Charlotte Premium Outlets Just Opened A New Columbia Factory Store

Charlotte Stories
-
0
Charlotte Premium Outlets Just Opened A New Columbia Factory Store

Simon recently announced the opening of Columbia Factory Store at Charlotte Premium Outlets.

Now open near Old Navy Outlet, the nearly 8,000 square-foot Columbia Factory Store offers outdoor enthusiasts a variety of technologies and performance products that keep people warm, dry, cool and protected year-round — including innovative apparel, footwear, accessories and equipment.“Our goal is to continually offer iconic brands that our guests love and enjoy,” said Sharon Campbell, general manager for Charlotte Premium Outlets. “Columbia is a store our shoppers have requested, and now they can find a variety of exceptional cold weather apparel and accessories – just in time for winter!”Charlotte Premium Outlets now offers over 100 outlet stores, including kate spade new york, adidas, Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH, Converse and more.

Dedicated shoppers seeking year-round, early access to enormous savings up to 65% off can sign up for the VIP Shopper Club at premiumoutlets.com/vip. Enrollment is free, and members will receive exclusive VIP offers, the latest on center promotions and events, a VIP Savings Passport and much more – all available with convenient mobile phone access.

NC Looking To Hire 20 New Wildlife Officers – The Wildest Job in Our State

Charlotte Stories
-
0
NC Looking To Hire 20 New Wildlife Officers – The Wildest Job in Our State

The North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission is now looking to hire at least 20 new ‘Wildlife Law Enforcement Officers’. What they deem to be one of the most exciting jobs in the state.

Wildlife officer’s primary duties include enforcing state and federal game, fish, and boating laws throughout the fields, forests, and waterways across our state, in automobiles, in boats, on ATVs, and on foot.

Starting salaries of officers range from $32,369 to $59,715 per year, plus full benefits.

To be considered for an officer position, you must have:

  • a valid NC Driver’s License.
  •  The employee must successfully complete the 2018 NC Wildlife Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) and be able to be certified as a law enforcement officer by the NC Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission within one year of employment.
  • Demonstrate a 10th grade reading comprehension level to be sworn as a law enforcement officer in North Carolina: Never have committed or been convicted of a felony.
  • Never have committed or convicted of certain misdemeanors within five years of date of application.
  • Degrees must be from appropriately accredited institutions

Charlotte Ranked Among 2020’s Best Cities for Keeping Your New Year’s Resolutions

Charlotte Stories
-
0
Charlotte Ranked Among 2020’s Best Cities for Keeping Your New Year’s Resolutions

With only around 8 percent of Americans keeping their New Year’s resolutions – “spend less and save more” is among both the most popular and most commonly broken – the personal-finance website WalletHub today released its report on 2020’s Best & Worst Cities for Keeping Your New Year’s Resolutions.

To help Americans stick to their 2020 goals, WalletHub compared more than 180 U.S. cities across 57 key metrics. The data set ranges from adult obesity to income growth to employment outlook.

Charlotte ranked among the top 25 cities in the nation. We were ranked 22nd out of 182 cities, ahead of Denver (#26), NYC (#30), Charleston (#32), and Durham (#47).

