Cherokee County NC Blog

Zoe and Bruce King not only provide non-medical, in-home services to area families, but they were also honored by CK Franchising Inc. for their performance as Comfort Keepers franchise owners.

The Kings were recognized at the celebration dinner and awards ceremony during the Comfort Keepers Annual Conference held in Charlotte, NC, from May 31 through June 2, 2007.

The Kings received one of the top honors of the evening when they were inducted into the President’s Club. Owners are selected for this honor based on several criteria, including hours of service, revenues, and the adherence to the ideals and standards of the Comfort Keepers system.

At the ceremony, the Kings were presented with a crystal award to commemorate their achievement.

“Being recognized as one of the top performers in the Comfort Keepers system was a great honor,” Zoe King said.

In addition to the President’s Club award, the Kings were recognized for hitting weekly operational milestones for hours of service provided to clients.

“Ask any senior and they will tell you that they prefer to stay in their own home as long as possible,” she said. “I am thrilled to own a business that can make their wishes a reality.”

Comfort Keepers provides in-home services on an hourly, daily, or weekly basis with tailored packages customized to an individual’s needs. Packages include companionship, meal preparation, light housekeeping, grocery shopping, incidental transportation, laundry, recreational activities, and more. All Comfort Keepers caregivers are employees and have criminal, driving, and credit background checks to ensure dependability and reliability.

The Kings, local owners of the western North Carolina area Comfort Keepers, have been in business since 1993.

Since opening, the Kings have provided service to numerous residents throughout western North Carolina. They have about 10 employees in the Murphy, NC, area.

The Kings have Comfort Keepers offices in Franklin, North Carolina, and Blairsville, Georgia.

Their website has a list of services they offer and a convenient contact form.

For more information, call 706-835-2607.

Mickey Maennle has joined First Citizens Bank, located in downtown Murphy, NC.

Maennle is a financial consultant based in the branch located at 22 Hiwassee Street, Murphy, NC 28906.

He received his bachelor’s degree from Western Carolina University in 1988.

Founded in 1898, First Citizens operates 340 branches in more than 200 cities and towns in North Carolina, Maryland, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. Headquartered in Raleigh, NC, the bank has $15.9 billion in assets.

(Asheville, North Carolina)

Almost one year ago, they began coming together, a group of women who wanted to create positive change for women and girls in western North Carolina.

They formed Women for Women and now have more than $185,000 to grant in the coming months to nonprofit organizations and public agencies that serve women in crisis. Grants from $30,000 to $100,000 are available, and the deadline to apply is Friday, February 3, 2006.

To date, 188 women have become members of Women for Women, a special initiative of the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina that encourages women’s philanthropy. Each member contributes $1,100 per year for three years, then together they learn about pressing needs facing women throughout the region and determine how to direct their funds.

During the first year of grantmaking, the membership decided to award grants to organizations that are helping economically disadvantaged women rebuild their lives and be more self-sufficient.

“We are looking for applicants that can supply safety net programs to prevent setbacks for women such as homelessness, joblessness, and hunger,” said Carol Minton, chair of the grants committee. “We plan to fund groups that work cooperatively with others, address causes rather than symptoms, and make a lasting impact.”

To be eligible for consideration, a nonprofit organization or public agency must meet specific guidelines and serve one or more of the 18 counties in the western North Carolina region.

To apply for a grant or become a member of Women for Women, visit Community Foundation of Western North Carolina or call 828-254-4960.