Business
Obama nominates Charlotte representative to head FHFA
May 2, 2013
(The Charlotte Observer)
President Obama nominated U.S. Rep. Mel Watt, a Democrat serving Charlotte for 20 years, to lead the Federal Housing Finance Agency, which regulates Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Watt is a longtime member of the House Financial Services Committee, though his confirmation by the Senate is not assured.
Film productions eligible for $70M in incentives for 2012
May 2, 2013
(StarNews, Wilmington)
Film productions in North Carolina were eligible for nearly $70 million in incentives after spending $275 million in the state during 2012, according to a Department of Revenue report. So far, about $51 million of the credits have been claimed.
UNC Health Care adds Lenoir hospital to system
May 2, 2013
(The News & Observer, Raleigh)
UNC Health Care will purchase Caldwell Memorial Hospital in Lenoir, investing $35 million in capital improvements over the next five years, though the hospital will remain a private, not-for-profit. UNC has added several hospitals to its system within the past year.
Bill to transfer Asheville water system goes to McCrory
May 2, 2013
(Asheville Citizen-Times)
A bill that would transfer control of Asheville's water system from city control to a regional water and sewer authority was approved by the state House and will now go to Gov. Pat McCrory for his signature.
U.S. Airways seeks influence at Charlotte airport as lease nears expiration
May 2, 2013
(The Charlotte Observer)
U.S. Airways, the largest carrier at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, wants a seat at the table to help pick the airport's next director, an individual who will be in charge of renegotiating a master lease that expires in 2016.
Asheville's employment growth leads state
May 2, 2013
(Asheville Citizen-Times)
The Asheville metro led the state in job growth in March, growing 3.6%, more than double the historic rate. The tourism industry was the main factor behind the improvement.
Bill to raise Haywood County lodging tax stalled in committee
May 2, 2013
(Smoky Mountain News)
A bill that would raise Haywood County's lodging tax from 4% to 6% is stalled in a Senate committee as a senator from Franklin says he wants unanimity from local leaders before helping it gain passage. Two Maggie Valley aldermen oppose the increase.
Durham-Chapel Hill unemployment falls
May 2, 2013
(The Herald-Sun, Durham)
Unemployment in the Durham-Chapel Hill metro fell to 6.7% in March, its lowest level since December 2008 and better than 7.3% unemployment the year before.
Mecklenburg unemployment dips below 9%
May 2, 2013
(The Charlotte Observer)
Mecklenburg County's unemployment rate fell to 8.8% in March, compared to 9.3% the year before, according to the N.C. Department of Commerce. The Charlotte metro's unemployment rate was also 8.8% for the month.
Charlotte a finalist to host 2014 X Games
May 1, 2013
(The Charlotte Observer)
Charlotte is among four finalists to win a three-year contract hosting the North American summer X Games starting in 2014. Chicago, Detroit and Austin, Texas, are the other contenders.
