Business Today - June 2017

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Business Today NC

June 2017 Published monthly

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Business Intelligence for the Golden Crescent: Lake Norman • Cabarrus • University City

REINVENTING YOURSELF

From beauty queen to building trades to residential real Pages 6-7 estate, she did it

WORKER BEES

BY KATE STEVENS A proposed 137-acre mixed-use development in southern Iredell County could bring more housing and commercial opportunities to an area rife with potential but the economic impact on Mooresville and surrounding towns is still unclear.

“It’s so early, it’s almost uncharted waters,” said Rusty Knox, a real estate broker with Allen Tate Real Estate in adjacent Davidson. With more than 800 new dwelling units, Lake Davidson residents would be closer to dowbtown Davidson and Davidson’s amenities than anything in Mooresville.

He said local elected officials are going to have to play a part in controlling how nearby towns and cities grow.

There is a “direct trickle down“ from one town to another..

Plans for the development, named Lake Davidson and located off N.C. 115 and Bridges Farm Road, currently include 115 single family homes, 300 residential

See LAKE page 18

Hire ed: Colleges embrace job training

BY ERICA BATTEN While the question about whether a college education is worth the cost has been looming for years now, colleges haven’t been sitting idly by waiting for potential students to decide. Instead, they’ve strategized on how to attract students and ensure the lifelong relevance of higher education.

“Simplistic predictions fail to recog-

HOT PROPERTIES

Jim Puckett explains how Charlotte transit policy ensures the bedroom nature of LKN demographics Page 8

condos, 120 town homes, 300 apartments, 65,000 square feet of office space and 65,000 square feet of additional retail space.

The property is not in Mooresville town limits but does fall within the town’s jurisdiction of regulating land use and development.

Historically, southern Iredell County was the “no man’s land for development” until home improvement retailer Lowe’s and Lake Norman Regional Medical Center recently changed the scope of the area, Knox said.

There is so much vacant land on the outskirts of Mooresville that is unserviced by water and sewer but available for development, Knox said.

“It’s almost like they’re building an island out there to see if people come,” said Knox, who is running for mayor of Davidson this fall.

If the development moves forward, “It will be the starter gun for the rest of south Iredell building out,” said Knox.

Pages 20

18633 Square Sail Road in Cornelius sold for $725,000

nize the complexity, resources, diversity and resilience of a sector of society that now educates nearly twenty million undergraduates and graduate students a year,” said Goldie Blumenstyk, a frequent contributor to The Chronicle of Higher Education and author of the 2015 book, “American Higher Education in Crisis?

What Everyone Needs to Know.”

“Today’s dire predictions also over-

look the adaptations many colleges have already undertaken,” Blumenstyk said.

These adaptations include the use of data analytics to help students stay on track toward degrees, greater personalization in pedagogy, the rise of online and hybrid classes, and increased enrollment at community colleges, where a bachelor’s See Hire ed page 19

RECORDS Transactions Cabarrus 14 Mecklenburg 14 Mooresville 14 Foreclosures Mecklenburg 16

Corporations Cabarrus 16 Mecklenburg 16 Mooresville 17

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Nick Lyssikatos has charted a new course at Port City Page 2 Club

Lake Davidson: Mooresville development makes waves

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Business Today

2 June 2017

For restaurateur, a big gamble paid off

BY DAVE VIESER When Midtown Sundries closed in Cornelius back in 2010, people wondered who could take over the 500 seat, 13,000 square foot eatery.

Indeed, after Latitude 36 opened and closed, the building stood empty.

Then along came Nick Lyssikatos.

With his extremely successful Brickhouse Tavern going strong in Davidson, Lyssikatos, after a year of contemplation, decided that he was up for the challenge. So he purchased the property and in 2013, he opened Port City Club. Today, Lyssikatos has a very successful lakefront eatery under his command.

“It was a great location and a good investment, but it was also a challenge,” Lyssikatos said. “The place was so big and had failed before, but it came along at the right time for me.

I needed more space for patrons and events which I couldn’t accommodate at the much smaller Brickhouse Tavern, which was overflowing.”

His major goal was to establish a chef-driven restaurant and the creative, versatile concept seems to work. He has also hosted hundreds of private parties, many of them during the holidays. Businesses from Charlotte have found that lakeside Port City is a much better and more reasonable venue for their events than the well-known but more expensive eateries in the Queen City.

“We aim for a wide variety of fresh, quality food, consistently prepared when the order is taken at reasonable prices. Our menu selections appeal to the boater for a quick lunch or a nice relaxed meal with friends and family.”

Port City features Certified Angus Beef, the upper 2/3 Choice which is more expensive, for steaks as well as hamburgers. They also fly in fresh seafood as often as they can get large quantities.

Is the combination working? Serving 1,500 and 2,000 people on a Friday or Saturday would seem to indicate

that it is.

In the midst of his climb to success, the biggest obstacle has been staffing. It’s a constant challenge for the restaurant industry. “We advertise for help from places like Johnson and Wales, and provide 2-4 weeks of training. Some make it, some don’t. Keep in mind that Port City is three or four times larger than the normal 150-seat restaurant, and it takes a lot of people to run it: servers, bar and kitchen staff, among others.”

Lyssikatos, 52, points to the concept of pacing seating as one of those ‘behind the scenes’ formulas which can make or break a restaurant. “We don’t always fill all the tables at once in order to give the wait staff a chance to serve the customers they have and the kitchen a chance to cook items without being overwhelmed.”

Another area where Lyssikatos has gone the extra mile is working with local non-profit charities and organizations. “We have found that

when you support the community, the community supports you and spreads the word about your business. It’s also rewarding to see the impact of money benefitting local organizations like when the Ada Jenkins Center is able to provide much needed food and services for the people in need and Big Day at the Lake lets young people have fun at the lake who may not otherwise get the chance. This is personally rewarding to me.”

Nick lives in Waxhaw with his wife Nannette and their two grown twins: Elizabeth and Kostas. His favorite hobby is photography. In fact he does most of the food photography for his restaurants.

His work week is always seven days, splitting time between the two restaurants in Davidson and Cornelius. If there were weeks with eight days, those who know him jokingly say he would work the eighth day too.

But that’s always been Nick Lyssikatos’ key to success: Hard work.

Business Today

June 2017

New West Ave. streetscape has layers, objects, texture

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The City of Kannapolis has hired a “construction manager at risk” to help ensure on-time, on-budget delivery of the West Avenue streetscape. The first component of the city’s Downtown Revitalization Project will be Birkdale Village incarnate, with vintage buildings, plenty of brick and the ambiance that draws a crowd.

And investment. When completed, the Revitalization Project is expected to bring over $370 million in private investment.

Construction manager Barton Malow in Charlotte will manage the $22 million streetscape project which includes dozens of key components, ranging from electric service and gas to garbage cans and pavers along West Avenue.

Annette Privette, spokeswoman for Kannapolis, said planning meetings require upwards of two dozen people representing different disciplines, since one component can affect another and another.

“We've all visited Birkdale Village... whenever anyone goes anywhere for a conference we bring back photos,

pictures of streetlights, sidewalks and even trashcans,” Privette said.

One of the visionaries of downtown Kannapolis is the man who once owned it: Billionaire David Murdoch, the founder of the adjacent North Carolina Research Campus. He visited Birkdale Village to get a sense of the appealing streetscape there.

“We're very blessed that we have a wide main street now,” Privette said, explaining that the new streetscape is designed to curve and wind through the main core of downtown on West Avenue. Land Design in Charlotte is in charge of design.

It will feature green and outdoor spaces that will complement the new sports and entertainment venue, apartments, retail and restaurants. It will also include improvements to the surrounding streets of downtown.

Infrastructure improvements include replacing and upsizing sewer, water, storm water, natural gas, electricity and the installation of technology.

The project gets under way this fall.

A visual animation is online on www. businesstodaync.com.

Aquesta annual meeting is June 29 Aquesta Financial Holdings, the parent of Aquesta Bank, will be held in the second floor board room at the main office on Jetton Road June 29. Three current directors are expected to be re-elected to the board, including founding chair Ginger Griffin, owner of Cornelius-based Ginger

Griffin Marketing; Charles Knox, a commercial real estate broker based in Huntersville; and Craig Larsen, CEO of Revita Anti-Aging Age Management Center in Charlotte. The board is also recommending that Porter Keadle Moore be ratified as independent auditor.

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Business Today

4 June 2017 an emailed statement May 22 that he is planning to seek re-election.

Candidate filing ends July 21.

Several proposed projects in and near Davidson are in the works.

The proposed Luminous development would turn 19 town-owned acres along Beaty Street into a mixed-use community featuring 11 single-family homes, 21 townhouses, 132 condos, a boutique hotel, 28,000 square-feet of retail and restaurant space, a 6 1/2-acre public park surrounding an improved Beaty Pond and a learning center with classroom, seminar rooms and a small

BY KATE STEVENS auditorium.

Mayoral candidate Laurie Venzon Developers are offering the town feels it is time for new leadership $1.65 million for the property. Some to guide future growth in Davidson, Davidson residents have opposed the a town facing increasing pressure project which they say would increase to develop at a rate she says many congestion and waste valuable green residents are unhappy with. “It’s im- space. portant that we can re-establish trust There are some positive elements with the residents and the citizen of the Luminous development, but survey indicated not only do they ultimately, Venzon said the project is think we’re not headed in right direc- too much development for the proption but they don’t believe the town erty. is acting in their best interest,” said And, if the proposed Lake DavidVenzon, 54, a former Davidson Board son development, a 137-acre mixedof Commissioner who served from use commercial and residential site 2007-13. at Bridges Farm Road and N.C. 115 The subject of how town leaders in south Iredell County, come to fruishould handle future growth is one tion, congestion will only increase, that could define the Nov​. 7 election. she said.

Several proposed mixed-use devel“The two of those together, there’s opments could attract new residents going to be worse gridlock on North and visitors to the quaint college town Main than we’re having now,” said and place increased demands on the Venzon. municipality’s infrastructure and Davidson spokeswoman Cristina schools.

Shaul said the Board of CommissionAnd, while the town’s new rural area ers discussed the Luminous project, plan, which has yet to go into effect, otherwise known as the Beaty Street preserves several hundred acres of project, at its May 23 meeting. As a reprotected rural areas and designates sult of citizen feedback, commissionplenty of open space, the re-zoning ers asked project proponents to return plan still allows some high-density liv- with plan offering a reduction in dening with very little designation for ac- sity. tive space like tennis and basketball No future date was set on returning courts that are desired by residents, to the issue, Shaul said.

Venzon said.

