REGIONALREPORT Triad
GREENSBORO — The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools placed Bennett Collegeon probation for six months because of financial instability. Its accreditation will be reviewed during that period.
ASHEBORO — Because of state budget cuts, the N.C. Zoological Park has increased admission for the first time since 2001. Prices will increase by $2, to $12 for adults, $8 for children and $10 for senior citizens and college students. The increases are expected to generate $700,000 annually.
LEXINGTON — Boca Raton, Fla.-based Vitacost.com completed its 115,000-square-foot expansion here and added 50 jobs, increasing the online vitamin retailer’s local workforce to 305.
WINSTON-SALEM — Krispy Kreme Doughnuts plans to launch three coffee lines in its shops in September that will be available through other retailers by 2013. CEO Jim Morgan says it’s part of an initiative to sustain its newfound profitability.
ELKIN — Yadkin Valley Financial deferred its second-quarter dividend payment to the U.S. Treasury. The bank holding company, which received $49.3 million in 2009 as part of the Troubled Asset Relief Program, has paid the government about $5 million in preferred dividends.
MOCKSVILLE — Seneca Medical will open a 72,480-square-foot distribution center here by September. The Tiffin, Ohio-based provider of medical equipment and supplies says the center will employ between 25 and 50 within five years.
National Solar Power says Guilford County is among seven finalists for a $1.4 billion solar farm that would be the world’s largest. The Melbourne, Fla.-based company plans to build a 400-megawatt plant, which would generate enough electricity for about 32,000 homes. When complete, it would employ about 120. Sites in Florida and Georgia are also being considered.