Best Cities for Keeping Your New Year’s Resolutions

Overall Rank (1=Best) City Total Score ‘Health Resolutions’ Rank ‘Financial Resolutions’ Rank ‘School & Work Resolutions’ Rank ‘Bad-Habit Resolutions’ Rank ‘Relationship Resolutions’ Rank
1 San Diego, CA 68.00 1 81 27 33 2
2 Scottsdale, AZ 67.93 5 7 1 31 29
3 San Francisco, CA 67.35 2 42 83 67 1
4 Seattle, WA 67.22 4 10 110 17 3
5 San Jose, CA 66.20 6 9 65 2 37
6 Irvine, CA 65.84 3 46 4 8 51
7 Austin, TX 64.95 18 38 13 40 14
8 Plano, TX 64.02 26 4 16 12 59
9 Salt Lake City, UT 63.98 15 24 41 21 25
10 Fremont, CA 63.44 9 2 50 16 83
11 Atlanta, GA 63.40 28 77 42 23 10
12 Huntington Beach, CA 63.33 8 80 10 9 72
13 Overland Park, KS 63.14 52 1 12 5 96
14 Portland, OR 62.96 11 34 134 96 4
15 Raleigh, NC 62.58 36 22 53 22 26
16 Orlando, FL 62.16 29 112 19 61 13
17 Honolulu, HI 60.95 24 157 76 32 9
18 Tampa, FL 60.86 20 94 38 80 18
19 Chandler, AZ 60.66 34 18 9 48 71
20 Los Angeles, CA 60.43 7 164 109 41 16
21 Virginia Beach, VA 60.37 43 51 26 63 36
22 Charlotte, NC 60.35 62 32 58 56 27
23 Las Vegas, NV 60.34 16 88 66 157 5
24 Boise, ID 60.24 44 37 37 28 48
25 Tempe, AZ 59.99 30 93 31 62 34
26 Denver, CO 59.91 10 56 143 156 11
27 Minneapolis, MN 59.79 58 16 136 64 19
28 Miami, FL 59.65 14 181 14 10 21
29 Gilbert, AZ 59.44 35 17 3 42 100
30 New York, NY 59.10 12 160 168 47 7
31 Houston, TX 59.09 75 49 59 51 31
32 Charleston, SC 59.00 91 72 8 117 15
33 Chicago, IL 58.99 61 30 160 95 6
34 Washington, DC 58.76 39 39 164 134 8
35 Sioux Falls, SD 58.64 111 31 36 3 92
36 Madison, WI 58.44 72 11 122 38 40
37 Portland, ME 58.40 38 64 63 94 38
38 Columbia, MD 58.30 59 3 165 1 131
39 Sacramento, CA 58.22 37 91 95 87 28
40 Pittsburgh, PA 58.16 57 26 88 172 12
41 Fargo, ND 58.05 108 67 57 6 58
42 Peoria, AZ 58.01 63 27 5 57 115
43 Lincoln, NE 57.93 83 20 75 26 61
44 Phoenix, AZ 57.90 49 71 60 74 42
45 Boston, MA 57.62 17 115 132 140 17
46 Dallas, TX 57.45 77 104 64 55 32
47 Durham, NC 57.35 69 59 40 30 66
48 Fort Lauderdale, FL 57.19 22 166 72 52 41
49 Omaha, NE 56.89 85 12 103 79 49
50 San Antonio, TX 56.86 106 116 17 89 30
51 Pembroke Pines, FL 56.69 45 117 11 35 107
52 Colorado Springs, CO 56.49 42 82 87 116 43
53 Rancho Cucamonga, CA 56.45 54 85 7 50 118
54 Oakland, CA 56.36 23 123 130 27 63
55 Cedar Rapids, IA 56.35 124 6 97 4 121
56 Jacksonville, FL 56.32 76 92 43 154 23
57 Chesapeake, VA 56.30 84 68 79 45 55
58 St. Petersburg, FL 56.25 47 84 34 125 54
59 Fort Worth, TX 56.15 105 50 32 68 56
60 Grand Rapids, MI 55.92 112 48 67 53 60
61 Santa Clarita, CA 55.89 21 125 61 19 122
62 Bismarck, ND 55.49 123 15 45 20 132
63 Mesa, AZ 55.42 50 74 24 70 106
64 Nashville, TN 55.31 103 65 49 170 20
65 Columbus, OH 55.31 115 28 120 113 33
66 Garden Grove, CA 55.15 31 153 47 24 114
67 West Valley City, UT 55.03 55 35 69 39 147
68 Henderson, NV 54.98 48 63 18 141 87
69 Rapid City, SD 54.94 96 101 56 14 110
70 Glendale, AZ 54.76 66 113 73 75 69
71 Nashua, NH 54.43 81 14 46 130 95
72 Anaheim, CA 54.41 27 165 86 18 102
73 St. Paul, MN 54.34 82 41 156 59 64
74 El Paso, TX 54.31 118 110 33 100 45
75 Oceanside, CA 54.30 13 161 114 43 108
76 Oklahoma City, OK 54.27 137 13 80 93 68
77 Pearl City, HI 54.09 90 99 2 7 170
78 Arlington, TX 54.05 109 75 54 69 81
79 Des Moines, IA 54.05 117 29 100 29 93
80 Chula Vista, CA 54.03 19 145 62 44 119
81 Tucson, AZ 54.02 68 132 125 83 47
82 Cape Coral, FL 53.80 114 90 20 37 135
83 Louisville, KY 53.77 89 21 150 153 39
84 Burlington, VT 53.59 41 133 123 88 84
85 Irving, TX 53.56 99 55 39 58 116
86 Modesto, CA 53.53 74 53 52 112 117
87 Santa Rosa, CA 53.47 40 118 101 46 142
88 Albuquerque, NM 53.41 64 87 154 102 53
89 Warwick, RI 53.40 53 5 119 120 152
90 Amarillo, TX 53.14 125 52 6 111 139
91 Vancouver, WA 53.00 46 60 162 73 113
92 Long Beach, CA 52.83 25 173 118 36 90
