Greater Charlotte Biz 2001.04 by CLT.biz & Charlotte Biz & Greater Charlotte Biz

our greatest asset dese es awarCl-winn ·ng hea he re Yo__r en ployees are one o: yoo - most vaila::>

as."ets, so you knew OO N im portant

it is t:J <eep them h ealthy and Nell. As yo..1 c:o·: >Se the health pla.1 op ions that

Pre sb:tt~rian Ortha~edk

Hospital named :.:..sa T:)p I OC• or:ho pedic hospital :wo y.::c.rs ·n a rcn~

wi I gi·.-:: them access to p•ysi.cians and s p c:o:i ~d ~L

give trem acce 'S

.<\s the mast c=:c:~ prim ~r:;

hospital services, r::uke sure

Presbyreriar_ H ea. th : .

p:-::fu~·ed hospital in C h:ulo-:r.:•, we

are s.:n.i:es ;o.s well as the o ost - dvanced

prr.:c.::d ures: a.1.d treaoent c prions in the ::-egi a. For

Coosu m-2r Choice A·Nard winner for the frfth cc n secutive- :o8ar by ationcJ Research Corpc ration

list o: h:::Jd- in urance plans that v,j 1 give

:;-c ur err.p~oy.::·=s ac:o.:ss -o Fresbyteric.n H eal thare, visit

c _f wee s_re at wvw. :oresbyterian.org or :all our >,fc naged Car-= OF e H 704-384-4975 .

Name:d all€ :Jf the 0 Jest place~ t:• work in tre rat. ;:,r by \lllo rkhg lr'k::·ther J.l a~az;ne

Seventeenti't Hole 194 Yards Par 3 # 16 Handicap

VOTED CHARLOTTE'S BES'T PLTBLIC GOLF COL-RSE

r3729 Yards P;; r 71 Ratir.s; 72.7 Sk>;.e 125

*** *

2000- 20C 1 GOLF DIGEST " PLACES TO PLAY " 1999 -CHARLOTTE ' S BEST MAGAZINE - READER ' S CHOICE 1 998 - GOLF DIGEST "P LACES TO PLAY " 1998- CREATIVE LOAFING MAGAZINE- CRITIC' S CHOICE 1997 -CHARLOTTE' S BEST MAGAZINE - READER ' S CHOICE 1996 - METROLINA GOLF MAGAZINE - REP.DER ' S CHOICE

* * * _,

Bring this ad in for a free larg,e bucket of practice balls and 10째/o off any membership. t~o

purchase r ecessary. Offer subject to change without notice.

PRACTICf ~ PRACTICf ~ PRACTICf ~ 1.000,000 Sfi. fT.* The Regent Park Practice Complex

• Total squarE fll'ta~edthe Rlgent Park Practr? (onpl.x

One of the Carolina's most complete practice foci/We~ enccmpasses 26/ighted ACRES and is open to the public 364 days a y~ar

REGENT PARK GOLF ACADEMY

Whether you are a beginning golfer, or well an f M 1'1101' :J p'ayinq scratch golf, the Regent Park GolfAcademy can r.i'i..: GSL 'J;'ti,-tial difference in your game. Our PGA and LPGA teackw; :rro.=esiC'J i ; educate the beginninggolfer with the foundadcns ilf 1 ~rJ golfswing that allows alifetime ofenjoyment C'r. tic liNk!.. For the more advanced player, they can pinpod ~.'fa; ofyour game that need improvement or modifiol!rA ultimately lowering your handicap.

Precise ... Perfect. .. PLAYER! Words that you would like others to use when describing your golf game? Unique to Charlotte and thesoutheast, the Regent Park Practice Complex features 12 distinct practiceand lesson areas that focus on improving every segment ofyour game. PERFECT PRACTICE TO PERFECTION! • Develop touch with your wedge in the chipping area. ·Learn how toget out of the sand confidently and consistently fromfairway and green side bunker practiceareas. • Conquer your fear of the long ironsand hit your driver straighter thanever. • Understand howspeed and grain affect the break ofyour putts.

Inspire your passion for the game. Challenge yourself today! Makethe Regent Park Practice Complex your new golf home ...

RfGfNT PARK lfGfNO 1. North Practice Tee Z. Short Game Practice Tee 3. Full Swing Target Area Multiple greens and measured targets let you zero in every club in your bag from any tee. 4. Regent Park Golf Academy • PGM Classroom • Covered Teeing Areas • Video Swing Analysis 5. Private Lesson Tee 6. Clinic and Irons-Only Tee 7. Fairway Bunker and Uneven Lies Practice Area 8. Lower South Practice Tees 9. Upper South Practice Tees 10. Regent Park Golf Shop Acomplete selection of the latest golf equipment and apparel from the industry's top suppliers. 11. Pitch Shot I Chipping Area 1Z. Practice Ball Vending 73. Main Putting Green 1/2 acre bent-grassputting surface allows for a true roll. 14. Green-side Bunker Practice Area 75. Tenth Tee 16. Eighteenth Green 17. The Rainbow Deli at Regent Park Enjoy a hot dog or a sandwich and a cold drink at the turn or a catered meal for your outing. 18. First Tee Putting Green 79. First Tee ZO. Special Events Lawn and Tournament Scoreboard

PGA & LP6.4 l'nfrni 'Jtlals C'n Staff: Personri ¥ c' privc:E i11;'ructi:m for all ages and oJt 1..tirs. Jfl co!rset:aining availabl?: U': gen! l'nGolfOub.

Golf Lesso 1s .-w' 5fJ ~ rial Eve1tts: Ccxnp::. clini.:s <Fe itl.imrs for begin, ers,jw..C'::s loc'.esand men are feiitur!d thn cx;1c_t r~P- year. Calffor infori11(Jtion.

CustOVJ rmed 6olf Equiprwen t: Take yw r !}i'me to the next IE'r'? l w.tha set cfrewc'ubsflat fits your ~ da xcc swirg:1q motion

cover story

growth engine Lisa Crutchfield is leadi ng T IAA-CREF's expansion to Charlotte and she's got rer hands full. Th~ financial services organization is investing an initial $ 130 million to establish its Southern Set viCE Center in University Research Park, and over the next ten years, could expanc the comple::: to accommodate 9,000 jobs.

30 Community Service Although the Charlotte area is between 25t h to 30th in t erms of

de artments publisher's post

biz digest

the size of its market, the YMC A of Greater Charlotte is the tenth largest in t he nation. Led by president and

real estate biz The Relocation Specialist

CEO Andy Calhoun (right), it serves one out of nearly every

seven people in the community. A nd that doesn't even count t hose who take part in programs but aren't member s.

regional biz

Concord Meets the Future

education biz

Westward Ho!

36 Buying Power Tehseen Ali (left) and Bilal Soylu ofVerian Technologies developed ProcureiT'M, a Web-based solution that helps companies

health care biz

Health Care Onli ne

dining biz

Monticello

cut costs by automating the ordering of equi pment, services and supplies.The latest version, 5. 1, auto mates the entire purchasing process and allows the purchaser to work from anywhere.

52 the biz interview Tony Zeiss (right) is president of Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC), the largest of North Carolina's 58 community colleges, serving approximately 70,000 people each year N early one in

auto biz

2001 BMW X5

biz resource guide

on the cover:

Thi s month's cover f eatures Lisa Crutchfield in front of the new TIAA -CREF complex under constntction in Charlotte's Uni versity Research Pari< Photo by Wayne Morri s.

I 0 people in Mecklenburg County enrolled in CPCC last year CPCC offers five associate degree programs, including course work in 45 technical specialties, as well as degrees that transfer directly to University of North Carolina colleges.

~ re a ter

::: ha rl otte biz

cliaflotte iz a p r i I 200 I 3

cliaflotte

VII

April 2001 Volum e 2 â&#x20AC;˘ Iss ue 4 Publisher

John Paul Gal les jgalles@greatercharlottebiz.com

[publisher's

stl

Not Just An Arena .... A Center City Mecca As a voter, you are no doubt aware of the planned citywide, argued to be countywide, non-binding referendum scheduled in June on the proposal to approve $352 million in financing for a new uptown arena, minor league baseball stadium and five cultural projects. Under the proposal, the

john Paul Galles, Publisher Hornets paying the city genera lly increasing amounts per year through the end of a

city would bear the expense of building the arena with the Associate Publisher

Maryl A. Lane maryl.a.lane@greatercharlottebiz.com

25-year lease . Revenue for the arena would be raised through taxes on hotel rooms, rental cars, players' salaries, and tickets to events held in the new arena, as well as

Editor

Timothy J. Parolini tparolini@greatercharlottebiz.com

rent received from t he Charlott e Hornets for using it. The proposal itself is far from definitive; there are significant issues to be resolved. These include the likelihood of tax-exempt bond status, the location of the stadium itself, the state's financial contribution, the soundness of revenue projections to retire the bonds,

Vice President/Director of Sales

Talbert G ray tgray@greatercharlottebiz.com Account Executive

authorization of a ticket tax, the exact mix of cultural beneficiaries, and so forth. Given the unresolved issues and the complexity of their determination , the timing of the referendum is rather curious. The Hornets have said that waiting until November would be too costly in losses for the franchise, current ly at $1 million a month, and indiÂˇ cate that they are willing to finance the roughly $400,000 cost of the June referendum.

Kathryn Moseley kmoseley@greatercharlottebiz.com Dena Carmichae l dcarmichael@greatercharlottebiz.com Contributing Writers

Casey Jacobus Kathy Mendieta Bea Quirk Nethea Fortney Rhinehardt Chip Scho lz Lynda A. Stadler Contributing Photographer

Wayne Morris

Greater Charlotte Biz is published 12 times per year by:

Conventiona l wisdom, however, based on local experience, indicates that chances of approval in June are slim; that postponing it until November would attract more voters and resolve more spec ifics. One does wonder about the value of holding a non-binding referendum at all. Disapproval wou ld not estop City Council from proceeding either as proposed or in a totally a different fash ion. Approval would not compel City Council to proceed upon the terms of the proposal or at all. To the extent it is not voted down, however, perhaps hold ing the June referendum will encourage sooner resolution of the outstanding issues, and help build momentum and enthusiasm for this massive undertaking. While the unresolved issues are daunting, we must not lose sight of the larger, more important objective that the arena proposal serves. As we said in large part last August:

The question really is- do we want to build something for ourselves in the process? Seeking to expand the use and purpose of the arena, making sure it is designed for the future, and planning for it as a center city mecca will certainly serve to offset its cost while invigorating the center city and delineating Charlotte from other mid-sized cities. It is significant to note how far the City Council's proposal has evolved. Charlotte City

G all es Comm unications G roup, Inc. 804 C lanton Road, Suite B Charlotte , NC 282 17- 1358

taxes, whi le at the same time struggli ng to find ways to reinvigorate the center city as well as

www.greatercharlotte biz.com

to enhance the city's identity. After much study and deliberation, they have fashioned an

Council members have acknowledged the public's rejection of proposals funded by property

arena proposa l that add resses each of these issues, one that encompasses far more than For e d itorial or advertising inquiries, cal l 704. 676.5850. Please fax subscri ption inquiries to 704.676.585 3 or e-mail them to

info@greatercharlottebiz.com

Already Charlotte chamber and business executives have marshalled in excess of a mill ion dollars to educate the voting public on the merits of the proposal. Voters need to see the arena as an asset that will be long to the entire community and one that will significantly contribute to the revitalization of uptown and the identity of Charlotte. Hopefully, the urgency requ ired by the Hornets to have a new home and the rapid-fire

in whole or in part without permission is

propulsion toward the June referendum, rushing the preparation of language for the ref-

prohibited. Products named in these pages

erendum as well as the resolution of its many unknowns, will not backfire on its propo-

are trade names or trademarks of their respective companies. The opinions

nents, but will serve to amalgamate support for the mecca envisioned. It is clear that if

expressed herein are not necessarily

the package is going to pass, the business community has a significant task ahead. We

those of Greater Charlotte Biz or Galles Communications Group. Inc.

"just a sports arena," a proposal that business can and should support!

april 200 I

support this proposal and urge you to do so too.

biz greater charlotte biz

Here's o beq f1rst. Here's :o lead mg. Here's to altermg the face of bus11ess '1 re>r.llutlonizmg every smgle facet of your company. A new world. A new way. Call ou' Charlotte cff1 : e at ;'04.329.4600.

[bizdigest]

Tech Biz from LocaiBusiness.com Local Business.com 1s a national dai ly onl1ne business news site

wi~h

Jaworski Speaks to Club Former Super Bowl QB at Hood Hargett Breakfast

a local focus on the Carolinas.

Like Television Launches Ad-Casting Software It's not here yet, but when video-streaming commercials make their way to Internet movies and shows, Like Television Inc. will be ready. The two-year-old start-up that lets users watch classic television shows and movies on the World Wide Web has developed and launched dynamic ad-casting software that enables Internet video content providers to serve targeted ads between or during video clips. "It can basically steer ads to you based on your demographics," said founder and CEO Willy Krause. "It also allows for the rotation of different and random ads so you don't have to watch the same commercial every time." The company hopes to complete a round of private placement financing in the range of $5 million in the next three to six months. Last April, it landed about $750,000 in angel funding from private investors in Charlotte and the Philadelphia area

Ron Jaworski was the sports celebrity speaker for the March Hood Hargett Breakfast Club, a private monthly

event

held exclusively for the 35 Hood Hargett Breakfast Club sponsors and the ir guests . Beacon

c.r.m. ,

the feature product of

Pharos Software, was the Host Sponsor for the

event.

Ron Jaworski is an analyst for two NFL programs on ESPN- Edge NFL MatchUp and NFL Prime Monday. Jaworski, who played 17 years in the NFL, led the Eagles to their first Super Bowl in 1980 (Super Bowl XV vs . the Oakland Raiders) . He joined ESPN in 1990. Following his playing career, Jaworski became a sports commentator for WI P-AM in Philade lphia and in 1992 became co-host of the Eagles postgame show on WYSP Radio.

Midgard Raises Cash Software developer MidGard Information Systems has closed a $2 million round of private equity financing from Centura Capital in Charlotte and Raleigh-based Oberlin Capital. Midgard plans to use the funds as working capi-

Jaworski manages two 18-hole golf courses, several fitness centers and a

Ron Jaworski

held at the Charlotte Marriott Executive Park Hotel from September to May for the select group of 230 sponsors and their guests . The purpose of the series is for sponsors and their guests to network w ith the ultimate goal of doing more business with each other. Preparations are being made for

restaurant. He also hosts his own annual

the 2001-2002 Breakfast Club Series,

Celebrity Golf Classic, serves as a United

which will be expanding to three new

Way campaign chairman and co-chairman

tal and to fuel rapid growth. Rob Mitchell of Centura Capital told

markets: Greensboro, Raleigh and

for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Greenville-Spartanburg (S.C.). For

LocaiBusiness.com Midgard fits Centura's criteria, which includes companies that have

breakfast will be Paul Maguire, analyst for

information on becoming a member of

ESPN and former punter for the San Diego

the Hood Hargett Breakfast Club, call

revenue of at least $3 million , positive cash flow, a dynamic management team and proprietary products. "They're also in an industry that's really dynamic right now - supply chain automation ." Midgard's software automates the inventory management of large manufacturers and distributors, enabling companies to realize savings and increases in productivity.

Yenetica Releases New Software Venetica Corporation, a provider of software solutions for business-to-business (B2B) content integration, announced the release of VeniceBridge 3.0 with new Exchange Services capabilities.VeniceBridge 3.0 enhances e-business applications by providing a single , consistent method to acce$S and exchange unstructured content from multiple sources across the extended enterprise.

greater charlotte biz

The speaker featured at the April

Chargers and Buffalo Bills. The Hood Hargett Breakfast Club is

sponsorship inquiries and more

704.556.7330 or visit the company's Web site at www.1stand10marketing.com.

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I We are a practice of seasoned

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project themselves. Corporate growth, change and crisis each require specialized management. (704)332.6611 - www.Project.Mgrs.com

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pril 8, 01

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[bizbits] Novant Health and Presbyterian Healthcare received a favorable decision in their lawsuit against

Aetna Healthcare. A North

Do trey prepare proposal s before

Carolina Superior Court judge

Do tleir proposals

th~y ~ive

away solutions ~et

tryin~

~et

orders ?

Qualifyin~

prospects?

shopped around?

ruled that Aetna breached four managed care contracts with

Any YES answe r means that prospects are in control and

Presbyterian when Aetna prema-

your salespeople are on the WIMP TRACK .

