Business Journal: Market America Hiring, Navy Stimulus, New Retail Shops Planned

GREENSBORO - Market America plans to add up to 50 jobs this year as it increases its online product offerings and launches an international Web site.

The Greensboro-based company, which markets and sells everything from cosmetics to furniture from its Web site and network of independent distributors, will add positions in information technology, business analysis, project management and other areas, said Market America's Chief Operating Officer, Marc Ashley.

Ashley added that the company also is looking for someone with experience with mobile applications, the kind of software designed to run programs on personal digital assistants and cell phones.

Annual salaries likely will range from $40,000 to $70,000, depending on the position, he said, and the company could add more jobs if it sees additional growth.

The jobs come on top of the 76 workers Market America hired within the last year in similar areas. After this year's 50 new hires, Market America's local workforce will have grown 78 percent, to 568, since 2007, when it was at 320 employees.

2. Navy gets stimulus money for rehab projects

GREENSBORO - The Navy Operational Support Center in Greensboro is planning for $7.5 million in renovations using a grant from the federal stimulus package.

Andrew Porter, a public works officer for the Naval Facilities Engineering Command Mid-Atlantic region, said the armed forces reserve center in Greensboro, which covers about 64,000 square feet, is due for a new roof, heating and air conditioning system, doors, windows, lighting, flooring, and bathroom and locker room upgrades.

Porter said the reserve center, on McCloud Road along Interstate 40 near Piedmont Triad International Airport, had already begun planning for renovations last year. But the project was identified for funding through the $787 federal stimulus bill as one that could begin soon in an attempt to jump start the economy.

3. New commercial strip planned in Greensboro

By Matt Evans The Business Journal

GREENSBORO - A new $10 million, 25-acre retail development will add to the commercial mix under way where South Elm/Eugene Street in Greensboro meets the I-85 bypass.

Grading of the land on the southwestern portion of that intersection has begun for The Village at South Elm, being developed by Cornelius-based Centdev Properties. Charlotte-based contractor Shelco is handling site work.

The $10 million investment figure is only an estimate, said Centdev partner Dale Tweedy, because the project will be developed bit by bit on 17 individual parcels over the next three years. The intersection is already home to big-box retailers Wal-Mart and Lowe's Home Improvement and several smaller shops on its northwest corner. Another large retail center is also planned for the northeast corner.

Village at South Elm will have a somewhat different character, with no big-box or obvious anchor tenants, Tweedy said.