93 Reno, NV 52.82 65 120 55 159 65
94 Tallahassee, FL 52.82 110 162 111 49 46
95 Kansas City, MO 52.79 133 25 108 145 52
96 Grand Prairie, TX 52.58 145 47 29 65 126
97 Glendale, CA 52.43 33 168 92 25 145
98 Billings, MT 52.28 131 23 94 124 105
99 Cheyenne, WY 51.95 149 19 44 84 150
100 Lexington-Fayette, KY 51.91 104 54 128 133 75
101 Greensboro, NC 51.78 126 107 48 121 82
102 Aurora, CO 51.72 31 108 131 98 127
103 South Burlington, VT 51.66 73 33 23 115 157
104 Tulsa, OK 51.31 144 62 71 103 89
105 Anchorage, AK 51.25 107 44 147 122 86
106 Huntsville, AL 51.25 156 40 84 99 98
107 Cincinnati, OH 51.24 119 119 163 163 22
108 Yonkers, NY 51.19 56 121 172 11 159
109 Port St. Lucie, FL 51.01 136 89 21 85 155
110 Riverside, CA 50.92 92 127 35 90 124
111 Garland, TX 50.81 113 58 91 54 151
112 Spokane, WA 50.80 70 98 145 128 103
113 Aurora, IL 50.74 127 36 148 66 128
114 Corpus Christi, TX 50.74 163 83 15 114 90
115 Tacoma, WA 50.36 94 70 170 123 85
116 Milwaukee, WI 49.93 122 79 166 137 62
117 Missoula, MT 49.91 78 167 96 148 74
118 Manchester, NH 49.81 101 105 105 138 109
119 Rochester, NY 49.72 100 126 177 78 70
120 St. Louis, MO 49.61 71 102 153 182 35
121 Indianapolis, IN 49.53 135 66 169 151 50
122 Fort Wayne, IN 49.36 160 57 89 85 146
123 Knoxville, TN 49.02 130 151 51 173 57
124 Fontana, CA 48.87 121 139 68 77 160
125 Lubbock, TX 48.86 164 114 25 126 111
126 Bakersfield, CA 48.79 86 76 98 161 134
127 Richmond, VA 48.78 102 149 135 155 79
128 Jersey City, NJ 48.66 93 97 167 101 112
129 Philadelphia, PA 48.47 51 86 178 181 44
130 Buffalo, NY 48.28 128 73 174 149 77
131 Newport News, VA 48.28 134 131 106 91 138
132 Chattanooga, TN 48.23 158 106 85 151 94
133 Santa Ana, CA 48.07 67 178 104 33 165
134 Worcester, MA 47.99 87 136 161 110 133
135 Casper, WY 47.67 174 43 129 108 163
136 Bridgeport, CT 47.54 80 134 181 15 178
137 Salem, OR 47.50 132 103 121 135 148
138 Las Cruces, NM 47.49 150 158 115 76 144
139 Ontario, CA 47.48 116 169 78 81 166
140 Oxnard, CA 47.38 60 172 152 72 173
141 Columbia, SC 47.30 157 154 144 129 80
142 Wichita, KS 47.23 152 45 141 142 140
143 Dover, DE 47.07 169 124 30 92 176
144 Juneau, AK 47.06 173 8 77 177 162
145 Providence, RI 46.99 79 140 171 165 99
146 New Orleans, LA 46.89 151 179 146 175 24
147 Springfield, MO 46.87 148 122 93 168 104
148 Fresno, CA 46.78 95 141 127 132 156
149 Norfolk, VA 46.56 153 163 137 150 78
150 Stockton, CA 46.55 88 142 139 107 168
151 New Haven, CT 46.33 139 155 175 60 137
152 Little Rock, AR 46.19 162 100 90 139 164
153 Columbus, GA 46.15 166 144 70 109 158
154 Birmingham, AL 46.14 168 170 81 167 67
155 Baltimore, MD 46.06 97 69 179 179 73
156 Moreno Valley, CA 46.06 141 148 82 104 171
157 Baton Rouge, LA 46.04 159 156 157 119 88
158 Lewiston, ME 46.02 120 61 99 166 181
159 Cleveland, OH 46.00 147 111 176 160 76
160 Nampa, ID 45.92 155 146 116 82 172
161 Wilmington, DE 45.84 129 143 158 136 136
162 Akron, OH 45.71 143 96 155 162 120
163 Hialeah, FL 45.15 98 182 74 13 175
164 Mobile, AL 45.02 165 128 113 158 129
165 Winston-Salem, NC 44.77 172 109 112 131 149
166 North Las Vegas, NV 44.69 146 147 102 164 141
167 San Bernardino, CA 44.08 142 174 126 97 167
168 Toledo, OH 44.01 140 78 173 176 125
169 Montgomery, AL 44.01 178 138 138 106 130
170 Memphis, TN 43.16 175 150 159 146 97
171 Fayetteville, NC 42.83 161 175 149 147 123
172 Fort Smith, AR 42.78 154 130 107 169 177
173 Charleston, WV 42.61 167 95 133 174 169
174 Brownsville, TX 42.56 182 135 28 71 182
175 Augusta, GA 41.93 176 152 117 143 154
176 Laredo, TX 41.85 181 159 22 105 180
177 Huntington, WV 41.38 170 129 140 180 143
178 Jackson, MS 40.95 179 171 142 118 153
179 Detroit, MI 40.26 171 137 180 178 101
180 Shreveport, LA 39.30 177 176 151 127 174
181 Newark, NJ 38.82 138 180 182 144 161
182 Gulfport, MS 36.16 180 177 124 171 179

