Greater Charlotte Biz 2004.06 by CLT.biz & Charlotte Biz & Greater Charlotte Biz

ROADRUNNER

Business Class fxpenence Broadb â&#x20AC;˘d

AT LAST, AFLEXIBLE BUSINESS ACCOUNT WITH A MINIMUM MINIMUM. CUSTOM BUSINESS BANKINGe These are just a few of the flexible and money-saving choices available to you with a Custom Business Banking account: · No monthly maintenance fee with a

· Free Business Money Market account

$5,000 balance in combined business

· Free Online Banking

deposit accounts

• Personal Crown Banking"M account with

· Up to 225 free transactions per month

no monthly service fee

Stop by a wachovia Anancial Center today, call 800 -566 -3862 or visit wachovia.com.

WACHOVIA Uncommon Wisdom

Rodney Pitts (standing), Southern Eleva tor and Mike Monk, Scott Insurance

"I've never heard of creative service this strong for a mid--market company like ours. Scott Insurance is truly unique.'' -Rodney Pitts , Chairman, Southern Elevator

"Mike Monk spent over a year getting to know Southern Elevator and we didn't even have a formal business contract. Mike was aware of our history of efficient risk management, yet he was still able to execute innovative ideas for our loss prevention and claims management programs. Now Mike and Scott Insurance handle our entire insurance program and that's never happened before with other agencies. I'm very impressed with them!" Whatever your risk management needs, count on Scott Insurance to deliver new and effective idea for you. Call Mike Monk in Charlotte at (704) 556-1341.

INSURANCE , BE

EFITS, BONDS AND FI

NORTH CAROLI NA, VIRGINIA, TENNESSEE

Employee Owned

INSURANCE

scottins.com

ANCIAL MANAGEMENT

CAPTIVE INSU RANCE OPERATIONS IN BERMUDA AND GRAND CAYMA

cover story

General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products Responsible for developing detection, protection and lethality components for major clients, the impact of :::;oATP's relocation to Charlotte in today's military climate is undeniable. According to Linda Hudson, president, GDATP chose Charlotte primarily because of location -access to other ATP sites, business partners and customers.

12 PBS&J Construction Services, Inc. Once known solely as a transportation firm, PBS&J has become a multi-discipline firm ranking 21 st among design firms nationwide.

publisher's post

biz outlook

Economic Recovery Morphs into Economic Expansion

Epley Associates, Inc.

Joe Epley could write a book. a

employers biz

history of the economic and civic

Legislative and regulatory highlights for

growth of Charlotte. Epley readily

area employers.

admits that Charlotte wasn't so metro when he first started in '-------' public relations in 1963.

28 IRWIN Industrial Tool Company IRWIN, a manufacturer and distributor of professional hand tools and

community biz

Chris Plate, Director, Monroe Ecomonic Development

biz digest

biz resource guide

on top

accessories and a powerful start-up

division of the global conglomerate Newell Rubbermaid, has set up shop in north Charlotte bringing 200 jobs to the area.

34 The Film Foundry "Bobby Jones: A Stroke of Genius"

Linda P Hudson, President and CEO, General Dyna mics Armament and Techn ical Products, In c.

Photography by Way ne Morris.

may be the biggest homegrown movie in North Carolina history.

It is certainly a tribute to the creative vision of Rick Eldridge and The Film Factory.

june 2004

cliaflotte grea t er charlotte biz

Inte gri ty is doing what is right for our customers.

~FIRSf CmZENS R\NK Do something amazing.

firstcit izens.com 1-888-FC DIRECT Member FD IC

I .

[publisher's

stl

North Carolina Direction Determined by Ticket-Splitters With just six month s remaining before we vote on November 2, 2004, it is impo rta nt t hat we confron t our ch oices befo re we step into the voting booth. Recently, I had t he refreshing experience to hear a prese ntati on by Mr. John Davis, Executive Director of t he North Caro lina Fo ru m for Research and Economic Education, also known as NC FREE. He outlined the election process in 2004. NC FREE tracks elections results, trends and statistics regarding over 200 races on the state and federal level in North Carolina . Its flagship publication is a 750-page compilation of facts and figures on the N.C. Council of State, 170 members of the state legislature, N.C. Court of Appeals, N.C. Sup reme Court and federal de legation. The Alma nac of North Caro lina Politics includes voti ng records on bu si ness legislati on, a li st ing of PAC contrib uto rs, and 240 key demograph ic an d politi cal fa ct s on every legislative and congres sion al di stri ct. NC FREE is a business thinktan k with a mission to foster a politically educated and involved North Carolina business community. A membership organization based in

clraflotte z WI

June 2004 Volume 5 • Issue 6 Publisher John Paul Galles jgalles@greatercharlo tte biz.com

Associate Publisher/Editor Maryl A. Lane maryl.a.lane@greatercharlottebiz.com

Creative Director/ Asst. Editor Tara Mill er Becky L. Ol iver

Account Executives Crystal W. Chappel l cwchappell@greatercharlottebiz.com Lynn Mooney

North Carolina, dues range from $350 to $12,500 per year. From his research, Mr. Davis predicted that while there are 113 Democrats and 105

lmooney@greatercharlottebiz.com

Republicans currently holding office, there will likely be an equal number of Democrats

jpatterson@greatercharlottebiz.com

and Republicans after the 2004 elections. He said this shift from a Democratic majority to a more balanced split of Democrats and Rep ublicans is largely th e result of North Caro lina's population growth sin ce 1996. He qui ckly ad ded that most of that growth has

John Patterson

Contributing Writers Ell ison C lary Susann e Deitze l

been in the 15 primarily urba n cou nti es gath ered alon g 1-85. On e- half of all North

Casey Jacobus

Ca roli na voters re side in thos e 15 urb an co unties and t he other one-half reside in th e

Lynn Mooney

oth er 85 more ru ra l counties. He emph asized th at this growing urbanization of power in North Ca rolin a would substanti ally in creas e the powe r of urban areas to th e ben efi t of cities, resulting in more urban lead ers of the state legislature like our own "Speaker Jim Black, " and more urban power in th e state legislature and on state committees. Mr. Davis also commented on the power of individual votes. He said that Republican vote rs have grown from 10% of the state' s voting population to nearly 35% and those counties with a registration of 35% Republican usually elect Republican politicians. He also said that wh en voter registration is at 55 % or more for Democrats then Democrats win . Even given tho se indicators, he still concludes that 60% of all voters are ticket splitters. He suggests that most Republican growth has come from an influx of pro-government Republicans who have moved to North Carolina from the Northeast region of the U.S. including New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Massachusetts. NC FREE also tracked recent trends in women voters finding that 55 % of all voters are women and that women voters generally support women candidates regardless of party. He remarked that there was a substantial crossover of Democratic women voting for Eli zabeth Dole in 2002. He went on to say that feminine first names usually attract feminine voters and that women are likely winners in statewide races. With over 5,000,000 voters in North Carolina, about 2,400,000 are registered as Democrats and 1,7 50,000 are registered as Republicans. Another 900,000 are inde-

Contributing Photographer Wayn e Morris Greater Charlotte Biz is published monthly by the Galles Co mmun ications Gro up, Inc. • 560 I 77 Cente r Drive, Suite 250 • Charlotte, NC 28217-0735 704.676.5850 Phone • 704.676.5853 Fax • www.greatercharlottebiz.com. Press releases and other news-related information, please fax to the attention of " Editor" or e-mail: editor@greatercharlottebiz.com. Editorial or advertising inquiries, please call or fax at the numbers above or e-mail: info@greatercharlottebiz.com. Subscription inquiries or change of address, please call or fax at the numbers above or visit our Web site: www.greate rcharlottebiz.com. © Copyright 2004 by Galles Communications Group, Inc. A ll rights reserved. T he information contained herein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable .

pendents or un affiliated . This year, besid es choosing our President, we also have the responsibility of electing our Governor, one U.S. Senator, members of Congress, our N.C. Council of State and

warranty to the accuracy or reliability of this information.

Judges. It is a huge task making informed decisions in a limited period of time. We can rely on our political parties, but it appears that unaffiliated and independent voters as well as ti cket-splitters make the real difference. It is time to begin making choices .

or Ga lles Communications Group. Inc. No part of this

Plan to vote!

the publish er. For reprints call 704-676-5850 x 102.

june 2004

H owev~r. Galles Communications Group, Inc. makes no

Products named in these pages are trade names or trademar ks of their respective companies . Views expressed herein are ClOt necessarily those of

Greater Charlotte Biz

publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from

g re a te r c h a rlott e biz

MAYBE THE FIRST

PARTNERSHIP YOUSHOULDSHOOTFOR

IS WITH

YOUR BANK. If you're looking for a long-term financial partner, you've found one - RBC Centura Financial Resources. Banking, investment and insurance products specifically designed to meet the personal and business needs of our professional clients. From that very first day on the job through retirement and beyond. To learn more, please call 1-888-888-7888 or visit the RBC Centura banking center nearest you . building a better bank one customer at a time'"

~ C 2004 RBC Centura Bank. Member FDIC

t..=.l

WNIN rbccentura.com TM Trademark. of Royal Bank of Canada. RBC Centura tS a trademark of Royal Bank of Canada. RBC Centura is a trade name used by RBC Centura Bank. TM"Bulldmg a better bank, one customer at a ttme. 路IS a trademark of RBC Centura Banks, Inc.

RBC Centura

Economic Recovery Morphs into Economic Expansion: New Challenges for Business Commentary by Joh n E. Silvi a, Ph.D., Chief Eco nomist, Wa chovia Co rpo ra t ion

Figure I

ust when you thought the future

was safe ...

Structural Nature of Unemployment March 2004

Economic indications over recent

months suggest that our economy's recovery is broad-based and sustainable. However,

10%

8. 7%

wi.th steady growth, and therefore a movement from recovery into expansion, comes a new perspective and a new set of challenges.

7.2%

8% 6%

Below we wi.ll focus on four key economic factors that are affected by this economic

2.9%

metamorphosis. Businesses wi.ll be challenged to effectively read and react to the changing

issues around labor, inflation, productivity/profits and monetary policy.

