North Carolina Zoo Now Offers Virtual Summer Camps

Charlotte Stories
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North Carolina Zoo Now Offers Virtual Summer Camps

The North Carolina Zoo is bringing its Summer Camps program to you in a new, online format.

In an effort to offer the summer camp experience during this challenging time, the

Zoo’s Virtual Summer Camps are a way for kids to learn about animals and their natural environment in a new way.

Kids will participate in many of the fun activities traditionally found in our camps, just in a virtual setting. Activities such as crafts, animal ambassador encounters, behind the scenes with keepers and games are all part of the fun learning experience.

Zoo camp programs offer a variety of experiences for rising grades 1st through 6th. Each camp is three hours long and has a morning or afternoon option.

For a full list of camps, dates, prices, age ranges, questions and to register, visit our website at nczoo.org/camps or contact us at zoo.camps@nczoo.org or call 336-879-7700.

2020 Virtual Zoo Camps

Jr. Herpetologists – $30

Scaly and slimy, oh my! Join us for a truly “ribbeting” experience as campers become Jr. Herpetologists, learning all about reptiles and amphibians and what makes them super important to our world. Grades rising 1-6.

African Adventures – $30

From the massive elephants, rhinos, and giraffes to the tiny sand cat and ball python, we learn about African inhabitants and how important they are to their ecosystems. Grades  rising1-6.

Wild America – $30

We’ve all heard about the Wild West, now let’s talk about the rest of North America and all of the amazing animals that live here! Grades rising 1-6.

Keeper in Training – $80 (three–day camp)

Ever wonder what it’s like being a zookeeper? Well look no further as campers discover what keepers do to feed, clean, and enrich the lives of the animals under their care! Grades rising 1-6.

Live Music is Back In Charlotte as Music Yard Announces Summer Drive-In Series

Steve
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Live Music is Back In Charlotte as Music Yard Announces Summer Drive-In Series

Live music is back in Charlotte. The Music Yard at SouthBound will kick-off its Summer Drive-In Series with Of Good Nature headlining back to back evenings June 12 and 13. Every Friday through July 31, music lovers will be able to enjoy an electrifying experience with next-level sound and lighting production from the safety and comfort of their own vehicle.

Throughout the summer there will be something for everyone. The genres will include electronic, reggae, funk, open format, jam and everything in between. They will also be hosting an eclectic “Off The Record” Vinyl Night featuring Charlotte’s favorite turntablists, Probably Will and Partydad, on June 19.

Artists and bands have had to cancel shows all over the world due to COVID-19, but The Music Yard has found a way to bring back the jams in a safe and socially distanced way. There will be free hand sanitizer and each staff member will be required to wear gloves and a mask. Cars will be guided in and out of their own parking spot.

Events Director of The Music Yard, Preston Abernathy, said, “This series will give locals something to enjoy when it is needed most.” Abernathy explained that it is more important now than ever to support local artists and the North Carolina music scene at its roots.

A car-side food and beverage service will be available offering the full SouthBound menu as well as beer, wine & seltzer. Sweetwater Brewery will be a featured beer selection for the series. Drivers will not be served alcohol. In addition, a valet service will be provided if attendees want the option to leave their car overnight and taxi home. Keys will be available for pickup the next day. VIP patio tables will be offered on the front turf by the dance floor, which will be socially distanced.

The Music Yard is expected to host at least 34 cars per show, allowing for about 100 attendees. Each event will start at 8 P.M. and end by 11 P.M. Attendees should arrive by 7:30 P.M. to be guided to their parking spot. Tickets will go on sale Tuesday, June 2.

For more information, check out musicyardclt.com

Trump Pulls RNC From Charlotte After State Refuses To Guarantee “Fully Occupied” Spectrum Center

Charlotte Stories
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Trump Pulls RNC From Charlotte After State Refuses To Guarantee “Fully Occupied” Spectrum Center

After a week-long feud between the White House and NC state leaders, President Trump has just officially announced that he has decided to seek another state to host the 2020 Republican National Convention (Charlotte was initially selected to host the conference in July, 2018).

