The Fayetteville Observer, N.C., business people column [The Fayetteville Observer, N.C.]

Aug. 22--MANAGEMENT

--Jim Liby has been promoted to manager of contracts analysis and negotiations at Cape Fear Valley Health System. He has worked with the department since its launch in late 2009. He previously worked with the health system's information systems and technology department for six years. Before that, the Michigan native served in the Air Force for 22 years. In his new position, Liby will help oversee Cape Fear Valley's contracting process to help streamline, solidify and automate it.

--Krystal Sautter has joined Southeastern Regional Medical Center in Lumberton as director of guest services, overseeing the customer relations, gift shop, pastoral care and telecommunications departments. She has more than 20 years of leadership and management experience with an emphasis on customer relations.

--Stephanie Sheets has been named vice president of operations for J.W.D. Ventures Inc. and will serve as manager of the Spirit Halloween Store in Fayetteville. She previously worked 16 years for Spencer's, the parent company for the Spirit Halloween franchise.

ON THE JOB

--Tiffany B. Faulk has joined Moorman, Kizer & Reitzel Inc., the civil engineering and land surveying services firm, as an engineer in training. Faulk is a Fayetteville native.

Therapy Playground has made two announcements:

--Shanna R. McIntyre was named director of play groups. She has worked at the pediatric therapy clinic as a certified infant toddler family specialist for a year and a half.

--Christina Nicholas, owner of Communication Strategies in Holly Springs, will offer behavior modification therapy at Therapy Playgrounds. The therapy uses a child's natural environment structure to reinforce social skills, language development and learning.

IN BUSINESS

--R&J Rip and Run Errand/Courier Service is a new home-based business started by Ronita Foy and Jetran Robinson. They provide services in the Fayetteville area including courier and delivery, grocery shopping, mobile notary public, elderly check-in and meals.

--Meridian Kiosks, a touch-screen kiosk and self-service device manufacturer based in Aberdeen, will open a manufacturing facility in Europe. The company intends to pursue hardware and software partnerships and potential acquisitions in the market.

APPOINTMENTS

The Partnership for Children of Cumberland County named officers to its board of directors as well as committee chairmen.

--Officers are: Karen McDonald of the city of Fayetteville, chairwoman; Jeff Hylland of Walmart, vice chairman; Robert Hines of the United Way, secretary; and Sondra McMillan of Fort Bragg Youth and School Services, treasurer.

--Committee chairmen are: Hylland, board development; Haden Boliek, child care resource and referral; Dr. Ernest Johnson, planning and evaluation; McDonald, executive committee; Meredith Player Stiehl, facility and tenant; Sondra McMillan, finance; Hines, personnel; and Linda Vandevender, public awareness and development.

ACHIEVEMENTS

--Larry Strother, chairman and CEO of ERA Strother Real Estate, ranked 10th in the U.S. for closed sales volume last year in the Top 400 Real Estate Professionals rankings by The Wall Street Journal and REAL Trends Inc. The annual results are based on a survey of more than 7,000 brokerage firms, Realtors associations and other sources. Strother's closed sales volume was $102,121,536. He also ranked 11th in the U.S. for 520 closed transaction sides.

--The David Hales Insurance Agency, owned by David Hales, has been designated an Allstate Premier Service Agency for 2010. The designation is awarded to Allstate agency owners who consistently meet designated levels in customer service and business performance.

--Cape Fear Valley Medical Center has been designated a Blue Distinction Center for bariatric surgery by Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina. The designation is awarded to medical facilities that demonstrate expertise in delivering quality health care in specialized areas. Cape Fear Valley previously was awarded designations for cardiac surgery and hip and knee surgery.

CONTRACTS

Smith was selected as the full-service marketing agency for ZipQuest, the zipline course at Carver's Falls. Smith will develop strategic marketing communications programs for ZipQuest, including brand development; creative, media and interactive marketing; and public relations.

Got a recent promotion? Opened a new business? Share your workplace news with our readers. Send items of interest in the Cape Fear region to [email protected]. Please include a phone number in case we need to reach you. You may submit photos of individuals to include with the announcements. Please be sure people in photos are clearly identified. Our mailing address is The Fayetteville Observer, Business Desk, P.O. Box 849, Fayetteville, NC 28302. The fax number is 486-3545, Attention: Business Observer. Question? Call 486-3551.

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