While Venzon said she supports balFor these reasons, Venzon anced growth, she explained the town says, citizens are wary of the needs to re-evaluate the proposed same old political establishment. increased density levels that were “I think it’s time to have a new direc- pushed 20 years ago when a commuter tion, new leadership that will listen rail line was in talks to be constructed to the citizens,” said Venzon, who has from Charlotte with stops in Davidson worked part time for Vitex, Inc., a and outside Mooresville. banking consulting firm, for the past “We can’t continue to do what we’re 10 years. doing without roads and schools beVenzon faces challenger Rusty Knox, ing able to keep up,” said Venzon. local real estate agent and son of long- With that transportation plan seemingtime former Davison Mayor Russell ly at a standstill, any proposed highKnox, and the incumbent, current Da- density growth should be re-evaluatvidson Mayor John Woods who said in ed, she said.

As growth issues build, three running for mayor in Davidson

LAURIE VENZON

JOHN WOODS

RUSTY KNOX

“I believe that we need to have a balanced perspective towards our growth and I think right now the level of density that we are trying to move forward with, given our lack of infrastructure, is not going to be beneficial if we continue to move in this direction,” said Venzon.

Venzon and her husband, John Venzon, moved to Davidson in 1992 where Venzon worked as an executive with Bank of America for more than 20 years.

After her retirement in 2006, Venzon served on the Davidson Planning Board for one year and then was elected to the town Board of Commissioners from 2007-13.

While serving as a town commissioner, Venzon said she was instrumental in revamping the town’s budgeting process, promoting public safety and ensuring the financial success of MIConnection, a cable and Internet system servicing Davidson, Cornelius and Mooresville.

The towns of Davidson and Mooresville controversially purchased the communications company, then in bankruptcy, in 2007 and Venzon said Woods is responsible for saddling the town with the arrangement - including having to help pay for the company’s multi-million dollar debt.

“We have been paying $1 million a year in subsidies,” Venzon said. “I think it’s time for us to develop an exit strategy.”

There are three ways for the town to exit the partnership with Mooresville, Venzon said.

Mooresville can buy the town’s 30 percent share of the company, the two towns can sell the company or Davidson can sell its share to someone else, Venzon said.

Her husband, John Venzon, formerly served as chairman of the MI-Connection Board of Directors.

Even while the Venzons lived in Kansas from 2014-16, John Venzon would fly to Davidson for MI-Connection meetings. Venzon said she continued to stay involved in the going-ons in Davidson by watching Board of Commissioner meetings online, she said.

The family returned to Davidson last year.

“One thing I’m going to commit to is much more direct and open form of communication and transparency,” said Venzon. “I believe we are supposed to be public servants. I think it’s time for a change.”

Business Today

6 June 2017

Cabarrus County

Dakeita Vanderburg-Johnson: How to reinvent yourself of Transportation needed the store’s property for a road widening project.

So together Dakeita and Mama Dot reinvented Locust Hardware into Southgate Masonry and Lumber in 2000, near the intersection of N.C. 49 and U.S. 601.

The new business was a dream come true. The former company was housed in a quaint, if not downright historic, run-down facility. When it rained the toilets wouldn’t flush. There was no hot water, ever. The only touches Vanderburg-Johnson said she missed were the tin ceiling and the creaky wood floors.

They opened in 2001. “For the most part, it was glorious,” she said. They sold bricks, lumber, and building supplies and did a booming business.

They were closer to their customer base, closer to home, and business was good. Mama Dot worked sideby-side with her daughter until three weeks before her death in 2010, at the age of 84.

While everyone mourned the matriarch, business stayed strong. Vanderburg-Johnson employed some family members, but the whole team felt like family. The customers even felt like family, she said. At its height Southgate employed about 27 people.

“The relocation was wonderful for the bottom line,” she said. “The economy was incredible.”

In her late 50s, Dakeita Vanderburg-Johnson totally switched careers.

BY BETH MCLAUGHLIN

Grace and poise—they’re the trademarks of a former Miss Connecticut and Miss America contestant, as well as qualities and titles belonging to Concord’s Dakeita Vanderburg-Johnson. They are two of the traits that have allowed her to reinvent herself after divorce, a business failure, and a what could have been a devastating health crisis.

Vanderburg-Johnson has been honing her skills at reinvention since graduating North Carolina State University with a degree in textile technology and textile design. She had an eye toward going to work for then-Cannon Mills in Kannapolis. It was 1979.

The untimely death of her father, Hayden Vanderburg, that same year, prevented her from pursuing her passion, as she was needed to help run the family business, Locust Hardware in Stanly County. Her father had bought the small hardware and building supply company in 1960, and she felt she couldn’t turn her back on it.

“I never got to use my degree,” she said.

The first reinvention

Instead she joined with her mother, Dartha “Mama Dot” Vanderburg, in running Locust Hardware for over 20 years. But in 2000, the Department

The Great Recession

“In some ways we did not feel the start of the recession until the spring of 2008. This region was one of the last to go into the downturn. One day I said out loud, ‘Is it me, or are the phones not ringing?’”

She watched as she saw good customers shutting down and going out of business.

“I felt a sense of helplessness.” On one hand, she was sorry for her loyal customers— builders—who were going under. “And on the other hand, I had employees who were like family, who had families of their own to support, and all I felt was a sense of stress.”

She desperately did not want to let her employees down, but she had to

start laying workers off and implementing cost-cutting measures.

Through that whole period she maintained a sense of hope: “This area has always had something to bring it back after hard times.”

But there was nothing to bring Southgate back from the brink.

“Our area was one of the last to go into the recession and one of the last to come out.”

Several of her vendors became competitors and began selling directly to her customers. She didn’t like it, but she understood it, she said. “It was survival of the fittest...I had some loyal vendors who didn’t do that. That had always been part of our success, the ability to partner with businesses.”

It wasn’t until the summer of 2014 that Vanderburg-Johnson realized her family business was going under. “So much of our business depended on the weather. I knew if we were going to have a bad winter we’d be slamming the door shut instead of methodically closing down. I laughingly looked at Farmer’s Almanac to see which it would be.”

In August of 2014, it was time to start methodically closing down. “Looking at the cash flows, I had to make the decision. We still had 17 employees and then our focus was on helping everybody find a job. Most of our former staff are still local, working as truck drivers, sales associates and sales reps with other companies.”

Vanderburg-Johnson even had to give her stepdaughter a pink slip. The young woman spent so much time going back and forth trying to decide what type of job to pursue that Vanderburg-Johnson said she had to lay her off to get her moving. “It was a tough love situation. It was hard to do.”

But the 28-year-old is now a sales associate with General Shell Brick in Greenville, SC, Vanderburg-Johnson said with pride.

Meanwhile, back in 2006-2007

About that stepdaughter, and more reinvention, back in 2006 and 2007, Vanderburg-Johnson’s business was booming, but her marriage was falling apart.

Business Today

June 2017

7

Cabarrus County That was a tough transition for her, but Dakeita learned from her pageant days to always hold her head up, even if she didn’t know how. Her single status didn’t keep her down, and it didn’t last long.

She was fixed up on a blind date to the NorthEast Medical Center Foundation’s annual gala with a man named Steve Johnson, and romance blossomed. They married in 2008.

Today she has a great relationship with her ex-husband, and her ex is even good friends with her current husband.

She explains it simply and casually: “Faith plays a big part in my life. So through all of these things, I went to my faith and drew strength from my faith.”

The next reinvention

In January 2015, as she was wondering what she was going to do with the huge building that housed the company, kismet intervened. “A man I’ve known all my life, Steve Barnhardt, from Mount Pleasant, showed up and said, ‘I hear you’re wanting to sell this place.’” Vanderburg-Johnson auctioned off the last of the building’s contents on Valentine’s Day, 2015.

Barnhardt took ownership of the property after the auction and opened Overdrive Rebuild, where he and his crew rebuild transmissions for heavy equipment.

“It was a real blessing,” VanderburgJohnson said.

The hardest times were the last months of 2014. “They were literally the toughest times. It was like a death.

Grief… All these things go through your mind: What are people going to say? I’ve let my parents down. I’ve let my children down. I’ve let my employees down. How am I going to hold my head up?”

But Vanderburg-Johnson had an ace up her sleeve. She had her family, her friends, her faith, and most of all, her attitude.

“I wake up in the morning and my glass is half-full. I may go to bed at night with it half-empty, but I wake up with it half-full.”

The divorce was like a death. The business failing was like a death, but

by February that year, she had gotten beyond all that, she said. She got her daughter to help her write a resume,

and she proceeded to look for the next opportunity.

It was in July of 2015 that Diane Honeycutt, a star Realtor/team leader for Allen Tate, sent out an email to several friends and associates that she was looking for some new sales talent for her team.

“Within five minutes of her sending out that email, six different people forwarded it to me,” Vanderburg-Johnson said. “The next thing you know, I’m on the phone with Diane saying, ‘Do you think we can work together?’”

Vanderburg-Johnson said getting her real estate license was the hardest thing she’d ever done.

She took a class and failed the exam.

A week later she failed the offered retest. She was discouraged but determined, she said.

“A week later I was in another real estate class and I passed the test with a 98 on Dec. 23. I had exactly one day to get ready for Christmas.”

She took the state licensing exam in January, passed it, and started work for Team Honeycutt on Jan. 16, 2016.

Her first closing was in March that year.

Vanderburg-Johnson said she found the newer technology difficult, “But I forced myself to learn it. I couldn’t believe how much I didn’t know.”

She said two clients—a father and daughter—confirmed her growing love for the real estate business. They were looking for a specific type of home that could accommodate the daughter’s wheelchair.

“I started to learn how people with limitations negotiate their lives. This young woman always had a smile on her face. … A lot of times you can be sitting there and thinking things are pretty tough, but then you think, ‘I’ve got it pretty good compared to a lot of people.’”

A set-back

It was Thanksgiving Day of 2016 that Dakeita had trouble getting the Thanksgiving turkey out of the oven.

She had no feeling in her right hand.

But it was a holiday and she couldn’t be bothered with this minor symptom.

“I decided I’d sleep on it.”

When she woke up in the early hours to let her dog out she realized she had no control of her right side. She couldn’t walk. She agreed to let her

husband take her to the hospital.

“I’m here to tell you the best time to go to the emergency room is 4 a.m. on Black Friday.”

Vanderburg-Johnson had suffered a stroke. She spent five days in the hospital, followed by seven days in a rehab center. She regained her capacities very quickly, she said, but she was out of work until January of this year.

Her teammates at Team Honeycutt picked up her work, showed her listings, did her closing paperwork. She said she can’t thank them enough for their support.

And now

Vanderburg-Johnson said she takes more time for herself. She has cut back on service projects, but she’ll serve as president of NorthEast Medical Center Foundation next year.

She recently helped with Rowan Cabarrus Community College’s first ever capital campaign. The board overshot its goal by 14 percent, raising over $8 million. The main area in which her life has slowed down is cooking.