The feud began a couple weeks ago, when RNC officials within the White House started talking about possibly scaling back the 50,000 people who were expected to gather in Charlotte, possibly even limiting the attendance to delegates only due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Last Monday, President Trump lashed out at the idea that his crowds might be reduced, tweeting a series of 4 tweets directed at North Carolina’s governor. He said RNC organizers “must be immediately given an answer by the Governor as to whether or not the space will be allowed to be fully occupied. If not, we will be reluctantly forced to find…another Republican National Convention site.”

Later that same day our governor released the following statement:

The next day, on Tuesday, May 26th, the president told a reporter; “we need a fast decision from the governor, he’s been acting very, very slowly and very suspiciously. We’re talking about a very short period of time. It’s a massive expenditure, yeah. I would say within a week, certainly, we have to know.”

Yesterday, the Governor sent a response letter to the President and the the RNC, saying:

“Dear Chairwoman McDaniel and President Kelly:

I am in receipt of your letter of May 30, 2020, demanding a ”full convention” which includes ”19,000 delegates, alternative delegates, staff, volunteers, elected officials and guests inside the Spectrum Center.” You also require ”full hotels and restaurants and bars at capacity.” In my conversations with you and with President Trump Friday night, you want us to guarantee a full arena.

We had appreciated your earlier acknowledgements that a successful and safe convention would need to be scaled back to protect the health of participants as well as North Carolinians. Unfortunately, it appears that has now changed.

We still want a safe RNC convention in Charlotte that follows the health guidelines set forth in the CDC’s interim guidance regarding mass gatherings. In my conversation with the President, I commended him for not holding crowded political rallies since March because of the serious health risk that they would cause.

The people of North Carolina do not know what the status of COVID-19 will be in August, so planning for a scaled-down convention with fewer people, social distancing and face coverings is a necessity.

We are happy to continue talking with you about what a scaled-down convention would look like and we still await your proposed plan for that. We also await answers to the safety questions posed by our state Health and Human Services Secretary, specifically regarding social distancing and face coverings.

With the Nation, the State of North Carolina and the City of Charlotte still under states of emergency it’s important to conduct the RNC convention accordingly. As much as we want the conditions surrounding COVID-19 to be favorable enough for you to hold the Convention you describe in late August, it is very unlikely. Neither public health officials nor I will risk the health and safety of North Carolinians by providing the guarantee you seek.

Sincerely,

Roy Cooper”

In 3 tweets posted last night, President Trump responded to Governor Coopers request for a scaled-down convention proposal with a decision to move the conference:

“Had long planned to have the Republican National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina, a place I love. Now, @NC_Governor Roy Cooper and his representatives refuse to guarantee that we can have use of the Spectrum Arena – Spend millions of dollars, have everybody arrive, and then tell them they will not be able to gain entry. Governor Cooper is still in Shelter-In-Place Mode, and not allowing us to occupy the arena as originally anticipated and promised. Would have showcased beautiful North Carolina to the World, and brought in hundreds of millions of dollars, and jobs, for the State. Because of @NC_Governor, we are now forced to seek another State to host the 2020 Republican National Convention.”

What do you think about President Trump’s decision?

Do you think our state should have guaranteed full occupancy in the Spectrum Center?

Using Digital Marketing to Bring Exposure to Your Business in 2020

Peter James
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Using Digital Marketing to Bring Exposure to Your Business in 2020

Do you feel like your business could get more attention than it currently is? You always want to make sure that your company is able to attract as many customers as possible. In this day and age, one of the best ways to do so is with digital marketing.

Fill in Your Google My Business

The first thing you should do is fill in your Google My Business account. You will no doubt have seen these when you search for a business on a search engine. It will have lots of useful information that consumers need to know, such as opening times and address. It also has a review section that your customers can use to let others know about your business.

One of the key reasons to fill this out is to give information not just to your customers but to the search engine itself. Search engines use complex algorithms to scour your website and other data you create about your business to best rank your pages online. You need to make sure that you are giving them as much information as you can. One of the easiest and best ways to do so is with your Google My Business account, so you cannot afford to pass it by.

Content Creation

So, how do you give search engines data? One of the best ways is through content creation. There are so many ways you can do so. Many brands like to set up a blog. Here they can post pieces explaining their products and offering fun insights on trends and more. Through the right collection of keywords, a blog can be used to elevate your exposure on search engines, thereby increasing its exposure overall.

