Charlotte Job Growth on the Rebound
May 14th, 2012 Categories: Charlotte Business
Charlotte Shows Stronger Job Growth Than NC
According to the economists at Wells Fargo, Charlotte employment grew 2% higher than February 2011, making it one of the strongest regions in the state in job growth which averaged 1.2%. As bad as that sounds, it is up from an anemic statewide .5% increase in 2011! Initial jobs claims fell 11%. Statewide unemployment fell to 9.7% from 10.7% a year ago. Export income was up 11% in the 4th qaurter of 2011, over a year earlier. Manufacturing is on the rebound with the major Siemen’s expansion in Charlotte, the additional shift hired at Daimler Benz in Belmont, and Winston-Salem’s new Caterpillar plant. For the first time in many years, manufacturing employment is growing in the state.
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Fannie Mae earns $2.7B in first quarter 2012,
the first profit since way back in 2008– and it is to pay back the US taxpayers $2.8B in the form of a dividend. This reflect several positive trends: January and February home sales were the best months in 5 years. New home builders have plans in place to build more homes since 2009. We all know mortgage rates have never been lower… and the Fed says we should expect that through 2012. We’ll see, first sign of inflation they’ll run for the hills!
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Gas prices are falling – $3.60 a gallon in some places. Motorists are driving about 5% less miles than a year ago, andthe price of a barrel of oil remains just under $100/barrel ($98) very near its 2012 low. I like this keep falling.
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Bank of America had its annual shareholder meeting last week in Charlotte-
a big brouhaha was expected, but never really materialized. There were many pissed off shareholders, and perhaps a few hundred demonstrators , but with so many complaints, it was hard to be heard. Six were arrested, but the police had room for hundreds of arrestee’s.
Does Bank of America Keep its Headquarters in Charlotte?
This burning question was made clearer by the State of NC passing Amendment One, which many believe would ban employers from giving benefits to same sex couples. B of A is one of the most gay friendly corporations in the US and has a “Headquarters in Waiting” Building in New York, and a CEO who lives in Boston, so you get my point, they already had one foot out the door. That vote may just close the door on the Bank of America headquarters in Charlotte NC.
tm
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Great Road Trips from Charlotte
May 13th, 2012 Categories: About Charlotte
Things To Do, Road Trips From Charlotte NC,
is first in a series of my families adventures here over the last 19 years. We are “outdoor” types, so hiking, general exploring, rock climbing (limited by our children ) and a whole lot of out door adventures await.
Maggie Valley
West of Asheville, Maggie Valley has fun for just about everyone- hiking, fishing, rafting, swimming holes abound just east of the Great Smokey Mountain National Park along NC 19, and just west of Nantahala and Pisgah National Forest. We’ve visited Maggie Valley in the spring, summer and fall, staying in rental cabins from 1 night to 3 nights.
One of our favorites is the Nantahala Outdoor Center, or NOC. Arrive early, and watch the little 6-8 in deep creek turn into a frothing 25′ wide crekk/river before your eyes as the water is turned on from Fontana Lake. Rent a kayak and they’ll drop you off up stream on this child-friendly river. We went with tow “older” boys- 10 and 12, and the two younger girls, one with each parent. All wore life vests and were capable swimmers. Located in Bryson City.
Other family favorites include the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad, Tubing, panning for minerals at roadside stops – 3 year olds can do this! And you’ll always find something that amazes.
You can find just about any outdoor summer or winter sport here – and a ;lodge to go with it. Of course there is golf, but also horseback riding, cross country skiing in the winter, too many hiking trails to count. Bikers usually mean motorcycle riders as many of the Maggie Valley roads offer some the most scenic bike rides in the east.
For more things to do visit www.maggievalley.org
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3 Mother’s Day Ideas in Charlotte
May 12th, 2012 Categories: Things To Do Charlotte
If you are like me, you sometimes struggle to come up with new ideas for Mother’s Day. Here are three outings that will cost a fraction of dinner costs, and maybe more fun for all. Then don’t forget to pickup some carry out, don’t ever make her cook on Mother’s Day!
Visit the Lazy 5 Ranch in Mooresville
If any of you have seen the movie The Zoo, with Matt Damon, you’ll love the Lazy 5 Ranch in Mooresville
8.50 for adults, 5.50 for kids, and it is Only cash, no cards. Wagon rides are extra. Some GPS get it wrong, so check these directions here
Pan for Gold at Reed’s Gold Mine
This privately held mine will let you pan for gold for $2.00 per person. About 30 minutes east of Charlotte, Reed’s Gold mine was the first big hit of gold in the US, predating the the 49′er gold rush, and a major reason we had a US Mint, and now have a Federal Reserve Branch in Charlotte. “Children” aged 3-45 love to pan for gold and other minerals, a true fun for the whole family activity. Closed Sundays, you’ll need to go Saturday, or make time this week.
Mom’s get in Free at the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden
I know I said 3, but a 4th is a favorite too- have you been to the new Bechtler Museum of Modern Art in Charlotte? if not, go this weekend and mom’s get in Free. Uptown, at the South Tryon Cultural center, the orange building, you can’t miss it.
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Vote NO on Amendment One
May 5th, 2012 Categories: Everything Else
Folks, usually I don’t like to write things that might offend people, but honestly, Amendment One is extreme, “only recognized union.” It is bad for business – we won’t be able to recruit top companies, and some may leave the state; it’s not against gay marriage, there is already a law for that, and last – as a Southern state we should have long learned that the State Constitution is NOT the place to enshrine bigotry of any kind.
We in the business community bear a special responsibility to speak out- the first Republican controlled state House and Senate in 100 years could not have come about without the approval or acquiescence of the business community. The business community voted for a pro-growth, pro-business government- not the narrow religious interest represented by Amendment One.