0% Management

Production Workers

Less Than a High School Diploma

Bachelor's Degree

Labor Markets: The Shortage of Skilled Labor in an Information Age At first glance it would seem odd to be discussing a shortage of workers in an economy where so much discussion has focused on

purer-literate service employment. As the

since many producers who have cut down

economy grows and the demand for these

on their inventories during recessionary

unemployment as a result of a "jobless recov-

workers grows, corporate management teams

times are caught by surprise by rising

ery". However, a quick review of Charlotte's

wi.ll be increasingly faced with a shortage of

demand, this pattern is quite typical of this

recent labor history gives us some under-

available workers.

phase of the business cycle. Meanwhile, production capacity, especially in key commodi-

standing. ln Figure l we can see that the disparity of unemployment rates between college graduates and high school dropouts suggests that the problem of unemployment is far more structural than cyclical. The unemployment rate for high school dropouts and production workers is significantly greater than that of college graduates and management workers. As the economy grows, the demand for computer literate, fluent English-speaking employees wi.ll be met wi.th an increasingly smaller qualifying pool of labor. Observation of Charlotte's recent labor market history reinforces these observations. A casual observer comparing Charlotte's work force today versus twenty years ago cannot be but impressed by the influx of educated out -of-state and international workers to the region. Charlotte is a city wi.th a rapidly growing, diversified economy, and one that has a heavy emphasis on com-

june 2004

Inflation Rising and the End ofTalk of Deflation In recent weeks we have seen both a rise in commodity prices and survey evidence suggesting that manufacturing firms are paying higher prices for the inputs they use. In addition, both the consumer price and producer price indices have both started to move up over the last three months. Despite all the talk about deflation, actually, inflation data has begun to move upwards. Why are we, as incongruous as it sounds, faced wi.th rising inflation while at the same time the economic expansion moves ahead what appears to be above average unemployment? The driving force is a mismatch between greater than expected demand and limited capacity and low inventories. This pattern is actually quite typical of this phase of the business cycle. Actually,

ties, remains limited since many firms closed or reduced capacity in the prior recession. As a result, we see rising prices especially in key commodities. In recent months, for example, we have seen a steady rise in basic chemical and steel prices.

Declining Productivity and Rising Unit Labor Costs Miracle productivity gains, which were the mainstay of the recovery, have now given way to slower gains. At the same time, labor com pensation costs have risen enough so that unit labor costs have begun to rise (see Figure 2). These developments signal that the peak in year-over-year profits has passed as input costs are now rising. Moreover, rising labor costs wi.ll change the underlying dynamics of inflation and relative global competitiveness for the US economy. This

greater charlotte biz

movement from declining unit labor costs in a recovery to rising unit labor costs in an expansion, suggests that business executives now face the prospect of attempting to main-

Labor costs are also likely to present additional compensation issues given the strong

... business leaders

preference of service workers to increasingly

are likely to face more

expensive benefits. Finally, the impact of ris-

tain a competitive position in their market and increase revenues while facing the rising cost pressures of retaining and attracting increasingly expensive workers. Given that Charlotte has such a high concentration of service industries, many

ing interest rates cannot be underestimated

than the usual problems

in an economy with an overweight in the

of finding and retaining

Charlotte region faces an intriguing mix of

financial services sector. Looking ahead, the two positive trends: secular growth with a

good talent...

touch of cyclical economic expansion. The price of success is the ability to adjust to the

firms will be faced with the above-mentioned dilemma. All is not lost, however, as for

for business leaders and will alter the cost

many firms the pace of steady growth will

structure of business and consumer finance

changing pressures of growth.

cover such cost pressures. On the other

and thereby directly affecting the pattern of

hand, other firms may begin to be lax and

earnings growth for many companies.

ignore the signs of troublesome rising cost structures thereby losing cost discipline and

Uncertain Future in an Evolving Economy

Economic expansion represents the steady

gradually their competitive position.

state of economic growth. However, the Fed Policy and Market Interest Rates

Finally, rising inflation pressures along with the prospects of steady growth will

Charlotte regional economy is one of evolution with an above-national average growth rate. Therefore, regional business leaders are

prompt the Federal Reserve to change mone-

likely to face more than the usual problems

tary policy and raise interest rates. This is a

of finding and retaining good talent given the

considerable business environment change

demands of education and computer literacy.

biz

Dr. John Silvia is chief economist for Wachovia Corporation. Prior to joining Wachovia, Silvia worked on Capitol Hill as senior economist for the Senate Joint Economic Committee and chief economist for the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Development Affairs Committee. He had formerly been chief economist of Kemper Funds and managing director of Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc. Silvia holds a B.A. and Ph.D. in Economics from Northeastern University and a Master's in Economics from Brown University.

Figure 2

Unit Labor Costs- Nonfarm Sector 20 15

...

(.)

r::::: C1)

'C1)

c. 0 -5 -10 1/1/95

1/1/97

1greater charlotte biz

1/1/99

1/1/01

1/1/03

Qtr/Qtr% Change , Annual Rate --+-- Yr/Yr% Change

1/1/04

june 2004

Legislative and Regulatory Highlights for Area Employees Can Employees Collect NC Unemployment?

Companies that require a mandato-y temporary shutdowr week may wonde- if employees are elig~ble to collect unemployment dunng this ume. Many organizati•Jns in texules and related industries have made it a regular practice to sl-ut down their ope~auon the weeks of july 4tr and December 25th. The North Carolina Employment Securty Act permits employers tc· designate up to two weeks per calendar year as vacation shudown weeks. The Employment Security Commtsswn does net constder employees as "available for work" during these penoc.s. Thus the employees 1re not eligible to collect unemployment, ever if the vacation period is without pay. Employ~rs must give empbyees reasonable nouce and specify the shutd·Jwns as vacauon weeks. SC Vacation Shutdowns

South Carolina employers should be aware that the South Carolina Employment Secuity Commission might treat vacation shutdowns difTerently. In South Carolina, if an emplo?ee is not working and is net receiving pay, he cr she is eligible to apply for unemployment benefits. The commission on a case-by-case basis V"ill determine eligibility. If an employee has accrued vacation benefits and ~eceives vacation pa:; equivalent to a full weeks pay during the ..-acation shutdown period he or she is not eligible for unemployment benefits. Employers tlut schedule shutdowns s:10uld clearly communi::ate their policy to employees in writing. www.scesc.org More Employers Conduct Background Checks to Improve Workplace Safety The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) reports that human r-source professionals are increasingly concerned about on..he-job security. That's .1ccording to a recent SHRM ;urvey on workplace violence. In response, more ,uman resources professionals are conducting -nore background checks for potential emp oyees ~nd taking greater security precautions.

june 2004

Top I 0 Reasons Employees Sue Their Employers

According to the Bureau of ational Affairs, a leading labor attorney has identified ten mistakes employers make that could lead to litigation. 10. Failing to regulate e-mail and Internet use. Every company should have a written policy that clearly explams to employees that they should not have an e>-vectation of privacy in their electromc correspondence. 9. Failing to spot protected activity. Protected acuvity could mclude filing a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), requesting family or medical leave, reponing financial misconduct, or requesting an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accommodation.

6. Failing to prevent, stop or investigate harassment. An employer receiving a complaint must m\·esugate and take action immedmtely. 5. Punishing the complainant or victim. Retaliation claims are among the easiest for employees to win. 4. Letting supervisors bully employees. ReqUJre superviSors to exhibit professional conduct. Teach supervisors to control their tempers and to praise m public, but handle discipline in private. Prohtbit hazing, berating and cursmg at employees. 3. Firing in haste. Never fire anyone without getting the employees side of the story. Prior to termination, an executive should review documentation to ensure that the decisiOn is supported and consistent with company policy. 2. Pushing the EEOC's hot buttons. The

8. Exempting all salaried employees from overtime. Misclassifying employees as exempt is one of the most common errors made under the Fair Labor Standards Act. Salaried employees are not necessarily exempt from overtime.

EEOC is pamcularly interested in protected activity, pattern violations, failure to accommodate religious and ADA cases, and cases involving the interplay between ADA, Family and Medical Leave Act, and worker's compensation.

7. Allowing non-exempt employees to work through lunch. Employers are responsible for preventing non-exempt employees from working through a meal period and must pay for work performed during those times.

l. Becoming romantically involved with an employee. Prohibit or discourage supervisor! subordinate dating and have policies about disclosing relationships and reassigning individuals involved. BNA

Compared to a similar survey done by SHRM in 1996, the number of respondents reponing they conduct criminal background checks has increased by 29 percent; 82 percent now say they conduct credit checks to screen potential employees, an increase of 16 percent since 1996; and 82 percent also report that their organizations investigate the background of potential employees, up from 66 percent in 1996. Human resources pro-

fessionals say they believe the increased concern by employees is due to the events of September 11, 2001, and U.S. involvement with Iraq. Most incidents of workplace violence involve vulgar language or verbal abuse; of those reponing incidents, 70 percent said violence had occurred between employees, and 56 percent said that incidents had occurred between employees and supervisors.

greater charlotte biz

The majonty of companies surveyed report that they looked to human resources staff to develop workplace vwlence prevention programs to improve safety, and that they consider safety an Important part of their overall business strategy SHRM

Tips for Top Supervising Skills

Good telephone skills. demonstranng apprwauon, and hononng your employees· ume Will make you a top supervisor Here IS a list of top office skills from the Employers Resource Association: • Telephone skills - Make sure telephone sys. terns are up-to-date and that the people usmg them are respectful, transfer calls expertly, and 1denufy themselves m a professional manner, which mcludes keepmg vmce messages current.

round yourself with people who will be kind, but also honest with you .

