MONROE
– Union County commissioners awarded a $133,000 economic development incentive grant March 3 to Southern Electrical Equipment Company.
Headquartered in Charlotte with a satellite facility in Indian Trail, SEECO is exploring an option to consolidate all operations at a location that supports its current business with room to accommodate future growth.
An available 109,000-square-foot building on 15 acres in the Monroe Corporate Center is under consideration.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The life and times of music legend and Marshville native Randy Travis will be the subject of a movie, “Forever And Ever, Amen,” currently in development.
Travis and his wife, Mary Travis, will executive produce, alongside country music star Clay Walker.
“We’ve been approached many times through the years about doing a movie … but the timing or team has never felt quite as good as it feels right now,” Travis said. “With Clay on our side, and the creative direction
If Union County is selected, the project would bring an anticipated capital investment of $7 million and secure 120 jobs paying an average annual wage of $64,000.
“Union County is proud to o er an economic development incentive grant in support of SEECO’s potential consolidation to our community,” Commissioner Melissa Merrell said. “We are con dent our combination of available skilled workforce, low
CHARLOTTE – Ashley
Tanner was among Special Olympics North Carolina athletes to return home with medals or ribbons from the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin, Italy.
Tanner won a silver medal in the Level 3 Free Skating event during the competition, which was held from March 8 to 15.
Other SONC winners were Trenton D’Agostino of Watauga County (snowboarding) and Stephen Foster of Buncombe County (Alpine skiing). Nearly 1,500 athletes competed in the games.
Tanner has been involved in Special Olympics since her days attending Butler High School in Matthews. She skates at Extreme Ice Center in Indian Trail.
he and the producers have, I feel good about telling my story through this medium.”
Walker will portray Travis in his 40s and 50s in addition to serving as executive producer.
“Randy Travis is the voice of a generation and one of the greatest country singers of all time,” Walker said. “I am truly honored to be a part of this project, and cannot believe I get to play one of my heroes.”
Veteran film producer Eric Groth and writer/director Andrew Hyatt, of Sacred Arthouse, and Zach Dasher and Korie
taxes, support from South Piedmont Community College and our top-rated public schools will result in an a rmative location decision by SEECO.”
SEECO manufactures transmission and substation sectionalizing products for the electrical utility industry.
“Precision manufacturing is one of the business sectors we target for recruitment, and SEECO is exactly the type of manufacturer we want in Union County,” said Ron Mahle, economic development director for Union County. “Our experience has shown that once precision manufacturers locate in Union County, they regularly expand their facilities, thereby adding to the tax base and creating more career opportunities for county residents.”
CEO Andrew Panto said his company is considering many factors with its future location and expects to make a nal decision by the end of the month.
Robertson, of Tread Lively, are involved in the project.
Hyatt will direct o of his own script.
Anne McCarthy, Kellie Roy and Morgan Robbins, of Engine Casting, are searching for another actor to portray Travis around 9 to 12 years old and another at 20 to 30 years old. e arrival of Travis on the music scene signaled the “new country” sales explosion of the 1990s. Travis is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame with 23 No. 1 worldwide hits, seven Grammy Awards, 11 ACM Awards, 10 American Music Awards and 5
CMA Awards. e lm’s titular song “Forever and Ever, Amen” earned CMA awards as Single and Album of the Year when it debuted in 1987. It went on to be certi ed quintuple platinum. Almost 12 years ago, Travis su ered a debilitating stroke but he continues to release original music with the aid of new technologies. Travis was also back in his hometown in September 2024 to greet fans at the Marshville Chamber of Commerce’s Randy Travis Music Festival.
WAXHAW – The Town of Waxhaw will be working with consulting firm Boudreaux Group to update its Downtown Master Plan.
e plan is a guiding policy that contains the community’s vision for downtown. It will establish a framework, strategies and priorities for achieving the vision.
e Town of Waxhaw prioritized the Downtown Master Plan in its FY25 Capital Improvement Plan.
is plan will focus on the vision and goals for Downtown Waxhaw over the next ve to 10 years. It’ll include strategies for in ll development, look at parking and streetscape lighting, and review accessibility and walkability. Information will then be ltered into a 10-year implementation framework, taking into consideration all partners that work in the Main Street District.
e Town of Waxhaw and the Downtown Waxhaw Association are entering the research, analysis and public engagement phase of the Downtown Master Plan.