T~ere is a ~eHer waj!

turely terminated them in 1998. As a result of the ruling, Aetna U.S. Healthcare of the Carolinas is now liable to Presbyterian Hospital and Novant Health for the damages they sustained as a result of the insurance company's actions. An expert witness for Novant Health has computed Presbyterian's total damages to be $23 million. The same judge will decide the amount of damages Aetna owes Novant. The trial is scheduled for September

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a diVi~ion of Dunn Enterpnses

2001.. .. ShyGenius and Leeds (UI<)-based TEAMtalk have reached an agreement for the Charlotte-based corporation to be the exclusive provider of Idea Management technology and services for TEAMtalk, Inc. TEAMtalk is an independent sports news and content provider which bought Charlotte-based internetsoccer.com last year. The partnership makes ShyGenius the exclusive provider of interactive contest management, consumer feedback management and Idea Management to TEAMtalk and its clients and partners .... Allen Tate Company announced it has merged with Realty Connection , the second largest residential real estate company in the Monroe area . Both the current Allen Tate and the former Realty Connection

Let E-dreamz help you improve effice efficiencies and your bottom line.

facilities on Highway 74 will remain used until a single facility is constructed.

greate r char lotte biz

E·IIAE'IMZ, INC. WV.W. EOAEAMZ. COM 6C:::> LEXINGTON AVE . STE.200 CHARLOTTE, NC 28203 P.::'04.716.3<400 F.70<4.716.3-<401 E.INFO@EDAEAMZ.COM

a p r il 200 I 9

Aeron速Chair by Herman Miller:t>

by bee.

[realestate biz]

cpJ r ~

The Relocatio11 Specialist Jc::::c.n Tro T c.s helps comparie:; re o:ate e11r:lcyees tc· t he Q_Jeen Cty E~

tre ti--:£ foan Harpootlian ThDncs, ~tifi~d Relocation Fwfes5iCIEl (CRP), moved to C arlocte - ~_ the fourth grade, s- e hac ll .:e:~ d:; moved eight t:..mes. It turn ~d ou t to be her 1::.3: mo v~, :u her :amily four,d a -: orne he:re: and settled dm~n That. D-r·~ren::c of moving from c ty to city <.:d then p·Jt ting down roo.s in Charl•Jt_

7<..3 p ~ rfect

preparation fer

tL•' job T 'l<Jll.35: has todc.y as directcr o- P-1 cat.irn ~e:-\ices br Prudential C;:oL 'la:> Ec'-. t: in Charlone <wwwprudertialct.arlat:e.C·J:n> . Add the fac that

TI-c• rr.Js'

E -,

LX:•

Lh long-· iJrt

joJy Harpootlian . wcs

J-O"-n"r oJf First Charlene

Prne-lics. vvlE ·c - homas began the reloc: i::::m d ' i~icn ·c·r 1-er rr.other, and ;on ~n

to U.lol.:::r:3.aocl why Thomas tckes

tc l:..er joh U·:: -

-i~h

Tl1cn113 ~CTed

c. - no"" r

am ~e:s

to water. Prudential in 199"

a staff of 10. Throu h

c -uacts \•it- :lOth large and sma[ c:>:npaniE:~

Ce:" help newcomers to

Cb.rbtt~ -x:t.

crl} n buying or re:ll.ing a

h:::n.e, b ; t 3l.; in -raking the adjustment tc Lfe in ]-; =2-Een City an easy one.

joa1 Thoma; i:; \'..:!l-9-.r:9d :o- her p:)siti::>n ;;.: P-Jden:ic..l Ccr:i-a;

Tl'i.3 req Ji.res .!:::at · re assoc iates uncer-

sr:: he ~·s corrpa.1 Eo

~ - md

he:.~-_:;~

Ll:.. -ou h ' oc tl_-ou h ,.'

hc_,r~

:I-.e skills to help hem

plus have an e:<te.n-

-c C·f ooth Char lone r":il

e-·ne and ifo:: J:a·e in general.

As <.nyo-.: V'OO spends more ti.l"l

f Ve

erobyee; tc· -:hE CharlcttE

F ~ty

ir Charl::tte, Nhere

:~re~

L'lese fami lies are gcing

t}_~ J:IH:e ~s.

k-IOJJ~~

rE:I:occt~

Tr ir'lt~S

here realizes,

O .c.rbue i · "d? •)f n "wcomers, many

F::;r e? c.mplc. F "lldenul

~ -.-Hrns

gt."ler:oted ab::u 1:?. ·::Li

ir s:.atewi:ie

rt:"'enues l<.' L y::::o r, anc. so-:Ie 2 -,-30 p::rcent of il. >a:,>S Th::•mzs .

..v~~.

tl::e

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=~~pot

c: rcl Lo·.~-= · In a tigh . job "l1ar'<et,

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cere:J an

;

t.vol. T 1e ty:: :a!

?ru:.e"l ial -vorl::!: with is a

' IT

portant

~:r-p lo yee ma ~r ied

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...,. tl:: t'A<> - ikt::;- ""h:J "arrs <.n averJge

tl-e T:ia:l

ln Ch:dotLc, dit: I.S incb

E ~-· a :i.onal

o- :tern _-ro~ cot porc.te relocatio'ls. R::l·x~tiii?;t''E r:.

Bmk, USAiP:<:?3. -:- .1-\-CRff

grea:er c c.. rlotte biz

g:::ne::ateo::.

b:"" the relo::::ilio- :.h. isions ir Garlotte,

B3.nk •)f An.e:ric1, First U r..c n

hc1c is big busineso .

Realty

:)me

of 1- , x:o a"l.."L.~ll::> ;:;:-_d bL?3 a houoe c tin .~ HOS,<Xl•::. Fo- most fnni.ies , ·tis r.otthc:.r :ir51 mo<e an:. tlle''

april 2001

expect to relocate about five or six times

and telling them, "Y'all come. " Last year,

in their career. Until recently, Thomas

Thomas and her staff made 18 trips to

observes, the moves were the result of a

New York City, where TIAA-CREF's

promotion ; they are now more likely to

headquarters is located, to familiarize

be lateral moves.

potential transferees with Charlotte. They

Prudential Relocation works with

also gave day-long bus tours and presen-

clients in a number of ways. It may be

tations at hosted meals for those visiting

as simple as finding a realtor for new

Charlotte and are doing more this year.

employees whenever they are hired or as

"Many times people think we'll look like the set of 'Gone with Wind' or 'Easy Rider.' They're surprised when they discover we're a real city.'~

"They took the time to get to know

complicated as helping hundreds of

us as a company and our culture, and to

And Thomas admits she was momen-

potential transfers decide whether to

understand our workforce, which is very

tarily floored when one person asked if

move here, then helping them adapt and

diverse ," observes john Collins, TIAA-

his children would be taught who rea ly

find homes. The firm may also provide

CREF's second vice president for consult-

won the Civil War.

information and give tours to individual

ing services. "They didn't take a cookie

job candidates who are considering

cutter approach, and that made all the

Charlotte and have to talk intel ligent!-;

accepting a position in the Queen City.

difference. They went above and beyond

about the schools, community issues,

our expectations."

diversity and growth," Thomas says.

But nothing is done without a dedication to service. For example,

Many of the New York sessions

Thomas notes, "Moving is one of the

were presentations about Charlotte, in

most emotional, stressful situations in

which Thomas and her staff fielded a

a person's life. Choosing the right associ-

variety of questions about the area.

ate is critical, very important, so we

They ranged from obvious ones about

talk to the employee, learn about their background and choose the agent best

service is not just simply a Group Moves new company opens here or an existing one moves a division -

are another

important part of Prudential Relocation's

matter of throwing newcomer

employees into i.ts new headquarters at University Research Park, and who will be moving hundreds more annually for several more years. As e\'idenced by their handling

who are making a lifestyle adjustmentyou need to hold their hand. All of ou relocation associates recei\'e mandatory training in this area. can tell them where they can turn to," Thomas adds. "l count among

Ill}

resources places like International HoJ·t:, the Afro-American Cultural Center and the Gay/Lesbian Hotline. "

guides at people and telling them , "Y 'all come."

business. lts most visible client is TIAAREF; wh ich has moved mo re than 400

"These are emotionally charged peopl ~

"If l can't answer a question , l

Prudential's relocation

suited for their needs. "

Group moves- such as when a

"We have to be experts on

Thomas and her staff were joined by a number of Charlotte

offic~ls

such as school board members, the cl id of police and various homebuilders, t•1

the school system, the availability of

increase the prospective transferees' com·

child care and elder care, JOb availability

fort level \vith Charlotte. One thing tl-at

for spouses and partners, cultural offer-

everyone stressed is Charlotte's openre5S

ings, grocery stores, restaurants and

"We told them that Charlotte is made

housing costs, to ones of particular

up of people from somewhere else,"

concern to

Thomas explains. "We truly want

ew York City residents.

of TlAA- REF, Prudential's relocation

For example, many of them did not

service is not just simply a matter of

people to move here and get acti\•e. Its

have their driver's license or own a car

throwing newcomer guides at people

an opening, welcoming city. "

because they depended on public trans-

Thomas admits she was momentarily floored when one person asked if his children would be taught who really

was larger than most, the process

a lot of information about the rental

was typical for the kinds of services

market because it's so different from

Prudential Relocation offers. And the

ew York's. Many are buying homes for the first time upon their move to

april 200 I

ew Yorkers' concerns and mispercertions about Charlotte weren't all that

Charlotte. They also had to be informed

unusual. "Many times people think

that you can't flag down a cab here.

we'll look like the set of 'Gone with

Although the Confederate flag

won the Civil War.

Although the TIAA-CREF move

portation in New York. They also needed

Wind ' or ' Easy Rider,"' Thomas says.

controversy was in South Carolina ,

"They're surprised when they

there were even questions about that.

we're a rea l city. "

discove~

greater charlotte t i:;:

Once an employee has decided LO

make the move, he or she is assigned

to a rental consultant, if they are going to rent, or to a Prudential Carolinas realtor. U necessary, temporary housing is found to fill the gap until they can move into their home. If someone decides to live outside of Me:::klenburg County, that's not a probl err_. Prudemial realtors cover Cabarn.:s, Gaston, Iredell , Lancaster, Lincoln , Union and York

"We truly want people to move here and get active. It's an opening, welcoming city."

(S.C.) counties. "We are active in all chambers of commerce," Thomas says, "so we know what's going on ." Prudential Relocation associates are also trained to handle the special needs of inter:1ationals coming to live in Charlotte. Bilingual realtors are on staff with Prudential as well.

Moving Out just as Prudential Relocation helps employees who are coming to Charlotte, they also help people who are leavi ng. Some firm s w1ll buy homes from employees taking transfers elsewhere if they are not sold on the open market within a set time, usually 90 days. Prudential Relocation associates maintain the house, making sure tne grass is cut and visiting it once a week, while realtors include it on their list:ngs. In early March, Thomas said they had 55 houses from 23 companies in their inventory. Thomas rakes pride in selling Charlotte and finding the right place for

Designers. Manufacturers & Consub'lts ~,.,....

a transferee. Pe rhaps the best evidence cf â&#x20AC;˘ C60Q , ohn Price Rd.

her job well done is when she gets a call

Ch;rl.::ne,

fro m one of them and is asked , "Now that I'm here, how can we stop the flood gate of people co ming in7" biz

28273

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Bea Quirk covers the real estate business each month for Greate r Charlotte Biz. greater c harl otte bi z

a pr il 2 00 I 13

KIDS TOBACCO l<ids should not smoke. Nor should they have access to tobacco products.

excellence by the National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and

We believe there is broad agreement on

other national organizations. We 're

this important issue.

also running national advertising cam-

At Philip Morris USA , we are

paigns: one that encourages kids not to

committed to dealing responsibly with

smoke, and one that urges parents to

the complex

problem of underage

talk to their kids about not smoking.

smoking. There is no single, easy answer

To help prevent minors' access to

to this issue. Many experts suggest the

tobacco products, we support and help

best way to address underage smoking

fund the Coalition for

is through broad-based , integrated

Tobacco Retailing 's nationwide "We

Responsible

app r oaches that include communica-

Card" retailer education and training

tions, education, community involvement

program. This effort has helped train

and access prevention.

over 500,000 retail store employees to reject attempted purchases by minors.

As part of our commitment to play a role in reducing underage smok ing,

Working to help prevent youth

we have created a Youth Smoking

smoking is important and it's the right

Prevention Department whose sole pur-

thing to do for our company and for our

pose is to develop and support programs

employees. It's also the right thing to

to help reduce the incidence of youth

do on behalf of our shareholders and

smoking. We've dedicated significant

our adult customers. Everyone has a

resources-over $100 million last yeartoward initiatives based on the key com-

stake in solving the problem of underage smoking. At Philip Morris USA, we are working to help find answers.

ponents listed above. We will spend

For more information about our

another $100 million in support of these

youth smoking prevention efforts, visit

initiatives in 2001.

our Web site at www.philipmorrisusa.com.

Our effort includes support for

If you don 't have Internet access, please

sc hool -based programs, one of which has been recognized for prevention

TOBACCO TODAY

call 1-877 - PMUSAWEB.

one in a ser i es

Philip 1vforris USA www.ph lip-.Jrrisusa.COIT !02001 Philip Morris Inc.

by chip scholz

[regional biz]

Conca d Meets the Future City boasts vibrant downtown, rapid growth and business-friendly government

l dO'Nntow'l C.Jncord ::>u~1--ess 6 bus:ling.The buildings are 95 percent ow.. pied by a variety of specialty :lcwntown. anc -nore er e expre5~ing an nterest in coming to town.

L1.e day wc.s co· d w · 1 a him of sl:~et and sn.Jw :n tte air. Connie Kncaid loc*:ed oT..:.t a the weat er not knowir..s wh:J: t::: expect. ~Nould all o - the mcnths of planning prove succe..."'5bl. or would Lre weathe- keq: peop le away? KincaiJ i.; the o::::cu._iy:: dtrector ::Jf tle Concod D::>wntc.-•n D-:velopmen: :.=orporation, ole of s::ve-a orf<inizc.Lions working to C.et~rmint the futme of the : ity of ConcoJC, N.C <\\,...,,ci concOI'd.nc.us>. --1e cay wa; Feb "Uary 22nd ::>f this year. an·J the ~:;.;k ct har d wc.s the dsioning elen em o ·- 1e i c·wmown i.tllster Plar. 5cveral 1 sidc-lls, business ~reater

:hulot:e

people and community leaders were expected to attend and voice their opinions. More than 70 braved the weather to be there- the future of the downtown was that important. That is the way it goes i:J. Concord. "A city meeting the future" is the tagline used on city limit signs c.nc on every piece of official paper and business card. It is not just a hopeful aphmisrn, but one which is put into praclice every day. Community and business leaders are concerned with the future of the city and are doing something about it. They are committed to making Concord a mix of progress and heritage, a lend of business, industrial and resicential life.

stores.T~ere

are

-estau -ants

The wJrd "cone rd · Teans agreemen_, harrrc•ny. The cit)- Y~as ;o-narred due _o a co'lflict in l ..,9f: ·J·;er where to place the county seat eof 0:::3.::>a~rus cot;rty Whm an a,:p-eement --.ra>: inally reache::!, "Cor.co rd ," ;J place of hannony and agre,.ment, •11as born vn an origind tract of 26 1cres. Today, the city cov~ mere thar 50 Si_Uare niles and E r :>l1e ·o more than 50,00' people. t is J--e twelf h largest city in the sta8 IL boa;ts an imptessive list of as ets. -=t-lere is a regicnal airport that i3 a tub •Jf activit_ for ~neral aviation traif c but is al;o spun·ing st-c•ng indu9.ria gro..vth aroJ.lld it. Lowe's Motor Spee:::low~7 bas >a::>ril 2CO

Conccrd bc::a:--t; c. v;;ri=::y ef activities ard eltertainmer: options, .:c.ar th:: :ount·, ~air (Lp:>er right) to a d3. 3.t th~ p:i--k ':middle) to I'.JAS:::AR's preri=- raci1g ev:!rcs :::ottorr}.

become one of the region's largest entertainment and tourism draw and support3 the local economy with a plethora of racing businesses. Concord Mills attracts shoppers from a 150-mile radius, and has created a retail and commercial boom along Speedway Boulevard. A vibrant downtown district beckons locals and tourists alike with a variety of shopping and dining opportunities. The city owns and operates a championship Dan Maples-designed golf course between the Speedway and Concord Mills. Finally, there is a strong "can do" attitude among the local constituency That attitude is constantly being challenged by rapid growth and its byproducts. Pressure has been placed on resources vital to continued prosperity "We have some challenges," comments Brian Hiatt, city manager. "Our top three concerns are transportation , ware~ resources and maintaining high levels cf service delivery to an increasingly dive rse community" The city has engaged in a number of unique strategies to combat those issues. Water is the most pressing issue. !-. combination of drought and a populati.:x: that is growing at better than nine percent annually has taxed the ability of the three area lakes to provide an adequate supply of water. The solution7 For some time city officials have been meeting w-r:-1 officials from Albemarle on the Yadkin River. The Yadkin has tremendous quantities of usable water. In addition, the city has a contract with CharlotteMecklenburg Utilities Department for mutual exchange of water when needed. A connection is now in place at the Mecklenburg-Cabarrus county line. Concord hopes to benefit from light rail. It is seen as one fix for congestion on area roads while it waits for state DOT funds to arrive for the widening of maJ•J: thoroughfares such as I-85. In the meantime , the city recently passed a two cem addition to property tax bills to fund local road improvements. The fund accrues approximately $7 million per year. "We use the fund to add turn pocc.<.ets, improve traffic flow through timin.§ of lights , and generally improve the