Packages

paycheck and contributed to their 401 (k) plan ThiS money ts then invested m a predeterrnmed default investment vehicle, such as a stable value fund . If the employee does not want these deferrals to occur, they must acuvely submn a request to be excluded from the plan. Participants typically have

Although they have been available for years. only 30 percent of employers offer FleXlble

the opuon to mcrease, decrease or dtsconunue thetr deferrals and to change their mvestment opuons

FSAs Enhance Employee Benefits

pendmg Accounts (FSAs) as a part of thetr employee benefits package, according to a recent benefits survey conducted by The Employers Assoctauon. Secuon 125 of the IRS Code proVldes for these after tax benefits m which employees can spend thetr own benefits dollars by choosmg those plans m which they would like to partiCipate such as FSA medical and dependent care accounts. Employer dollars are not wasted on benefits that the employee really doesn't want or needs as can happen m a "one plan fits all" approach

• Wise interruptions - Make sure your mterrupnons are worth disturbmg others, preface conversauons by staung what you want to discuss, and be prepared to schedule another nme to talk 1f the present ume would mterrupt more producuve efforts. • Active appreciation - Fallmg to be appreciative of people's work, contributions, g~fts, or invuations will mark you as untrustworthy, or worse, as seeking too much credit. Tell people you appreciate what they've done even if their performance is what you expect. Encourage behavior you want to continue. Respond to invitations. Write thank you notes. Pass along compliments and credit. • Honor your staff's time- Don't impose your lack of organization on others. Start and end meetings on time, give reasonable notice for projects, and don't consistently spring things on others at the last minute. If you can't make a deadline, say what you can to. And if you're going to be late, offer to reschedule. • Watch criticism -Be aware how you criticize others and in what settings you do so, so that you achieve the results you want. Also, make sure you can take criticism and sur-

greater charlotte biz

Flexibility Granted for Automatic Enrollment in 40 I (k) Plans

Automauc 40l(k) plan enrollment ts likely to receive more plan sponsor attenuon in hghr of a recent Treasury Department opm1on. The Treasury issued an mforrnauon leuer clarifymg allowable condttions for automauc enrollment, as first set forth in Revenue Ruling 2000-8. According to the Employee Benefits Institute of America, the gUidance allows plan sponsors to set initial salary reduction percentages in automatic enrollment arrangements higher or lower than the 3 percent specified in the original ruling. In addition, plan sponsors may automatically increase the percentage over time, either in sync with pay raises and bonuses or as a part of a regularly scheduled plan. How automatic rnrollment typically worllS.

Automatic enrollment is the practice of enrolling employees in the company's 401(k) plan without requiring them to file an enrollment request. ln an automatic enrollment situation, new employees are enrolled in the plan and a specified default deferral amount, often 3 percent of pay, is automatically deducted from their

Automatic enrolhnent boosts WI (k) plan partidpation.

While automauc enrollment ts not a panacea for low plan partiClpauon, studies md1cate that ll helps. Accordmg to the Profit Shanng/40 I (k) Council of Amenca, those respondents who paruopated m the 2001 survey expenenced an mcrease m plan partlctpauon after adding automane enrollment. Among comparnes that proVlded them wuh both a current plan pamctpauon rate and a plan pamctpauon rate fmm one year ago, parttCipauon rose from an average of 75 7 to 81 .3 percent. Simt!arl}. among comparnes that proVJded both current plan parttClpanon rates and a rate from three months pnor to tnsutuung automanc enrollment, paructpauon rose from 68.1 to 77 I percent. The Treasury Department's gutdance although not a formal ruling, ts constdered good news because more employers are expressmg interest in automatic enrollment plans. Many see this type of plan as a real solution to non-discrimination testing challenges, while others want to foster more old-fashioned paternalism, with the transtuon away from traditional pension plans. biz

The Employers Association IS a nonprofit Charlotte organization providing comprehensive human resources and training services. Founded 1n I 958, the Assooation mamta1ns a broad-based membership of over 700 companies from all industries in the greater Charlotte reg1on. The above excerpts were taken from The Management Report, the association's monthly newsletter. For more information, please call Laura Hampton at 704-522-80 I I or visit the Web site at www.employersassoc.com. june 2004

(L-R) David Ti~als, RLA Paige Yandle Michael Dozzj, PE

by ellison clary

Design Firm

PBS&J

Raises Charlotte Profile with Light Rail Project

If you've followed Charlotte's light rail efforts, you've noticed a name with a jumble of consonants - PBS&]. The letters refer to the 70-person Charlotte office of PBS&], a firm specializing in transportation planning and design, environmental engineering, civil engineering, site planning, surveying and construction management. Established in 1960, PBS&] is currently ranked 21st among design firms nationwide by the Engineering News-Record. It has operated in Charlotte since 1988 when it opened with fewer than a dozen people. The Queen City office has grown steadily and has been involved with more than a few major area projects. >-

greater charlotte biz

june 2004

ln 1998, PBS&J raised its Charlotte profile when it began conceptual plar.ning work for the city:S south corridor ligh _ rail project. PBS&J signed on with the citys transportation depa: tment even befor= the creation of CATS, the Charlotte Area Transit System. "We've been fortunate to have tre opportunity to work on this exciting project from conceptual planning through environmental impact statement preparation and into final design," says Mark Boggs, the firms national transit planning manager. "Working close~y with a prime ccntractor, we are preparing roadway de~ign plans, coordinating all utility relocation and managing the right-of-way acquisition program ," continues Boggs. "We are also a major team member of the South Corridor Infrastructure Program (SClP)," adds Michael Dozzi, senior project manager. "This program compliments the Light Rail Project ty improving pedestrim, bicycle and vehicular accessibility to seven major transit stations. "

Thus, the pace of name recognition is picking up for PBS&j in the Charlotte region and is expected to continue its acceleration. That:S because PBS&j expects to be involved in the southeast and west corridors of the 2025 Integrated Transit/Land Use Plan for CharlotteMecklenburg, starting this summer. Meanwhile, PBS&Js Charlotte employees are getting more attention. "For the first time, just about everybody in this office has worked on the same project," Boggs says, speaking of the south corridor light rail line that includes 15 stops. "CATS has set an aggressive schedule and they expect their design team to meet their schedules," Boggs adds. "So over the Christmas holidays, l bought a lot of pizza for folks who were putting in a lot of extra time. We had a deadline to meet, so the lights were on." David Leard, CATS project director for the south corridor, chuckles when he hears that. PBS&j was working on a major interim plan involving bridges and drainage and other details. The total package was 1,262 pages long.

'Tm impressed with their work," Leard is quick to say. "They respond well to our changing needs on a project of this scale." Besides that flexibility, Leard says he also likes PBS&Js willingness to tap resources in its 60 offices around the country, when necessary. (The firm was started in Miami and is still headquartered in Florida.) For the most part on the south corridor, Boggs says, the Charlotte office has

PBS&J Construction Services, Inc.

J'BS.I J

5200 77 Center Drive, Suite 500 Charlotte, NC 28217 Phone: 704-687-2000 President, Chief Executive: John B. Zumwalt Ill Ownership: Employee-owned private firm Headquarters: Miami , FL Number of Offices: 60 nationwide Carolinas Offices: Charlotte, Raleigh, Columbia

Are you in compliance? We help companies stay current with human resources regulations and laws. • Employee Handbooks • Human Resources Advice Hotline • EEO/Affirmative Action Plans • Human Resources Seminars • Management & Leadership Training

The

EMPlOYERS ASSOCIATION 14

june 2004

Number of Employees: 3,300; 70 in Charlotte, 130 in the Caroli nas Gross Revenues 2003: $389 million; profitable for 28 consecutive years Primary Services: Transportation planning and design, environmental engineering and civil engineering, site planning, construction management and surveying Area Projects: Charlotte South Corridor Light Rail Line, Garden Parkway in Gaston and Mecklenburg counties, Monroe Connector, Village of Baxter in Fort Mill, 1-277 and Independence Boulevard intersection (Stonewall Street improvements), Beatties Ford Road widening

• Human Resource Audits

• Human Resources Newsletter

In Business: 44 years, 16 in Charlotte

Visit our web site to learn more about what we offer! Your Trusted Resource with 700 Local Members Comprehensive Human Resources and Tra ining Services 3020 West Arrowood Road • Charlotte, NC 28273 704-522-8011 • www.employersassoc.com

Rankings: CE News rates the company 2nd nationally for best engineering firms to work for in 2003 .The firm is among the nation's top five pure design firms. Engineering News-Record ranks the firm 9th nationally for transportation services and 21st among the country's top consulting firms . www.pbsj.com

greater charlotte biz

used what he calls home grown talent, people hired here. "Still, one of the things we are able to do is draw people from other offices when the deadline demand is so high that we just can't get it done here." And that's a good thing in more ways than one, he adds. "After all, we go all the way back to design and construction of the Miami rail system 20 years ago." Expanding into Larger Digs

With Boggs and Dozzi is David Tibbals, a program manager. They're seated at a large conference table with a pleasant view of pines and honeysuckle that just barely obscure the south rail corridor. It's part of PBS&:j's expanded office on the fifth Ooor of 5200 77 Center Drive, just off Tyvola Road in south Charlotte and only a stone's throw from the light rail line. At the end of 2003, PBS&:J moved into nearly 21,500 square fee t in the building that neighbors I-77. The Charlotte office had been on Woodlawn Road since 1991 and, as its employee base rose, that space had become cramped, Dozzi says. The new digs feature lots of light and open areas, much better for employees and clients alike. "We encourage our clients to hold meetings here and they take advantage of that," Dozzi says. A recent open house drew more than 100 clients and friends. "They (clients) thought the place was great," Dozzi grins. "It was a fun way to thank our clients, peers and civic leaders. " Dozzi moved from PBS&:] in Orlando 14 years ago when the Charlotte office was established. lt was the firm's first presence

greater charlotte biz

in the Carolinas. Later, offices were opened in Raleigh and Columbia . The Charlotte office has grown mostly with local hires, with about 20 percent of the workforce here imported from other PBS&:] sites. Today, the Charlotte unit ranks in the firm's top 25 percent in size, behind Florida offices in Miami, Orlando and Tampa and other sun belt juggernauts such as Atlanta, Houston and Austin. Nationally, PBS&:j employs 3,300 people and had $389 million in gross revenues in 2003. The company doesn't break out financial figures by individual office. "An office is not really a profit center," Boggs explains. "We have several different programs and each, whether transportation or land development, is a profit center. We are a functional organization as opposed to geographic. Business plans have their own financial goals." Although Boggs is quick to point out, "The company has been profitable for 28 consecutive years." The Charlotte office has grown consistently, Boggs adds. It's been bolstered by such public sector projects as environmental impact studies for both the Garden Parkway contemplated for southern Gaston and western Mecklenburg counties and the Monroe connector. That stretch of asphalt would route Highway 74 traffic around that bustling Union County seat and could connect with I-485 at a possible interchange PBS&:j is studying for Prosperity Church Road. All these projects are for the N.C. Department of Transportation. PBS&:j's Charlotte unit is also preparing a feasibility study for upgrades to NCDOT truck weigh stations and is involved in design for a phone system that will allow motorists to dial 511 for traffic information throughout North Carolina. That is scheduled to be in operation this summer. The Charlotte office also led the study for NCDOT that resulted in creation of the new N.C. Turnpike Authority, which may be building toll roads in the Charlotte region soon . In Charlotte proper, PBJ&:S's office is working with the city to plan a more pedestrian-friendly environment along Stonewall Street. "It will feature enhanced >-

WE'RE ..................................

