Archive for May, 2015
Bill would require referendum on future toll lanes
By Dave Vieser. In the wake of Gov. Pat McCrory suggesting that the state float bonds for transportation projects, State Sen. Jeff Tarte (R-District 14) has introduced legislation that would require approval from a majority of voters before any future project financed with tolls, user fees or any other direct charge to motorists could proceed. No […]
LKN Transportation Commission blasts NCDOT over I-77 mess
May 13. By Dave Vieser. While the members of the Lake Norman Regional Transportation Commission did not take any formal action regarding the I-77 toll lane controversy at their meeting tonight in Davidson, there was no lack of criticism for the state DOT on their handling of the project’s contract with Cintra(I77 Mobility Partners), the private […]
Visitor’s bureau honors hospitality businesses
May 5. The Cabarrus County Convention and Visitors Bureau honored businesses for outstanding contributions in the area of hospitality. The 2015 “Golden Helmet Award” recipients are: Attraction of the Year – Sea Life Aquarium Hotel of the Year – Great Wolf Lodge Restaurant of the Year – The Smoke Pit Small Business of the Year – Cabarrus Creamery Hospitality Professional […]
Hinson to receive honorary doctorate from Johnson & Wales
C. Ron Hinson, chairman, president and CEO of S&D Coffee & Tea, will receive an honorary Doctor of Business Administration from Johnson & Wales University at the school’s commencement ceremony May 23. Hinson will also be the commencement speaker. Fellow honoree Virginia A.S. Philip, wine director at The Breakers in Palm Beach, will also be recognized for […]
No housing bubble in sight
The Charlotte housing market is hot compared to other markets around the country. While the numbers regionally are strong, close-in neighborhoods and those with amenities like greenways and access to rail are the hottest, according to economists and Realtors. The high-end suburbs, where supply is limited, is strong too. “Median sales prices are holding steady […]
RCCC honored for digital technology
May 1. Rowan-Cabarrus Community College was named one of the 2014-2015 Top Ten Digital Community Colleges by the Center for Digital Education for its use of digital technologies to improve services “We are honored and proud to have made the prestigious list of honorees,” said Dr. Carol S. Spalding, president of Rowan-Cabarrus. Recently RCCC rolled out […]
Status of incentive programs concerns eco-devo officials
May 8. By Dave Vieser. The shaky status of two corporate incentive grant programs administered through the state have economic development officials concerned about our ability to compete with other areas in attracting new companies. The state Research and Development Tax Credit expires at the end of this year, while the Jobs Development Investment Grant […]
Is it time for a time-out?
It’s not scientific, and our question was not perfect, but something like 95 percent of respondents to a BusinessToday-Cornelius Today online poll said there should be a “time out” for plans to use a public-private partnership and toll lanes to widen I-77 between Charlotte and Lake Norman. The question went like this: Is it time […]
The business of charity: Giving means putting effort in up front
More small businesses are getting involved in charities and non-profits, and some are using micro-events to gain media traction in the event-congested world of doing good. What can go wrong? As it turns out, plenty. Events come and go, and, where dueling charities are involved, an upstart can dilute the clout of an established charity. […]
Clyde Higgs new EVP at Castle & Cooke, Atlantic American; Jeff Austin out at Club at Irish Creek
May 5. In a press release that did not mention Lynne Scott Safrit, billionaire “David H. Murdock, chairman and chief executive officer of Castle & Cooke North Carolina, LLC and builder and founder of the NC Research Campus, has appointed Clyde Higgs to the position of executive vice president of operations and business development for Castle […]
