Garner, N.C. – Butterball, LLC has appointed Steve Swan as complex manager at its Mt. Olive, N.C. plant. In his new role, he will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the plant, which processes and packages retail, food service, deli and ready-to-eat turkey products. Additionally, he will continue to maintain and strengthen the facility’s high safety standards.

“Butterball is looking forward to the positive leadership Steve will bring to the continued success of our Mt. Olive facility,” said Joe Nalley, COO of Butterball. “His extensive background in food processing and proven track record will benefit our employees and the satisfaction of our customers.”

The Mt. Olive facility is the largest of Butterball’s processing facilities and also operates as one of the biggest poultry processing plants in the world. To date, the facility has achieved some of the most notable safety standards within the industry. Most recently, the Mt. Olive facility was recognized as a Rising Star from the North Carolina OSHA. This distinction designates worksites that have implemented exemplary standards for workplace health and safety in 18 areas of occupational safety.

“Throughout every position Swan has held with Butterball, he goes above and beyond to ensure the safety of our employees and satisfy our customers,” said Joe Nalley, COO of Butterball. “I expect great things from him in his newest role as complex manager.”

Swan holds a Bachelor of Science degree with a minor in biology from Northern Illinois University.

About Butterball, LLC:
Butterball, LLC is the largest producer of turkey products in the United States. Headquartered in Garner, N.C., Butterball produces more than 1 billion pounds of turkey each year, and the company supplies its products to more than 15 countries. Perhaps best known for its succulent whole bird products, the company also has a broad array of offerings for deli, retail and foodservice
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Raleigh, NC: A prostate cancer center in Raleigh deemed necessary by the North Carolina State Health Coordinating Council in 2009 is now on hold because of pending lawsuits by three local medical facilities. Cary Urologists Dr. Kevin Khoudary and Dr. John Leung filed an application with the state for permission to open The Prostate Health Center, or TPHC. Since the physicians want to purchase a costly radiation therapy machine for the proposed center, state regulators must rule whether it fits cost-control guidelines.

The project is now delayed until at least June 3rd because of legal appeals brought on by Rex Hospital, UNC Hospitals and Wake Radiology. Neither Rex nor UNC Hospitals applied for a CON, however, Dr. Khoudary feels the objections are based on pure economics. “These objections are difficult to understand given the expected increase in cancer in the next decade, “ notes Khoudary. “I am hopeful that wisdom and concern about the patients will prevail and we will soon be permitted to proceed with this important project. I believe that others will copy the program, once they see its effectiveness.”

Prostate cancer affects one of every six men. African American men in North Carolina are disproportionately affected, but all men struggle to make sense of the multiple treatment options and to tailor solutions that best fit their own situation.

A movement lead by NC Minority Prostate Cancer Awareness Action Team to call attention to the problem among those who it affects has succeeded in increasing prostate cancer screenings and is making some inroads on earlier referrals. This 15 year old volunteer group meets with men on their own turf. They are raising awareness. The next step is treatment and prevention. Seeing the numbers and the incidence of late stage prostate cancer among African Americans in his Cary Urology practice, urologist, Kevin Khoudary, MD, resolved to do something about the problem and began to call the attention of state regulators to the issue in 2007. He was joined in the effort by with several advocacy groups including NC Minority Prostate Cancer Awareness Action Team and The Institute for Health, Social, and Community Research at Shaw University. He found urologists throughout Wake County had the same experience.

Dr. Khoudary sees two issues to be addressed, one epidemiologic. We need to know why prostate cancer mortality is so much higher among African Americans in North Carolina, even when compared to African Americans in places like Louisiana. The second is programmatic. The prostate gland is anatomically complex, located in a tight space where nerves and vessels associated with urinary and sexual functions cross paths with one another. Addressing prostate cancer requires specialized knowledge of anatomy and radiation. This combination of skills is rare in the organization of cancer centers. Most are directed by people who specialize in radiation medicine or in chemotherapy.