BUILDING ...... . ...................... .

ANEW FOUNDATION Eve n with a rich legacy as one o f t he Southea st's le a ding provi ders of construction s ervice s, FN Thompson understa nds that success is roo t ed i n change. We've grown and expa nded since 1887 b y constantly reinventing our company to meet our clients ' present a nd future needs. Our dedication to qualit y remains as strong as ever a s we embark on a new e r a o f account ability . . . to our clients and to ourselv e s.

FN Thompson " BF&K C "11/'J'

G e n e r a l Contra ctors C o nstructio n M a n ager s

Ph: 704<523-0515 Charlotte Asheville

R~leigh

Richmond

june 2004 IS

eight-foot-wide s~dewalks and bike lanes," Dozzi says. Part of the plan may also include creation of a new intersection with the I-277 off-ramp at Kenilworth Avenue and South Independence Bculevard. The Charlotte office is also preparing a planning study for the widening of Beatties Ford Roa:i from Capps Mill Mine Road to Lakeview Road . ''I'd classify Charlotte as a fairly open market, where you're able to go and prove your abilities," Dozzi says. "lf you co that, the opportunities are endless. "

Regional Successes Include Private Projects And that goes for private sector projects, as well, says Tibbals, who has been a Charlotte resident for lO years and who concentrates on toth public and private development projects. A big one is just across the state line in York County, 路.vhere PBS&] ha~ helped Clear Springs Development Company create the Village of Ba:<ter, a mixed-use project at the intersection of

"I'd classify Charlotte as a fairly open market, where you're able to go and prove your abilities. If you do that, the opportunities are endless. " - M ichael Dozzi, Senior Project Manager

l-77 and Highway 160 in Fort Mill , S.C. A l ,000-acre development , Baxter is part of a Springs family property master plan that encompasses more than 4,000 acres. "We're actually planning the town center project," Tibbals says. "We were given criteria for lot sizes and we assisted in the cost estimating, engineering and construction." Don Killoren, Clear Springs chief executive, praises PBS&] for attributes similar to those that impress Leard of the city of Charlotte. "PBS&] is a very strong organization and the Charlotte office will import talent as needed," Killoren says.

When analysis of a complex grading and utilities situation was necessary last year, Killoren says, Tibbals didn't have to be asked to bring in a PBS&] expert from Orlando and another from Atlanta. Also in York County, Charlotte PBS&] worked with Crescent Resources in designing the corporate headquarters for Muzak in the Lakemont Business Park. In northern Mecklenburg, PBS&] is designing several phases of the mixed use town of Vermillion for Bowman Development Group. Tibbals got involved in the public sector with design as well as construction management for a CATS park-and-ride facility in the Huntersville Gateway master

Reduced Price! THE 2004 CHARLOTTE REGIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GUIDE from Galles Communications Group, Inc. Charlotte USA's official guide- facts, figures, charts, graphs and statistics for Charl otte and the entire 16-county region. $7.95 each

PBS&} has helped Clear Springs Deve'opment Company create the Village of Baxter, a mixed-use project at the intersection of 1-77 and Highway 160 in Fort Mill, S.C. A 1, 000-acre development, Baxter is part of 1 Springs family property master plan that encompasses more than 4,000 acres.

june 2004

Quantity discounts available. Call today to receive your copy!

704-676-5850 greater charlotte biz

planned community It features a 200-space parking facility with covered and secure bicycle storage. He worked with noted Asheville sculptor Hoss Haley to provide a focus element for the park-and-ride. Its a six-foot-high metal disk that represents motion. Even with this high-profile work, there are PBS&J attributes that Tibbals, Dozzi and Boggs hope they can make better known throughout greater Charlotte. For instance, Tibbals likes the ownership opportunities for every employee. Since many do invest in the company, he says, they promote the corporate culture of integrity, hard work and loyalty Boggs points out that trade publication CE News listed PBS&j second nationally on its list of best engineering firms to work for in 2003 . Communication is open throughout the firm, Dozzi adds. "! can call Mr. Zumwalt (President and Chief Executive john B. Zumwalt Ill, based in Miami) and speak to him directly anytime," he says. Dozzi also likes PBS&j University, a program of on-line training courses in areas such as leadership and project management. ln Charloue, as well as throughout its system, PBS&j encourages employee mvolvement in volunteer projects. Paige Yandle, senior marketing coordmator, is proud that many Charlotte employees participate in community betterment organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Charlotte, Habitat for Humanity of Charlotte, the American Red Cross Charloue chapter, junior Achievement of Central Carolinas and Mecklenburg County Special Olympics. That brings the executives around to PBS&js overall profile in Charloue. "Locally, we have been known as a transportation firm ," says Dozzi, "and we have a preuy good reputation. However, we have been working toward becoming recognized as a multi-disciplined office. "! am proud of what we accomplished," Dozzi adds. "We're getting there. 1 can definitely see that (expanded recognition) happening in the next five years." biz

