► Rutherford County to unveil Visitor Information Network Sign at Rutherford County Airport today

Rutherford County Tourism Development Authority (RCTDA) is unveiling a Visitor Information Network sign in a public ceremony at Rutherford County Airport’s Marchman Field on Tuesday, July 19 at 5:30 p.m. Built in 1975, it officially marked 40 years in business on November 21. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend this important celebration for one of North Carolina’s oldest regional airports. RSVPs are not required. The airport is open every day (except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day), 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., with 49 aircraft based there and a daily average of about 10 aircraft in use. There are two county-owned hangars onsite and 30 private hangars on the field. (Submitted by Michelle Yelton)

► Jay Geddings receives Edward Jones Award 

Jay Geddings, of the financial services firm Edward Jones in Polk County, recently won the firm’s Frank Finnegan Award for his exceptional achievement in building client relationships. The award is named after Frank Finnegan, who joined Edward Jones in 1953 in St. Louis after playing professional baseball. He is the firm’s longest-tenured active financial advisor. “It’s truly an honor to receive recognition for building relationships with those clients we serve,” said Jay. “And it’s quite inspirational to receive an award named after a firm legend such as Frank Finnegan who was dedicated to individual investors and understood each investor’s unique financial goals.” (Submitted by Deborah McCray)

► NC jumps to five in CNBC’s ‘Top States for Business’ rankings

North Carolina Commerce Secretary John E. Skvarla, III announced last Wednesday that North Carolina is one of America’s top five states for business, according to the national business television network CNBC. The state’s number five ranking in the closely watched measurement marks a significant improvement over its 2015 performance, where it ranked ninth among the states. CNBC’s Top States for Business award, now in its tenth year, ranks states against a range of criteria, such as the strength of the available workforce, cost of doing business, infrastructure, and the economy.  The network notes its study is not an opinion survey but rather an analysis of more than sixty measures of competitive performance. In the rankings, North Carolina is joined in the top five by Minnesota, Colorado, Texas, and Utah. (Submitted by David Rhoades)

► Smart Products relocates to Henderson County

Smart Products, Inc. announced plans last week to relocate their manufacturing business from the west coast, and create 26 new jobs in Henderson County, N.C. The company is constructing a 30,000 square foot building in Mills River that will house their manufacturing, research and design, and executive offices, resulting in a $3.2 million investment. The company uses injection molding technology to produce check valves and pumps that are used in a variety of industry sectors including automotive, food and beverage, and medical. Newly created positions will include engineering, assembly, shipping, quality and administrative responsibilities. Contact Stephen Murphy at 828-654-6990 x701 or steve@carolinahrpartners.com for hiring information. (Submitted by Andrew T. Tate)