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r' _p1 J\ Les -water, s~·.ver. -::>ublic hcc:ltb : nL 'J ~ety servics, th : cene:- is get·h~ 1ig1 'Jl rl-.; fer improviLg ~~T-ciency. = r C:nnunications, th: ~cc.:~ l telq:ho- e

:onp::1>-, -vorke : clo;el,r o;;,r. tl a cit} ; rr-::> h;e ~

l:.E idra.; nucture. Hiatt ~a: ,, "It is dla ly mpc u.n t hat 'v\e con:hw 1~ strive-to J: a '-':"rvic or_sanization." 1he city _s abso:uely 1mazing u xc-k \''ill· " n : : n:mec' -::orr RamseL r ::::c

~~ ·

tre

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er 3~ c f ::k.ali:J.g \'vi th a ~rcrvi..1g and -e;;sirgly diverse omrr.uity by ?V'O --<ng tt• dev-elop a we11-educ3led , will rg : n._ a :le \<.o rk:o-::e. ThEir r:J:Ie has >LC

~-eater

crar lot:e t:iz

april 200 I 17

been to f.:~cili_ate the discussio:l between _re ::o mmunity, schc·ols anC. businesses D make sure th:~ : 3ll parLe3 are getting 'What they need. R:Jmseur adds, " _ have had great support fro:-:1. all parts of Ll-e community, especially ·he commun t? college." The SJul.h CampU3 of th ~ RowarCabarrus Community College is run ey Tim Fole;. Foley has been m place for several years and has seen the chang~= take plac ~ in the town and in his stucnt populaticr. 'We are seeing growth in ll classifications of Silldents," s<..ys Foley, "bllt demand 1a~ been greHest in wcxl:force de'-"=1opment. '-

s ys. "E Tons 3.fe o1going b: the EDC and the •=o l.crd [)ownrcwr ;:::evelo1:men. =aqDration. :=::ven the chamber :s gctting into the :oct and coord.natin§. c. ccunty Vlide effor:." That effort :s bei:Jg ;::ea--:J.::aded by the cmmber of ommetce, b_t in::ludes paricipation Conc•)rc, Kannapolis, M::. Pieasant, :iarrisbtrr5 a:td Cabarrus Ccumy officials. AU of t"X agencies ae 3haring costs t" create a shu:::d vision for he future. So what c.oe~ the futllre look like for Concord? T~ city -.m\1 contiloc to bene-

c-r

Businesses in the area are dema..<ding a variety of training approaches and seminars. Demand ·c r program~

leading to entrance _r a four-year school h;::s Concord Mills shopping comJie:< a:trac-cS ~hoppers frcrn been risin§., boom a ong 1-85 and Speedway B[(Jievarc. but not a3 fast as the ::usiness sect::>r. 'Vv'e are fi- from the e:.momic boom of the finding that there is demand for shorter CJ1arbtte reg .J::-t, and moT ~nc more certificati.J< programs - 'just in time J:XOple \-ill mne to town. ko~ importraining.' There are not many -;vant ads tantly. b_sine::s will conti:tut. tc• look to that ask b- m AA degree anymore, C:mcord fo- 1-r gh quality offce parks but there are plenty that li~t certification a::J.d first rate anenities. The Cc·ncord requirem ~ ot:s.. " ~giona Airp••rt vill pla)- ar ir_creasingly Fole ; L 1 proponent of all of the impona- r r.::>~ n ::levelopnent. The airefforts to de ·roe a strong cconon vision pom is cmrer·b q..tipped ""itl:- a 5,500 for the ccmrrunity. He sits en several feat nm.,ray 1::d en instrument landing local corrmu ity board of directors , s:-steo fl::or ar wea~her opera·ion. lt hanincluding the Cabarrus Count:; Econcnic d.:es coco-at~ jet~ well, hut s not able Developmtr t Corporation anc the tc hand-e lcrg ~r jet traffic Chamber c [Commerce. "The:-:: are a :.)t Ha~ar ~pace i3 at a :)[emium, and of efforts o _ there to cceate a .rision," he tte busi:- ess -:ark developed or. airport

ar:ril 200 I

property is virtually built out. The city s currently in the process of expanding tl-.e airport to be able to handle bigger planes. There are no firm plans at this time; however, it is clear that commerci.:ll and freight operations have been canteDplated and would be a positive development in an expanded airport. "We were fortunate to be brought into such a great project adjacent to the airport," comments Norman Walters , director of business park development for The Keith Corporation. The compary is developirg West Wines Business Park , adjacent to Concord Regional Airport. The park has 400 ac~o to develop across Deri.a Road from the airport. Even thou~;:-~ the park h::.:; only been n developme:1t a short whi..::, three parcels with a total of approximately lO acres are under construction at this time. "The park certainly benefits from its location. " The International Business Park , located on .C. Highway 73 at its intersection of 1-85 , is another premier park in Concord. There is a total of 500 acres to develop , with more than half of the space available for development. Maurice Ewing, president of Cabarrus Economic Development , spends a fair amount of time marketing the various business parks. He speaks highly of Concord's willingness to work with companies looking to relocate to the area. "Concord's politicians are clearly top

greater charlotte biz

drawer, and Brian [Hiatt] is a consummate professional. " Over the past few years, several limited service hotels have sprouted up along l-8'1 to support business and tourist travel. There are currently no full service hotel5 built to cater to the meeting and conference trade. Soon, however, that gap will te filled in Concord. Plans are being made to build a conference and convention center in conjunction with an Embassy Su ites Hotel. lt will be built in a prirr_e location - on peedway Blvd , between the speedway and Concord Mills - and \vill overlook the 14th and l5t.J holes of the Rocky River Golf Course. The convention center will be built by abarrus County on land owned by the city of Concord. Mayor Liles has served for the last eight years, and has governed through the changing times. He credits a successful 1994 referendum allowing liquor by the drink as the spark for so much commercial gnwth. "l don't think we would have se~n Concord Mills or the surrounding restaurants built without it, nor would we seriously be considered as the site for a full service conference facility " john Q. Hammons , a developer from Springfield, Missouri, is the one bringing Emb:.ssy Suites to Concord. lf all goes as plc..nned, ground will break in September of this year. Back in downtown Concord, busines is bustling. The buildings are 95 percent occupied by a variety of specialty stores. There are ll restaurants downtown, with many more expressing an interest in coming to town. Connie Kincaid , like so many people who have a stake in Con:ord, is excited by the growth and development. However, her greatest praise is for the people in town. "We have so rrany positives to work with here, bu . our greatest treasure in Concord is our people. " The city has a lot going for it. Economic activity is high, focused, and bringing jobs to the people who have relocated there. Challenges are being met and conquereC.. lt is truly a "City meeting the future. " biz

Ch1p Scholz is o Charlotte-based freelance write~ greater char lott e biz

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[education biz]

Westward Ho! CPCC's new West Campus focuses on corporate training and continuing education It's 'Westward Ho! ' for Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC) <www.cpcc.cc.nc. us> , as its fifth ampus opened for students in February. The West Campus , located off Morris Field ~ rive , just beyond its intersection with Billy Graham Parkway, is the third campus built since 1990 as the institution expands geographically from its Central Campus in the center city to better serve all of Mecklenburg County. Some 10 percent of the county's residents, about 70,000 people , attend classes at CPCC in any given year. These new campuses- North, South, Southwest and West - are not satellite sites. Each is a full-service facility where students can get everything they need to earn an associate degree (and transfer seamlessly to most North Carolina uni\'ersities); take careerenhancing and job improvement classes ; gain certification in specialized job skills; or develop basic literacy skills. As Paul Koehnke , dean of the new campus, says, "We are a comprehensive training provider. Workforce development is what we do. " Construction has just begun on a sixth campus - the Northeast - at Harris Boulevard and Grier Road. The 50,000-square-foot facility is scheduled to open in Fall 2002. While each campus has similar offerings , individual sites also specialize in certain arec.s. The Central Campus focuses on college transfers and the fine and performing arts, and the Southwest Campus foCl:.ses on technical training, such as welding, printing and construction. The Sou:h Campus is known for its college trc.nsfer and corporate and continuing education programs , while greater c1arlotte biz

Central Piedmont Community College's West Campus has been partially open since midFebruary and will hold its grand opening on May 16, 200 I.

the North Campus specializes in criminal justice and public safety. All these expansions have been funded by vOlerapproved county and state bonds. The West Campus is focusing on corporate training and continuing education, as well as dental assisting, culinary training and travel and tourism. A corporate training center, as well as the administration for the systemwide corporate program , are housed on campus. Koehnke is the director of the program, as well as the campus dean. But the campus is offering a lot more to students . ln mid-February, even though only half of the 55,000-square-foot building had been approved for occupancy, the administrative staff had moved in and corporate training classes had begun. General education classes began in March. But the two-story red brick structure - which rises out of an open area among a tree-filled 20 acres - was already impressive , both on the outside and within. (The land that sits between

the campus and the Billy Graham Parkway is owned by Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Departmem and may be the site of a future park.) When completed, the $12-million CPCC facility will feature 22 classro:Jm; all with state-of-the-art compu ter equij:ment; a science lab ; a dance/aerobics room ; an arts studio ; a suite for demal assistants' training; a kitchen for culina--:training, including a bakery and pamy lab ; an area for travel and tourism training; and an 80-seat auditorium. ln "dd-tion, ABLE, an adult literacy program, will relocate from City View, a satellite campus, this summer. Systemwide, some 10 ,000 students are enrolled in adult literacy programs. While it may be fall before all the programs are completely up and

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the West Campus will h old its grand opening for the public on Wednesday, May 16 , 2001. Koehnke expects about 10,000 students to enroll in classes on the april 200 I :! 1

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Ne5t Campus annually Some 9,000 -:>e·J?le from the zip codes surrourding he cc.mpus took co..1rses at CPCC n e3ch of the last two year,. "We ere "-Jout com·enience and corcmunit; •1Lueach," he says. Last year, about 2,700 area b~iness .s turned to CPCC for emp.oyee training "Jrograms. Relocating firms ·J ften turn to -he institulion to offer company-sp:cific ;t::ld skU-specific co..1rses so they v. ill ·u:;e an appropriately skilled worlcorce -..+en they open their doors. According to Koehnke , 60 percenL cf •.::PCC 'tudems are enrolled in corporate naming classes, either in company -spon:: med o::1es or on their own. These :::lasses ~re oLe::1 associated with co::nputer train-15 of some kind, but also i::1clude proS3ional and management develop!"nent ~nd entrep:eneurialtrain ing and s.<ill :l~velopme::lt in con_unctior. with :1e J.S. Srcall Business Administratior. The =la3ses are Jften held at night and •Jn the ""Ve~~ends to make it easier :·or wod<ing eople to auend.

A an extension of the corporate _rain ing ccmer, the West Campus will ceature a $12.5-million, 52,000-square-oot conference center for studem trainng sessions and for meetings and confer~ nce events for business, industry and .::om munity groups. Its proximity to the 1irpon wi ll make it a popular location, :<:oehnke says. cheduled to open in Ninter 2004, the center is expected to 3elf-sustaining. Other plans for the future include -ire fighting and call cemer training prosrams. Koehnke notes that Charloue has Jecome "a mecca for this kind of operaion. " He is also working with the =harlotte Area Transit System (CATS) to l.ave a bus stop located on campus. vlany of PCC's studems rely on public ransponation. There's no doubt that as the commulity's workforce needs change, so will the -:1rogram offerings of CPCC and its new

3ea Quirk is a Charlotte-based freelance "Vrite~

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mode~.

With clearance prices like thi~, these machines will move out in a blur! Off!f oppl'lS • '!l'•di< model' Progr·Jm rn effect hom Od. 1, 1000 to Much 31, 2001 forcom~etc progrom deti ls. see pcrhCJOOt:"] de•le>. Othe' condit ons moy op~y lox tiHe, liCense. lljChonol credrt rnOJronce not rr<luded. Finon•ng pro;rded i.J irm>nerco 8onl1000 Polons 5oles.lnc.. '100 H~hwoy 55, Medlol, MN j5340. Vord where proh1b ed by ow. pc: trc:::rins d'"l" or ~-

Jffer good ot p!llll<IJlllh"!J Pol ms deok>rs ond su~oct to ovmlobil~ 'rogrom • effect from Oct to Morch 31. 1001. Fm complete iJ!ogrom detorls. see pcrll<fl>lh"!J deolers. Othe< condrllons moy opp~ Lmrted rl()111terest, ro payments offer is ovorloble by ·rpproved credrt th10ugh Polan: StorCore. lox, hHe,IKense, ophonol tledll mwrllfl(e not included_ AftCI pwmononol period, account is :ubte<f to stondord credit ter~rs. As of 11/1/00 APR is 18.5 rnoncrng p10YJded by !10nson enco Bonk. 1000 Poloris Sok>s. Inc .. '100 Highwuy 55. Medlol. MN 55340. Vord where prohr~ted by ~ •. pcrll<ipch"!Jdeolersmlly

:.2

april 200 I

10 0 N . Main St. Stanley, N C 28164 7(-4-263-9085 • Fax 704-2[)3-9687 ipolari scountry@carol ina.rr.om

Appl~s to 1999, 2000 ond 1001 Genesrs 1ond v,oge lXr models only Offer good October I, 1000 to Morch 31, 100 I Second Yeor Lmoted Foctort Worom~ provided fo< by POUSTAR Protec1ion Plus ond odmimste<ed by Automotoe Worron~ Secvi<es, Inc. ooo in floodo by Au-live Worron~ Sef'lices of floooo, Inc. 5050 N Broodwoy. ChiCogo, ll 60640. Flondo Ucense •0060013000. Vord where prohil>ted by klw. pcrll<IJlllt· rng deolers only.

greater charlotte biz

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Corr~:L te To CCJr~Jete.

by lynda a. 50cler

[bizprofile I

li3a Crutcrf eld i~ 18ading TIAA-CF ::F's 2l(pan~icn tJ Charlctte crd she's got her handsful . The fimrcial service:; orga r iz~t on is investing an i l't al $130 11illion tc e::;~ablish its Soutlern Service C-=nt2r in Uni·,'ersity Pe:;earch P3r-<, anj JVer the next tel years, could expand

Cha~lott.::

tr e conplex to accommcda~e 9,000 _oJs

tecmt.b achb-~d ::~ iuge ccup by recruiting ont: of t.l·.e cour_-y's !Jrgest.

Fortune SC() corrpan:es t.o o:J=cnd its operations in

tho~ ~,_tee"l

City. ln 1ud1 ion t.o

il5 offices bc: teol arour.c. t.h~ ocun..ry. Charloue wi.ll b~·: :o n ~ home to 1be sxond-

largest senicc cc:1.t.er the compzny operates. The com~·a-: s known r..:::t on,:' for its 1rnp~cca:J .e: repU~tion · r.

its. ocus ry, but. also for its rttc:::n dedication

solid corJ=orate acd colllnulity citizen. Charloue is

01~

xing a

IJcl<'l <own. ,..

c..p-i

200 I 25

gradmlly ?'1~"-d to e ght, :hw four, then two, throu gh 1 rig::r:-:> us -~;rno".ring process,''

~~.p l3ins

~ fun~

Biggs.

cor.-

tenders: CJ-ar:oue and T:mna Ra . not~.