'The Place To Be. Call and reserve your next event! Corporate Events • Private Parties • Large Groups Wine Spectator Award of Excellence- 2002 and 2003

~~~,~~~

801 Providence Road • www.meeting-house.com • 704-334-6338

LESSONS FROM THE BIG GUYS WHAT I LEARNED FROM SERVANT LEADERS

In this engaging new volume, Queens College Chairman Emeritus Billy Wireman tells the story of how four "big guys" - mentors to him in his leadership odyssey- excelled and inspired others around them to excel as well.

JACK ECKERD BILL LEE HUGH MCCOLL ADOLPH RUPP ((This book offers engaging and ilLuminating insight into the 'servant-Leadership' quaLities offour movers and shakers, giants ofour time ... A must-read!"- John M. Belk, Chairman of Belk Stores

Ellison Clary is a Charlotte-based freelance writer.

greater charlotte biz

june 2004 17

A Commitment to Excellence and Ethics Puts Epley Associates at the Top of Its Game In 1998, Epley Associates celebrated its 30th anniversary. In honor of that achievement, North Carolina Governor Jim Hunt acknowledged Epley's achievements, stating that Jce Epley has ".. .set the bar high for the ethical and professional practice of public relations in our state."

greater charlotte b1z

joe Epley could write a book, a history of the economic and civic growth of Charlotte. Prominent names, such as Stan Brookshire, john and Tom Belk, Hugh McColl, Pat Hall and Stuart and Allen Dixon trip off his tongue when he reminisces about his early days in television news and public relations in the Charlotte metro area. Epley readily admits Charlotte wasn't so metro when he first came to town in 1963. "We jokingly called it an oversized country town ," he says "It's really been amazing to see the evolution of Charlotte over the past 40 years. It's a city than has been extremely blessed with people who have foresight, individuals and famil ies who really, truly care about their community and have put their city first." As an award-winning news reporter and editor for \..YBTV in the 1960s, Epley rubbed elbows with the movers and shakers; as founder of city's first public relations firm, Epley guided the most

influential of the city's businessmen and politicians, and continues to do so 35 years later as president and CEO of what has become one of the Southeast's major public relations firms, Epley Associates, Inc. As Charlotte got on the map, so did Epley's reputation for reliable and ethical public relations consulting; he and the city have gro\\TI together as has public relations in the region. "I h ad no mentors; I had no peers when I first came here," Epley says as he explains how he founded his company 'There were no public relations firms in Charlotte, but I knew a few people. " Despite an admomshment from his boss at WBTV who questioned why Epley wanted to jump ship to practice "this foolishness" (public relations), Epley took a risk and contacted people hkc Charlie Baker of HDR Engineering (snll an Epley client) and began his new career, which up \.mlll that time did not include owning his own business. )oo june 2004

The art of persuasion - military style Epley earned his public relations stripes - his uncanny knack for swaying "Jublic opinion- whtle serving in the mili~ary He attended several schools offered by 路.he Army, studying public information, l!Otion picture photography, special fo-ces operations and psychological warfare, all :nvolving the an of mass persuasion. "It seems son of funny for people 路Nho don't realize that the Defense Information .3chool was the first school certified by the ?ublic Relations Society of America :PRSA)," says Epley 'But it really gave me a eg up on a lot of people. There weren'_ LJ.any schools teaching public relations in :he old days." With drill-like precision, he translated :hose skills into civihan life. Epley was run:1ing successful mayoral campaigns for prominent Charlotteans such as John Belk 3.nd Eddie Knox. In fact, Epley was con:emed he was too rr.uch into politics, ::>ecoming "that political guy" He must~red nis forces and began work with area businesses such as the then Charlotte Merr.orial Hospital. Working v.ith Chairman of the Board Stuart Dixon and then president Harry Nurkin, he pDvided the public relations counsel that assisted them in expanding the hospital into todays Carolinas HealthCare System, a global medical force, 3. healthcare frontrunner and dynamic teaching center. Epley also teamed up with the late Pat Hall, another prominent Charlottean, for 30me fun and games. Epley learned m.)re :J.bout public relations by introducing the :oncept of building an amusement park at the border of North and South Carolina. Todays Carowinds, the well-known 1C5 :J.cre theme and water park, is one of five theme parks in the Paramount family, iosting l3 million visitors annually Tobacco giant Philip Morris was also an early client, although it was no snail task explaining to corporate leaders exactly what consulting service Epley could provide. "Back then nobody k:J.ew what public relations was," says Epley. "I spent the first ten years explaining to people exactly what we did. I told tl-.em we are problem-solvers. We use communication to tum a problem into an opportunity

june 2004

In February 2004,joe Epley received The Order of the Long Leaf Pine, which is presented by the Governor's office to individuals with a proven record of service to the state of North Carolina including contributions to their community, extra efforts in their career, and many years of service to their organization. Past recipients include Maya Angelou and Dr. Billy Graham. "All of the aspects were very fulfilling for me," Epley says, "working on the strategy development, examining how the information would be received by constituents and what the reaction would be. It was exciting to be a pan of all of this." Epley didn't shy away from tough public relations issues. In fact, his firm was among the first to tackle environmental issues on behalf of companies. "The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was coming out and jumping on everyone, particularly the chemical industry," says Epley "Some of it was right. Some of it was overreaction. We brought balance

811 Epley Associates

Epley Associates, Inc.

Public &lations

One Fairview Center, Suite 200 6302 Fairview Road Charlotte, NC 2821 0 Phone: 704-442-9100 (Office also in Raleigh)

Chairman & CEO: Joe S. Epley, APR (Accredited in Public Relations)

Number of Employees: 29 In Business: 35 years Business: One of the Southeast's oldest independent public relations firms, provides strategic consultation for its clients in marketing communications, research, community, media and investor relations , crisis communications, media training, public affairs, and organizational communication.

www.epley-pr.com

to the issue and helped the chemical industry in particular." Epley worked with Sandoz Chemicals (now Clariant Corporation) in Mount Holly to counter the EPAS decision to make their Sodyeco plant one of the countrys first superfund sites. Plant neighbors took tours and saw the positive, environmentally sound measures employed by the manufacturer. Thanks to Epleys input, Sandoz was prepared to educate constituents - political and the media - and present the facts that the company was environmentally responsible. According to Epley, it was a sound public relations tactic that staved off misunderstanding and misinformation. North Carolina political leadership was soon praising Sandoz for its environmental leadership.

When the Soviet Union dismantled, Epley was there Joe Epley is also known for having put public relations as a legitimate, professional field with a code of ethics on the map in the Southeast. When first practicing, Epley had to travel out of town to attend PRSA meetings. Today, his credential list is long and his peers are at his side in Charlotte and worldwide. He served as president of both the Charlotte Chapter of PRSA and the Charlotte Public Relations Society; he was twice president of the PRSA Foundation. He also served as the national president of the 20,000 member PRSA and chaired its Counselors Academy, which then represented 1,000 or so CEOs and senior executives of public relations consulting firms in the U.S. and Canada, and today chairs the PRSA College of Fellows. "''ve never approached the business (of public relations) with a narrow focus," says Epley "I have a very inquisitive mind and one of the philosophies that I tell my people is that when you stop learning, you need to be out of this business. I understand communication, the an of persuasion and of being an advocate. I don't have to be an expert in any industry, I can learn." Epley applied that same philosophy to the practice of public relations not only in Charlotte, the Southeast and the U .5., but also internationally ln 1988, Epley became a founding partner of the WORLDCOM Public Relations Group, an international network of more than 90 independent public

greater charlotte biz

relations firms operating in 35 countries. He also served as chairman for North and South America from 1998 to 2000 before taking over a two-year term as global chair.

Epley is also keen on emphasizing the need for impeccable ethics in public relations and looks toward today$ professionals to mentor tomorrows leaders. 'We have to

Roots for the international network of PR firms began in Tokyo and soon extended into the United States. Epley says he was very interested in being a part of a global

set our professional standards high and practice ethical communications," he explains. "If we lose credibility with a reporter or anyone else, it is nearly impossible to get it back. We

consortium because, "As I was driving up and down I-85, I was seeing lots of flags that were not The Stars and Stripes. We

put a code of ethics in our contracts. There is no room for deception and we certainly won't damage our own reputation."

were fast becoming more a part of the global economy" This gave Epley and other member firms the ability to reach

There is also room for growth is his field. "The more channels of communication and the more sophisticated businesses

globally to provide local expertise, therefore providing companies in the Carolinas with more effective reach to their international constituencies. In these capacities, Epley also had the opportunity to consult the University for International Relations (MGIMO) in the Soviet Union and helped put in place the public relations curricula needed for a country entering the free market economy He traveled several times to Moscow to consult and was there two months prior to the actual dismantling of the USSR. "We kept emphasizing that they needed to develop a public relations profession based on a strong code of ethics," says Epley "We got them going and developed a successful intern program for Russia. They have had no mentors, and we've been able

become, the more corporate executives need to understand the imperative to have public opinion on their side," says Epley.

to train interns here so they could go back and help get things started there. "

Clutter, ethics, the future of public relations and Charlotte There is so much for people to wade through, Epley says, and so many communication channels - television, newspaper, satellite, cable, the Internet, and e-mail- to choose from that public relations experts must roll up their sleeves and push through the clutter for their clients. "Some people become so saturated that they give up on all of it," says Epley "When teaching public relations students I ask, 'Who read the newspaper today?' Usually only one or two hands will go up and I tell them those are the two people who will succeed in public relations. You can't service or counsel your client if you don't know what$ going on in the world. We are global. We need to know what is happening."

greater charlotte biz

"But the challenge for our profession is to become counselors and to work at a much higher level. "We in the profession spend too much time thinking about tangible things - media releases and brochures - rather than coun-

TRUST US with your office • Serving the Charlotte area for over 14 years • Monthly Inspections • Commerc ial & Industrial Offices • Trained Technicians • Licensed, Bonded and Insured • Durg Screening • 7-year Criminal

Background Search

OOJ[Q

CLEAN ING SERVICES INC. "b .. ildinx •museu"

seling an organization to help it reach its goals." Epley hopes senior members in the profession will spend more time as mentors and help new public relations practitioners understand how to do the job well. Epley now divides his time between homes in Tryon and Charlotte, and enjoys focusing more on writing and his hobbies such as travel and photography "I was 66 years old a couple of days ago; I think its time to refocus my energy on other things," says Epley "I tell people I've had the same job for 35 years. Soon, I will leave the management of the company to my senior people. They're good at what they do. They don't need me telling them what to do." Epley$ vast experience in Charlotte gives him a unique perspective on where the city was, where it is today, and its potential for the future. He praises its past leaders, but shares concern that the names Brookshire and Belk are only the names of highways to the vast number of newcomers to the city His hope is that the new leadership will fully embrace Charlotte with the same passion as the leaders of the past 40 years and bring the vision needed to keep the community healthy, vibrant and growing, reinforcing the sense that Charlotte is truly home and worth

172 1 N. Davidson St. Charlotte, NC 28206

Call Gary Espin

704.-332.-3850

COMMUNICATIONS, INC.no

