5 Ways Retail Stores in Charlotte Can Prepare for Christmas Sale

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According to the National Retail Federation’s holiday forecast, retail sales are predicted to grow between 6 percent and 8 percent in 2022. That’s a growth of around $4.86 trillion. It goes without saying that much of this money will be spent around Christmas.

There is no doubt that Christmas is the busiest time of year in retail stores. You need to make sure your customers have a great experience and also that you are selling enough products for the festive season. To ensure this happens, it’s important to plan ahead with some simple steps.

In this article, we’ll discuss how retail stores in Charlotte can prepare themselves for Christmas and increase their sales.

#1 Online Promotion Campaigns

There are a few things you can do to get the word out about your sale. If you have an email list, send out an email blast that tells people about the sale and any other new products or promotions you might be running. You can also advertise on social media and post on your website’s blog. This will help increase traffic and drive more sales for the Christmas season.

#2 Signage and Posters Around the Store

When you walk into a store, the signage and posters around the store are a great way to get people into your store. You can use this time to promote special sales and other deals that will benefit customers.

If you have something specific that you want to sell, place signs in areas where people are likely to see them when they’re walking by. Make sure these signs include the products you want to sell, as well as their prices. This allows customers who may not have been looking for a specific item before entering your shop to get an idea of what they might be able to find inside.

Find a good store in Charlotte that sells business signs. Let them prepare high-quality signage for you that showcases the products you’re selling or any discount campaign going on. These banners and posters will also help with your brand identity. The more people get to see your brand around while they’re shopping or walking, the more curious they’ll grow. This curiosity of theirs will help you gain some new customers.

#3 Get Influencers on Board

With influencers on board, you can reach a wider audience, promote your products and brand, and reach a younger audience.

There are several ways to get influencers on board:

  • Have them as guests at your store or at an event
  • Designate a space for them at the store
  • Invite them to blog about their experience at the store

Work with Charlotte-based influencers since you’re trying to appeal to a local crowd. It’s best if you can find people who have experience working with retail brands or stores. If not, no problem. They simply need to promote your brand on their social media accounts.

This they can do in many ways. You can send them clothing items that they can wear to different events. They can also do unboxing videos. You can also allow them to get creative and do something on their own with your brand as the center focus.

According to a report titled ‘Influencer Marketing Platform Market by Application and Geography – Forecast and Analysis 2022-2026,’ it’s been found that the influencer marketing market size can grow by $27.39 billion between 2021 and 2026. 

That means in the next few years, this market will have more people investing in it for various business purposes. If you’re a retail store owner, you shouldn’t miss out on this opportunity either. Thus, it’s only logical that you try to make the most of it.

#4 Offering Discounts

Offering discounts to loyal customers is one of the most common strategies used by businesses. Discounts can be offered for specific items, such as clearance items, or they may be available only to those with a certain level of loyalty or membership.

If you have a rewards program, this is an excellent opportunity to offer discounts specifically for members of that program. Another option is offering different types of discounts depending on the time of the year.

Promotions during Black Friday weekend are often more aggressive than discounts during other times of the year. 

#5 Offering Freebies

Offering freebies is one of the most effective ways to get people in your store. The key is choosing something relevant to your target audience that isn’t too expensive for you. For example, if you sell clothing, offering free scarves or gloves could be a great idea. If you sell kitchen appliances, giving away a cookbook might be an option.

You can even offer them discount coupons for their next purchase if they buy stuff worth over a certain amount. You could even think about starting a loyalty program within Charlotte so that people keep coming back to your store, collecting points, and then redeeming them for discounts in the future.

With all the competition out there today, it is not enough for you to just have a good product. You also need to be able to communicate with your customers effectively.

As reported by the BBC, the current economic situation in the UK could mean that retail stores over there could face a lot of difficulties attracting customers this Christmas. 

Of course, the situation is just as bad in other parts of the world, including the United States, mostly because of the ongoing global economic crisis. Thus comes the need for retail stores to plan and market themselves effectively this Christmas if they want to hit high sales numbers.

Take the opportunity to reconnect with your customers during the Christmas sales through these tips. Do it right, and they will reward you with their loyalty as they keep coming back to your store even after Christmas is over.

How to Build a Local SEO Strategy for Your Restaurant in Charlotte

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If you’re a restaurant owner, you likely know that customer satisfaction is the number one driver of your business. But customer satisfaction isn’t just about the food you serve or the ambiance of your restaurant. It’s also about how easy people find and visit you when they want to enjoy your services. A robust local SEO strategy will help customers easily find and connect with you online.