"E.m h site:: hc.d mu c·, to offer.' l-e t~1e

C:·. ar otte site is _ut t c. day's drive frcm Ne·"'· vo rk b- gaff ::-n~-nb~rs v:ho

"E,J:

~35t

o - a·

:"'o -:Jha5es con its n ew

Sou .l-cr:1 Se-·,i: e

cn10::r -J n a 138-acre

_- nivn~.ily

I:.eseac:l Park. It >vill

site ir

consi~L

o f :lTC€' buikliT gs totaling n0:: arl;=

manager for tuition financing prog rrns in several states and is offering increase::! services to th e public at large. The o-ga.nization manages more than $290 bi.ion in assets. "The facility in Charlotte en st.:.P-'- cur ability to grow to meet our customeG'

w<. r_t to -.r.s:t ::1eir fa-nilies cftE::l. But

needs in the future so that we can cc n-

even more tn?Ortamly, Q-c:rlo .te allows

tinu e to serve them well," says Bigg; "We

us to enter into z creative edu::a tic nal partnershl[: wit:l ur,·c Charlo __ e., whose

look forward to becoming a :=>art of L<e

leadersh:p :s ::o irr p·essi·.>e o 3U of us. The Uni·:e'"'3il? Ius ·: een very nnm·ati\·e w:~ys t: oFOt~

Crutchfield Leads the Way lf you don't alread y know Lisa

450,CCO sqLa-c: f0::0:: t, h :L5ing a finan cia

in thinking aCOUt

call ccmer. m inh1u i.::1 and trair_ing

on training and. eci ucatiom.. LisxL S. It's

Crutchfield's name, it won't b e long until

ccnre-, cr_d a n:_ewng n:i training facih-

ve:-y excitir:g. '

you do. The 37-year- old executive \V3S

L}- Tl-e compar y's initi l investment in TTP.A-CP.=F hued 01e of Charl::m e·5 leadi.rg execuive3 _i3l Crutchfield awJ.y from = uke Er:rrgy to

1UD

The state d Ncnh Ct ~oli::lC help d prompt

the p-cjw i5 f>l ::C• millicn.

v.r_th Uo

Charlo tte community. "

th ~

tTI.:J·Je,

p ·ovid . n~

ioc:O:: ntives

wxth betwee n $3.:) and H.S milliJn to

cess as vice president of policy a nd s.. rat-

the opera:ion $~90

I: Ilion h assets

With more than

fr~ m

worid's la·gest retirement

under ma1a!iement. TIAt..-CR=:F is the ;y~ell .

For

o: htrs from its N:= .v \crk and Denv~r,

over 80 years the c•rgarin: io- has

Colo. .JfficG -:Gtal. eqloyment by yea:

provided benefits for the =du::ation and

end may rea:::h l ,CCO

me by 2003,

TIA'\-C:1EF co.1ld rn:pby up pw-:J~ in

3,000

Charort=

nonprof,t

re~ea rch

com'1J1it es. Today.

the comp:an)' also cffers s:xne d its products : o :>eople in a I ~~~-~ ·:>f life .

Eu tha 's j.Js Ph1 3e I. A proposed P:1ase IT would cor.strL Cl an additional the:= ooildiugs;. ru ~e than doubling th e: squ ar :: foJota_se. A C:ec sen has not }et b een -rc.C.e t:::J elocc.tE ll\A-CREF's dat:: ce nte ~ _o Ch:arbn: . Fctwtidly- ever the :lext 10 ye:m,

Individual and g·oup life

: n~uriJ:e,

group dis:c.biit'r' insurance, ~nc long-

a ne-w

Sou : ~tten

sit _ cegan in

Scpte:rber 19'=17 nd :he research p:-oce5s vvas iutensiv:=. Ke,r bco:-s considered fo:ec.cl· t i e .nc.uc.ed derr-cgraphics , co mrrunicc.tions.. edu::..1

icnc.~

opportuni.lies,

p-oJ=cLons of bb:::.- fcr.c availabilit;> and WGr-<k>rce d

·~-si:

""\ field of 20 ~TC·~pective sites was

:1p ri

-:;,oc· 1

exhibits all the qualities that TlAA-CREF looks fo r in a leader. ~;:.en

"We wanted someone with an

sive knowledge of the area wl-.o could prJvide insight and direction based on e:x:pe-i-

IRAs are open to spous;;;s •Jf ::e:>ple in

TlAA-CREF "Lisa:S broad participatior in

education and rese:a.rch.A-.:1

m~ual

programs, and trust services a·e availth~

r::u:>lic at

larg~

hJlc 1 early -:1,:00 !::mpo_?ees

f .ccoding tc _-oh:1 H. Biggs, IL'\A-

fin ancial services industry, starting ha caree r as a banker in Philadelphia. cbe

ence and knowledge," s.ays Mary Ann

21::1e to

CREFS ch airr:-m and CE•.J, the search [x

Charlotte. She also has expe rien ce h tre

Werner, president of Shared S::rvices br

feet o c .:>ffice s:::ac:=:. w _th the capacity to

CJmpany's Com 'Y itnent

and professional organiza tions in

to K-12 :earners and treir fam i: ies.

funds, mutua fund IRAs tu ticn 5avings

Tvva C ties 8:::rur:Ete For

egy at Duke Energy Corporation nJ is an active member in a variety of civic

term care in;Lrance are new av:J.ilable

add:trnal ptc.:ces o:ouM xcommodate d~vdop::-r.en: o - t: J=· :o 3.~ million squar.;

Charlotte vs. T::~mpa:

Southe rn Service Cente r last May. Crutchfield has a proven reco::-d of me-

attract Il.A..i\-CF:EF :.J the , ntc.

and bG al:n :.~ h .::-ed bnancial probsiona and l CDilSU1 i-,-~ staff members .he CrurlJne arc D d lured

recruited to serve as vice president ::nd general manage r of TlAA-CREF's

Whd;: Il.AA-CREF's h~ ldquJ.r t.rs w_.l remain in New 'fork Ci y, nuch of the growth of iG opcratio:lS w l cccur in O :.arlotte o1er the r.ext x\ETc ~ars, says Biggs. The com-:Jany3 Western Service Center, lo:c.ted in Ccnver. p-o . . ides sim tla::- services tc what 'Vill offet"Ed in Cl:.arlotte. ThE two centers 'Vill ·'"'ork together w ser~ more t!-::m. 2.:: . -n:llio n ct.:.stomero wc.-ldwi.d:=. TlA<-\-CR::F pravideo 1..gb-cuality, low-cost annuities i:Lsuflrce, mJLLtal fund s and tmst s~ rvkes fo- indi\id·Jals prima:-ily ir t!-.e eC.ucation a-~c research communities. lt also serve:' 1s iiH~ Lm e: nt

Charlotte community organizations ~d her demonstrated talent and enthusi<sn proved to be a perfect match .'. "It was a complete surprise w:1 _1. they approached me about the po~il i.Jn." says Crutchfield . "! decided to make th e move b ecau se it would albw

o~ to

return to the finan cial serviceo indJ 3 ry and provide me an opportunity

l::E

responsible for ope ratin g a facili ty fer a very respectable compa ny," sh :: sad Crutchfield uses wo rds such as "con servati ve" and "nice" to ch arac tc ize the company's personality an:l cultl.TI:: . ''T!AA-CREF is a conservative financal services organization committed tc -uaragi n g the long-term financial needs d educators and research professionzls." Crutchfield explains. "There is a strong team spirit ::morg

greater charlott2 biz

Thts at"ttsts ·Erda-tng: sr o~~ the inttial phase ofTIM-CREF's 138-a.:-e ccrr-ple> at Un -...ersi-:y Resear-h F:trk. :•;er the ne <l te coui:J ::e =nanded :::: c:cccmmodate up to 3.5 million squarE :e=t :::f off :e spa::e. assccec te~

peopL:,"

Last :;ear, ·b e ccrnar y vns

he)- are a very

diver~. : g -cx.q::

: · t=::cfes9ona ls representing a :r u -nbc r deli ~teut cu ltures, IJ...P.-C~

' ' El}

focuso:J :::r.J cG::rs ._:mtinuing education

Pub lic Libra:y:- ann'J21 festivr.l o · tec:.dir.?,,

:::: ~Ef'5' '.v~s

:lS

Librarys Cn.::c.<: lt

11.

rromotes thz :upJrll ce J~ading.

::~r-::ro

invo!L·ed and

b::JO<S a:r.d

aw : verts n

c Ly,'. sh ~ sc:.;>. !lry c:.-~vCJy h anc!i-

o-. 11-e;' a -OR ::::rn;lco ;ze~ to b.:: invoh-<:d

rl:e~·

c1ty to /!aL·e TIA.4.--::REF

cs TI-c:. 'v: C•) 1e a ;rea_ scrvic..:

;;: 1ow

L:> JUt :ocm· ..L.JL:.

emp'cyees t(l be.

IC. [:.-.] '

lil!e up to tl'leir pr.J.r.hses.

- Chris Power Bain c r:;c:or <•7 com11:.:nicaticrs o)r Den•er Metr.> Crar.ber o' Ceomrr e::;e ·

p~ _dc:JL

A B.u-k

of Arrcrio..:.._:; .,...1rc"'inas ::nd ch:U--

They've done a greo:.t sen:."ce ;c our comffN.j.1i~yc "'

and f<rmi lv lif2. · 5'

JUC~):

in its communrty. They

pliJLc balc:.J.·: c l:el';. _en ""-'Ork -IJ.A CRE'

tr~

and Li e:' '-'' e t.p ...: thc J pi'OnJ~

nic -.tace (o ,,.,._ rk "Jtlh a culto :n

0 .

·Farty

Tl.A-\.-( Rff i~. :e:) in-··· vee_ and

very .>upp lliv~ n[ ::>::J

-:-his ;rring., .b e ccm"Jan > ,,,- I

"Charlot':e is a l.'ery

Cmtc. 1fi..:l·- ~'ll ;•hasizes, 1t's a tur~ mmrrill~·=

::~nd

can pz ign., ._~h ch

ucts <.'ld so::r-.kt.>, ::. -1CI p-: vicles full sup-

~r.

ern Scvi:.:-2 Ccr

ts ::me ::Jf our ITC3L "c:i\: b ::ud m~11bc t

a spcuscr agair

opl'o1.uri1 es <.s vvd zs _ourses on prodpon '" associJ .cs .,;1o Rant to funhe::- t:1e r cduca · Jn. "

Corm:l"l" wl:x:• .vorks

:)le9dcr,_ a - d ~e:tc a! uar ~.:: r cfTIN.-

t'1.is yecr, as w: Uas r;anicipat ir t'le

employee-

.J ·

d•-sdy \\'i h Pa t;· f J r rreau.. ,·ict.

s"Jonsor oi the Char o .Le- 1edJen:Jurg ·ovellc . lt VIi .>e rvo::

which rnJ..-es it vc _ Ln =lUe.

Cbrr b:-r

teors for both 01. ga r.i~L Jn~.

ore_ the·,- :ne c:.J ve ry ni ce

soc !'c:/3. ~

tru:.n c•f tb_: 0'-<.rk> _ •:::hJmbc-

tre

1lso .J \'ery

OLI ,: ·cx , ar icip11e3a fcnJ

r~latioll5 1rJ -...Lh C. "tarlo .tz's o •'

chari.1bk :Jrga - iz.a::o'l ..,.Jith a high level of

co- host the UNC C arlo Le B·)b~r Lutz

addi.i:m. "Ne a re .·en ex::flcd ::.bout the:

comnu1Ly f:x·Js · Vfog o f what \\e will

-<:ids' E.aS<e .b:JI Cli:::' ' c, \\-Orkrng "ith the

TlAA-a:::F o-gu"J.C<:>tiJn ""lXl\rJ g into

: harlctte-Me= U en b;rg S:hc·ols t<- spo n-

c .1r :omnuni y,"

do ir, Cll:-lJ.tc wi - oc

the educ.:~ tio n

arc n;a " sa~s Crute held. -'but it's important that ,·;e J_i

c_ ~ tratqic

po.nnerships \vi th a

mrmhet c·· cc.al c~mi:c;Jti ons. " -\In 5I. frtot:r 11.e r ::>ment of ground

>or up Leo lo)C b cs ..::.· Jllc.rd .he cve:t .. Throu s h these ar d oLhcr al l ance::, t 1 ~ :om p c:.n~

h:Jpes to .- o:reasc ts name

recogriticn in ::> r.Jcr to succ~3sfJ y r.te-

br~al-in.~ as ~~ ar T~ -CREF began

grate inu t:Ie c.om

its irr,•o vcn-.enl ir locz· issues. The

new associate> fr·Jr.l the oca- aru.

compary is aheaL_ highly in vo lved in L ~ _h~r...J . IZ

Ch.:JJ.be - of Commerce

and .he L ni1ed C ru ;:hfi d

V,'~y

o ·Central Ca rolinas;

-ves O'l 1e board of di rec-

g r· e 3. t-= ,. c - a r :y:: t e b i z

_:-t iL_ Jn:l recru t

"l oc.iev~ Cba:,.: Le is a ve-:' lu·: ky c ity tc IB.;e -:-J.AA-·::: T< ::F i n ts conun·J.ni-

~ :) ~ ::::>ol.;:: •.

"Usa

Cru tdilicl - is O'lr of _he 8<-:li'l€; cJrp . LL l ~

e·ccutivc 3 in I·J'·' n a- C oo: ,-- ow

crerging kaoc ,...-j

l ce1.ai r ly

OJTffil-fi" l.

.,,.iJ] ccn-e Lo

T.3 ~

;"L

-,he an:. -e t r

~;J]i:J

·:c·•pan~

:n"JKL on c tr

nE:ntL p~·Jplz wbo

•LT ,j l'·' ,, iLJ J

snic::: of 1c w

:lees DJ aims. 'lv': wif ,_ l

. r.dit

ty," sa-,s Chris Pc·v,;::r Bain . dire.::t.ot ::Jf

· a,·rg TIM---1 :::-F - ere . 1 see it

comrr unic.lt"O:lS fc J1e "Ce:we· vt~ . I C•

·,..;in-'Vin fo r

C\ -l) Jccl/'

tr. rrt

> :: :: ri I :?. )0 I :2.7

TIAA-CREF's local offices are staffed by individual and institution1l consultants. Individual consultants provide both group and one-to-one counseling on retirement, Social Securit y, tax laws, estate planning and other tcpics. Institutional consultants work principally with college and university officials to design, install, and maintain TIAA-CREF retirement plan;, taxdeferred annuity programs, c.nd group insurance coverage.

TIAA-CREF will employ 1.. J b 3,000 by the end of 2003.

I,OCC people 1r ::J- a-lo-:1:= ~ :he znc ~ th s year and pcssibly

Atlanta Boston Chicago Dublin, Ohio (Columbus) Las Colinas, Texas (Dallas) Denver Southfield, Mich. (Detroit) Indianapolis Newport Beach, Calif. (Los Angeles) New York City Philadelphia Pittsburgh Morrisville, N .C. (Raleigh-Durham) Rochester San Francisco Kirkland, Wa. (Seattle area) Tampa, Fla. Washington DC

Business is rarely conducted bv the book, so -' \vhy earn it that way? Not all MBA prog-ams are .:lib~. M:t.•:; :ll::' filE, ::f· · you're after~ :1 resume line. But to truly excel in your career, you _·Jst exp:md your <no'Vleege a:cd o01bQ .:s in ways that ~r.rill be noticed by your superiors. If you can go beyond the textbook l1ec:i2s a_ d £cnrul3.= :y o:feri11g real irsig::,ts in to your company's challenges, you wiU be ·:alued. That's wb1t ·A-e \ V3.T b I-~ tp ~ou ach ieve at WcColl School of Business. Our MBA programs c Eer m• r= than cl - room lec:ue~ ::'ex..~..:_ be immerseC. in~o critical thinking si ·ations ~at vrill : repare ~;ou br .=. bet:::.r life back at the office. Whethe::- you're i te:-e. ted ir el(ecutiL bU5in~o.s programs, -n vfBA cr an School of Business Executive .18A, givE us a cell;. t ?04-33 7-222"=. 0- . it WWvv.mccc school.edu. Quee11s College of Charlotte

McColl

19W S.?hvyr. .'\?ettu:. -:..n•-Jotte, North C!ilol:na 28274

april 200 I

greater charl·:>tte biz

\1TJing lr tr€

Troo:J~

Cn=:hfiElc., "- cativ~ cf r 1i" xlclr~ i',

and ~o~c.phy, 35 wcl.. z~ o l-er ac ~-.~ ~.=tan

"We're

the

nc;~ural

·::>o::Le•ies 11c.t l~: e:r.Jeriex ~ i rr a..-c ~ ·he trJrsitiJn ·r:nl a ncn ern Lit) to·· •:.ttrlcttc bur :;ens ago ~! help 1u

ties \\'e

-cl:~12

as :; -CREr da:.r c Discover:' r ;:.:~ arc_ <.n acti\- ty wit .11h ~ useu - o · tbe "-e ,. )out!- to

easily t :; 1ss: ciates "VJ .• wi.l

· r~""lsferrJlg

hJm •::ther c·fic~3. D\.:.rh5 -'.JI _. se-·erall..n ' red ~ :rpl· ]te:; w;n TIL''=

"rc n tl-c ::c-npany's hc..ld : n Jr·:r!:

·..r:.:w '-ork

~ .1:>·

as we!J .lS

:>th~·

;:-c::-d openirlb Jrd recn..i i::-t.. , cw J~ D1C

Clurh _,. aJta , L wi!J

o · Cru .dr- cld's

::JT

n::a·:, -~~ oJtlsi

::: tlties tc er re :0. pleasaLL :::an - LOO fX J~s::> :. ate:s tra- s ·e.,ing i:J b-on Jr o her =1 cs ir.c uding !·-~ Ycrk. C ~ r,cr. :::~ oi t

nd Plbm<..

