MATTHEWS – The Matthews Human Services Council has presented Sandra Conway with the Nancy Glenn Community Servant Award. Conway serves as executive director for the Matthews HELP Center, directing a staff of 17 people and 400 weekly volunteers.
“When our neighbors walk through our doors facing a
crisis, it’s our collective team that provides support, safety, resources and, most importantly hope,” Conway said. “This honor is a direct reflection of their hard work, their sacrifices and their unwavering compassion.”
Bill Helms, president of the Matthews Human Services
CHARLOTTE – Diners can treat themselves
to three-course menus at more than 120 restaurants from July 24 to Aug. 2 during Queen’s Feast: Charlotte Restaurant Week.
Restaurants across the metro area will showcase their cuisine via multi-course dining deals, ranging from $30 to $55 per person. Customers can visit CharlotteRestaurantWeek. com to view the list of participating restaurants and their special Queen’s Feast menus and make reservations.
Participating restaurants this month can be found in nine counties, including Cabarrus, Gaston, Cleveland, Union, Lincoln, Catawba, Stanly and York. Several neighborhoods in the South Charlotte area are represented, such as Arboretum, Ballantyne/Stonecrest, Providence Crossing/Waverly and SouthPark.
This month’s restaurant lineup features 11 first-time participants, including Italo and Packard Tavern in Uptown; Frida’s Mexican Cantina in Pineville; Half Shell Raw Bar in South End; Henrietta’s in LoSo; Reid’s Fine Foods in Ballantyne; Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar in Promenade on Providence and X Brazilian Steakhouse in MoRa.
The semi-annual Charlotte Restaurant Week provides restaurants a spotlight for their food and hospitality. Participating restaurants see trial business from local diners checking out new places as well as visitor traffic every January and July.
“Queen’s Feast gives diners the perfect reason to trade the same old routine for a fresh table and a great meal,” said Bruce Hensley, a partner in Hensley Fontana Public Relations,
by Alan Wooten Contributor
(The Center Square) – An environmental oversight program in North Carolina created in 2007 hasn’t investigated nearly 8 in 10 landfills, a state audit says, and 80% of those sites are within 1,000 feet of homes, schools, daycares, churches or drinking water wells.
The performance audit analyzed the Department of Environmental Quality’s Pre-Regulatory Landfill Program. Identified were 688 landfill sites where municipal solid waste disposal occurred without regulatory oversight, including 534 never investigated by the department’s program.
In the Division of Waste Management, the program was created 19 years ago to identify, assess and remediate sites that accepted a wide range of waste prior to 1983. That’s the demarcation point for what are considered modern environmental regulations.
“The Pre-Regulatory Landfill Program is a complex issue that creates challenges from a regulatory, legal, funding and administrative standpoint,” N.C. Auditor
Dave Boliek said. “But the bottom line is there are hundreds of potentially hazardous
Council, said that under Conway’s leadership, the Matthews HELP Center has provided food, housing and transportation assistance to those in need, including unemployed and displaced families. Conway used words from her nonprofit’s founders, June Hamrick and Iris DeVore, to echo the importance of volunteers. She also credited the award’s namesake, Nancy Glenn.
“She poured her soul, her time
Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar in Promenade on Providence is a first-time participant. Photos courtesy of Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar
which owns and operates the promotion.
“Whether you want to get fancy or have some laid-back fun, we have restaurants of all vibes ready to roll out the red carpet and become your new favorite.” On the web: charlotterestaurantweek.com
landfill sites across North Carolina, and despite tax dollars supporting a program meant to investigate these sites, 78% haven’t been examined. This audit lays out the facts, giving taxpayers a reliable update on a longstanding government issue.”
Boliek’s office said program management estimates an average cost to investigate, assess and remediate a site at $1.9 million. Applied to uninvestigated sites, the cost would be in the $1 billion neighborhood.
Over 19 years, 97 sites have been probed – or about two per year. The Division of Environmental Quality secured 370 acres of waste, sampled 1,642 water supply wells and provided alternate water to 30 homes.
Local landfills ranked by risk priority The report showed risk priority scores for 688 landfills in North Carolina as of April 2025. The scores determine which sites are prioritized for investigation, based on historical information and surrounding land uses, such as homes and schools. Other factors include landfill size and proximity to wells.