Importance of Local SEO

Local SEO is essential because it helps to drive customers to your business. Local SEO is a great way to attract new customers to your company and help increase brand awareness in the local area.

Local SEO can be done through a variety of methods, including:

  • Building links from websites that have high domain authority, such as news sites and blogs about restaurants in Charlotte
  • Creating quality content on your website
  • Optimizing your website for local-focused keywords

Local SEO is vital to bring the people looking for the dishes you offer to your restaurant. According to HubSpot Marketing Statistics, 72% of consumers who did a local search visited a nearby business within 5 miles.

Considering the above data, suppose you own a restaurant near Carowinds. A group of people visiting Carowinds searches for a nearby restaurant. If your restaurant shows up in the top results, there are chances that the group of people will come to have lunch or dinner.

How to Do Local SEO for a Charlotte Restaurant

There are many ways to implement local SEO. Here are some tips that can help.

Take Help From the Experts

There are several ways to get your restaurant more visibility in Charlotte. Here are some expert recommendations on how to build a local SEO strategy for your restaurant:

  • Find the right company. Since you are looking for local SEO services, it is best to get help from a local Charlotte SEO company. The reason is that the local company will understand the market and can help you with the right local SEO strategy accordingly.
  • Know what you’re looking for. It’s important to understand what kind of service you want. Is it solely keyword research, or do you need additional services like content writing and marketing? Based on the requirements, you should look for a Charlotte SEO service provider who can cater to your needs.

Optimize for Google My Business

Optimizing for Google My Business is crucial. According to research by Brightlocal, 94% of calls to local businesses are received through Google My Business on weekdays. This free service lets you manage your local presence on Google.com and map pages and make changes to your business information and photos.

Once you’ve claimed your listing, make sure the following are accurate:

  • Address
  • Phone number
  • Hours of operation
  • Description of your business

Try to use keywords like local, Charlotte, etc., in the description. This will help your bio stand out from other businesses.

Appear in Relevant Business Directories

One of the first things you should do when building a local SEO strategy is to get listed in local directories. These listings can be found on Google, Yelp, and other places users visit to find businesses. They’re essential because they help you build brand recognition, leading to more traffic and customers. You can also go for listings on general restaurant directories like Kayak or websites like Charlottemagazine.com.

Listings are easy to set up and maintain, but it’s crucial that you only register with directories that fit your niche or industry. Otherwise, they will only offer a little value. For example, if you own an Italian restaurant in Charlotte, NC, don’t waste time registering for Chinese takeout restaurants nearby.

Many people will use local directories and business information sites to find your restaurant. Business Listings Trust Report 2021 shows that 94% of consumers have used a business information website to find out more about a company in the past 12 months.

Create Localized Content

When it comes to content, you want to ensure that your restaurant produces engaging and valuable content. This means using keywords that people in Charlotte might be searching for and local images, videos, and reviews. Here are some tips on how to do this:

  • Use Local Keywords: The best way to ensure that the search engines understand what you’re talking about is by including the words or phrases relevant to your location in your content. This can look like “Charlotte restaurants” or “restaurants near me” but also include other keywords like “bars” or even specific events going on around town.
  • Use Local Images: If someone searches for a keyword associated with your business, Google will show them an image next to each listing, so they know what kind of place it is before clicking further into their search results page. You want these images to reflect those exact keywords, so make sure they’re relevant online and offline.
  • Create Videos & Reviews: Adding reviews from customers can help establish trustworthiness, while adding videos helps break up some of those long paragraphs we discussed earlier in our blog posts. Both should be written naturally without sounding forced.

Build a Mobile-Friendly Website

Building a mobile-friendly website is an essential part of local SEO for restaurants. The easiest way to do this is with a responsive design. This means that your site will automatically adjust to fit well on any device, from desktop computers to smartphones and tablets.

Another option is using a mobile-friendly template or theme for your website’s layout and design. You can also choose CMS software specifically designed for mobile use so that you don’t have to spend time coding every page yourself.

Mobile-friendliness is also a Google ranking factor. Hence, making your Charlotte restaurant website mobile-friendly will make it load faster and improve Google rankings. This will further improve your potential customer’s search experience, tempting them to visit your restaurant over other websites loading slowly.

Conclusion

Building a local SEO strategy is integral to your restaurant’s digital marketing plan. As we have outlined in this post, there are many ways to boost your business’s visibility and appear in Google searches. Taking just one of these tips can help you improve your rankings right away.

