Out of the thousands of law enforcement, fire, and other agencies that created lip sync challenge videos this summer, CMPD was just nominated by USA Today as a contender to be crowned the best in the nation.
The publication selected the top 4 videos from each of the 4 US regions to go head-to-head in a 3-round voting tournament.
Charlotte is currently dominating the East Coast round against Hampton, VA:
CMPD’s video quickly went viral last month, hitting 1 million views the day after posting – it’s now received over 24 million views.
The video was set to the tune of Justin Timberlake’s “Can’t Stop the Feeling”;
Do you think CMPD’s video should be named the best in the country?
Please vote here and share this article to help spread the word!
“John McCain was a man of honor, a true patriot in the best sense of the word. Americans will be forever grateful for his heroic military service and for his steadfast integrity as a member of the United States Senate. Rosalynn and I extend our sincere condolences to Senator McCain’s family and to the people of Arizona whom he represented so forthrightly for so many years.” – President Jimmy Carter
“John McCain was a patriot of the highest order, a public servant of rarest courage. Few sacrificed more for, or contributed more to, the welfare of his fellow citizens – and indeed freedom-loving peoples around the world. Another American maverick and warrior, General George Patton, once observed: “We should thank God that men such as these have lived.” To that I can only add my gratitude to John’s wife Cindy, his wonderful family, and the people of Arizona who permitted this great and good man to serve with such distinction in the world’s greatest deliberative body.” – President George H.W. Bush
John McCain believed that every citizen has a responsibility to make something of the freedoms given by our Constitution, and from his heroic service in the Navy to his 35 years in Congress, he lived by his creed every day. https://t.co/946T7PnG53
“Senator John McCain believed that every citizen has a responsibility to make something of the freedoms given by our Constitution, and from his heroic service in the Navy to his 35 years in Congress, he lived by his creed every day. He was a skilled, tough politician, as well as a trusted colleague alongside whom Hillary was honored to serve in the Senate. He frequently put partisanship aside to do what he thought was best for the country, and was never afraid to break the mold if it was the right thing to do. I will always be especially grateful for his leadership in our successful efforts to normalize relations with Vietnam. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Cindy, his mother, Roberta, his children, and his entire family.” – President Bill Clinton
"Some lives are so vivid, it is difficult to imagine them ended. Some voices are so vibrant, it is hard to think of them stilled. John McCain was a man of deep conviction and a patriot of the highest order.” […] Full statement by President George W. Bush https://t.co/FQVYWIUyGLpic.twitter.com/W8LCxJXRLi
— George W. Bush Presidential Center (@TheBushCenter) August 26, 2018
“Some lives are so vivid, it is difficult to imagine them ended. Some voices are so vibrant, it is hard to think of them stilled. John McCain was a man of deep conviction and a patriot of the highest order. He was a public servant in the finest traditions of our country. And to me, he was a friend whom I’ll deeply miss. Laura and I send our heartfelt sympathies to Cindy and the entire McCain family, and our thanks to God for the life of John McCain.” – President George W. Bush
“John McCain and I were members of different generations, came from completely different backgrounds, and competed at the highest level of politics. But we shared, for all our differences, a fidelity to something higher – the ideals for which generations of Americans and immigrants alike have fought, marched, and sacrificed. We saw our political battles, even, as a privilege, something noble, an opportunity to serve as stewards of those high ideals at home, and to advance them around the world. We saw this country as a place where anything is possible – and citizenship as our patriotic obligation to ensure it forever remains that way.
Few of us have been tested the way John once was, or required to show the kind of courage that he did. But all of us can aspire to the courage to put the greater good above our own. At John’s best, he showed us what that means. And for that, we are all in his debt. Michelle and I send our most heartfelt condolences to Cindy and their family.” – President Barack Obama
My deepest sympathies and respect go out to the family of Senator John McCain. Our hearts and prayers are with you!
“My deepest sympathies and respect go out to the family of Senator John McCain. Our hearts and prayers are with you!” – President Donald Trump
John McCain because a US Navel Pilot in the 60s and endured years of tourture as a POW in Vietnam before becoming the 2008 Republican presidential nominee and serving Arizona for more than 30 years on Capitol Hill.
His plane was shot down on Oct. 26, 1967, and after being beaten and tortured, he was held as a prisoner of war for over 5 years until his final release in 1972.
He became Arizona’s senior senator in 1995 and chairman of the influential Armed Services Committee in 2015. McCain was also a two-time presidential candidate in 2000 and 2008.
