Cm jan16web

JANUARY 2016

Lofts 29:

Places in the Heart

The New City Halls:

Finally, Everyone Under One Roof

Cabarrus Businesses: On the Go

The NCWorks Career Center: On the Job

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January 2016 3 n

Word on the Street January 2016 Volume 16 n Issue 1 President Pam Tolen

Managing Editor/Art Direction Kim Cassell Advertising Kimberly Brouillette Jason Huddle Contributing Writer Kim Cassell Contributing Photographers Michael A. Anderson Photography City of Kannapolis

Cabarrus Magazine is published by: Comfort Publishing Inc. 296 Church Street N. Hidden Plaza Concord, NC 28025 For editorial inquiries, call 704-782-2353 or email them to Kim Cassell at kcassell@ cabarrusmagazine.com. For advertising inquiries, call Jason Huddle at 704-907-7847 or Kimberly Brouillette at 704-305-7599.

Visit us at www.cabarrusmagazine.com.

All rights reserved. ©2015, Comfort Publishing Inc., 296 Church Street N., Concord, NC 28025. Reproduction, in whole or in part, without permission is prohibited. Products named in these pages are trademarks of their respective companies.

The opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of Cabarrus Magazine or Comfort Publishing Inc.

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Rachel Fesko

Publisher Jason Huddle

The new year is all about starting a new chapter, and for Cabarrus Magazine it’s no different.

This month marks the completion of 15 years publishing this magazine! You – the readers – continue to support us, as do our advertisers, so we’d like to express our heart-felt appreciation for helping us become the premier magazine for Cabarrus County.

And we’re not the only ones celebrating new beginnings this month. Construction has been completed on the new Concord and Kannapolis city hall buildings. For the first time in a very long time, both municipalities will enjoy having all their departments under one roof.

What’s more, these are state-of-the-art facilities that will be able to handle the continued growth and changes taking place in our community.

After years of sitting dormant on the corner of Church Street and Cabarrus Avenue in downtown Concord, the old Heilig-Meyers building has reopened as a modern apartment building. It is the first of its kind in the Historic District and we’ve got a look at this hot property!

And for those looking to make a fresh start in their careers, the new NCWorks Career Center (formerly the NC Employment Security Commission) provides a modern and upbeat environment with all the technological bells and whistles.

What is your fresh start this year? How will you turn a page and what does your story hold? I know I’m excited about 2016 and wish that yours is the best year yet. Thank you for making the first 15 years of Cabarrus Magazine so wonderful.

As always, don’t forget to support those who support us.

Happy New Year!

Jason Huddle

This Issue...

A New Chapter 6

Lofts 29: Places in the Heart

13

Give Me Shelter: Cabarrus’ Adoptable Dogs

14

The New City Halls: Finally, Everyone Under One Roof

21

Breaking Bread: Daniel Garmon Dishes

22

On the Job: The New NCWorks Career Center

26

Cabarrus Businesses: On the Go

31

Crime Stoppers: The Smoker’s Depot Case

January 2016 5 n

Lofts 29: The kitchen/living area is an open concept in a two-bedroom unit; the brick was retained, as were the original floors where possible; views look down Cabarrus Avenue and Church Street; Patrick Reilly, president of Rehab Development, is ready for another Concord project.

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By Kim Cassell

Lofts 29: Places in the Heart Seeing a building – one that has long stood vacant – get a facelift breathes new life into a community.

To see it transformed into a vital component of a city center is cause for celebration.

Built in the 1920s, what most remember as the Heilig-Meyers furniture store at the corner of Cabarrus Avenue and Church Street is now Lofts 29: home to residential tenants already occupying more than half of the recently-completed 26 apartments.

Widespread deterioration of the 29,898-square-foot three-story structure had most likely meant eventual razing, giving way to a vacant .3566-acre lot that was worth more ($140,000) empty than with the building on it (less than $0). That’s because its owner – the City of Concord – would have had to spend $160,000plus to get the building torn down.

Nearly a decade of trying to find a buyer or come up with a viable plan for the site yielded a possible Walgreens, but that never came to fruition. Then, in February 2014, Concord City Council voted to initiate the bidding process that saw Special Purpose Entity – a joint venture between investors with "

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Standards for Rehabilitation 1. A property will be used as it was historically or be given a new use that requires minimal change to its distinctive materials, features, spaces and spatial relationships.

2. The historic character of a property will be retained and preserved. The removal of distinctive materials or alteration of features, spaces and spatial relationships that characterize a property will be avoided.

3. Each property will be recognized as a physical record of its time, place and use. Changes that create a false sense of historical development, such as adding conjectural features or elements from other historic properties, will not be undertaken.

4. Changes to a property that have acquired historic significance in their own right will be retained and preserved.

5. Distinctive materials, features, finishes and construction techniques or examples of craftsmanship that characterize a property will be preserved.

6. Deteriorated historic features will be repaired rather than replaced. Where the severity of deterioration requires replacement of a distinctive feature, the new feature will match the old in design, color, texture and, where possible, materials. Replacement of missing features will be substantiated by documentary and physical evidence.

7. Chemical or physical treatments, if appropriate, will be undertaken using the gentlest means possible. Treatments that cause damage to historic materials will not be used.

8. Archeological resources will be protected and preserved in place. If such resources must be disturbed, mitigation measures will be undertaken.

9. New additions, exterior alterations or related new construction will not destroy historic materials, features and spatial relationships that characterize the property. The new work will be differentiated from the old and will be compatible with the historic materials, features, size, scale and proportion, and massing to protect the integrity of the property and its environment.

10. New additions and adjacent or related new construction will be undertaken in such a manner that, if removed in the future, the essential form and integrity of the historic property and its environment would be unimpaired.

