A new self-serve frozen yogurt bar has opened next to Olive Garden in the Stein Mart shopping center on U.S. 15-501 in Southern Pines.

Di’lishi’s is a franchise that opened in Asheboro about a year ago. It offers 10 flavors of frozen yogurt and more than 50 toppings.

Di’lishi’s promotes the fact that it is good for its customers, the environment and the community, a news release said.

Its frozen yogurt comes in purest frozen form, directly from Oregon, the news release said.

“We are thrilled to partner with YoCream and provide their products here in the Sandhills,” said Cathleen and Matt Jones, the operators of the business. “The yogurt is truly yogurt, with probiotics frozen in it, never mixing a powder substance with water and calling it yogurt. What you are putting in your body is good for you!”

Di’lishi’s also uses biodegradable spoons and is working to commingle its trash. It uses a glycol system that cools the yogurt machines, reducing the use of city water, the release said.

“One of the things we are the most excited about is our Community Give Back Wall,” the Joneses said. “We have three different nonprofits highlighted, with a paragraph explaining what each organization offers. Then we ask our customers to cast their vote, using a sample spoon.”

The organization whose bin gets filled up with the most spoons will receive $500. The next one gets $300, and a third one receives $200.

Di’lishi’s is currently highlighting the Boys and Girls Club of the Sandhills, MANNA! and the Arts Council for this first quarter. It will switch groups every quarter.

The Joneses said they are “so excited about being able to raise awareness of some of the great things happening right here in our own community.”

First Bank Promotes Fulghum

First Bank has named Phil Fulghum senior commercial lender for south Moore County.

Fulghum will retain his title as senior vice president and Pinehurst city executive. He joined the bank in 1994 and brings 36 years of industry experience to the position.

“Phil’s commitment to the community and knowledge of the banking industry makes him an excellent choice for this well-deserved promotion,” Hugh Bingham, senior vice president and regional executive, said. “He’s a proven, valuable asset for local businesses, and we look forward to continued success in the region.”

Originally from Wilson, Fulghum graduated from Ralph L. Fike Senior High School. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from Atlantic Christian College (now known as Barton College).

Fulghum is a graduate of the North Carolina School of Banking in Chapel Hill and has participated in various Robert Morris Associates’ commercial lending programs held by East Carolina University’s Division of Continuing Education.

Fulghum is currently board chairman for Moore County American Red Cross. He is a past president of the Pinehurst and Southern Pines Business Associations, former board member and treasurer of Village Heritage Foundation, and former treasurer of Moore County Home Builders Association.

Fulghum and his wife, Barbara, live in Pinehurst. They have a son, Grant. They are members of The Village Chapel in Pinehurst.

Paz Joins Aberdeen Fidelity Bank

Fatima Paz has joined the team at Fidelity Bank in Aberdeen as office manager.

In her new position, Paz will be responsible for business development and providing outstanding customer service to clients of the branch at 11175 U.S. 15-501.

Paz has more than 10 years of banking experience in the local market. Most recently, she worked for RBC Bank (currently PNC Bank) as a senior relationship banker.

In addition to her financial background, Paz is active in the community. She is a member of Saint Anthony’s Catholic Church in Southern Pines and volunteers for First-Health Moore Regional Hospital and the Sandhills Food Bank.

Paz attended Sandhills Community College and Harper Community College. She was born in Portugal, raised in Africa, and currently resides in Aberdeen.

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 and was awarded a five-star (superior) rating by Bauer-Financial.

CertaPro Painters Franchise Opens

After military career officer training with the ESMIC, followed by more than 20 years in executive management for a multinational manufacturing company, Oswald Diaz recently left his home in New Jersey to open CertaPro Painters in Southern Pines

Looking to put his MBA from Kean University to good use, Diaz jumped at the chance to bring CertaPro to this region of North Carolina.

“I’d vacationed in the state before, and I loved the friendly people and calmer lifestyle,” he said. “It’s definitely a change from New York City.”

Diaz, a father of two, left his family in New Jersey to finish the school year as he planted roots for the business in Southern Pines.

Backed by his experience with BASF chemicals, resins and colorants, and his training at the Paint Quality Institute/DOW plant in Pennsylvania, he plans to grow CertaPro into a successful local business that will help him give his family a better life.

“I’m excited to leverage my educational background and my experience in management and customer service to build a business I can be proud of,” Diaz said.

Founded in 1991, Pennsylvania-based CertaPro Painters is the largest painting company in North America and provides a customer-driven painting experience, a news release said. The company expects to add 50 new franchises this year, working toward its goal of having more than 400 locations by mid 2013.

CertaPro franchisees establish large-scale, regional painting companies backed by CertaPro’s proven business system.

Anyone wanting more information about the company can visit its website, www.certapro.com.

Best Bath Systems Names Dealer

Renaissance Tile & Stone has been named a Best Bath Systems dealer.

Best Bath Systems is a leading American manufacturer of accessible, durable and attractive walk-in showers and bathtubs, a news release said. Since 1971, Best Bath Systems have been dedicated to making bathroom products that are safe for people of all disabilities, the company said.

Forty years of innovations are built into all its products, from wood-reinforced gel-coat walls that allow installation of grab bars and shower seats anywhere in the surround without additional supportive backing, to its versatile lifetime shower system that adapts to meet changing bathing needs.

With more than 400 configurations available, customers can find the shower that fits their needs. Renaissance does complete bathroom renovations and is licensed and insured.

All shower products are backed by its industry-leading 30 year limited warranty.

Renaissance is locally owned and operated. Its showroom is in Aberdeen. Anyone needing more information can call (910) 944-1020 or 944-1022. More information is also available on its website at www.best-bath.com.

Salon Moves to New Location

The Refinery Salon has relocated to better serve its customers.

The salon reopened Tuesday at 210 NW Broad St. in downtown Southern Pines. An open house will be held soon.

Anyone needing more information can call (910) 692-2478 or visit www.the refinerysalon.com.