What do you think about the report?

What is your New Year’s Resolution?

Local Hunters Organizing North Carolina’s 7th Annual Coyote Hunting Tournament

Charlotte Stories
-
0
Local Hunters Organizing North Carolina’s 7th Annual Coyote Hunting Tournament

carolina-coyote-classic-tournament-winnersA group of Charlotte-area hunters have created their own method to solve our region’s growing coyote problem – a statewide coyote hunting tournament.

Over the past several years, coyote sightings have been increasing around South Charlotte neighborhoods, with reports of pets being snatched, and many parents fearing for their children’s safety.

The town of Tega Cay near Rock Hill has even hired a professional company to come in and set traps to try to deal with their coyote problem, although so far, they’ve only been able to catch 4 coyotes.

43-officially-weighed-coyotesLocal sportsman and owner of 704Outdoors.tv thinks he has the best solution to the problem – a statewide coyote tournament. Next month he will be organizing the 7th annual Carolina Coyote Classic tournament.

The tournament will take place from February 21st-23rd and will be held at the American Legion Post 76 (Formally Stanly County Fairgrounds) located at 24302 S Business 52 in Albemarle, NC. It is open to all 100 counties around North Carolina.

This year the tournament will feature 3 and 4 man teams separated into different classes. Prices for the winning teams include; a Predator Hunting Rifle Package, Sniper Hog Lights  Rifle Light Package, Taxidermy, Predator Calls, 704 Outdoors Gear, and more.

To find out more or to register click here.

What do you think about our local Coyote tournament?

Do you think there is something else that should be done about the growing Coyote population? 

US Department of Labor Finds Contractor Violated Wage Laws During Hurricane Recovery in NC

Charlotte Stories
-
0
US Department of Labor Finds Contractor Violated Wage Laws During Hurricane Recovery in NC

After an investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division (WHD), an Athens, Georgia-based disaster relief company will pay $184,838 in wages to 18 employees after an investigation found the company violated federal wage and overtime laws while under contract to provide recovery services in several North Carolina locations in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence.

WHD investigators determined MLU Services Inc. violated the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) when it paid some overtime-eligible employees flat salaries without regard to the number of hours that they worked. This practice violated FLSA overtime requirements when those employees worked more than 40 hours in a workweek but were not paid overtime.

WHD also found MLU Services paid quality control inspectors at rates below those required by the McNamara-O’Hara Service Contract Act (SCA) when they performed work on the employer’s contract with the Federal Emergency Management Administration. MLU Services paid the inspectors rates applicable to data entry personnel – rates lower than those required for the work they performed. The employer also failed to pay these employees fringe benefits required under the SCA.