How to use your trading platform like a pro

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When you start trading, you first need to find the best Australian trading platform that meets your needs. There are many different platforms to choose from, so it cannot be easy to decide which is right for you. This article will discuss how to use your trading platform like a pro. We will cover the basics of how to use the different functions of the platform and provide some tips for making successful trades. So, whether you are a beginner or an experienced trader, read for some helpful tips on making the most of your trading platform.

Choose the right platform for your needs

The first step in using your platform like a pro is to choose the right platform for your needs. There are many different platforms available, so it is crucial to find one that best suits your trading style and needs. For example, if you are a beginner trader, choose a platform that is easy to use and has a user-friendly interface. On the other hand, if you are an experienced trader, you may want a platform that offers more advanced features and tools.

Once you have selected the best platform for your needs, the next step is to create an account. You will need to provide personal information such as your name, email address, and phone number, and you will also need to create a password. Once you have created an account, you can log in and start trading.

If you are a beginner trader, we recommend starting with a demo account, and this will allow you to practice trading without risking any real money. Once you feel confident with your trading skills, you can switch to a live account and start trading for real.

Use technical analysis to make informed decisions

Technical analysis is one of the best ways to use your trading platform like a pro. Technical analysis is the study of past price movements to predict future movements. It can be done by looking at charts and using indicators such as moving averages, RSI, and MACD. Technical analysis enables you to make informed decisions about when to buy or sell a particular asset.

This information should not be construed as investment advice. Always consult a licensed financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

Stay disciplined and patient when trading

Another important tip for using your platform like a pro is to stay disciplined and patient when trading. It is easy to get caught up in the excitement of making a trade and impulsive decisions. However, these types of decisions can often lead to losses. Instead, it is best to wait for the right opportunity and then make a trade when you are confident in your decision.

It is also essential to have patience when trading. You can take action immediately, even if you see a potential opportunity. Sometimes, the best move is to wait and see how the market develops before making a trade. You can increase your chances of success by being patient and waiting for the right time to enter a trade.

Use stop losses and take profits

When you are trading, stopping losses and taking profits is essential. Stop losses are used to limit your losses if the price of an asset moves in the wrong direction, and take profits are used to lock in your gains when the price of an asset moves in the right direction. By using these two orders, you can minimise your risk and maximise your chances of making a profit.

Have a solid trading plan in place

One of the best ways to use your platform like a pro is to have a solid trading plan in place. It should include your trading goals, risk management strategy, and entry and exit points. Having a well-defined plan will make you more likely to make successful trades and reach your financial goals.

A trading plan should be designed to fit your individual needs and goals and based on your risk tolerance, investment objectives, and time horizon. If you need help creating a trading plan, we recommend you seek professional help.

Be prepared for losses as well as wins

When trading, you must be prepared for both wins and losses. No one has a 100% success rate, and even the best traders will experience losses. It is essential to accept that losses are a part of trading and to keep them from discouraging you.

If you experience a loss, it is vital to take a step back and analyse what went wrong. It can help you to avoid making the same mistake in the future. Remember, even the best traders make losing trades from time to time. What separates the best traders from the rest is their ability to learn from their mistakes and continue trading successfully.

2023 NFL Rankings: Top 13 Best Players

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The Super Bowl LVII finale season is right around the corner, and teams from both AFC and NFC continue to gear up for the ultimate showdown. Although last season was a blast, today, the NFL fever is back for more, featuring the best teams and the presence of its avid fans all over the world. 

While the NFL fever continues today, many surprising events are making the Super Bowl a more exciting eventto look forward to. From huge sleepers for many decades to the underdog players who displayed exemplary performance makes the Super Bowl LVII edition a more thrilling event.

ith a few more weeks remaining before the final battle for the Lombardi trophy, let’s meet the best players in today’s NFL season. Knowing them can help secure your Super bowl betting journey a breezend allows you to pick the right players to back on. 

Aaron Donald, Defensive Tackle

His fourth MVP award went to him in 2021, and he still plays at a high level. To see what he accomplishes without Davante Adams will be interesting for the Green Bay Packers. 

Aaron Rodgers, Quarterback 

His fourth MVP award was given to him in 2021 and he is still playing at a high level. To see what he accomplishes without Davante Adams will be interesting for the Green Bay Packers. 

Patrick Mahomes, Quarterback 

Although he wasn’t as strong as in previous seasons, he is still among the league’s top players. It will be intriguing to watch what he accomplishes this season, minus Tyreek Hill.