A true American patriot, John McCain will be dearly missed by millions.
Here in the 3rd largest banking center in America, it isn’t only the private sector that pays well. The top-paid public servants in the Queen City are also taking home some pretty hefty paychecks.
The salaries of all 7,300 employees of the City of Charlotte are all on public record in order to increase transparency for taxpayers. We pulled the top salaried public employees for the City of Charlotte.
Some names — like City Manager Marcus D. Jones — won’t shock you. Most others you’ve probably never heard of.
Here are the top 25 highest-paid public servants in Charlotte:
“Ensures the optimal performance of IT Operations, budget, and personnel responsible for the design, procurement, implementation, and maintenance for over fifty end-to-end solutions supporting over 2500 customers in a 24/7 operational environment. Solutions include Computer Aided Dispatch, 911 Systems, Police Records Management Systems, Business Intelligence, and a myriad of key operational systems.” via LinkedIn
#24 Pamela Jean Wideman
Neighborhood & Business Service Director – $168,487/year
“Pamela currently serves as the Deputy Director in the City’s Neighborhood & Business Services Department. In that role she is responsible for oversight of the City’s Affordable Housing Programs, that include the City’s Housing Trust Fund activities, the City’s Ten-Year Plan to End and Prevent Homelessness. Additionally, she is also responsible for the City’s Code Enforcement and Community Engagement Divisions.” via LinkedIn
#23 Danny Craig Pleasant
Transportation Director – $168,876/year
Responsible for the full spectrum of planning, designing, building, operating and maintaining over 2,400 miles of city streets for walkers, bicyclists, transit riders and motorists. CDOT provides staffing for a three-county metropolitan planning organization and the twelve-county air quality planning region. With his background as a professional planner, Danny is dedicated to helping build quality communities using thoughtful transportation planning and investment strategies.” via LinkedIn
#22 Howard “Pete” Key
Fire Chief – $169,376/year
“Fire Chief Howard “Pete” Key became a member of the Charlotte Fire Department on August 24, 1977, and assumed the role of Fire Chief on September 1, 2017. He was promoted to Fire Captain on June 24, 1984, serving in that capacity until October 28, 1998 when he was promoted to the rank of Battalion Chief. Chief Key was promoted to the rank of Deputy Fire Chief on December 25, 2004. Chief Key has an Associate’s degree in Fire Protection Technology from CPCC and a Bachelor’s degree in Fire Safety Engineering Technology from UNCC.” via CharlotteNC.gov
#21 Victoria Orena Johnson
Director of Solid Waste Services – $169,496/year
“As Director of the City of Charlotte’s Solid Waste Services (SWS) our mission of partnering with the community to deliver competitive and quality solid waste services that promote an attractive and healthy environment. In this capacity, she manages more than 310+ employees; oversees a budget of approximately $57 million; and is responsible for the City’s solid waste collection program, which serves more than 230,000+ residential units and over 2,500 commercial units.
Johnson joined the City of Charlotte in 2005 as the Deputy Director of SWS. She was named Director of the department in March 2007.” via CharlotteNC.gov
#20 Michael Aidan Davis
Engineering & Property Management Director – $170,000/year
” Engineering & Property Management (E&PM) leads the design and construction of City infrastructure projects, regulates development, ca res for the tree canopy and landscaping, enables sustainability and manages the real estate and facilities portfolios.” via LinkedIn
Davis became the director of E&PM in June of 2017 after serving 9 months as the deputy director of Charlotte DOT and 8 years as the Development Services Manager for the City of Charlotte.
#19 Allen Clinton Smith III
Transit Rail Operations Manager for CATS – $170,000/year
Allen Smith is the General Manager for the LYNX light rail system. The LYNX light rail division is responsible for operating and maintaining the light rail services, rail cars, track, signal, traction power and maintenance of way systems. The rail division works closely with rail safety to e nsure and provide a safe service. The light rail division also collaborates in all phases of development of light rail line expansion and future streetcar rail services and CATS wide facilities management.” via CharlotteNC.gov
#18 Cheryl L Brown
Human Resources Director $170,485/year
“Brown originally joined the city of Charlotte in 1988 as a personnel analyst and served in several functional areas in the Human Resources Department before leaving the city in 1997 to assume the human resources director’s position with the city of Monroe, N.C. In 2004, she returned to Charlotte to serve as deputy human resources director.
