Eight-year-old entrepreneur Maggie Batson, of Whispering Pines, is once again being recognized for her precocity as a young business person as well as her commitment to helping the environment.

Featured in numerous local articles and excerpts in national magazines, Maggie is going prime time with her first episode of the PBS-sponsored television show “Biz Kids,” which highlights young people embodying the entrepreneurial spirit by starting small businesses and charitable organizations all the while learning the importance of investing and money management.

Maggie’s company, “Twice Loved by Maggie B.,” creates necklaces from recycled materials for customers of all ages.

Her jewelry is currently featured in small boutiques around the country.

Maggie’s ventures into capitalism at such a young age would be praiseworthy enough, but she is also being recognized for her altruistic endeavors.

Since the inception of “Twice Loved,” Maggie has donated a portion of her profits to the charity of her choice, the Humane Society.

Maggie’s television episode airs at 5:30 p.m. Monday on channel UNC-KD.

Chamber Names Williams

Ambassador of Quarter

Jim Williams, Factory Flooring and Design in Pinehurst, has been named Ambassador of the Quarter by the Moore County Chamber of Commerce.

Williams has demonstrated the qualities of a true Ambassador since joining the team in January 2012, a Chamber news release said. He is a great proponent of the Moore County Chamber of Commerce and its members.

“The Ambassadors’ overall goal is for business owners/mangers to understand how much the Chamber appreciates their investment in the Chamber and just as importantly, in our community,” said Patrick Coughlin, president and CEO of the Moore County Chamber of Commerce. “It is no small task and the Chamber could not accomplish the many things that we do throughout the year without key individuals such as Jim.”

Williams said he was surprised to learn after the April Ambassadors meeting that he was named the Ambassador of the Quarter.

“I would like to thank the Moore County Chamber for the Ambassador of the Quarter Award,” he said. “It is a pleasure to serve as an Ambassador. I have enjoyed it so far but I benefit from the friendships and support of the other Ambas-sadors that I have the privilege to serve with.

“It is our goal at Factory Flooring and Design to support the local businesses, and I have had the ability to achieve this goal through my involvement with the Chamber’s Ambassadors program.”

Factory Flooring and Design opened in Moore County in 2011. It is at 200 A Central Park Ave. and can be reached at (910) 295-5776.

Fidelity Names Byrd

Regional Supervisor

Jim Byrd has joined Fidelity Bank as regional supervisor.

In his new position, Byrd will be responsible for developing and managing business banking relationships as well as leading sales and market expansion for the branch at 11175 U.S. 15-501.

Byrd has more than 20 years of banking experience in the local market.

Prior to joining Fidelity Bank, he worked with Crescent State Bank as senior vice president and also held management and commercial lending positions with Wachovia Bank (currently Wells Fargo) and Centennial Bank.

Byrd earned a bachelor’s degree in economics and business management from North Carolina State University. He is also a graduate of Stonier Graduate School of Banking at Georgetown University.

In addition to his financial background, Byrd is very active in the community. Byrd currently serves as finance chair of First Carolina Care Insurance. He has also served on the Moore County Chamber of Commerce board of directors and was chairman in 2009.

Jim and his wife, Kimberly, reside in Pinehurst with their two children: Rachelcole, 16, and Davis, 13.

Fidelity Bank is a full-service financial institution with assets of $1.4 billion. headquartered in Fuquay-Varina. The bank owns and operates 66 branches throughout North Carolina and Virginia.

Howard Appointed

To Manager Post

CommunityOne Bank has named Robin Howard as one of the commercial banking managers for its eastern region.

Howard will lead a team of commercial bankers in Chatham, Montgomery, Moore, Randolph, Richmond and Scotland counties. Duffie McKee was named to lead the bank’s commercial banking efforts in the Piedmont area, including Alamance, Guilford, Orange and Rowan counties.

“We are proud to have Duffie and Robin leading our commercial banking efforts in the eastern part of our organization,” said Greg Spainhour, commercial banking executive for CommunityOne. “This is an exciting time at CommunityOne, and both of these individuals possess the knowledge and experience to help us provide innovative business solutions to our commercial customers.”

Howard, a native of Scotland County, has more than 28 years of banking experience and is a graduate of Pembroke State University (now UNC Pembroke). She has served in various capacities since joining the bank in 1995, most recently as market executive of the bank’s Southern area.

She has completed various banking schools, including the American Bankers Association’s National Commercial Lending School. Howard is also a graduate of the Moore County Leadership Institute and previously served as an Ambassador with the Moore County Chamber of Commerce. She also previously served as president of the Rotary Club in Southern Pines.

CommunityOne Bank, a subsidiary of FNB United Corp, opened in 1907 and operates 45 offices in 38 communities throughout North Carolina.

Cole Promoted

At First Bank

First Bank has named Shelia Cole vice president of special assets for its Wilmington and Asheville loss share assignments.

Cole joined the bank in 1997.

“Shelia’s dedication and leadership skills have made her a valuable member of the First Bank team,” said First Bank Executive Vice President Rob Patterson. “We are happy to recognize her outstanding work with this promotion.”

Cole is a native of Moore County and attended Pinecrest High School. She went on to receive her bachelor’s degree in business administration from Gardner-Webb University.

Cole lives in Eagle Springs with her daughter, Jaylan, and granddaughter, Mariyah. The family attends Greater Faith United Church of God in Biscoe.

St. Joseph Names

Advertising Firm

WilsonMcGuire Creative has been retained by St. Joseph of the Pines, an aging services network sponsored by the Sisters of Providence in Southern Pines, to serve as its advertising agency.

St. Joseph of the Pines has two independent living continuing care retirement communities — Belle Meade Retirement Resort and Pine Knoll — as well as The Coventry, an assisted living facility, and the Health Center and Therapy Village skilled nursing facilities.

The network also offers home care and family care homes, affordable housing at Providence Place as well as numerous community outreach initiatives.

WilsonMcGuire will develop the marketing and brand positioning for the entire network.

WilsonMcGuire Creative is an integrated advertising, social media and digital marketing firm in Winston-Salem.