medium cities to world-class leisure destinations. Concord will mark the company’s 21st aircraft base.

“We’re excited about making Concord a permanent base, and further establishing Allegiant as a hometown airline for this high-performance city,” said Keith Hansen, Allegiant’s vice president of government affairs. “With a growing and diverse population seeking affordable vacation travel, and as a regional destination for race enthusiasts, arts fans and more, Concord is an ideal location for an Allegiant base. Having locally-based operations will mean opportunities for expanded hours, as well as more – and more frequent – flight offerings for residents and visitors alike.”

“This decision reaffirms that what began as a wonderful opportunity for a growing destination has grown into a committed relationship,” said Concord-Padgett Regional Airport Aviation Director Dirk Vanderleest. “My staff and I are humbled by this opportunity and milestone for USA. We look forward to working hand in hand with Allegiant Air to ensure that both residents and visitors alike are recipients of excellent customer service and expanded vacation opportunities.”

Both the Concord City Council and Cabarrus County Commissioners approved three-year economic development grants for the expansion. Based on a portion of the increased tax investment, the grant amount from the City of Concord would not exceed $48,649 and $75,001 from Cabarrus County.

“Cabarrus County’s investment in Allegiant emphasizes the power of collaboration,” said Cabarrus County Board of Commissioners Chair Steve Morris. “Our support of projects related to the Concord-Padgett Regional Airport boosts the economic stability of all municipalities in our county and throughout the region.”

 

N.C. Agriculture Commissioner to speak at Power in Partnership breakfast on March 19

SALISBURY — North Carolina Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler will be the keynote speaker at the annual Salute to Agri-business in conjunction with the Power in Partnership breakfast on March 19 at 7:30 a.m.

The event is hosted by the Rowan County Chamber of Commerce and will be held at the West End Plaza, located at 1935 Jake Alexander Blvd.

Troxler was raised in the Guilford County community of Browns Summit and has spent his entire career in agriculture as founder, owner and operator of Troxler Farms. Since taking office in 2005, Troxler has focused on developing new markets for North Carolina farm products, preserving working farms and protecting the state’s food supply.

The sponsor of this month’s PIP is Rowan County Tourism Development Authority. This annual breakfast features Rowan County grown products and is co-presented by the Rowan County Extension Office. Rowan County Farmers are admitted free and should contact the Extension Office to confirm their reservations.

The reservation deadline is March 17 by noon. The cost is $15 for members and $25 for non-members. The price includes the cost of breakfast and the program. Contact the Chamber for information on reservations or sponsorship opportunities at 704-633-4221 or info@rowanchamber.com.

 

New Innovator’s Journey (InJ) program to host info-session on March 12

An informational session for the new Innovator’s Journey (InJ) program will be held at Livingstone College, located at 530 Jake Alexander Blvd., at 5:30 p.m.

The Innovator’s Journey (InJ) Program is a statewide learning program online and in-person that allows participants to navigate through a standard workflow and help small businesses gain access to capital and contract opportunities. The program is free of charge.

Applicants must attend six weeks of a two-hour entrepreneurial training course at Livingstone College. The program provides participants with reduced time to communicate entrepreneurial intentions and an opportunity to pitch businesses to large corporations. Additionally, the program provides more clarity about participants’ businesses, the opportunity to learn a common language and complete the program with a portfolio of completed canvases.

People who are interested can register for the info session at https://injplivingstoneinfosession.eventbrite.com.

Space is limited, and applications must be submitted by March 25 at CarolinaSmallBusiness.org/INJ2020.

 

Novant Health team members pledge more than $1 million to those in need

CHARLOTTE — Over the course of five weeks, more than 4,700 Novant Health team members pledged $1.29 million to support patients, team members and their local communities through the Novant Health team member giving campaign called, “Giving. Serving. Together.”

The campaign provides an opportunity for Novant Health team members across all Novant Health markets to cover a four-state area to join together and give back to those in need.

“The annual ‘Giving. Serving. Together.’ campaign is a way for our team members to support each other, our patients and the communities we serve,” said Ann Caulkins, the senior vice president of Novant Health and president of Novant Health Foundations. “Through this campaign, our team members’ donations will impact countless lives, improve the overall health of our communities and continue to make a difference where we work and live.”

Donations to regional Novant Health foundations and local community agencies include employee assistance funds, services at free clinics, new technology, updated equipment, patient programming, new facilities, assistance for people in need of shelter, food, clothing and personal care, and research funding.

Additionally, team members donated more than 1,600 hours to giving back through various events for community organizations and initiatives.