Business
Lowe's CEO: Company will give employees more hours, increase inventory
May 23, 2013
(The Charlotte Observer)
Robert Niblock, CEO of Mooresville-based Lowe's, said the home-improvement store chain will add more employee hours and increase inventory of high-selling items after cutting back too much during the recession. The retailer reported lower sales during the first quarter even though its profit rose.
MedWest health system weighs its future
May 23, 2013
(Smoky Mountain Times)
MedWest health system, a collection of three hospitals in Haywood, Jackson and Swain counties, is exploring a possible sale to a larger health system as it seeks a cash infusion to shore up its struggling balance sheet.
RTP office park up for auction
May 23, 2013
(The News & Observer, Raleigh)
GE Asset Management will auction off its 70-acre office park within Research Triangle Park next month. It originally paid $65 million for the site, which is now only 10% leased, but is considered key in redevelopment efforts for RTP.
Wilmington tourism officials predict strong holiday weekend
May 23, 2013
(StarNews, Wilmington)
A stabilizing economy and a good weather forecast have Wilmington tourism officials optimistic about the Memorial Day weekend, with a number of hotels already fully booked.
JPMorgan Chase grows Charlotte presence
May 23, 2013
(The Charlotte Observer)
New York-based banking giant JPMorgan Chase has grown its presence in Charlotte during the past year, though it's still small -- just 14 bankers. The Charlotte office is catering to companies that make $20 million to $500 million in annual revenue.
Bill to raise Haywood County lodging tax dies in legislature
May 23, 2013
(Smoky Mountain News)
Despite widespread support from locally elected officials, a bill that would have raised Haywood County's lodging tax to help pay for tourism initiatives died in the General Assembly. Though supported by many, a faction of Maggie Valley motel owners were against the proposal.
Greensboro company buys Orlando apartments for $48M
May 23, 2013
(Winston-Salem Journal)
Greensboro-based Bell Partners acquired a 310-unit apartment complex in Orlando adjacent to Universal Studios for $48 million.
Fresh Market names new CFO
May 23, 2013
(Winston-Salem Journal)
Greensboro-based specialty grocer Fresh Market named Jeffrey Ackerman its new chief financial officer, effective June 3. He previously was CFO of mattress maker Sealy Corp.
State sues Duke Energy for coal contamination of water
May 22, 2013
(The Charlotte Observer)
The state is suing Charlotte-based Duke Energy for polluting Mountain Island Lake with coal ash, the first time North Carolina has taken action against a utility for its handling of the substance. The lake is a main drinking supply for Charlotte.
Bill would allow limited tolls on I-95
May 22, 2013
(The News & Observer, Raleigh)
The state House passed a bill Tuesday that will allow limited tolls on North Carolina's highways -- permitting them in new lanes but not existing ones. The measure was prompted by proposals to introduce tolls on Interstate 95, which runs through eight counties from the Virginia to South Carolina borders.