“Employers must meet their obligation to pay their employees the wages they have legally earned,” said Wage and Hour Division District Director Richard Blaylock in Raleigh, North Carolina. “Contractors and subcontractors awarded federal contracts must understand that incorrectly classifying employees can lead to costly violations. The U.S. Department of Labor offers employers a wide variety of tools to help them understand their responsibilities.”

The SCA requires contractors and subcontractors performing services on prime contracts in excess of $2,500 to pay service employees in various classes no less than the wage rates and fringe benefits found prevailing in the locality, or the rates, including prospective increases, contained in a predecessor contractor’s collective bargaining agreement.

The department offers numerous resources to ensure employers have the tools they need to understand their responsibilities and to comply with federal law, such as online videos, confidential calls or in-person visits to local WHD offices.

For more information about the FLSA, SCA and other laws enforced by the Wage and Hour Division, contact the toll-free helpline at 866-4US-WAGE (487-9243). Information is also available at https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd.

WHD’s mission is to promote and achieve compliance with labor standards to protect and enhance the welfare of the nation’s workforce. WHD enforces federal minimum wage, overtime pay, recordkeeping and child labor requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act. WHD also enforces the Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act, the Employee Polygraph Protection Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, wage garnishment provisions of the Consumer Credit Protection Act and a number of employment standards and worker protections as provided in several immigration related statutes. Additionally, WHD administers and enforces the prevailing wage requirements of the Davis Bacon Act and the Service Contract Act and other statutes applicable to Federal contracts for construction and for the provision of goods and services.

The mission of the Department of Labor is to foster, promote and develop the welfare of the wage earners, job seekers and retirees of the United States; improve working conditions; advance opportunities for profitable employment; and assure work-related benefits and rights.

The Mosaic of Diversity: Minority Business Growth

Toraine Lee
-
0
The Mosaic of Diversity: Minority Business Growth

“People may be said to resemble not the bricks of which a house is built, but the pieces of a picture, each differing in shape, but matching the rest, and thus bringing out the picture.”

  • Felix Adler (1851-1933), professor of political and social ethics and founder of the American Ethical Movement

In recent years I’ve given a lot of thought to what I view as a disenfranchised business community. As seen in Charlotte’s business arena, diversity appeared to be an issue that simply wasn’t addressed in what Ron Leeper describes as a “good-old-boy system.” Repeatedly I have found myself meditating on what the word “diversity” actually means. The Oxford Dictionary defines diversity simply as “variety.” To African-American organizations and associations, diversity is seen as an effort to make sure there is a greater representation of black entrepreneurs in the business culture. In this sense, diversity is more about equal economic opportunities. Overall, recognizing diversity can be the first step in a process that must lead to inclusion.

In a pursuit to understand what “diversity” means, Felix Adler’s description of “pieces of a picture puzzle” can provide a convenient framework around which to assemble the various views of diversity. As city leaders voice their concerns about disparities, this goes back to a question posed by former business columnist Ron Stodghill, “what is the real goal: Is it protect the Charlotte brand from negative publicity or to build a stronger, more diverse business community?” If the latter is the case, what does this mean for minority business growth?

“The Vision for Minority Business Growth,” also known as the 7-0-4 Plan is a revolutionary campaign to promote diversity and inclusiveness in the Charlotte, North Carolina business community. The movement is positioning itself as an initiative for growing minority businesses in the local community. The program’s purpose also looks to expand to enrich the lives and future of our youth by leveraging unconventional ideas. The 7-0-4 Plan, a community-based project, is founded upon five guiding economic ideas to foster entrepreneurship. The mission is to establish its presence as a trendsetting social media campaign designed to build support for a diverse business community via an infrastructure around minority entrepreneurs.

Execution of the 7-0-4 Plan would promote diversity and inclusiveness in the Charlotte business community and put the city on the fast track to explosive job growth and increased tax revenue base. The aim is to develop citywide resources and bring renewed economic growth and vitality through urban entrepreneurship. Through this campaign, we now have an unparalleled chance to spark minority business growth and to build a stronger, more diverse business community.

Toraine Lee is a blogger at www.The704PlanMovement.com. He can be reached at @torainelee or via email at torainelee@gmail.com. To read the entire blog post, visit www.The704PlanMovement.com or join the conversation at the cause’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/The704Plan. You can follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @704Plan.

Which Sectors Could See Growth in Charlotte in the 2020s?

Silvia Woolard
-
0
Which Sectors Could See Growth in Charlotte in the 2020s?