She received her graduate degree in public administration from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and her undergraduate degree in public policy from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.” via CharlotteNC.gov
#17 Patrick Thomas Mumford
Neighborhood & Business Services Director $171,351/year
Mumford has served as the director for over 8 years after transitioning from an Environmental Affairs position at Wachovia in 2009. His current roles include:
“ Inspire and lead a 150-person department with an annual $15 million operating budget
Develop and lead the strategic direction and implementation of housing, neighborhood services, youth, economic development, and code enforcement policies and programs
Integrate service delivery in partnership with other public, non-profit and private sector organizations, focusing on quality of life outcome measures” via LinkedIn
#16 Hyong Yi
Organizational Innovation Director – $172,559/year
“Areas of responsibility: all things environmental, SMART cities, Water, Stormwater, Solid Waste, 311, Innovation & Technology. Works with both right and left brain.” via LinkedIn
#15 John L Christine Jr (aka ‘Jack Christine’)
Deputy Aviation Director – $174,758/year
“Jack Christine serves as the Deputy Aviation Director of Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT). His responsibilities include complete oversight of three of the Airport’s divisions, which include Development, Operations and Facilities.
Christine has been employed at CLT for 19 years, where his career in aviation has included responsibilities in the following areas:
Assistant Aviation Director of Development
Planning & Development Manager
Airport Planner
Associate Airport Planner” via CharlotteNC.gov
#14 Robert D Campbell
Finance Director – $176,352/year
“The Finance Office is responsible for maintaining the City’s general ledger, billing and collection of utility payments, accounts payable and receivable, issuing bonds, forecasting tax and other revenue receipts, and managing the City’s investment portfolio. This office also handles Procurement Management, responsible for the acquisition of commodities, services and technology contracting and Asset Recovery and Disposal (ARD).” via CharlotteNC.gov
#13 Carolyn D. Johnson
Senior Deputy City Attorney – $176,757/year
“Carolyn serves as legal counsel to the City Clerk and Corporate Communications. As the senior deputy city attorney, she serves as the primary backup to the City Attorney.” via CharlotteNC.gov
#12 Kerr Y Putney
Police Chief – $184,489/year
Chief Putney
“Kerr Putney was sworn in as chief of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department on June 29, 2015. He was hired by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department in August of 1992. Since that time, he has held a variety of patrol, training and specialized assignments at various ranks within the organization. He was promoted to the rank of deputy chief in September of 2007.
He attended the 217th Session of the FBI National Academy in 2004 and attended the 42nd Session of the Senior Management Institute for Police in 2009. He earned a bachelor of science degree in criminology from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and a master’s degree in criminology from East Carolina University.” via CharlotteNC.gov
#11 Barry M Gullet
Utilities Director – $186,765/year
“The largest public water and wastewater utility in The Carolinas, Charlotte Water proudly serves more than 954,644 customers in the City of Charlotte and greater Mecklenburg County — including the towns of Matthews, Mint Hill, Pineville, Huntersville, Davidson, and Cornelius. ” via CharlotteNC.gov
#10 Kimberly S Eagle
Assistant City Manager – $190,000/year
“Kim S. Eagle, Ph.D, is an Assistant City Manager and Evaluation Manager for the City of Charlotte
She earned her doctorate in Public Administration from the Center for Public Administration and Policy at Virginia Tech. She also holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration and an Education Specialist degree, both from Appalachian State University, and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Wingate University.” via CharlotteNC.gov
#9 Randy J Harrington
Chief Financial Officer – $191,209/year
“As the Director of Management & Financial Services and Chief Financial Officer for the City of Charlotte, Randy Harrington is responsible for the executive leadership of Administrative Management, Charlotte Business INClusion, Finance, Fleet Management, Risk Management and Strategy & Budget.
Harrington joined the City of Charlotte in 2007. He began his public service career as a Presidential Management Fellow with the U.S. Department of Transportation in Washington, DC. He later served the City of Concord, North Carolina for six years, the last three as Budget and Performance Manager.
He received a master of public administration degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and his bachelor’s degree in political science from Nebraska Wesleyan University.” via CharlotteNC.gov
#8 John M Muth
CATS Director of Development – $194,202/year
“Under John M. Muth, Deputy Director for Development and Chief Development Officer, the Development Division of CATS has the lead in planning for and creating Charlotte’s rapid transit system. Now in the early stages of a 25-year, $3 billon development effort, the rapid transit system will include bus rapid transit guideways, light rail transit, streetcar lines, and commuter rail services, and will be an integral part of an overall transit system that will serve over four times as many transit riders as the system did in 2001. ” via CharlotteNC.gov
#7 Jeffrey W Stovall
Chief Information Officer – $197,632/year
“The City of Charlotte’s Innovation & Technology department (I&T) provides executive-level leadership for the City’s Technology Governance Policy, delive rs technology services to City departments and partnership agencies, and coordinates information technology initiatives across the organization to support, enhance and advance citizen service delivery.