“Steve eats a lot of takeout now,” she

said with a laugh.

Advice from a pageant queen

Vanderburg-Johnson, throughout her career, has been involved in scholarship pageants as a coach, a judge and a contestant. She was Miss Connecticut in 1983, and with that title competed in the Miss America pageant the following year, when Vanessa Williams won the title briefly and was forced to give it back.

As a pageant contestant she honed some of her most valuable life skills, she said. In the interview process she learned to speak about anything to anybody. She learned multi-tasking, and she refined her poise and grace.

As a pageant coach, she always looked for talent in her young charges, as well as poise, grace and beauty, and she taught the young women how to best present the assets they already possessed, she said.

“I didn’t want to change any of them.

I just wanted to help them learn to present their best selves,” something Vanderburg-Johnson knows from experience.

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Business Today

8 June 2017

Slippery Road Ahead I-77 toll decisions and buses

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BY DAVE VIESER As the construction of the I-77 toll lanes continues, there’s been a great deal of speculation as to why state and Charlotte transportation officials seemed so anxious to push the project along. Reducing congestion was always the stated position, but there was a lot more to it, says Mecklenburg County Commissioner Jim Puckett.

“Ned Curran, then-chairman of the NCDOT board, told the Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization that they needed to continue to support the toll road project because the chances of there being a northern commuter rail line were becoming very unlikely.”

Indeed, after both CATS and the North Mecklenburg towns expressed more and more interest in a commuter rail line from Charlotte through Davidson, Norfolk Southern, which owned the right of way, let people know they had no interest in sharing that right of way with their infrequently scheduled freight trains.

“That being the case, Curran emphasized that the region needed to have a lane on I-77 that would give CATS buses or bus rapid transit the ability to have guaranteed travel times,” Puckett explained.

Curran responded this way: “​I have said on many occasions is that ​managed ​l​anes will allow those who use public transportation a more reliable and quicker route to their destination.

While quicker is important, the element of travel time reliability is perhaps even more important and a unique advantage of ​m​anaged ​lane concepts.”

But Puckett said the big, over-arching goal was to get people who worked in Charlotte but lived in the northern suburbs out of their cars and onto buses with the knowledge that they could get to work in a reasonable amount of time.

“That is why the toll project is set up to guarantee 45 mph travel times and why CINTRA must regulate the congestion on the toll lane, raising the toll to make sure that the toll lane doesn’t get so crowded that it would slow the buses down” Puckett added.

While town commissioners in Cornelius talk about increasing the commercial ratables—as opposed to residential—the vision on a regional scale

is all about North Meck towns providing workers for Charlotte.

“Only one lane was needed to make all that happen, but one lane wouldn’t have generated enough revenue, so the toll lane plan became a two-lane project and 24 miles long rather than the 13 miles they would have needed to get to the already widened part or I-77 around 485 in Charlotte,” Puckett said.

The decisions were based on the assumption that the northern towns are where the workers for downtown Charlotte live and that communities such as Huntersville and Cornelius would remain bedroom communities.

Fast forward to today, and the contract with CINTRA has become a statewide concern according to Puckett and former Lake Norman Chamber Chairman John Hettwer.

“After four years and about 15 trips to Raleigh, we have been able to elevate the toll lanes from a local issue to a statewide issue,” Hettwer said. “The negative economic impact this project could have was the factor which made the most impression to our representatives.”

Puckett said the negative consequences over the course of the 50-year Cintra contract are in excess of $10 billion.

He said the South Carolina Department of Transportation is well on its way to provide a dependable truck route from the Charleston port to points west and north, bypassing the Charlotte Airport Intermodal Terminal. Those efforts include dredging and expanding the Port of Charleston and spending $300 million on a spur to I-26.

Ultimately, it means job growth in South Carolina, not North Carolina.

Puckett said extensive delays on I-77 mean local routes are becoming “a black hole” in the trucking industry.

Mercator Advisors of Philadelphia is currently doing an analysis of the toll lane project for Gov. Cooper’s administration, which will include options available to the state. Those would include canceling the project, paying penalties; finishing the toll lanes and then buying it out from Cintra; making the toll lanes general purpose lanes; or permitting trucks to use the toll lanes. Another option, of course, would be to proceed with the contract as is.

Mercator’s findings are due by the end of this summer.

NEWS - e

Business Today

10 June 2017

Wilson spices upSmall Business Week

“I am a Lake Norman communityaholic. We put community first,” Sisson said. And she doesn’t mean just when it comes to paint color.

It’s vital for a small business to become involved in the community. In addition to the Chamber of Commerce, Sisson has joined the Rotary Club, and her business sponsors a “range” of local nonprofits from school fundraisers to Big Day at the Lake, an annual event benefitting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Charlotte.

The networking has helped Sisson improve her business’s social media and marketing presence as well as provided practical help with payroll and other operations concerns. More importantly, community involvement has bolstered her business’s reputation.

Like Sisson, the younger Wilson has found Lake Norman to be supportive to small business. Madison River’s former owner, Robert Domico, has remained on staff as a fly-fishing guide. Domico has also offered guidance on day-to-day operations— even advice on a tricky lightbulb at the shop.

Wilson joked that the former owner has literally helped him keep the lights on.

The new entrepreneur has also relied on experienced business owners in unrelated fields. “It doesn’t matter how smart you are, other people are going to have better ideas sometimes,” Wilson said.

That’s what the event was all about: sharing ideas, putting yourself out there as a presence in the community.

Small business advice: Get involved

“A community-involved company is considered to be an authentic company,” she said.

The U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has shown that only one third of small businesses survive the first ten years.

“Collaboration with the community could be the difference-maker,” Sisson said.

The sage of Baltimore Joe Vagnone and Alan Wilson at the Small Business Week Lunch and Launch.

BY ERICA BATTEN May 5. The water’s fine in the Lake Norman small business community, but you have to be willing to get your feet wet. That was the takeaway message at the fifth annual Small Business Week Lunch and Launch, held Tuesday at The Peninsula Club.

Tricia Sisson, co-owner of The Range in Cornelius, said she had wondered how people would react to having a gun range in the same community as

homes and schools.

“When my husband, Brian, suggested we open an indoor shooting range in 2010, I thought he was crazy,” Sisson said. Turns out, the community’s biggest concern was aesthetic; more people commented about the building’s proposed orange color than anything else. So the Sissons toned it down a bit.

Brian and Tricia Sisson at The Range at Lake Norman

Sponsored by the Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce and ENLIGN Business Brokers and Advisors, the small business luncheon featured keynote speaker Alan Wilson, former CEO of the McCormick Corporation. Wilson discussed the spice company’s genesis 128 years ago and its emphasis on philanthropy in countries where spices are grown. The McCormick Corporation has opened schools in Madagascar and health clinics in Turkey.

Wilson also discussed McCormick’s commitment to process and package its products in the communities where they’re sold.

In other words: think globally, act locally.

His son, Ryan, who purchased Madison River Fly Fishing Outfitters in Cornelius almost a year ago, also spoke at the luncheon. And while owning a business was almost a foregone conclusion in the Wilson household, Ryan discussed the importance of mentorship to new business owners.

“Throughout that [first] year, I’ve had to deeply, deeply rely on other people,” Wilson said.

TRICIA SISSON

What is our brand?

LEIGH BROWN

Business Today editor Dave Yochum spoke about the growth of the Charlotte region and the optimistic, sharing and entrepreneurial “brand” of the Lake Norman community.

Leigh Brown of Re/Max affiliate Leigh Brown and Associates presented a speech entitled “Starting With Me.” A motivational speaker and author of the sales guide “Outrageous Authenticity,” Brown said that women have come to dominate the real estate field in recent years because clients want to be able to identify with the people they’re working with. This need has led to diversity in all kinds of business.

Using a real estate metaphor, Brown urged business owners to interact authentically with the public. She said, “If you’re gonna be brick, be brick. If you’re gonna be vinyl, be vinyl.”

Brown also emphasized the importance of the small business community.

“There’s a need to connect with one another, and as a small business leader, you have the opportunity to do that,” she said.

Business Today

June 2017

11

NEWS - e

UNCC gets $2 million from Duke Energy Foundation May 29. The Duke Energy Foundation is committing $2 million to the University’s Exponential Campaign, specifically to support the Charlotte Engineering Early College and the Women in Computing Initiative. As part of the gift, the Charlotte Engineering Early College (CEEC) will receive $900,000. The funds will support the Duke Energy Summer Bridge Program, the Duke Energy STEM Summer Research Experience, and the Duke Energy STEM Scholarship.

In addition, the College of Computing and Informatics’ Women in Computing Initiative will receive $750,000.

The funds will support the Duke Energy STARS (Students and Technology

in Academia, Research and Service) Leadership Corps Scholarship.

The remaining funds support other UNC Charlotte programs, such as Let Me Play, which supports women’s athletics, Women + Girls Research Alliance, Senior Design Projects Fund and the EPIC Affiliates Program. Including the latest commitment, Duke Energy’s total giving to UNC Charlotte now exceeds $20 million.

“The Duke Energy Foundation continues to do an incredible job of finding innovative and meaningful ways to collaborate with UNC Charlotte. This commitment is another example of Duke Energy’s profound connection to

this University and our students,” said Chancellor Philip L. Dubois.

“I cannot express how important it is for initiatives like the Charlotte Engineering Early College and Women in Computing to benefit from the support of partners such as Duke Energy,” he said. “These cutting-edge programs enhance the value of the University in the greater Charlotte community, as well as the state and the entire country.

The Duke Energy Foundation provides more than $30 million annually in charitable gifts, including a focus on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields for students

and workforce development initiatives that help ensure local businesses have a pipeline of talent and a diverse workforce.

“Investing in STEM programs at UNC Charlotte creates a solid foundation for the economic vitality of the entire state,” said Lloyd Yates, Duke Energy’s executive vice president of customer and delivery operations and president of the Carolinas Region. “Duke Energy is building a smarter energy future for the state, and that requires a diverse group of engineers and computer scientists, like the students supported by these programs, to help us lead the way.”

Speculative industrial building coming to Troutman May 25. A new 301,000-square foot speculative manufacturing and distribution facility is under construction on Old Murdock Road. The class A manufacturing and distribution speculative facility will be designed to meet the needs of today’s industrial market.

Construction has begun and is expected to be completed in late July. The 301,000-square foot class A industrial building will have ceiling heights ranging between 31 to 38 feet; it will be designed to suit warehouse/distribution or light manufacturing/assembly operations. The building will include 76 truck docks, 2 drive in doors and have ample amount of auto and trailer parking.

Matthew Greer and Brad Cherry

with JLL will be representing the private developer to assist in leasing the property.

“Having a large spec building of this size will be beneficial to the entire county. Buildings of this caliber and size are limited in the region and will give us a competitive edge,” said James Mallory, Iredell County Chairman.

