Business Briefs BUSINESS profile Sledge prepares to start new business venture By YVETTE N. FREEMAN Community News Editor For nine years, John Sledge has suc cessfully operated the seafood market, The 47th Pier, in the East Winston shopping center. He is now ready to sell the business and move on to other things, particularly, the healthcare field. "It's time for me to go on and do something else," said Sledge dur ing a recent interview. "I've done this business. It has proven itself and I'd like to get into the healthcare business now; go to people who choose to age in place, meaning, aging in their homes. I'd like to have people working for me doing that." Sledge said that he hopes to have his new business venture, named United People Works Inc., in operation within the next three months; and is currently interviewing qualified healthcare professionals to join him in providing the elderly with health, social, and home maintenance services. He explained why he chose the name United People Works Inc. "It's just putting folks to work who need work," he said. "There's a lot of talent here, but people just don't know how to market it." Sledge, who is a former commercial banker, added that the new business will service the entire Triad area, and eventually the entire state. He explained that he decid ed to enter the healthcare industry because of the need for services to help the elderly. "I do some of that just on a voluntary basis now. I feed the homeless (every Wednes day, for nearly two years now. Sledge has cooked and served Fish not sold during that day to the homeless). And 1 take care of some people in the neighborhood just iki. v ii Mtor ? * John Sledge already helps out In the community by feeding the homeless on Wednesdays at his store. because it's there to do. It's needed," he explained. Once United Peo ple Works Inc. is in business, it will be run from Sledge's home, and eventually expand ed into a commercial office space. Sledge, who is the sole finan cial backer of the pro ject, says he looks for ward to experiencing the same kind of sue- . cess that he has had with The 47th Pier. He credits that sue- _ cess to "hanging in there. Staying with it. Not quitting. Trust in God and a lot of prayers. I've said before that you give people the best quality at a fair price. That has been what kept this business going and it's still keep ing this business going." John Sludge plans to sell his seafood market and open a healthcare business. P 5SSS fUneral arrangements available, if they think that you have the money To deal with such dishonesty the Federal Ttad&Coip^ E 4?vtfope and lervicc& If you want tt purchase a casket, the funeral provider , 1 must supply you with a list tint describes all the available selections -v- -?? ip|i| ?? f - i \- liliSi III p When you are airanging.a funeral you should shop for the best prices offered for the goodsand services needed. You may call or visit a funeral provider to get a price; list which reflects information on embalming, caskets, cremation, flowers and newspaper notices. Keep in mind that you do not have to purchase unwanted goods or services as a condition of obtaining those you do want unless you are required to do so by state law. tinder the "Funeral Rule": 11- ? Ybo have the right to cboose only the funeral goodsand services jfo?wantrx || MHii I 11 MMHI ? ?The funeral provider must disclose this right in writing at the priceBst funeral provider must disclose on your itemized statement of goods and services selected the specific state law that requires you to purchase any particular item. ^ \ s !j| \ :;Since many funeral arrangements am made under tight time con straints be careful and do not pay more than what is necessary. Think 1 ing ahead may help you make Informed and thoughtful decisions about ftiberal arrangements. In this way; you can carefully choose the specific lions you want and need and can compare pricesoffered by I one or more funeral providers. - fllMill ill lit ^ H ! % II 1 1 If yoddecide to make advance plana about funeral arrangements, :::AltOWK:;p5lf|!JC? itlir 11 IP iH ft IS-i-S ??B? The 1992 Annual Edition . ?of the ? ? ? 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