Half of North Carolina Businesses Face a ‘Perfect Storm’ of AI Disruption and Hiring Challenges

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Half of North Carolina Businesses Face a ‘Perfect Storm’ of AI Disruption and Hiring Challenges

A recent Goldman Sachs report paints an optimistic yet challenging picture: 78% of small businesses are eyeing growth in 2025, and nearly half (46%) plan to bring on new hires to make it happen. However, the drawback is that 89% of these companies can’t find the right people for the job. One big reason? Students are increasingly wary of jumping into careers where artificial intelligence (AI) might soon elbow out entry-level roles. This hesitation is drying up the talent pool, and small businesses – many still dragging their feet on AI adoption – are feeling the pinch most acutely.

To dig deeper into this, Alta Technologies polled 4,034 small business owners, asking what’s keeping them up at night and how they’re scrambling to fill the gaps.

Over half of North Carolina small business owners surveyed (52%) say hiring has become more challenging because job seekers are avoiding roles that AI could make redundant in the near future (this compares to a national average of 52%). However, nowhere is this more glaring than in Colorado, where 72% of small business owners say they are experiencing recruitment problems. Maryland business owners, however, seem to be less affected, with just 18% reporting the same issues.

On top of that, small firms are competing with corporate giants for talent. Seven in ten owners (68%) significantly feel the effect from this rivalry – 24% call it a significant challenge, while 44% say it’s a serious issue. Just 7% say it is not a problem.

Some North Carolina businesses are leaning on AI to plug the holes or cut back on junior hires, but most aren’t sold yet. The survey shows only 35% have jumped on the AI bandwagon, while 65% are holding off, perhaps watching from the sidelines.

Even so, plenty of business owners aren’t sitting idle. When asked how they’re tackling the talent drought:

  • 30% are rolling up their sleeves to train and upskill their teams.
  • 20% are sweetening the deal with better pay or perks.
  • 8% are creating relationships with schools and universities for fresh recruits.
  • 42%, though, admit they haven’t taken any proactive steps.

As we enter Spring 2025, two-thirds (67%) believe small businesses will bear the brunt of AI’s disruption, while larger corporations remain more insulated. Even more concerning, 52% fear that AI-driven job shifts could create a lost generation of workers, leaving many small businesses struggling to function.

Respondents identified industries which they believe most likely to get hit by AI’s hiring fallout:

  • Retail and Customer Service (14%)
  • Marketing and Advertising (13%)
  • Education and Training (13%)
  • Manufacturing and Logistics (12%)
  • Administrative and Clerical Services (11%)
  • Accounting and Bookkeeping (11%)
  • Healthcare Support (11%)
  • Hospitality and Food Service (6%)
  • Legal Services (5%)
  • Transportation and Delivery (5%)

This NC Garden Ranked Among The Best Places In The World To See Spring Flowers Bloom

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This NC Garden Ranked Among The Best Places In The World To See Spring Flowers Bloom

Spring is in the air and holiday goers are looking for their next spring getaway, with searches for ‘spring holidays 2025’ up by +8,700% in the last 12 months.*

What better way to celebrate the warmer days than visiting locations to see the beautiful colors of the spring florals.

In light of this, researchers at Planet Cruise have released a new study to reveal the top destinations worldwide to visit this spring to see the flowers bloom. They have looked at a variety of factors such as:

  • Search volume
  • Social media mentions
  • Social media sentiment
  • Number of observed flower species
  • Average amount of sun hours
  • Average amount of monthly rainfall

From Taiwan to Northern Ireland to North Carolina, these are the perfect locations to celebrate spring arriving and the flowers starting to bloom.