“Business is looking at Iredell County and I am actively marketing this building to our prospects,” said Russ Rogerson, Executive Director of Statesville Regional Development.

“This facility is less than 3 miles from the interstate, which is very attractive to distribution and manufacturing clients of all kinds.”

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Business Today

12 June 2017

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Marie Conway

106 Ballston Drive | $979,000

Beautiful waterview home in The Point.

Great upper and lower living areas.

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Sandy McAlpine

A beauty with screened porch, boat slip, master down, community pool and tennis court.

Candy La Monica

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4625 Webbs Chapel Church Rd | $665,000 Waterfront LKN. Private dock in secluded cove.

MLS #3279648

Just listed!

17027 Stinson Ave. | $269,000

Marta McGuire

New custom home in ANNISTON on over 2ac. 4BR/3.5BA bonus, media & basement.

MLS #3210388

Huntersville, NC 28078

K.C. Kercher

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(631) 697-5615 McGuireMarta@gmail.com

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Libby Offnick

(980) 722-2977 libby4home@gmail.com

Mooresville Office RE/MAX Mooresville: 121 Rolling Hill Rd, Mooresville, NC 28117 (704) 662-0095

RACT T N O RC UNDE Beautiful Craftsmanship throughout this lovely home with extensive upgrades.

Beautiful kitchen with granite island and stainless steel appliances.

Beautiful, full brick home, 3225 sq. ft - 5bd, 3b, plus Bonus Rm, Living Rm, Dining Rm, Great Rm, and all season Sunroom.

124 River Birch Circle | $269,000

Lovely full brick home. Two story great room with fireplace. Master on Main, 4 bedrooms with a bonus room.

Angela Purvis

(704) 707-6632 angelapurvisrealtor@gmail.com

3500 sq ft in Macaulay. 14631 Hillmoor Ln in Pristine Condition. $360,000 MLS # 3266096�

Frances Dawson

168 Brownstone Drvie | $1,145,000

(704) 701-7599 frances@homesoflkn.com

Nita Hunt

(704) 577-9266 nita@huntgroup.com

Stunning W/F Ranch, serene setting with water views from almost every room

1120 Churchill Rd. | $534,000

4 Bedrooms, 3 Baths - Incredible Davidson property. Living Rm w/vaulted ceiling Beautiful Bonus Rm off Breakfast area

Sandy Reynolds

(704) 634-5666 SandyRemax26@aol.com

Helen Reece

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Frances Dawson

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Cornelius Office RE/MAX Cornelius: 19600 W Catawba Ave, Ste B101, Cornelius, NC 28031 (704) 815-3200

Business Today

14 June 2017

On The Record

THIS MONTH REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS ...14 FORECLOSURES . . . ... . . . . . . . . . .. 16 NEW CORPORATIONS . . . . . . . . . . 16

REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS These are recent property transactions recorded by the county Register of Deeds in Cabarrus, Iredell and Mecklenburg.

Cabarrus County 04/28/17 Edith Nash, 105 Crestview Dr., Concord, Deutsche Bank National Trust, $88,350 05/01/17 Cedric & Carly Waller, 276 Epworth St., Concord, Bank of America, $104,900 05/01/17 William & Monica Pfeiffer, 1143 Anduin Falls Dr., Concord, Bank of America, $379,060 05/01/17 Kenneth & Jeanne Klim, 2853 Island Point Dr., Concord, Bank of New York Mellon, $176,520 05/03/17 Heirs of Thomas Ciaccio, 8373 Burgundy Ridge Rd., Harrisburg, Federal National Mortgage Assoc., $279,250 05/03/17 Estate of Lizzie White, 1226 Holland St., Kannapolis, Bayview Loan Servicing, $40,335 05/04/17 Heirs of Joseangel Ambriz Montalvo, 5925 Roberta Rd., Harrisburg, Nationstar Mortgage LLC, $124,900 05/04/17 Bruce High & Virginia Griggs Heirs, 3823 Centergrove Rd., Concord, Deutsche Bank National Trust, $56,800 05/05/17 Eugene & Lori Cummings and Sheppard Tyree, 2680 Thistle Brook Dr., Concord, U.S. Bank Assoc., $112,190 05/05/17 Walter Marshbarn, 535 Railway Pl., Concord, PNC Bank, $111,518 05/05/17 James & Teresa Gillespie, 5940 Smith Lake Rd., Mount Pleasant, Wells Fargo Bank, 134,730 05/08/17 Kenneth & Marnie Smith, 510 & 512 Bostian Ave., Kannapolis, FV-1 Inc., $128,070 05/08/17 Donald & Pamelyn Deberardinis, 3200 Farm Lake Dr., Concord Wells Fargo Bank, $99,877 05/09/17 James Robert Jordan Estate, 5350 Hwy. 24/27 Midland, Reverse Mortgage Solutions, Inc., $232,500 05/10/17 Anthony & Pamela Kniffley, 727 King Fredrick Ln., Concord, PHH Mortgage, $229,410 05/12/17 Terry & Kim Lewis, 2207 Pennick Ct., Harrisburg, Castle & Cooke Mortgage, $224,542 05/15/17 Ray & Esther McClelland, 1150 Central Dr., Concord, Wells Fargo Bank, $61,454 05/18/17 Thomas Stack, Jr., 355 Speedway Pl., Concord, Ditech Financial LLC, $106,400

05/19/17 Heirs of Joyce, Kevin & Christopher Clark, 3830 Pineleaf Cr., Midland, Wells Fargo Bank, $123,068 05/19/17 Bobby Rayfield, 4022 D C Dr., Concord, Wells Fargo Bank, $59,500 05/19/17 Michael & JoAnn Dutcher, 4008 Guilford Ct., Concord, Federal National Mortgage Assoc., $141,600 05/19/17 Nick & Donna Bovasso, 4584 Triumph Dr., Concord, Federal National Mortgage Assoc., $201,791

More Cabarrus Transactions online at www.BusinessTodayNC.com

Mecklenburg County 5/1/17 $620,000 Michael & Deann Champagne to Christopher & Shelley Frye, 17405 Lynx Den Ct., Davidson 5/1/17 $465,000 Ryan & Holly Faux to Richard Tankersley & Paola Lopez-Duarte, 10110 Devonshire Dr., Huntersville 5/1/17 $527,000 Bonerra Builders to Myron & Wendy Parker, 10910 Skymont Dr., Huntersville 5/1/17 $365,000 Michael Duch to Travis Owen, 16212 Spruell St., Huntersville 5/1/17 $325,000 Michael Young & Marie Sotelo to Michael & Tara Jensen, 136 Morrison Hill Rd., Davidson 5/1/17 $500,500 Epcon Huntersville to Geraldine Lutzel, 8304 Parknolll Dr., Huntersville 5/1/17 $294,000 Mark & Patti Lynn Mahshie to Jeffrey & Wendy Merk, 17727 North Shore Cir., Cornelius 5/1/17 $714,000 Classica Homes to Christopher & Jennifer Grenier, 9010 Robbin Pond Rd., Cornelius 5/2/17 $467,000 Dean & Carol King to Russell & Sandra Ferrell, 7411 Mariner Cove Dr., Cornelius 5/2/17 $271,000 Sarah Baxter & Garron Wright to AMH NC Properties, 13722 Holly Stream Dr., Huntersville 5/2/17 $283,000 James & Patricia Knizley to Odell & Gerald Carver, 14328 Laurel Tree Ln., Huntersville 5/2/17 $1,250,000 Charles & Carol Hord to Randy Humphrey, 19228 Betty Stough Rd., Cornelius 5/2/17 $315,000 Joseph Wernert to Costantino Marcucci & Alessandra Addati, 12111 Ulsten Ln., Huntersville 5/3/17 $445,000 Anne & Scott Curwin to Garrett Kroll, 15519 Aberfeld Rd., Huntersville 5/3/17 $850,000 445 Main South LLC to BrandAcres LLC, Unit 400 Davidson @ South Main Condominium, Davidson 5/4/17 $463,000 Matthew & Anna Morgan to Matthew & Katherine McNay, 10933 Brandie Meadow Ln., Huntersville 5/4/17 $300,000 Vicky & Leland Parris to Cheryl & Gary Walker Jr., 221 N. Faulkner Way, Davidson 5/4/17 $296,500 Yvonne Tober to Steven & Kimberly Dyer, 17412 Harbor Walk Dr., Cornelius

5/5/17 $361,000 Harriett & Douglas Rosebrough to Jeffrey& Elizabeth Jones, 19009 Northport Dr., Cornelius 5/5/17 $355,000 Ann & Kemper Gibson to Frank & Maureen Nowak, 12819 Hazelbrook Ln., Cornelius 5/5/17 $294,000 Subodh & Sushma Kumar to Thomas & Lynn Cruse, 18315 Victoria Bay Dr., Cornelius 5/5/17 $372,500 Thomas & Jessica Stewart to Amanda Sloan, 15124 Hugh Macauley Rd., Huntersville 5/5/17 $315,000 Glenna Martin to James Ledbetter, 18700 Nautical Dr. Unit 201, Cornelius 5/5/17 $274,000 Casey Chinn to Catherine Hoffman, 201527 Harbor View Dr., Cornelius 5/5/17 $345,000 Epcon Huntersville to James Potts, 7929 Parknoll Dr., Huntersville 5/8/17 $557,000 Tower Inc. to Harriett Rosebrough, 736 Amalfi Dr., Davidson 5/8/17 $287,000 Kerry & Rhonda Gilbert to CSH Property One LLC, 12803 Regent Grove Dr., Huntersville 5/8/17 $355,000 Keila & Marcus Anderson to Kelly & Bill Robinson, Kenneth Bryman, 8004 Garnkirk Dr., Huntersville 5/8/17 $452,500 Harolyn Ropp to Judith & Richard McCutcheon Jr., Lot 10 Bailey’s Glen, Cornelius 5/9/17 $625,000 Mitsuo & Jung Ja Iwasaki to Ramin & Shiba Sayadpour, 20801 Island Forest Dr., Cornelius 5/10/17 $325,000 River Run Limited Partnership to Susan & Roger Hayes Jr., 17310 Gillican Overlook, Davidson 5/11/17 $620,000 Adam & Lindsey Cochran to Aaron & Sarah Ernst, 7616 Windaliere Dr., Cornelius 5/11/17 $345,000 Leigh & Luke Huther to Devon & David Sullivan, 15806 Lavenham Rd., Hutnersville 5/11/17 $457,000 Taylor Morrison of Carolinas to Karl & Debra Heuer, 8713 Shadetree St., Huntersville 5/12/17 $835,000 Linnane Construction to Ishmael Smith, 17532 Gillican Overlook, Davidson 5/12/17 $384,000 South Creek Homes to Gary & Evelyn Wingate, 11515 Mount Argus Dr., Cornelius 5/12/17 $359,500 South Creek Homes to Andrew & June Slattery, 11703 Meetinghouse Dr., Cornelius 5/12/17 $723,500 Classica Homes to Cristian & Adina Marciulescu, 9016 Robbins Pond Rd., Cornelius 5/12/17 $265,000 Dennis & Carole Mannisto to Kevin & Robyn Godwin, 6408 Chadhill Ln., Huntersville 5/12/17 $415,000 Walter & Elizabeth Simmons to Lucy & Norris Preyer Jr., 134 Harper Lee St., Davidson 5/12/17 $238,000 Mayhue & Lori West to Daniel Dixon & Danielle Damous, 9737 Cadman Dr., Cornelius 5/12/17 $280,000 Pavit Singh & Manpreet Kaur to Bruce & Heather Boucher, 13020 Heath Grove Dr., Hunersville 5/12/17 $550,000 Edward & Lori Godwin to