Dr. Khoudary’s vision is to have North Carolina catch up with medical centers like Johns Hopkins, M.D. Anderson and the University of Rochester. The Southeastern Cancer Control Consortium and Edward Messing, MD, FACS, of the University of Rochester have agreed to evaluate clinical aspects of the project. The Southeastern Cancer Control Consortium is a national leader in clinical trials associated with prostate cancer

Read More:CarolinaNewsWire

<b>Green power makes lawn and garden care more eco-friendly<br />
</b><img src=’http://www.aracontent.com/images/10195_B2_rgb5.jpg’ align=’right’><br>(ARA) – When the sun shines on a beautiful summer day, it’s easy to gauge how important our yards are. Take a walk around your neighborhood and you’ll likely see a majority of your neighbors out mowing lawns, pulling weeds, cutting flowers and more. And once the work of maintaining the yard is done, it becomes the scene of garden parties, backyard barbeques and games like bocce and croquet.<br />
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The amount of time that we spend in our yards also tells us something about how we value nature and the environment. If you’re taking the time to meticulously care for your lawn and garden, it makes sense to do so in an eco-friendly way.<br />
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When you use green power to care for your lawn and garden, not only will you be watching out for yourself, your family and your pets, you’ll be doing good for the environment by using methods and products that are gentle on the Earth. Plus, you’ll be popular with your neighbors – your yard will be in perfect shape without the annoyances of noisy equipment and harsh fumes.<br />
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Here are some eco-conscious tips to keep in mind as you care for your lawn and garden throughout the summer.<br />
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* Mow with low emissions. The costs of mowing a big lawn with a conventional <a href=”http://www.rechargemower.com”>lawnmower</a> are high, both on your pocketbook and the environment, but it’s a job that needs to be tackled with the help of a mower.<br />
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In the past, using a more environmentally friendly mower would have meant dealing with the cord tangles and tugging that go along with keeping an electric version plugged in or the tedium of pushing a reel mower by hand. Luckily, the Recharge Mower combines the best of both worlds: a full-size, <a href=”http://www.rechargemower.com”>cordless mower</a> with no emissions and which requires no gas or oil because it is electric and fully rechargeable. Because it has hand operated controls rather than confusing gear shifters, it makes lawn care easy. For more information, go to www.rechargemower.com.<br />
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* Use green power instead of gas power. Tackling the other trimming jobs in the garden, other than just mowing, often leads to people pulling out gas-guzzling, oil-burning tools that are so noisy you need to wear protective headphones while using them. They add to the clutter in your garage with environmentally unsound canisters of oil and gas, and turn those fluids to noxious fumes when used.<br />
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Instead of revving up a noisy, harmful engine when it’s time to trim hedges, consider using a rechargeable lithium-ion battery powered tool. They’re cordless, which makes maneuvering between plants easier, plus they recharge quickly and can be stored for long periods of time without losing their charge.<br />
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* Plant organic, grow organic. If, like so many other people, you’re choosing to grow vegetables and fruits in your yard, look for seeds or starters that have been organically produced and grown. By doing that, you’ll be starting out with plants that have a minimum of pesticides and chemicals in them – then it’s up to you to keep the theme going. Choose plant foods and treatments, along with pest repellents, that are organic – look for certification from independent agencies like OMRI, the Organic Materials Review Institute.<br />
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With the world’s environmental consciousness expanding more and more, it’s easier than ever to find natural, organic and eco-friendly garden and yard solutions. And when you choose to trim your lawn and plants with an <a href=”http://www.rechargemower.com”>environmentally friendly mower</a> or power tools, and use organic plant care, you’ll be giving back to the environment that you value so much.<br />
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Courtesy of ARAcontent<br />
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CARY — WSP SELLS announced today that Brian D. Dehler, P.E. will manage the firm’s Cary, NC office, as well as direct the firm’s transportation engineering practice throughout the Carolinas. This promotion was to further the company’s commitment to the state and local transportation marketplace. Dehler joined WSP SELLS in 2007.

Dehler has 25+ years of experience in the planning and design of transportation facilities for state Departments of Transportations (DOTs), local municipalities and private clients throughout the Southeast. He has been involved in all phases of projects from initial studies through design and construction. He has managed traffic studies, prepared environmental compliance documents including public involvement programs, design plan preparation and construction activities. His expertise includes managing multi-disciplined transportation projects, including planning, cost estimates, public involvement, traffic analyses, hydraulics, roadway, rail and bridge design concepts, and construction documents, while compiling monthly progress reports on all active transportation projects.

As Office Manager for Cary, he will be responsible for business development in the Raleigh-Durham area, maintaining and building client relationships, project presentations, managing group assignments to meet and exceed project and client objectives, monitoring workload to balance and assess staff resources and serving as a mentor to younger staff.