"l v. 3.nt 10 h:

-::J

!Jca:;;t_,.

them gc a•::liJr :ned

.c :nr sta.e a.:- c. LoJmmu"1 l"/ .:m :

loc..~

·cr'A.ard lo s~in~ them h<.N-,' h1 their -J:.-o.r h:::r e.:;," she .:;3.ys.

- lisa Crutch fit': d. v ce j:Y:>Celt _general rr <l"l~r. TIJ!A-::REF

-=w

help ;ISscc ates be-orcr: Lmil

a1·

with ou-

arec.,' s>;s Crut·: b ·i_ .cl prc~e:rYe

1-e natm~ . : c.:u .y of tle Ia- d b)

incorp ::ra::ng t~

' . r:<JJS

r,.g ons of Nont

Ca o tn.1 no the ;:.r..:: s•.arc," sre exrlains:. _; tbc cent.:'- •J " tl-e •:!!.mpus will be a unqu: c-e.scenL plntin5~

~J.Rt:"

th1t

~vill

in.::lude

c.nd l<rnc:.;:._J J=e ·catmes repre-

sen athe: d thec-a -·- , [:i ~ dmont ud

cf t!- : ·· tat ~ . '5ince Llan~ assoc ae3 ,v;]] we. o anc fr::> 11 th: varlmcurtLin

:~reas

ou:: bt.il::.hgs o- •... J npF, be

!IL

..vam it to

;c: cctive J=Lu. LJ "\<lrk and ,·isit:

intc

'.-enLtJ,.u , ~l· ainback

~t.e 13.T::i~aiJ9."

~ 1\.ss-Jci<t!: ::> •

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Community Service The Greater Charlotte YMCA serves nearly one out of every seven people in the community and is growing annually at 15 percent.

Fariba Homesley had always had more energy than she knew what to do with . She is active, goal-oriented and disciplined. As an BIW'f employee w;th critical skills, she was offered raises as incentive to stay when the company went through major layoffs. She

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people and 'las a voracious appetite for life. When rer third child arrived, she decided to put her career on hold and focus full time on child raising. A year later, her 16e ':Jck a downward spiral. "I began isolating myself- avoiding people. I was tired all the time and felt overwhelmed. I'd lost all JOY and I felt tr.at I was jvir.J h a black and white photo. All the color had drained from life. "I had rhree beautiful, healthy, sweet babies and a wonderful husband. I had it all, but I was miserable. I knew what it w..1s -

depression. I'd struggled with it off and on in life but it really took me down at that pomt. •· Homes.'ey convinced herself that her condition was treatable and sought medical attention. "The doctor started talking Prozac, Zoloft... l knew that given my history, depression would be an ongoing battle. Did I wa.1t

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on medicine for the rest of my life?.. .

"This is a Christian organization," explains Andy Calhoun , president and

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of the YMCA of Greater Charlotte

Together, the nations 2,400 YMCAs make up the ar.:!eS: nonpro fit community service o rga ni zation in America, mo::::tT_.g

<www.ymcacharlotte.org> . "We put Christian principles into

the needs of 17.5 milli on men, wo men and children iL o...er

practi ce - princip les which both Christians and non-Christians find valuable: caring, honesty, respect, responsibility and faith . All of our act' vities revolve around those prin cip les . We're a Christian organization but not just an orga nization fo r Christians. 'vve're very inclusive. " Most people appreciate the YMCA fo r its o rganized activities including bas ketball , volleyball , camp and aq uatics (Our first community pools we re built by YMCAs). Over the years programs may have changed , but the principles have not. The mission statement constantl y and consistently stands as a challenge " to p ut Christian principles into prac tice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind , and body for all. "

10 ,000 communities. Internationall y, Y\i\CAs are at wc· rk n

greater char l o t t e biz

more than 120 countries aro und the world se rvi ng the ned:; of mo re than 30 milli on people. "We accomplish our mission thro ugh people- fra n cnc pe r on to another," elaborates Eric Ellsworth, senior vice p r:.si•k n _ and coo. "Eveiything centers on relation -hi p build ing. VJhn people come into our programs, they come into an atmcsp- rc: or enviro nment where they will meet caring people face -t.o-b~ We challenge our staff and volunteers to demonstrate the: p- nciJlt::S the Y embraces. For example, a person may join our aqLati.3 program to learn to swim but go away with much more - 1,c learning responsibility for others in the wate r. " >-

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taff and volunteers are taught to help people recognize their unique gifts and learn to use them. The challenge is to go beyond simply teaching a skill, to building self esteem through interaction , as leaders strive to help each person achieve his/her greatest potential. "l observed a swim class many years ago ," Ellsworth reminisces. "Although everyone else was actively engaged in pool activities, there was one boy - about l2 years old - pressed practically flat against the wall. ln talking to his mother, I learned that he had been born with all kinds of physical handicaps. He'd had several heart surgeries and continued to have a difficult time walking. And he was scared to death of the water. He couldn't run, but his mother thought he could learn swimming for some physical activity "Larry, an instructor, decided that his summer project would be to teach this boy to swim. It took about half the summer to even get him in the water. And when he did, the boy would constantly plead with Lany not to let him go. "Finally, toward the end of the summer Larry said, 'Today is you r day You are going to walk through the water on your own "Larry let go and the young boy began to walk. He raised his hands in the air like an Olympic athlete and shouted, 'This is the greatest day of my lifel' That's wha t we're after, to help people reach their God-given potential. "When l was in school, I had a love of sports and came to be a follower of Christ. I looked for a career that combined those two loves and the YMCA was a perfect fit. For 25 years, it has proved to be a great vocation and ministry I am a person who loves to go to work because of the difference it can make in people's lives." "It was time to help myself and I was determined to do it by getting active. I knew I didn't have the discipline to make myself exercise. I figured that if I joined the YMCA , they would make me do it. " Homesley bought a new jogging suit and with her three babies in tow. headed to her local branch. "I remember that day. It was gray. I marched in defiantly with my chin up and a

april 200 I

demeanor that said, 'Don't you even dare.' " Homesley, who'd always been attractive and shapely at 125 pounds, was now nearing 200 pounds. Her blood pressure was creeping up along with the needle on the scale. "I was sure everybody would stare at me and I would get the cold shoulder. If it had been a health club, I probably would

Charlotte forms a composite of the community "It's a crossroads for the ethnic, life stages, gender and economic diversity of the community," states Calhoun. "We strive to be a key leader in enhancing diversity. Because of our strong outreach program, we can offer membership to those who can't afford the normal fees. No one is excluded."

have. But this was no health club. People smiled at me, even the people working

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out. They were generous and kind. I felt

Although the Charlotte area is between 25th to 30th in terms of the size of the market, the YMCA of Greater Charlotte is the tenth largest in the nation. It serves one out of every 6.5 people in the community not counting those who take part in programs and are not members. They employ 2,000 people (80 percent are seasonal or part time ) There are over 450 board members and thousands of this community's strongest leaders as program volunteers. "The YMCA of Greater Charlotte is one of the key YMCAs for leadership and one of the fastest growing. We have a 15 percent annual growth rate, " says Calhoun. "In 1998 we had 100,000 members. ln 1999, 11 8,000, and in 2000 , 130,000 members. " Frank Dowd IV, president of Charlotte Pipe and Foundry, is an example of the leadership legacy. He's about to succeed Frank Harrison , chairman of Coke Consolidated, to become the next chairman of the board. He fo llows in his father's, grandfather's and great grandfather's footsteps dating back to 1887. "The key to our growth is that we are building strength atop strength," Calhoun acknowledges. "We've been consistently able to attrac t top leadership from the communities we serve. We are standing on the shoulders of generati ons of strong leaders on the board , volunteers and staff. We have kept that strength building to the point that we've become woven into the fabric of this community. "This is as much a multi leader organization as I've ever seen or studied," says Calhoun. "Some organizations build on the status or ego of one. We've never had to depend on one person. Thousands of leaders over the years have guided the YMCA. "People are listening to their neighbors when they move here and

like a bull among gazelles but they made me feel accepted. " Homesley was so taken aback that she decided to return the next day....

Establishing Roots The YMCA first came into existence in 1844 London in response to the unhealthy social conditions arising in the big cities at the end of the Indusnial Revolution. As work drew men to the city from the counnyside, there was nothing to help them connect with their new community George Williams wanted to give these men something positive to do with their time and gathered them together for Bible studies and fellowship. The organization spread rapidly across England and leapfrogged to Boston in 1851. In 1874, 23 young men, motivated by the same goals Williams held , met above the Wadsworth livery stable on the southeast corner of North Tryon and 6th to discuss the prospects of starting Charlotte's fi rst YMCA. From that site, it was possible for them to take in the whole of Charlotte with little more than one swift glimpse. But with clarity of vision, on November 11 , they rented Wadsworth Hall above the livery stable for $6. 25 per month , fo rming what is now the Dowd YMCA, since relocated to Morehead Street. A movement for diversity, beginning in 1909, paved the way in 1910 for the second YMCA. The McCrorey Y opened in what was the Brooklyn neighborhoodthe area from Midtown Square to the Adams Mark Hotel. It was the first African-American YMCA and established education classes. It has since relocated to Beanies Ford Road. Today the YMCA of Greater

greater charlotte biz

The Harris Y teams up with Second Harvest Food Bank and the Carolina Panthers to serve the Pine Valley corr:munity. Here, Patrick Jeffers of the Panthers signs an autograph for a young fan.

Division Il pro fessional soccer team, and the YMCA of Greater CharloLLe trade services. "The Eagles present strong ro le models that mirror our principles. They become coaches and referees fo r our youth soccer teams and in turn we offer standard equipment here." them our facilities and field space for their practices,'' Ellsworth says. Fallow Ground Realizing a paucity of developmental The YMCA of Greater CharloLLe, preschools in northeast Charlotte, the with its 12 bnnches, is one corporation. j ohnston YMCA raised money and built The master board is the governing board a child development center on-site. To but each branch is culturally de entral leve rage resources, they cont racted \vi th ized . Decisions about such things as proThompson gramming, capital "The young boy began to walk. Children's Home to and staff are Dade provide child care He raised his hands in the air entirely at the local services and created branch to cus:om like an Olympic athlete and a program called fit the comtm:.nity shouted, 'This is the greatest day uccess by Six they intend tc of my life!' That's what we're preparing children serve. That m ~a ns after, to help people reach their to enter schoo l. that each Y w ll As pan of a God-given potential." look a linle bit dif- Eric Ellsworth, senior vice president and coo. continuum of servferent. The corpoYMCA of Greater Charlotte. on one success story ice to those fa milies rate board supports in need and specifically aimed at helping and guides. T :1e national board encourthose families reach self sufficiency, the ages collaboration and acts as a consultY partners with a number of entities, ant and advisor. including CPCC, Urban League, junior "The Y cc.n be whatever its volunLeague, United Way and Carolinas teers decide that community needs,'' Healthcare System . ex plains Ellsworth . "Lincoln County has Proj ect Starfish is a summer different prog:-ams and se rvices from the program for third grade rs with poor Harris Y and those two are different fro m literacy rates. The program trac ks a Camp Thunderbird." "We aren t an expert in everything, 95 percent improvement rate. The Harris Y teams up with econd but th rough a collaborative effort with Harvest Food Bank and the Panthers to other non-profits and churches, we can serve the community of Pine Valley. The reach the community's goals." Panthers donated money to Second >The Charlotte Eagles, an A-League,

their neighbo:s are saying, 'You need to get involved in the YMCA,' " Calhoun continues. "Employers are involved in the Y and the-r encourage their employees to be invclved . The YMCA card is

gre a te r c h ar lo tt e biz

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200 I 33

Harvest Food Bank to fund a grant for the YMCA . The YMCA uses the grant lOr Kids Cafe, a literacy-based after school program that provides hot meals and tutoring.

Plowing New Fields

D~cisions -c open new branches are rnaje in one of t.vo ways. The capital p la:mhg cornmi_tee headed by volunteer chcirn· an J m '.1organ, formerly of lnterst::tte/joh-_o;cn Lane and Wachovia Securities, de•::des where there are voids, or ::t ccmm .ml:-1 asks fo r a YMCA to be establi>hed "l:l thE. ca_ce ot Lincoln County, the comm .m it; as:<e:i -or it," Calhoun says. "W?. knew t h<;d to oe a partnership.The

The Lincoln County YMCA O?ened in February Gateway Vi llage in Cptov.m will open this summer. And recently, the community around West Boulevard chartered a Y. The Ballantyne !rf!IJ!IIIIJIIIIII'!.II!I!.,!II!W'""IJI!I'I'!III'community needed branch has broken to help raise ground in a unique we are build ng strength atop money and recruit collabo ration strength ....We ..-e standing on tbe leadership. between Charlone"We set up a shoulders of ge1erations of stro1g Mecklenburg parks provisional board or leaders on the board. volunteers and schools. The core group to comand staff....we\re become weve1 complex on l07 plete a market acres wil l include a into the fabric ef this communi[)." study This gave - 'Indy Calrou-. presidert an~ CEO, large park, school insight into the YMCA ~f :Sea:er Ch•rlott3 and fi re station. The commun ity, their first phase on the property is a 13,000 needs Jnd their pa~ion for a YMCA, to det.errnine if t 3 w::~ s the right time." square fool activity bui lding and large T 1ere wa :; c need, a passion and the water park and sports fie ld. That doesn 't tirre was ripe 9:l a permanent board of include the main bui lding. Its looted communit;- le::..:l~r~ was established. about a mile away from the existing fitness "-=:-his o::on::rr.u""1ity viewed the YMCA and program area.

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as becoming the town center. They raised $3.5 million and we anticipated having 400 families join before we opened. We just opened with 2,100 members. " "In the classes, the instructors called me by name and that was special. They were enfolding me. I started getting into shape physically and I kept going. I started to feel differently toward my children, my husband and life. I came out of my isolation and began to realize that not only was I in shape physically but emotionally and spiritually as well. "I'm Iranian and what I didn't know was that the YMCA has a spiritual influence behind it. They have a mission statement that they put into practice. That's what makes them different from a health club." What is it about this organization that has affected millions of lives the world over for more than a century and a half? Was it just a fluke that Homesley walked into this Charlotte YMCA with particularly friendly people?...

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Mission Accomplished "We want to be sure that the experience of each participant or member is exce llent," CJlhoun insists. "They're handed a ca r::! stating our mission and asked if in tl-eir time at the Y they see that delivered . 1f the answer is yes, they are asked to ell how they saw it. We track the frecuency of the yes answers at 84 percent across the board. "One person said she saw it when her husband was going through cancer treatments ar_d her instructor always made it a point after class to ask about h ow they we-e doing. Another person, a ca mp mothet, confided that she saw it when their fGll11 ily was co ming apart duri.ng a very diiTicult divorce, and even though the instructor d idn't know that, the child wa ~ provi.ded the strong inOue nce he need.::d that summer. " Homesley acknowledged that she found the Yfi/CA delivered on a physical, mental and spiritual level. "I know my improved outlook had much to do -vith a hormonal release from the exercise. I could have walked

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and increased the endo phmes 1n my system but I cou,'d'1 't hcvÂˇe rsjoine:J my community if I had'1 't gcr.e f:9 the Y.

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Kathy Mendieta is a ~harlctte-tased freelance writer

a p r I 200 I 35

by nethea fortney rhinehardt

[bizprofile I

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Yerian Technologies ProcureiTâ&#x201E;˘ software makes purchasing easier, cheaper and smarter for mid-sized companies.

To make a company purchase , an employee fills out a paper-based requisition form and forwards it to the supervisor for approval. The supervisor then sends the forn to the manager, who may likewise require additional approvals within the company hierarchy. Eventually the form reaches the purchaser's desk. The purchaser transmits it to the supplier. The suppli er fills the order and issues a bill . Sou nd cumbersome? Tehseen Ali, co-founder and chairman of Charlotte-based Yerian Technologies <www.veriantechnologies.com> , thinks so. "Most people in business today have manual purchasing processes," he says. "It takes a tremendous amount of time and cost because so many people have to touch the process. " Purchasing or procuremem is also costly in less obvious ways. Delays and redundancies interfere with daily operations and subtl y im::>act the bottom line. Acco rding to Ali , the transaction data from the procurement process is also invaluable.