Tyler & Brittany Dodds, 19662 Wooden Tee Dr., Davidson 5/12/17 $543,000 Michael & Pamela Sullivan to Brian & Dale Levine, 10139 Coley Dr., Huntersville 5/15/17 $302,000 Garrett & Meghann Rayt to John & Robin Dixon, 12025 Willingdon Rd., Huntersville 5/15/17 $700,000 Erin & Robert Hallman to Patricia & David Maruna II, 18521 Balmore Pines Ln., Cornelius 5/15/17 $372,500 Francine Herrington to David & Caryl Crouse, 18402 Neville Ave., Cornelius 5/16/17 $300,000 Bobbie & Phillip Lane to Courtney Knost, 13959 Cinnabar Pl., Huntersville 5/16/17 $495,000 Ronald & Darlene Klein to Robert Marcus, 13353 Bally Bunion Way, Davidson 5/16/17 $523,500 Epcon Nantz Road LLC to Todd & Tiffani Engel, 15019 Courtside Cove Ln., Cornelius 5/17/17 $267,000 Pulte Home Co. to William & Eleanor Miller, 15115 Liberty Ridge Ln., Huntersville 5/17/17 $910,000 Beji & Pamela Varghese to David & Laura Ross, 18350 Invergordon Ln., Cornelius 5/17/17 $300,000 William & Ivy Stroud to John & Karen Alstrup, 8947 Magnolia Estates Dr., Cornelius

More Mecklenburg Transactions online at www.BusinessTodayNC.com

Mooresville 5/1/17 $520,000 Peter E. Parker to Cory & Lindsey Haigler, 119 Goathill Rd. 28117 5/1/17 $310,000 Benny & Michele Lopez to Larry & Julie Rumrill, 137 Sugar Magnolia Dr. 28115 5/1/17 $326,000 Rico B. Cunningham to Jason & Julie Wiehe, 115 Rainberry Dr. 28117 5/1/17 $475,000 Charles & Iris Binder to Kenson Homes LLC, 105 Ridge Top Rd. 28117 5/1/17 $269,000 CalAtlantic Group to David L. Louissaint, 146 Paradise Hills Cir. 28115 5/1/17 $363,000 D.R. Horton to Yolanda V. Burney, 211 Blueview Rd. 28117 5/1/17 $445,000 Essex Homes to Peggy & Leland Jones, 130 Butler Dr. 28115 5/1/17 $445,000 Neil & Lori Jackson to Joseph & Lisa Cacciatore, 498 Johnson Diary Rd. 28115 5/1/17 $360,500 Standard Pacific of the Carolinas to Christopher & Trisha Beck, 228 Blossom Ridge Dr. 28117

More Mooresville Transactions online at www.BusinessTodayNC.com Continued on page 16

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Business Today

16 June 2017

On The Record

FORECLOSURES Foreclosure actions have been started on the following properties. Items show the date foreclosure documents became public, owners, property address, lien holder, lien amount. After required notices are published, the property is sent to auction. The property then can be sold, not sold (examples: bankruptcy files or action dismissed without prejudice) or the sale postponed.

Mecklenburg County 5/5/17 Kimberly M. McRae, 2822 Meadow Knoll Dr., Charlotte 28269, Branch Banking and Trust $109,682 5/9/17 Jasper & Antionette Watson, 6212 Knightgate Ct., Charlotte 28269, ICM Mortgage $214,500 5/12/17 Mee Cha & Neng Xiong, 4612 Trillium Fields Dr., Charlotte 28269, Bank of America $154,210 5/15/17 Angelo D. Banks, 11221 Hyde Pointe Ct., Charlotte 28262, Primary Capital Advisors $124,489 5/16/17 Roger A. Parkinson, 505 Southland Rd., Huntersville, Home123 Corporation $164,000 5/19/17 Adrian Beach, 2310 Sweet Flag Ct., Charlotte 28262, Option One Mortgage $135,373 5/22/17 Teshika Walker, 11706 Rainy Bend Dr., Huntersville, EquiFirst $169,900 5/23/17 Harold G. Allen, 3322 Arklow Rd., Charlotte 28269, Ownit Mortgage Solutions $223,200 5/23/17 Yefim & Mila Leznik, 4419 Oakburn Dr., Charlotte 28269, SunTrust Mortgage $127,900 5/23/17 Joan Townsend & Renee Hamilton, 337 Prince Charles St., Charlotte 28213, Coastal Mortgage $73,800 5/23/17 Perry & Tannette Flythe, 8904 Canso Ct., Charlotte 28269, PRLAP $129,000 5/24/17 Trevor Lloyd Thomas, 14314 Drake Watch Ln., Charlotte 28262, M/I Financial $144,297

More Mecklenburg Foreclosures online at www.BusinessTodayNC.com

NEW CORPORATIONS These businesses have registered with the N.C. Secretary of State.

Cabarrus County 5/1/17 3G Realty LLC, Glen Soto, 7397 Mill Ruins Ave. SW, Concord 5/1/17 Carter Built Performance LLC, Braddy Carter, 4387 Motorsports Dr. SW, Concord 5/1/17 Veterans & Variety LLC, Roger Franklin, 259 Morrow Ct. NE, Concord

5/2/17 Eagle Auto Repair LLC, Jose Juarez, 24 Tower Cir. NW, Concord 5/3/17 Averlink Security LLC, Edward L. Averette, 4230 Falls Lake Dr. SW, Concord 5/3/17 The Basement Arcade Bar LLC, Troy Taylor, 235 Union St. N, Concord 5/3/17 BeeBombz LLC, Sheryl Washburn, 1161 Sandy Bottom Dr. NW, Concord 5/3/17 Savanh Management Group LLC, Phongsavanh Manivong, 5986 Brookstone Dr. NW, Concord 5/4/17 Durham-Feaster Enterprises LLC, Tanika Durham Feaster, 3142 Yates Mill Dr. SW, Concord 5/4/17 Vrooman Carpentry LLC, Geoffrey M. Vrooman, 3600 Still Oaks Ct. NW, Concord 5/5/17 65 McCachern LLC, Jon-Michael Devine, 8611 Concord Mills Blvd., Ste. 169, Concord 5/5/17 Babysteps Childcare LLC, Sanida Pajic Sabanija, 4520 Lanstone Ct. SW, Concord 5/5/17 Clue Property Development LLC, Michael R. Burgner, 71 McCachern Blvd., Concord 5/5/17 NQuest LLC, Richard B. Sorrell, 6573 Derby Ln. NW, Concord 5/5/17 Purely Co., Monique Burkes, 1123 Concord Chase Cir., Concord 5/8/17 Amsar Investments LLC, Sarfaraz Bukhari, 3841 Sarah Dr. NW, Concord 5/8/17 Heart on Fire Arts LLC, Jennifer Bruce, 2265 Circle R Rd., Concord 5/9/17 Decks of Heaven A.P. LLC, Anibal Perez-Serrano, 1249 Country View Rd., Concord 5/9/17 New Branch Real Estate Advisors LLC, Doug Donia, 363 Church St. N, Ste. 240, Concord 5/9/17 Red Daisy Boutique LLC, Marissa Grant, 4904 Valley Trail Ct., Concord 5/10/17 Kelly Realty Group LLC, Kelly Ann Davis, 8611 Concord Mills Blvd., #234, Concord 5/10/17 Kingsland Financial Group LLP, Michael Mark King, 1012 Autumn Ln., Concord 5/10/17 Mast Logistics LLC, Mark Steve Mast, 2187 Helen Dr. NW, Concord 5/10/17 Out of Ashes Properties LLC, Johnny Arthur Lowe, 2236 Barrowcliffe Dr. NW, Concord 5/10/17 Zero Effect Productions LLC, Brian M. Babcock, 4827 Stough Rd., Concord 5/11/17 Speciality Delivery & Transportation Services LLC, Tiffany Ings Coe, 2207 Eversham Dr. NW, Concord 5/12/17 619 Sessions Inc., Alberta M. Johnson, 230 Simpson Dr. NE, Concord 5/12/17 J & L Lionheart LLC, James S. Horace, 620 Peigler St. NW, Concord 5/15/17 Frink’s Screenprinting LLC, Camell J. Frink, 4465 Norfleet St., Concord 5/16/17 A Father’s Love Candle Co. LLC, Phillippe Locke, 451 Cook St. NW, Concord 5/16/17 BC National LLC, Brockford Herring, 793 Barossa Valley Dr. NW, Concord 5/16/17 Integral Analytics LLC, Aaron James Hussey, 3707 Bingham Dr. NW, Concord 5/17/17 Alloro Home Care Inc., Zachary M. Moretz, 300 McGill Ave. NW, Ste. 100, Concord

5/17/17 Miranda Auto Repair Services LLC, Francisco J. Miranda, 4801 Fairbluff Rd., Concord 5/17/17 Narrow Way Ministries International, Concord, NC, Robert Lee McGee, 168 Corban Ave. SE, Concord 5/17/17 Specialized Installations LLC, Edgar D. Guzman, 128 Trantham St. SW, Concord 5/18/17 Franklin / Kerr Press LLC, Jordon Greene, 213 Franklin Ave. NW, Concord 5/18/17 Galvan Cleaning Inc., Maria Galvan De Monroy, 74 Summer Ave., Concord 5/18/17 Lovespun LLC, Casssandra Swiger, 1409 Limen Ave. SW, Concord 5/18/17 Slaughter Protective Services LLC, Eric Slaughter, 3304 MBA Ct., Concord 5/19/17 Elizabeth Riley Home Solutions LLC, Lindsey Patton, 6912 Babbling Brook Ln., Concord 5/19/17 Hooptie King LLC, Charles Harrison, 1541 Shadow Creek St. NC, Concord 5/19/17 House of Antonius LLC, William A. Benion, 607 Englewood St. NE, Concord 5/22/17 Morgan Acres Enterprises LLC, Matthew S. Miller, 4688 Owl Creek Ln., Concord 5/23/17 Crystalline Therapeutics LLC, Melanie Campbell-Saunders, 1372 Lloyd Pl. NW, Concord 5/23/17 DRM Auto Sales Inc., Paula Florentino, 263 Sweet Bay Ln. NW, Concord 5/23/17 Extraordinary Measures LLC, James Donald Lassiter, 262 Perennial Dr. NW, Concord 5/23/17 Ginevra Pens LLC, Joshua Rackley, 159 Brookwood Ave. NE #24, Concord 5/23/17 I Cater To You LLC, Latisha Smith, 5240 Binford St. NW, Apt. 203, Concord 5/23/17 Red Branch Investments LLC, Doug Donia, 363 Church St. N, Ste. 240, Concord 5/23/17 Ryde America LLC, David Spellenberg, 3821 Patricia Dr. NW, Concord 5/23/17 Tarheel RV Service LLC, Chad Collins, 2569 Laurelview Dr. NW, Concord