There are threats to traditional marriage, but not from committed couples who want the same rights as married folks. Vote No today in the last day of early voting, or Vote Tuesday Against Amendment One, but Vote NO, and have your co-workers and family get out and vote as well.
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Graduates- What They Won’t Tell You!
May 3rd, 2012 Categories: Everything Else
My youngest daughter Amy graduates from George Washington University this year and sent me this article. This is a great piece of journalism from the Wall Street Journal, Charles Wheelan.
Class of 2012,
I became sick of commencement speeches at about your age. My first job out of college was writing speeches for the governor of Maine. Every spring, I would offer extraordinary tidbits of wisdom to 22-year-olds—which was quite a feat given that I was 23 at the time. In the decades since, I’ve spent most of my career teaching economics and public policy. In particular, I’ve studied happiness and well-being, about which we now know a great deal. And I’ve found that the saccharine and over-optimistic words of the typical commencement address hold few of the lessons young people really need to hear about what lies ahead. Here, then, is what I wish someone had told the Class of 1988:
1. Your time in fraternity basements was well spent.
The same goes for the time you spent playing intramural sports, working on the school newspaper or just hanging with friends. Research tells us that one of the most important causal factors associated with happiness and well-being is your meaningful connections with other human beings. Look around today. Certainly one benchmark of your post graduation success should be how many of these people are still your close friends in 10 or 20 years.
2. Some of your worst days lie ahead
for more go to… http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304811304577366332400453796.html
this article reminds me of a favorite book, popular a few years after I graduated, over 30 years ag0- Mark McCormick’s, “What They Don’t Teach You at Harvard Business School“ Notes from a Street Wise Executive, another must read for our graduates.
This uncertain economy it extremely tough on our young people. Statistics show that only about 50% will gain employment, a setback that will be with most of them for life. We simply need more jobs. More jobs next month, next year. Business can help. I heard yesterday that the Disney corporation has 7,000 interns. Really? Why aren’t 6000 of those entry level jobs? Because unemployment is so high, they can.
IT is an election year and we need to elect politicians that have plans for jobs, and hold them accountable. If we try something and it doesn’t work- recognize it, and move on to something else. But keep trying. This will be the 4th graduating class in this recession/depression, it is time to get them, and the many others unemployed, back to work.
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Canoe and Kayak Olympic Trials
April 15th, 2012 Categories: About Charlotte, Things To Do Charlotte
A Glorious Day at the US National Whitewater Center 
It was a spectacular day on the water for the the paddler’s and the fans as thousands came to watch the first step in choosing the US and Canadian Whitewater National teams- those who will compete for gold medals this summer in the London Summer Olympics.
For many, it represents a lifetime of preparation and work, for others, it is there first major competiton as one 13 year old, and one 16 competed for the first time.
I’ll let the pictures and competitors tell the story:
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Things to Do in Charlotte This Weekend: April 6 – 8
April 6th, 2012 Categories: About Charlotte
Things to Do in Charlotte: April 6 – 8 | About Charlotte
There’s always plenty to do on the weekends (and during the week as well) in Charlotte, and this upcoming weekend is no exception! I’ve hit some of the highlights below, what are your plans? Let us know in the comments
Red Hot Chili Peppers & Santigold - Fri, April 6th
Flea and the gang are hitting Charlotte’s Time Warner Cable Arena in the heart of Charlotte’s Uptown this Friday with breakout sensation Santigold opening for them. Tickets range from $47 – $70 and can be purchased through TicketMaster (yuck!). If you’ve never seen the Red Hot Chili Peppers, you’re in for a show! I can’t speak to Santigold but if the stories are true, she knows how to rock out as well. (photo by davies)
Charlotte Bobcats vs. Atlanta Hawks - Sat, April 7th
So the Charlotte Bobcats haven’t had the best season, but watching their games live is an experience & a half! The stadium rises quickly so there’s literally not a bad seat in the house (I could read player’s names on their jersey from the second to last row). Tickets to the game start at $15, very affordable for a night of fun! (photo by daysofthundr46)
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Things To Do March 30th | Charlotte About Town
March 30th, 2012 Categories: About Charlotte
Family Easter at Verizon Wireless Amphitheater
Have Easter at Verizon Wireless Amphitheater with the whole family for free! Easter egg hunts, games, inflatable bouncer, a live band and so much more! Call (704) 598-9800 for more details. The event is on Easter Sunday and starts at 9am.
Easter Egg Hunt
Get your picture made with the Easter Bunny and join in the Easter Egg Hunt at the Crossing Paths Park in Indian Trail! Get your face painted and have fun with the whole family for FREE on Easter Sunday starting at 10am. Call (704) 821-5401 for more detail. The address is 120 Blythe Drive
Indian Trail, NC 28079.
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Matthews Homes for Sale Under $200,000
March 24th, 2012 Categories: Matthews
Matthews Real Estate Under $200k
The suburb of Matthews is a great place to raise a family. Close in to town? Check! Great neighborhoods? Check! Small town charm? Matthews has it in spades. With only a 20 minute drive to downtown & 30 to the airport (quick access to 485), Matthews is a popular spot which many families call home. And don’t worry, there’s still plenty to do within Matthews!
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NASCAR Hall of Fame!
March 23rd, 2012 Categories: Charlotte Culture
NASCAR Hall of Fame!!!
Charlotte really has it all and we love NASCAR so located uptown we have the Hall of Fame! The groundbreaking for the building started Jan. 25 2007. Opening day was May 11th 2010! You can imagine the fans pouring in from all over to view this big day! What an exciting thought to have a museum in Charlotte for NASCAR!
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