The Top Ten Destinations To See The Flowers Bloom This Spring

Rank Festival/Location Location Search Volume Social media sentiment No of observed flower species Avg Daily Sun Hours Avg monthly rainfall (mm)
Tulip Festival Amsterdam, The Netherlands 6600 59050 1671 9.5 73
2. Calla Lily Festival Yangmingshan National Park, Taipei, Taiwan 9900 11610 1426 5.8 144
3. National Cherry Blossom Festival Washington DC 8100 32410 1673 8.8 86
4. Girona Flower Festival Girona, Spain 880 1050 2646 9.9 96
5. Canadian Tulip Festival Ottawa, Canada 6600 16980 1384 10.6 101
6. Floralia Brussels Brussels, Belgium 2400 28730 1471 8.7 67
7. The Gardens of Versailles Versailles, France 90 16310 1233 8.6 69
8. Biltmore Blooms Asheville, North Carolina 590 6840 908 9.3 93
9. Springhill Derry, Northern Ireland, UK 390 4940 327 6.1 101
10. Infiorata Flower Carpet Festival Noto, Italy 90 1740 414 10 44

 

Huntersville Approves Major Birkdale Village Expansion Despite Public Outcry

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Huntersville Approves Major Birkdale Village Expansion Despite Public Outcry
via Town of Huntersville

Huntersville leaders approved the expansion of Birkdale Village in a 5-1 vote during Tuesday’s Town Board of Commissioners meeting. The decision follows heated debate between supporters, who see economic growth and opportunity, and opponents, who worry about overcrowding and losing the village’s charm.

The rezoning approval allows Birkdale Village LLC to develop 12.36 acres at the intersection of Townley and Lindholm drives. Plans include up to 150 multifamily units, a 125-room boutique hotel, 122,300 square feet of office space, and 26,715 square feet of commercial space. Two new parking decks will replace existing structures, increasing total parking from 1,931 to 2,487 spaces.

via Town of Huntersville

A similar rezoning request was denied in 2022 under previous ownership. However, after Jamestown Real Estate acquired Birkdale Village last year, the firm revised and resubmitted the proposal. Although Jamestown can expand under existing zoning regulations, the new approval allows buildings taller than the 48-foot height limit.

Under the plan, the office building will stand at 100 feet, the hotel at 90 feet, and the multifamily structure at 85 feet. Two parking decks will rise to 85 and 55 feet. These new developments will replace current structures, including the buildings housing Dick’s Sporting Goods and Barnes & Noble.

via Town of Huntersville

Construction is set to begin in 2027 and will be carried out in phases, starting with a parking deck replacement to make space for additional development.

You can review the full Birkdale rezoning plan package here.

Mecklenburg County Igniting a ‘Controlled Burn’ at Latta Preserve Today

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Mecklenburg County Igniting a ‘Controlled Burn’ at Latta Preserve Today

The Mecklenburg County Natural Resources staff has just announced they will be setting the Latta Nature Preserve on fire today at around 10am as part of a controlled burn.

The county sent out an alert noting that smoke will be seen around West Charlotte and Huntersville today between 10 – 1 pm:

“Mecklenburg County Natural Resources staff are conducting a controlled burn today beginning around 10 AM at Latta Nature Preserve. Smoke will affect air quality in the downwind area for 2-3 hours. To reduce your exposure to smoke, stay indoors or avoid areas of heavy smoke,” the county said in a press release.

For more information on controlled burns click here.

NC Deadline Approaching for Approved Voting Photo IDs

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NC Deadline Approaching for Approved Voting Photo IDs

North Carolina’s State Board of Elections is reminding residents of the looming deadline to apply for photo IDs approved for voting.

Applications must be submitted by April 1, 2025, for the 2025 and 2026 elections. Municipal elections kick off this September, October, and November across various towns. Next year, the primary hits in March, followed by the general election in November.

Previously approved IDs expired on Dec. 31, 2024, prompting this renewal push. Consequently, this marks the final application window before the 2025 municipal races. As of March 17, 35 institutions, including schools and government agencies, have already applied. Meanwhile, charter schools also qualify to submit their employee IDs for approval.

“In 2024, the IDs of more than 100 such organizations were accepted for voting purposes,” said Karen Brinson Bell, State Board executive director in a press release. “We have a long way to go to reach that number, but there’s still time. The State Board is ready to assist these schools and government agencies as they work through the approval process.”