Dehler received his B.S. in Civil Engineering from Lehigh University. He is a licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.) in North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia. Mr. Dehler is also active in the American Society of Highway Engineers (ASHE) and serves as the Vice President of the North Carolina American Public Works Association (NCAPWA).

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RALEIGH — Gov. Perdue last week called on the General Assembly to pass a legislative package designed to assist small businesses in creating and maintaining jobs. The package includes tax incentives, grants and an expansion of the small business preference for companies seeking contracts with state government. Gov. Perdue made the announcement as part of a three-stop JobsNOW tour of small businesses in Asheville, Lexington and Fayetteville.

“Small businesses are the backbone of North Carolina’s economy, and a major driver in our economic recovery,” said Perdue. “They put our friends, neighbors and family members to work. They anchor our communities. Supporting small businesses means supporting jobs for North Carolinians.”

The JobsNOW Small Business Package is focused on three areas of assistance:
1.Tax relief and tax incentives to boost the bottom line for small businesses
?Small Business Start-up Tax Relief – encourages investment in innovative small businesses by allowing favorable capital gains treatment of the founding interests in the business.
?Small Business Health Insurance Credit – provides a credit of $250 per employee to businesses that provide health insurance to employees making less than $45,000. Applies to businesses with fewer than 25 employees. The credit was previously enacted and expired this year.
?Qualified Business Venture Tax Credit – expands this credit by raising the cap from $7.5 million to $10 million to spur more investments in entrepreneurial businesses.
?State tax break for small business equipment purchases.
2.Statewide support for small businesses
?Community Colleges – restore funding to the statewide Small Business Assistance Network within the state’s 58 community colleges.
?“InSource NC” – helps North Carolina businesses find the goods and services they need from other North Carolina businesses, through web-based buyer-supplier networks.
?Help North Carolina businesses capitalize on federal Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfer contracts by providing a matching state grant.
?Main Street Solutions – expanded grant funding for the revitalization of downtown districts in small towns, supporting small business growth.
?North Carolina Tourism Promotion – increased investment in marketing and advertising of North Carolina as a national tourism destination.
?Help small businesses get credit by funding the N.C. Small Business Assistance Fund that helps guarantee the remaining 5% on qualifying 95% SBA-backed small business loans.
?N.C. Farm Innovation Fund — provides direct assistance to small family farms to improve energy efficiency, develop new markets and cultivate new value-added products.
Read More:CarolinaNewsWire

Understanding your credit opens the door to home-buying success

(ARA) – With many signs pointing to the beginnings of a recovery in the housing market, potential home buyers can still find plenty of selection, low prices and low interest rates. If you’re thinking of buying a home, now might be the right time, but before you contact a real estate agent or apply for a mortgage, your top priority should be checking your credit report to see if your credit is in good shape.

Credit – specifically misuse and misunderstanding of credit – spurred the housing crisis, many experts agree. The consequences have included tighter standards from lenders and the need for borrowers to better understand how to use credit wisely.

Interest rates remain low and those with good credit will be better positioned to take advantage of the opportunities currently available in this unique housing market. A good credit report and score can open doors for you in the real estate world, and empower you to secure the best loan and terms possible before you ever tour a single house. Being preapproved for an affordable mortgage can help you move quickly to secure a deal when you find the home of your dreams.

If you’ve already assessed your finances to determine how much mortgage you can afford, you’re ready for the next step – making sure your credit is in top shape to help you get the best possible loan.

Understanding your score and what it means

Lenders consider your credit score and your current credit report when deciding whether or not you’re a good credit risk. Your credit score is a number generated by using statistical models that factor in elements from your credit report. The number can change when information on your credit report changes and it’s calculated at the time a lender requests a copy of your credit report. Different lenders may use different scoring methods, so your score may vary from lender to lender.

Because credit scores are objective and are based on the information in your credit report, they are fairer than the old opinion-based ways of determining a person’s risk level. Your score is a prediction of your likelihood to repay debt responsibly, based on your past credit history and current credit status.

Before you begin contacting potential lenders, check out your credit report, which can be accessed online at Web sites like FreeCreditReport.com.

