Power Tool Company Just Built Their New Headquarters in Mooresville – Bringing 65 New Jobs

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Power Tool Company Just Built Their New Headquarters in Mooresville – Bringing 65 New Jobs

A fast-growing power-tool company focused on batter-operated tools just moved into their new $2 million headquarters in Mooresville, consolidating their two other locations in Iredell County.

According to their press release, owner Chris Allen hopes to eventually employ 120 people in their new 40,000 square foot facility. They currently employ 65 people, including design, R&D, executive, financial, and marketing positions. Allen has stated that he plans on hiring another 50+ employees over the next five years.

The new headquarters is located in a new speculative office wing of the old mill complex off main street next to the Merinos Home Furnishings warehouse:

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Greenworks Tools currently sells most of their products in Lowe’s home improvement, Costco, Target, Walmart, Tractor Supply Co., and on their Amazon.com online store.

The company now has plans to grow into a $1 billion (annual sales) company as consumers continue to transition from gas powered tools to electric power tools. Their currently on track to make $325 million in revenue for 2016.

Major League Soccer Just Announced Possible Expansion Team In Charlotte

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Major League Soccer Just Announced Possible Expansion Team In Charlotte

charlotte-mls-soccer-teamIn a press release yesterday, Charlotte Motor Speedway owners Bruton and Marcus Smith announced that they had met with the MLS commissioner to talk about becoming potential investors to bring a Major League Soccer expansion team to Charlotte.

“I am very interested in bringing a major league soccer club to Charlotte. MLS has great momentum and a tremendous future, and so does our city. Charlotte would be a great addition to the league, and an MLS club would be a great addition to Charlotte. We are working with local leaders on an application, and hope to have more to say in February,” commented Marcus Smith.

A possible location of the new professional soccer team may be the historic memorial stadium in Elizabeth, which is currently waiting on $24 million in potential renovations.

The Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority, the City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County issued a joint statement regarding MLS expansion possibilities in Charlotte, North Carolina.

“We’re honored that Major League Soccer is considering Charlotte for expansion and support the Smith family’s exploration and enthusiasm in ownership. Soccer continues to gain a tremendous following throughout our region as we’ve seen from the international soccer matches we’ve hosted to thriving soccer camps, soccer academies and community programs that are creating the next generation of fans. We’re confident that an MLS team would be successful in the Queen City and look forward to continuing this conversation in the weeks and months to come.”

Negotiations are still underway, but if a deal were to be struck, we likely wouldn’t see our first game for a least a year or two.

Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives Just Filmed An Episode At Charlotte’s JJ’s Red Hots

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Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives Just Filmed An Episode At Charlotte’s JJ’s Red Hots

Food Network’s popular show “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives” was just seen filming one of their latest episodes at Charlotte’s legendary hot dog restaurant, JJ Red Hots.

Guy Fieri went into the kitchen with owner Jonathan Luther to learn how to make the Kasekrainer, which was the winner at this year’s Sausagefest.

The producers at Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives didn’t release any additional information as to when the episode might air, but based on previous Charlotte filmings, we estimate that the JJ Red Hot episode will air sometime in March or April of 2017.

The popular show, which highlights local restaurant favorites around the country, has already been to Charlotte numerous other times, including stops at; BarBQ King on Wilkinson Boulevard, Cabo Fish Taco in NoDa, Dish in Plaza-Midwood, Jake’s Good Eats on Albemarle Road, Landmark Diner on Central Avenue, Dilworth’s 300 East, and South 21 Drive-in on Independence Boulevard.

No wonder Charlotte was just ranked as the #9 food city in America by Zagat Restaurant.

Top 10 Most Impressive Christmas Light Displays in The Charlotte Region

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Top 10 Most Impressive Christmas Light Displays in The Charlotte Region

It’s Christmas light season once again in Charlotte, and this year is turning out to be bigger and brighter than ever!

Most of the biggest displays are in the South East part of the Charlotte region, including Indian Trail and Matthews, but we have some other epic displays in Gaston County and up in Concord.

Here are the top 10 biggest Christmas light displays in the Charlotte region (in no particular order):

#1 Christian Family’s Home in Concord

The Christian Family lights have already been featured on Today.com, WCNC, and even on Charlotte Stories. The entire display is synchronized to over a dozen different songs.

The two-story home includes thousands of colorful twinkle lights which outline the windows, garage, trees and bushes all of which dance and pulse to perfectly timed music.

Check out their other videos on their Facebook page here.

#3 The Entire Town of Mcadenville

Each holiday season, the tiny little Gaston County town of McAdenville displays its Christmas best and hosts an incredible holiday light show. Drawing a region-wide audience, visitors tour the streets of Christmas Town, USA, by foot and car, which is guaranteed to put you in the holiday spirit.

#4 Myer’s Park’s Hillside Avenue in Myers Park

Most homes on Hillside Ave. pitch in to help hang giant lighted balls from the majestic oak-trees that line the street, it’s truly a sight to see.

They also have tents set up where they are taking donations for Charlotte’s Loaves and Fishes.