To apply, institutions must act swiftly. They need a signed approval form and a digital ID image sent to the State Board by the deadline. However, some previously approved IDs dodge a full reapplication. If an ID was greenlit in 2023 or 2024, has an expiration date, and remains unchanged, there’s a shortcut. Those institutions simply check the “Statement of No Changes” box on the form. No new image is required in such cases.

Public colleges and universities face a slightly different process. They can seek approval for both student and employee IDs. Yet, they must submit separate forms for each type. This ensures clarity and compliance with voting regulations.

Mecklenburg County Igniting a ‘Controlled Burn’ at Cowans Ford Nature Preserve

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Mecklenburg County Igniting a ‘Controlled Burn’ at Cowans Ford Nature Preserve

The Mecklenburg County Natural Resources staff has just announced they will be setting the Cowans Ford Nature Preserve on fire today at around noon as part of a controlled burn.

The county sent out an alert noting that smoke will be seen around West Charlotte and Huntersville today between 12 – 3 pm:

“Mecklenburg County Natural Resources staff are conducting a controlled burn today beginning around noon at Cowans Ford Nature Preserve on Neck Road. Smoke will affect air quality in the downwind area for 2-3 hours. To reduce your exposure to smoke, stay indoors or avoid areas of heavy smoke.”

For more information on controlled burns click here.

Don’t Risk Legal Delays! How Hiring for Subpoena Domestication Saves Time and Money

Sharon Anderson
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Don’t Risk Legal Delays! How Hiring for Subpoena Domestication Saves Time and Money

Legal proceedings operate within strict deadlines, and any delay can have serious financial and procedural consequences. One of the most overlooked yet critical legal processes is subpoena domestication, which ensures that an out-of-state subpoena is legally recognized and enforceable in another jurisdiction. Failing to domesticate a subpoena properly can result in rejected requests, invalidated legal actions, and unnecessary court battles that drain time and money.

Hiring professionals to handle subpoena domestication is the most effective way to navigate this complex legal requirement. Without expert assistance, mistakes are common, leading to setbacks that could jeopardize important cases. By securing the services of a legal professional, individuals and businesses can streamline the process, ensuring compliance while avoiding costly missteps.

Understanding Subpoena Domestication

Subpoena domestication is required when a subpoena issued in one state must be enforced in another. Since courts operate within specific jurisdictions, an out-of-state subpoena cannot automatically be recognized in a different legal territory. Each state has its rules governing this process, making compliance challenging for those unfamiliar with the legal system.

The Uniform Interstate Depositions and Discovery Act (UIDDA) has simplified this process in some states, allowing subpoenas to be domesticated with minimal court involvement. However, not all states follow the UIDDA, and specific requirements must be met even within compliant states. Failure to adhere to state laws can lead to invalid subpoenas, which means essential evidence or testimony could be lost.

Why Handling Subpoena Domestication Alone is Risky

Attempting to domesticate a subpoena without professional assistance can be complicated and time-consuming. Each jurisdiction has unique procedural rules, and a lack of knowledge can result in errors that delay or completely derail the legal process. Incorrect filing, failure to meet state-specific requirements, and improper service can render a subpoena unenforceable, forcing attorneys and businesses to restart the process from scratch.

Missed deadlines are another major concern. Crucial evidence may not be admitted in court if a subpoena is not properly domesticated and served within the required timeframe. This could weaken a legal argument, delay proceedings, or even lead to case dismissal. The financial impact of such errors can be significant, as re-filing fees, additional court costs, and increased attorney hours quickly add up.

The Time-Saving Benefits of Hiring a Subpoena Domestication Expert

Hiring a legal professional specializing in subpoena domestication ensures the process is completed swiftly and accurately. With their in-depth knowledge of state laws and procedural requirements, they can navigate the complexities of cross-jurisdictional legal work without unnecessary delays. Their expertise allows them to prepare the required documentation correctly, submit filings on time, and follow proper service procedures.

Legal professionals have also established relationships with court officials and process servers, allowing them to expedite domestication. Instead of spending hours researching legal procedures and filing requirements, attorneys and businesses can focus on their cases while leaving the administrative burden to experts.