Josh Allen, Quarterback 

In the past, many football fans have questioned Allen’s ability. However, he has consistently shown himself to be an MVP material. The Bills system heavily relies on his ability to run and pass while on the field. Truly, Allen is a real football star player. 

Cooper Kupp, Wide Receiver 

He became the top player in the NFL last season after leading the league in catches and yardage. Additionally, he tied for the overall league lead with nine catches of more than 40-yards. Not only that, but he also led the team in catches of more than 20-yards. 

Tom Brady, Quarterback 

Brady had one of his best statistical seasons today, making 43 touchdowns and 5,316 yards. When do you think this player begins to loosen off? Whether this will be his final playing year or not, there is no reason to believe he won’t post impressive numbers in the future.

T.J. Watt, Outside Linebacker 

He tied Michael Strahan for the most sacks in a single season with 22.5 and was named “Defensive Player of the Year” after leading the league in that category. Watt is a double danger on the edge since he is effective against the run as well.

Trent Williams, Offensive Tackle 

He is going off a season in which he was the top offensive lineman in the NFL at the age of 33. His ability to get players off the ball is a key component of their run-heavy system, and he excels as a pass blocker.

Myles Garrett, Defensive End 

He continued to be one of the greatest edge players in the league last season with 16 sacks. He can turn a game with his unbelievable ability to pursue the quarterback. He plays with a speed that tackles struggle to contain him.

Jalen Ramsey, Cornerback 

Despite being a big cornerback who thrives at playing man coverage, he has developed into an all-around cornerback player capable of doing nice things. Last year, he excelled close to the line of production and had since improved greatly as a zone-coverage player. He consistently ranks among the league’s best.

Davante Adams, Wide Receiver

He had a record-breaking year in both catches and yards. However, he will no longer be partnering with Aaron Rodgers but with Derek Carr. It will be fascinating to watch how it will affect his statistics.

Nick Bosa, Defensive End 

He played two games in 2020 after suffering an Anterior Cruciate Injury. Although he met an ACL, Bosa had ended in fourth place with 15.5 sacks. Besides, he is one of those pass rushers who can dominate and uses force and speed in his play.

Justin Jefferson, Wide Receiver 

In his two seasons, he placed second in yardage with 1,616 and fourth with 108 catches. Also, he caught ten touchdown passes. It’s scary to imagine the improvement he might achieve this season when he gains more knowledge of the role.

Final Thoughts 

After the Week 11 playoff games, the road to the Super Bowl LVII finals became more challenging. However, with the current best players in their respective positions able to maintain their strength, they can bring their team to the finals round without any doubt. 

 

How to Keep Candle Holders Centerpiece Clean?

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Cleaning a candle holder or jar after completely burning a candle can drive you crazy. You would have tried everything, like sticking a knife, toothpick, or other things into your candle holder to take out the wax. It can be frustrating, and you may have thought to throw away the jars. 

Well, forget it! Because we have brought up different ways to keep your candle holders centerpieces clean without much effort. You can use the cleaned candle holders for many purposes, primarily as candle holders again. 

We advise you to burn the candle at most an inch in any holder; don’t burn the candle completely. These are just the precautions. It doesn’t mean you can’t clean the candle holder if you burn all the wax. But it would be more difficult. 

Now, let’s explore the secrets of cleaning candle holders. 

Clean Using Boiling Water 

It’s the best way to clean a wide-mouth gold candle holder centerpiece. For this: 

  1. Put your candle holder on a safe surface, such as a potholder or dish towel. 
  2. Boil water, add it to the candle jar, and fill it up, leaving an inch at the top. The water melts the wax, letting it float to the jar’s surface. 
  3. Let the water cool, and strain the water and wax bits. Then, you can save the wax for future use or discard it. 
  4. Rub the residual wax and wash the jar with water and soap. And bam, you have the new jar!

Clean Using A Pot 

This method also uses hot water but in a different way. For this: 

  1. Take a large shallow pot or metal bowl, fill it with water, and heat on medium-low (don’t boil, it may shatter your glass). 
  2. Put the candle holders in the water and attentively observe the wax as it melts. 
  3. Take the pot off the heat when the wax melts and is runny. 
  4. Take out the candle holders and pour the melted wax into a disposable container. If the wax remains, put the holders again in the water upside down. 
  5. Wash the glass holder with hot soapy water and rub the remaining wax. If you still feel all wax isn’t out, put the holders in hot water and repeat step 5. 

Visit nuptiostore.com for an excellent and vast collection of candle holders, centerpieces, candle bars, and other amazing products.

