America’s First Packaging Research Center Is Now Open In Charlotte

Steve
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America’s First Packaging Research Center Is Now Open In Charlotte

packaging-solution-center-08We are quickly becoming a nation of e-commerce, with an estimated 1 million packages per day shipped in the US alone. Now with the growth of Amazon Now’s 1-hour delivery service, grocery delivery companies, and meal prep services, that number will only increase.

To help meet the demand for faster and safer shipping, one company just built our nation’s first “packaging research center” right here in the Queen City.

Atlantic Packaging‘s $10 million, 80,000 square foot packaging solution center is the first of its kind, giving companies the ability to research, test, and certify new packaging and shipping methods.

The highlight of the facility is its Multi-Axis system, built by Lansmont and TEAM, leaders in vibration and impact testing equipment (who normally build for NASA and the U.S. military). The system is able to simulate any real-world transit condition and give extremely detailed feedback for both small and large packages – it’s the most accurate piece of testing equipment available anywhere in the packaging industry.

The new center also includes a state-of-the-art packaging lab for testing new materials, and several fully integrated packaging lines to display new automation processes.

Customers from major consumer products companies to mom-and-pop shops can use the new facility to help improve their shipping materials and packaging procedures.

The new packaging solution center is located at the corner of Steele Creek and Sam Neely roads in Steele Creek;

atlantic-packaging-facility

For inquiries or more information, you can contact Wes Carter, at wesc@atlanticpkg.com.

President Trump Coming To Charlotte Today For The ‘Opportunity Now’ Summit

Charlotte Stories
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President Trump Coming To Charlotte Today For The ‘Opportunity Now’ Summit

President Donald Trump will be visiting the Queen City today.

He’s speaking at an event in Charlotte on Friday call the “North Carolina Opportunity Now Summit”. The event will be held at CPCC from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (expect significant traffic delays between the airport and the college during that time).

The Summit will include presentations and speeches by leaders from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council regarding the new ‘Opportunity Zones Program’.

In 2017 President Trump signed into law the Opportunity Zones program alongside his new tax policy legislation. The program allows outside investors to defer or even eliminate capital gains taxes through investing in low-income areas.

According to The North Carolina Department of Commerce, investors who participate in the program can specifically receive 3 key federal tax incentives:

  • Temporary tax deferral for capital gains reinvested in an Opportunity Fund
  • Step-up in basis for capital gains reinvested in an Opportunity Fund
  • Permanent exclusion from taxable income of long-term capital gains

North Carolina currently has designated a total of 252 ‘Opportunity Zones’, with 37 of them located around the Charlotte region;

Since the new policy was created, there has been significantly more investment pumped into low income areas around the Carolinas. One of the biggest local projects taking advantage of the new policy is Charlotte-based CitiSculpt’s eponymous project in Greenville, which will include a 262-unit apartment complex, a 60,000-square-foot office building, and a 130-room hotel.

Last year, the Brookings Institute released an exhaustive study on now the new policy will likely affect low income communities.

The study found significant issues in the way the legislation was written, allowing for significant tax benefits for outside investors without requiring that they help or benefit anyone living inside of the zones.

“There were some obvious flaws in the way this was designed,” Brookings economist Adam Looney says. “You can build anything for any purpose and get the tax break.”

The study noted numerous examples of opportunity-zone projects that could even hurt those living inside the zones, including high-end apartment complexes, self-storage facilities, and massive solar-power farms.

What are your thoughts on the new ‘Opportunity Zones Program’?

Fun Things To Do in Charlotte This Month

Roberto Boreham
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Fun Things To Do in Charlotte This Month

From paddle boarding at the National Whitewater Center to amazing skyline views and exciting ballgames at the BB&T Ballpark, there’s always something to do in Charlotte, North Carolina. February is the month of hearts and roses, but you aren’t limited to romance when it comes to excitement in the Queen City. Following are just a few things to do in Charlotte this month.