Source: National Park Service

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CommunitySmith, LLC (Managing Partner Holten Wilkerson) and Rehab Development Inc. – buy the property from the City for $1; the sale closed at the end of July 2014.

Joining them in the venture is Level 2 Development, a real estate development firm based in Washington, DC. They are 27 percent equity partners in Lofts 29.

“Level 2 is thrilled to be investing in Cabarrus County and to play just a tiny role in the great work being done in downtown Concord,” Jeff Blum, principal and co-founder of Level 2 Development, says. “The city is already amenity rich with restaurants and a thriving music scene. We know that residents of Lofts 29 will enjoy a fabulous, walkable lifestyle that is the envy of many large and small towns alike.”

Rehab Development Inc. is the brainchild of Ed Lipsky, president of Rehab Builders, and Flay Blalock, co-founder of Rehab Engineering, as well as Patrick Reilly and Josh Lipsky.

Based in Winston-Salem and founded in 2008, the design-build-development company currently concentrates on Main Street projects in the Carolinas, Virginia and Georgia.

But how does Rehab Development find dilapidated buildings in need of some major TLC? “It’s always different (in each case),” Patrick Reilly, president of Rehab Development, says. “People contact me or refer me; sometimes the municipality contacts me. We respond to RFPs (Requests for Proposals).

Someone had shared a packet of available Concord properties with me...we stumbled across it.”

That packet prompted Reilly and his team to visit Concord and tour the available real estate in 2013. “We came in and walked through all the buildings, the hotel, the theatre,” he says. “We actually looked at the Loft building last. This is a great building, but there’s not a dedicated parking lot.

Project parking is always an issue.”

Not to put the cart before the horse, there were other issues to the acquisition and restoration of the property besides parking. Having been built more than 50 years ago, the Heilig-Meyers building is listed on the National Register of Historic places and sits in the Union Street North Cabarrus Avenue Commercial Historic District. That means several things.

While there had been a Historic Tax Credit program in place upon the purchase of the site, the North Carolina Legislature discontinued the program at the end of 2014. Rehab Development was able to qualify for tax credits for the duration of that year – resulting in a $100,000 savings – but that figure could have been closer to $500,000 with the continuation of credits. Historic preservation grants and two grants approved by Concord City Council helped defray more of the cost.

In addition, the renovation had to follow the guidelines set by the National Park Service – the governing body of the National Historic Tax Credit – and the North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office.

“You might not be able to do everything you want to and you may have to do things you didn’t expect, but it’s more of an asset because the end-product is a little nicer,” Reilly says.

Reilly refers to the replacement of all the beadboard ceilings, which were original to the building but were initially planned only for the hallways.

Additionally, “There were a lot of

structural repairs, a lot of rot in there.

You have to stabilize the building first so it’s safe to work. The roof was next.

We shored up the exterior brick around the new windows. The water pressure wasn’t quite as good as we expected; that dictated what type of sprinkler system we needed to install. And the depth of the common area took a couple of parking spaces,” Reilly adds.

The ground floor common area is a definite perk. Besides a stocked fitness room, tenants will enjoy a lounge

that also reflects the character of the building. The original staircase to the second floor remains intact, Rehab Development constructed a bar from reclaimed lumber (that continues along the back wall) and other materials from previous jobs, and the room will be completed with furniture and a big-screen TV. Behind the common area, Rehab Development fabricated a parking garage, an additional $75 per month.

Numbered storage closets face each "

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There is one studio apartment at Lofts 29. The partition separates the kitchen from the bedroom area.

space and an elevator is located in the rear of the building.

“There are more spaces outside, but not quite as many as there are apartments. Tenants will need to park elsewhere,” Reilly explains, alluding to ample after-hours downtown parking.

As for the number and layout of apartment units, “The building was basically a blank canvas; the windows dictated. I basically went under the premise that each of those windows on the side had an apartment of its own,” Reilly says. “You model all that, get a schematic on paper with as many 10 Cabarrus Magazine n

units as you can to get the highest rent per square foot and generate as much revenue as possible. There are one-bedrooms sprinkled with a few two-bedrooms (at the front). There’s one dedicated studio. Maybe we’ll do a commercial space downstairs.

“We were able to demo almost all the walls, but the walls on the third floor were never covered. That meant we could leave exposed brick in there.”

(The National Park Service requires any brick walls that had been plastered be sheet-rocked.)

Besides the exposed brick, units

include high ceilings with exposed ductwork overhead, solid-surface countertops, tile backsplashes, stainless steel appliances and hardwood floors.

“Floors were patched where rot once existed, so it’s evident that there are two different floors. But historic restoration works that way,” Reilly says.

The 26 units are all-inclusive: water, electricity, trash removal, basic cable and wi-fi are included in the rent, which ranges from $755 to $1,195.

The one- and two-bedrooms range in size from 560 to 909 square feet.

Sarah Morrison and Lori Love are property managers and realtors/brokers with MB Property Management. Known as the Love/ Morrison Team, they’re handling leasing the apartments at Lofts 29.

Even during construction, there’s been no shortage of interested parties who could obviously see beyond the blank slate.

“We have shown the lofts at least 40 times,” Morrison says. “We are currently at a one-half occupancy rate and these commitments were made during construction. We believe with construction completion in sight, we will see the remaining units lease quickly.”

And Reilly says there is almost no typical renter. “It’s a very diverse building. We have a few empty-nesters, but it’s whoever wants to live in that type of apartment. It’s downtown, it’s situated well for people without children,” he says.

“There has been good diversity in interest thus far,” Morrison adds. ”Young professionals, single folks, and even people who are at the point in their lives to downsize have shown good interest. The location is excellent, and prospective tenants are excited to walk to restaurants and shopping in downtown. The greenway is a wonderful perk, too.”