Conway wins community service award
and her boundless energy into supporting our local nonprofits,” Conway said, noting it was humbling and inspiring to receive an award that preserves Glenn’s spirit.
KT Harcourt-Medina, vice president of the council, said Glenn helped those in need by supporting many nonprofits and the award is presented annually to someone who demonstrates such “inspiration, dedication and commitment” to the Matthews
Queen's Feast
Charlotte Restaurant Week returns for summer
Participating Restaurants Some of the restaurants in The Weekly’s coverage area include:
• Ballantyne/Stonecrest: C&W Steakhouse, Hestia Rooftop, Juniper Grill, Napa Bistro & Wine Bar, North Italia, Olde Mecklenburg Brewery, Reid’s Fine Foods, Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar, Tap & Vine and The Club House Bites & Booze.
• SouthPark: Aqua e Vino, Cafe Monte French Bakery and Bistro, Calle Sol Latin Café & Cevicheria, Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse, DTR, Mizu, Moon Thai & Japanese Restaurant, Oak Steakhouse, Palm Restaurant, Red Rocks Cafe, Ruth’s Chris Steak House and Southern Pecan Gulf Coast Kitchen.
• Pineville: Frida’s Mexican Cantina; Margaux’s Wine, Pizza & Market; and The Garrison, A Cocktail Bar & Restaurant.
• Indian Trail: Tap & Vine.
Audit: Nearly 8 in 10 landfills haven't been investigated
area and nonprofit community.
“At the end of the day, our work at the Matthews HELP Center is fueled by two simple things: a deep compassion and love for this community,” Conway said. “This award is a spark and a reminder of why we do what we do, and a call to action to keep pushing forward, finding new ways to serve and ensuring that every neighbor in the greater Matthews community has a place of dignity to turn to when they need a helping hand.”
Mayor not a fan of new state law
by Justin Vick justin@cmgweekly.com
MATTHEWS – Don’t expect Matthews Mayor John Higdon to lead any pep rallies for a state law that prevents local governments from setting minimum parking requirements for development.
House Bill 162, which also includes some tweaks to stormwater rules, was signed into law July 7 with nearly unanimous support from both chambers of the N.C. General Assembly. Sen. Todd Johnson and Rep. David Willis recorded absences during the vote (Willis was one of several sponsors) but everyone else representing Mecklenburg or Union counties voted for the bill.
“This is another example of local control being taken away,” Higdon said during the July 13 town commissioners meeting.
“That’s a really silly bill, in my opinion, because it could have a lot of really bad unintended consequences.”
The issue came up during the Matthews meeting because town staff had been working with Charlotte Allstar Gymnastics and Cheerleading on a text amendment that would reduce parking requirements for privately owned indoor sports instruction facilities. A public hearing was scheduled for July 13.
With the law taking effect in January 2027, town staff had discussions with Town Attorney Daniel Peterson about what to do. They went ahead with the public hearing.
Charlotte Allstar Gymnastics and Cheerleading, which has been serving the area for more than 30 years, plans to relocate from Monroe Road to Independence Commerce Drive.
Getting the text amendment moves the company closer to obtaining permits so it can start construction at the new site, according to Brittany Lins, a partner at Charlotte-based Alexander Ricks PLLC.
The proposed text amendment calls for one space per 300 square feet of gross floor area.
“The old rule was that we would need about 250 spaces,” company founder Kevin Brewbaker said. “We’ve never used more than 100. In our new space, we’d still have 125 spaces. So we’re still going to have parking. We just don’t need 250 spaces of parking.”
Town staff and planning board are recommending approval of the text amendment. Commissioners are scheduled to hold a vote in August.
“I guess at this point we’re at your mercy to build that many you think you need,” Higdon told the applicant. “My concern is if there’s not enough, then people tend to park illegally. They park in the street. They cause accidents.”
Conway
Higdon
I saw this trick on 'Shark Tank'
by Tony Marciano Columnist
ack in May, I entered a cardboard boat race that was held in Cornelius. I was so excited. I filled my garage with all kinds of cardboard. Different sizes and thicknesses.
I googled how to make a cardboard boat. The person talked about drawing all these lines for both cuts and folds. If you followed his plans, you would have a wonderful boat. It looked like too much work. I did what all men do when something comes with instructions: I threw them out and “winged it.”