Events at UNCC Botanical Gardens

On Sunday, February 16, take your blankets to the botanical gardens at UNC Charlotte for Stories in the Woods. The little ones will enjoy picture book readings and literacy activities while the grownups soak up the beautiful surroundings. A family hike with bird counting and activities for the kids will take place on the same day.

From February 8 to 14, the annual orchid sale will grab your attention in the greenhouse. Consider giving your sweetie or yourself something beautiful and delicate in 2020.

Test Bikes at the National Whitewater Center

Slip onto Giant mountain, road, gravel or e-bikes and take a test ride through the picturesque scenery of the National Whitewater Center. While the event is designed for adults over the age of 18 with valid credit cards and picture IDs, minors may take rides with the written consent of accompanying parents. Riding shoes and a helmet are required.

Many of the bikes available for test rides are beyond everyday bikes that you might ride around your neighborhood, so head out early on February 15 to make sure you get a chance with the most exciting bikes. The event starts at 10 a.m. and ends at 4 p.m. The last riders will depart at 3 p.m.

Open Mic Night at Graham Street Pub & Patio

The Graham Street Pub on South Graham Street has open mic night every Monday, and the food is delicious. At 8 p.m. on February 17, comedians will take the stage as part of their “So You Think You’re Funny” open mic event. The jokes are free, but you’ll want to at least enjoy the wings and domestic brew, which are on sale every Monday.

Hike for Your Health at Reedy Creek

Every Tuesday, from 5-6 p.m., head out to the Reedy Creek Nature Center and Preserve for the Hike for Your Health event. You’ll breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the scenery with good people while enjoying a family-friendly hike suitable for children as young as 12. The pace is medium to fast, so we hope you have a quality hybrid mattress to fall into after the hike.

Taste Test for the Mardi Gras Gumbo Contest

The 7th Street Public Market will hold a gumbo contest for local businesses from 5-7:30 p.m. on February 25. The event is held in honor of Mardi Gras, and the public will have the opportunity to taste test up to 10 gumbos prepared by participating businesses until supplies run out. Bring the family and prepare to taste your way through an evening of lighthearted competitive fun.

Most of the breweries in Charlotte will hold Mardi Gras events in February as well as their routine comedy nights and activities like yoga and running clubs. Pick a neighborhood and go for a late afternoon or evening walk, and you’re likely to stumble upon something to do in Charlotte.

 

Your Guide to Hiring a Lawn Care Company in Charlotte

Roberto Boreham
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Your Guide to Hiring a Lawn Care Company in Charlotte
TifTuf Bermuda grass in Charlotte

Having a healthy lawn is something that every homeowner dreams of. Aside from making their home pleasant to look at, it also increases the value of their home. However, some homeowners in Charlotte are not able to or don’t have the time to care for their lawns. Thankfully, there are lawn care companies in Charlotte to help them with this dilemma. If maintaining your yard is challenging as it is, don’t make looking for a lawn care company equally as hard. Use the following tips to help you: 

Check the Reputation

Before asking a lawn care company to start working on your yard, make sure that you’ve already done your research. While there are many lawn care services available in Charlotte, you will want to hire the best one. Sometimes a simple Google search can direct you to the right people. You will see online reviews of their work from previous clients that should give you a good idea about the quality of their services. However, it is best to ask for recommendations from your neighbors and friends because you will have the assurance that their review is reliable. 

Verify Licenses

You should ensure that the lawn service company you hire has permits and licenses. While they may be more costly than unlicensed providers, you’ll have the assurance that they will stand behind their work and services.

Inquire About Insurance

Before committing to a lawn care company, it is best to check whether they have insurance for their employees. This way, you will reduce or eliminate your liability should a worker get hurt while working on your property. While their jobs may not be among the highest paying jobs in Charlotte, they are still entitled to a safe work environment.

