Business
Wilmington-filmed 'Iron Man 3' posts huge opening-weekend numbers
May 6, 2013
(StarNews, Wilmington)
Iron Man 3, filmed in Wilmington last year, posted the second-best opening weekend numbers in U.S. history, earning $175.3 million. So far, it has grossed $680.1 million worldwide.
Area west of Charlotte airport ripe for development
May 6, 2013
(The Charlotte Observer)
The political fight over turning Charlotte's airport over to an independent authority could have implications over what kind of developments will rise in the western part of the city, which some believe is ripe for more projects with the coming completion of a Norfolk Southern rail yard.
Home sales surge in Western North Carolina
May 6, 2013
(Asheville Citizen-Times)
Home sales in Western North Carolina have begun to rebound this spring, rising 21% in the first quarter in Asheville compared to the year before.
Penrose residents oppose biomass plant
May 6, 2013
(The Times-News, Hendersonville)
A proposed biomass plant in Transylvania County has drawn scrutiny from a group called People for Clean Mountains who want county commissioners to impose an 18-month moratorium on "polluting industries." So far, 400 people have signed a petition.
VantageSouth relocating SBA unit to Charlotte
May 6, 2013
(The Charlotte Observer)
Raleigh-based VantageSouth Bank will relocate its office that handles Small Business Administration loans from Salisbury to Charlotte, citing an easier time recruiting skilled employees in the city.
Questions for BofA as annual investors meeting approaches
May 6, 2013
(The Charlotte Observer)
Bank of America will hold its annual shareholders meeting Wednesday in Charlotte, and the financial giant is facing questions about stock price, new regulations, legal liability and cost-cutting measures. Shares have risen about 60% since last year's annual meeting.
Value of Brunswick airport soars for region
May 6, 2013
(StarNews, Wilmington)
The economic impact of Cape Fear Regional Jetport in Brunswick County soared to $61.7 million last year compared to just $26.2 million in 2006. Much of the increase was because of an extension of the airport's runway.
Deadlock forces negotiation extension with Freightliner union
May 6, 2013
(The Salisbury Post)
The union representing Freightliner's workers at its Cleveland plant has been unable to strike a new contract agreement with parent company Daimler Trucks North America, extending the deadline until June 21. Main demands are job security, pension protection and health insurance for retirees.
Halliburton seeks influence writing N.C. fracking rules
May 3, 2013
(The News & Observer, Raleigh)
Energy giant Halliburton is opposing a North Carolina fracking rule that would require companies to submit certain chemicals used that they consider trade secrets under seal in case of a public health emergency.
Controversial toll roads and bridge get surprise victory
May 3, 2013
(The Charlotte Observer)
Two controversial toll roads -- the Garden Parkway near Charlotte and the Cape Fear Skyway near Wilmington -- as well as the proposed Mid-Currituck Bridge got a surprise victory when the projects were added as an amendment to Gov. Pat McCrory's transportation bill by legislators.