The consulting team, steering committee, town staff and Downtown Waxhaw Association Board will host a three-day Master Plan Charrette from March 24 to 26. ese three days will include opportunities for stakeholders, residents and visitors to share their dreams for downtown.
e town will hold the following public input sessions:
• March 24, 5 to 6:30 p.m. at Waxhaw Downtown Park under the large shelter.
• March 25, 8 to 9:15 a.m. at Provisions Waxhaw.
• March 25, 5 to 6 p.m. at Waxhaw Town Hall board chambers.
• March 26, 3 to 4:30 p.m. at Middle James Brewing.
An online survey will launch on March 24 with access at waxhaw. com and downtownwaxhaw.com.
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CHARLOTTE – The ACC was in town over the weekend for its men’s basketball tournament.
Mascots from throughout the conference visited Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center, Novant Health Hemby Children’s Hospital and Novant Health Charlotte Orthopedic Hospital to spread joy to patients and staff.
CHARLOTTE – Kathryn Firmin-Sellers will become president and CEO of the United Way of Greater Charlotte, effective April 1.
Firmin-Sellers steps into the role as the seventh leader of the 94-year-old organization, succeeding Laura Yates Clark, who accepted the position of president at Foundation For e Carolinas in May 2024.
Firmin-Sellers was appointed interim president and CEO in July 2024 after previously serving the organization as chief impact o cer and executive vice president. Over the last nine months, she has continued advancing United Way’s mission, overseeing nearly $18 million in community investments and supporting 134 nonpro ts across Anson, Cabarrus, Mecklenburg and Union counties.
“Kathryn’s depth of experience with the organization and the community made her an exceptional candidate from the beginning of the CEO search and selection process,” said Bill Currens, chair of the United Way of Greater Charlotte board of directors. “Under Kathryn’s leadership and with her unwavering commitment to United Way’s mission, we look forward to continuing the critical work of supporting children and families in our region.”
As she transitions into the permanent role, Firmin-Sellers will continue to advance the strategic priorities of the organization, support the evolving needs of the community, ensure the United Way team’s alignment to its mission, and engage with key stakeholders and leaders to continue expanding impact e orts.
“I’m honored and excited to continue the work,” Firmin-Sellers said. “United Way is my home, and I look forward to leading our talented, mission-driven team as we build on our progress to create lasting change in the community.”
Since joining United Way in 2018, FirminSellers has led strategic initiatives to promote racial equity, strengthen disinvested communities, and enhance economic mobility.
Firmin-Sellers spearheaded A Home For All, an e ort to address housing instability and homelessness, and played a key role in launching the COVID-19 Response Fund, which raised and distributed nearly $24 million to 237 local nonpro ts.
Before United Way, Firmin-Sellers spent 11 years at Safe Alliance as chief operating o cer.
By Sam Spencer Contributor
(SoccerSheet.com) – Patrick
Agyemang’s rst invitation to play for the United States Men’s National Team in January was exciting, but not much of a surprise. He was Charlotte FC’s top goal scorer in 2024, and not many young American players can say they were the top scorer for a team in one of the world’s top 10 or 15 professional leagues.
However, while the January camp took place before domestic leagues like MLS started playing, it was in the middle of the season for top European leagues like Serie A, the Bundesliga and the Premier League. Top USMNT talent playing abroad – for example, Christian Pulisic – skipped the camp, opening more roster slots for rst-time players like Agyemang. In many ways, the winter camp is a tryout for the real squad.
“I think he’s still a little bit raw, [he’s] a player you can feel that he can evolve and learn a lot, but I see the potential and the characteristics if he continues his progression,” said USMNT Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino. “Now it’s up to him.” Today, it looks like Agyemang passed the test and will have his rst chance to play in his rst competitive international match. United States Men’s National Team head coach Mauricio Pochettino has named Agyemang and Charlotte FC
defender Tim Ream to the 2025 Concacaf Nations League Finals roster.
“[Patrick Agyemang’s] characteristics as a striker and an o ensive player can provide the team di erent things,” said Coach Pochettino at a press conference announcing the roster. “I think it is good because we’re going to have three di erent strikers with three di erent characteristics.”
Because this competition is during a FIFA international window, top players like Pulisic are also on the roster. However, Agyemang and Ream will miss at least one MLS match against the San Jose Earthquakes at home on March 22.