Don't lose another reservation because you don't offer mD High Speed Internet Access (HSIA) inev~ room! The End II End HSIA Solution : [ Generate Additional Revenue [ Fast & Friendly [ Equitable Bandwidtl1 Sharing [ Increase Network Security [ Simple Installation [ Wide Area Network Ready [ Competitively Priced Our solution d esign provides High Speed Internet Access throughout your property fo r your guests and our products create a secure infrastructure for your management group to connect all your properties via the Internet.

everyone$ effort. biz

Lynn Mooney is a Charlotte-based freelance writer. june 2004 21

-------------~---- ----------------------------

•

~·

•

Jl..

by susanne deiuel

[biz profile J

rme uccess Ready,Aim, Fire!

One night in june 2003, a battery of field commanders descended on Charlotte honing a strategy for its next mission: locating a new base of operation for its company headquarters. After an inquiry submitted to the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce, leaders of General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products (GDATP) met with Mayor Pat McCrory at the Westin Hotel. From there they launched a salvo of questions that would culminate in bringing the most formidable force in the defense industry from Burlington, Vermont, to Charlotte. The meeting, according to McCrory, was colorful. "Upon direction from the Chamber, we could not know the name of the company or its officers. lt was an exhaustive and entertaining meeting that covered every question l have ever been asked about Charlotte." He adds, "l returned home after hours of discussion, unable to tell my wife with whom l had been meeting for so long. lt is now a standingjoke between us. " General Dynamics Aramament and Technical Products is governed by defense giant, General Dynamics Combat Systems. Responsible for developing detection, protection and lethality components for major clients including the U.S. Department of Defense, the impact of its addition to the Charlotte area in todays military climate is undeniable. Charlotte emerged victorious from ten competing cities for GDATPs relocation. According to Linda Hudson, president of GDATP, "Charlotte proved to have a number of qualities which contributed to our final decision. However, our move primarily came down to three things: 'location, location, location.' The proximity of the Charlotte Douglas International Airport to our eight other locations was a crucial operational consideration. lt increased our access to our other ATP sites, business partners and customers." >

Hudson is quick to highlight other factors that made Charlotte the 'drop zone' for General Dynamics' facilities. "There is an enormous pool of scientific and technical talent in the region that Charlotte continues to nurture. The facilities at UNC Charlotte's Research Institute and its graduates are a very visible commitment to fueling the area with the qualified talent our industry needs. Additionally, there is an unusual number of graduates that choose to stay in the region after graduation. Rather than moving to another city, a high percentage choose to stay in the community. This feeds back into the areas economic growth and keeps it at the forefront of technological discovery." The addition of GDATP promises a significant contribution to the area economy. Estimates anticipate the addition of 400 jobs, a 120,000-squarefoot bio-chemical detection manufacturing facility, and an estimated $76 million in direct economic impact as well as $1.1 million in county tax revenue.

Mayor Pat McCrory suggests that General Dynamics' contribution to the local economy reaches even further. "The profile of a company like General Dynamics is incredibly important to Charlotte. Not only is it providing an outlet for much needed manufacturing jobs, but it also opens a great opportunity for smaller companies to consider bringing their business to Charlotte." "Plus," he adds, "It positions us very well in an environment of new technology offshoots, which will have a very positive impact in the region ." General Dynamics began its operations at the new headquarters in September 2003, and Charlotte celebrated its own tactical coup. A Powerful Sortie In the world of GDATP, linda Hudson is commander. There isn't a person in the company who will pass on the opportunity to credit the company:S success to Hudson, nor is it easy to find a person who won't attribute their own personal success to her leadership.

Prepare to develop tomorrow's new products and services! N ew York - O c t. 28, 2 003 -

Senior IT executives expect spending on information technology to rebound over the next 12 months, according to a new survey by the Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA) Don 't miss out on the next industry turnaround! Call today to find out more about certifications in the following IT service areas.

• Certifications -

MCSE, MC DBA, MCA D, Cisco, Oracle • AutoCAD • Web Development • Programming

Jj~~~rfv~ Corporate

& Con~nu i ng

Educ~on

·Call 704.330.4223 or visit: www.cpcctraining.org Central Piedmont Community College is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution.

Says Lorraine Donley, human resources vice president, "Linda Hudson is the driving force in the mission, execution and soul of this company She invests herself into every decision, and every person on this staff. She believes in working hard and rewarding people for that work, and there isn't a person at General Dynamics that doesn't know that. " As a scientist and a corporate leader in the male-dominated field of military defense, Hudsons position is rare. One of a handful of women pursuing an engineering degree at the University of Florida, she had to surmount numerous obstacles in an atmosphere wherein many did not want her to succeed. "When I began my career, there were no laws protecting women from discrimination or harassment. Despite my position, I was turned down for my first mortgage because lenders thought I might get pregnant and not be able to work." Since then, Hudson has risen to become the first female corporate officer, and first female president, at General Dynamics. Despite the considerable challenges she had to face , Hudson maintains a warm and personal demeanor, fueled by focus and sheer determination. "There is no room for bitterness when you are trying to make something happen . I have always enjoyed finding solutions to difficult problems." Those solutions are not limited to complex equations on a piece of paper, nor the successive reports she must evaluate to keep the company flexible and strong. They also include using her refined talent for human interaction, relationship building, and culturemerging that many say defines the company's character and success. Says spokesperson John Suttle, "After Linda took charge of ATP five years ago, she lead the company in a series of acquisitions. The challenge and complexity of molding multiple corporate identities into a single homogeneous corporate culture while optimizing operations and inspiring employees cannot be overstated. " Hudson admits the fusion of cultures can be tricky, but it is a fundamental

industry. "Transactions such as General Dynamics Armament Systems' acquisition of Advanced Technical Products that created GDATP are a significant part of corporate strategy in this industry. However, it is essential that each opportunity be examined thoroughly before you can entertaining the thought of moving forward ." She explains, "When making an acquisition, the old adage 'one plus one equals two,' simply does not apply. If I am just adding Company One revenues to Company Two revenues, what is the point of bringing them together' Our hope is to add one plus one and hopefully get two-and-a-half or three, through careful analysis and integration." GDATP is the perfect demonstration of this pursuit. Since Hudsons appointment five years ago, the company's sales have nearly quadrupled. Strategic Advantage When General Dynamics ATP was formed , the bulk of operations was manufacturing. Hudson says, "Our charge was to take one of the poorer performing companies in the organization and put together a team whose sole purpose was to reengineer it into a powerful entity. We determined we had been overly focused >--

GENERAL DYNAMICS Armament and Technical Products

(GDATP) 21 18 Water Ridge Parkway Charlotte, NC 28217 Phone: 704-714-8000 President: Linda P. Hudson Number of Employees: 2,500 in 9 locations; 400 projected in Charlotte by end of 2004 In Business: May 2, 2002 Manufacturing Facility: 4205 Westinghouse Commons Drive (Grand Opening September 2004) Business: Anticipated 2004 corporate revenue $19 billion worldwide; Fortune 122 of 500, GDATP develops detection, protection and lethality components for major clients including the U.S. Department of Defense. NYSE: GD.

Our Professional Corporate Outing Packages Include: • • • •

Event Planning/Preparation Bag drop attendants Rules/Format sheets Pairing/Handicap sheets

• Personalized scorecards • Practice balls on range

• • • •

Gift Pack Personalized bag tag Personalized golf car signage Closest to the pin/long drive signs

• Customized meals • "Post Event" scoreboard

Our tournament operations staff has nearly a decade of experience.

Call for details: (704) 547-0023 or (803) 547-1300 or see www.regentparkgolfclub.com • #1 Daily Fee Golf Facility In Charlotte • Voted Charlotte's Best For The Past Four Years • 26 Acre Lighted Practice Complex • PGA and LPGA Professionals offer personal and group instruction for golfers of all skill levels • New covered teeing areas • Practice memberships available

GOLFCLUBANDACADEMY

• Turnkey Tournament Administration

Located 15 minutes from Uptown. 1·77 south to exi190, tum left. Go 112 mile on US 21, tum left.

www.gdatp.com

704.547.0023.803.547.1300.800.671.5550

Dn manufacturing in a market climate where it no longer :nade sense" She explains that the decisions she made were tough ones, including consoliiating many manufacturing facilities and Jirninating 30 percent of the company's work force. "To compete in the current market, we transferred our manufacturing .::mphasis to developing strategic partnerships to outsource our products. Our hallmark accomplishment is developing what we call Value Net Integration, wherein we 1dopt a network of :op-tier suppliers as teammates, and bring manufactured and procured materials under our umbrella for 1ssembly and sale. " Hudson says th~ model is particularly effective for a defense company. "By creating a network, you can increase your output, and decrease the cost of manufacturing facilities. Additionally, you are strengthening the local economy and community by effectively sharing your business with other people in the industry. We also expanded c路ur political base by increasing the number of states involved in our production, thereby recruiting more

interest from communities and lawmakers which helps support the defense budget." Hudson makes it a point to define the suppliers nominated for inclusion in the company$ network, "It is important to us that people realize we outsource primarily to local and national suppliers. Due to the nature of what we do, it is usually not appropriate to outsource jobs overseas. We operate with highly sensitive and technologically superior products, and it simply isn't feasible or desirable to set up a partnership that would be incompatible with national issues." Diplomatic Relationships

In todays international body politic, the introduction of a defense company into a community can be polarizing. With soldiers deployed all over the globe and the complex issues involved in each conflict, the philosophy of General Dynamics resonates with practicality, but also passion . Says Hudson , "Since l have been in this business, I have reconciled myself to the hard fact that the world can be a

pretty ugly place. My personal preference would be that the weapons we sold would act solely as deterrents, and never be used. However, this just isn't practical. I determined quite a while ago that when it comes to the safety of my family, our soldiers and our country, it is absolutely paramount that we have the best technology at our disposal." And, while General Dynamics is the worlds leader in high rate-of-fire (ROF) aircraft guns, and is the only U.S. provider of products such as the 2.75" Advanced Precision Kill Rocket Weapons Systems, it also provides chemical and biological detection equipment, highly engineered armor for vehicles, and high performance radome units which facilitate optimal protection and operation of aircraft radar. Comments Hudson, "One of our strengths is the diverse product base we have developed. Our specialty is highly engineered products, with difficult technological requirements. This broad portfolio allows us not to lean too heavily on one arm of the company We can remain flexible , agile and focused on bringing the

I determined quite a while ago that when it comes to the safety of my family, our soldiers and our country, it is absolutely paramount that we have the best technology at our disposal."

- Linda Hudson

cutting-edge developments that keep the country at the helm of military defense. " Closing Ranks

Despite Hudsons extraordinary scientific acumen, she chose to pursue a management career. Many peers say that her talent for leading people coupled with her technological expertise has single-handedly transformed the company Eschewing what some call "bumpersticker leadership ," Hudson has developed an impressive and much-heralded atmosphere of appreciation and reciprocity Says Hudson, "In this business, topnotch engineering and business talent is the price of entry. But above and beyond that, our organization is comprised of the most passionate and communicative people in the industry. They work hard to meet, and often exceed, company objectives and we believe in rewarding them in sincere and tangible ways." When the relocation of the GDATP's office center from Burlington to Charlotte was announced, Hudson was told to expect a 40 percent employee acceptance to the move. While that figure is high by most companies' standards, Hudson had a pleasant surprise; 90 percent of her Burlington staff answered affirmatively when asked if they would follow the company to Charlotte. Such loyalty does not go unrewarded. Hudson sponsors high-profile leadership conferences with hand-picked nominees to be groomed for leadership positions, a vote of confidence in their abilities and their future. She empowers her Human Resources department with the resources to provide powerful incentives, stringent screening, rewards and employee appreciation. Hudson also created and oversees the annual Presidential Award Ceremony, the

