How Charlotte became an American financial hub
Charlotte carries with it a historical legacy that lends itself to financial growth and relevance. Almost as early as it was founded back in the mid-1700s has Charlotte served as a centre of transportation. During the US’ tumultuous Civil War, Charlotte provided the Confederacy with important railheads (a starting block for roads and other routes). Fast-forward to the 1960s where it served as the birthplace for Henson Airlines that over the course of time and merger and acquisitions would eventually become American Airlines. However, in order to know Charlotte’s main economic boost, we must once again look back into the annals of history – way before the days of trading in USD and other currencies. Fifty years prior to the California gold rush – 1799 to be precise – the surrounding area of Charlotte was where gold was found for the very first time in the US. By the start of the 20th century the mines had been exhausted but the financial industries that it had birthed were entrenched and established, allowing Charlotte to hold on to its status as a centre of banking and finance. Nowadays Charlotte is home to both Bank of America and the East Coast headquarters of Wells Fargo. As a result, it is considered second only to New York in terms of important US banking hubs.
Continued growth in Charlotte
Finance alone is not responsible for Charlotte’s formidable stature. The business of finance involves all kinds of other sectors, all meshing and flowing into each other to create a climate of growth and ultimately, prosperity. Other notable sectors include energy, electronics and building, emphasised by companies like Duke Energy, Honeywell and Lowe’s. As work begets more work and more work brings about more opportunities, Charlotte’s population continues to rise. But who are the main most responsible members for this perpetual rise and why are they coming to Charlotte?
Apparently they’re mainly millennials, and female
Millennials are apparently those born between 1981 and 1996 – making those migrating to Charlotte young. The average Charlotte resident is 34 years old and because the city population is made up of 52% women, the average resident is also a she. Her income is derived through various vocations based around management, sales, finance and insurance. In terms of qualifications she’s either earned a bachelor’s degree or an associate degree. If she’s prone to religion, odds are she’s Protestant (evangelical). However, she’s two times more likely to be prone to no denomination at all.
Let’s not forget about the tech
Technology also plays a massive role in Charlotte’s growing numbers; it’s not just a formidable financial hub anymore. Not only has Charlotte made a name for itself as a tech hub, it’s also become known for its tech startups. Notable mentions would include SmartSky Networks, a company that specialises in providing airlines with in-flight internet connectivity. Often deemed dangerous during flight, SmartSky Networks is making sure that any possible flight impairments caused by internet connectivity will be a thing of the past. Another player who seems to be on the up and up is Passport, a company that focuses on the various problems encountered in the transport sector. Their services include transport infrastructure information, simpler ways of paying fines, and the procuring of permits. They say that education opens doors to opportunities and Mind Mesh Inc. is aiding students to coordinate through social media to work on various school group projects and assignments. This is are but some of the many startups in the tech sector attracting fresh talent.