U.S. Congressman Richard Hudson will speak at the Rowan County Chamber of Commerce’s Power in Partnership (PIP) breakfast Feb. 19, at 7:30 a.m. at Trinity Oaks, 728 Klumac Road.

As a special part of the congressman coming to the Rowan Chamber’s PIP, Facebook will bring its Small Business Boost program to the event. Facebook will offer a free seminar for small businesses immediately following the breakfast meeting. The seminar will run from 8:30 to 9:15 a.m.

Experts from Facebook’s Small Business Team will share best practices, success stories, and strategies for how to grow, manage, and understand your small business identity on Facebook.  This event is designed for new businesses as well as Facebook ninjas. Those attending will learn tips and tricks directly from Facebook’s small business experts.

Hudson was elected in November 2012 to represent North Carolina’s 8th Congressional District. He graduated from Myers Park High School in Charlotte and earned his bachelor of arts degree in history and political science from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte while serving as student body president.

Prior to being elected to Congress, Hudson founded Cabarrus Marketing Group, a small business in Concord that provides strategic communications consulting and business development services. As a small business owner and operator, he understands the challenges confronting business leaders who struggle to remain competitive and successful in an uncertain economy.

The upcoming PIP dates are: March 19, April 16 and May 21. There are no breakfast meetings in the summer months. The 2015-16 PIP season will start again in September and run through May. Those interested can obtain a half-season power card, which is the Rowan Chamber’s frequent attender program. Card holders receive a discounted price for the series and do not have to make a reservation each month.

For those who are not power card holders, individual reservations can be made by the reservation deadline, Feb. 17 by 5 p.m. The cost is $15 for members and $25 for non-members. The price includes the cost of breakfast and the program. Contact the Chamber at 704-633-4221 or info@rowanchamber.com.

Foote honored by restaurant association

RALEIGH — The North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association announced the winners of its 2015 Stars of the Industry Awards during the annual Taste of N.C. event Monday. Those honored were individuals who have accomplished distinguished achievements in the restaurant, lodging and hospitality industries or who have diligently provided superior service to North Carolinians and valued guests.

Chris Foote, managing partner at the Longhorn Steakhouse in Salisbury, was awarded “Restaurateur of the Year,” during the event.

Foote’s diligent work as a managing partner of the Longhorn Steakhouse in Salisbury has distinguished him in North Carolina’s restaurant, lodging and hospitality industry, a release about the event said.

Lynn Minges, president and CEO of NCRLA, said, “From reliable employees to emerging managers and owners, the Stars of the Industry Awards recognize those individuals whose steadfast commitment have not only fostered positive public perception of our industry but have created a vibrant and cohesive hospitality community throughout the state.”

For more information about the event and award winners, visit www.ncrla.org.

Thrivent extends sponsorship with NASCAR team

Thrivent Financial has announced an extended sponsorship with Leavine Family Racing for the 2015 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season. Thrivent will be the primary sponsor on the No. 95 Ford Fusion driven by Michael McDowell for 10 races and an associate sponsor for another 10 races.

Thrivent will kick off this season as the primary sponsor on the No. 95 car at the 57th Daytona 500, NASCAR’s most prestigious race. Other prominent races for the organization will include Bristol, Indianapolis and Charlotte.

Headquartered in Minneapolis, Thrivent serves Christians and their families across the country with a broad range of products and services — including life insurance, annuities and mutual funds — along with guidance from financial representatives.

Thrivent Financial is represented in the Salisbury area by a number of financial representatives. Individuals interested in contacting a local Thrivent Financial representative can find more information at www.thrivent.com.

Comfort Keepers recognizes years of service

Since 2001, Comfort Keepers has been providing in-home care for area seniors. Each year Comfort Keepers honors its dedicated team of caregivers for their years of service. The following caregivers were recognized in December for their years of commitment and dedication to Comfort Keepers.

