Charlotte
Split Cornelius board signals approval of I-77 tolls
May 8, 2013
(The Charlotte Observer)
A closely split Cornelius Board of Commissioners voted to back a state plan that would spend $550 million for a private contractor to build toll lanes on Interstate 77 from Charlotte to Mooresville.
Chiquita posts lower revenue, higher profit
May 8, 2013
(The Charlotte Observer)
Charlotte-based Chiquita Brands International reported first-quarter sales fell 2% to $774 million, while it swung to a $2 million profit for the period compared to an $11 million loss the year before. The company is in the midst of cutting costs and restructuring.
As BofA settles one lawsuit, another looms
May 7, 2013
(The Charlotte Observer)
Charlotte-based Bank of America announced Monday it had settled a dispute with bond insurer MBIA for $1.7 billion, but New York's attorney general said he will sue the lender -- and Wells Fargo -- for violating last year's blockbuster $25 billion mortgage-servicing settlement.
Report: Sales tax increase could help Charlotte complete transportation projects
May 7, 2013
(The Charlotte Observer)
A task force report says Charlotte could help finance future light-rail projects and other transportation goals by raising the sales tax by a half cent as well as using federal funds and partnering with the private sector.
Gaston toll road faces crucial week in legislature
May 7, 2013
(The Gaston Gazette)
The Garden Parkway, a proposed toll road connecting Gastonia and Charlotte, faces a crucial week in the General Assembly, with votes that could determine the likelihood it will retain priority to get built.
Charlotte officials criticize consultant's airport report
May 7, 2013
(The Charlotte Observer)
Charlotte City Council members questioned a consultant Monday who concluded that the city's airport would best be governed by an independent authority despite the success the city has had managing the entity. The council paid $150,000 for the study as the state legislature debates making the change.
Building projects take off in Gaston County
May 7, 2013
(The Charlotte Observer)
Building projects, including luxury apartments and retail developments, are increasing in Gaston County.
Average airfares fall at Charlotte airport
May 7, 2013
(The Charlotte Observer)
Average domestic airfares at Charlotte Douglas International Airport fell 1.5% during the fourth quarter last year to $397 roundtrip, making it the 31st-most expensive of the nation's 100 largest airports.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Charlotte plans to demolish Eastland Mall
May 3, 2013
(The Charlotte Observer)
Charlotte officials plan to demolish Eastland Mall, a once bustling retail development in the eastern part of the city, as part of its redevelopment plan, which could include movie studios.
Kewauanee Scientific names new CEO
May 3, 2013
(Statesville Record & Landmark)
Statesville-based Kewaunee Scientific, a maker of lab furniture, said CEO Bill Shumaker will step down after 14 years at the helm. Chief Operating Officer David Rausch will take over, effective July 1.
Charlotte will be home to ESPN's Southeastern Conference Network
May 3, 2013
(The Charlotte Observer)
Charlotte will be the home of the SEC Network, set to launch in August 2014. The channel will feature 1,000 live events from the Southeastern Conference annually.
Duke's Rogers defends rake hikes, clean energy at annual meeting
May 3, 2013
(The Charlotte Observer)
Duke Energy CEO Jim Rogers, in his last annual meeting leading the nation's largest utility, defended the state's clean-energy mandate as well as the company's recent rate hike, which the state Supreme Court kicked back to the N.C. Utilities Committee.
Charlotte airport director not disciplined despite comments
May 3, 2013
(The Charlotte Observer)
Charlotte airport director Jerry Orr reiterated his support Thursday for an independent authority to govern the airport and said he hasn't been disciplined by his publicly elected bosses for his comments. Charlotte City Council members oppose the transfer of the airport from city control.
Harris Teeter sales, profit rise, but no word on sale
May 3, 2013
(The Charlotte Observer)
Matthews-based grocer Harris Teeter reported second-quarter sales rose 4.3% and profits were up 8% but didn't reveal any information about a possible sale. The company retained J.P. Morgan earlier this year to explore the possibility.
Building permits rise in Cabarrus County
May 3, 2013
(The Independent Tribune, Concord)
Single-family home permits rose to their highest levels since 2008 in Cabarrus County in April, reflecting a rebounding market. The numbers still fall short of their pre-recession highs.