Clean the Candle Jars Using the Freezer 

Freezing is another never failing method to remove the candle wax. For this: 

  1. Place the used candle jar in the freezer overnight or until it’s frozen. 
  2. Take out the container from the freezer in the morning or after a few hours. 
  3. Flip the candle jar upside down. The wax must come out immediately. If it doesn’t come out, you can use a butter knife or spoon to push down on one side of the wax, lift it and remove it. 
  4. Wash the candle jar, and you’re good to go. 

Clean Using Oven 

If you have, you can use this to get rid of wax from several candles simultaneously. However, this method works best for simple candle jars. If your candle holder contains embellishments like sequins, stickers, or glitters, you should use a different method. For this: 

  1. Preheat the oven to 200º Fahrenheit. 
  2. Cover a baking sheet with aluminum foil and put the bottom of your used candle up on the foil. 
  3. Put the baking sheet in the heated oven. 
  4. You have to observe the candle jars carefully. The melted wax must come out on the foil after around 15 minutes. At this point, take out the baking sheet and put it on a heatproof surface. Now, remove the candle jars using an oven glove. 
  5. Let the jars cool, and clean them with soap and warm water. Then, dry it with a towel. 
  6. You can also use the leftover wax once it’s dried on the baking sheet. Now, discard it, or use the remaining wax in the future. 

Clean Using a Hair Dryer

Usually, hairdryers are employed to eliminate wax from carpets. However, you can also use them to soften and remove the wax from a spent candle holder. For this: 

  1. Hold the candle with an oven glove. 
  2. Turn on the hairdryer and heat the wax from the bottom and sides of the candle holder. 
  3. When the wax becomes softer, scrape, or lift it out with a knife. 
  4. Next, use warm water, a sponge, and soap to remove the lasting wax residuals from the glass jar. 
  5. Finally, dry your candle jar with a paper or dish towel. 

Final Words 

It’s essential to keep your candle holders clean if you love to use scented candles. Because you can recycle them for various purposes. You can remove wax from candle holders using the methods mentioned above and use them as you want. 

Governor Cooper Announces Plans To Significantly Reduce Gas and Diesel Vehicles From NC Roads

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Yesterday Governor Cooper announced new plans to even further reduce gas and diesel vehicles in our state.

At the North Carolina Medium- and Heavy-Duty (MHD) Electric Vehicle State Policy Bootcamp and Showcase, the governor outlined his administration’s plan for an “advanced clean trucks” rule that would promote the transition to zero-emission electric vehicles throughout our state, including tractor trailers, buses, and delivery, garbage, and utility trucks.

“North Carolina has already made great progress in electric vehicle manufacturing, and we’re well-positioned to be at the head of the global market transition to zero-emission vans, buses and trucks,” he said in a press release. “We’ll continue working with businesses and manufacturers across the state to strengthen our economy, create jobs and confront the climate crisis.”

Last month, Cooper signed Executive Order 271, which established the “North Carolina Advanced Clean Trucks program”, a sweeping initiative that will require all North Carolina manufacturers of medium and heavy-duty (MHD) vehicles to make a steadily increasing percentage of their fleets zero-emission starting by 2025.

What do you think about the plans?

29th Annual Charlotte Auto Show Returning To Uptown This Weekend

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Hundreds of cars, trucks and exotics have been rolling into uptown this week for the return of the 29th Annual Charlotte Auto Show.

The 4-day event will be held at the Charlotte Convention Center November 17th through the 20th. It will feature concept and the latest new vehicles from dozens of manufacturers lined up side by side, and for the first time this year, show organizers are dedicating an entire section of the show to electric vehicles, dubbed ‘electric avenue’.

You can even test drive new vehicles on site, and several luxury brands, including Aston Martin, Ferrari and Porsche, will feature their most expensive rides.

Tickets are $10 for adults, free for kids (12 and under), and free today (Nov. 17th) for all first responders, active military, veterans, medical personnel and teachers.

You can find out more info or buy tickets on their website here.

UNCC’s 2022 State of Housing in Charlotte Report Has Just Been Released

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While the Charlotte housing market shows signs of softening, homes in the region that are priced affordably are becoming increasingly difficult to find.

Home buyers and renters in the eight-county region are entering a second year of high prices and a lack of affordable housing, according to the “2022 State of Housing in Charlotte Report,” which was released by UNC Charlotte’s Childress Klein Center for Real Estate (CKCRE) this week.

