Le Coffee & Moore has been selected for the 2011 Best of Southern Pines Award in the Coffee category by the U.S. Commerce Association (USCA).

The USCA Best of Local Business Award program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country, a news release said. Each year, the USCA identifies companies that it believes have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category.

These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community, the release said.

Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2011 USCA Award Program focuses on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the USCA and data provided by third parties.

The USCA was established to recognize the best of local businesses in their community. Its mission is to be an advocate for small and medium-size businesses and business entrepreneurs across America.

Partners Plans

Golf Tourney

Moore County Partners in Progress will conduct its inaugural Progress Cup at Pinehurst No. 8 on March 26.

The Ryder Cup-style golf tournament is a fundraiser for Partners, which is the county’s economic development organization.

The 18-hole competition is limited to 30 teams and will consist of six holes scramble, six holes alternate shot and six holes best ball. Points will be awarded for each match, and the team with the most points will be presented with the Progress Cup.

The captains will be Executive Director Pat Corso and Board Chairman Fred Hobbs.

A foursome costs $1,500 and includes the “Captain’s Pick” reception and skills challenge on March 25; golf with breakfast and lunch on March 26; and a table for 10 at the champions dinner and awards ceremony after the tournament. There will also be a silent auction.

The skills challenge will include the longest drive, big break, chipping, putting and a watermelon smash.

For more information, contact Peter Stilwell of Tarheel Communications at (910) 215-0861 or peterstil-well@tarheelcommunications.com.

Merry Maids Founder

Wins National Honor

The National Association of Professional Women (NAPW) has selected Luzanda Penton to be a “Professional Woman of the Year” for 2011-12.

Penton is the founder and manager of Merry Maids, of Southern Pines. She received a master’s of business adminstration degree from Southern New Hampshire University and is fully bilingual in English and Spanish. Her goal is to complete her Ph.D. in Latin American studies.

The prestigious designation is bestowed on the top .1 percent of its membership each year and marks members’ contributions to their respective industries, outstanding leadership, professional achievements, and high level of commitment to networking and community involvement, a news release said.

“I am honored to be selected as a Professional Woman of the Year by such a prestigious business organization because I share NAPW’s goal to educate and empower women,” Penton said.

Penton founded Merry Maids in August 2007. Merry Maids is the largest home cleaning network in the world, with more than 900 franchises in the United States and Canada. The Merry Maids network cleans more than 300,000 homes, apartments and condominiums each month in North America, and, in total, employs more than 8,000 home cleaning professionals.

Penton started her franchise with one customer and two employees. Merry Maids of Southern Pines serves more than 120 customers and has nine full-time employees.

Williamson Joins

Staff of Galleries

Robin Williamson, a certified kitchen designer, has joined the staff of Kitchen and Bath Galleries of Southern Pines.

She has been in the kitchen industry for more than 30 years, a news release said. She first began working for a cabinet manufacturer, who taught her the basics of cabinetry and cabinet design.

Williamson has a natural ability to create beautiful spaces by including unique and innovative elements to her designs, the news release said. She can guide clients through the process, from design to completion.

She also studied interior design, color and lighting courses to help her clients with all aspects of their building or remodeling project.

Originally from New England, she served on the local chapter of the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) as vice president of programs and vice president of communications.

Although she comes from traditional roots, she spent time in Florida, which opened her design experience to include contemporary and Tuscan design styles.

“I enjoy working with clients to create a comfortable and inviting home — and a place that reflects their personal taste,” Williamson said.

She said she looks forward to working with clients in the Sandhills area and being a part of the Interior Design Center.

“We are thrilled to have Robin join our team,” said Vicki L. Stone, owner of Village Design Group. “She is truly a talented and gifted designer that excels in both new construction and renovation projects. Clients will love her easy-going personality and attention to detail that make her a phenomenal kitchen and bath designer.”

Kitchen and Bath Galleries of Southern Pines recently relocated to the Interior Design Center. The showroom now includes a full kitchen display, cabinet hardware, counter tops and bath vanities.

A partnership between Village Design Group, Meadow Creek Tile and Kitchen and Bath Galleries provides complete design capabilities for renovation or new construction projects.

Anyone needing more information can call (910) 692-2700 or come by the Interior Design Center at 10700 U.S. 15-501, next to Chili’s. It is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Riney Joins Staff

Of Insurance Firm

Kelli Riney, of Pinehurst, has joined her father and brother in their insurance business at the Terry Riney Agency.

She moved to Pinehurst in 2006 and was previously the branch manager in Southern Pines for First Citizens Bank.

“We’re excited to have Kelli join our team,” said Terry Riney, agency principal. “She’s my assistant for our commercial business, and with her background in life insurance marketing, she’s taken over the primary underwriting and service of our life insurance operation.”

Kelli Riney is a 2002 graduate of the University of Kansas and has already completed more than half of the requirements for her certified insurance counselor designation.

“We believe in having everyone on our staff as educated in our business as possible,” said Terry Riney, who is also a Certified Insurance Counselor. “Our clients count on us to be up to date with all the changes that are constantly occurring in our industry.”

Terry Riney Agency is a locally owned independent insurance agency on N.C. 5 between Pinehurst and Aberdeen.

Zmiewsky Named

To Advisory Board

First Bank has appointed David Zmiewsky to its North Moore County Local Advisory Board.

Zmiewsky, who has more than decade of experience in the banking industry, recently accepted the position of vice president and branch manager at the First Bank Seagrove office.

The local advisory board acts as a liaison for First Bank and the local community. Appointed members provide feedback and insight on how to best serve North Moore County and surrounding areas.

“We are honored to welcome David to the North Moore County Local Advisory Board,” said First Bank Regional Executive Roger Gentry. “His extensive banking experience and dedication to serving the community make him a valuable asset to our board.”

An involved member of the Seagrove community, Zmiewsky is president of the Southern Pines Rotary Club, board chairman at Sandhills Classical Christian School and a graduate of both the Montgomery County and Moore County Leadership Institutes.

Zmiewsky lives in West End with his wife, Kendell, and their four children: Shelby, Savannah, Courtney and Sydney.

The family attends Christ Community Church in Pinehurst.