Feb. 23–CHESTER — Dilip Patel, owner of the Microtel Inn and Suites by Wyndham in Rock Hill, was recently named the hotelier of the year by the S.C. Restaurant and Lodging Association.

The award honors the hotel owner, manager or company that shows exemplary customer service, employee relations, community service, and their dedication to advancing the lodging industry of South Carolina.

“I’m humbled by it, I don’t know who nominated me,” Patel said.

Patel said the formation of the Lancaster, Union, Chesterfield and York (LUCY) chapter of the association was likely a factor in the award. Lodging and restaurant operators have come together in the four counties to lobby local governments to “achieve what we need,” Patel said.

There are about 40 members of the LUCY chapter, he said.

One of the issues the group is closely watching is how county governments spend hospitality tax revenues, he said.

Business News

— Carowinds is hiring more associates to accommodate growth at the theme park. The park opens March 29 and is looking to hire more than 2,200 seasonal workers.

Jobs vary from entry level to supervisory and all departments are hiring.

“As our park grows, so does our need for more associates” said Sandy Cranford, Carowinds’ director of human resources, “This year we’re hiring more lifeguards to work with the new slides we will have in our water park, along with more food service associates as we expand our dining options throughout the park. “

To apply applicants must be at least 15 years of age and submit an online application at www.carowinds.com. After submitting an application, applicants can visit the Carowinds employment office for a prescreen interview, which will be conducted until 4 p.m. but no appointment is necessary. The Carowinds employment office is located next to the park on Catawba Trace just off Carowinds Boulevard.

–The Charlotte Knights are are holding a Food Service job fair Monday and Tuesday from 6 to 9 p.m. at the the Charlotte Convention Center in room 213. The Knights and Ovations Food Services are looking for seasonal employees such as concession workers, dishwashers, cashiers, banquet servers, bartenders, and level supervisors.

“We’re looking for hard-working, reliable, and energetic food service employees to help us throughout our inaugural season at BB&T Ballpark,” said Scotty Brown, Charlotte Knights general manager of baseball operations.

Ovations Food Services will collect employee questionnaires from applicants at the event. Full interviews for qualified candidates will take place at a later date. Paid parking is available at the NASCAR Hall of Fame parking garage.

The Knights begin the season at home on April 11 at the new BB&T Ballpark against the Norfolk Tides.

— Westminster Towers, a continuing care retirement community in Rock Hill, has named its new wellness extension Heritage Hall. The 4,000-square-foot activities space will host the community’s life enrichment programs and health and wellness classes.

— The Tractor Supply Company store is open for business and employs 14 people.

“Chester is a great location for Tractor Supply Company because there’s not another store around that offers the variety of product that we do,” said store manager Tim Payne. “Our knowledgeable, friendly team likes to work hard and have fun and we look forward to providing our neighbors with Tractor Supply’s legendary customer service.”

Payne joined Tractor Supply in 2012 as an assistant manager at the Rock Hill location. Prior to joining Tractor Supply, he worked for Home Depot for 12 years. He is a native of York.

Regular store hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday. The store is the former Walmart at 1839 J A Cochran Bypass.

–The Piedmont Regional Association of Realtors, Piedmont Medical Center and The Heart2Heart Foundation are holding a health and wellness fair to benefit staff of York County businesses on March 12 at the Palmetto Room, 150 E. White St. in downtown Rock Hill. Approximately 40 vendors are scheduled to participate.

Employees of local business can drop by the health fair between 8 am. and noon to take advantage of free health screenings and receive free information about wellness programs and services available in York County. The event will kick off Heart Month and Piedmont Medical Center will offer free heart health screenings which include cholesterol, BMI, blood glucose and blood pressure checks.

Advance heart health risk assessments, which include blood work, an EKG and a review by a board-certified cardiologist, will be offered for $39.95 and can be scheduled by calling 803-329-1234, ext. 2. Both heart health screenings require fasting prior to the event.

Admission to the event is free. For information go to TheHeart2HeartFoundation.org.

Calendar

— TUESDAY — Catfish Junction is holding a ribbon cutting at noon at 680 Tinsley Way in Rock Hill.

Catfish Junction is a fish camp/creole fish restaurant. Manager Pennington Pribbenow said, “Catfish Junction has a long standing in southeast and we are extremely excited and proud to become a member of the community here in Rock Hill and in York County. We offer daily lunch specials, happy hour, catering, private parties and have a large dining room for all to enjoy.”

Hours of operation are Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 11 am. to 10 p.m.