Rehab Development will remain owner/manager of Lofts 29 after its completion. Maintenance staff has been hired and the Love/Morrison

Kitchens include stainless steel appliances, tile backsplashes and solid-surface countertops.

Team will continue to act as leasing agents.

As with most construction projects, completion was delayed for unforeseen reasons. A Certificate of Occupancy was awarded on December 7, and many tenants were eager to get moved in right away.

“We’re giving our first renters a move-in package that includes downtown dollars. It’s to say thanks for being patient through delays, and it keeps it local,” Reilly shares.

And that’s at the heart of what Rehab Development does…renewing older city centers, building by building.

“We’ve taken a building that had once been a proud part of a downtown area, had not been utilized in several years and would continue to be a blight to the area. We totally turned that around. It provides, in this case, the first critical mass to the downtown area,” Reilly says.

Reilly is also quick to point out that the Lofts 29 deal would not have gone nearly as smoothly without Diane Young, executive director of Concord Downtown Development Corp (CDDC). “The CDDC began a proactive effort to find the right developer for the Hotel Concord

block in the fall of 2013,” Young says.

“We began by looking at boutique hotels that had a similar ‘small room’ configuration to see how they made this work. Through this process we were introduced to Patrick Reilly, and after walking through the properties in this block that make up the larger project, he became extremely interested in the former Heilig-Meyers building, now Lofts 29.

“We are thrilled to have our first large infusion of downtown residential loft apartments be an example of high-quality workmanship and rental rates that will set the bar high for other projects to follow. We are starting out of the gate with a project we can all be proud of, and one that will contribute annually over an estimated $270,000 to the Downtown Concord businesses through purchases of goods and services.”

The North Carolina Main Street project released an economic impact report that mirrors what’s being done in downtown Concord. According to Sharon Decker, NC secretary of commerce, “Since North Carolina began its Main Street project in 1980, over $2 billion has been invested in Main Street districts, over half of "

January 2016 11 n

which has come from the private sector. There has been a net gain of more than 18,000 net new jobs and 4,700 net new businesses.”

The report also refers to upper-floor housing, saying, “If a vacant storefront is a drain on the downtown economy, there is one strategy that can have a sizable positive impact: downtown upper-floor housing. This strategy is emerging as a major opportunity in North Carolina communities, with over half of towns already

reporting downtown housing. In most communities, the range of rents is $400 to $800 per month, with some locations commanding up to $1,200 per month.”

“It’s labor intensive, but creates more jobs and creates taxes,” Reilly adds. He also has his eye on another downtown project: The Hotel Concord and adjacent former bank building.

Rehab Development envisions “34 apartments in the hotel building and four in the bank building. We’re trying

to find an anchor tenant to take the (bank) space. We have one potential right now,” Reilly shares.

“I’ve been in the building a lot.

That’s how I can come up with hard numbers. We’ve also had our environmental guy in there. We know we’d be using the existing walls, but combining rooms to create mostly one-bedroom apartments and some two-bedroom. We would try to maintain the current social activities in the hotel, have tenants utilize the back entrance so traffic doesn’t interfere with activities going on in the front.”

The Hotel Concord building is owned by two entities: Fifth Third Bank and Union Street Corp. And while Reilly is optimistic about this project, it’s currently in the discussion phase and no agreements have been made as of this writing.

One reason this project seems so enticing to Rehab Development is the reinstatement of the Historic Tax Credit. Local and state governmental leaders worked hard in 2015 to restore the program, which went back into effect on January 1. Projects that qualify as rehabilitation of incomeproducing historic properties can receive a 20 percent federal income tax credit.

So what was once debt for the City of Concord is now worth some $2.3 million and is a true indicator of what the historic downtown district can aspire to be. Hopes are high that Lofts 29 is just the first. n

Cabarrus Magazine would like to thank its digital sponsors! | Prominent position on homepage | Categorized business website listing | Logo placement with hotlink on every page of website | Company profile page To find out more about all of our great print and digital marketing opportunities, please call us at 704-782-2353.

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Give Me Shelter THERE ARE SEVERAL ANIMAL RESCUES IN CABARRUS COUNTY, USUALLY PAST CAPACITY, FILLED WITH ADOPTABLE DOGS, CATS AND MORE!

The saying goes, “People that say money can’t buy you happiness have never paid an adoption fee.” These are the faces of the abandoned, neglected and abused, and they’re looking for that second chance. If you’re looking for a furry family member, please consider pet adoption.

Magnolia is a pretty Pit Bull Terrier mix, two years old and weighing about 50 pounds. A favorite with shelter volunteers, she is a sweet and quiet girl who loves to sit with people. She would make a great companion dog or family pet, but probably needs to be an only dog. Magnolia has been at the shelter for nearly a year, waiting for her forever home. Please come meet her at the Cabarrus Animal Shelter today!

Mr. Bates wants to know, first of all, who gave him that name. He also wants to know who the character is that’s photobombing him. In all seriousness, Mr. Bates has been waiting for a forever home for about a year. As a two-year-old brindle and white Boxer mix, he is calm and good-natured, but also playful. He enjoys getting all the attention given him, so would do best as an only pet.

Please come meet this handsome boy at the Cabarrus Animal Shelter!

Humane Society of Concord & Greater Cabarrus County/Animal Shelter 244 Betsy Carpenter Place, Concord Just south of Highway 601, off Highway 49 and General Services Drive 704-784-7387 • www.cabarrushumanesociety.org

Remy is a gorgeous female black Labrador Retriever mix, about one year old. When she first came to us she had some food aggression issues with other dogs (not humans), but since she has been in foster care she has learned to share and is doing great. She is also housetrained. Remy has lots of energy, so would do best with an individual or family that likes to be active. She’d also love a fenced-in yard where she could run and play. Please contact HS Cabarrus Animal Rescue to meet this great girl!