ation and recognition program. Each year, employees are nominated from all departments of the company in eight different locations for outstanding performance, community service and leadership. Those selected are presented with a company award in front of their peers, supervisors and spouses. The event is a gala of huge proportion. ln April of this year, GDATP hosted 300 people at a Charlotte Convention Center Ballroom, who were also treated to accommodations at the Westin Hotel. After an elaborate dinner, the 32 awa rdees were individually presented with a Waterford crystal globe as their accomplishments were read to attendees. The mood was a mixture of solemnity and dignity, which later gave way to unbridled enthusiasm and some goodnatured rug-cutting to a live performance of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. Despite the weighty responsibility felt by Hudson, her employees and the company in general, the zeal, mutual respect and sense of fami ly help keep the mood light and lines of communication open. Hudson says that Charlotte has offered a similar relationship and appears to be the perfect home for the company: "We have been embraced with open arms, and in every measure Charlotte has exceeded our expectations. " Hudson says in the meantime, "We are working to become totally vested in community charities, preparing for NASCAR, the Panther and Bobcat seasons, and enjoying the weather. We are looking forward to becoming an integral pan of the community that has been so enthusiastic about welcoming us to Charlotte." biz Susanne Deitze/ is a Charlotte-based fr'ee/ance

june 2004

susanne deitzel

Tool Division of Global Giant Newell Rubbermaid Calls Charlotte Home

It is undeniable that the Queen city has heralded many new additions to her court. johnson & Wales University, a new NBA franchise, th e relocation s of seve ral hi gh profil e corporations and mega-mergers in its banking industry have made the city a force to be reckoned with in terms of attracting new businesses to its center. Yet, while Cha rl otte celebrates these new additions, a quiet growth has been happening on its borders. The success of its activiti es in attracting businesses has produced th e booming areas north of the ci ty, in the Birkdale and Lake Norman area. One of these businesses, IRWIN Industri al Tool Company, can be found in Hunters\路ille's Northcross Executive Park. >

greater charlotte biz

june 2004 29

While North Charlotte has experienced considerable growth, it is particularly surprising that IRWIN could make such a discreet entrance just seconds away from city limits. A powerful start-up division

Unibit®, Hanson®. IRWIN also offers a popular brand of consumer products including Rubbermaid Tough Tools®and

reinforce the IRWIN brand identity and product offerings, these groups also create

the increasingly popular group of StraitLine®products.

a conduit for engineers to view what Chamberlain calls "the frustrations and inhibitions" that professionals encounter in

of the global conglomerate, Newell Rubbermaid, IRWIN North America represents approximately $400 million of the

Says jon Chamberlain, president, "The focus and mission of IRWIN is to answer the needs of the guy who makes

using the tools they own. "We work under the assumption that there is never 'the perfect tool'; that there is

company's global $8 billion dollar operation. The ubiquitous Newell Rubbermaid owns household names like Rubbermaid®, Sharpie Pens®, Levclor® Blinds, Calphalon®, Little Tikes®, and Graco®. With IRWIN ,

his living with tools every day of his life. Professionals must adhere to a higher grade

always room for improvement. As well," Chamberlain adds, "we never undertake

of quality standards and need hardware that will help them accomplish tasks in a superior fashion. " The current iteration of IRWIN came

innovation for innovation's sake." Product development is a powerful driver of IRWIN\; niche. From concept to

this Fortune 500 player set up shop, brought 200 jobs to the area, and has continued to nurture and grow important relationships with several retail and industrial partners.

into being after a series of acquisitions that concluded with American Tool Companies, Inc. in April of 2003. Prior to the acquisition, Newell Rubbermaid held a 49.5 per-

Retooling for Success

cent stake in the company. Says Chamberlain, "The formulation

IRWIN Industrial Tools manufactures and distributes pro:·essional hand tools and power tool accessories for trade professionals. Formulated to unite 32 brands under one umbrella, IRW=N now encompasses seven sub brands including Vise-Grip®, Marathon®, Quick-Grip®, Speedbar®,

No Surprises!

---.

...

........ ........ United Mailing Service, Inc. Use the professionals at United Mailing Service for your next Direct Mall project!

www.unitedmailingservice.com 704-392·2805 "Celebralillg 20 years!" 30

june 2004

of IRWIN was a strategic coup. We were able to enter a market we thought very highly of, with an incredible cache of products and brands. Both professional and consumer brand identification were very high, and we considered hardware a very practical platform for us to extend our reach. " IRWIN allowed Newell Rubbermaid to make its foray into the estimated $10 billion dollar market for industrial tools, increasing its product-customer base and market presence. In 2003 , IRWIN was recognized as the outstanding division of the year among all Newell-Rubbermaid subsidiaries, and has rapidly seized significant market share from some very high-profile competitors, enjoying a rate of growth considerably faster than the industry itself. Chamberlain attributes the extraordinary success to several key components. "First and foremost, we have superior products that undergo stringent engineering processes. We are the industry leader in innovation, and we invest heavily in gleaning the information and obtaining the resources to make the best product available. " IRWIN benefits from the implementation of ewell Rubbermaid's "Phoenix Rising" program. Called the 'job Site Phoenix Group', college students are initiated into sales roles and perform promotional and product demonstrations at job sites to expose product and convert users to the IRWIN brand . While they create and

commercial launch, there exist several rigorous identification processes that utilize the intimate knowledge of the end user. Recent products that have demonstrated this penchant for innovation include the Strait-Line Laser Level, which uses lasers to create a visible line for leveling; a self adjusting pipe wrench , for one-handed operation; and Blue Blade Utility Knives, which feature quickly and easily changeable blades, blade storage inside the knife, and increased cutting capability via the first bi-metal,unbreakable blade that lasts three times longer than competitive brands. Explains Chamberlain, "For people who have been working with tools for a number of years, well-researched and well-executed improvements can dramatically change the work experience, which is a big deal. " He adds, "We know we have done something great when we hand a tool to a professional , they look at it and say, "I GET it , I know why they made this this way! " In addition to product innovation, IRWIN is backed solidly with the considerable resources made available by parent Newell Rubbermaid. Marketing and branding support are particularly notable and have included a significant investment in a new blue and yellow identity campaign, a portion of the $75 million TV ad campaign , very visible event campaigns, and most notably, a sponsorship of NASCAR's number 97 car, driven by Kurt Busch of Rausch Racing. Busch has become increasingly visible on the racing circuit and Newell Rubbermaid made it possible for IRWIN's striking blue and yellow logo to ride along with him in several races. Says Chamberlain , Newell Rubbermaid has

greater charlotte biz

taken a significant amount from its coffers to invest in IRWIN and have equipped us

a=mplishes

delivers what they promise."

to work with uncompromising execution.

With Choice 1fanslating you can rest assured d1at

They have invested in us disproportionately relative to other brands."

yow路 translation projects will be delivered on-tin1e, on-budget, and with 100 percent aCCLu<IC)I

Yet IRWIN has worked to earn that investment. The company has grown in

fur a full range of linguistic services delivered

double digits since. its creation; a figure that Chamberlain says is unheard of in the industry. "We have also worked to build an infrastructure that will sustain this growth indefinitely. We have the

wid1 LU1Imtched quality and protessionalisrn,

processes, culture and talent that will keep us moving forward. "

Constructing A Legacy Chamberlain says that IRWIN's innovations and marketing efforts would be impossible without the human resources that define its fast-paced and competitive climate. "When we moved to Charlotte, we were very discriminating when it came to hiring the right people. We weren't looking to simply fill up a building. We challenged ourselves to put individuals in place that would last a decade." He elaborates, "When we look to fill a position, we have three requirements: leadership capability, cultural fit and intellectual horsepower. Two out of three of these doesn't cut it- they are all very vital to our culture. " >-

IRWIN Industrial Tools Company North America A Division of Newell Rubbermaid Headquarters: 8935 NorthPointe Executive Drive Huntersville, NC 28078 Phone: 704-987-4339 President Jon D. Chamberlain Number of Employees: 200 in Charlotte

Training Facility: Irwin University 9815 Northcross Center Court, Suite A Huntersville, NC 28078

Business: Manufactures and distrib-

1001 MOREHEAD SQUARE DRIVE SuiTE 400 CHARLOTTE ,

utes professional grade hand tools and power tool accessories, as well as the Strait Line and Rubbermaid Tough Tool庐 line of consumer products.

8oo. 849.8oo8

www.irwin.com

375-8000

(

compi~ matt~rs

mad~ simp/~

28203

704.

334.6526 fax

www. knauffins. com

greater charlotte biz

june 2004

ewell Rubbermaid's mantra is "Raising the Bar," a concept that motivates IRWI employees. Says one employee, "If you aren't the best at what you do, and aren't giving it all you've got, the company doesn't stop to wait. You've got to be driven and believe in what you do. " According to Chamberl ain , IRWIN rewards initiative and strongly encourages empowerment at every level. "We firmly believe that every employee should be give n the trust and capability to make the decisions necessary at their core competencies. We move at a very quick pace, and our people know that we believe in them and their talent." Says Chamberlain, "The nature of innovation is improving on past mistakes. To ma ke a mistake, there first has to be a decision. Since we are at the forefront of innovation , we have to make reliable decisions qu ickly, not wait around for ideas to make it to the executive level to be debated. This is why it is so essential for us to find the perfect fit for IRWIN and its employees. " He adds, "We have tried to remove administrative and political inhibitors for a more free-flo wing style of communication. Of course, we have guardrails to kee p the process in check, but this style facilitates

Your body is 55% water. Shouldn 't it be the best water?

the energy we need to stay at the top of our ga me." Chamberlain says momentum is everything. "I would rather make one hundred decisions, seventy of which are good ones, than make ten decisions and have nine of them be correct. We aren't afraid to risk a mistake, but don't get me wrong- when we make a mistake, we only make it once." Building from the Ground Up

Make Diamond Springs your drink of choice .

DIAMOND

SPRINGS Call 704-393-3900 fOf free and utterly reliable delivery. www.diamondspringscarolinas.com

j une 2(â&#x20AC;˘04

According to Chamberlain , moving IRWIN from Chicago to Charlotte has been one of the good decisions. "After the benchmark acquisition of American Tool, and rebranding our products under the IRWI N name, we determined that Charlotte offered many positive attributes for our company. Everything from the business environment, to the climate, the ease of transportation, and the proximity to our major clients has been extremely beneficial. Plus, we are growing rapidly, and all these characteristics make Charlotte

greater ch a rlotte bi z

a very attractive place when we are looking to recruit new talent."

lRWl

is a few short minutes away

from Lowe's new corporate headquarters, has easy access to Wal-Mart headquarters in Arkansas, and is within driving distance of Home Depot's headquarters in Atlanta. As of April,

ewell Rubbermaid relocated

its headquarters to Atlanta as well, making communication and processes more convenient and practical. Chamberlain says the move has worked well for him personally, "My career has taken me a number of places, but none of them has felt like home to my family like Charlotte does." The company is working on extending its roots deeper into the community. ln addition to making a strong local presence and getting to know Charlotte's NASCAR® minions intimately via the number 97 car, it has also become the primary sponsor for the "Rebuilding Together" initiative which is a national, non-profit organization dedicated to home maintenance and remodeling projects for underprivileged families.