However, we are firmly in the modern era. Blogs are no longer the only way to do things. Many brands are beginning to throw themselves fully into video creation. If a brand wants to do this themselves, they could be creating promo videos explaining their products and announcing new deals. Brands can also pay a professional content creator or influencer to give their product a shout-out or review in a video. 

There are many ways to use content to bring exposure to your business in this day and age. You simply need to work out which will appeal most to your brand. Again, you can use specific keywords to rank these posts and videos you are making for more exposure from search engines and other search functions. By doing so, there is more of a chance that your brand will be discovered by someone who has been looking for a product just like what you offer.

Social Media

Right alongside content creation comes social media. This is one of the biggest developments of this century thus far. No matter the size of your business or the position it occupies in the market, you need to make sure that you have some form of social media in place. Twitter is popular for marketing purposes. As long as you have the correct strategy in place. Many marketers are now using the auto follow method to great effect.

For one, it has often replaced certain aspects of customer service nowadays. While customers will reach out through email still, they are more inclined to send a direct message to a brand instead of calling them on the phone. 

Social media also allows for a level of interaction between brands and consumers in a way that has been difficult to do before. Your consumers will react within your comments to the posts you make, and you get the chance to respond to them as you choose. Through platforms like Instagram, you can choose to repost the content your customers make. Great examples of how this can best work can be found in the fashion and beauty industries. They choose the best of the best to put on their own pages. These reposts are often made through influencers and creators tagging the brands, potentially generating exposure through their own follower counts, This is just one of the many ways you can make social media work for you as a brand, and you need to find the right methods that work for you.

High-Quality Everywhere

Once you have gained exposure for your business, you need to make sure that you are able to keep the attention of these customers. The best way to do so is to ensure that you have the highest-quality throughout your sites and online platforms.

You cannot afford for anything to be too lax. In this day and age, it is entirely possible to find top-quality graphic designers and web designers at any price point. By putting in the work needed to find them, you will be able to get the content you need – whether that is a high-quality website or the best email templates for your newsletters.

Whatever you decide to get, you need to make sure that it is packed with the right links and data for search engines to rank you well. Once you are ranking well, the prestige of your website should then be able to attract more customers. Never underestimate the power of a high-quality and well-designed website. Increasing dwell time and other important factors will be key in using digital marketing to create the best website and online space possible.

Start Making Changes Today

Increasing exposure to any business is not something that will happen overnight. This is going to require a lot of very hard work that may have to go through several rounds of testing and adjustments. There will be some things that you get right first time, and others that are a lot more complicated.

If you are searching for ways to bring more exposure to your business then digital marketing definitely has the answers you could be looking for. By taking a look at your current approach, you should be able to find some new techniques that could work for your business. Make sure your search engine optimisation is top-notch, and don’t forget to address your social media. Before you know it, your engagement could be on the way up!

15 Old-School Charlotte Things You Can Buy On Etsy Right Now

Steve
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15 Old-School Charlotte Things You Can Buy On Etsy Right Now

Many people say that Charlotte’s history isn’t that great.

Nonsense.

Charlotte’s history is awesome…here’s some proof;

#1 Epic Track Jacket From Charlotte Final Four

This thing is awesome. Size XL. No stains small rip in left armpit but no one would notice.

Here it is on Etsy.

#2 Classic Charlotte Final Four T

Great Nike Gray Tag tshirt. Cracking graphics w/ pin hole on the front of the shirt and some faint discoloration on sleeve. What more could you want?

Here it is on Etsy.

#3 Sweet Old School Hornets Crewneck Sweatshirt – $40

“Very cool” vintage Hornets crewneck. Super soft and thick and comfy. Get it.

Here it is on Etsy.

#4 Old Hornets T (Hippy Not Included) – $10.20

Super cool and very rare Charlotte Hornets NBA basketball retro t shirt. Paper thin, lightly distressed, lightly cracking, faded, a couple tiny pin holes. Super cool grunge rocker look.

Here it is on Etsy.

#5 Youth (or woman’s or small man’s) Hornets T – $12

Purely classic. If you’re a woman, or a child, or a small man, you should get this, right now.

Here it is on Etsy.