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"You need to know how long a requisition takes to approve," he points out. "You need to know what kind of pricing you received from the supplier. You fax a purchase order to them; they send you the goods and then a bill. Who knows if it's accurate? "Worse, what if another employee has already ordered a huge shipment, but since you don't see it on the shelf today; you order it anyway." Ali and Chief Technology Officer Bilal Soylu developed Procure ITT" <www.procureit.com> , a Web-based solution that helps companies cut costs by automating the ordering of equipment, services and supplies. The latest version, 5.1 , automates the entire purchasing process and allows the purchaser to work from anywhe re. The purchasing tool uses ordina ry browsers for access to data but is installed on a compan y's secure intranet system to keep security tight.

april 200 I 37

ith Procure IT, employees log on the company intranet, fill out a simple Web-based form, and send it. Based upon corporate policies, it automatically routes through appropr iate management leve ls to purchasing and then to the supplier. All the transaction information is captured in a single database. Ali cites three benefits: "The process is simplified , companies compi le beuer buying information , and if the goods are already on order or in inventOty, the system will nag you. " Procure IT is actually a product suite with functionality beyond its base module of online requisitioning, purchasing and audit. lt also enables companies to have a more cost-effective inventory management system. The product suite can track materials from the time they are received to the time they are used or discarded by the company. The inventory module can accommodate multiple warehouses and inventory transfers between storage locations. It also includes sophisticated just-in-Time UIT) and Economic Order Quantity (EOQ) routines, which help to cut lead times , reduce inventory, and lower purchasing costs. The product suite also contains a travel and expense module , which dramatically decreases managerial time needed to review and approve travel and expense requests. The application also automates the expense report process with a simple, consistent browser interface , cutting the costs from an average $39.64 in employee Lime and materials to less than $ 10. Seamless integration of the travel and expense module with the current finan cial system reduces the approval and payment cycle from 28 days to less than five working days. "You can fill out and submit expense reports online for approval before returning to the office," emphasizes Ali. "You can route airline ticket prices and information back through the organization for approval, and then buy the ticket online." Verian Technologies originally started with a focus in health care but has branched out to all types of regional and national companies looking to simplify paper-intensive processes. At first glance, Procu re IT may appear to be just

april 200 I

another Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solution. But that simply isn't true. ERP software integrates manufacturing and distribution functions across departments within an organization . But as Ali points out, "While manufacturing companies with ERP systems automate buying associated with production , all of the maintenance, repair and operations items -anything not directly linked to the manufacturing process- is often still paper-based. Procure!T enables manufacturing companies to use one simple system to automate both production and non-production goods." Procure!T's utility extends far beyond the manufacturing sector. While the manufacturing sector is a component of Ve1ian's business, over 60 percent of its customers are service-based, with strong representa-

"Middle-market organizations have the biggest challenges associated with purchasing because they don't want to spend a lot of money but they still want value." - Tehseen Ali, Verian Technologies

Lion in the financial services and health care industries. "Our product fits very well horizontally," Ali shares. "We have the same impact on manufacturing organizations as we do on health care, financial and other organizations." Competitors loom large ly on the national landscape, but the market is fragmented. Mountain View, Calif.-based Ariba, a provider of B2B commerce and collaboration solutions, is best known for creating process efficiencies for leading companies around the world. However, Ariba solutions are clearly geared for Fortune 500 companies. "Ariba sells the same type of applications we do, but their solutions are aimed toward the top end of the market, priced in excess of a million dollars," says Ali. Verian Technologies, on the other hand, targets middle-market businesses- those with annual revenues between $100 million and $3 billion. Its customer list includes Regions Financial Corp., the nation's 23rd largest bank; national radiology finn Radiologix; apparel maker Liz Claiborne; and a unit of aerospace giant Boeing.

"Large companies can afford to spend millions and millions on a solution. Middle-market organizations have the biggest challenges associated with purchasing because they don't want to spend a lot of money but they still want value." ProcurelT is available as an installed application, where clients pay a licensing fee , or as an application service provider model , where fees are based on the number of users who access the system. Organizations wit h the infrastructure to house the application tend to buy the application. Smaller organizations without the internal infrastructure , rent the application instead . Under Ali's careful tutelage, Verian Technologies has estab lished key partnerships that have helped propel the company's growth. Charlotte-based Osprey and Memphis , Tenn.-based trategic Resources Management both offer Yerian's Internet-based procurement systems to their clients. Relationships with Austin, Texas-based Vignette Corporation and San Mateo , Calif.-based Avant Go have expanded Procure!T's capabilities. "The Vigneue relationship helps link our product to external marketplaces on the Internet," Ali comments. "And Avant Go enables our whole app lication to run on a mobile hand -held device. " Au AND BILAL SOYLU launched Verian from a two-room office in the summer of 1997. But their partnership in entrepreneurism actually began in 1993 when the two were graduate students at the University of South Carolina (USC) and roommates. Ali, a Toronto native, moved to Columbia, S.C. in 1991 after his employer was acquired by Kennecou Corporation, a metals and mining company. A metallurgical engineer, Ali developed mineral processes that helped extract gold from the earth. Soylu , a native of Turkey, grew up in Germany and came to the U.S. as a sLUdenL. He received a B.A. from Georgia Southern University, and later, an M.I.B.S. from the University of South Carolina. After en ro lling in USC's MBA program, Ali started Eastern Medical and Surgical, a medical supply company. But he needed an application - an order-entry and inventory management FOuNDERS TEHSEEI\

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:io -He raise capital and move forward? " Tho: pair sold the company to a group Jf t n estors in March 1997.

La 1ching Yerian AJter their second successful .--er.:ure , the partners wanted to run a :::HJ.pany for the long haul. But before .he:- :::auld move forward they needed a le'-' .dea. The serial entrepreneurs took : .o _ of their strengths. They knew how .o ::;;::: I medical supplies. They knew how :::ec.pte bought supplies. They understood

the headaches associated with purchasing. A purchasing or procurement application just made sense. "We recruited a few customers, and ba ed upon those customers' needs , we wrote the application," says Ali. "We demonstrated the application to a few prospects, and ::Jne of them bought it. Before we knew it , we had ten customers. " About a year later, Ali and Soylu decided to relocate their newest company from Columbia, . to a more auspicious bu iness environment. They looked >--

april 200 I 39

southward, to Atlanta and northward to Charlotte. Charlotte was the winner. "We wanted to go into an area that had a lot of opportu nity for entrepreneurs. We felt that Charlotte had a strong entrepreneurial commu nity, so we came here in 1998." With the help of the Charlotte Chamber, the company moved into 12,000-square-foot office space in the Ben Craig Center, a Un iversity-area business incubator. By 1999, Yerian Technologies had generated $ 1.2 million in revenue. ln 2000, the company set out to raise $7 million, but investors offered more than twice that amount. By May 2000 , the company had received $13 million in funding from Technology Crossover Yemures of Palo Alto, Calif. , and Allegra Partners of New York. The company soon overnowed its office space at the Ben Craig Center and early this yea r moved into 33,000square- feet at 8520 Cliff Cameron Drive in northeast Charlotte. At 55 employees, Yerian is expand ing sales and marketing, and developing partnerships with resellers and systems integrators. The company looks to acquire hosting

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greater charlotte biz

capabilities sc it can sell its software to users as an aj:plication service provider. In the wake of the economic slowdown and the ensuing imerest in the technology sector, Yerian Technologies is one of the fortunate few poised for growth. But despite promising prospects, Ali insists tha: caution is critical in today's business environment. "The mood is a little more conservative than it used LO be ," he says. "lL's not the cowboy memality anymore. Cw:tomers are much more cautious and :ompanies like us have to be more careful in spending money. " In December 2000, The Metrolina Entrepreneurial Cou nci l honored Ali with its 2001 Trailblazer Award, given annually to entrepreneurs who have overcome obstacles on the road to success. Ali was humbled by the acknowledgment. "It's a good feeling that the community bdieves you are a strong emrepreneur and contributo r LO the city." Most recently, Yerian Technologies won a covetec: 2001 Blue Diamond Award from the Charloue Chamber for Best Technology P10duct and was a finalist in the running for Best use of Technology. Last morth , Ali turned over presidem and CEO responsibilities to supply chain execuliâ&#x20AC;˘1e Patrick Romich. Romich founded IQXpen , a leading provider of imegrated technology-enabled sourcing and engineering solutions that merged with PartMiner Inc. in 1999. PanMiner is a provider of online business-tobusiness procurement services for the electronic conponents industry. Tehscen .'\li says, "Pat has been very succes ful at growing PanMiner LO a 100+ milli ::m dollar company We selected him primarily because he has such good managemem ski lls." "Basically I've taken the company as far as I can take it and now it's time LO expand our executive team. " As chairman, Ali wil l focu on customer acqu isit ions, extend ing partnerships and other strategic initiati ves. But even he is astonished by how far the company has come from its beginnings. "The most fascinating thing i you can build a company from an idea. And that's what it's all about. You can build something frcm just a concept- just an idea. And we built it. " biz.

Nethea Fortnev-Rhinehardt is a Charlottebased freelance wnte~

greater crarlotte biz

a=â&#x20AC;˘rl

L.OO I 4

br- Casey }oobus

[healthcarebiz I

Health Care Online Power of Internet yet to be ful y realized Local health care providers know the Internet is a powerful new medium to help them reach consumers. And while m3ny are redesigning and updating their Web sites, marketing directors at most local organizations say they haven't yet maximized the power of the Internet "Hospitals are still in the early stages of e-commerce," says Alan Tavlor, vice president of marketing at Caro lin3s HealthCare System (CHS). Although CHS has won recognition for its Web site, <www.carolinashealthcare.org>, Taylor says. "We're constantly looking for ways to make it more interactive." At Presbyterian Healthcare

<www.presbyterian.org>, which laun.:hed a revised Web site in December, marketing manager Heather McNatt s ay~. "We're constantly moving toward gre::.ter personalization, but we're not there vet " There are more ways to build a database now than there were when we starting planning our 'new' site a ye ar ago," says McNatt "The strategy anc technology are evolving constantly." St ill, Presbyterian's Web site locks a lot different today from when it first wen: online five years ago. "Back then, we just put every bit of printed collateral we 1ad on the Web site," says Kati Everett, director of public relations and marketing Gaston Memorial Hospital

He:lith care prov ders are most in ter-

a \irtu31

ser~ce ' .

to be updated frequently.

Hospital We-:; sites include hf::J r-

mat on 3bout their pl'{Sicians, locatic ns, hea1h plans, billing <: rd saecific infc,·rration about clas ses, specia . events ad sup::>orr groups. They also include gEn ~ral hea 1h i1formation.

(PLCMC) <www.plcmc.org> fnd their

Tayl::>r. Eventually,

w= hope you'll be

about careers, business and health

ablE to 1rake an appcintment and fil out

concerns. Since they already had a

a pErSOlal history on ine."

Web site devoted to busines ; matter5

Carolinas Medic<: I Center offers -,ed-

<www.bizlink.org>, they pu : together

ical rec uitment onlin= , with inform a· on

one on health, which debuted last fall

aboJt a! l of its reside1cy programs.

<www.healthlinkplus.org> .

Pre<o:byt=rian hc:s also had good resu : s

"The Web site took a year to put

recr Jiting potential employees online.

together," says Diana Sachs, an informa-

"Fcrty to fifty per:ent of our job

tion specialist with PLCMC. There are

app ica 1ts come from the Web site," 53ys

eight categories: general he<: lth in~orma

Everett. "We were avEragi ng 14,000 -~- er

tion, health care providers, realth insur-

hits per month beforE we relaunchec h

ance, medical research, stay ng healt t-y,

Decemter, and many of those came =co11

mental health, complementary and alter-

hurran ·esources."

native medicine, and Piedmo11t rescurces.

In addition to edL cafng people ctl out

"We're trying to help pe::>ple fird

c local level, e

its s=rvi: es, non-profit Hosp ice at Cha · o1te

information, particularly on

tell~ people

says Sachs. "There's so muc1 informa: io1

how they : an contr'bute-

whe::he1 it's time or mone'/. Its Web si:E..

<w\"'W.t.ospiceatcharlntte.com>, pro\ des info ·mation on "how 1ou can help." "M3ny people ar= go i 1g to the lnte ·net for informatic n, and, given t - e inte ·est=d in ex.plorin:s w at we have t: offe · privately," says f ric ket Weston,

pho1e call yet, but th =y can find out rn:•re aboJt 1.6 online." Ab::>ut 80 to 90 J:€rcent of the irtcrmat on -::;n the Hospic= site is static c pernancent. Items likE the mission st::.tE-

director of marketing. "We want to he lp

mert, s=rvices, eligib lity criteria, tec:rr

them make good decisions ."

menbe ·s, frequently 35ked questior!'i,

april 200 I

of Charlotte and Mecklenbur:s County most frequently asked questons are

or a family's illness," says Jean Wate ·5,

Researching answers

alsa get directions to his office," say:;

ing. "They may not bE ready to make 3

Internet for information about their CM'n

make contributions online.

not ::>nl\ find a doctor online, you ca11

see photos of their new grandchild.

"More people are going to the

Someday, Weston hope ; the Web site will offer donors the opportunity to

Librarians at the Public _ibrary

"If you are new to the area, you :: an

dire : torof communiC3tions and mar~

It is also designing Web sites to

information on special event:; and

estE<l ir educating people about the -

nursery where grandparents will be able to

provide sound health care informaticn.

and credentials don't changE often. But bereavement support groups does need

natue of our services:, many of them 3I'=

<www.gastonhealthcare.org> is revam ping its two-year old site to include

Prcvicing lnform1tion

out there, but much of it is rrisinforrration or attempts to sell you s:Jmething We'll do the weeding out for y~ou and select only the good informa :ion."

Looking ahead As a marketing tool, Web sites are starting to make an impact on more tracitional types of advertising for 1ealth car= providers. Carolinas HealthCa ·e now ouJIishes the Carolinas Health MC'.gazine sclely online. At Presbyterian, Everett anticipates reducing both the size and the numoer Jf print ads. Ultimately, she says the Web site will reduce advertising costs.

biz,

Casey jacobus is a Charlotte-basEl freelance writer. greater chc..rlotte b z

Heah:h Care hbm~ation On the t/~b

Southminster

L::-cal f-osprtals Car:llina~

A Continwng Care Retirement Community

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OUR MISSION

Founded w ith pride by two loca l c hurc hes, Southminster is a no t-fo r--pro fit continuin g ca re re tire ment com munity commiued to he lping people maintain an active lifestyle with dignity, privctcy, and peace o f mind while ministering to their spiritu al needs.

Gaston 1'1emcrial wV.fY>.'.g35tonhelathcare.•Jrg Northea~t

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OUR HISTORY

~y;terr

Open since 1987, Southminster was born out of the vision of a few church leade rs who had the faith to work for their dream:

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A retirement community for people of all religions. Southminster's Board o f Directors is comprised of highly respected loca l comm unity leaders w ho serve, without compensation, for one reason on ly: To e nsure that th is community provides a gen uin e mini stry o f ca ring and an exce llent qual ity of life for its residents.

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Well--appointed cottages and apartments for acti ve adu lts Magnol ia Place for those need ing a little assistance Camellia Court for those sufferi ng from memory loss Ski lled nurs ing care for our frail residents

"Stable. Closely connected to the comm uni ty around us. lore affo rdab le tha n you might think. " T hese are a few of the words used to describe Southminster.

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Our compassionate ca regivers Ask about

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E-reater charlottE b <=

our separate ne ig h borhood for the memory-impaired.

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Sunrise on Providence

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704-366-2550

704-365-5252

704-544-2094

3610 Randolph Rd

5114 Providence Rd

5515 Rea Rd

Sunrise at Eastover

april 200 I 43

[ diningbiz I

reviewed by the Biz ::;o:;rmec 1

exe<utiP gutd

to dining out

gteate,.. charlotte

Monticello Restaurant European-style dinng 3t ts fines: The Monticello Restauran· ·s loo.:a:ed aj _a-

The adja:ent Duh ill-!otel alsJ has a

ts lobJ'y, a nore cc.s ual ar23 wit1

The Portabello mushroom grillec and

cent to the Dunhill Hotel i1 dmntcwn

pub n

Charlotte's cultural and filancial distri::::t

solid oa" table s, leat her c1a irs, ald a 1

is Montice .lo's most popular signa: ure

near such attractions as t1e BlulnEnth3 1

3ntic ue sjjet:oard. Live piano enterta in-

appetizer at $7. Another signature dish

Theater, Discovery Place, 3pirit Square.

ment is featured on occas or .

is the Beef and Saumon entree at 530,

and various museums incuding t-.e ~r t

IVon: icel.o has bee1 01wcrded BEst

layered w"th prosciutto and rec pe Jpers

whi:h has been voted an Ultimate Menu

Museum of Craft+ Design. It is ma 1ag~d

'1ote l R2St3ur:rrt nuneroLIS ti11es c:s 'Nell

entree. It consists of grilled Angus beef

(as is the hotel) by Summ t Ho~i :a lity

3S Best Pl::ce to Go B~fOfe a ~how 3ld Best

filet mignon topped with grilled peppers,

Group, Ltd . of Raleigh, N.C.