HS Cabarrus Animal Rescue 590 Crestmont Drive, Concord 704-701-5441 cabarrusanimalrescue@all2easy.net www.cabarrusanimalrescue.org

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By Kim Cassell

The New City Halls: Finally, Everyone Under One Roof

In 2013, both Concord and Kannapolis initiated the design and construction process of new city hall buildings. As we enter 2016, those facilities have become a reality.

Concord City Hall In Concord’s case, the idea of a new City Hall was actually part of a master plan when the parking deck was built on Cabarrus Avenue, then the Police Headquarters across the street. The parcel of land it was built on was purchased by the City in 1999 and has always been earmarked for its construction.

However, the closing of the Philip Morris plant, as well as the recession, delayed the plan for the final piece of the puzzle – the City Hall building.

Meanwhile, City departments were crowded and scattered.

“When the City moved into its ‘new’ Municipal Building – renovated former Citizens National Bank – at 26 Union Street South in 1986, the original plan was to move all downtown administrative offices there from the ‘historical’ City Hall site at 66 Union Street South,” Concord City Manager Brian Hiatt says.

“Almost immediately, additional space for staff was needed, so some functions were relocated back to the City Hall Annex, which continued to house our Human Resources and Planning offices until moving into City Hall. By the mid- to late-1990s, the 1970s police station on Market Street – the first separate building constructed for Police – was becoming crowded and the City was leasing additional downtown space to accommodate staff.”

Once the new Police Headquarters was completed, the old police space at 30 Market Street temporarily relieved pressure on the two Union Street buildings.

“There was little-to-no unused space in the old downtown buildings,” Hiatt "

Opposite: The new City Hall’s entry tower intentionally resembles the one on the 1902 Union Street City Hall. Above: Residents that attended the first Concord City Council meeting in the new building last month got a firsthand glimpse.

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The new City Council chambers can accommodate up to 219 people. The first meeting was held in the new City Hall last month.

adds. “We even had to house some coworkers in Fire Station 3 on Warren Coleman Boulevard.

“In 2010, a space needs study was conducted to determine the appropriate size of a new City Hall based on current and future operations, as well as analyzing and recommending conceptual function layouts and adjacencies. Upon receipt

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of the study, City Council adopted a goal to fund the design of a new building in fiscal year 2013-‘14. With an aggressive project schedule in order to be substantially complete in December 2015, site work began in July 2014. We are pleased that the project was completed on time.”

The 76,176-square-foot facility – with a price tag of about $20 million

– saw its first City Council meeting last month. On February 7, at 2:00pm, a dedication and open house will take place; the public is welcomed.

With a compact building site that meant the new facility had to go vertical, City Hall has a brick and concrete exterior, and an entry tower that resembles the Union Street City Hall building that was torn down in 1957.

Hiatt says, “The building’s façade and architectural tribute to the 1902 City Hall will be noticed by those approaching the building or even passing by. Once inside, the focus was to create spaces that are much more user-friendly than in our current facilities. The open, two-story lobby has attractive finishes, while not being over-the-top. Visitors will feel comfortable and welcomed, but it does not go so far as to feel elaborate,

cavernous or unapproachable. This is the people’s building and the design was very intentional in conveying that feeling.

“Some of the biggest improvements come in the public spaces and amenities that simply do not exist in the former facilities,” he continues.

“For example, the former Council Chambers has seating for 63 in the audience and a maximum occupancy of 90. The new Council Chambers currently has seating for 130 and maximum room occupancy of 219.

“When customers entered the Municipal Building to pay taxes, receive assistance with their utility account or meet with City officials, they did not have much room to wait or navigate without feeling crowded by multiple lines of people converging, and privacy has always been a concern.

The former entry had a cattle chute feel. The old buildings also presented major accessibility, efficiency, safety and maintenance challenges that are eliminated in City Hall. The (new) building was designed with room to grow programmed throughout, as needed or projected in each department. The extra room is subtle, rather than large expanses of empty space.”

About 113 City staffers are moving into their new offices this month, folks that undoubtedly will not miss their old space. Plans for those dwellings could include selling the two Union Street buildings and tearing down the old Police Headquarters building on Market Street. The thought there is to eventually build a green space/plaza.

“To be able to do that we have to move the signal shop and Traffic Management Center currently located in the basement to a new facility, possibly on the Brown Operations Center property,” Hiatt adds.

“The ability to have hundreds of coworkers under the same roof is a fantastic improvement. There are times that many coworkers do not see each other for weeks, and now

we can truly be a single team serving the community in one building… customers will no longer have to go from one building to another. We will all have to get used to being able to do so much in one building, rather than having to go to several facilities Downtown or elsewhere in the city to accommodate public events, meetings, etc. It may take us a while to realize all the efficiencies we’ll gain in the average workday.”

Kannapolis City Hall and Police Headquarters More than two years ago, Kannapolis City Council set in motion what is Kannapolis City Hall and Police Headquarters – on time and under budget.

Last month, a dedication ceremony was held that saw former mayors, area business leaders and hundreds of residents enter the new building to the lilt of Scottish bagpipes, tour the "

January 2016 17 n

facility, then observe the swearing-in of council members in the new chambers.

The 106,000-square-foot classic Georgian-style structure is, happily, more than Kannapolis had originally envisioned or predicted they could afford. But David H. Murdock’s donation of 6.6 acres of land on the NC Research Campus (NCRC) saved the City more than $1 million in grading costs alone. And City Council approved a construction budget of $27.3 million.