Time efficiency is crucial in legal matters, where delays can mean losing access to important evidence or missing key court dates. By entrusting subpoena domestication to professionals, legal teams can ensure that subpoenas are recognized and enforced without procedural setbacks.

How Professional Subpoena Domestication Saves Money

Many businesses and law firms hesitate to hire professionals due to concerns about upfront costs. However, attempting to domesticate a subpoena without expert guidance often leads to greater expenses in the long run. The legal system does not offer flexibility for errors, and mistakes in subpoena domestication can result in costly re-filings, extended litigation, and increased attorney fees.

Invalid subpoenas can force a legal team to start the process over, resulting in additional court costs, administrative fees, and delays that impact a case’s outcome. If a subpoena is not properly served or domesticated, witnesses may not comply, leading to potential legal battles that require further resources to resolve. The time spent correcting these mistakes could be better used, focusing on the case itself.

Investing in professional subpoena domestication ensures that legal teams avoid these unnecessary expenses. With precise execution and compliance with jurisdictional laws, attorneys and businesses can obtain the required documents and testimony without financial setbacks. The cost of hiring a professional is minimal compared to the financial risk of errors and delays.

Why Legal Professionals Are Essential for Multi-State Litigation

Businesses and legal teams involved in multi-state litigation often deal with subpoena domestication regularly. Each state’s legal system presents unique challenges, and navigating multiple jurisdictions without professional help is impractical and inefficient. Legal professionals with experience in subpoena domestication understand the nuances of each state’s procedures and can quickly adapt to any legal hurdles.

Court rules frequently change, and staying updated on these regulations is difficult for those not specializing in this area of law. A professional subpoena domestication service keeps up with all legal updates, ensuring that subpoenas remain enforceable regardless of jurisdictional changes. Their expertise reduces the risk of legal disputes and ensures compliance with all procedural requirements.

Avoiding Legal Setbacks with Professional Subpoena Domestication

The legal process is challenging, and unnecessary delays can harm a case’s success. Hiring an expert for subpoena domestication removes the guesswork and ensures that all legal requirements are met without issue. Professional services handle everything from document preparation to court filings and process serving, allowing legal teams to focus on case strategy instead of procedural formalities.

Without proper subpoena domestication, opposing parties may challenge the validity of the request, leading to further legal complications. Having a professional oversee the process prevents these disputes and ensures that all parties comply with the subpoena. This is especially important in cases where time-sensitive evidence is needed, as any delay can weaken a legal argument.

Subpoena domestication ensures that legal proceedings move forward without unnecessary obstacles. Failing to handle the process correctly can lead to costly delays, rejected subpoenas, and legal disputes that drain time and resources. Hiring professionals to manage subpoena domestication guarantees compliance with jurisdictional requirements and saves significant time and money. Instead of risking procedural errors that could jeopardize a case, relying on expert assistance streamlines the process and ensures a smooth legal experience. For a reliable solution, check out LawServePro to handle subpoena domestication efficiently and keep your legal matters on track.

13th Annual Run Jen Run Breaks Record With Over $195,000 Raised

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13th Annual Run Jen Run Breaks Record With Over $195,000 Raised

More than 1,100 participants took strides for local breast cancer patients at the 13th Annual Run Jen Run 5K and Festival. To date, the event has raised more than $195,000 – the most raised in the event’s 13-year history – to support the Go Jen Go Foundation and local breast cancer community.

“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who helped make the thirteenth year of Run Jen Run so special and amazing,” said Susan Evren, executive director of Go Jen Go. “Honoring Jen’s legacy by showing up for breast cancer patients in financial crisis means the world to us. Our hearts are full, and our gratitude for our grantees, survivors and thrivers, sponsors, donors, participants, ambassadors, volunteers, and race committee is immeasurable.”

The event took place on Saturday, March 8 at Symphony Park in SouthPark, and included a 5K, Fun Run, festival with music, and a kids’ fun zone. There was also an expo area with community-driven sponsors and partners, Jen’s Garden of Hope with Signs of Hope on display, and a Survivor/Thriver Corner for breast cancer patients to be celebrated and connect.