-lot Fox 3t thE 1\nn Jal-3s.: e cf the \J aticr.

smoked salmon and buffalo mozzc.rella

As the captive restau· ant c "'" tte Dunhill, Monticello offers two s:Jri2s d

D i n n~ r

stcrts wi:h co n~ menta r-t

1ors d'o2. vre5; on t his ni&hl it's a por k

cheese, on sundried tomato puree, ser\·ed with a Madeira wine sauce.

soft lighting, wonderful

Other delicious

service and fine dining in

entrees include Tournedos

keeping with the refined

Duxelle -twin filets topped

elegance and unsur-

with white wine mu shr:·on

passed style of its

duxelles- at $30, and the

European boutique

Cervena Venison Tend erlo· n,

hotel. There are a

featuring grilled venison

number of dining areas.

medallions served with herb

The main dining area

and wild mushroom ri5otto,

opens off of French

wilted greens and a Creole

doors at the ground level,

tomato sauce, at $31.

and is an elegant table

Appetizers range in price

clothed dining room well

from $7 to $10; ent·ees from

suited to candlelight. It

$12 to $36. Monticello offers

seats 60. There is also

a three-course pre-theatre

an upstairs dining room

dinner special served frJm

that seats 65.

5:3 0p.m. to 7:30p.m. on

There are two meet-

the evenings of pe rformances .

ing/ banquet rooms for

Featuring salad, two choices

up to 100 people on the

of entree and desse rt at

third floor of the hotel,

$24.95 per person, it is an

above the Monticello, in

excellent value.

an area accentuated by

Wine ranges from $25

an antique chandelier,

to $180 a bottle . Much to

polished mahogany,

the Biz Gourmet's delight,

exposed beams, and Paladin windows. There

Th = Pub ha~ mo·e casual dinir g wit1 its origin<.! rrahog<.n) bar, solid oak tables and leat1er c1airs. Liv~ Jiano entertainnrert is featured on occasion.

is a Wine Cellar Room with a beautiful fireplace ~uitab 2 for

the wine selections inc luded Clos du Bois Merlot ! True to European

mix in =·ench pastry Breac comes with

fashion, ti-e Dunhill also hosts

small meetings or intimatE dining fJr u.J

unsalted . ! 1ree-Jepp2r and gc.rlic JJtter

"Afternoon Tea," offering patrons

to 12 people. And, weathEr perrritting,

A del"gttful hou;e raspber· y ·Jina ·gret:e

variety of loose teas, scones with

there is a European-style CLtsid = cafe

tDps thE 33lad. The serv2r ~labora:Es Jn

rosepetal jam, lemon curd and

where you can watch the crowds ard li;-

Menu se1Ection5, not ng thz choicest a:

Devonshire cream, assorted miniature

ten to the sounds of Charlotte.

c.re hou.oe Msignatures."

tea sa ndwiches, and petit fours.

april

200 I

greater charlotte bi::

The History of the Dunhil l Hotel The Dun hi ll Hotel, adjacen t to the restaurant at 237 N. Tryon Street, is a quaint 60-rocm full service hote l locatec in the heart of t he financial and art dis-

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styled "European boutiq ue hote l," it st..ccessfully combines the elegance of luxury

the ability to see and understand

hotels of Europe with an American sense

:::r

of comfort and service. It is a me mber of

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the SRS World Hote ls De luxe Co llection. The Dunhi ll Hot el first opened in

::J ::J

CD ......

• Design

1929 on the former site ofTryon Street Methodist Church as the Mayfai r Manor

• Programming

apartment hotel. It was bui lt by Drs. J.P. Matheson and C. N. Pee ler (two of t he

.Internet Applications

founders of the Cha rl otte Eye, Ear, Nose, and Throat Hos pital), and des igned by prominent Charlotte architect Lou is H. Asbury, Sr. Th 2 ten-story 100-roo m hotel was intended for use by both permanent and transient guests, with fifty rooms reserved for permane nt te nants, including prominent doctors. Th e Mayfair's location was well suited for ei th er the resident or the guest because it was situated just t"No blocks north of the citjl square, in close proximity not only to the heart of the business district but also to the many amen ities downtown Charlotte had to offer patrons. In 1929 t here we re no fewe r than 15 hotels in Char.otte. The largest were the Hotel Charlotte on west Trade Street and the Clayton Hote l at Fift h and Church Streets. Although not the largest, the Mayfair Hote l was noted for its elegance. A news paper reporter who toured the

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hotel when it opened was imp ressed by what he saw. The rooms we re furn ished

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in "living roorT style" with do uble or Murphy beds, "luxurious" carpets an d "fashionable" wa ll papers. The lobby

Services

had an inviting fireplace and was the

For Your

only place in town where you co uld buy Martha Washington candy.

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From 1929 until 1981, the hotel passed through a series of ow ners but operated continuo usly. By the ea rly

THE TRANSITION TEAM

1980s, however, t he building had become the James Lee Moto r Inn, a flop-

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renovat ions, very little of the origina l

5 re a ter charlotte biz

april 200 I 45

interior of the Mayfair -1ot:J remc:ined. As

/'mong l he ch.anges: ad:ling a lobl:y coo-

housE su te. Fortunately, a local comp3ny

of 1981, the hotel buildin§s sat idle for

necti gt~ hotel : o JL Fir c. ncial ::enter's

was V~oillir g :o provide the piano and tile

si x years, until Dunhill Ass •xiates L:d.

r ew t=a -king deck : rro"i1g -:he bu frorr

hotel Na~ c.Jle tc : ran sport it up the ele-

Partnership, the prese-1t C~"mers, pur-

tne rest'lL.ran: to thE rr cin lobby- tNeak·

\·ator. W're - Joan 3aez visits, she like= a

chased it in August of1987.

hg and irmprcvinf g.Jes: t()Jms; 3rd

certail rco1, because of its sun expo sue

It was the intentic·n of the DJn nill group to fully restore t:1e ooilding to a

c: ddill'gVL.tdoJr dining. : t her imJr::Jve-

in the mcrn ng on the writing desk. Ard

nefit:s in d uded rev am J ng the t·Jp-floc r

when the [ •.Jke BL.Je Devils play in

luxury European-style rotei It immediatel•t refurbished the lobby 3nc now 60 guest rooms with 18th centuy E_ropean fur-

~ uite

Charlotte. e.teryone is on a first name

nishings, original art, nand -sewr draperies, and four-pester Jeds, creating an ambience reminisc:=nt oi famous hotels of the 1920s a11d ·; os. The penthouse retained its ori&inalllarble floor and double balconies offering vi2ws of the city. In 1988, the

a11d its balcon · :: and addtlf nevter

~ ervi : e ; (; uch as 24-h rxr ·oom sefvice).

.·J rn :unningha11 . c1: : }-e timE the )unrillseneral mana5er, OO-N regiollal oper-

basis as -hey take over the entire hotel! Tvd cy, the Dun hill Hotel is one of Charlotte's =ew re11aining landmarks

:.tion 113n3ger, sa~s. 'T ~ e were net major

illustratirg :harlotte's history. Its singJ..J lar

.:tructJBl : hanges, t!-€·1 \Ne t= just meant :o

architectJr:: with neoclassical embelli ; h-

-:nucr itur: a bit. Tne;e v-ere idea~ we had

ments ard Jower ng presence added 3

Jeen .<i : kng c:rourd "or =oTe time." The

distincti\o€ shape to Charlotte's skylin: upon its completior

hotel was reopened as the Dunhill Hotel.

and do to this day.

At the same time, the Charlotte-

The Histo ry of the Restaurant

Mecklenburg Historical Landmarks Commission desig-

Through its mary reincarnations since Mayfair Manor, the

nated the Mayfair Manor property as an historic property

hotel owners have maintaine d a restatJant facility adjacent to tne

citing several reasons: 1) the Mayfair Manor, was

hotel. In 1929, when the hotel was first ooilt,

the restaurant was called the "Mayfair Manor dining room ."

There are not initial owners of the many details on the Mayfair Manor, Drs. restaurant portion d j . P. Matheson and the hotel for the ye2rs C. N. Peeler, were following 1929, exc:pt prominent citizens in The Cha rlotte of Charlotte; 3) the Observer in 1989 Mayfair Manor, The third floor ab::·ve the Morticello house:; :,...o meetir~ ~cons an:l banquet fac li: €5 reporting that the beca use it was ·or sit-down d r nE ~s or re:cep1ions of up to I00 people. restaurant adjacent to designed to accommodate some perma nen: residents, hctel. I-ss ,also addec int:m3tionc.1 r=sef\lathe Cun ill had cpened under the na11e documents the multi-functional nature of ticns s;ys:em World Hoko . ~ o help route "The Thi; ti : ." The Charlotte Observer downtown Charlotte in th : late 1920s; trc.velErs Sa•ts Cunninfhall, "Eur·Jpec.ns desc-ibEd i: as ole of "the fine dining and 4) the Mayfair Miino r akes an are Y€ry klnc of our hJ :el, and -ve thirk restama1ts uptol'Vn leaders are toutirg as important contributioo to the histc·ric th3f5 3 riche we cc. n l: ilj." drawing cards to attract suburbanites to streetscape of North -rycn Street, 3 major the CEnt=r : ity." But with the closing of A11cng :he Du nhil's more Jr::Jminent axial thoroughfare in Cha· otte. the Eelkdepartnrent store in 1988, Tne gLest= have been F,a ul ~.lcCartn:y., James In 1991 the Dunnill Hotel ""a~ also Thistle Evidently discontinued its W.Jr"fl\0'. Olympia DLkab s, Jose Fel icia no, listed as one of the ~tio - al Trust's 75 lunchtirre 3ervice in 1989, preferring-to Bonnie F-anklin, Toll Vlcl"e, Mc.ryHiggins Histo ric Hotels of Am:ricc . conc:nt ·ar= instead on the more pro=Cl3r•., 3n::l Three Dcg lfrt. Jim Farah, More recently, ir July of 19;)8, the itable e\e - ing t·ade. generc:l manager, hc. s 3: cumulat:c several Dunhill Hotel began c: $EOO,OOO renovation and expansion v. hen 3ummit

gueg :m:cd •Jtes . For e-<3mple, ovhen

Hosp ita lity Group, Ltd . to•l k over the

Wy~OI

management of the rote\ and rest3urart.

uprigh r:ianJ be mn•Ja.l into tile pent-

april

200

/J1arsalis vi.;i~= = . he recuired an

Sutstquent ·ecords indicate the restaurant op~ e:l under the name "Montic:: llo" in 1<?88 a=ter the Dun hill group acqL.ired

g r e ater c h ar l ott E b iz

:he hotel bLi l jing •

:.9~7 .

oltt =·e-o-,3 ion of t1~ 1otel begun in :. :?9 3. Far3h n::••ed the gro.mdAs

~art

l :=vel pub nto th :: [•Ln1 l lob:Jy a1d :c•n ·:=rted the ·~stl ·2 1-:'~ .- c: in fi •)Or i 110 an etegc.nt,

~;h

te line

~ abe

clolhed dining

room. In :.>9?, thE res::wrant addec a European-!:tyle •) utjoo r cafe. And

ju~t

last

:.:=ar, the 1 9tr :::ntry rr hog:rny b3t wa3 noved b3 :k t•:· the

)te lot b1 wher= "t

h.ad been f·or 1 9~ un: 11990, c:nd the nain dining are a \1'35 e:·parded. ;l.s part of· e ·e c·.afion, Fara 1 •<as resporsible fo .:hccsirg c: new befitfingthE h tef:;

ir~E.

::nu

He de3cr b:=s

the menu as' : o1no·, \.Jel.-knowr ilgredien~

pro::serred ir a new way wi th

flesh var Ety. :'s <il:lot :ontfren~al ~Jme of ~ he S3Jc=~

ali:: E differe1t.

T1e ~peda l s c-a r g= 'IIE"!ky and featJre ilternational,

=rE

chan: M:=diter·an:=an

biz

~=lections..

Underwriting on "'ATDAV gets the job done. Call (704) 894-8900 for detai:S. Service

g r e c. t e r c h =. ~

=tt::

t iz

David

Colleg&

l]assica )~ ~ •

..,ww

dav.org

a p ril 20 0 I 47

[autobiz I

reviewed by Neil Dunlop Edrrund:.cc-rr

luxury vehicles for the successful executive

200 1 BMW X5 All -::he Sport, None of the Utility We never like to be wrong. We were expecting to be und Erwlelmed by the 3.0-liter version of the X5. There' s no way, we thought, it can do anything but disap~cint

us.

of pure fun, it even rivals its big brother, the 282-hotsepowe-, V8powered X5 4.4i. The argument for the 3.0i become~ eve1 mJre compelling when you consider that its price of entry is $10,000 cheaper than the base 4.4i and it is also much less a gas Ji ~ The 225 -horsepower 3.0i provides good take of at stop -

t'll be lie~ a sluggish minivan, we whined. BMW has sold out, v1e

lights and will even continue to accelerate while asc~rding

moan~c..

steep grade. This certainly eclipses the performance of tre six-

n fact, said we, the vehicle's very existence dilutes the

brand a1d cheapens the 4.4-liter X5, which we consider a rippin'

cylinder Mercedes-Benz ML320 and even makes the 240 horse·

sport~ G .

power V6 lnfiniti QX4 seem a little sluggish in compuiso1.

in SUV clothing.

After driving the 3.0-liter X5 for a week, however, we now

The optional five-speed automatic transmissio n vvitr "Sc:oort"

see hov. ~. tupid we were to doubt BMW. "Yah, yah," they're say-

and "Steptronic" modes provides a number oftrann·1 optixs, c:ll

ing in B 1/J'J's Munich head office. "Vot ver you t'inking?"

of which add greatly to driving enjoyment. Left in no-mal c u:o:·-

T he BM /1' XS 3.0i is as much an "Ultimate Driving Machine" as any other BMW, including the more powerful XS 4.4i , especially con~iderin& it has a :Jcse price $10,000 cheaper and is less of a gas hog. Exceller~: performance, impressive handling and ride, luxurious inter o r, good value, ci;~S3-Ieading crash-worthiness. But it should not be mistaken "'or a SUV; it has poor off-road capabilities, meager cargo sp;ICe and narginal Ltiit:J. It is at best a SAY - sport activity vehicle. The XS J.Ji is propelled by BMW's silky-smooth inline six-cylin-

matic mode, upshifts and downshifts occurred exactly whe n we

der erg·n=, which is also found in several of Bimmer's 3 and 5

wanted them . Then, when we got tired of the pretender in th E

Serie= r-. cde ls. Frankly, it was this fact that made us skeptical.

Pathfinder who wouldn 't let us merge on to the free•;ay, "\'e sim-

We wonj =red if the sa me engine, wh ich is spirited in the sma ller

ply tapped the shifter to the left and an "S" appearef:J on the

sedars. could prope l the X5 with equa l elan. After all, the 330i

dash to let us know we were in "Sport" mode. In this moje,

Sedan wE ighs in at 3,366 pounds while the X5 3.0i tips the

shifts are more aggressive and the X5 accelerates with noticeatly

scale5 crt 3 porcine 4,5191bs. C•u ·skepticism was replaced by wonder. The XS 3.0i is as much a• 'Ultimate Driving Machine" as any other BMW. In terms

aj:ril 200 I

more attitude. Buh-bye. From this position we could a .so chcose to make all our own shifting decisions by tapping th~ shi 'ter up for upshifts and down for downshifts, all sans clute!- . greate r chulotte biz

The 3.0i also possesses all of the excellent handling charac -

but the

teristics about which we raved during our 2000 road test of the

liftover

4.4i. The 4-wheel independent suspension with gas-pressurized

height is

shocks on all four corners not only keeps all four wheels on the

awkward.

road even when it's bumpy but also does an excellent job of

At above

transmitting road feel directly to the driver through the sturdy

waist level

steering wheel and comfortable leather-clad seat.

for a 6-foot

Thanks tc the nearly perfect (50.3/49.7) front/rear weight distribution and solid-feeling rack-and-pinion steering, the XS

person, the gate is too

provides rock-solid, immediate response so that the truck goes

high to eas-

exactly where you point it when you point it there.

ily load

And, here's a huge bonus: in recent Insurance Institute for

heavy

Highway Safety crash testing the 2001 XS 3.0i received the high -

items. The optic·- a ~ li ding load floor ($400) means you dor 't

est crash-test safety ratings of any midsize sport-utility vehicle,

have to get as cl: se : J the tailgate, but it doesn' help the liftJver

beating even the Mercedes M Class and Lexus RX 300. It was

problem at

praised for its superior body structure and safety cage, numerous

all. And if

airbags, standard antilock brakes and electronic stability control.

you've got

All this while ensconced in typical BMW luxury, too. We were

a dog that

very impressed with the interior design of the 4.4i and the 3.0i

can't jump

has the identical interior, complete with real wood trim, leather

like Lassie,

upholstery and high-grade dash materials. Comfort and conven-

he or she

ience features are also legion, including: rain-sensing wipers,

will have a

heated seats, heated steering wheel, auto up/down windows,

hard time

power moonroof, adjustable center console armrest, sonar park-

entering

ing assist, self-dimming interior and exterior mirrors, and a mar-

and exiting

velous 12-speaker premium audio system with CD.

the rear of

Unfortunately, the 3.0i also possesses the same inconveniences as the 4.4i, such as: door-mounted window controls that

the vehicle. The elevatej d·iv ng position and all-wheel drive may 11 :: ke the

are hidden behind the beefy door handles; no standard lumbar

XS look like asp:> -:- e, but be not mistaken- it only looks l ke c:n

control (it's a S400 option); confusing audio controls and a dis-

SUV. However, this ·st kely BMW's intention. The a:;tute manufa:tur-

play that washes out in the sunlight; and similarly confusing cli-

er recognized the ::t=crt-ute craze and decided to cash in. 1: t:new

mate control s.vitchgear.

that few luxury SIJ\o' o.,..ners ever take their vehicles off-road, so,

However, after a few days to become accustomed to these quirks, we think they wouldn't bother us too much. Besides, the 3.0i is just too good a vehicle to dismiss over trifles. We think an effortless supply of power, excellent handling and superior comfort are the ha !marks of BMW. The XS 3.0i scores well on all three criteria, making it a bona fide BMW. Let's be c.ear, though- this is not a bona fide sport-utility

rather than builains a :ruck to navigate the wilderness, it built a pure BMW driving rTa: hine that just looks like a trLck. "Yah, yah. [o..a:1•r.:>u are getting yit."

biz

Edmunds.com, Inc. ~<.15 fo:unded in 1966 to publish new anj used ve--icle gutdes. In 1995. Edrunds )ecame the first company to establish a so:= en he Web on whtch corEurr€r~ could obtain vehtcle Information at no cc&. and in 2000. Edmunds bec<.~rr;: f"oe first source for vehtcle pnctng nformat1:n br

vehicle. In fact, BMW is very careful to call the XS a SAV, or sport

users of wireless V\.e :rercbled devtces. Edmunds.com cont nues to p-c\'idoe

activity vehicle. The low (7.1-inch) ground clearance, low-profile

free. unbiased infor""H:i::::on on all aspects of buying. ownong and sellorg

c. ve<icle.