#5 Harbin Family Christmas Lights

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One of the biggest single-home displays (in terms of number of lights) would have to be at 10223 Summer House Court – the Harbin family house. Every year they go all out with a light-up nativity scene, giant Christmas tree, and pretty much every other inch of their front yard sparkling. They also accept donations for Make-A-Wish – don’t be stingy!

#6 7323 Sherwood Forest Drive, Charlotte

charlotte-christmas-lights-biggest-in-the-city
There are several big displays in this neighborhood, but every year, 7323 Sherwood Forest Drive takes the cake. They even have a live Santa outside giving cars candy canes.

They also are taking up collections for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

#7 Zimnowski Christmas Light Show

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Another incredibly impressive light show that’s perfectly synced to music. You don’t want to miss the Zimnowski’s home at 15419 Hugh Mcauley Rd. Huntersville, NC 28078 (tune to 87.9 FM to see the lights sync with the music in your car)

#8 A Sweitzers Christmas

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Don’t miss 1001 Sunnyview Circle in Matthews if you’re visiting all the other homes in the South East charlotte region. (tune in to 107.3 FM to see the lights and music together)

#9 Nikitas’ Christmas Wonderland

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The Nikitas’ home at 1417 Deer Spring Court in Indian Trail is back at it again this year.

They’ll be accepts donations for Hemby Children Hospital every night until Christmas.

#10 Fountainbrook Fallatts

Finishing up our list is another home in Indian Trail that also syncs their lights to music. Don’t miss 1028 Fountainbrook Dr. in Indian Trail. They are accepting donations for Union County Christmas Bureau.

Who do you think put up the best Christmas lights in Charlotte?

Mark Wahlberg’s New Burger Joint ‘Walburgers’ is Coming To Charlotte

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Mark Wahlberg’s New Burger Joint ‘Walburgers’ is Coming To Charlotte

Wahlburgers coming to CharlotteMajor expansion plans have been announced for Wahlburgers, the burger joint that launched a reality show staring Mark and Donnie Wahlberg, with new locations now planned for Charlotte and Charleston.

The restaurant headquarters is in Massachusetts, but the Wahlbergs commented in a recent statement that they plan to have more than 100 restaurants operating within the next several years throughout the southeast and California.

“We are on the road to bringing Wahlburgers to a city near you, we’ve created this family business with a mission to welcome families and friends from around the world to a place where they can break bread, enjoy some great food and lots of laughs.” Mark Wahlberg commented in the statement.

Mark and his brother’s restaurant inspired A&E to launch the new reality show based on the burger chain in 2014. It features all the behind-the-scene drama of expanding a burger joint to new cities throughout the Southeast.

The show has already featured an impressive mix of celebrity guests, including NASCAR favorite Dale Earnhardt, Jr., music legend P. Diddy, and even Pope Francis.

The exact location and opening date of Charlotte’s new ‘Wahlbergs’ restaurant is not yet known.

Charlotte Police Just Issued A Warning About An Increase In Front-Door Package Thieves

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Charlotte Police Just Issued A Warning About An Increase In Front-Door Package Thieves

cmpd-warning-about-pakcage-theivesWith Christmas drawing near, the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department has just issued a public warning anyone expecting packages to be delivered to their front doors: Watch out for “porch pirates.”

Police are seeing an uptick in reports of thieves stealing packages right off the doorstep of people’s homes in broad daylight.

They just released this video, warning Charlotte residents to be weary:

CMPD warns residents to be extra cautious this holiday season. “We’re reminding people that it’s that time of year and that they need to be aware and not leave their packages unattended. If you know you’re not going to be home, have them delivered to the neighbor’s or have them sign for them.”

With the increased use of outdoor security cameras, some of these thieves are now being caught in the act.

This video from last week shows a man pretending to be a pizza delivery guy to steal a package:

Here’s some more footage of package thieves from Aurora, CO:

And this man was actually able to catch the thief red handed and get his packages back (not recommended):

Please help spread the word!

Top 10 Things To Do This Weekend in Charlotte

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Top 10 Things To Do This Weekend in Charlotte

Christmas is now if full swing throughout the Charlotte region!

This weekend we’ll see tons of live music, plays, and more lights than you can imagine.

Here are the top 10 things happening around the Charlotte region this weekend:

#1 Mac Miller

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Chart-topping rapper Mac Miller is coming back to Charlotte (after being spotted shopping at the South Park Mall), but this time to perform at the Filmore.

For more info or tickets click here.

#2 3rd Annual Chili Cook Off

unkown-brewing-festival-charlotte

Join the Unknown Brewing Company for the 3rd Annual Chili Cook Off on December 17th benefitting Purple Heart Homes! $10 entry fee gets you unlimited samples of chili from the best amateur chili makers around! We’ll have live music throughout the day as well.

For more info click here.

#3 Drive Through Christmas Town USA

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Load up the car and prepare for one of the most impressive light shows you’ll ever see. Every year the entire town of McAdenville (or most homes on the main strip) light up, turning the town into a winter wonderland.

Lights will be on the following hours:

Monday – Friday 5:30 until 9:30 PM
Saturday and Sunday 5:30 until 11:00 PM

For more info visit the Christmas Town USA website here. 