SOH 2022 Report.jpgAccording to the report, only 3.8% of the houses sold in the region are under $150,000 and only about 25% of the houses sold are under $300,000. The report also found a rapid acceleration in rental prices. Over the last three years, average effective rent has increased by $320, or 27% per unit.

“In particular, the prices at the lower end of the distribution have increased much faster than at the higher end, causing significant concerns for housing affordability in the region,” said Yongqiang Chu, CKCRE director and the primary author of the housing report.

Key takeaways from the report:

  • Houses priced affordably have become extremely difficult to find. Only 3.8% of the houses sold are under $150,000 and only about 25% of the houses sold are under $300,000.
  • While the housing market continues to be tight, it has shown some signs of softening since the summer of 2022. The median number of days on the market has increased from three days in May 2022 to nine days in September 2022.
  • House prices increased at an unprecedented rate during the pandemic. The median home prices in the Charlotte market increased from $273,500 in January 2020 to $420,000 in September 2022.
  • Middle-income housing affordability is becoming a significant challenge for the region. The rising interest rates and house prices have made housing quickly unaffordable in the Charlotte region.

CKCRE’s 2022 research report also includes an in-depth review of housing in the Charlotte region over the last 20 years.

The report, which pulls from seven primary data sources, focuses on Mecklenburg County and the seven counties that surround it: Cabarrus, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, and Union counties, as well as Lancaster and York counties in South Carolina.

The report was released at the 2022 State of Housing in Charlotte Summit. The summit also included an industry panel discussion that focused on affordable housing.

First released in 2019, the report is part of a multi-year project, led by Belk College of Business faculty, that serves as a critical piece of research and starting point for discussion regarding housing policy in the Charlotte region.

Master Gardeners Uniting To Transform Two West Blvd Facilities

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While most people are thinking about Thanksgiving, Friday, Nov. 18, about 20 Extension Master Gardener Volunteers in Mecklenburg County will be digging holes and installing almost 100 plants at two facilities at 2415 Lester Street, off West Boulevard in Charlotte.

The plants include junipers, abelias, beautyberries, ornamental grasses, a smoke tree, American Fringetrees, and others. After that, the volunteers will return to spread 5 cubic yards of compost and 10 cubic yards of mulch, and install irrigation lines.

It’s all part of a broader effort to update and refresh the two long-dormant facilities in advance of youth and adult programming in the new year.

Plant installation: 

Date: Friday, Nov. 18, 2022

Time: 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm

Location: 2415 Lester Street, Charlotte

The facilities 

The two facilities – the Amay James Recreation Center and the Amay James Annex Building (i.e., Cooperative Extension Center) in the Reid Park Neighborhood – have been under renovation for about a year. Owned and managed by Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation, investments will enable programming opportunities for all ages.

Amay James Recreation Center will offer adult therapeutic recreation, afterschool programs, youth sports, introductory culinary arts, educational activities, wheelchair basketball, mentoring, community meetings, special events and more.

Amay James Annex houses NC Cooperative Extension-Mecklenburg Center and offers soil testing, food and nutrition education programs, and 4-H Youth Development including cooking, nature, and STEM activities. The facility also houses the Extension Master Gardener program.

“Fall is the best time to plant as it gives trees and shrubs time to get established over the winter months,” said Master Gardener Volunteer Barry Pettinato. “The foundation plants we’ve selected will greatly enhance the look and feel of these decades-old buildings, making them more attractive to the neighborhood and those who visit.”

About Master Gardener Volunteers in Mecklenburg County 

Under the auspices of the N.C. Cooperative Extension-Mecklenburg Center, Master Gardener Volunteers help the public by providing research-based information on establishing and maintaining gardens, lawns, landscapes and houseplants using safe, effective and sustainable gardening practices. The group’s vision is a healthier world through environmental stewardship. 

NCDOT Building New $57 Million Bridge Across The Catawba

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The NCDOT is about to completely replace the old Wilkinson Blvd. Bridge at an estimated costs of $57 million.

The current bridge was built in 1933 and was officially named the Sloan’s Ferry Bridge. It was erected as a memorial to the Gaston and Mecklenburg County soldiers who fought in World War 1.

According to the NCDOT, about 25,000 vehicles cross the bridge daily, and that number is projected to significantly increase in the future.

The new $57 million bridge will increase the 4 lane bridge to a 6 lane bridge, as well as adding pedestrian walkways on either side. It will also feature a raised midpoint to allow larger boats to pass underneath.

The bridge is projected to  be completed by Summer of 2026.

What do you think about the new bridge project?