Over the last few years, the largest city in the state in North Carolina, has continued to grow across a wide array of different industries, including, for example, real estate. However, while there have already been indications that the city is continuing to develop, there are several broader markets that could see significant levels of growth throughout the coming years.

As a result, we’re going to look at a couple of sectors that could develop in Charlotte in the 2020s.

Online Gambling Market

Throughout the United States, the laws on online gambling vary depending on state legislation. In North Carolina, the rules regarding this sector are currently somewhat conservative as the region itself has continued to fight against the widespread legalization of any kind of permitted gambling throughout its history.

Although some believe that the US is opening up to the potential benefits that come with legalizing this sector, online gambling doesn’t seem to be coming soon to Charlotte, as the state of North Carolina is strictly governed in this industry. However, there have been numerous pieces of legislation which have attempted to enhance the acceptance and clarity surrounding gambling markets throughout the US.

Regulation Changes in the US

The Wire Act, which was first introduced back in 1961, has recently been revised following the growth of digitalization and the continued evolution of the online gambling industry. Because the act can now be applied to all forms of gambling, there is far less confusion regarding the sector’s widespread legality. Moreover, and perhaps more crucially, is the reversal of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992. The Supreme Court reversed the act’s restrictive nature and allowed New Jersey to pass its own gambling laws in 2018, allowing local people to legally place bets from their own homes.

While there is little to suggest that North Carolina and, in particular, Charlotte will soften its stance in relation to its gambling laws, the development of the sector in other states suggests that, in time, it’s not impossible for the most populous city in North Carolina to see growth of its own in this field throughout the 2020s.

Soccer

One sector that certainly looks well set to enjoy sustained growth throughout the next decade is the soccer industry. On the 17th of December, it was officially announced that Charlotte would finally be getting its own Major League Soccer team. One of the main reasons for the state being chosen as the franchise’s 30th club is, by the admission of the MLS commission Don Garber, as a result of the enormous energy and growth that Charlotte has experienced.

After the MLS decided to further the expansion of the franchise from 26 teams in 2020 to 30 in 2021, Charlotte instantly became one of the frontrunners for a place in the league. In recent times, the popularity of top-flight soccer in the US has been on the rise and, following the new-found respect that spectators have for the franchise and its future plans, the league has averaged attendances of more than 22,000 fans during the 2018-19 season, which is a new record.

The inclusion of Charlotte in the MLS is testament to the city’s continued development throughout the last few years. While it’s clear that the soccer industry is growing in popularity across the entirety of the US, the inclusion of Charlotte within the franchise could also see the sector grow significantly from a local standpoint during the 2020s. 

A Future of Unknown Potential

Ultimately, the upcoming decade could be one of immense growth for Charlotte. As soccer in Charlotte looks set to reach new, unprecedented heights, the regulations surrounding online gambling remain less likely to change any time soon.

Although the reversal of existing legislation has altered the outlook of gambling within New Jersey, alterations to the laws within Charlotte appear unlikely – albeit, however, not impossible.

 

North Carolina Zoo Announces Record Attendance for Calendar Year 2019

Charlotte Stories
-
0
North Carolina Zoo Announces Record Attendance for Calendar Year 2019

The North Carolina Zoo is excited to announce record attendance for the year 2019. The world’s largest natural habitat zoo saw 917,309 visitors or 85,000 more compared to 2018.

The previous years’ attendance was 831,748 for 2018 and 860,148 for 2017. Attendance was down in 2018 due to factors including record rainfall amounts in North Carolina, and multi-day closings caused by hurricanes Florence and Michael and Winter Storm Diego 2018.

“We are thrilled to welcome so many guests from North Carolina and around the world to our Zoo,” Zoo Director Pat Simmons said. “We have plans to keep improving our programs and guest experience so that even more people can enjoy the Zoo in the future.”

“The North Carolina Zoo continues to increase visitation year after year by providing outstanding events, programs and experiences,” said Susi H. Hamilton, secretary of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. “Congratulations to the Zoo staff for continuing to find new and exciting ways to make the Zoo a destination for North Carolina residents and visitors.”

About the North Carolina Zoo

At the North Carolina Zoo, we celebrate nature. As the world’s largest natural habitat Zoo, we inspire a lifelong curiosity about animals for the hundreds of thousands of people who visit our Zoo each year. Our dedicated team of experts provides exceptional, compassionate care for the more than 1,800 animals and 52,000 plants that call our Park home. We also lead efforts locally and globally to protect wildlife and wild places because we believe nature’s diversity is critical for our collective future. The North Carolina Zoo invites all of our guests to witness the majesty of the wild in the heart of North Carolina and welcomes everyone to join in our mission to protect nature’s diversity. Visit NCZoo.org to begin your life-changing journey.