#4 Charlotte Ballet: The Nutcracker

The Charlotte Ballet just spend $1 million rebuilding their entire Nutcracker performance for 2016. There are now shows scheduled several times a week, December 3-23 at the Belk Theater. Featuring over 100 dancers including the nationally acclaimed professional dancers of Charlotte Balletand live music from the Charlotte Symphony.

For more info or tickets click here.

#5 Speedway Christmas

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Speedway Christmas is now back at the Charlotte Motor Speedway now through December 31. They now have over 3 million lights installed along the 3.75-mile course.

For more information click here.

#6 Sounds of Christmas Concert

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Sardis will host The Sound of Christmas, a free community Christmas concert this Saturday night starting at 7pm. The concert will feature choirs from St. Stephen UMC and Sardis Presbyterian Church with special appearances from Sardis Presbyterian’s children and youth choirs. Music will include musical selections will be from composers like John Rutter, Gustav Holst, and Andre’ Thomas.

For more info click here.

#7 Charlotte Checkers vs. Grand Rapids Griffins

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The checkers will be taking on the Griffins this coming Saturday night and Sunday afternoon at the Bojangles Coliseum – 12/17/16 at 6:00pm and 12/18/16 at 1:00pm

For more information or tickets click here.

#8 Walker Stalker Con (The Walking Dead Convention)

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The Stalker Con (The Walking Dead Convention) is coming to the Park Expo for the first time on Saturday, December 17 & Sunday, December 18. Join the stars from The Walking Dead, take pictures with them, get their autographs, join fan forums hosted by these stars and enjoy other entertainment attractions

Fore more info click here.

#9 California Guitar Trio

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The trio’s output has made a major global impact, having served as the soundtrack for Olympics coverage, and programs on CNN, CBS, NBC, and ESPN. They have fans in high places too: Nasa used their music to wake the crew aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour.

For more information or tickets click here.

#10 Christmas At The Library

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Christmas at The Library is back again at the Billy Graham Library. Experience a live nativity scene with shepherds, a camel, donkey, lambs, horse-drawn carriage rides, a massive Christmas dinner, and tons of lights and decorations.

For more info click here.

If you think other events should be on this list or future lists, let us know – Scott@CharlotteStories.com

Schaeffler Group Spending $160 Million and Bringing 440 Jobs to Rock Hill Area

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Schaeffler Group Spending $160 Million and Bringing 440 Jobs to Rock Hill Area

Schaeffler adding jobs to rock hillThe Schaeffler Group recently launched a new $160 million initiative to expand several plants in the Rock Hill area, adding about 440 permanent new jobs to our area in the process.

The company currently supplies automotive, aerospace and industrial parts to companies all over the world. It will be expanding two of its plants in Fort Mill and three plants in Chesterfield County while adding equipment and jobs at those facilities, with most of the new jobs expected to be coming later this year.

All of the plant expansions and equipment upgrades are expected to be complete by mid-2017.

This massive expansion is a testament to a close connection between South Carolina and Germany manufacturers, commented Bobby Hitt, S.C. secretary of commerce.

“Since 2011, German affiliates have announced $3.5 billion in new investment and more than 7,000 new jobs in the Palmetto State,” he remarked.

You can now browse all new job openings in the Rock Hill area here.

Please share;

Cam Newton Takes Low-Income Kids On Once-In-A-Lifetime Shopping Spree

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Cam Newton Takes Low-Income Kids On Once-In-A-Lifetime Shopping Spree

This week Cam Newton could be seen all over town spreading holiday cheer to hundreds of kids. It was his third annual #SantaCam Surprise Sleigh, an event where Cam will play games, give out presents, and go shopping with local youth.

Some of the most memorable moments came from the lucky kids who were able to go on a shopping spree with the star quarterback:

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A photo posted by Cam Newton (@cameron1newton) on

He donated funds to the Barringer Academic Center to help with the school’s backpack program.

…made donations to the Silver Mount Emergency Food Pantry and the Bethlehem Center, supporting low-income children.

…played a few games.

…and took dozens of kids on a once-in-a-lifetime shopping spree.

 

Let’s join Cam in spreading Christmas cheer around our city!

Please share!

Food Network Just Filmed A New Show Specifically For This Belmont Restaurant

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Food Network Just Filmed A New Show Specifically For This Belmont Restaurant

nellies-in-belmont-ncThe Food Network just finished filming it’s newest show filmed in Belmont, “Jonas Restaurant: Family Style“.

According to the Food Network, “Family Style follows siblings Joey and Melissa Maggiore as they each open a restaurant in the San Diego area. Joey is opening the flagship restaurant in his chain of barbecue restaurants. Melissa is auditioning executive chefs for her full-service eatery. Will Joey be able to open after he is unexpectedly pulled away from his restaurant? And how will Melissa respond when one of her chef candidates asks her out on a date?”

The popular Belmont restaurant was started by the Jonas Brother’s Father, Kevin Jonas Sr. back in June of this year.

The Food Network show will feature Joe, Nick and Frankie Jonas traveling to Belmont to help out with the family restaurant – it will air at 7 p.m. Dec. 26.

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