Agyemang and Ream will join a familiar USMNT roster that includes faces from both the January camp and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar to take on Panama in the Nations League Semi nals in Los Angeles on March 20. If the team wins, they’ll advance to a nal against the winner of the semi nal between Canada and Mexico; if they should lose to the isthmians, they’ll play the other vanquished team in a third place match.
Ream has 67 caps for the national team and was on the roster for the USMNT’s 2024 Nations League Finals triumph. Charlotte FC is the only MLS team with multiple players on this Nations League roster, and join the likes of AC Milan, Juventus, Crystal Palace and Celtic with two players selected.
However, while the veteran Ream is
likely to be in the starting XI at center back, Agyemang has to compete for playing time, and the competition will be erce against Norwich City’s Josh Sargent – another player coached by Charlotte FC head coach Dean Smith – and Vancouver Whitecaps FC striker Brian White for who gets to start at striker in Pochettino’s preferred 4-2-3-1 formation.
“I think he’s still a little bit raw, [he’s] a player you can feel that he can evolve and learn a lot, but I see the potential and the characteristics if he continues his progression,” said Pochettino. “Now it’s up to him.”
Agyemang’s two goals during the January friendlies helped earn him the spot in the Nations League lineup, as did his unique style of play that can draw fouls at big moments – think James Harden, but playing soccer. It took Agyemang less than three minutes to earn the USMNT a penalty kick in his rst appearance, and it’s a testament to his ability to press.
Agyemang’s work ethic during his rst camp also impressed the coaching sta .
“We are so happy about [Agyemang’s play in] the January camp, he showed that we can trust in him,” Pochettino said. “To give the trust and calling him now is to show that we really believe in him.”
Agyemang and Ream will depart for the USMNT camp in California after Charlotte FC’s Saturday match at home against FC Cincinnati.
WINGATE – The North Carolina League of Municipalities was scheduled to recognize the Town of Wingate on March 18 for completing a financial software conversion.
The league’s Municipal Accounting Services program is a rst-of-its-kind assistance program, designed to promote better nancial accountability and reliability for smaller governments, many of which do not have access to appropriate nancial software or support, leaving them susceptible to accounting and audit errors. e league has partnered with Black
Mountain Software to work alongside local governments to implement up-todate nancial software and provide access to accounting assistance. e program’s suite of services includes software for fund accounting, payroll, utility billing, taxes and expert assistance. e software conversion is provided at no-cost to participating towns, along with three years of administration, giving towns access to more robust nancial software and equipping them through oneon-one mentorship.
The North Carolina League of
Municipalities was scheduled to present Wingate leaders an award marking the completion of the program during the town’s board of commissioners meeting.
“ e MAS program holds signi cant potential for North Carolina's cities and towns, as local governments consistently prove their capacity to thrive with the right support,” said Rose Vaughn Williams, executive director of the league. “We are pleased to recognize Wingate for their dedication to this initiative and their e orts in ensuring a more secure nancial future.”
By Justin Vick Contributor
MATTHEWS – The Town of Matthews
is letting the Matthews HELP Center move forward on plans to develop a 9,000-square-foot addition, a curb-side drop-off area for donations and more parking to its property.
e Matthews HELP Center operates out of 119 North Ames St. e nonpro t needed to get approval from the town for the change in zoning conditions to the 1.3-acre site.
“We're here to help our neighbors during a time of crisis in the greater Matthews community,” Executive Director Sandra Rose said during the Feb. 10 public hearing. “Last scal year, we served 6,553 children and adults in our community.” Rose said the addition will serve as a re -
tail space that could generate more than $300,000 in revenue for the nonpro t to help an additional 150 families in the community.
Volunteers would also have more room to process and store donations.
e drive-thru, which Rose described as “Chick- l-A-esque,” would allow volunteers to safely move donations inside to process.
Senior Planner Rob Will told Matthews commissioners March 10 there was general support for the nonpro t’s proposal but sta had three concerns that were ultimately addressed:
• Relocating or removing the existing landscape wall from the Ames Street right of way.
e nonpro t did just that to accomodate a ve-foot sidewalk and ve-foot planting strip.
• Adding stormwater controls given the increase in impervious surface. e town and county are reviewing plans with the center.
• Moving a dumpster away from a residential parcel and increasing the bu er to at least 10 feet next to neighboring R-20 residential zoning.