Check for Organizational Memberships

While this is not necessary for lawn care companies, it is also good to know whether a company belongs to any national or provincial trade organization since it can show its commitment and dedication to their industry. It is also a counter-check to see whether they are performing based on industry standards. 

Impressive Customer Service

Check whether your lawn care company of choice is easy to communicate with should you have any after service inquiries or concerns. Some lawn care companies like TruGreen even offer a satisfaction guarantee in which they will stop by in-between scheduled visits to make any necessary adjustments and to ensure that you are happy.

Verify Equipment Use

It would also be useful to check whether the company has a good collection of equipment that they can use to work on your lawn. If they are not maintaining their equipment well, it can translate to a bad job in your garden. In the long run, a company using poorly maintained equipment will result in more expenses and a ton of headaches.

Review Contracts

When you choose a lawn care company, make sure that they provide you with a contract. Read it thoroughly and see whether any of the clauses are unacceptable to you. Ask for clarification on anything you don’t understand. 

Get Reliable Pricing

When it comes to services, not all that is cheap is good. If you are signing a yearly contract, make sure that you know all the inclusions. Also, be wary of individuals who would give you an annual rate without even visiting your lawn. Make sure that you know about all the available packages so you can choose the right plan for you. 

Service Inclusions

Before even choosing a lawn care company, you have to know what type of service you want to get. This way, it is easier for you to narrow down your choices as some companies provide different techniques for their services. 

Prioritize Reliability and Consistency

If you can find a company that’s willing to give references to their clients, go for them. Visit those clients, see their work, and ask about the reliability and consistency of the company. 

Looking for a lawn care company in Charlotte is easy once you know what you are looking for. Use our tips and start your search, so you don’t have to worry about your lawn maintenance anymore. 

Deadly Thunderstorms Caused Tornadoes, Flooding, and Millions in Damage To Charlotte Region

Steve
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Deadly Thunderstorms Caused Tornadoes, Flooding, and Millions in Damage To Charlotte Region

A massive line of thunderstorms brought deadly winds, tornadoes, and flash flooding to the Charlotte region today, causing millions in property damage and taking 1 life so far.

There have now been 7 tornadoes reported across our region;

I visited one of the worst reported tornado strikes in Gastonia near the intersection of Pinnacle Rd. and Unity Church Rd. where I saw a mail truck flipped over;

several roofs blown off;

and dozens of power lines ripped down;

The first deadly casualty of the storm was confirmed this afternoon after a tree fell onto a vehicle in Fort Mill.

According to the York County Sheriff’s Department, a tree fell onto a 2010 Toyota SUV on Pleasant Rd. in Fort Mill. The driver was rushed to CMC Main where he soon died from his injuries.

There is also massive amounts of flooding throughout York County and the greater Charlotte region, with hundreds of roads closed and numerous vehicles submerged;

Did you experience any injuries or damage from today’s storms?

If you have any photos, videos, or testimonies you would like us to share, please email Scott@CLTStories.com

CIAA & Other Charlotte Non-Profits Partnering To Donate Over 70,000 Shoes To Bahamian Relief

Charlotte Stories
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CIAA & Other Charlotte Non-Profits Partnering To Donate Over 70,000 Shoes To Bahamian Relief

The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) today announced that it is expanding its support of Samaritan’s Feet, a non-profit organization that inspires hope through the gift of shoes to underserved families.  Working in partnership with Van Wagner Sports and the Charlotte Chapter of the Crown Jewels Links, the organization has pledged to provide 70,000 pairs of shoes to hurricane survivors as part of its Bahamian disaster relief efforts.

The shoes and socks collected will be distributed to the citizens of the Bahamas who were devastated by last year’s Hurricane Dorian, the worst natural disaster in the country’s history.  The partners sent an initial shipment of shoes to the island in December and all three companies have committed additional resources to achieve their philanthropic goal.

