Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2010

Business Notes

New members at WingSwept

Garner-based WingSwept, an IT consulting firm, has hired four new team members to work in the Vertical Marketing division. Repair Shop Websites, WingSwept's Vertical Market division brand, is expanding. Scott Johnson, Jason Middendorf, Kevin Potter and Nic Tyndall have have joined the team.

"Our customer websites are marketing tools, which help shops solidify their brand image and beat out competition by reaching more consumers through the web," said Richard Benbow, vice president of Repair Shop Websites. "Our growing team can give shop owners a professional and affordable web presence in 15 minutes or less."

Contact the Repair Shop Websites team to learn more at 1-866-665-1605.

Hot dogs

Snoopy's Hot Dogs & More has opened at 82-A Glen Road in the Cleveland community. The restaurant, which has four locations in Raleigh, serves hot dogs, burgers, barbecue and chicken salad. The hours are 10 a.m. till 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 10 a.m. till 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and 11 a.m. till 10 p.m. Sundays. For more information, call 919-779-2545.

Banker promoted

Denton Lee has been named business-segment manager at First Citizens Bank in Raleigh. He oversees business and treasury services, leasing, working-capital finance, First Citizens Insurance Services and the company's international division.

"We're so fortunate to have Denton taking an expanded management role and leading our business-segment teams," said Hope Connell, First Citizens' executive vice president and business-segment executive. "First Citizens provides a broad range of specialized financial services that allow us to be the best bank for small to mid-sized businesses and professionals in the markets we serve. Denton's knowledge and expertise is extremely important as we continue to provide comprehensive resources for these important clients."

A group vice president, Lee joined First Citizens in 1994 and has led several key departments during his tenure with the company, including deposit operations, loan operations and central bank operations. Since April 2006, he has managed the bank's business and treasury services division, which has received national and regional Greenwich Excellence Awards. In addition, he has been leading the company's recent bank-acquisition efforts. Before joining First Citizens, he served in a management capacity at Fidelity Bank for 22 years.

A Smithfield native, Lee attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the University of Wisconsin School for Bank Administration. The Cleveland community resident serves on the board of the Johnston Community College Foundation.

Leadership program accepting applications

Leadership Johnston, a leadership-development program, is accepting applications for 2010-11. This year, the program will put more focus on leadership-skills training. Tuition is $600 and includes nine monthly sessions and a weekend retreat. The daylong sessions will be on the first Wedneday of the month. The Johnston County Association of Chambers of Commerce will award two $300 scholarships. The deadline for program and scholarship applications is Aug. 31. For more information, call 919-934-9166.

Agent honored

Keith Branch of Allstate Insurance Co. in Clayton has been named a Premier Service Agent for 2010. The award goes to agency owners who meet designated levels in customer service and business performance.

Initial Outfitters

Donna Donovan of Smithfield has become an independent consultant with Initial Outfitters Home Parties. The direct-sales company offers engraved jewerly, embroidered lunchboxes, purses, totes and personalized gifts. For more information, visit initialoutfitters.net/donna.