“The space needs study was completed prior to the donation of the land,” Kannapolis City Manager Mike Legg says. “We would have built a similar sized building elsewhere. (The site of the old post office building off Loop Road was considered.) However, the Laureate Center might not have been built in another location, so the building might have been smaller.

We may have also built two buildings in a campus environment – one for Police and one for City Hall – if we did not locate on the donated land. We

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needed to build them together, under one roof, on the NCRC to maintain the proper scale with all the other buildings on the campus. That would not have been as important elsewhere.”

Up until now, the City’s governmental departments had been housed separately, in leased buildings across the city. They’ve been retrofit over the years, but admittedly don’t function well for the types of work being done and the equipment needed.

“People don’t realize that even though the city has been here a long time, it was built around the mills. We weren’t incorporated as a city until the 1980s,” Kannapolis Director of Communications Annette Keller says. “So we’re actually a very young government. The first priority was taking over utilities…water and sewer. You build up your staff and your services…priority was given to getting a Public Works facility, Parks and Recreation, Village Park. Fire Administration was housed in fire

stations and our police force in leased quarters. We’ve known since we were founded that we were going to need a building.”

“The first time the issue of a new City Hall and Police Headquarters came up was as part of a City Council set of goals in 1990, although it was probably informally discussed ever since incorporation in 1984,” Legg adds. “It also gained additional traction in 1998 as part of the longrange visioning project, Weaving a Shared Future.

“A number of things kept it from becoming a reality until now: different elected leadership; two major droughts that diverted significant attention from other potential priorities; other needs: establishing a full-time professional Fire Department, building new fire stations, building a Public Works operation center, renovating our water treatment plant, building parks, etc.; the collapse of Pillowtex and the following development of the NCRC; the economy in the late 2000s. Finally, the City’s financial condition is far better now than it was 25 years ago – really even 10 years ago – which has made this project possible.”

About 160 City employees will relocate into the new facility over the next 60 days, being fully operational

by March 1; it’s a welcomed move.

“The Police Department is working in an old funeral home and it’s very crowded. It’s been retrofit, but it was never meant to house police,” Keller explains. “Fire Administration is in a "

The new Kannapolis City Hall and Police Headquarters was modeled after the other structures on the NC Research Campus.

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A City Hall dedication was held last month, allowing residents to witness the swearing-in of Kannapolis City Council members as well as tour the new facility. City employees are moving in now through the end of February.

room meant for four or five people; 10 are moving. Telecommunicators are in a windowless room. They answer thousands of calls every year and they’ll now be in a space with windows.”

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She shares a scenario: “We’re taking seven families from seven different houses and moving into one big house together. All technology must be in place, and moving 911, in most cases, is a huge undertaking. It has to be seamless.”

With upgraded technology, the building’s 5,500-square-foot Laureate Center is available for business meetings and community functions.

Accommodating 260 people for events like banquets and 450 people for meetings, the center can be subdivided into three separate spaces.

“The goal is, we’d like the Laureate Center to be part of the downtown revitalization plan, bring people into the downtown core for conventions, continuing education, receptions,” Keller says. “People will be able to reserve a space online; we hope to have that up mid-January. They can look at all the spaces: the Laureate Center, the old Cabarrus Bank Building, Rotary Hall, the Train Station, Village Park has a multi-purpose room.”

In the meantime, appreciation for the new city hall is growing, and that appreciation starts on the outside. “The exterior of the building is spectacular, it has a great presence. It’s classic

Georgian-style with a front portico and a copper dome,” Keller says. “Once you come inside the foyer, the gallery space is what you immediately notice.

Public art will go in that space in the future. There are two very nice terraces that can be rented for events. Upstairs, people really enjoyed the mezzanine that looks down into the gallery space and a conference room that has a veranda. It was standing room only at the dedication.”

Viewed as a morale booster and an environment where employees can be more productive, Keller says, “The police chief (at the dedication) made a very good point. We’re bringing all these departments together. They’ve been scattered, you had to stop what you were doing and drive to all these locations around the city. Now we will work more efficiently and effectively because all we have to do is run up and down the stairs. The building has a couple areas that we’re calling collaborative space. We can talk about ideas and flesh out problems and issues. When you’ve been in an old, outdated building, this does give you a sense of pride. It’s an embracing space.” n

Breaking Bread

Fruitful Catering has been a full-service caterer for Cabarrus and surrounding counties in the Carolinas since 2001.

They have more than 25 years experience planning events from elegant dinners in homes to large events catering to thousands. They will come to your location or you can plan your event at the Copperfield Room. They offer specialty menus for all types of occasions, are open to requests and ready to meet your individual needs.

There is no initial consultation fee so call today at 704-467-3062 or email us at fruitfulcatering@cs.com. n

cabarrus magazine is happy to feature CHEF DANIEL GARMON. he WILL BE BRINGING ONE OF HIS OWN RECIPES TO CABARRUS MAGAZINE READERS EACH MONTH, so Bon Appetit!

Black Beans Turkey Chili (Serves 6) INGREDIENTS 1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil 1 pound ground turkey 1 red or yellow onion, chopped 2 cups water 1 (28 oz.) can crushed tomatoes 1 (16 oz.) can black beans drained & rinsed 1 tablespoon garlic, minced

2 tablespoons chili powder 1/2 teaspoon paprika 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano 1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper 6 baked potatoes (optional)

DIRECTIONS Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Place turkey in the pot and cook until evenly brown. Stir in onion, and cook until tender. Pour water into the pot.

Mix in tomatoes, black beans and garlic. Add chili powder, paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper, cumin, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer 30 minutes. Garnish: cheddar cheese, sour cream and fresh chives.

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By Kim Cassell

On the Job:

The New NCWorks Career Center Up until last September, Cabarrus County residents who found themselves unemployed had to visit the Employment Security Commission on Kannapolis Highway in Concord.