#6 Old Hornets Starter Hoodie – $28

Pre-Owned Charlotte Hornets Hoodie. Super name-branded (Starter). It’s really cool.

Here it is on Etsy.

#7 Retro Charlotte Hornets Jersey Tank – $26.50

If you like vintage retro tanks, you’ll want this. It’s a vintage retro Hornets tank.

Here it is on Etsy.

#8 Old-School Larry Johnson Hornets Hat – $10

If you love Larry Johnson, or the Hornets, or Charlotte, or cool stuff, this hat is for you.

Here it is on Etsy.

#9 North Carolina Gold Rush Map From Back In The Day – $26.10

Charlotte had a huge gold rush back in the day. This map shows where the mines were. If you hang it on your wall, you’ll look smart.

Here it is on Etsy.

#10 Map of Charlotte from 1935 – $28

Relive the 30s with this vintage map of Charlotte in the 30s. This map will also make you look smart.

Here it is on Etsy.

#11 Vintage Charlotte Hanky (unused…I think) – $10

A lace Charlotte hanky from back in the day, what more could you want?

Here it is on Etsy.

#12 Marihuana (aka ‘Marijuana’) Charlotte Tax Stamp – $175

Original 1969 government issued tax stamp for Opium, Coca Leaves & Marihuana in Charlotte for Dr. Walker.

Here it is on Etsy.

#13 Old School Davidson College Yearbook (1948) – $12

If you like the Davidson Wildcats and you like stuff from the 40s, this is for you.

Here it is on Etsy.

#14 Charlotte Bank of Commerce Coin Bank – $20

A bank-themed banking city coin bank.

Here it is on Etsy.

#15 Vintage Christmastown USA Sweatshirt – $25

The greatest tacky Christmas sweater of all time, for real.

Here it is on Etsy.

Bonus: Old School Charlotte Douglas Hat – $17.99

A cool old hat.

Here it is on Etsy.

Have you found any other cool vintage Charlotte stuff on Etsy? You can also try to design custom t-shirt here.

Post a link to it in the comments below (if you haven’t bought it yet).

Money is in Charlotte’s DNA: Why Financial Dealings Are a Way of Life

Casey Wilson
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Money is in Charlotte’s DNA: Why Financial Dealings Are a Way of Life

Charlotte is famous for many things. From the Carolina Panthers and Charlotte Hornets, to Carowinds amusement park and the US National Whitewater Center, there are plenty local landmarks that make the city great. Then, of course, you’ve got some of the best BBQ food in the US and a hospitable atmosphere to boot. In fact, such is the appeal of Charlotte that it was ranked as one of the fastest-growing metro areas in the US between 2004 and 2014. With almost 900,000 new residents pouring in, it became a boom city for millennials in 2015.

Today, Charlotte remains a draw for many and, as well as a thriving population, the real estate market is consistently strong. If that’s not enough, how about animals? Did you know that North Carolina has the largest walk-through zoo in the world? Forget Tiger King, North Carolina Zoo is spread across 2,000 acres and is home to more than 1,600 animals from 250 different species. When you add all of these things up, it’s easy to see why people are hot on the region.

Charlotte: A US Banking Capital

Of course, you probably already knew about many of the aforementioned attractions. However, something you might not have known about Charlotte is that it is a financial hub. New York rightly commands all the attention when it comes to banking and trading. But, we’re here to tell you that Charlotte is also a force to be reckoned with when it comes to money movers and shakers. Bank of America has its headquarters in Charlotte, as does Truist Financial Corporation, which oversees a network of banks and insurance services. The presence of two major names in finance has inspired a culture of money management and money making within the city.

In recent years, this culture has converged with the emerging world of online trading. Although online trading sites have been around for at least a decade, the industry is still new to many. Old images of men in suits shouting at each other across a crowded room still persist. However, thanks to the internet, putting money into stocks, shares, forex, and commodities is easier than it’s ever been. In fact, using nothing more than a home computer or a laptop, the average person can not only make investments but access a wealth of additional resources.

