North Carolina set to grow, economist says

(The Charlotte Observer)

North Carolina's economy is set to grow in 2010 after two years of declines and massive job losses, according to UNC Charlotte economist John Connaughton. He says the state's economy will increase 3.5% this year, following declines of 2.8% in 2009 and less than 1% in 2008.

Lawsuit could block live dealers at casino

(Asheville Citizen-Times)

Negotiations between the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and the governor's office over live card dealers at Harrah's Cherokee Casino won't resume until legal challenges to the state's gambling restrictions are cleared up. A Fayetteville video-poker operator has sued the state, saying the governor doesn't have the authority to negotiate gambling rights.

Quail Hollow prepares in case Tiger comes

(The Charlotte Observer)

Quail Hollow Championship organizers are preparing in case Tiger Woods decides to follow up his appearance at the Masters with a trip to Charlotte three weeks later. Kym Hougham, tournament director, says he is developing a plan for the increased media presence Woods would attract.

Exhibitors satisfied with Pre-Market

(High Point Enterprise)

Furniture exhibitors say they were pleased with this year's High Point Pre-Market, which ended Tuesday. They say they saw more buyers at the invitation-only event, a prelude to the full-scale market next month.

Fayetteville market hottest for IT jobs

(The Fayetteville Observer)

The Fayetteville market was North Carolina's hottest for information-technology jobs last year, according to a report by TEK Systems and the North Carolina Technology Association. In December, 2,060 people were working in the sector in Fayetteville, up 22.6% from a year earlier.