On Friday, Aug. 18, Stovall was named the 2017 Nonprofit CIO of the Year at the Charlotte CIO of the Year Awards, the premiere technology executive recognition program of its kind.” via CharlotteNC.gov
#6 Debra D Campbell
Assistant City Manager – $201,528/year
“Debra Campbell currently serves as an Assistant City Manager with the City of Charlotte. In this role, Debra provides technical and managerial support to Planning, Transportation and the Charlotte Area Transit departments.
Debra also serves on the Board of Directors of four non-profit organizations including; Charlotte Center City Partners, Foundation For The Carolinas, University City Partners, and UNCC’s Center for Real Estate.” via CharlotteNC.org
#5 Brent D Cagle
Executive Aviation Director – $222,486/year
“Brent Cagle serves as the Aviation Director of Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT). Prior to this appointment, Cagle was Assistant Aviation Director, Administration and Finance at CLT, overseeing the Aviation Department’s accounting functions as well as overseeing the development and management of the Department’s annual operating budget. Cagle als o works closely with the Airport’s signatory airlines in the development and management of Charlotte Douglas International Airport’s airline signatory carriers’ annual fees and charges budget and settlement.
Cagle brings more than 20 years of experience in municipal government and 9 years of aviation experience, serving in various financial and aviation positions.” via CharlotteNC.gov
#4 Sabrina Beena Joy-Hogg
Deputy City Manager – $225,500/year
“Sabrina Joy-Hogg serves as the Deputy City Manager for the City of Charlotte.
Prior to joining the City of Charlotte, she served the Commonwealth of Virginia in leadership roles at the state and city government level for over 25 years.
As Chief Deputy City Manager, Joy-Hogg is responsible for the day to day operations of the city in the absence of the City Manager while also continuing in her roles as head of the Administration and Finance portfolio and as acting Budget and Strategic Planning Director, she takes great pride in the thoughtful and inclusive preparation and administration of the $1.1 billion annual operating, capital and Community Development Block Grant program budgets.” via CharlotteNC.gov
#3 John M Lewis Jr
CEO of CATS – $238,761/year
John M.Lewis is the Chief Executive Officer of the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS). He arrived in September 2015 and is leading CATS through a significant stage of growth to construct the LYNX Blue Line Extension, expand existing light rail platforms to accept three car trains, and advance the CityLYNX Gold Line Phase 2 (streetcar) through final design and in to construction.
Lewis’s initial focus is on advancing the long-term transit plan, enhancing customer service to attract and retain customers and on ensuring a safe and reliable transit system for the region.” via CharlotteNC.gov
#2 Robert E Hagemann
City Attorney – $238,934/year
” As the City Attorney for the City of Charlotte, Robert E. Hagemann serves as chief legal counsel for the Mayor and City Council, City Manager, City departments and Boards & Commissions. He leads a professional staff of attorneys who provide legal services for the City.
Hagemann became City Attorney in January 2012. He began his legal career in 1986 with Michael B. Brough & Associates where he focused on municipal, land use and civil rights law. He began his public service legal career with the North Carolina League of Municipalities in Raleigh, North Carolina, in 1991. He originally joined the City Attorney’s Office as an assistant city attorney in December of 1994.
He received his doctor of law degree from the University of North Carolina School of Law and his bachelor’s degree in political science from Northwestern University.” via CharlotteNC.gov
#1 Marcus D. Jones
City Manager – $300,000/year
“Marcus D. Jones is the city manager for the City of Charlotte. He began his new role on Dec. 1, 2016, after he was sworn in during a private ceremony with his family.
“As I step into the role as the city manager of this great city, I am excited to get to know the dedicated city employees we have serving Charlotte and those who live here,” Jones said.
“Charlotte is a growing, diverse and innovative city with a thriving future. I look forward to working in partnership with residents, the business community and city staff. We will develop and create priorities that align with the city’s vision for the future.”