“We are extremely proud to support Samaritan’s Feet through our partnership with Van Wagner and the Crown Jewels Links,” said Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams.  “The CIAA leadership understands the role that college sports, especially HBCUs, can and should play in changing the world.  We do our best to lead by example through community service initiatives. It is my hope that student-athletes and coaches throughout the conference will be inspired to support Samaritan’s Feet and to donate shoes and socks to help the less fortunate.”

Van Wagner Sports stressed the importance of the partnership and its commitment to the humanitarian endeavor.

“We are inspired by the CIAA and their continued support of the community,” said Mike Palisi, Executive Vice President of Van Wagner Sports.  “We are pleased to join them in this critical work.”

Sharon H. Matthews, President of the Crown Jewels Links NC Chapter, echoed the sentiment.

“Our members are excited to partner with the CIAA to assist our international community, “said           Ms. Matthews. “An important part of our mission is to support global programs designed to service the educational, health and cultural needs of people of African descent throughout the world.  This collaboration certainly helps us to achieve our goal.”

Led by Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams, who serves on the board of Samaritan’s Feet, the CIAA has been an influential advocate and champion of the non-profit organization for over 12 years. Since 2015, along with corporate partner Coca-Cola Consolidated, they have provided shoes and socks to over 3500 children in the Charlotte community during tournament week.  In 2019, 800 pairs of shoes and socks were distributed to Charlotte families with the assistance of over forty volunteers.

In addition, Virginia Union’s student-athletes spurred by their volunteer experience last year, sponsored their own fund-raising drive to distribute 300 pairs of socks and shoes to a local Petersburg, VA elementary school.  This year, VUU will team with Virginia State student-athletes to raise $20,000 for a joint distribution in Richmond, VA.  For their leadership and work exemplifying the Division II community engagement philosophy, the National Division II Student-Athlete Advisory Committee presented VUU the NCAA DII Award of Excellence earlier this year.

“We’ve seen epic growth in activations and student engagement from our partnership with the CIAA,” said Manny Ohonme, President and CEO of Samaritan’s Feet. “As the CIAA fosters their rich service -leadership culture, Samaritan’s Feet is honored to work closely with the Commissioner, the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC,) and student-athletes to encourage others to give the gift of shoes to those in need and help us fulfill the vision of a world where all children have shoes.”

In Charlotte, the Samaritan’s Feet distribution will be held on Friday, February 28th during the 2020 CIAA Basketball Championship and Tournament. To find out more about Samaritan’s Feet and its upcoming events and to donate shoes during the 75th annual CIAA Basketball Tournament visit www.SamaritansFeet.org.

Lifetime’s Military Makeover Helping Charlotte Family

Charlotte Stories
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Lifetime’s Military Makeover Helping Charlotte Family

A local Charlotte Army veteran couple have been chosen to receive a completely transformed home on the upcoming season of Lifetime’s Military Makeover show, hosted by talk show legend Montel Williams.

Luke Harvey served as an Infantryman in the United States Army for six years. During a deployment to Iraq, Luke’s convoy was hit by an IED causing him to suffer from severe head injury that resulted in extreme memory loss and the inability to walk. It took Luke two years to partially recover from his injuries. To recognize Luke’s bravery and sacrifice, the military awarded him the Purple Heart and Army Commendation with Valor device.

While recovering from his injuries, Luke met his partner Natasha Woodruff, a disabled veteran herself, who served as a Geospatial Engineer in the U.S. Army. During her time in the service, Natasha was sexually assaulted, scaring her with permanent injuries and PTSD. Upon her retirement in 2014, Natasha was awarded her the Women of Courage award by the Pentagon.

As a powerhouse parent veteran team, Luke and Natasha’s lives haven’t slowed down. They are parents to three young children who continue to keep their parents on their toes.

As a small token of thanks for all that Luke and Natasha have sacrificed for our country, the crew at Lifetime’s Military Makeover, are coming to Charlotte to redo the family’s home for these brave veterans. A team of top designers, contractors, landscapers and home improvement professionals will descend on Charlotte bringing building supplies, new furniture, gifts and more before airing later this spring.