Hundreds of Alpacas Descending on Concord For The Southern Alpaca Celebration

Charlotte Stories
-
0
Hundreds of Alpacas Descending on Concord For The Southern Alpaca Celebration

Every year, hundreds of alpacas, alpaca enthusiasts, and alpaca fiber artisans gather for the Southern Alpaca Celebration. The 2020 show will be held February 15 and 16 at the Cabarrus Arena and Events Center in Concord, NC and promises to be bigger than ever.

This year, Carolina Alpaca Breeders and Owners (CABO) and the Southeastern Alpaca Association (SeAA) have joined forces to provide three shows at the same location. The Southern Select, Carolina Alpaca Celebration and the Southern Alpaca Celebration will feature two halter shows, walking fleece, spin-off, fiber arts and full fleece competitions.  There will be at least six nationally known alpaca judges attending, and other visitors will include executive members of the national Alpaca Owners Association and Board of Directors.

This event offers the perfect opportunity to learn more about the alpaca industry, and it’s FREE to the public!

Show hours are:

Saturday, February 15, 2020        8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, February 16, 2020           8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Alpacas will be featured in the show ring competition, comprised of classes judging conformation and fleece quality in many categories for both Suri and Huacaya alpacas. Alpaca farms can still register to bring animals until January 29.

Throughout the weekend, artisans, including members of the Piedmont and Rowan fiber guilds will showcase alpaca fiber arts including hand spinning, felting, weaving, and dying. There will be many sessions on knitting, crocheting, soap felting, Naal binding – even kids can get in on the action!

Come support an alpaca farmer!

Dozens of vendors and farm displays will sell the latest alpaca fashions and hand-crafted items. Alpaca fleece, roving, and yarn will be available, too.

Free Alpaca Selfies!

Get ready to change your social media profile picture to one you never knew you needed… until now! This year’s event will feature a free alpaca selfie booth. How can you NOT jump at this unique opportunity? Alpacas will be available for selfies throughout the weekend.

For more information, you can visit the official Southern Alpaca Celebration website here.

Chick-fil-A Testing Out 3 New Spicy Menu Items Exclusively in Charlotte

Charlotte Stories
-
0
Chick-fil-A Testing Out 3 New Spicy Menu Items Exclusively in Charlotte

Chick-fil-A has just announced plans to test out several additional spicy items in the Charlotte market.

In their press release, the company noted; “We are excited to offer Spicy Chick-n-Strips™, the Grilled Spicy Deluxe Sandwich and the Spicy Chick-n-Strips Biscuit as part of the new test menu in Charlotte starting on January 13. Each item is made from our signature grilled or hand-breaded chicken and seasoned with a spicy blend of peppers.”

The spicy strips will be available in 3-count and 4-count entrées, and for breakfast, two Spicy Chick-n-Strips will be layered on a buttered biscuit to form the Spicy Chick-n-Strip Biscuit.

The new Grilled Spicy Deluxe Sandwich will feature a grilled boneless breast of spicy marinated chicken with Colby-Jack cheese, lettuce and tomatoes served on a bun.

As part of the city-wide test, Charlotte-area Chick-fil-As will also be changing up their menus to make room for the new items.

The following items will be temporarily removed:

  • Breakfast
    • Sausage
    • Sunflower Multigrain Bagel
  • Entrees and Sides
    • Original Chick-n-Strips™
    • Grilled Cool Wrap®
    • Side Salad
  • Beverages
    • Decaf Coffee

Additionally, the following items will only be offered in one size throughout the Charlotte region:

  • Nuggets Kid’s Meals will be offered as a 5-count
  • Catering trays will be offered as Medium size trays
  • Icedream® Cones will be offered in size Small
  • Coffee will be offered in size Small
  • Milkshakes, Iced Coffees and Frosted Beverages will all be offered as a 16 oz. beverage in a clear cup

Customer feedback from participating stores around Charlotte will help to determine if the new spicy menu items are added to the menu nationwide.

Are you excited about new spicy items offered exclusively in Charlotte? 

What other items do you think Chick-fil-A should add?

1...925926927...1,314Page 926 of 1,314