To attract new customers, most online trading sites offer forex bonuses. As their name suggests, these offers give you with something extra when certain conditions are met. For example, a new customer could be given a $50 forex bonus when they make an initial deposit of $200. These deals are there to give newbies something extra and, in turn, encourage novices to start investing. From there, you’ve got tutorials, expert tips and daily wires that push important statistical information to your device. The end result is a platform that allows everyone, from beginner to expert, to start trading.

A Community of Financially-Minded Locals

In tandem with this culture of online trading, Charlotteans have created their own financial communities. Picking up on the city’s banking ties, and drawing inspiration from the online trading revolution, local meet-ups provide a way for everyone to share their love of investing. Indeed, if you scroll through the listings on Meetup.com, you’ll find a variety of groups with financial interests. From the Charlotte Forex Trading Group to the Wealth Meetup, there are plenty of people willing to discuss all things money in the local area.

Charlotte might not be New York. However, it definitely has one of the biggest financial cultures outside of Wall Street. Yes, it might not be what the masses think of when they picture the city, however, that just proves we’re a place with hidden depths. Charlotte has a lot of great things going on, and money management is just one of them. Indeed, if you’re someone with financial aspirations, this is one of the best cities in America to be in.

Eight Best Job Vacancies for Communication Graduates in 2020

Robert Tilman
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Eight Best Job Vacancies for Communication Graduates in 2020

Finding the perfect job to secure one’s future is the biggest goal for all youngsters. But have you decided on the field you are interested in pursuing? Choosing the area of interest is essential irrespective of what others say. The field of your choice makes it easier to find jobs that can benefit you in the long-run. Unfortunately, the stereotypic society believes that the ideal degrees to pursue are medical and engineering. However, the world has several other opportunities with numerous benefits that the majority of people do not know.  

Talking about some highly pursued occupations for the past few years, interest in communication is increasing over time. The statistics show that more and more individuals from Generation Z are interested in developing their careers in the communication industry. The field is remarkable and offers several opportunities for everyone. Acquiring a degree in communication opens several gateways to people in different areas. Unlike medical and engineering, a communication graduate is not limited to the standard nature of the job. You get the chance to specialize in public relations, marketing, international communication, advertising, and strategic communication. 

Communication is a field with several routes to choose for your future. The job vacancies are remarkable as well. The latest findings show that there are some areas in the field with increasing demand in 2020. If you are searching for entry-level or senior-level jobs in the field of communication, here is what you should know. Different positions that are highly in-demand are as follows: 

 

  • PUBLIC RELATIONS SPECIALIST 

 

Every firm focuses on its image in the market. Be it, customers, or competitors, every business wants to be correctly positioned. To build a positive and exceptional image, a public relations specialist must interact with the external stakeholders. These individuals specialize in influencing the perception of the public strategically. 

As of May 2018, the public relations specialists earned $60,000 on average; $ 33,600 is the lowest 10 percent, while $112,310 is the highest 10 percent. As the Bureau of Labor Statistics says that job opportunities will increase by nine percent through 2026. 

 

  • CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST 

 

For the business world, interacting with the same thoughts is easy, but making a difference is difficult. Every entrepreneur needs special communication skills to deal with other business minds. Hence, with the growing demand for corporate communication, candidates are acquiring relevant education, aiming to serve at the rewarding position of a corporate communications manager. Communication undergraduates can specialize in this field and enjoy the perks of an executive post. 

 

  • EVENT COORDINATOR 

 

Compelling ideas and the perfect management for events can attract the potential audience. Who comes up with such innovative ideas? You cannot always come up with different designs, and the organizational skills for an event are different. Here is when everyone searches for an event coordinator. Being a communication graduate, you can specialize in the most demanded skill. The specialization also enables you to start your business or work with the best event management firm. 

 

  • MARKETING COORDINATOR

 

Has any advertisement or brand moved you to consume their product or service? If yes, then the marketing team of that particular business has done the job right. You can be among one of these fantastic teams as well. All you need is a generic degree of communication that can guide you to be a marketing coordinator. 

 

  • EDITOR AND GRAPHICS DESIGNER 

 

The digital era has numerous opportunities for communication graduates. Customers’ reaction to a post and how to improve the business through visual content is essential. Hence, editors and graphics designers can enjoy many perks of this specialization. 