I had no idea what I was doing. I had a base and made a wall on all four sides. It looked like an old fashioned metal bath tub. It could work, but probably not well.
Next, I put a bow on this tub. I wanted it to look like an ocean -going boat with a sharp point that would cut through the highest of waves. That didn’t work either. I couldn’t figure out the folds so it looked more like a Jon boat.
We were allowed to paint it with exterior latex paint. I grabbed a can from my favorite big box home improvement store (you figure out which one I am referring to) and bought a gallon of “oops” paint. It was latex. It was exterior. It was military green. It was cheap. I bought it. When I started painting the cardboard, it soaked up the paint. I knew I’d have to add a second and a third coat of paint. Here was my dilemma.
I’ve done a lot of painting throughout my life. I grew up in a home where the heating system was hot water pipes in the ceiling. It was called “radiant heating.” I called it “crack the ceiling every winter heating.” My father hated painting. Somehow, at a very young and tender age (OK –maybe not so young and tender), I was given a ladder, a container of spackling and a blade to repair the
ceiling. This followed with being given a roller and being told to paint it.
I learned to wash out my brushes and roller after every use. Since I had painted the card boat with a brush, I tried to wipe out the excess paint onto it. I knew there was still paint in the brush. My learned behavior was to wash it out in the sink and watch all that paint go down the drain. Instead, I hearkened (good word but no one knows what it means) back to an episode of “Shark Tank.” The contestants. made a bag that you put your wet brush inside. It was airproofed. The brush didn’t dry out. Could I do the same without spending money (hey, I’m cheap)?
I took a sealable bag and put the brush inside of it. I squeezed out the air. I sealed it with the “zip” connection. Then I took blue masking tape and sealed the opening.
It worked. Not only did I do this during the time I painted the boat, but I also left the brush in the bag for weeks and it stayed soft. It never dried out.
Sometimes, you just have to try something new. You may risk failure while also risking success. Confidence doesn’t grow by thinking ourselves into doing new things. Courage isn’t something that can be injected into you. We have to try new things. When we do, it sends a message to our brain, “I can do that.”
Step out of your comfort zone. Risk failure. Risk people laughing at you for trying. Also risk success. You miss 100% of the attempts you never try. I’ll be back soon. Until then, live well, my friend.
The Rev. Tony Marciano is available to speak to your group. DM him on Facebook.
Spectrum grants support digital learning
CHARLOTTE – Three Charlotte nonprofits received $65,000 in Spectrum Digital Education grants for their digital literacy programming.
The Center for Digital Equity at Queens University of Charlotte received $25,000, E2D was awarded $25,000 and Grace Mar Services received $15,000.
The Center for Digital Equity at Queens University of Charlotte will use funding for ConnectTech, a digital inclusion program. This project will equip underserved residents with essential technology skills in partnership with INLIVIAN/ CORE. Participants complete up to nine hours of handson training in computer
basics, internet navigation, email, file management and cybersecurity. E2D will continue to use funding for the Connect the Home Insecure program in Buncombe and Mecklenburg counties. In Mecklenburg County, laptops will support individuals and families residing in shelters, transitional housing programs and schoolidentified housing instability situations.
Grace Mar Services will expand its AI program to provide equitable access to AI education, training and certification for individuals from marginalized communities. Participants gain practical AI knowledge, hands-on skills and exposure
to real-world workplace and business applications through free instruction delivered weekly at libraries, institutional partnerships and correctional settings.
“Technology is a powerful equalizer, but only if people have access to a computer and then know how to use it,” said Rahman Khan, group vice president of community impact at Spectrum. “Through Spectrum Digital Education, we’re helping our nonprofit partners turn connectivity into real opportunities for their communities, from education and employment to everyday connection and independence.”
CRTPO seeks public input
CHARLOTTE
– The Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization opened a 30-day public comment period, beginning July 16, requesting public input on the local point allocation for projects on the draft Regional Impact and Division Needs projects lists for Iredell, Mecklenburg and Union counties.
This is the final public comment period prior to the release of the draft 2028-2037 Transportation Improvement Program. Prioritization 8.0 is the name of the process administered by the North Carolina Department of Transportation to develop the 2028-2037 TIP. The public comment period will be open until 5 p.m. Aug. 14.
