CEO of Lake Wylie company named 2016 Women Business Enterprise Star

Jennifer Maier, CEO and president of WDS Inc. in Lake Wylie, was named as a 2016 Women Business Enterprise Star by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council.

Maier qualified for this recognition through her business certification with the Greater Women’s Business Council. She was selected due to WDS’ superior leadership as a warehousing and distribution company with 22 localized service hubs to serve customers in the food processing, medical and technology industries throughout the United States and Canada.

“I am proud to receive this recognition and appreciate the opportunity to serve as an advocate for other women in business,” she said. “WBENC and GWBC have been great assets as we grow, and have helped fuel accomplishments I only dreamed of when starting WDS.”

Maier was recognized for her business accomplishments, her inspiration to other women businesses and her leadership and vision as CEO of WDS. She was honored alongside 13 other women business enterprises from across the nation during a recent award gala in Phoenix, Ariz., as the culminating event of WBENC’S annual Summit & Salute conference.

WDS is an award-winning warehousing, distribution, inventory and supply chain management company with locations across the USA and Canada, serving customers in the food, medical equipment and technology equipment sectors. WDS has been recognized as one of the fastest-growing woman-owned companies by the Women Presidents Organization and named to the Inc. 5000 in 2014 and 2015. For more information, visit womends.com.

YEC constructs first solar farm in our area

York Electric Cooperative Inc. is one of the first utilities to offer its members the opportunity to subscribe to a community solar farm.

Construction is underway on the 50- kilowatt farm in Rock Hill near YEC’s Lesslie substation off of Springdale Road. Energy production is scheduled to begin as early as June.

The farm’s production is expected to be enough energy to power the use of seven average homes in YEC’s service area.

Members interested can participate for as low as $130 to start the program. Monthly billing will follow the initial fees at the rate of $12 per kW subscription. Subsequently, participating members will receive a solar credit on their bill at the rate of 10 cents per kilowatt hour, which will be based upon the amount of energy the farm produces proportional to their kW subscription.

For more information, call 803-684-4248 or visit yorkelectric.net.

CaroMont hosting challenge May 14 in Belmont

For the third year, CaroMont Health will host the CaroMont Community Challenge, a 5K run, 1-mile fun walk and family-friendly event on May 14 at Stuart W. Cramer High School, 101 LakeWood Road, Belmont.

Runners and walkers of all ages are welcome.

“Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just starting to exercise, taking that first step is important, and we hope this event gives people an opportunity to compete, learn or just make connections to help them improve their health and wellness. We’re in our third year, and it just keeps getting better,” said Doug Luckett, president and CEO at CaroMont Health.

There will be health and fitness demonstrations, interactive fitness challenges, giveaways and prizes, and more.

The 5K run begins 8 a.m., followed by a 1-mile fun walk at 9 a.m.

Registration for the 5K costs $15 per person or $50 for a family rate (four or more), and includes a T-shirt. The 1-mile fun walk is free, but registration is required. Visit caromontcommunitychallenge.com to register.

Frame & Art Shop celebrates with chamber

Nancy Albright operated separate locations for her art gallery and frame shop for many years, but both now are consolidated in Carolina Frame & Art at 6825 E. Wilkinson Boulevard in Belmont.

Montcross Area Chamber members and friends along with Albright’s customers, artists and others recently helped celebrate with refreshments and a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The gallery features the work of local and regional artists, and the frame shop offers hundreds of molding and mat options along with custom designed shadow boxes, beveled mirrors and more.

Carolina Frame & Art is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday and 11a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday. For more information, call 704-825-9601, or visit carolinaframeandart.com.

This story was originally published May 5, 2016 at 1:56 PM with the headline "CEO of Lake Wylie company named 2016 Women Business Enterprise Star."