• Six Value Place Hotel has selected Englewood Construction to complete its new Apex location near US 1 and Hwy. 55.

“Not only will we be bringing construction jobs to the local economy, but once the hotel is up and running it should be pumping money back into the area,” said Bill Di Santo, president of Illinois-based Englewood.

Englewood’s previous projects include the Drake Hotel and Palmer House Hotel in Chicago. Value Place has 670 franchises in 20 states.

• EcoZoo Lawn Management, a lawn service that aims to be environmentally friendly, opened in Cary.

EcoZoo uses 95 percent recyclable battery-powered equipment that is recharged with solar and wind power. Employees use biodeisel fuel in their vehicles. They also provide a free monthly “eco-savings report” documenting for customers how they’re lessening environmental impact.

“A push mower emits as much hourly pollution as 11 cars,” said Tim Bannister, founder of EcoZoo. “Even worse, riding mowers can emit as much as 34 cars; that blew me away when I read the EPA report.”

For a free evaluation, call Bannister at 218-2657, e-mail timb@EcoZooLawn.com or visit EcoZooLawn.com.

• Works of Art NC opened in Apex.

An “art-based fundraising organization,” they transfer children’s artwork onto mugs, magnets, key rings, mouse pads and puzzles, among others, for fundraising campaigns.

“We are different than our competitors in that we offer personalized, full-service,” said Tonya Boezi, owner. “We provide delivery and pick up of all items, so that there’s no shipping charges or extra work involved.”

For a complete list of products, visit worksofartnc.com or call 523-7500.

Awards

• Cary-based Veterinary Specialty Hospital of the Carolinas is one of the “Top 100 Small Businesses in North Carolina,” according to Business Leader Media.

More than 284 companies were nominated for the award, based on business achievement and community involvement. They had to have 100 employees or less and conduct the majority of their business in North Carolina.

Founded in 1997, Veterinary Specialty has another facility in Raleigh and is a 24-hour specialty and emergency hospital for animals. For more, visit vshcarolinas.com.