Before moving to Charlotte, Jones served as the city manager of Norfolk, Virginia, a role he began in February 2011 after serving the city from 2004-2009 as the director of budget and grants management and as an assistant city manager.” via CharlotteNC.gov
If you want to make money in a government job, Charlotte is the place to be, apparently.
We currently have over 200 public servants who bring home over $100,000 each year.
Two Charlotte-area restaurants were ranked on Southern Living’s “The South’s Best Restaurants 2018“. Kindred came in at #4 and Haberdish was ranked #5 – we were the only county to be featured on the list twice (beating out Charleston, Austin, Atlanta, and New Orleans).
Southern Living’s 10 best list was the result of a massive survey among its hundreds of thousands of readers, which gave out over $4,000 in prize money to participants.
The website notes that, “while the results included a few of last year’s winners, the newcomers to this list demonstrate the power of a devoted following whether it be in a tiny town like Davidson, North Carolina, or an underrated city like Knoxville, Tennessee.”
What are your thoughts on Kindred and Haberdish?
What other restaurants do you think should have made the list?
President Trump will be visiting the Charlotte area next week to campaign for a local candidate.
The president will be attending a private fundraiser at his own golf course in Lake Norman for North Carolina congressional candidate Mark Harris (9th district – Republican) and U.S. Representative Ted Bud (13th district – Republican).
Pastor Mark Harris, formerly of First Baptist Church in Uptown Charlotte, defeated incumbent Robert Pittenger this past May. Pittenger was the first incumbent in America to lose this year, and North Carolina’s first ever member of Congress to lose a primary to a nonincumbent.
The President’s campaign fundraising event will take place on August 31st at the Trump National Golf Club on the banks of Lake Norman in Mooresville, NC.
Visitor spending hit record highs again in Mecklenburg County and the Charlotte region in 2017, continuing to surpass all other tourism-centric destinations in the Carolinas. In 2017, the Charlotte region hosted approximately 28.3 million visitors, an increase of 500,000 from 2016, according to research firm Longwoods International. The Charlotte region also continues to boast the largest number of direct tourism employees and the largest payroll in the state. The leisure and hospitality industry represents 1 in 9 or 136,300 jobs and is the fourth largest industry in the Charlotte region, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
“We look forward to seeing this data every year because it tells the story of the profound impact of tourism in the Charlotte region,” says Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority CEO Tom Murray. “Charlotte’s visitor economy has grown every year since 2010, continuing to fuel job growth, provide tax savings for residents and help improve the quality of life for our entire community.”
The table below shows in detail the breakdown of the most recent visitor spending data in North Carolina counties (2017) and South Carolina counties (2016) in the Charlotte region, defined here as the Charlotte Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). The employment directly supported by visitor spending is also highlighted.
County
Visitor Spending (millions)
Employment
Payroll (millions)
State & Local
Tax Collections (millions)
Population**
Tax Savings by Resident***
Mecklenburg
$5,381.42
52,250
$1,938.56
$387.61
1,076,837
$359.95
Cabarrus
$446.84
4,580
$106.14
$33.45
206,872
$161.69
Gaston
$261.75
2,000
$44.60
$19.35
220,182
$87.88
Iredell
$256.88
1,960
$42.87
$22.11
175,711
$125.83
Rowan
$174.79
1,450
$30.73
$15.00
140,644
$106.65
Union
$139.75
1,080
$23.47
$10.29
231,666
$44.42
Lincoln
$56.60
400
$9.79
$4.86
82,403
$58.98
York*
$226.80
2,150
$40.31
$21.32
245,606
$86.81
Lancaster*
$31.86
280
$5.11
$2.96
83,704
$35.36
Chester*
$24.91
220
$4.04
$2.20
32,435
$67.83
2017 Total Charlotte MSA
$7,001.60
66,370
$2,245.62
$519.15
2,496,060
$207.99
(Average MSA)
2016 Total Charlotte MSA
$6,730.23
64,610
$2,071.38
$499.57
2,454,856
$203.50
(Average MSA)
YOY Percent Change
+4%
+2.7%
+8.4%
+3.9%
+1.7%
+2.2%
*South Carolina data reflects 2016 research provided by South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism (SCPRT). 2017 South Carolina data will be released later in the year.
**North Carolina population data is from the 2017 population estimates from the U.S. Census; South Carolina population data is from the 2016 population estimates from the U.S. Census.
***Tax Savings Per Resident was calcuated by the CRVA Research team. The Average MSA Tax Savings per Resident is calculated by taking the total state and local tax collections for the 10 counties in the MSA and dividing it by total population of those 10 counties.