Other event highlights include:

  • 1,174 participants and 67 teams
  • 97 breast cancer survivors, thrivers and fighters
  • 32 Go Jen Go Grantees
  • 56 sponsors and partners
  • 70 volunteers

Returning as title sponsor was Consolidated Planning, and presenting sponsors were Coastal Bridge Advisors, Novant Health, and Smiley’s 4 C’s Charitable Endowment. All proceeds from Run Jen Run support the Go Jen Go Foundation, which provides hope and critical support to families in the greater Charlotte area who are facing the financial burden of a breast cancer diagnosis.

About Go Jen Go

Based in Charlotte, The Go Jen Go Foundation is a local non-profit providing hope and critical support to families in the greater Charlotte area who are facing the financial burden of a breast cancer diagnosis. Go Jen Go’s Patient Assistance Program helps cover household expenses including housing, utilities, transportation, and groceries/necessities while a patient undergoes breast cancer treatment. In addition, its Mood Williams Camp Scholarship fund provides camp opportunities for our grantees’ children, while its Operation Spread the Joy Program uplifts families impacted by breast cancer by delivering gifts during the holiday season. Currently, the foundation supports more than 90 families per month and strives to provide assistance right when the patient needs it most. For more information, visit gojengo.org.

PETA’s Protest in Rock Hill Backfires as The Dixie Pig Sees Record Crowds

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PETA’s Protest in Rock Hill Backfires as The Dixie Pig Sees Record Crowds

A mobile PETA protest in Rock Hill took an unexpected turn this past weekend when it drove diners to local barbecue restaurants instead of away.

PETA’s “Hell on Wheels” truck, designed to deter meat consumption, made a stop at The Dixie Pig in Rock Hill as part of its national tour. The truck featured life-size decals of caged pigs and blared recordings of panicked squealing from its stereo. However, instead of prompting customers to reconsider their dietary choices, the protest had the opposite effect—BBQ lovers flooded the restaurant in support.

Inside The Dixie Pig, diners reacted with amusement and defiance, chanting “eat more pigs” as they watched the truck pull in. The restaurant had anticipated the protest, posting on Facebook a day prior about PETA’s planned arrival. They invited patrons to show their support, and the response exceeded expectations.

After a record-breaking rush of customers, The Dixie Pig updated its post, thanking the community:

“UPDATE: We want to thank you all for the support today! The PETA truck parked along the side road and didn’t enter the parking lot, possibly because you all had it packed! They were peaceful and left within 45 minutes. Thanks again for the continued community support! We are so appreciative as always!”

Other commenters mocked PETA’s efforts, with one writing, “I think PETA severely underestimated this area. All they’ve done is drum up more business.” Another joked, “Is this truck going to hit every restaurant in town? What a boost for these restaurants!”

According to PETA’s website, the “Hell on Wheels” truck is meant to shock audiences with graphic visuals and distressing sounds of pigs being transported to slaughter. It also plays a subliminal message every 10 seconds, urging people to go vegan.

Despite its dramatic approach, the protest in Rock Hill ended quickly, with PETA’s truck leaving within 45 minutes. Meanwhile, local barbecue spots enjoyed one of their busiest days in months.

This Charlotte Spot Was Ranked Among The Best Irish Pubs in North America

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This Charlotte Spot Was Ranked Among The Best Irish Pubs in North America

The Irish pub is a staple of North America and is renowned for providing an inviting atmosphere, good company, and delicious food.

Yelp recently released a comprehensive ranking of the 25 of the best Irish pubs in the United States and Canada, and one of Charlotte’s very own made the list.

The ratings site examined all businesses in the Irish Pub category, then ranked them using a number of factors, including the total volume and ratings of reviews.

The Workman’s Friend in Plaza Midwood came in at #12 in North America, just ahead of The Irish Heather Shebeen in Vancouver and The Irish Rover in Louisville.

You can see the full ranking here.

Do you agree?

Do you think Workman’s Friend is a better Irish pub than RiRa’s? 

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