Charlotte
Southwest starts flights from Charlotte airport
April 16, 2013
(The Charlotte Observer)
Discount carrier Southwest Airlines launched its service from Charlotte Douglas International Airport on Monday, raising hopes of lower airfares in the city. Southwest will operate six flights a day to locations such as Chicago and Baltimore.
Lowe's CEO gets 4% pay boost in 2012
April 16, 2013
(The Charlotte Observer)
Lowe's CEO Robert Niblock's pay rose 4% in 2012 to more than $12.1 million. The Mooresville home-improvement store leader saw his compensation rise in each category except stock award.
Court: Utility commission needs to reassess Duke rate hike
April 15, 2013
(The Charlotte Observer)
The N.C. Supreme Court ruled that the state utilities commission needs to take another look at its decision to allow Duke Energy to raise rates by 7% for its customers in North Carolina. The court said the commission did not properly assess the impact the increase would have on consumers.
Growth creates conflict in Harrisburg
April 15, 2013
(The Independent Tribune, Concord)
A proposed 322-home subdivision in Harrisburg, a fast-growing suburb northeast of Charlotte, illustrates the conflict between more rural parts of the town and increasing urban interests.
Charlotte airport wants to open business complex
April 15, 2013
(The Charlotte Observer)
Charlotte Douglas International Airport's executive director wants to open a business complex near the airport aimed at attracting international businesses. There is no proposed date to start the project.
South Charlotte housing market should benefit from MetLife decision
April 12, 2013
(The Charlotte Observer)
Insurance giant MetLife's decision to open an office that will hire 1,380 workers in Ballantyne Corporate Park in south Charlotte is expected to help home sales near the business park.MetLife is establishing a retail hub in the city.
Two sentenced in $37M Charlotte mortgage fraud
April 12, 2013
(The Charlotte Observer)
Two defendants were sentenced to more than five years in prison each for their roles in a $37 million mortgage fraud that targeted home buyers in the Charlotte area.
Tensions rise between Charlotte, regional neighbors over airport bill
April 12, 2013
(The Charlotte Observer)
Some Charlotte leaders are angry because nearby counties are supporting an effort to take Charlotte Douglas International Airport from city control and establish an independent authority to run the airport. Several officials questioned if Charlotte should support regional efforts such as toll roads for its neighbors.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Counties near Charlotte support independent airport authority
April 10, 2013
(The Charlotte Observer)
Commissioners in Union, Iredell, Gaston and Lincoln counties have passed resolutions supporting a state bill that would take Charlotte Douglas International Airport from city control and establish an independent authority. Each county would get a member on the 13-member regional authority board.
MetLife chooses south Charlotte corporate park for 1,300 jobs
April 10, 2013
(The Charlotte Observer)
Insurance giant MetLife will move into two buildings in Ballantyne Corporate Park in south Charlotte, bringing more than 1,300 jobs.The city will be a hub for MetLife's retail business.
Home prices fall in Rowan County
April 10, 2013
(The Salisbury Post)
Home sales in Rowan County picked up slightly during the first three months of the year, but the average selling price fell from $144,483 to $118,749 compared to the year before.
Charlotte home sales rise 25% in March
April 10, 2013
(The Charlotte Observer)
Sales of existing homes in Charlotte rose about 25% in March compared to the year before, while home prices rose more than 10%.
Charlotte's new manager wants to study streetcar impact
April 10, 2013
(The Charlotte Observer)
Charlotte's new city manager may separate a proposed streetcar for the city from a capital-spending program in order to study the idea further. Ron Carlee took over as manager April 1.
Charlotte Motor Speedway tries to revive incentives suit
April 9, 2013
(Associated Press)
Concord-based Speedway Motorsports Inc. and Charlotte Motor Speedway want the N.C. Court of Appeals to revive a lawsuit that claims Cabarrus County officials reneged on an oral promise to provide $80 million in incentives to upgrade the speedway and add a drag strip nearby. A judge dismissed the lawsuit last year.
Uwharrie Capital pays back most of bailout money
April 9, 2013
(The Charlotte Observer)
Uwharrie Capital Corp. repaid $7.7 million — about 75% — of its federal bailout debt through the Troubled Asset Relief Program. It plans to pay the remainder within 18 months.