One Year: Linda Allen, Afi Clark, Jonathon Schoenholz, Patricia Stellings, Ashleigh Trotter, Blossie Marklin, Tiffany Williams, Georgianna Durant, Gabrielle Jackson, Tammy Hollar, Anne Neely, Melisa Lefler, Jessica Wilkinson, Cathy Barton, Elizabeth Simpson, Kayla Fortune, Anna Buchanan, Allyison Nunn, Karen Vincent, Elise Thompson, Ayesha Younger, Fredricka Barnes, Amber Knowles, Sandra McBride, Rosetta Powell, Annette Thomas, Amber Gandy, Gradelia Roberts, Carolyn Smith, Pamela McPhaul, Donna Glenn, Yvonne Moore

Two Years: Jennifer Gregg, , AJ Kerley, Joy Miller, Cree Tabor, Vickie McClain, Slavica Allen, Ma’Lissa Blair-Hewlett, Maria Strickler, Amber Winebarger, Camille Mackey, Debra Matthews, Wanda Outlaw, Nicola Bradshaw, Adrienne Smith, Winifred Tillman, Dorothy Feaster, Rhonda Robinson, Emily Craig, Shawnice Simpson, Nicole Johnson, Tasha Robbins, Nyanpu Chea, Jennifer Deese, Andrea Torrence, Charlotte Phillips Rogers, Jennifer Gaillard, Amy Barfield,

Three Years: Charlene Jordan-Hall, Zondra Rice, Shaquola Coleman, Tammy Kennedy, Robin Ballard, Martha Blanchard, Michael Carceres, Valerie Crawford, Shawntae Farmer, Tiffany Hopkins, Valarie Hopkins, Tywanda Jackson, Doris Lee, Brian Macarine, Jennifer Myers, Derek Oglesby Felecia Scott, Marie Tara, Latonina Vandroff, Tamela White, Thaola Burney, Peaches Wright, Eric DiGiacomo, Jennifer Williams, Mary Gadson, Amanda Milam, Timika Scott,

Four Years: Ann Measmer, Margaret Knapp, Kristen Parnell, Ruby Walker, Deborah Owen, Carol Miller, Gerry Fenner, Marti Walters, Toni Smith, Wanda Geter, Iola Blakeney, Ida Holzclaw, Katie Gregory, Angela Kiser, Linda Mayer, Kristina Messer, Rose Neeley, Carrie Powell, Edith Saulters, Annie Shaw, Christie White, Shirley White, Sylvia Wilson, Teresa Horton, Rita Dyson, Penny Carlton, Jean Edwards, Pam Wilkinson

Five Years: Andy Fortune, Barbara Atwell, Hazelene Johnson, Sheila Payne, Stacie McSweeney, Kimberly Allen, Veronica Vasquez-Chavez

Six Years: Edith Walker, Cynthia Nunn, Evelyn Givens, Josephine Dillon, Tia Livengood, Shawanda Sanders

Seven Years: Miatta Kennedy, Doris Kohler, Carol Scott, Sasha Harris

Eight Years: Cynthia Douglas, Overia Brown, Kathryn D’Andrea, Mavis Spratt, Sherry Stokes

Nine Years: Lynda Butler, Alice Dunne, Francine Craig

10 years: Sonya Vann, Betty Moten

11 years: Patrice Gordon

12 years: Toni Bolt

“We have been focused on providing dependable and compassionate caregiving services for families throughout the area. Our caregivers are the key to our success and we could not do it without them. It is an honor to have the opportunity to recognize our most valuable resource for their dedication to our seniors and to our company.” said Lori Eberly, owner of the local Comfort Keepers. “We have experienced unprecedented growth in the past few years and currently employ 225 in-home aides, each trained to provide a unique interactive caregiving experience. I’m especially proud of the fact that more than half of our caregivers have been with us for more than three years, and 75 percent have been with us for over one year. In an industry that generally experiences high turnover in staff, our retention rates set us apart from many of our competitors and allow us to provide a more consistent service to our clients.”

Comfort Keepers provides in-home services on an hourly, daily or weekly basis with tailored packages customized to an individual’s needs. Packages include companionship, personal care, private duty nursing, and emergency response technology. Their mission is to treat each client with the respect and dignity they deserve, as though they are caring for a member of their own family.

Comfort Keepers continues to hire interactive caregivers and CNA’s in the area. Applications are accepted online at ck185.hyrell.com

For more information, call 1-877-898-0060 or visit www.comfortkeepers.com