Town commissioners approved the change of zoning conditions March 10. “ e application is consistent with the
land-use plan because small businesses are a desirable use for the Downtown Adjacent designation, lending to the increased walkability of downtown,” Commissioner Ken McCool said. “ e application is reasonable because it allows for an existing business to expand.”
Jen Run 5K and Festival.
To date, the event has raised more than $195,000 – the most raised in the event’s 13-year history – to support the Go Jen Go Foundation and local breast cancer community.
“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who helped make the 13th year of Run Jen Run so special and amazing,” said Susan Evren, executive director of Go Jen Go. “Honoring Jen’s legacy by showing up for breast cancer patients in nancial crisis means the world to us. Our hearts are full, and our gratitude for our grantees, survivors and thrivers, sponsors, donors, participants, ambassadors, volunteers and race committee is immeasurable.”
e event took place on March 8 at Symphony Park. It included a 5K, fun run, festival with music and a kids’ fun zone. ere was also an expo area with community-driven sponsors and partners, Jen’s Garden of Hope with Signs of Hope on display, and a Survivor/ river Corner for breast cancer patients to connect and be celebrated.
Consolidated Planning was the title sponsor. Coastal Bridge Advisors, Novant Health and Smiley’s 4 C’s Charitable Endowment were presenting sponsors. By the numbers
Weedeater to cut up in Charlotte CHARLOTTE – The memories might be fuzzy, but Weedeater members always remember a good time.
Six years ago, the Cape Fear legends commemorated the 10th anniversary of “God Luck and Good Speed” by hitting the road with their heavy Appalachian statesmen Bask. Now, they’re ready for a re-up.
e two Season of Mist label mates are touring the U.S. together this spring. ey’ll perform in Charlotte on May 1 at The Underground.
Get tickets: https://bit.ly/weedmetal
March 21
• Americana Beer Co.: Coleson Comer
• Amos’ Southend: Josh Ward
• Evening Muse: Timothy Chandler Hicks
• Grapes Bistro: David Porter
• Home Brew: Jim Tierney
• Local Logic: Dougie Plant
• Moochies Tavern: Bailey Marie Band
• Neighborhood Theatre: Enrage Against the Machine
• OMB Ballantyne: Weak Fade
• Ovens Auditorium: Los Tigres del Norte
• Peddlers Paradise Bartique: Tim Martin
• Shep’s Bar: Darren Deese
• Southern Range Brewing Company: Me and Lulu
• Stooges Pub & Grub: Flashback Band
• The Club House: 485
• The Courthouse Self-Pour Beer & Wine: Carrie Ann
• The Trail House: Vinyl Live
• The Underground: Sahbabii
• Visulite Theatre: The Chain (Fleetwood Mac tribute)
March 22
• Amos’ Southend: On the Border
• Cellar & Ale: Carrie Ann
• Great Wagon Road Distillery: Coconut Groove Band
• Home Brew: Ashlar Sargent
• Local Logic: Brandon Tenney
• Moochies Tavern: Minutes Past Midnight
• Neighborhood Theatre: Los Amigos Invisibles
• OMB Ballantyne: The Dialtones
• Peddlers Paradise Bartique: Leisure; Dual Drive
• Pineville Tavern: Grüv Soup
• Southern Range Brewing Company: Alan Gilbert & The Gamblers
• The Trail House: U-Phonik
• Vaulted Oak Brewing: Ellie Morgan
• Visulite Theatre: The Dirty Doors (The Doors tribute)
• Vintner’s Hill: Matthew Ablan
March 23
• Evening Muse: Waylon Wyatt
Home Brew: Sam Wilson Morris
March 24
• Evening Muse: Open mic
Spectrum Center: Deftones • The Underground: Maddie Zahm
March 26
• Home Brew: Danielle Hewitt
Neighborhood Theatre: Griffin House
Peddlers Paradise Bartique: Open Mic
• Spectrum Center: Tyler, the Creator
• The Fillmore: Connor Price
• The Trail House: River Lynch
March 27
• Evening Muse: Todd Day Wait
• Great Wagon Road Distillery: Open mic w/ Nate Whittenburg
• Neighborhood Theatre: Brenn!
• Spectrum Center: J Balvin
• Visulite Theatre: Wheatus
You are invited to visit Epcon Communities during our Spring Open House Weekend, March 20-23.
Explore communities designed around single-level living and a low-maintenance lifestyle, with everything you need on one floor and lawn care included. With less time spent on chores, you will have more time to enjoy the lifestyle you’ve earned.