 

  • SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER 

 

You must be using different social media platforms to interact with different people. The use of all such platforms has increased; therefore, social media has become a robust marketing tool for businesses. Moreover, social media has gained separate status in management. Instead of wondering about a versatile management degree, you can pursue your career as a social media manager. 

 

  • HUMAN RESOURCES SPECIALISTS 

 

Shortlisting, interviewing, recruiting, and training employees serve as the foundation of any business. The human resources department is, therefore, essential for a business. If you have not figured out the right career for you, this might be the one. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is expecting a seven percent increase in HR jobs by 2026. Becoming a human resources specialist is full of benefits. 

 

  • BRAND MANAGER 

 

Brand managers have a pivotal role in any business. They analyze and suggest necessary strategies that can help a business grow smoothly. Competition in every industry is increasing every day, and companies are finding new ways to stand out in the market. Becoming a brand manager through specialization can help you find better opportunities that other degrees may not provide. 

CONCLUSION 

The field of communication is gaining popularity among the new generation. It was not a widely accepted field, but the diverse options have made it clear that there is a dire need of communication experts in every business. From digital experts to strategic communications specialist, this field has every important area covered. If you have chosen this area to specialize, pat yourself for the great decision you have made. With the best job outlook and handsome salary package, communication graduates enjoy a secure future. 

 

History Was Made Yesterday As Thousands Marched Through Affluent Myers Park Neighborhood

Charlotte Stories
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History Was Made Yesterday As Thousands Marched Through Affluent Myers Park Neighborhood

History was made yesterday during Charlotte’s 4th day of racial justice protests.

Over 2,000 people gathered in Myer’s Park (one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in our city) for what would become the first major protest the historically white neighborhood has ever witnessed.

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No Justice, No Peace, No Racist Police

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The protest was attended by numerous city leaders and several Carolina Panthers players:

Some Myers Park homeowners even joined in the protest and others handed out water and snacks to marchers:

Perhaps the most powerful moment of the entire march was when several thousand protesters kneeled in the middle of the street for 9 minutes – the same length of time that Derek Chauvin kneeled on George Floyd’s neck.

Here is the video of the kneeling protest at the intersection of Queens Rd. and Selwyn Ave., taken by photographer and protester Joshua Galloway, who noted:

“We took the peaceful protest right to the front doors of some of the wealthiest people in Charlotte. We continued to walk around the whole neighborhood by Queens University etc our presence was heard and felt beyond measure.”

What do you think about the recent protests in Charlotte?

Charlotte’s 3 Foxcroft Locations to Reopen Dining Rooms & Patios on June 2

Charlotte Stories
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Charlotte’s 3 Foxcroft Locations to Reopen Dining Rooms & Patios on June 2

Foxcroft Wine Co. will be reopening the dining rooms and patios of all three Charlotte locations (Dilworth, Southpark and Waverly) on Tuesday, June 2.

“The health and safety of our staff and guests is our top priority,” says Owner Conrad Hunter. “As part of our careful planning and preparation to reopen, our staff has been training to meet the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Interim Guidelines for Restaurant reopening.”

We recognize that restaurants and bars will be operating with a new set of rules and procedures for the foreseeable future,” says Hunter. “Along with increased sanitation practices and the use of personal protective equipment by our staff, we will be launching a new reservation system.’

Foxcroft will be taking reservations by phone for the first week. On June 9th, all 3 locations around Charlotte will start taking reservations through Resy. “We will accommodate walk-in table requests to the best of our ability, but we encourage our guests to book a reservation in advance and to honor that reservation time,” says Hunter. “This will help us to cut down on crowds gathering near the entrance of the restaurant, and it will help us to best seat our limited number of tables.

Below are a few more changes that will be effective June 2nd:

  • Operating our dining rooms and patios at 50% capacity

  • Seating tables largely by reservation instead of walk-ins

  • Spacing tables at least 8 feet apart

  • Sanitizing tables and chairs between each party, and increased sanitation throughout the restaurant

  • Staff wearing personal protection equipment, including masks

Foxcroft Wine Co. is an upscale wine bar + restaurant + retail shop, offering the best and most eclectic selection of 40+ wines by the glass, thousands of bottles sold at retail prices, and a full menu, prepared from scratch daily. Ingredients are sourced locally whenever possible, and all of the butchery and baking are done in-house. Foxcroft has three locations in Charlotte.

