Charlotte
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.
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.
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.
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.
Charlotte home prices rise 6.2% in February
May 1, 2013
(The Charlotte Observer)
Charlotte home prices rose 6.2% in February compared to the year before, though that was less than the 9.3% average gain among the 20 cities tracked by the Standard & Poor’s/Case-Shiller home price index.