Know what’s on your credit report

Your credit report is the other major piece of information a lender will consider when deciding whether or not to give you a mortgage loan. Your credit report is basically a summary of your financial behavior, including how you’ve used credit in the past and how well you manage repaying debt. The information on your report comes from creditors, public records and other reliable sources, which report it to the credit bureaus through automated processes.

Credit reports generally include personal data such as variations on your name, your driver’s license number, Social Security number, birth date, current and past employers, and current and past addresses. You’ll also find a listing of your credit accounts, when each account was opened and your payment history for each. If you’ve been involved in court action like bankruptcy or monetary judgments, this information will likely appear on your report as well.

Your report will also show past requests for your credit reports (inquiries) that might come from lenders, insurers, employers or stores. Too many inquiries on your report might make potential lenders think you are trying to overspend, so think carefully before applying for new credit; inquiries stay on your report for two years.

Because your credit report changes every time you use credit, it pays to enroll in a credit monitoring product. Web sites like FreeCreditReport.com make it easy to track both your score over time and monitor your credit report, ensuring you know what’s on your report before a potential lender looks at it.

Buying a home is likely the largest investment you’ll ever make – one that will impact your credit for many years to come. Before you jump into the process of applying for a loan to buy a home, it pays to understand credit, review your report and know your score.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

 How you can help a pet in need

(ARA) – Imagine waking up every morning wondering if you’ll someday be able to find a home to call your own or how you’ll find your next meal. For so many pets, not having enough food in their bellies or a safe home are harsh realities. Fortunately, there are simple ways pet lovers can be heroes in the lives of pets.

To help in this important effort, Purina ONE has teamed up with Martha Stewart for social network fundraising and the Tour For Heroes, a mobile tour visiting animal shelters coast to coast, providing pet food, supporting pet adoption and helping pets in need.

“My pets are important members of my family and I am deeply committed to helping homeless animals,” says Stewart, founder of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia. “I’m pleased to be working with Purina ONE to support pets in need because I believe this is a worthy cause that can help so many animals across the country.”

All Pet Lovers Can be Heroes
While not every pet lover is able to adopt an animal, people can still help pets in their own community and across the country through online social networks. Purina ONE and Martha Stewart are helping pet lovers make a difference and raise funds for shelters by simply sharing photos of adoptable pets on Facebook.

Sharing is easy. Start by searching for an adoptable pet anywhere in the United States by visiting tourforheroes.marthastewart.com. Choose a pet to help and click to share his or her profile with friends on your Facebook page. Every time a photo is shared, Purina ONE will donate $1 – up to $50,000 – worth of food to feed pets in need in local communities. Pet lovers can share photos until March 31.

Food for Fluffy and Fido
Throughout the month of February, the Purina ONE Tour For Heroes will travel from San Francisco to New York and stop at local animal shelters in 11 cities along the way to set up temporary food banks and hold adoption events. More than 63,000 pounds of dog and cat food – equaling 11,000 bags of food – will be given out to help pets in need.

Whether you’ve lost your job, have large veterinary or medical bills or are struggling to pay your mortgage, no one will be turned away at any of the Tour For Heroes events.

“In tough times, a source of constant companionship can often be your dog or cat,” says Mark Stoddard, brand director for Purina ONE. “We want to lend a hand to pets in need, and by assisting their owners who may need a little extra help these days, we help their pets, too.”

For more information about the Tour For Heroes and to find a tour stop near you, visit tourforheroes.marthastewart.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Celebrate spring and Earth Day with the newest eco-chic products


(ARA) – With warmer weather finally here, you are itching to get outdoors and enjoy all that Mother Nature has to offer.

As you lay out on the beach soaking in some sunshine, or relax in the green grass in your backyard, you’re reminded just how important it is to protect the environment. There are small steps you can take to create big change and it can be as simple as the beauty products you buy.

Here are some nature-friendly ways to help keep you and the environment protected:

Skin is in
After a long winter, your skin is in need of some serious nourishment to restore its moisture. You should look for products that have natural or organic ingredients in them to help revitalize skin. Try the Nutriganics natural skin care  collection by The Body Shop. The range provides a certified organic alternative to anti-aging products and helps smooth skin in as little as four weeks. Even better, many of the ingredients are sourced through the company’s unique Community Trade program which benefits more than 25,000 people in the world’s poorest countries.