Tourism Impact in Mecklenburg County
Mecklenburg County led all North Carolina’s 100 counties in domestic travelers’ expenditures at nearly $5.4 billion, an increase of 4.2 percent since 2016. Mecklenburg County represents 22.4 percent of all domestic travelers’ expenditures in the state and is the No. 1 county in terms of travel spending. Visitor expenditures in Mecklenburg County are higher than visitor expenditures in all other tourism-centric destinations in the Carolinas. Visitors to Mecklenburg County spent nearly 2.5 times or $3.1 billion greater than Wake County-Raleigh ($2.27 billion), the second largest visitor economy in North Carolina; more than 4.5 times or $4.2 billion greater than Buncombe-Asheville ($1.14 billion); $3.1 billion greater than Charleston County-Charleston ($2.3 billion*) in South Carolina; and more than $1.4 billion more than Horry County-Myrtle Beach ($4 billion*) in South Carolina.
Visitor spending in Mecklenburg County has seen a steady rise the past several years, growing by 44 percent since 2010. Approximately 52,250 jobs in the tourism sector in Mecklenburg County are supported by visitor spending, representing the largest number of direct tourism employees in the state and the largest payroll of $1.9 billion, making it an important economic sector with a measurable impact on our community. The growth in visitor spending led to 1,480 new jobs in Mecklenburg County. State and local tax revenues from travel to Mecklenburg County totaled $387.6 million, representing a $360 tax savings for every county resident.
Tourism Impact in Charlotte Region
Visitor spending in the Charlotte MSA, which represents seven counties in North Carolina and three in South Carolina, increased by 4 percent and totaled $7 billion. Additionally, hotel data from STR, a research company that tracks supply and demand data on the global hotel industry, reported that 9.7 million hotel rooms were sold in the Charlotte region in 2017 (a 1.6 percent increase over 2016), generating more than $1.04 billion in hotel room revenue (a 5.1 percent increase over 2016). Jobs in the tourism sector in the Charlotte region increased 3 percent to 66,370 in 2017, up from 64,610 in 2016, and payroll income in 2017 totaled $2.25 billion. State and local tax revenues from travel to the Charlotte region totaled $519.2 million, representing a $208 tax savings for every resident in the Charlotte MSA.
Tourism Impact in North Carolina
At the state level, domestic visitors spent a record $23.99 billion in 2017 (an increase of 4.2 percent from 2016), directly supporting nearly 225,700 jobs and $6 billion in payroll income across North Carolina. State tax receipts as a result of visitor spending topped $1.2 billion in 2017 (an increase of 3.4 from percent 2016), and local tax revenues directly resulting from visitor spending totaled $738.6 million. Visitors spend more than $65 million per day in North Carolina. That spending adds $5.38 million per day to state and local tax revenues (about $3.36 million in state taxes and $2.02 million in local taxes). Each North Carolina household saves on average $515 in state and local taxes as a direct result of visitor spending in the state.
“North Carolina is a welcoming state and destination for travelers from across the world, and tourism continues to help drive economic development statewide,” said N.C. Secretary of Commerce Anthony M. Copeland. “Tourism creates jobs and increases state and local tax revenues, growing North Carolina’s economy across all 100 counties.”
Visit NC Executive Director Wit Tuttell added: “The continued growth in visitor spending is great for communities across our entire state. North Carolina’s continued position as the sixth most-visited state in the nation with more than 46 million visitors in 2017 reinforces its status as a premier tourism destination.”
Methodology
These statistics are from the “Economic Impact of Travel on North Carolina Counties 2017,” which can be accessed at partners.visitnc.com/economic-impact-studies. The study was prepared for Visit North Carolina by the U.S. Travel Association. The visitor spending study commissioned by Visit North Carolina is conducted by the U.S. Travel Association. The study uses sales and tax revenue data, employment figures and other industry and economic data to determine the overall impact of visitor spending in North Carolina.
The Carolina Panthers are now gearing up to take on the New England Patriots at home this coming Friday night starting at 7:30pm.
The Panthers have seen significant growth and maturity from quarterback Cam Newton since making him the top overall pick in the NFL Draft, and that has gone a long way into steadying this Carolina offense.
This Friday night, On The Border will be performing Live at the Fillmore starting at 8pm.