17-inch tires and lack of low-range gearing do not a Jeep Wrangler make. Heck, the XS is hardly better than the all-wheeldrive BMW 330xi Sedan when it comes to off-road capability. And in terms of utility, the XS fails miserably. Altrough it weighs nearly as much as a Chevrolet Tahoe, its 54 cubic feet of cargo capacity is 13 cu . ft. less than that offered by the Honda CR-V. Also,

Blair, Bohle &Whitsitt puc C~rtf.ed

Public Accountants

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the clamshell tailgate design is unwieldy.

Back to Eus.·cs: Relationships, Value, Growth

Not only does t require you to reach over

1\"J l )~lions: Ballantyne • South Park

the tailgate to get inside the cargo area,

- J...)(.~. )'100

• www.bbwpllc.com

which puts your duds at risk from soiling, grea t er c h arlo tt e biz

ap r il 2 00 I 4S

Zeiss, continued

from page 52.

Tony Zeiss

commun ity. Our faculty and staff believe in opening doors to

President, Central Piedmont Communitr' College

education so that all adu lts have a welcoming place to support a lifetime of learning.

Born: 1946

What could CPCC do better?

Education:

B.S., M.S., Indiana State Univ=rsity

Ed.D., Nova University We would like to have the marketin g dollars to let people know about the difference that education can make in their lives and

Career:

careers and about the broad range of programs we offer.

Previous Position: President, Pueblo Commu1ity College

ln recent years, the focus of community colleges has been on providing job skills and training. What other role(s) can a community college play in a community like Charlotte? We offer affordable tuition for the first two years of university classes. Transfer among our state's commun ity colleges and the institutions of the University of North Carol ina, as well as many private colleges, is virtually seamless. Charlotte also reli es on CPCC

President, CPCC since 1992

Family: wife

Beth, sons Brett (32) and Bry3n (20)

Last Book Read: Angels, by Ed Myers

·-.c N ·..0

Person Most Like to Meet: Jesus Last Movie Seen: The

Patriot

Favorite TV Show (past or present): Jeapordy Proudest Accomplishment: My family

to provide classes for the more than 4,000 people who want to learn English as a Second Language each year. Our classes play a major ro le in integrating new residents into the community. And we are one of the institutions in Charlotte that bring people together. We are a model of a diverse community focused on one goal - adult learning.

How has technology affected the way you teach and operate?

operating revenue, and so the state's abi lity to fund equipment, library resources and course offerings greatly concens our faculty and staff. The long·term economic success of the refion depends on the strength of our educational resources. Like many busi· nesses and public agencies, we have called on our E-mployees to do more with less. I'm afraid we may have to continue to do so until we launch more aggressive entrepreneurial activities to earn add itional resources on our own .

The impact of technology has been profound and pervasive. All our graduates must be ab le to use computers, and computer training is a significant focus of our retraining efforts. Annually, 3,800 students register for telecourse and Internet classes through our College Without Walls; it is now possible for students to earn both transfer and technical degrees by taking a variety of Internet and television classes .

What are the biggest challenges community colteges- and CPCC, in particular- face? Our commun ity faces a critical shortage of skilled employees in many areas- computers, construction and machinists to name a few. Our challenge is to help recruit and train people for these high· wage, high-demand jobs that often require, not a bacrelor's degree,

How will the state's budget problems affect your current programs and plans for the future?

but the education and training available at community colleges. We

CPCC depends on the state for approximately 50 percent of its

stud ents' and Charlotte's econom ic success.

Let RHI Consulting find your place in the future.

know that technical ed ucation and skill certifications are key to both

At RH t Consulting, ensuring an exceptional full-time technology career has never been easier. No endless searches. No worries.

Through connections and expertise others only dream of, we match your skills to the most engaging, challenging and profitable jobs on the market. We don't just open doors, we arrange your passage through them.

So call or go to rhic.com today, and let us connect you to your future.

biz

Find out what you're really worth. FREE. Get your 2001 Salary Guide at rhic.com.

RHJCONSULTING" Techno logy Profess ion als POWER YOUR FUTURE

704 . 342 . 1982 201 S. CollegE Street Suite 2200 Charlotte, NC 28244 charlotte@rt ic.com rhic . com

RHIConsUtlng. EOE

april 200 I

greater char lotte biz

guide Take advan:Cige of these products and services from Charlotte's leading business-to-business suppliers. accounting services Blair, Bohle & Whitsitt, Pile 7810 Ballan tyne Co mmons Pkwy, Ste. 300 Charlotte, NC 28277 www. bbwp llc.com 704.365.5 400

advertising I marketinglpr 1st & 10 Market ing, Inc. 119 Stone Village Dr. Fort Mill, SC 29715 www.1stand10marketing.com 70 4.556.7330 RedBaron Communications 500 East Blvd. Charlotte, NC 28203 www.redbaronusa.com 704.344.0424

architectural/ design firms Perkins & Will 1130 E. 3rd St., Ste. 200 Charlotte, NC 28204 www.perkinswill.com 704 .343.9900

autos I transportation Polaris Country 100 N. Main St. Stanley, NC 28164 www.polariscountry.com 704.263.9085

displays I presentations G. Michael's 656 Michael Wylie Dr. Charlotte, NC 28217 www.gmichaels.com 704.679.4100 Sharpe Images 704.525.7087. Dept. 31

education CPCC Corporate Training Cen ter 3210 CPCC West Campus Dr. Charlotte, NC 28208 www.cpcc.cc.nc.us 704.330.4656 CPCC West Campus 3210 CPCC West Campus Dr. Charlotte, NC 28208 www.cpcc.cc .nc.us 704.330 .4667 McColl School of Business at Queens College 1900 Selwyn Ave. Charlotte, NC 28274 www.mccollschool.edu 704.337.2224

greater charlotte b z

Pfeiffer University 4701 Park Rd. Cha rlotte, NC 28209 www.pfeiffe r.edu 704.521.9116 UNC Charlotte Continuing Education 9201 University City Blvd . Charlotte, NC 28223路0001 www. uncc.ed ul con ted 704.687.2424

events Queen's Cup Charlotte Steeplechase 112 Somer St. Waxhaw, NC 28173-8761 www.q ueenscup.org 704.843 .7070

financial services I insurance Hood Hargett & Associates P.O. Box 30127 Charlotte, NC 28230 www.hoodhargett.com 704.374.1863

golf courses I recreation Olde Sycamore Golf Plantation 7500 Olde Sycamore Dr. Charlotte, NC 28227 www.oldesycamoregolf.com 704.573.1000 Regent Park Golf Club 5055 Regent Pkwy. Fort Mill, SC 29715 www.regentparkgc.com 803.547.1300 I 704.547.0023

health care South minster 8919 Park Road Charlotte, NC 28210 www .south mi nster.org 704 .554.0141 Sunrise Assisted Living at Eastover 3610 Randolph Rd . Charlotte, NC 28211 704.366.2550 www.sunrise-al.com Presbyterian Healthcarei Novant Health www.presbyterian.org 704.384.2273

hospitality Dun hill Hotel 237 N. Tryon St. Charlotte, NC 28202 www.dunhillhotel.com 704.332.4141 I 800.3 54.4141

human resources I staffing

media

RHI Management Resources 201 S. College St., Ste. 2200 Charlotte, NC 28244 www.rhimr.com 704.342.7986

WDAV 89.9 Classica www.wdav.org 704.894.8900

Staff America 6000 Fairview Rd ., Ste. 1500 Charlotte, NC 28210 www.staffamerica.com 704.944.7600

IKON Office Solutiors www.ikon.com 800.729.1268 x3077

The Transition Team 7512 E. Independence Blvd., Ste. 105 Charlotte, NC 28227 www.tttsolutions.com 704.532.0084

i.t.l internet services Ballantyne Consulting Group 15720 John J. Delaney Dr., Ste. 100 Charlotte, NC 28277 www.gobcg.com 704.540.0509 CAl Concepts www.caiconcepts.com 704.338.9808 E-dreamz www.edreamz.com 704.716.3400 lnfovision 723 S. Sharon Amity Rd., Ste . 200 Charlotte, NC 28211-2835 www .infov.com 704.365.9077 Internetwork Engineering 13777 Ballantyne Corporate Pl. Charlotte, NC 28277-3419 www.ineteng.com 704.540.5800 In Site Business Solutions www.insitebiz.com 704.846.8121 march FIRST 2725 Water Ridge Pkwy., Ste. 350 Charlotte, NC 28217 www.marchfirst.com 704.329.4600 Project Managers 212 S. Tryon St., Ste.1680 Charlotte, NC 28281 704. 332.66 11

legal services Womble Carlyle 3300 One First Union Center 301 S. Co llege St. Charlotte, NC 28202-6025 www.wcsr.com 704.331.4900

office equipment

office furniture Tech line 4446 South Blvd . Charlotte, NC 28209 www.workspacespecial =t:s ..::lln 704.334.6823

plastic products I desi!;:1 Ehren-Haus lndustri ~ s, nc. 10600 John Price Rd. Charlotte, NC 28273 www.ehrenhaus.co111 704.588.2887

printing I

pre-pre~s

Powerhouse Color 804 Clanton Rd., Ste. C Charlotte, NC 28217 www.realpages.con l pcYier-.J se 704.523.5019 R. L. Bryan Companr 7510 Hogan's Bluff Ln. Charlotte, NC 28227 www.rlbryan.com 704.573.4946

real estate Prudential Carolinas RE!iU.ty 4529 Sharon Rd. Charlotte, NC 28211 www.prudentialcharto:ie.co704.366.5545 sales training I contact rr :'llna~a~~ent

Beacon 11911 Steele Creek Rd . Charlotte, NC 28273 www.pharos-softwa re.cx:ITI 704.587.0225 Dunn Enterprises 6425 Idlewild Rd., Ste. :!:10 Charlotte, NC 28212 704 .536.1 7 59

telecommunications iReadyWorld www.ireadyworld .ccr1 877.473.2399 Network Cabling Syste111s 588 Griffith Rd. Charlotte, NC 28217 www.networkcablin1:s路~ err!:. ecom

704.523.8606

a pril 2CC

[bizinterview I

interviewed by bea quirk

newsmakers, power brokers and personalities

Higher Ed Tony Zeiss president, Central Piedmont Community College Since 1992, Tony Zeiss has been at the helm of Central Piedmont Community College. He is also the author of The

12 Essential Laws fo r Getting a Job and Becoming Indispensable and editor of Developing the World's Best Workforce. How big is CPCC, and what programs does it offer? CPCC <www.cpcc.cc.nc.us> is the largest of North Carolina's

How does CPCC work with business and industry to provide them with a trained workforce?

58 community colleges, serving approximately 70,000 people

CPCC's vision is to become the nation's leader in workforce

each year. Nearly one in 10 people in Mecklenburg County

development. We want to help people get the education and

enrolled in CPCC last year. CPCC

training they need to obtain better jobs

offers five associate degree pro·

and to progress in their careers . Our college

grams, including course work in 45

plays a vital role in attracting and retaining

technical specialties, as well as

business in the Charlotte region, and CPCC

degrees that transfer directly to

enjoys a national reputation for its business

University of North Carolina colleges.

and industry partnerships.

In addition, students may choose

Business and industry leaders are active

from nearly 100 certificate and diplo·

members of our board of trustees, serve on

ma programs ranging in length from

program advisory committees, and work close·

six months to one year.

ly with our deans to create high quality educa·

More than half of CPCC

tion and training programs. CPCC leaders

students are enrolled in non-credit

participate actively in the Charlotte Chamber

occupational education classes

and many other local employer groups to learn

to upgrade their current job skills,

about the area's workforce needs.

and we encourage employers to look to CPCC for customized workforce training. We served more than 2,700 businesses last year. Because we provide comprehen· sive adult education services, we welcome students seeking to learn basic English and math skills, as well as adults working to earn their high school credentials. More than 10,000 adults enrolled in CPCC's literacy classes last year.

How could that relationship with business be strengthened? We constantly strive to partner with businesses and encourage employers to work with us to train their workforce. Investment in workforce training yields significant results, and community colleges provide high quality services that are financially, geographically and academically accessible. Our tra ining is affordable, flexible and customized. Just as business depends on CPCC for this training, we depend on business and industry leaders who encourage,

What are CPCC's expansion plans , and what is their status? The College's four campuses (Central, North, South, Southwest) have just been joined by West Campus on Morris Field Drive. (See article on page 21.) Construction has begun on the Northeast Campus at Harris Boulevard and Grier Road, expected

support and reward employee training. Business leaders can donate equipment, provide scholarships, ensure that employees have time to train, provide work-based learning experiences for our students, serve on our advisory committees, and help us carry our message to the public.

to open next year. We are grateful to the voters who supported

What does CPCC do best?

CPCC's expansion with their approval of the 1999 county and

CPCC's strength is its connection and commitment to this

2000 state bonds.

a p ril 200 I

See

Zeiss. continued

on page 50.

g re a t er ch a rlotte biz

CPCC: E cation

CPCC

AMPUS

3210 CPCC West Campus Dr., Charlotte- (704 )330-4667

• Great location on the corner of Billy Graham and Morris Field • Free parking • 22 cla ssrooms including state-of-the-art computer classrooms • Day/ evening/ weekend classes • Ph ase I and Phase II approximately 65 ,000 sq. feet

From 1-77 take Hwy. 74 westbound o Left on Morris Field Drive Left on CfCC West Campus Drive

From the south on f-77, exit then right onto Billy Graham Parkway o Right on M orris Field Drive o Immediately right on CPCC West Campus Drive From 1-85 take Billy Graham Parkway toward the airport o Left on Morris Field Drive o Immediately right on CPCC West Campus Drive

liB CENTRAL PIEDMONT ~

COMMUNITY COLLEGE

A in • • • • • • • • • •

state-of-th e-art full-service facility offering programs the following areas : Dental A ssis ting Trave l and Tourism Culinary Arts Computer Training M anagement/ Leadership Development Customer Service Communication Skill s Training Real Estate/ Insurance/ Banking Smal l Bu siness Persona l Interest and much morel

FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.cpcc.cc.nc.us Paul Koehnke. 'l'lest Campus/CCE Dean, paul_koehnke@cpcc.cc.nc.us Dwight Pattersor. ESS Coordinator/Campus Reg1strar: dwight_patterson@cpcc.cc.nc.us An equal opportunity institution

• Phase Ill-The Corporate Train ing/ C onference Center is in th e planning state. Projected opening 2003 .

Transcend old business methods

\\lOMBLE C~L\RLYLE

速

EJ- fiENERRTION BUSINESS LAWYERS"' www.wcsr.com ATLANTA GREENVILLE, S. C. CHARLOTTE WOMBLE CARLYLE SANDRIDGE & RICE, PLLC

Wl_'- SD:~ SA :..S.:

;.6::n<.::H :-RL'\:-.JGLE PARK

RALEIGH

WASHINGTON, D.C. Cl2000