Highway, aviation, bicycle and pedestrian, rail and transit projects are all represented on the draft lists and maps proposed for Regional Impact and Division Needs local input point assignment, and can be found on the CRTPO TIP website page. Regional Impact highway projects consist of U.S. and North Carolina routes (i.e., U.S. 21, U.S. 521, N.C. 49, and N.C. 200); transit and rail projects. Division Needs highway projects consist of all secondary roads and federal-aid eligible local roads (i.e., Langtree Road, Ballantyne Commons Parkway, and Wesley Chapel-Stouts Road); bicycle and pedestrian, rail, and transit.
NCDOT has developed quantitative scores
for transportation projects submitted by Metropolitan Planning Organizations, Rural Planning Organizations and NCDOT Divisions, according to formulas established under the Strategic Transportation Investments law. The STI law is a data-driven approach to develop the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program and its local counterpart, the locally adopted Metropolitan TIP.
The CRTPO has 2,500 local input points to allocate to its projects within the Regional Impact tier and an additional 2,500 points to allocate within the Division Needs tier of STI. The STI legislation specifies that MPOs, RPOs and NCDOT Division offices must adhere to their adopted methodologies to the greatest extent possible when assigning local input points.
Residents may provide comments by email, regular mail, and verbally during a CRTPO board meeting.
• Email: email@crtpo.org
Regular mail: CRTPO, CharlotteMecklenburg Government Center, 600 E. 4th St., 8th floor, Charlotte, NC 28202
Verbal comments: Verbal comments can be provided during the Aug. 19 CRTPO board meeting at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center (room 267), 600 E. 4th St.
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Matthews Library. Register at the train desk within 15 minutes of the program. cmlibrary.org/ locations/Matthews
9:15-9:45 or 10:15-10:45 a.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews
Paws to Read Children ages 5-11 read to a volunteer therapy dog at Matthews Library. Sign up for a 15-minute session upon arrival. Registration opens 15 minutes before the first session. cmlibrary.org/
locations/Matthews
3:30-4:30 p.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews
July 21 Veteran Cafe Veterans can meet others at the Mint Hill Community Center. Register in advance at minthill.recdesk.com.
9 a.m.-noon; 11524 Bain School Road, Mint Hill
Craft & Chat Artists and crafters can socialize while working on projects at the Mint Hill Community Center. Register in advance at minthill.recdesk.com.
6-8 p.m.; 11524 Bain School Road, Mint Hill
July 22
Rookie Science Children ages 5-12 learn about the ocean and create a no-maintenance aquarium at Mint Hill Library. cmlibrary.org/locations/Mint-Hill
2-3 p.m.; 6840 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill
Professor WhizzPop Charlotte Mecklenburg Library presents Professor WhizzPop at Matthews Library. Children ages 5-11 engage in dinosaur-related activities. Register in advance at cmlibrary.org/
locations/Matthews
Selective accountability: When principles depend on the politics
Act?
by Ken McCool Former Elected Official
Recently, Mecklenburg County residents began paying the new 1% local sales tax authorized by the PAVE Act. Families across Mecklenburg County will pay more on every purchase. Yet one of the most significant promises tied to that legislation, transformational transit for South Mecklenburg, was removed from the final bill. Taxpayers, especially those in House District 105, are now paying more while receiving less than promised.
Before the PAVE Act became law, more than a decade had been spent planning the Silver Line East extension.
At nearly the same time, the General Assembly included language in the state budget that punishes municipalities and local entities that voted to withdraw support for the I-77 South toll lane project. I disagree with that decision. Local elected officials should not be punished by the state for making policy decisions they believe are in the best interests of the people they represent. Whether someone supports or opposes the toll project is beside the point. The legislature should not use its power to retaliate against local governments for disagreeing with Raleigh.
What makes this especially troubling is the hypocrisy.
Republican leaders justified the punishment by arguing that local officials wasted taxpayer money after years of planning and investment. If that is truly the standard, then where was that concern when those same lawmakers supported the PAVE
Over $40 million in taxpayer money had already been invested in engineering, design, environmental studies, public outreach and planning. Charlotte, Matthews, regional partners and countless public servants dedicated years of work to advancing that project.