The experience of walking into this dark, seemingly unfriendly building did little but add to the depressing feeling of being out of work in the first place. Sure, the staff was there to aid in commencing unemployment insurance payments and offering classes in workforce re-entry, but it didn’t empower.

Well, a new day has dawned. On September 14, Cabarrus County’s NCWorks Career Center opened its doors at 845 Church Street N. Notice the name change.

Upon entry, one will also notice an all-new staff led by Gary Mason.

“We moved so that we could be in a more centrally located facility,” he says.

“We wanted an open floor plan, with windows, new technology. Also, we were in a stand-alone building but we would like the services we offer to be completely integrated in the community.”

At a ribbon cutting in October, Mason was joined by – among others – representatives from the Centralina Workforce Development Board (WDB). The board is comprised of professionals from all facets of business and representing each county. It also oversees the operations of the NCWorks Career Center. There are currently eight Career Centers in our region.

According to the WDB, “The primary goal of the Centralina Workforce Development Board is to ensure that all job seekers in the Centralina region "

Gary Mason is center leader at NCWorks Career Center. Opposite: Customers are able to utilize state-of-the-art technology while job seeking.

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NCWorks’ atmosphere is light, bright and positive. And employers may utilize group interview space.

secure and retain a stable, high-paying job…jobs with benefits; if trained, a new job; sound information on the labor market; information on job openings; assistance on how to search for jobs; and access to occupational skills/education/training

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and other resources.”

Probably one of the biggest changes for job seekers is technology. Gone are the days of being called to a cubicle to interview with a staff member.

Interviews are no longer required and unemployment insurance claims

are done online now, although Mason points out that his staff can guide new customers through the process. Logging on to the Division of Employment Security’s website at desncc.com will take you through the appropriate steps.

The Centralina WDB’s new website – centralinaworks.com – has been designed with the user in mind. It offers information to both employers and job seekers, including a database of potential jobs; an interactive map with contact information, addresses and partner websites; regional and county facts; labor market data; community resources; and employment publications.

“Users will have access to real-time information,” Asia Wilson, Centralina WDB communications specialist, says.

“This is a cutting-edge Internet site that offers a single online point of reference for workforce related news, content and events across the region.“ In addition, the NCWorks Career Centers provide numerous free services to job seekers (see sidebar).

And Mason is happy to tout the new center’s amenities. “We now have five flat-screen TVs throughout the building that simultaneously show our upcoming job fairs, training opportunities, workshops, etc. We now offer sign-in through our iPad. We have windows throughout the facility, which give great natural light. We had no natural light, flat-screen TV or iPad sign-in at our old facility.

“The TVs allow customers to see what’s happening at a glance. The new facility itself allows our customers to feel great looking for a new career,” he adds.

Those looking for work aren’t the only ones to benefit from the new facility. “Employers can utilize our center for hiring needs, we offer interview space for groups or offices

Free Services at NCWorks The following services are offered to job seekers, at no charge:

• Practice interviewing for jobs

• Career assessment and guidance

• Help registering with and using NCWorks Online

• Access to training and education programs

• Career centers also offer special programs to help

• Learn about job fairs and workshops

the following populations find jobs: veterans, youth,

• Information on the job market

migrant farm workers and former offenders.

• Free computer and Internet access

• Assistance with searching for jobs • Resume´ and cover letter preparation

Source: NCWorks Career Center

for one-on-one,” Mason explains.

“Also, employers can refer candidates to workshops such as resume´ writing and to take a look at our training opportunities.

“Our goal for potential employers is to find qualified employees quickly, in a cost-efficient manner,” he adds. “We help companies filter out unqualified candidates, and assist with getting future candidates certified and jobready and job-skilled. We assist with screening for work ethic and interpersonal skills, are a single point of contact with agencies, with good service and timely follow-up.”

To benefit most from the NCWorks Career Center, visit ncworks.gov and set up a profile. Registration is free.

As for the old Employment Security Commission building, Mason says the Department of Transportation has claimed the property as eminent domain. They plan to purchase the land and tear down the building. n

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Anghel Joins NorthEast Digestive Health Center Dr. Geanina Anghel, a boardcertified physician specializing in gastroenterology and inflammatory bowel disease, has joined NorthEast Digestive Health Center.

She completed her gastroenterology fellowship and internal medicine residency through Drexel University and Allegheny General Hospital.

Her advanced inflammatory bowel disease training came from the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio and Dr. Geanina Anghel Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.

Additionally, Dr. Anghel is board certified in gastroenterology and internal medicine, certified by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates and a board member of the American Gastroenterological Association.

“With her strong research background and extensive gastroenterology experience at some of the country’s best hospitals, Dr. Anghel brings a unique and valuable perspective to patient treatment,” Dr. David Rhodes says. “Her history of commitment to her patients makes her a great fit for our practice and the Concord community.”

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On the Go Duke University’s MURDOCK Study is Conducting Healthy Aging Study If you are at least 80 years old, live in one of the study’s participating zip codes and can walk 30 feet without the help of another person, you may be eligible to participate in this latest study. Assistive devices may be used.

Being a part of this study will help future generations and improve the health and quality of life in our community.

Participants will be required to provide answers to brief surveys that discuss their physical abilities and eating habits; take a cognitive test; and provide a series of activities of daily living and a small collection of blood.

With nearly 12,000 participants, Duke University’s MURDOCK Study is one of the largest and most unique studies of its kind. Researchers are using information from volunteers in our community to better understand health and disease, and potentially develop better treatments.

For more information, call 704-250-5861 or visit www.murdock-study.org.

Cabarrus County Schools Names Chris Lowder Superintendent The Cabarrus County Board of Education swore in interim superintendent, Chris Lowder, as Cabarrus County Schools’ 10th superintendent last month.

