Business
Fewer North Carolina companies offer health insurance
April 11, 2013
(The Charlotte Observer)
Fewer North Carolina workers have access to employer-sponsored health insurance, according to a new study. In 2000, 69% of employers offered coverage, but that dipped to just 56% in 2011 -- the fifth-biggest percentage drop in the country.
UNC campuses safe from closure this year
April 11, 2013
(The News & Observer, Raleigh)
None of UNC's 17 campuses across the state will be closed in the next two years, state legislative leaders said, but they didn't take it off the table for the future.
Forecast: More hurricanes expected than usual
April 11, 2013
(The Charlotte Observer)
Meteorologists are predicting more hurricanes this year along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, a prediction that, if it comes to pass, could have big implications on North Carolina's economy. A noted team from Colorado State University has predicted there will be 18 named storms and nine hurricanes.
Nantahala development finally gets a boost
April 11, 2013
(Smoky Mountain News)
A development along that Nantahala River that sold all 40 of its lots within two days eight years ago finally is seeing movement in those homes being built. Nearly a dozen homes in the Mystic River development are being built after only one was built in the past eight years.
Manufacturer expanding in Columbus County
April 11, 2013
(StarNews, Wilmington)
Cary-based Ply Gem Industries, a maker of vinyl siding and other items for home exteriors, will expand in Columbus County, investing $15.5 million and adding 145 jobs within three years.
Family Dollar reports higher sales
April 11, 2013
(The Charlotte Observer)
Matthews-based Family Dollar's sales rose 18% to $2.9 billion in the second quarter, but profits didn't meet expectations because the increased sales came from lower-margin items such as food and tobacco.
Sonic Automotive names new CFO
April 11, 2013
(The Charlotte Observer)
Charlotte-based car dealer Sonic Automotive named Heath Byrd chief financial officer. He previously was chief information officer for the company.
Unemployment rate a mixed bag for Triad
April 11, 2013
(Winston-Salem Journal)
Metro Winston-Salem was just one of two metros in the state to lose jobs in February, though its unemployment rate fell to 8.8% as people dropped out of the labor force.
Asheville joblessness rate dips below 8%
April 11, 2013
(Asheville Citizen-Times)
Asheville's unemployment fell to 7.8% in February, down from 8.4% the previous year. Tourism and retail led the job growth.
Mecklenburg County unemployment dips
April 11, 2013
(The Charlotte Observer)
Mecklenburg County's unemployment rate fell to 9.1%. down from 9.7% the year before. The rate is now below the state's.