Then, with the stroke of a pen, Republican leadership eliminated it. No one proposed punishing the legislators who threw away years of planning.
No one suggested repaying the taxpayers for the tens of millions of dollars that had already been spent. Suddenly, concerns about wasted public money disappeared.
I traveled to Raleigh during debate on the PAVE Act to make exactly this point. I attempted to warn legislators that eliminating Silver Line East to Matthews would waste tens of millions of taxpayer dollars and erase years of work that local communities had invested in good faith. I was not allowed to finish my remarks. Rather than answer the criticism, the Republican legislative leadership banged the gavel and shut down the conversation.
That experience reinforced what many in Mecklenburg County have come to believe. The rules change depending on who is making the decision and where that decision is made.
When Mecklenburg County invests in its future, and the General Assembly dismantles those plans, the wasted taxpayer dollars are dismissed as the cost of doing business. When local governments reject
a state-backed project after listening to their residents, suddenly wasted taxpayer dollars become grounds for punishment.
That is not consistency. It is selective outrage.
Leadership means applying the same principles regardless of whose decisions are under review. If protecting taxpayer money is the priority, it should matter every time taxpayer money is wasted. If local governments deserve respect, that respect should not disappear whenever they disagree with legislative leadership.
Too often, Mecklenburg County is treated differently. Local priorities are rewritten, local investments are discarded and local leaders are punished for exercising the authority their communities elected them to use. The message is clear. Local control is celebrated only when it produces the outcome the Republican-led legislature wants.
This is bigger than transportation policy. It is about whether the General Assembly governs by principle or by politics. Right now, the evidence points to politics. North Carolinians deserve better than selective accountability. They deserve leaders who apply the same standards to themselves that they demand of everyone else. Until that happens, claims of fiscal responsibility and local control will continue to ring hollow, especially here in Mecklenburg County.
Ken McCool previously served as Matthews mayor pro tem. He is a candidate for N.C. House District 105.
McCool
Easy, Restaurant-Worthy Meals for Busy Days
National Ice Cream Day
There’s much to celebrate as July 19 is National Ice Cream Day and July is National Ice Cream Month. Here are a few sports to celebrate:
The Batchmaker Pop by for The Batchmaker’s Cookie of the Week (available through July 18), which features an ice cream-inspired buttercream topping that looks just like a scoop but won’t melt fast.
Que Fresa Taqueria + Bar
The star of the show is Que Fresa’s viral Sorbet Flight, featuring four mini frozen sorbet margaritas. Other frozen offerings include the Classic Sorbet Margarita made with sorbet soft serve and the Spicy Mangonada Sorbet, packed with mango syrup, chamoy, Tajín and jalapeñoinfused tequila.
FOOD BITES
Scoop N Scootery
Celebrate with specialty sundaes and frozen treats from one of Charlotte’s favorite scoop shops, best known for late-night delivery.
Bossy Beulah’s Bossy Beulah’s is a no-nonsense chicken joint serving sandwiches, tenders, wings, bites and sides in the Carolinas. Cool off with one of their ice cream cones and try a fun hack: make your own ice cream sandwich by ordering a cone of sugar cookie soft serve and two cookies.
Runaway Whiskey & Wine
Indulge in Runaway’s famed Espresso Martini Flight. For the latest iteration guests can expect the following variations: Affogato (with Scoop N Scootery ice cream), Cookies & Cream, Crème Brûlée and Salted Caramel.
of sparkling wine, also known as the bump and bubbles special, for $20.
• Fresh Wasabi: Tableside fresh wasabi root grating allows guests to experience the traditional preparation for $8.
• Dessert: SHARIGATO offers soft serve with new matcha and black sesame flavors in a frozen stainless steel coupe glass and topped with taiyaki, a Japanese fish-shaped waffle pastry.
• Secret kids menu: Kid-friendly options include truffle-free edamame and vegetable hand rolls.
Jason’s Deli adds to menu
BEAUMONT, Texas – Jason’s Deli is bringing new Southwestern-inspired menu items and returning seasonal favorites to the table. The new Southwest Turkey Club comes with smoked turkey,
and
on
and paired with chips. Guests can also enjoy the Mexican
Que Fresa Taqueria + Bar is where you can find a Sorbeet Flight of mini frozen sorbet margaritas (LEFT) and a Spicy Mangonada Sorbet (RIGHT).