Having served as interim superintendent since March 2014, Lowder’s leadership and performance prompted the appointment.

Lowder, a Cabarrus County native, graduated from A.L. Brown High School, then earned a bachelor’s degree in English education from UNC-Chapel Hill and two master’s Chris Lowder degrees from UNC Charlotte.

He started teaching English at Central Cabarrus High School in 1992 before becoming an assistant principal, principal and director of high school curriculum.

Carolina International School Honored as a North Carolina Green School of Promise The NC Green Schools Rubric offers a comprehensive guide for schools to navigate their way to greening their campuses and curricula. Schools receive recognition and are awarded a certificate of accomplishment for their efforts based on the tasks that are completed. Based on the tasks that Concord’s Carolina International School completed, it has become a NC Green School of Promise. This means that the school is taking the initial steps to improve its sustainability and environmental education curriculum.

In recognition of this, the school held its Green School Award Ceremony, which included presentations from students based on the environmental projects they completed throughout the year. The NC Green School of Promise Award was presented by Katie Cavert Ferrell, program director of NC Green Schools.

The school’s K-5 Environmental Studies teacher, Tammi Remsburg, was also presented an Outstanding Leadership Award by NC Green Schools.

According to a US Green Building Council study, green schools “provide measurable benefits that impact the occupants of the building and the financial bottom line” of the school and community.

National Environmental Education Foundation studies show that environmental education has proven beneficial to increasing student achievement levels. The US Department of Education (ED) has expressed its commitment to green schools by developing the Green Ribbon Schools program. Establishing a Green School is a great way to implement best practice education in our schools.

Cabarrus Chamber Names Terry Crawford Interim President and CEO The Cabarrus Regional Chamber of Commerce Executive Committee has voted unanimously to end the employment agreement of Patrick Coughlin, president and CEO, effective immediately. Terry Crawford, current board member and immediate past chairman, has been named interim president and CEO. “This was a personnel decision; the board of directors decided to make a leadership change. We thank Patrick for the two years he put into the organization and county and Terry Crawford wish him all the best,” Tammy Whaley, board chairwoman, says. “Our members’ best interest remains our number one priority and we’re working diligently to ensure a smooth transition.”

A Concord resident for nearly 10 years, Crawford has 45 years of hotel expertise, as well as extensive business, tourism and economic development experience.

Now retired and working as a consultant, he was most recently general manager of the Embassy Suites Golf Resort & Spa in Concord.

Currently, Crawford is vice-chairman of the City of Concord Planning and Zoning Board of Commissioners. He has previously served as board member and chairman of the Cabarrus County Convention and Visitors Bureau and board member of the Cabarrus Arts Council.

“The Cabarrus Regional Chamber of Commerce board is fully committed and prepared to assist Terry during this transition,” Whaley says. “We’re confident his leadership will help successfully guide our organization as we search for a permanent president and CEO.” n

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What’s Happening The IcePark Through January 19 • $12 (skates included) 8461 Concord Mills Blvd., Concord • Located directly behind Concord Mills at The Speedpark • 704-527-8464; www.thespeedpark.com Piedmont Farmers Market January 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 • 8:00am 518 Winecoff School Road, Concord • Open year-round. Fresh local produce, honey, free-range eggs, antibiotic- and hormone-free beef, chicken and pork • 704-425-5559; www.piedmont-farmersmarket.com Kannapolis Arts Showcase January 8 • 7:00-9:00pm (second Friday of each month) Sunshine’s Asian Cuisine 215 West A Street, Kannapolis • Artists are invited to come out with two to three pieces of their work. Share and discuss your work with other local artists. Please be ready by 7:00pm.

• mknox@modernfilminc.com; www.kannapolisarts.com 2nd Saturday Open Studios at CLEARWATER ARTIST STUDIOS January 9 • 10:00am-4:00pm 223 Crowell Drive N.W., Concord • Free; music, refreshments, working artists and open studio. Come immerse yourself in our creative space!

• 704-784-9535; clearwaterartists.com

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chamber Business After Hours January 12 • 5:30-7:00pm Mynatt Insurance Agency 281 Concord Parkway S., Concord • Members are FREE; non-members are welcome three times per year: first visit is free, second and third visits are $10.

• Chemin Duffey: 704-260-8110; coordinator@cabarrus.biz Eric Bibb in concert January 16 • 8:00pm Davis Theatre 65 Union Street S., Concord • Blues guitar master Eric Bibb has toured all over the world and been nominated for a Grammy as well as four Blues Music Awards.

• 704-920-2753 CaROLINA BRIDAL FAIR January 17 • 12 noon-5:00pm Cabarrus Arena & Events Center 4751 Highway 49 N., Concord • Wander down aisles of booths featuring the finest in gowns and tuxedos; ceremony and reception venues; bridal consultants, event planners and designers; wedding cakes and caterers; florists, photographers and videographers, and much more!

• 704-920-3988; www. secure.exposites.com/ carolinabridalfair.com

Memory Cafe´ January 20 (third Wednesday of each month) Faith Coffee & Sweets 5040 NC Highway 49, Harrisburg • Free event open to anyone experiencing dementia, their loved ones and/or their care partners. Share time, stories and journeys together while having fun in a social setting.

• No preregistration is required.

• Michelle Marciniak: 704-698-6324; michelle.marciniak@ carillonassistedliving.com CABARRUS CHRISTIAN Women’s Connection January 21 • 9:30am • $15 Cabarrus Country Club 3247 Weddington Road, Concord • Joy Prom: Welcome Sherry Piel, founder and executive director of 501©3, Joyful Hearts.