Here is a trailer for the new show:

5th Annual Free Chocolate Day from Charlotte’s Chef Alyssa

Charlotte Stories
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5th Annual Free Chocolate Day from Charlotte’s Chef Alyssa

via chefalyssaskitchen.com

Chef Alyssa’s Kitchen of Charlotte, NC will be giving away free chocolate and coffee at their cooking facility in Lower South End on Friday February 7th from 4:00 – 6:00 pm.

“We took a year off for our giveaway, but we are back this year for 2020! This is our 6th Chocolate Making Workshop coming up on Thursday. And each year, we make so much extra chocolate that there’s no way our team can finish it all. So we want to share it with it Charlotte. Come over to our kitchen space and see us!” said owner and executive chef Alyssa Wilen. “We’ll have hand-dipped caramels, ganache, chocolate covered almonds and other treats. There will be plenty to go around,“ added Wilen.

New this year, Chef Alyssa’s Kitchen is giving away $5 off their recently launched Family Table Dinner Meals for anyone that comes in for their chocolate on Friday. Along with the chocolate, guests are welcome to complimentary Coto Family Farms coffee.

Anyone in the area is welcome to go to Chef Alyssa’s Kitchen located in Bowers at Lower South End at 4001-C Yancey Rd Suite 100 Charlotte, NC 28217 for their free chocolate and coffee while supplies last.  Event is Friday February 7th from 4 – 6:00 pm.

Urgent Tornado Warning Issued For Parts of Charlotte Region

Charlotte Stories
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Urgent Tornado Warning Issued For Parts of Charlotte Region

UPDATE 2/6/2020 11:25am: 

A tornado warning has just been issued for Mecklenburg and surrounding Counties;

UPDATE 2/6/2020 11:00am:

The new tornado warning has been issued for most of Gaston County and a tornado has been confirmed just sound of I-85 in Gastonia:

Original Article 2/6/2020 10:10am:

A widespread spring-like storm system is now sweeping across the Carolinas, creating massive thunderstorms, flash flooding, and tornadoes.

Widespread rainfall totals of 3″+ are possible for most of the western half of North Carolina, including the Charlotte region, with over 5″ possible in the mountains.

The National Weather Service issued the following warning this morning at 10:08am:

The National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg has issued a

* Tornado Warning for...
  Southeastern Catawba County in the Piedmont of North Carolina...
  Lincoln County in the Piedmont of North Carolina...

* Until 1100 AM EST.

* At 1008 AM EST, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a
  tornado was located 6 miles northwest of Lincolnton, moving east at
  40 mph.

  HAZARD...Tornado.

  SOURCE...Radar indicated rotation.

  IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without
           shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed.
           Damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur.  Tree
           damage is likely.

* This dangerous storm will be near...
  Lincolnton, Maiden, Boger City and Iron Station around 1020 AM
  EST.
  Denver around 1030 AM EST.
  Lake Norman and Westport around 1040 AM EST.
  Lake Norman State Park around 1050 AM EST.

Other locations impacted by this dangerous thunderstorm include
Crouse, Sherrills Ford, Vale, Terrell and Bandys.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest
floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a
mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter
and protect yourself from flying debris.

The National Weather Service also issued a broader tornado watch for more of the Charlotte region until 5pm this evening:

TORNADO WATCH 27 IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 500 PM EST FOR THE
 FOLLOWING LOCATIONS

NCC001-007-025-035-037-045-057-059-067-071-081-097-105-109-119-
123-125-135-149-151-153-159-161-167-179-062200-
/O.NEW.KWNS.TO.A.0027.200206T1510Z-200206T2200Z/

NC
.    NORTH CAROLINA COUNTIES INCLUDED ARE

ALAMANCE             ANSON               CABARRUS
CATAWBA              CHATHAM             CLEVELAND
DAVIDSON             DAVIE               FORSYTH
GASTON               GUILFORD            IREDELL
LEE                  LINCOLN             MECKLENBURG
MONTGOMERY           MOORE               ORANGE
POLK                 RANDOLPH            RICHMOND
ROWAN                RUTHERFORD          STANLY
UNION

Severe wind, hail, and tornadoes all have the potential to knock out power for entire neighborhoods.