More Cabarrus New Corporations online at www.BusinessTodayNC.com

Mecklenburg County 5/1/17 Clear Vision Dispatching Services LLC, Charmaria Gurley, 3020 Prosperity Church Rd., Ste. 511, Charlotte 28269 5/1/17 DBI International Inc., Terry Duncan, 20334 Pinehurst Dr., Cornelius 5/1/17 GTM properties LLC, Henok Miht Sentu, 5631 Graypark Dr., Charlotte 28269 5/1/17 Kipp & Company LLC, Stefanie W. Kipp, 19511 Sunny Point Ct., Cornelius 5/1/17 Little Units LLC, Paul Carini III, 9237 Heritage Woods Pl., Charlotte 28269 5/1/17 Pro Skills Basketball China LLC, Logan Kosmalski, 16851 Birkdale Commons Pkwy., Apt. A, Huntersville 5/1/17 Pulse Global Logistics LLC, Terrance Grant, 4531 Belmar Place Rd., Charlotte 28269 5/1/17 Starr Car Transport LLC, Michael Castonova, 1406 Baseline Rd., Apt. 422, Charlotte 28262

5/1/17 Studio Coffee LLC, United States Corporation Agents, 13516 Crystal Springs Dr., Huntersville 5/1/17 Super OK Gear LLC, Lavinia V. Adkins, 16315 Belle Isle Dr., Cornelius 5/1/17 TorchBearer Fractional CMOs LLC, Adrienne Craighead, 9300 Harris Glen Dr., Charlotte 28269 5/2/17 1-2-3 Go Fitness LLC, Cristhian L. Maranchello, 17220 Silas Place Dr., Davidson 5/2/17 Advanced Custom Fence Inc., Romilio Juarez Acevedo, 7049 Maple Park Ln., Charlotte 28269 5/2/17 B L Sturm Resale LLC, Bart Sturm, 13217 Ashley Meadow Dr., Charlotte 28213 5/2/17 B L Sturm Trading LLC, Bart Sturm, 13217 Ashley Meadow Dr., Charlotte 28213 5/2/17 Bright Path Pharmaceuticals LLC, John E. Allen Jr., 14632 Holly Springs Dr., Huntersville 5/2/17 Collab Charlotte Inc., Samuel Love, 6534 Heatherbrook Ave., Charlotte 28213 5/2/17 Concrete Butterfly LLC, Jacqueline B. Allen, 8640 University City Blvd., Ste. A3 P M B 223, Charlotte 28213 5/2/17 Core4 Capital LLC, James Harmon, 16204 Autumn Cove Ln., Huntersville 5/2/17 Here for Hair LLC, Weise Huang, 969 Tiger Ln., Charlotte 28262 5/2/17 JKPS Transportation LLC, United States Corporation Agents Inc., 2701 Westbury Lake Dr., Apt. M, Charlotte 28269 5/2/17 SheaMoringa LLC, Helena Giko, 1812 Birch Heights Ct., Charlotte 28213 5/2/17 Sparkle Blue Cleaning Services LLC, Rachael Ba, 5290 Cambridge Bay Dr., Charlotte 28269 5/2/17 Turner Event Planning LLC, Kimberly Turner, 5721 Twin Brook Dr., Charlotte 28269 5/2/17 Wine Direct USA LLC, David Dilworth Scholl, 13841 Helen Benson Blvd., Davidson 5/3/17 Artisan Journey LLC, Nicole S. Jones, 5955 Pale Moss Ln., Charlotte 28269 5/3/17 Bridgewater Insurance Group LLC, Jacob McAreavy, 15801 Pineknoll Ln., Huntersville 5/3/17 Edward Weisiger Jr. LLC, Edward I. Weisiger Jr., 9000 Statesville Rd., Charlotte 28269 5/3/17 Ekeko Distribution Inc., Robert Ageenko, 19116 Statesville Rd., #116, Cornelius 5/3/17 Forged Timber Co. LLC, Jesse C. Jones, 209 Delburg St., Ste. 203, Davidson 5/3/17 JCW Hauling LLC, Jonathan Williams, 4900 Bent Grass Run Dr., Charlotte 28269 5/3/17 Kids’ Kollege Child Development Center LLC, Beverly Irby, 10139 Mayhurst Ct., Charlotte 28213 5/3/17 Lakeview Aerial Photography LLC, Barry S. Nathanson, 8330 Bramfield Dr., Huntersville 5/3/17 McGuirt Hickman Associates LLC, Samaka Hickman Gunther, 10525 Greenhead View Rd., Charlotte 28262 5/3/17 Nasbro Construction LLC, Naqash Choudhery, 12509 Headquarters Farm Rd., Charlotte 28262 5/3/17 Partial Equity Investment Group LLC, Michael D. Hailey, 10827 Hellebore Rd., Charlotte 28213

Business Today

June 2017

17

On The Record 5/3/17 Precision Construction & Remodeling LLC, Elroy Noel, 5730 Coopers Ridge Ln., Charlotte 28269 5/3/17 Robin Bachnik Hair Artistry LLC, Robin Bachnik, 15711 Gallant Ridge Pl., Huntersville 5/3/17 Saveur the Journey LLC, Aaron Schorsch, 640 Lorimer Rd., Davidson 5/3/17 S & G Development of NC LLC, Joseph R. Gaydeski, 12210 Tryon St., Charlotte 28262 5/3/17 Sigmon Lawn & Garden Center of Denver LLC, Brian A. Mahoney, 21000 Torrence Chapel Rd., Ste. 100, Cornelius 5/3/17 Trimz & Co. Styling Bar LLC, John F. Hanzel, 1001 E W T Harris Blvd., Ste. O, Charlotte 28213 5/3/17 Two-0-nine Inc., Connie S. Coleman, 209 Avinger Ln., Davidson 5/3/17 VanwyckMusic LLC, United States Corporation Agents Inc., 3719 Dashiel Dr., Charlotte 28262 5/4/17 Amy’s Pizza Inc., Eman Abdalla, 630 Minglewood Dr., Charlotte 28262 5/4/17 Deshall’s Garden of Life LLC, Deshall Hill, 415 Berkeley Dr., Apt. 1314, Charlotte 282625/10/17 RPM Warrior Capital LP, Raymond Michael Pinkston, 20721 Torrence Chapel Rd., Ste. 102, Cornelius

More Mecklenburg New Corporations online at www.BusinessTodayNC.com

Mooresville 5/1/17 RMI Granite Company Inc., Rudy Franklin Perez-Ortiz, 309 East Pressley Ave. 28115 5/2/17 Berry Tree Service LLC, Brett Berry, 313 Midway Lake Rd. 28115 5/2/17 Brett Suggs Racing & Marketing LLC, Dana K Suggs, 117 Blake Ln. 28117 5/2/17 Creative Blu LLC, Michelle Denee Arnett, 138 Red Brook Ln. 28117 5/2/17 Transcendent Consulting Services LLC, Ajay Sharma, 126 West Warfield Dr. 28115 5/3/17 Endurance Development LLC, Ben Baker, 915 River Hwy. 28117 5/3/17 Jet Fitness 24/7 LLC, Kevin C. Donaldson, 149 Welton Way 28117 5/3/17 Oldest Sister LLC, Stephanie Smith, 122 Lacona Trace 28115 5/3/17 Team Purvis Inc., Angela H. Purvis, 447 West Center Ave. 28115 5/4/17 Amtrust Properties LLC, Donald Skalsky, 101 Egrets Walk Pl. 28117 5/4/17 ComfyPooch by Mindy LLC, Melinda Bartholomew, 201 Town Square Cir., Unit 102 28117 5/4/17 McKinley Edwards Inn LLC, Robert A. Joyner, 219 Williamson Rd., Ste. 2202 28117 5/4/17 Two Scoops LKN LLC, Rich Moyer, 105 Jade Ct. 28117 5/5/17 Amethyst Water LLC, G B K Peabody, 109 Clear Springs Rd. 28115

5/5/17 Kryo Inc., Todd Youngbloood, 144 Talbert Pointe Dr., Ste. 103 28117 5/5/17 Lakeview Window Cleaning LLC, Gumaro Gonzalez, 125 Ensign Pl. 28117 5/5/17 Living Better Life LLC, Bridgel Phifer, 508 Kelly Ave. 28115 5/5/17 Simply Restyled Designs LLC, Megan Reiland, 194 Wellshire St. 28115 5/5/17 Stein Media Inc., Andrew Dean Stein, 106 Langtree Village Dr., Ste. 301 28117 5/5/17 TZP LLC, Jason Barsosky, 124 Chesterwood Ct. 28117 5/8/17 AAA Investments LLC, Kimberly Ammons, 215 Little Creek Rd. 28115 5/8/17 Jim Bradley Aviation LLC, Jimmy Bradley, 200 Cove Creek Loop 28117 5/8/17 MA Haskett Consulting LLC, Mary Ann Haskett, 148 Nesting Quail Ln. 28117 5/8/17 Quarter Circle A LLC, Jimmy R. Hicks, 176 Sunrise Cir. 28117 5/8/17 TechTrax Inc., Stephen Komorek, 179 Gasoline Alley, Ste. 106 28117 5/9/17 Silverthorn Group LLC, Jason Silverthorn, 533 Canvasback Rd. 28117 5/9/17 Sugar Magnolia LLC, Lee M. Robinson, 112 Maddaket Loop 28117 5/10/17 Debra James DVM, Veterinary Relief Services Inc., Debra James, 131 Cove Creek Loop 28117 5/10/17 healthy Integrative Aging LLC, Michelle Stowe Ong, 192 Queens Cove Rd. 28117