On the Border – The Ultimate Eagles Tribute from Charlotte, NC continues to be the most exciting and authentic EAGLES Tribute! Anointed “The Greatest EAGLES Tribute in the World” by AXSTV & Host Katie Daryl, they have been satisfying audiences all over the country at Music Venues, Festivals, Casinos, Corporate and Private events.
Join us for a day of “shopping local” at SouthPark Mall!
There will be some great local crafters bringing their awesome goods, from soaps and candles to fresh pet food and treats. There is something for everyone so don’t miss it!
Held at The Park Expo Center on Saturday August 25th 2018. The best way to describe it is a full automotive lifestyle event that showcases many aspects of the aftermarket automotive industry. Including some of the hottest customized vehicles in the country, competing for top honors!, vendors showing off their latest and greatest products, entertainments acts including bands, hip hop artists, bikini contest, celebrity appearances, models, and so much more.
Bring the family out for a day of fun this Saturday from 10am-3pm!
In its 3rd year, the Charlotte Area Kids Expo is a celebration of the best products, services and entertainment for families featuring over 70 local organizations focusing on education, health & wellness, safety, special needs, after school programs, child care, entertainment, and other important topics. Free school supplies while supplies last!
Free admission and free activities including glitter tattoos, bounce houses, laser tag, face painting, magic shows, balloon animals, photo booth, special guests throughout the day, and so much more!
Shop, sample and share the fun August 24-26 at Charlotte’s favorite event for women! Discover hundreds of boutiques filled with the latest fashions, trendy jewelry, gourmet treats, health and beauty, and so much more. Enjoy fashion shows, top chefs, and celebrity guests. Bring your mom, sister, and best friend and spend the day doing everything you love!
HOURS
Friday, August 24: 10am-7pm
Saturday, August 25: 10am-7pm
Sunday, August 26: 10am-5pm
Tomorrow and Saturday join the neighbors of South Charlotte for some live music, shopping, and tons of food.
The events are free and open to the public, so grab your friends, family, and neighbors for an evening of music, shopping and fun. Take advantage of special offers from select Blakeney retailers and restaurants throughout the event series. The Blakeney Playground will be open and ready for action.
The Manhattan Short Film Festival has just announced they’ll be coming to Charlotte this fall.
The festival is the only event of its kind in the world. The Final Nine are screened simultaneously across the world during a one-week period, with the Best Film and Best Actor awards determined by ballots cast by the audiences in each participating venue. Each short film that is selected will automatically be qualified for an Oscar.
Charlotte’s Northwest School of the Arts Foundation and the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture will host the event from Oct. 5 to Oct. 7 at the new $9.5 million theatre on the campus of Northwest School of the Arts, 1415 Beatties Ford Rd.
Tickets are only $10 and can be purchased online http://inspirenorthwest.org(buy early for reserved choice seating).
The Nine MANHATTAN SHORT finalists hail from eight countries with films from Austria, Canada, Germany, Hungary, Kosovo, New Zealand, USA, and two films from the United Kingdom. These Final Nine short films represent the best short films among 1565 submissions from 73 countries received by MANHATTAN SHORT for 2018, testimony to the enduring vibrancy and creativity of short films. This year’s Final Nine represent an extraordinary range of film genres that includes intimate dramas; fast-paced animation; spine-tingling tales; a World War II epic; a film shot entirely underwater and a comedy as part of the MANHATTAN SHORT program.
The Final Nine are: Baghead (United Kingdom), Fire in Cardboard City (New Zealand), Home Shopper (USA), Her(Kosovo) Two Strangers Who Meet Five Times (United Kingdom), Someone (Germany), Chuchotage(Hungary), Fauve (Canada), Lacrimosa (Austria).
All Final Nine short films will become Oscar-Qualified, meaning they will become automatically eligible for an Academy Award nomination, by screening for a week at Los Feliz 3 Cinemas in the county of Los Angeles Sept 21-Sept 27 with shows at 10:30 am -1:00 pm daily.
A massive new region-wide campaign has just been launched by CMS and CMPD to attempt to curb school threats. The campaign is being called #ThinkBeforeYouPost, and law enforcement agencies from Cornelius, Huntersville, Matthews, Mint Hill and Pineville have already joined in.
According to North Carolina school officials, there were at least 103 threats were made against schools in North Carolina over the past year, over 25% more than the prior year.
Yesterday morning, the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department tweeted out the following message;
CMPD and CMS also held a joint press conference yesterday to announce the new campaign and detail what specific measures would be taken;
The new city-wide campaign will continue to post on social media using the hashtag #ThinkBeforeYouPost, and will install billboards on local around Charlotte highways and Uptown at the EpiCentre.