The Batchmaker expertly pairs cookies with ice cream (FAR LEFT). Runaway Whiskey & Wine serves an Espresso Martini Flight (TOP). Photos courtesy of NiceDay
Street Corn Pasta Salad, featuring rotini pasta tossed with corn, black beans, pico de gallo, green onions and Mexican street corn crema, along with fresh watermelon available on the Garden-Fresh Salad Bar.
The Jason’s Deli Caprese and Chicken Caprese will remain available through Sept. 30, or while supplies last.
As part of its ongoing 50th anniversary celebration, Jason’s Deli is also launching Deal-A-Bration, a monthlong loyalty program promotion. Learn more at jasonsdeli.com.
Toastique adds items for summer CHARLOTTE – Toastique in South End rolled out new menu items in June.
Items include Peach & Prosciutto Toast, Watermelon Feta Toast and Seafoam Latte. Other treats include Matcha Seafoam Latte,
Charlotte-area kids trade cell phones for power tools
HUNTERSVILLE –
Charlotte-area children took the first step toward a career in construction by completing the TRF Camp Build from June 22 to 26 at Rosendin.
The event introduced middle school students to skills used in trade fields through activities such as building bird houses and other projects, while also learning about job opportunities in skilled trades.
The Rosendin Foundation runs the weeklong event. Each year, organizers recruit their internal volunteer teams and local trade volunteers to teach students how to use professional tools to cut and
drill wood, bend conduit, run electrical wire and explore technology.
“Watching a student successfully operate a new tool for the very first time tells you everything you need to know about what this program stands for,” said Rhea Keator, operations and communications manager for The Rosendin Foundation.
“North Carolina’s young people left this week armed with hands-on experience, industry-grade tools they can take with them to keep building their expertise, and a genuine understanding of what a career in the trades could hold for them.”
BUSINESS BRIEFS
30.
The brand will continue operating its traditional store at 8300 IKEA Blvd. This South Charlotte location was designed as a smaller, more intimate shopping experience to help customers plan orders.
“We continue to test, explore and develop new ways for customers to meet IKEA, while investing in home delivery, pickup services and our online experience,” IKEA posted on the location’s webpage.
UCPS school nutrition to host open interview day
MONROE – Union County Public Schools School Nutrition Services will host an Open Interview Day on July 22 for people interested in joining the department.
The hiring event will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Benton Heights Elementary School, 1200 Concord Ave.
Applicants will have the opportunity to interview for several positions, including school nutrition assistants, manager trainees and substitute school nutrition staff.
Individuals interested in applying are encouraged to attend the event prepared for interviews and to learn more about available opportunities with UCPS School Nutrition Services.
Companies support Juror
Appreciation Week
CHARLOTTE – Mecklenburg County has been celebrating its 26th annual Juror Appreciation Week from July 13 to 17 at the Mecklenburg County Courthouse.
“Juror Appreciation Week provides us with a meaningful opportunity to recognize and thank the people who answer the call to serve,” said Casey Calloway, Mecklenburg County’s trial court administrator.
Jurors received complimentary food and had opportunities to win door prizes throughout the week.
Food and prizes have been donated by several companies, including Kendra Scott, Krispy Kreme, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Park Road Books, Q Tavern, Sam’s ClubMatthews, The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery and Total Wine & More - Park Towne Village.
Charlotte Area Chamber events
CHARLOTTE – The Charlotte Area Chamber of Commerce hosts chamber membership seminar and multiple ribbon cuttings.
• Members celebrate the grand opening of Meineke Rocky Express with a ribbon cutting from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 17 at 2136 Rocky River Road, Charlotte. Register in advance.
• Members celebrate the grand opening of NiteCrawlers LLC with a ribbon cutting from 3 to 7 p.m. July 17 at 3629 N. Davidson St., Suite 102, Charlotte. Register in advance.
• Chamber members learn how to get the most from their membership during
The Chamber Advantage: Strategies for Growth from 9 to 9:30 a.m. July 21 via Zoom.
Register in advance.
• Members celebrate the grand opening of FlexETC with a ribbon cutting from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 21 at 900 Pressley Road, Charlotte. Register in advance.