5/10/17 Undercover Systems of North Carolina Inc., Mark S. McInnis, 1040 Fern Hill Rd. 28117 5/12/17 Musicare Inc., Aimee Moore, 158 Wood Acre Dr. 28115 5/15/17 EZR Tech LLC, Nelson R. Espinal, 200 Flanders Dr. 28117 5/16/17 Artz Enterprise LLC, Steven Jonathan Artz Jr., 201 Clear Creek Ln. 28115 5/16/17 Nickels for Nutrition Inc., Amanda Ver Meer, 142 Scotland Dr. 28115 5/17/17 Creative Satellite Inc., Neal Forbes, 920 Cornelius Rd. 28117 5/17/17 Golden Arches Aviation LLC, Kurt H. Karnatz, 112 Castle Bay Ct. 28117 5/17/17 Urgenci Atlantic LLC, Christina L. Tomasco, 105 Misty Cove Ln. 28117 5/18/17 OIB Islander Villas 4E LLC, Mario Nicholas Saragoni, 132 Mackinac Dr. 28117 5/19/17 4702 Carmel Vista LLC, George E. Godwin, 145 Hunters Pointe Ln. 28117 5/19/17 505 North Church LLC, George E. Godwin, 145 Hunters Pointe Ln. 28117 5/19/17 Buopp International LLC, David Franco, 117 Sundown Cove Dr. 28117 5/19/17 DJ’s Custom Show Apparel LLC, Todd Jason Farlow, 114 Morlake Dr., Ste. 203 28117

More Mooresville New Corporations online at www.BusinessTodayNC.com

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Business Today

18 June 2017

LAKE

from page 1

On May 11, the Mooresville Planning Board approved a rezoning request from developer Hinckley Gauvain to rezone the property from R-3 single-family residential to CMX corridor mixed use and NMX neighborhood mixed use.

Before a packed meeting room, local residents concerned with the disruption, the amount of traffic and the environmental impact the proposed development could bring the area spoke against the project during the meeting’s public comment period.

A public hearing on the proposed development is scheduled for 6 p.m. June 5 during a Mooresville Board of Commissioners meeting.

Knox is unsure how large an impact the commercial aspect of the proposed Lake Davidson project will have because, historically, past developers have come back to town planning boards to add more residential housing after realizing large retail properties may be unsuccessful.

“Right now, it’s Disney World,” said Knox, of the Lake Davidson project’s current scope. “Hopefully, it’s dialed back to some place of normalcy that looks like a subdivision and has some shopping for the residents.”

Knox’s biggest fear is the development moves forward with zero commercial space.

“I don’t think building 1,000 houses creates anything but 1,000 houses and 2,000 cars and 4,000 residents,” said Knox.

Although Knox’s family owns 10 acres of land across the street from this proposed development, that doesn’t mean he is a proponent of the plan.

He is worried about increased traffic coming off Interstate 77 and clogging the streets of Davidson, he said.

Donna Sintay, broker-in-charge at Keller Williams Realty on Morlake Drive in Mooresville, agreed that the major challenge to the Lake Davidson project is the area’s infrastructure needs.

An east-west connector from Langtree Road to N.C. 115 is currently in development to help ease congestion in this part of the county.

While traffic will most likely increase with the proposed project, the construction of town homes, condos, apartments and single-family homes would bring more housing options to the area.

Sintay said she has clients who initially want to live in Davidson but then can’t find the type of home they are looking for or realize the cost of the homes is too high there.

“If we can give them more options, it just helps them make a more intelligent decision about their future,” said Sintay.

Multi-use sites with residential and commercial zoning is a “huge draw” trending across the area now, especially in communities where residents can bike or walk to restaurants, shops and other forms of entertainment, Sintay said.

“That is definitely the trend,” Sintay said. “I see it everywhere.”

Mooresville Mayor Miles Atkins said the town is pursuing its vision of a mixture of high-end corporate, office and residential uses designed to reduce vehicle miles traveled.

“The current proposed development site is a small part of a larger economic development strategy for the whole peninsula area leveraging the Langtree development and the Lowe’s corporate campus heading towards the county line,” Atkins said.

Knox, who said he is “pro smartgrowth,” added that Mooresville, still a partial bedroom community of Charlotte, isn’t the only location seeing growth.

The whole metro-Charlotte area is seeing tremendous growth since the 2007 recession shut down new construction virtually across the city.

But whether this growth is good for Mooresville is still up in the air.

“I don’t know at this juncture that this Lake Davidson thing is the right thing,” said Knox. “It could be a good thing for Mooresville. I don’t think it’s going to be an economic windfall for Mooresville.

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Business Today

HIRE ED

June 2017

19

from page 1

degree is more affordable than at traditional colleges.

“While we have a lot of students who transfer to four-year colleges and universities, more than one-half of CPCC students come here for education/training for a specific career,” said Jeff Lowrance, public information officer and special assistant to the president at Central Piedmont Community College in Charlotte. “That means when they leave here they usually move right into a job.”

All of the college’s programs have advisory committees of local employers who help ensure CPCC is teaching the skills employers want, said Lowrance.

Recently, for example, Novant Health partnered with CPCC to develop a new training program for biomedical equipment engineers: specialists who maintain digital measuring equipment for health care facilities.

The trend toward job training is mutually beneficial for students and employers, many of whom have created training and apprenticeship programs in order to fill “middle-skills” jobs in manufacturing. Graduates of these three- to four-year programs earn an associate’s degree, a journeyman’s certificate—and a job.

So far, CPCC has graduated more than 150 apprentices who are working with its partner companies, Siemens and Cummins, as well as several other manufacturers. The school is also developing apprenticeships in IT and other sectors.

Job training is crucial. Experts project that by 2020 two-thirds of jobs will require some kind of education or training beyond high school.

But philosophy of education varies from school to school, and many employers expect the well-rounded, critically thinking employees typically produced by liberal arts programs.

“Demands for career-focused training are growing, even as experts argue that the skills of a liberal arts education are becoming increasingly important,” said Blumenstyk.

Data from the College Board show that median earnings for those with a bachelor’s degree are 65 percent higher over a 40-year career than for those with just a high school diploma. The unemployment rate is about half for degree-holders.

But with student loan debt in the U. S. topping $1 trillion, students must decide

whether a bachelor’s degree is worth the long-term benefits.

The College Board’s Trends in College Pricing 2016 report listed average tuition and fees for in-state students at public universities at $20,090. For private institutions, average total yearly charges are $45,370.

Legislators are working toward helping prospective students navigate the college market in order to make the best return on investment. The bi-partisan College Transparency Act, introduced in May by Senators Orrin Hatch, Elizabeth Warren, Bill Cassidy and Sheldon Whitehouse, aims to modernize postsecondary data reporting in order to provide greater transparency on schools’ enrollment, degree completion rates and post-college success while maintaining individual privacy.

A recent survey b ​y​Washington think tank New America found that a majority of Americans believe colleges prioritize their own long-term interests over those of the students attending these institutions. In the same survey, 82 percent of respondents said that community colleges are worth the cost—compared to 61 percent who said the same about four-year colleges.

That means traditional four-year schools, like Davidson College, where a year’s tuition, room and board total more than $60,000, must also think more in terms of real-world applica-

tions in order to justify the cost of a liberal arts education.

In 2014, Davidson College President Carol Quillen formed the Task Force for Experiential Learning to evaluate

how study abroad, internship and other “real-world experience” programs help graduates become problem-solvers who transition easily into global citizenship. The final report, published in August 2016, aims to prepare students not only for employment, but also for service, leadership, and “disproportionate impact.”

As for affordability, Davidson pioneered a program called The Davidson Trust, a commitment to meet 100 percent of students’ calculated need through a combination of campus employment and grants. The college reports that about 51 percent of its students receive need-based aid.

While Davidson’s tree-lined campus evokes a bygone era in which college life was isolated from the rough-andtumble of the real world, the college’s recent initiatives underscore what the modern college market is about.

Whether the overarching educational philosophy of a school tends toward liberal arts or job training, competitiveness will depend most on two factors: experiential learning and affordability.

Business Today

20 June 2017

hot ProPerties

Lake Norman Coin Shop We buy U.S. Coins and Currency Buy - Sell - Appraisals Mike Young 19905 W. Catawba Ave. Suite 106 Cornelius, NC 28031 (704) 895-6884

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136 Bridle Path Lane in Mooresville sold for $960,000.

In Huntersville

A four-bedroom lakefront home in The Cape has sold for $975,000 after being listed at $1.08 million by Dixie Dean with Allen Tate. The house, at 13922 Clarendon Pointe Ct., is taxed on $753,000.

The house has a total of 4,627 square feet of heated living area, as well as a two-car garage, exceptional gardens and a dock.

It was on the market almost 10 months.

There’s a two-story great room and a gourmet kitchen. The Cape is off Hagers

Ferry which is a nice shot down Beattie’s Ford to Charlotte. Sunny Yates with Keller Williams represented the buyers.

In Cornelius

A 3,600-square-foot Tudor at 18521 Balmore Pines Lane in The Peninsula has sold for $700,000 after being listed by Dixie Dean with Allen Tate.

On the market just two weeks, the 25-year-old golf course house has been

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13922 Clarendon Pointe Court in Huntersville sold for $975,000.

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18521 Balmore Pines Lane in Cornelius sold for $700,000.

Business Today

June 2017

21

Hot Properties

Taylor Morrison launching 3rd neighborhood in LKN National homebuilder Taylor Morrison is opening Stafford at Langtree, its 12th community in the Charlotte region and its third in Lake Norman. Homes are priced in the high $200s to the mid-$300s. The homebuilder says the Trillium community in Mooresville is nearly sold out, while the Cobblestone Manor community in Huntersville is now in its final phase.

Strong net in-migration is making Charlotte a go-to market for national homebuilders. Taylor Morrison entered the market when it acquired the Charlotte division of Orleans Homebuilders in 2015. At the time of the acquisition, Orleans had seven active communities in the region, and since then Taylor Morrison has grown to 14 communities here. Four are expected to open later this year or in early 2018.

“The Lake Norman market has been a great growth story for us,” said Kevin Granelli, Charlotte division president for Taylor Morrison.

The Charlotte division closed on 245 homes in 2016, up from about 190 in 2015. “We’re very pleased with our land position and the momentum we’ve experienced here, and we want to stay on that growth path,” Granelli said.

updated with warm hardwoods, door hardware and subway tile on the kitchen backsplash. There’s a main floor office, and the screened porch overlooks the eighth tee. Arlene Arciero with Southern Homes of the Carolinas represented the buyers. The tax assessment is $452,400.

••• A 3,871 square-foot house at 18633

Square Sail in The Peninsula has sold for $725,000 after being listed at $850,000

by Terri Mayhew of Re/Max Executive. The house, which was on the market three months, has a full master suite as well as three more bedrooms, each with their own baths. The tax value of the all-brick home is $593,000. Karen Russo of Coldwell Banker brought the buyers to the closing table.