Volaris,the ultra-low-cost Mexican airline operating in Mexico, the United States and Central America, announced a new international route from Charlotte to Guadalajara, increasing its network of point-to-point connections.
Volaris consistently focuses on reaching the destinations sought by its customer base, and increasing connectivity between Mexico and the United States. As a part of this effort, beginning on November 22, 2018, Volaris customers will be able to fly directly between Charlotte and Guadalajara. In their press release, the company says that Charlotte is recognized for its award-winning museums and lush tropical gardens.
“In the Volaris family, we think about the needs and destinations that our customers most seek. Therefore, we continue to expand point-to-point connectivity at a national and international level, and with this new route we strengthen our presence in the United States,” said Miguel Aguiñiga, Distribution and Market Development Director for Volaris.
Flights on the new route and itinerary will be available beginning Thursday, November 18, 2018.
Tickets are on sale at promotional rates thanks to the advance purchase and the “Clean Rate” scheme, where Clients only pay for the services they need. You can now purchase your tickets through the Volaris website at volaris.com.
Out of the thousands of law enforcement, fire, and other agencies that created lip sync challenge videos this summer, CMPD was just nominated by USA Today as a contender to be crowned the best in the nation.
John McCain, 81, died on Saturday afternoon at 4:28 p.m. MST with his wife and his family by his side, according to a statement. 
Here in the 
“Ensures the optimal performance of IT Operations, budget, and personnel responsible for the design, procurement, implementation, and maintenance for over fifty end-to-end solutions supporting over 2500 customers in a 24/7 operational environment. Solutions include Computer Aided Dispatch, 911 Systems, Police Records Management Systems, Business Intelligence, and a myriad of key operational systems.” via LinkedIn
Neighborhood & Business Service Director – $168,487/year
Transportation Director – $168,876/year
Fire Chief – $169,376/year
Director of Solid Waste Services – $169,496/year
” Engineering & Property Management (E&PM) leads the design and construction of City infrastructure projects, regulates development, ca res for the tree canopy and landscaping, enables sustainability and manages the real estate and facilities portfolios.” via LinkedIn
“Brown originally joined the city of Charlotte in 1988 as a personnel analyst and served in several functional areas in the Human Resources Department before leaving the city in 1997 to assume the human resources director’s position with the city of Monroe, N.C. 
Mumford has served as the director for over 8 years after transitioning from an Environmental Affairs position at Wachovia in 2009. His current roles include:
Organizational Innovation Director – $172,559/year
“Jack Christine serves as the Deputy Aviation Director of Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT). His responsibilities include complete oversight of three of the Airport’s divisions, which include Development, Operations and Facilities.
Finance Director – $176,352/year
Senior Deputy City Attorney – $176,757/year
Assistant City Manager – $190,000/year
“As the Director of Management & Financial Services and Chief Financial Officer for the City of Charlotte, Randy Harrington is responsible for the executive leadership of Administrative Management, Charlotte Business INClusion, Finance, Fleet Management, Risk Management and Strategy & Budget.
Assistant City Manager – $201,528/year
“Brent Cagle serves as the Aviation Director of Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT). Prior to this appointment, Cagle was Assistant Aviation Director, Administration and Finance at CLT, overseeing the Aviation Department’s accounting functions as well as overseeing the development and management of the Department’s annual operating budget. Cagle als o works closely with the Airport’s signatory airlines in the development and management of Charlotte Douglas International Airport’s airline signatory carriers’ annual fees and charges budget and settlement.
Deputy City Manager – $225,500/year
CEO of CATS – $238,761/year
City Attorney – $238,934/year
City Manager – $300,000/year
Two Charlotte-area restaurants were ranked on Southern Living’s “
President Trump will be visiting the Charlotte area next week to campaign for a local candidate.
Visitor spending hit record highs again in Mecklenburg County and the Charlotte region in 2017, continuing to surpass all other tourism-centric destinations in the Carolinas. In 2017, the Charlotte region hosted approximately 28.3 million visitors, an increase of 500,000 from 2016, according to research firm Longwoods International. The Charlotte region also continues to boast the largest number of direct tourism employees and the largest payroll in the state. The leisure and hospitality industry represents 1 in 9 or 136,300 jobs and is the fourth largest industry in the Charlotte region, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The Manhattan Short Film Festival has just announced they’ll be coming to Charlotte this fall.