  • Dilworth: 1235 East Blvd., Charlotte

  • Southpark: 7824 Fairview Rd., Charlotte

  • Waverly: 7416 Waverly Walk Ave., Suite H-1A, Charlotte

How To Choose A Web Design Agency

Robert Tilman
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How To Choose A Web Design Agency

The stress of launching a new website includes that of having to come up with a good enough design. That would also mean that you have to make sure that you hire a designer that would work best for your ideas to come to life. With so many options out there, how then will you decide on which one to work with? 

Your website is what the public sees and it represents what your company is all about. The design of your website will determine that crucial first impression. It is what makes customers decide whether or not they would like to work with you. Therefore, it is very important to choose a web design agency that is able to help you reach out to your target audience and help you to achieve your business goals. Here are a few things to know about when it comes to picking a web design agency. When you’re ready, you can start looking for nice design companies on Sortlist.

You are in charge

Remember that this is your business, meaning that you are the one with the most knowledge about your industry and what your business is striving for. Only you know what brand you are trying to portray and products are being sold. With this, you should be the one with at least a rough idea of how you would like to showcase all these on your website. There is no point in turning to a web design agency and asking them to direct you throughout the entire web design process. With that being said, if the agency refuses to take heed to your directions, then it would be best to find another one. The designer is there to help you bring your ideas to life, not start a project of their own. 

They will have suggestions

Despite the fact that we have said that you are the one in charge of the idea planning, you should also have an open mind. These designers are sure to have some ideas on how to better develop and improve your ideas that would potentially help your website draw even more attention. These people have the knowledge in design, so in that area, you have to be able to understand or negotiate with them in order to get the best out of it. It would be great to have designers who are passionate and able to suggest exciting new ideas.

They know responsive design

This is one of the best ways to design a website in this day and age. If the agency is not well-versed in this area or is able to suggest a better separate mobile website, then find another agency. As the usage of mobile phones and tablets rise, ensuring that your website can be accessed through all these devices would be beneficial. 

Should have a Marketing Department

It is an immediate red light if the agency does not have a marketing department of its own. The agency should not only be great at creating exciting designs, it should also know how to best sell and market your website as well. Knowing that the agency you are working with has developers and marketers alongside their designers would put you to ease knowing that your project is in the right hands. 

Check out their portfolio 

Before you pick an agency, be sure to check in on their portfolios to see the various live websites that they have helped to design. Looking at mere screenshots is insufficient. Be sure to visit the websites that they have created and see how they function. If you do not like what you see, then it is a sign that they will not be able to provide you with what you need either. 

The agency designs with CMS in mind

All websites require a content management system. If there isn’t one available to you, it would mean that you would have to go through the trouble of ringing up your developer every other day to ask him to help update your website. People have moved on from HTML websites and make sure that the agency that you are working with knows about the best content management systems out there. For example, WordPress or Magento. 

Worked with more than one industry

To work with an agency that has dabbled with different industries would suggest that they have a lot of different ideas in mind. If you choose one that is only fixated on a certain industry, it is sure to mean that they have a template in hand and your website will not look very much different from the rest within the same industry. Your website should stand out, and that is what your web designer is supposed to help you do. 

They will be expensive

Your website is the face of your business. As such, no corners should be cut in the process of making it. This means that the website that you are creating is sure to cost you quite the sum of money. Creating a website must be seen as an investment. You would not want to pay a sum of money (that is still not cheap) and end up having a website that looks no different from the rest. We want a website that is unique and stands out in order to gain more traction from the public. A good website is sure to reap in return on investment in the future. 

Up to date with the modern design trends

Having a website with a design that was popular a long time back is not something you would like to have. Imagine the impression it would give to your potential customers, you could be perceived as a backward company incapable of providing them with the latest goods and services. Web designers should know about the latest trends. Customers are more likely to think of your website as credible when it has a modern design as it shows that you are aware of what is deemed as the ‘in thing’. Parallax scrolling, flat design are some of the things a web design should be aware of. 

Finding the perfect web design agency to help develop your website is not an easy task. There are many things that you have to take into consideration. Think about which designer understands your idea more and check if they are capable of ensuring that your website will do well. 

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