Duke Energy recommends having the following items handy in case of a power outage;

How To Make Your Coursework As Good As It Can Possibly Be

Sheep Bell
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How To Make Your Coursework As Good As It Can Possibly Be

What Is A Coursework?

Writing course work is a staple in every student’s life at every level of study. It’s essentially an assignment or set of assignments that must be completed by the student themselves with the help of research and independent study.

Most students start their coursework writing as soon as they get it but still encounter lots of problems across the way. Completing your coursework is not an easy feat, especially if it’s your first time working on such an assignment, and sometimes we need additional help. If you feel like you need assistance, you’re in the right place!

Coursework assignments are a great way to hoover up as many marks as possible before your exams: here’s how to do the best possible job. 

  1.   Choosing Your Coursework Topic

Your coursework topic is the fundamental backbone of your project, so make sure you choose a good one. Ideally, your topic should be one that you appreciate and have a genuine interest in so that you can produce an excellent result. Also, try choosing an issue that has a lot of research conducted on it by professionals in the past, so you have sufficient data to work with. Asking your professor for their opinion on your coursework topic is a smart move because they can guide you well.

  1.   Plan Your Paper

After successfully selecting a coursework topic, it’s time for you to plan your paper. Planning is the first step to achieving an excellent result. It allows you to establish an outline of what you need to add to your coursework assignment. Your plan should include a list of the sources you plan on using, your daily word target, the essay’s basic structure, and an idea of the content you’ll be adding to it. The plan is like a skeleton that you will be adding flesh to once you start writing your essay. You can look at coursework examples online and also complete coursework help to guide you through the planning process. There is no harm in searching for coursework help, and there are many resources online–like this one–to help you. 

  1.   Time Management

Before you begin working on your coursework, decide on a timetable for it. Set aside a fixed amount of time for coursework. Whether you wish to schedule a daily work slot or focus on coursework on weekends only is up to you and depends mainly on how close the deadline is, so decide accordingly. 

  1.   Research!

As soon as you’re done etching out a basic plan, whip out your reference books, and start researching! University libraries in the UK are an excellent place to find resources. Alternatively, you can also find research help online. Sometimes, online research platforms expect you to buy a membership for access to research, so it’s best to use reference books instead.

  1.   Draft Writing

Once your fundamental research is complete, you can start working on your essay’s first draft. The first draft is never perfect but merely a rough version of your coursework that you refine with time. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes in your rough draft because you can always fix them later. Feel free to write as many drafts as you want till you feel like you’ve nailed your paper. 

  1.   Refining Your Coursework

After completing the first draft (better known as the “rough draft”), you can start improving your work. Do so by citing new research and omitting unnecessary content. Make sure that the final product is left with only important arguments and data without any extra passages thrown in to help you reach the word count. 

  1.   Edit Your Work

Never compromise on your grammar and spelling. If you turn in work with serious grammatical errors, your essay will come off as poor and unrefined. To avoid this, pass your work through a free grammar checker online. There are some excellent choices, including Grammarly and Hemingway App.

  1.   Check For Plagiarism

If your coursework assignment shows blatant plagiarism, it will be rejected. You could also face serious consequences if the amount of plagiarism in your text is too high. So, make sure you paraphrase your references and pass your final coursework through an online plagiarism checker before submitting it to your professor. 

Conclusion

If you’re a student pursuing higher education, you’re guaranteed to have run-ins with coursework. You can use the tips mentioned above to help you write an excellent coursework essay and stand out amongst your peers.

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