Biz Roundup: Chewy seeking more than 200 workers at fulfillment center –

SALISBURY — Chewy announced last week that it is hiring more than 200 full and part time positions with a variety of skill sets and shifts for its fulfillment center in Salisbury.

Since officially beginning operations at the facility in April 2020, the company has already surpassed its initial goal of creating 1,200 jobs by 2025. In the fall, Chewy put out a similar call for more than 200 workers.

The online pet retailer is now offering more incentives to lure in applicants, including the ability of employees to earn up to an extra $2 per hour added to full time wages, an earning potential of up to $20 per hour depending on shift and role, referral bonuses of $500, sign-on bonuses of $250 and temporary overtime incentives of up to $500 in addition overtime pay through June 5. 

Those interested can find more information and apply at Chewy.com/jobs, or visit the fulfillment center for an on the spot interview Monday through Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at 255 Front Creek Rd.

Chamber and Extension Office team up to host third annual Arts and Ag Farm Tour

SALISBURY — The Rowan County Chamber of Commerce and Extension Office will host the third annual Rowan Arts and Ag Farm Tour on June 5 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

The self-guided tour is free to attend. There will be farm produce and artwork available for sale. This year’s tour is focused on the western side of Rowan County, particularly the Mount Ulla and Cleveland communities.

Those participating in the tour are encouraged to start at the Rowan County Life Museum located at 550 Sloan Rd. The museum will serve as home base for the Arts and Ag Farm Tour and has antique agricultural equipment on display. Volunteers at the museum will be prepared to answer any questions about each stop on the tour and provide participants with a brochure.

The other farm sites on the tour include:

• Evans Family Farm, which raises sheep, chickens and pigs. Participants can learn about how  they rotate pastures to keep their animals healthy and improve the soil quality.

• Lutheridge Creamery, a small dairy farm that is in the process of beginning to bottle milk and make artisan cheese.

• Ray Horton Farms, which grows soybeans, corn, wheat and barley. Carolina Malt processes the barley where it is malted and sold to breweries across the Carolinas.

• Tranquility Vineyards will be offering muscadine slushies, muscadine grapes, juice, cider, jelly and honey.

• West Rowan High School FFA program will have plants for sale and demonstrate their working farm school and agricultural education land laboratory.

Artist featured on the tour include: Chuck Payne, knives; Lee Menius, leather; Rosty Menius, woodworking; Mark DeYoung, metal caster; Lisa Waugh, silversmith; Connie Christman, potter; Keyth Kahrs, watercolor artist; and, Marcia Hartman, beadwork.

More information can be found online at https://artsandagtour.com/our-farms-artisans/  or Rowan Arts & Ag Farm Tour Facebook page or the Visit NC Farms App.

Salisbury Police Department promotes Brooks to lieutenant

SALISBURY — The Salisbury Police Department last week promoted Sgt. Corey J. Brooks to lieutenant.

Brooks has more than 20 years of experience in law enforcement. After beginning his career with the East Spencer Police Department, Brooks was hired by the Salisbury Police Department in 2001 as a patrol officer and continued to rise through the ranks. 

“I am honored to be able to continue my career with the Salisbury Police Department as a lieutenant,” Brooks said in a news release. “When I first arrived in Salisbury to attend Livingstone College, I fell in love with the community and its residents. The city of Salisbury has afforded me both the opportunity to advance my career, and protect and serve those who welcomed me here with open arms.” 

Brooks’ previous responsibilities included supervision of the patrol division, training and recruitment. He most recently served as a…