In Mooresville

An equestrian property on nearly 9 acres near the Bridle Path subdivision—but not in it—has sold for $960,000 after being listed at $1.1 million two months ago by Maria Jacobs with Lake Norman Realty. The 4,600 square foot home comes complete with 100-year-old solid pine floors, a swank master retreat and a two-story great room with a stacked stone fireplace. There is a barn with a tack room, and the property is fenced. Laurie Marzano with Laurie Lawrence Real Estate represented the buyers.

In Davidson

18616 Hammock Lane in River Run in Davidson sold for $757,000.

A 4,620 square-foot home at 18616 Hammock Lane in River Run has sold for $757,000 after being listed at $765,000 by Nancy Vendley with Allen Tate in Davidson a month earlier.

The house overlooks a pond and nature trails. There’s a third utility garage as well as a Wolf oven and range in the remodeled kitchen. The selling agent was Jeanette Galliher, also with Allen Tate. The tax value is $542,000.

In Sherrills Ford

9190 Sherbourne Lane in Sherrills Ford sold for $1,300,000.

A 5,900 square foot house at 9190 Sherbourne Lane in the Northview Harbor subdivision has sold for $1.3 million after being listed at $1.389 million by Laura Chilcoat with Lake Norman Agents. Richie Tomasini with Lake Norman Realty was the buyer’s representative. The lakefront house has its own pool, hot top and a natural sand beach as well as a covered boat slip and a three-car garage. Interestingly, the master bath was “de-golded” in keeping with the simpler tastes of 2017. The tax value, even without the gold, is $1.256 million.

Q

: I have bought property in other states, and my closing was not conducted by a real estate attorney. Why does North Carolina require that an attorney conduct a real estate closing?

A

: Many aspects of real estate law are State specific. North Carolina has a somewhat unique system that involves a real estate attorney searching and opining on the state of the property’s title to an independent title insurance company or agency. The title insurance company then issues the title insurance commitment or policy, while the real estate attorney conducts the closing, handling of funds, and recording of the documents. A few advantages of the North Carolina JACKSON approved attorney system are: 1. Cost – Involvement of an attorney in the process keeps the overall cost of the transaction down 2. Legal Representation – Attorneys are able to provide legal advice during the closing process 3. Oversight of Attorneys - Attorneys are closely regulated by the State Bar and General Statutes, and most carry malpractice insurance.

4. Oversight of Attorney Trust Accounts - Attorneys’ trust accounts are regulated by both the State Bar and the North Carolina Good Funds Settlement Act These are just a sample of the many benefits to closing your real estate transaction with an approved real estate attorney.

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704-348-2866 www.mastertitleagency.com

Business Today

22 June 2017

editor’s notebooK

Local news is good for business, for community

BY DAVE YOCHUM

I had an interesting conversation with Joe Vagnone, a business broker based in Cornelius, and an advertiser in Business Today: I asked Joe why he advertises with us.

“You provide real news and information. You stand behind what you say and do. You are totally responsible for what you write…you will be around tomorrow…you support and defend your brand every day…”

As a journalist, I don’t normally think in those terms, but Joe’s words really moved me. “Defending your brand.” I believe that on a fundamental level; we don’t mess around with what we do.

We do this in spite of what looks like a drive to meaningless information on the internet, fake news and an onslaught of event marketing where the law of diminishing returns is in effect.

We’ve noticed the marketplace turning away from print media in favor of putting logos on anything that moves. Sometimes the press release is bigger than the event.

I’ve also noticed news outlets jump on press releases to fill news space—because they’ve cut their reporting staffs to the bone. IMHO, they’re digging their own graves because no one reads press releases except the PR people and the client.

We get press releases with names

spelled incorrectly, about events that have already happened,about self-published books no one will read and that are more self-serving than a mailbox stuffer.

Nevertheless, some publications get press releases out so fast your head will spin. Bam, they have “breaking” news that is unreported, not vetted.

One organization churns out press releases so fast they don’t always get the media greeting right. It’s always “Hi there.” But they did a bad copy and paste when they said “Happy New Year there.” I got a laugh and deleted, as usual. Of course, some PR people know what they’re doing. Kannapolis’ Annette Privette is as good as it gets; also Jeff Lowrance at Central Piedmont Community College.

What’s interesting to consider is that a news outlet could have sold an advertising and marketing program, but instead they ran a less than meaningful press release, foregoing revenue, and further reducing their newsroom budget and staff. It’s a shame. Realize the Observer no longer has a bureau in Lake Norman.

It was of course a budget decision, based on lack of revenue. Real news and scrutiny of government suffered, resulting in a 50-year, 1,000 page contract with a foreign company to build new toll lanes on I-77.

Some publications are full of press releases, or stories written by adver-

tisers. If you want meaningful news that advances local knowledge, you’re not going to get it in a PRdriven or marketing-driven publication. Honestly, what you do get is an ill-conceived toll plan on 77.

The business community almost wholeheartedly supported us when we threw light on the anti-toll movement. Joe said it looked like the wrong thing for us to do at the time. But I believe publications online and in print should stand for something. They should be all about their communities, and pump the jam upward with a native optimism, not pessimism.

Good ones will let you disagree and give you a forum. Local news operations are good things and they’re proud of their communities, without being mindless tubthumpers. You’re not going to get real news from online rant-n-slash forums. Real news outlets help a community’s brand. We’re proud of where we work and publish.

That’s not to say we’re opposed to all press releases by any means.

But those that are clearly advertising, well, they’re going to be discarded. We do like press releases on new buildings, expansions into new markets, sizable leases, new executive level personnel and quarterly earnings as well as annual meetings. If you have a story idea, we’re glad to talk.

Book Review: Predictive Analytics Predictive analytics (PA) is a concept that’s both undeniably powerful and potentially creepy. This branch of computer science combines big data with statistics to foretell what you might buy, how you might vote or when you might die. Author and predictive analytics guru Eric Siegel is an unabashed cheerleader for his discipline, and he mostly brushes off the privacy concerns it raises. But

that’s not to dismiss his study, which is engagingly written and elegantly translates dense materials and abstract concepts into easy-to-read prose. Siegel draws on a number of real-world examples from well-known companies, including Target, Hewlett-Packard and Chase Bank, and he describes his own experience as an expert consultant on predictive analytics. The result is an enlightening, plainly written guide. getAb-

stract recommends his PA overview to managers and investors seeking insight into a fast-growing corner of the tech economy.

Eric Siegel. Predictive Analytics: The Power to Predict Who Will Click, Buy, Lie, or Die. Wiley, 2016. 332 pages. ISBN-13: 9781119145677. getAbstract is the leading provider of business book summaries, with thousands of titles covered. www.getabstract.com

Editor Dave Yochum nebiztoday@gmail.com Sales & Marketing Director Gail Williams gail.todaypubs@gmail.com Account Executive Rose Schell-Wilson rose.todaypubs@gmail.com Production Director David Beard production.todaypubs@gmail.com Contributing Writers Erica Batten, Cheryl Kane, Dave Vieser, Cathryn Piccirillo Sherman, Kate Stevens Phone 704-895-1335 The entirety of this newspaper is copyrighted by Business Today, LLC 2016 with all rights reserved. Reproduction or use without permission of any content is prohibited. Business Today is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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13

Thank you

2017

Sponsors!

• Provide a full day of fun for kids in Big Brothers Big Sisters • Raise money for an efficiently run non-profit • Recruit mentors for children in BBBS

Bill & Ericka Cain Rotary Club of North Mecklenburg

Nancy & Randy Cameron

Commander: AlphaGraphics of Lake Norman • John and Shea Bradford • Charlotte Ear Eye Nose and Throat Associates - Dr. Michael Miltich • Dobi Financial Group • Jim and Carolyn Duke • Brian Harris and Scarlett Hays • KS Audio Video - Ken Ziegler • Shelley Johnson and Craig LePage • Lake Norman Realty - Abigail Jennings • The McIntosh Law Firm • Payroll Plus • Rose Associates - Kathleen Rose • Troy and Della Stafford • Jeff and Nancy Tarte • Dirk & Heidi Tischer • Brian and Tricia Sisson & Erica Erlenbach Friends: John and Nancy Aneralla • Chris and Sally Ashworth • Rod Beard • Chaz Beasley • Law firm of Bentz and Associates - Catherine Bentz • Blair and Margaret Boggs • Crafty Burg’r • Dixie Dean • Dresslers Restaurant • Tom and Ann Dutton • Angela Higbea • Rusty Knox • Rhonda Lennon • Thurman Ross • Jennifer Stoops • Washam Properties - Woody & Sharon Washam Food and Beverage Vendors: Alton’s Kitchen and Cocktails, Big Bite’z, Brickhouse Tavern / Port City Club, Brixx Wood Fired Pizza, Bruster’s Ice Cream, Herrin Brothers Ice, Mama’s Pizza Express, Tenders Fresh Food

Supported by

and

for 13 years

$1,199,000 | The Peninsula | 0.54 acres On Golf Course | 3 Car Garage | Room for a pool

UNDER CONTRACT!

UNDER CONTRACT!

$929,000 | The Peninsula | On Golf Course Master on Main | Great Kitchen

$1,149,000 | Waterfront | Cornelius Private Dock| Built in 2003 | 4261 sq ft

$2,399,000 | Waterfront | 1.87 acres Amazing Covered Porches | Private Dock

$3,499,000 | Waterfront | Cornelius Private Dock | 4 Car Garage

PRICE REDUCED

PRICE REDUCED

$2,099,000 | Waterfront | 8000+ sq ft | 4 Car Garage | The Peninsula

$1,910,000 | Waterfront | 3 Levels | Master on Main Cornelius| Pool & Hot Tub | Amazing Kitchen

NEW LISTING!

NEW LISTING!

$479,000| Highrise Condo | 1207 sq ft | 230 South Tryon Charlotte | Concierge

$1,250,000| Waterfront Lot | Private Dock | The Peninsula

PRICE REDUCED

$1,699,000| Waterfront | The Peninsula | Amazing Views | .56 acres

$380,000 - $659,000 Waterfront Lots - Call for Details

$2,900,000 | 8486 sq ft | Pool & Hot Tub Gated Community | 7 Car Garage

Lance Carlyle 704-252-0237

Marci Carlyle 704-451-8399

Jim Carlyle 704-252-3047

Terry Donahue 321-402-8543

Terry Byars 704-728-9775

Jim Grywalski 704-236-9899

Al Strickland 704-201-7244

Tammy Godwin 704-650-0296

Michael Green 704-954-4489

19520 W Catawba Ave Suite 113 | Cornelius, NC 28031 | 704-895-4676 Office | www.CarlyleProperties.com