Fresh scent
Here’s a fresh, sensuous scent for spring you can’t help but “love.” Love, Etc …” not only is a floral union of jasmine with indulgent notes of vanilla and sandalwood, but it also happens to be organic and fairly traded. Created by one of the world’s finest noses – perfumer Dominique Ropion – the fragrance comes in a 100 percent recyclable glass bottle contained in a box created from Forest Stewardship Council material. So spritz away knowing you are helping to protect the planet one fragrance pump at a time.

Eco-chic style
In order to look naturally great all the time, you need a stylish bag to carry your products in. With so many recycled bags and totes to choose from, pick different ones to suite your mood.

Energy saving never looked so good
Want to do even more to honor Earth Day? Check out EarthAid.net, the first Web site that helps you save energy by tracking your electric, gas and water utility usage. Users earn points and rewards based on how much energy and water they save at home. Enjoy rewards from The Body Shop which becomes the first national retailer to offer rewards to consumers who achieve approximately 75 points of saving a month. So what are you waiting for? Sign up now for free at www.earthaid.net to save energy and earn some eye-catching rewards.

With new life emerging this spring, now is the time to not only step back and nourish yourself, but the planet as well.

For more information on eco-conscious beauty, visit TheBodyShop-USA.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

RALEIGH, NC — Dr. Lisa Tolnitch, a Raleigh breast cancer surgeon and the founder of Pretty In Pink Foundation, was named a 2010 Soroptimist Ruby Award: For Women Helping Women recipient. This annual award, to be presented by the Raleigh Club of Soroptimist International at their annual Triangle Women of Distinction Awards Celebration, honors women who are doing extraordinary work, either in their vocation or through volunteering. The Soroptimist Ruby Award recognizes the work these women are committed to doing that directly improves the lives of other women and girls, both in their communities and beyond.

Dr. Tolnitch, principal at Tolnitch Surgical Associates, founded Pretty In Pink Foundation in May, 2004 as a resource for breast cancer patients who needed immediate access to care, treatment and surgical options, but had no means of paying for the life-saving services. A non-profit organization, Pretty In Pink Foundation provides financial assistance, resources and support to under & uninsured North Carolinians diagnosed with breast cancer. By 2020, Dr. Tolnitch and the Pretty In Pink Foundation Board of Directors hope to establish a point of presence in every state in the US .

Soroptimist Ruby Award winners receive a recognition plaque at the annual award event, as well as a check for $500 toward the charity of their choice. The award ceremony will be held in Raleigh at The Fallon Center, located at 2718 Overbrook Drive on Wednesday, April 14th. The opening reception, which includes a silent auction, heavy hors d’oeuvres, dessert & wine, begins at 6pm. The awards program begins at 7pm. Each of this year’s award winners will speak briefly about their work. The event is free and open to the public, however a suggested donation of $20 per person to attend is encouraged.

This year’s keynote speaker is Dr. Maureen Hartford, president of Meredith College. Sonya Williams, host and producer of Fox 50’s “Tarheel Talk,” will serve as the Mistress of Ceremonies

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RALEIGH — When you have a great, elementary school dance club, and a orchestra brimming with talent, the combination of the two will take your breath away! An upcoming performance by The Washington GT Magnet CREATE Ballroom dance club, along with the school’s orchestra, collaborating in the performance of the Viennese Waltz will take place during the school’s upcoming Spring Celebration, May 6, 2010 at Washington GT Magnet Elementary located in Raleigh, NC. The performance, led by Jill Worley, orchestra instructor and Lynn Bitting, physical education specialist and coordinator of CREATE Dance club.

CREATE, stands for “Climbing, Running, Energizers, Activities, Training and Equipping our Students for a lifetime of health and fitness. The CREATE Dance club is a part of the John Rex Endowment, Wake-to-Wellness grant awarded to the school in 2007. The $30,000, 3 year grant, ends this year, although instructors and students hope to generate continued resources to help maintain the unique programs that include the dance and jumprope club, running club, classroom energizers, a climbing wall and fitness trail.

Melanie Dale, owner and instructor of A Step To Gold International Ballroom, Raleigh, has been the catalyst for the CREATE Dance team instructing students and staff to learn new skills in ballroom dance, acquire new, fun ways to learn social skills, and develop a lifetime love of dance as a form of fitness and wellness. This will be an exciting opportunity to truly ”swing into spring” for all. www.asteptogold.com

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