• When All Else Fails, Read The Directions by Guest Speaker Arlene Grimes, a recent Clemson University retiree. She discovered answers to life in the Manufacturer’s Maintenance Manual.

• Brunch Music: Martha Campbell • For reservations (Jan. 18 deadline) and information, contact Barbara at 704-786-2722 or barb1960@ windstream.net.

Sponsored by the Cabarrus Christian Women’s Connection, an affiliate of Stonecroft Ministries

Jeff Whittington Bluegrass Band January 21 • 7:30 pm Davis Theatre 65 Union Stteet S., Concord • Traditional bluegrass music show • 704-920-2753 SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY January 23 • All Day Historic Downtown Concord • Make a purchase at any participating business and enter into a drawing for $100 in Downtown Concord Dollars to be spent in participating businesses.

• 704-784-4208; www.concorddowntown.com

12TH ANNUAL CHARLOTTE HOME & LANDSCAPE SHOW January 29-31 Cabarrus Arena & Events Center 4751 Highway 49 N., Concord • The latest in products and services for everything from builders, contractors, materials, decks, pools, spas, storage, plants, landscapes, kitchenware, and much more.

• 704-920-3988; charlottehomeandlandscapeshow.com

CONCORD ON CANVAS BANNER LAUNCH January 29 • 6:00-9:00pm Historic Downtown Concord • Opening bids are entered for a chance to win Downtown Dollars.

Paintings will be on display at Union Street Bistro, with the Concord on Canvas ticketed event being held at The Hotel Concord on March 11, 2016.

• 704-784-4208; www.concorddowntown.com

ART WALK January 29 • 6:00-9:00pm Historic Downtown Concord • Galleries and shops display visual art and host artists’ demonstrations.

• Interactive displays, live music and refreshments • 704-784-4208; www.concorddowntown.com

flicks at the davis January 29 • 8:00pm Davis Theatre 65 Union Street S., Concord • Showing The Princess Bride: This fairy tale story-within-a-story is about a man and a woman who lived happily ever after even though the courtship almost killed them. (PG) • $5 at the door • 704-920-2753

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At a Glance Accounting Firms Potter & Company 434 Copperfield Boulevard N.E Concord, NC 28025 704-786-8189 www.gotopotter.com

Cleaning Services – Office Page 3

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Clothing/Workwear

Automotive Sales Ben Mynatt Nissan Page 12 629 Jake Alexander Boulevard (I-85, Exit 75) Salisbury, NC 28147 704-633-7270 www.benmynattnissan.com

Banking Services Wells Fargo Page 9 400 Ashdale Court, Concord, NC 28027 1501 S. Cannon Blvd., Kannapolis, NC 28083 50 Union Street, Concord, NC 28025 984 Concord Parkway N., Concord, NC 28027 5075 Highway 49S., Harrisburg, NC 28075 704 N. Cannon Blvd., Kannapolis, NC 28083 216 West Avenue, Kannapolis, NC 28081 868 Church Street, Concord, NC 28025 1-800-946-9524 www.wellsfargo.com

Caterering Services Fruitful Catering 704-467-3062 fruitfulcatering@cs.com www.fruitfulcatering.com

Blue-J 51 Union Street S., Concord, NC 28025 704-589-3148 www.bluejsmallofficecleaning.com

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Churches New Hope Worship Center Page 25 452 Brookwood Ave. N.E., Concord, NC 28025 704-786-0155 www.newhopewc.org

Danélle Clothing Warehouse Page 2 570 Concord Parkway N., Concord, NC 28027 704-787-9066 www.danellescrubs.com

Dentists Robert Rogers, DDS Page 16 980 Lee-Ann Drive, Concord, NC 28025 704-793-1535 • 704-746-9670 fax www.drrobertrogersdds.com

Employment Services DecisionPathHR Page 3 2339 Concord Lake Road, Concord, NC 28025 704-251-4000 www.decisionpathhr.com

Financial/Lending Institutions Southern Select Community Credit Union Page 3 169 Dale Earnhardt Blvd., Kannapolis, NC 28081 704-934-2300 275 Branchview Drive S.E., Concord, NC 28025 704-795-0088 www.SouthernselectCCU.com

Funeral Homes Hartsell Funeral Homes Page 18 460 Branchview Dr. N.E., Concord, NC 28025 704-786-1161 13575 Broadway Avenue, Midland, NC 28107 704-888-5571

522 N. Second Street, Albemarle, NC 28001 704-983-1188 www.hartsellfh.com Wilkinson Funeral Home Page 30 100 Branchview Drive N.E., Concord, NC 28025 704-786-3168 www.wilkinsonfuneralhome.com

General Surgeons The Piedmont Surgical Clinic, PA Page 2 431 Copperfield Boulevard, Concord, NC 28025 704-786-1104 www.piedmontsurgical.com

Land Sales American Land Corporation - Charlotte Page 25 21031 Catawba Avenue, Suite 105 Cornelius, NC 28031 704-535-4100 www.americanlandcorporation.com

Pharmacies Harrisburg Hometown Pharmacy Page 29 5006 Highway 49 S., Harrisburg, NC 28075 704-454-RX4U (7948) www.harrisburgpharmacy.com

Photographers Michael A. Anderson Photography 38 Union Street S., Concord, NC 28025 704-701-5908 mike@michael-a-anderson.com www.michael-a-anderson.com

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Print & Technology Services Modern Impressions Page 11 5029 West W.T. Harris Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28269 800-840-2554 www.modernimpressions.com

Recreational Events Run For Your Life 901 S. Kings Drive, #100 Charlotte, NC 28204 704-358-0713 www.runforyourlife.com

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Testing & Research Spectrum Discovery Center Page 16 222 Oak Avenue, Kannapolis, NC 28081 704-250-1200 www.spectrumdiscoverycenter.com n

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