Spherion Staffing and Recruiting of Asheville has been honored with the prestigious President’s and Safety Excellence Awards at the company’s annual National Meeting. Molly Gaffney-Keebler, the local owner of Spherion in Asheville, was recognized for her exceptional commitment to workplace safety, earning the Safety Excellence Award. Additionally, Gaffney-Keebler received the President’s Award for achieving year-over-year revenue growth for seven consecutive years. The awards were presented during the 2024 Spherion National Meeting held at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in New Orleans. Kathy George, president of Spherion, commended Gaffney-Keebler and the entire Asheville team for their dedication to excellence and community contributions. Spherion’s local franchisees, like Gaffney-Keebler, play a crucial role in enriching their communities by facilitating employment opportunities. Spherion, with over 75 years of experience, provides staffing and recruiting services to businesses nationwide through its network of independent franchisees. For more information about Spherion Asheville, visit www.spherion.com/asheville.
Appointment:
Dogwood Health Trust has announced the selection of Affiliated Monitors, Inc. (AMI) as the Independent Monitor to oversee HCA Healthcare’s compliance with its commitments in the purchase agreement for Mission Health System. The appointment, effective April 1, 2024, was consented to by both the North Carolina Attorney General’s Office (AGO) and HCA. Dr. Susan Mims, CEO of Dogwood Health Trust, cited AMI’s specialized experience in monitoring as a key factor in their selection. Vin DiCianni, President of AMI, expressed gratitude for the opportunity and emphasized the collaborative effort required for success. Their responsibilities encompass various aspects such as annual report evaluation, community engagement, and compliance assessment. The selection process involved a comprehensive review by a working group within Dogwood Health Trust, with input from the AGO. Attorney General Josh Stein expressed optimism about the new appointment’s oversight role, while Mission Health spokesperson Nancy Lindell expressed confidence in their compliance with the Asset Purchase Agreement. Dogwood Health Trust focuses on improving health and wellbeing across Western North Carolina through innovative initiatives in housing, education, economic opportunity, and healthcare. For more information, visit www.dht.org.
Happenings:
AdventHealth is hosting a blood drive in partnership with The Blood Connection to address the increased need for blood during the spring season. High travel periods like spring break often lead to a rise in demand for blood products while donation rates decrease. The event aims to ensure a safe and steady blood supply for patients requiring transfusions for cancer care, surgeries, emergencies, and accidents. The blood drive will take place on Thursday, April 4, from 10 am to 3 pm at AdventHealth Hendersonville, with The Blood Connection Mobile Donor Unit stationed near the Valet parking lot. Donors will receive a $50 e-gift card as appreciation. Those interested in contributing can schedule an appointment using the provided link and search for Sponsor Code 23AC. Donors must be at least 16 years old, weigh over 110 lbs., and ensure they are well-hydrated and nourished before donation. Written consent is required for 16-year-old donors, and a TBC Donor ID Card or photo ID is necessary for donation.
The Explore Asheville Travel & Hospitality Earth Day Cleanup is set to mark Earth Day 2024 (April 22) with a collaborative effort to enhance the city’s environmental stewardship. In partnership with Asheville GreenWorks and RiverLink, the event invites industry colleagues to participate by assembling teams of two to three staff members from their businesses. The program, from 2 – 4:30 p.m., will feature welcome remarks, a one-hour cleanup session, and a post-cleanup social gathering. Participants can select a neighborhood from a provided list, each with a designated host venue for pre- and post-cleanup meetups. As a token of appreciation, attendees will receive a commemorative t-shirt and an invitation to the post-cleanup social event featuring local brews and light refreshments. Learn more & register.
Franny’s Farm is gearing up for its eagerly awaited 420 Festival, scheduled for April 20, 2024, from 12 pm to 10 pm. Positioned as a family-friendly event, the festival promises a day filled with fun, music, and lasting memories amidst the beauty of nature. General admission tickets are priced affordably at $15, with options for camping and VIP experiences available. The festival offers a diverse range of activities catering to all ages, including kids’ activities, live music performances, and a variety of vendors offering unique items. VIP ticket holders will enjoy exclusive access to special activities and prizes in the Barn House. As the sun sets, guests can gather around a bonfire for music and merriment, with performances by local bands adding to the festive atmosphere. Those looking for an immersive experience can opt for camping, allowing them to extend their stay and enjoy the tranquil surroundings of the farm. Tickets are available on the Franny’s Farm website.
Hire:
AdventHealth Hendersonville has appointed Hudson Sutton, MBA, to the newly established role of Program Director of Operations. Sutton brings a wealth of experience to the position, having previously served as the Strategic Planning and OR Business Manager, where he notably increased surgery volumes and facilitated the onboarding of new surgeons. Despite initially pursuing a clinical path in healthcare, Sutton discovered his passion for making a broader impact in the non-clinical realm. In his new role, he will oversee program operations and collaborate with executives, leaders, and the community to enhance whole-person care options in the region. Learn more.
Nominations:
Explore Asheville is commemorating National Travel and Tourism Week (May 19 – 25) by launching the inaugural Explore Asheville Heroes of Hospitality Awards. Nominations are open from March 14 for non-managerial employees or volunteers of visitor-facing businesses or organizations who provide exceptional service. These nominees should demonstrate outstanding ambassadorship for Asheville and Buncombe County, directly interacting with or supporting visitors. Nominations close at 5pm on April 12. Winners will receive a $500 gift card, a gift bag, and a locally crafted award. All nominees and winners will be invited to a luncheon at the Omni Grove Park Inn on May 20 from 12-2pm to celebrate their achievements. Learn more and nominate your hero!