• Members celebrate the grand opening of Aeternitas with a ribbon cutting from 1 to 4 p.m. July 22 at 330 Billingsley Road, Suite 211, Charlotte. Register in advance.
Visit charlotteareachamber.com to learn more about the chamber and its events.
Pineville NC Chamber events
PINEVILLE – The Pineville NC Chamber of Commerce hosts the Chamber Monthly Networking Social.
• Members connect during the Chamber Monthly Networking Social from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. July 23 at SpareTime Entertainment, 9600 Pineville-Matthews Road, Pineville. Register in advance.
Visit pinevillencchamber.com to learn more about the chamber and its events.
Union County Chamber events
MONROE – The Union County Chamber of Commerce participate n groundbreaking ceremony.
• Members celebrate the groundbreaking of Epcon Communities from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 23 at 14823 Lawyers Road, Matthews. Register in advance.
Visit unioncountycoc.com to learn more about the chamber and its events.
TRF Camp Build is made possible through the support of Rosendin Electric Inc. and Modular Power Solutions, alongside partners at Milwaukee Tool, DeWalt and The Swinerton Foundation; as well as sponsors including Border States, Graybar and United Van Rentals, Sherwin Williams and IBEW Local 520.
Photo courtesy of The Rosendin Foundation
Encouraging crEativity in thE agE of ai
FEATURE IMPACT
In an era when machines can generate ideas in seconds, hands-on learning and creativity may be more important for today’s children than ever. In fact, due to the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), 73% of parents believe creativity is an essential trait for their children to develop.
This finding comes from a survey commissioned by Crayola and conducted by Talker Research of 2,000 U.S. parents of children ages 8-12, along with children in that same age range. The survey also revealed the impact of technological advances, such as AI, on how parents nurture their kids’ creativity and how kids and parents view AI differently.
While parents worry about what skills kids may lose due to AI usage, children themselves are more focused on what technology could unlock and seem to be far more optimistic about the impact of AI. According to the study, 35% of parents said they worry AI will reduce their child’s ability to think creatively and 30% fear it will compete with them, limiting their opportunities in the workforce. In contrast, only 22% of kids share their parents’ concerns about AI hurting their creative thinking abilities and only 21% fear job competition. Consider these additional trends identified in the survey.
Kids Crave Hands-On
Creativity
Despite growing up in a digitalfirst world, the children surveyed expressed a strong desire to engage in hands-on creative experiences. When they make something by hand, they’re more likely to preserve it (46%), display it at home (68%) or give it as a gift (48%), turning creativity into something tangible, lasting and meaningful. The children surveyed also said they want adults to ask for their creative ideas and listen to them (52%), provide supplies for creating (51%), encourage problem-solving (47%) and give them more time to create (46%).
can provide is to tell kids their art looks good (22%), creating with parents or other family members (65%), having their art displayed (45%) and being recognized for the work involved (46%) were some of the most motivating actions. “When we emphasize effort, process and thinking over outcomes, kids feel safer taking creative risks,” said Cheri Sterman, senior director of education at Crayola. “Research – and kids themselves – are pointing us toward a more supportive way to nurture creativity in the age of AI.” Purposeful support from parents and teachers also helps to minimize speed
Better Business Bureau receives complaints about AI services
CHARLOTTE
– Over the last three years, BBB said it has received over 100,000 complaints, reviews, and Scam Tracker reports mentioning artificial intelligence and automation. While reporting categories encompass different types of issues, there is one clear concern across all types of consumer sentiment data: customers often feel unheard or dissatisfied when dealing with automated and AI services.
In the new study “As technology booms, over 90% of BBB customer reviews that mention AI services express negative experience,” BBB’s International Investigations Initiative (III) examines patterns
of reports and shares stories to empower businesses to research whether AI tools are the right choice for their company, and to prepare consumers to distinguish legitimate businesses from scams.
Key findings
• Of nearly 20,000 business reviews mentioning AI since 2023, over 90% indicated negative sentiment
• BBB has received nearly 100,000 AI- and automationrelated complaints since 2023, with many in online retail, ecommerce and tech-forward industries
• Consumers expressed confusion and frustration with an
inability to solve their issues
• Many consumers felt ignored or left behind when not able to connect with a human representative
What can businesses do to integrate AI successfully?
• Consider the ways customers interact with newly introduced technology
• Offer the option to connect with a human representative after a certain amount of time
• Create a clear system to escalate higher level complaints
• Listen to feedback, especially on your company’s BBB profile
• Build on successes where customers are praising new technology
• Don’t be afraid to adjust if initial tech rollout isn’t working
• Let your customers feel heard, even if they are upset
How can we avoid AI scams?
• Avoid unexpected phone calls with an automated voice. If the call is important, you should be able to reach a real person.
• Be wary of unknown numbers.
Scammers can change their phone number on the fly and will often do so as a part of the same scam.
• Double check the links at the top of searches. Some consumers report scammers placing ads pretending to be real AI companies.
• Do your research. Fraudsters can use AI to carry out a wide variety of scams BBB.org/ scamstudies can prepare you for fraud you might encounter.
Mass production can ease housing woes in North Carolina
Iby John Hood Columnist
agree with homebuilders, wouldbe homebuyers, business executives, trade associations, legislative leaders and Gov. Josh Stein that one of North Carolina’s biggest challenges is the lack of affordable housing across broad swaths of our state.
“In high-growth regions,
rising development costs and insufficient supply have intensified affordability pressures,” the Stein administration observed in a recent strategic plan, “while in rural and disasterimpacted communities, limited housing stock and infrastructure gaps continue to impede recovery and long-term economic competitiveness.” True enough. But I wonder how many state leaders
would agree with one of my favorite ideas: expanding the use of manufactured and modular housing.
Just as mass production has driven down the cost of food, clothing, furnishings, vehicles, electronics and other goods, homes built largely or entirely within factories would meet the needs of many North Carolinians without recourse to elaborate planning schemes or massive taxpayer
subsidy.
This is no theoretical matter. Manufactured homes already play a substantial role in housing affordability. They account for about 13% of North Carolina’s current housing stock, with the share soaring to a quarter or higher in some of our rural counties. Yes, some are aging “trailers” with cramped quarters and limited amenities. But modern (post-1976) versions are attractive homes with efficient layouts and modern conveniences nearly indistinguishable from stickbuilt starter homes of similar size and capacity.
As for modular houses, they are transported to or assembled on permanent foundations and designed to comply with state building codes. Although manufactured houses can also be permanently sited, what distinguishes them from modular ones is that the former meet federal rather than state standards.
Mass production can slash the cost of producing homes by 50% or more per square foot. While the final differential isn’t always this large, because of the price of land and other fixed costs — a recent Harvard University study found that a doublewide on a median quarteracre lot was 70% of the cost of a comparable site-built
house — manufactured and modular housing are economical choices for many customers and ought to be easier for North Carolinians to acquire and live in.
State law does not allow counties or municipalities to impose regulations based on the age or perceived value of housing units. But North Carolina localities can use zoning and other means to restrict where factory-built housing can be sited. Many do so, confining them to what are still dismissively described as “mobile-home parks.”
Localities can also regulate “appearance” so onerously that many manufactured homes are, for all practical purposes, excluded. Many parcels of land are also under covenants that restrict factory-built homes.
I don’t favor legislative action to nullify private contracts. But I do think the General Assembly should protect the rights of current and prospective homeowners from local regulators. What some snooty neighbors or heavy-handed planners may view with disdain, North Carolinians of modest means — young couples, seasonal workers, downsizing seniors, etc. — may well view with relief, pleasure, even excitement.
“Manufactured homes have a huge potential for expansion if the zoning and financing were improved,” wrote Laurie Goodman in a 2023 paper in Business Economics. “These homes can be built off-site which makes it much more economic in terms of labor costs; the factories can be run 24 hours a day with no forced time off due to bad weather.”
Some argue that factorybuilt homes may work as residences but not as means of accumulating wealth. I don’t think housing ought to be a household’s primary nest egg. But the truth is that when manufactured homes are permanently sited and the owners have title to the land as well as the structure, they tend to appreciate at about the same rate as other homes.
When my colleagues and I opened the doors of the John Locke Foundation in 1990, one of the think tank’s first recommendations was that North Carolina be more welcoming to factory-built housing. It was a good idea then. Now it is an imperative.
John Hood is a John Locke Foundation board member. His books “Mountain Folk,” “Forest Folk” and “Water Folk” combine epic fantasy with American history (FolkloreCycle.com).