RALEIGH/DURHAM/RTP 919.314.1001 CHARLOTTE 704.357.7900 CORPORATE 800.849.8266

•

GREENSBORO WINSTON SALEM www.atcombts.com

336.665.9294 336.721.1207

IRWIN provides all tools, volunteers from within the company, and access to its vast network of professionals. These efforts make it possible for low income and elderly people to live more comfortably. ln April, IRWI

and Rebuilding Together

rebuilt 18 homes in the Belmont community in Charlotte. "We are excited to be involved with such a positive organization. The craftspeople and the homeowners we have come in contact with have been an exceptional group of people, and it has been a rewarding experience. We hope that it will offer us more opportunities to become a fixture in the Charlotte community," says

Not finding quality

SALES REPS. The internet brings TOO MUCH GARBAGE Headhunters are TOO EXPENSIVE Newspapers yield NO QUALITY

Chamberlain. ln the meantime, IRWIN is focused on increasing its steadily growing visibility with local retailers and on local job sites, and fostering growth opportunities for its employees. "IRWI , with its tremendously talented people, is well on its way to our ultimate goal: becoming the premier hand tool and power accessory company in the world. " biz

Give me an alternative! Take 60 seconds and call Bessire & Associates for a recruiting solution that can work for you. Discuss alternatives to source top sales people today!

1-800-797-7355 Bessire & Associat s, Inc . Producers of The Education Fair 7621 L•ttle Avenue, SUite 106 Charlotte, NC 28226 www.bessire.com and www.theeducationfair.com

(f)nc- ~ t"n .J...Yf:?.:?Y. \~

• otuthHu for

.-J•• ~lt,.nt

Susanne Deitze/ is a Charlotte-based freelance writer.

greater charlotte biz

JUne 2004

Rick Eldridge President and CEO The Film Foundry

by casey jacobus

The Film Foundry is a multifaceted production company making itself at home in Charlotte's South End.

RICK ELDRIDGE SHOWS HIS OWN STROKE OF GENIUS Wnh a budget of $20 million and a

Te lly Awards, six Communicator Awards,

theatrical release to l ,332 sc ree ns across

one

Amcnca. " Bobby j ones: A Stroke of

and one U.S. International and Film and

ew York Festivals World Metal Award

Genius" may be the biggest homegrown

Video Festival Award, for projects such as

mov1e in North Carolina history. But it is,

'The Legend of the Tree Trees," "The

without a doubt, a tribute to the creauve

Crippled Lamb," World-Wide Pictures'

\1Sion and entertainment savvy of Rick

"Something to Sing About," "Legend of the

Eldridge, executive producer of the movie

Candy Cane," and "A Fathers Hea rt," which

and president and CEO of The Film Foundry

was hosted by FOX Sport' james Brown.

Eldridge, who started out as a Christian

For all of his accomplishments, he has

music artist \vith a band that toured during

achieved a listing in the lntemational Whos

the late '70s, has worked in many facets of

W1w of Entrepreneurs. Nine years ago, Eldridge sold his Florida-based company RAE Media, which did music and sound design and post production for numerous film and TV properties, and moved home to Charlotte where he started a production/develop ment studi o. In addition to record ing all the voices for several animated se ries, his new company RAE Creative had a client list that included ABC/Disney, CBS, Fox, NBC Sports, PAX, USA Netwo rk and the Odyssey Network. >-

the entertamment industry from recording artist, composer, sound designer and manager to producer and corporate executive. He grew up in Mount Holly, graduated from Brevard College in 1976, and then continued his education in music and composiuon at U C Charlotte. During his ca ree r, he has worked \vith some of the best and most respected names in the indusuy, including Universal, Disney and ESPN. Over his career, Eldridge has won numerous prestigious awards including l3

greater charlotte biz

Jim Caviezel plays the adult Bobby Jones in The Film Foundry's "Stroke of Genius."

j u ne 2004

Mor~head

four most coveted tournaments in golf-

Crow, the founder of Cobra Golf and a past

Street with Post Central Charlotte, a filn and

the U.S. Amateur, U.S. Open, the British

Australian Amateur Champion.

video post house, until Eldridge bought Post

Amateur, and the British Open - earning

The film stars Jim Caviezel, who leapt

Central and merged the two companies into

the title of Grand Slam Champion. It is a

to national attention after portraying jesus

The Film Foundry in January 2004. When

momentous feat, which has never been

in Mel Gibsons controversial film 'The

RAE Creative shared space on

he ran out of space at the two-story building

repeated- not by Tiger Woods, Arnold

Passion," Clair Forlani, ("Meet joe Black,"

on Morehead, Eldridge leased 24,000 S·~uare

Palmer, jack Nicklaus or any of the other

"The Rock") and jermey Northam ("The

feet at 1930 Camder_ Street in the Desi&n

legendary figures in golf. What's more,

Singing Detective,'' "Gosford Park," "An

Center of the Carolinas.

jones played only as an amateur- refusing

Ideal Husband"). Making their film debuts

to turn pro - and never made a nickel from

are Devon Gearhart as 6 to 8 year old

"The move to the South End is important in creating a

de~tination

Eldridge. "It puts

facility," says

in an environmen that

is conducive to creative development.

twill

help us achieve a national profile."

the game. He retired from competitive golf

Bobby jones and Thomas Lewis as 14-

at the age of 28 to raise his family and

year-old Bobby.

practice law. '"Bobby jones: A Stroke of Genius' is a golf movie like 'Chariots of Fire' is a

Driving the Fairway

The release of "Bobby jones: A St-oke

The film was financed largely by a group of five friends who underwrote lines of credit through the Private Consulting

track movie," says Eldridge. "It is much

Group, a wealth advisory firm in Portland,

more a drama of this man's life and the huge

Oregon. This group, which includes

of Genius" this spring should also give The

adversities he overcame. As track was

Eldridge, can expect to see a good return

Film Foundry, and its sister company

just a backdrop for an amazing story in

on their investment. The Private Consulting

GlueWorks Entertainment, which Eld"idge

'Chariots of Fire,' golf is the backdrop for

Group and over 100 clients from their

also operates, a jump start on the road map

an amazing life in 'Bobby jones.' Its also a

offices across the country were then called

to national recogniuon. The movie tells the

love story."

life story of Atlanta golfer Robert Tyre

The project was fourteen years in the

upon to create a private offering for raising the final funding of the movie as well as the

"Bobby" jones, Jr. Styled in a manner simi-

making. Eldridge collaborated with Kim

lar to the epic "Chariots of Fire," it is >et in

Dawson, who produced "The Teenage Mutant

"They will actually receive a three part

the year 1930, during which jones wc•n the

Ninja Turtle" movies in the 1990s, and Tom

return on their investment," says Eldridge .

marketing funds for the release.

/Ill

•

Race Fan Experiences • Team Building Pit Crew Training and Outsourcing Meeting Rooms • Auditorium

7879 Water Oaks Drive, Denver • Hwy 16, 1 mile north of Hwy 73 ~o@@@l®/w@~~~@[f~[M)@l[J"Q[]j)@lo<S@[M) email: sales@boatwestportmarina.com 36

june 2004

greater charlotte biz

"First, a life experience - the investors

to take a project from concept to production

worked on the film behind the scenes and

to finishing to marketing and sales, and,

as extras. Second, there is a philanthropic

Film Foundry, LLC

aspect in which our goal is to multiply our

d/b/a The Film Foundry

charitable investments through the efforts

1930 Camden Road Charlotte, NC 28203

ing a movie-making business, and The Film

can expect a 2:1 return over the course of the

Phone: 704-375-4321

advanced digital finishing and color correc-

life of the product."

President and CEO: ----·-· Richard A. " Rick" Eldridge, Jr.

tion technology, Eldridge believes that having

of the film. And third, financially, everyone

The life of the product includes the

finally, distribution. " While technology is important in buildFoundry has some of the nations most

the best people is even more important

to airlines for display on international flights;

Number of Employees: 30, not including freelancers

technical people anywhere," he says. "Most

the home video with a multiple package

Business: RAE Creative, an audio

have come here from somewhere else

including an interactive game, a "behind the

post-production facility, and Post Central Charlotte, a film and video post house, merged in January 2004 to create The Film Foundry. Released independent film " Bobby Jones: A Stroke of Genius" in April 2004.

movie itself; a pay-per-view release; a release

scenes" segment, and a one-hour TV special produced by The Film Foundry that aired on CBS following this years Masters Tournament; a sound-track CD produced by Varese Sarabande Records, a soundtrack label

www.thefilmfoundry.com

of Universal Music Group ; and a "Making

"We have some of the best creative and

because of the better quality of life in the Charlotte area. Our people are committed to doing the best possible job for every client and each project." While Eldridge maintains an office on the West Coast, he finds it easier to operate outside the Hollywood environment.

of Bobby Jones" book being released by

"People want to work in a more relaxed

British American Press. The films producers are also dedicated to following the legacy of Bobby Jones, one of

environment," he says, "And, in a growing their home in south Charlotte and the family

city like Charlotte, there are always new and

is all musical, playing everything from the

emerging opportunities for development."

the first athletes to be interested in philanthro-

drums and saxophone to keyboards, making

py. The producers allocated proceeds and

for some great jam sessions.

profits from the film and DVD to The First

Eldridge is a trustee of Brevard College,

The Film Foundry currently has two movie projects and five animation projects in development, and Eldridge is looking at sev-

Tee, a golf initiative of the PGA tour that deals

and is a founding member of the Compass

with life values and principles. Joe Louis

Arts Film Academy, a film school in Grand

fully settled into its new facility, he hopes to

Barrows, the son of boxer Joe Louis, is the

Rapids, Michigan. He is also active in helping

expand the base of business to offer an even

executive director of First Tee. Over 100 char-

to develop the film industry in the South ,

wider array of services to the local and

itable screenings raised close to $2 million

especially Nonh Carolina.

prior to the films general release. The movie has been an attention-grabber.

"Bobby Jones," which received a thumbs up review from TV movie critic Roger Ebert

eral new partnerships. Once the company is

regional commercial marketplace. Within ten to fifteen years, he hopes The Film Foundry will be known as a world class facil-

It had three U.S. premiers - the hometown

and was called the "best sports movie ever

ity for production finishing and recognized as

screening at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta in

made" by MovieGuide, balances an old-fash-

a mini major releasing company with nation-

March attracted over 4,000 people. The other

ioned story with state-of-the-art filmography.

al projects that have strong merit.

two premiers were in Los Angeles and New

Eldridge works to achieve a similar balance at

York. It was released nationally on April 30,

The Film Foundry.

and in Canada in mid-May and will kick off

"We'll never be a Disney;" he says, "but we will have a national profile. "

biz

"We're trying to build a full service studio

its tour to the rest of the world June 9th at St.

with multiple companies working under one

Andrews in Scotland. It was the first effort of

umbrella," he explains. "We want to be able

Casey jacobus is a Lake Norman-based freelance writer.

The Film Foundry$ newest division, Film Foundry Releasing.

Finding the Things That Matter Now When Eldridge was just out of college, he formed a band. Jim Pruitt, who played bass in that band, says Eldridge was probably best known for a song that made its way onto the charts in 1977. It was called 'Things That Matter Now." Today Eldridge, 4 7, is married to Krista

[The Carolinas' Premier Remittance Processing Service Provider... ] Crown Solutions, providing customized services to Muniapat.ties and clients in Manufacturing, Utility and Cable, Credit Card, Property Management, Non Profits and Insurance. We provide robust and flexible services that ore typically reserved for major accounts. Rnd out why companies look to Crown for lost and accurate service with exceptional customer core. • Retail/Wholesale occounts • Image archival and retrieval • Me<honized data entry

• Document on~ oC!ounts • Credit cord processing

Eldridge and they have six children, ranging

2200 Exe<utive Street • Chorlone, HC 28208

in age from 22 to 8. They have a studio at

704.973.9000 www.crownsi.com

greater char lotte biz

jun e 2004

â&#x20AC;˘- ---------i_z_j

by ellison clary

Economic Development Chief Finds Perfect Fit in Monroe A competitive person who seeks challenges and problem solving, Chris Plate, Director of the City of Monroe's economic development program, feels he has found the ideal occupation and the perfect community. "Economic development provides the

MONROE

satisfaction thac comes with successfully

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

recruiting a company to your community, and knowing that you are making a difference by improving the quality of life in your community." The City of Monroe has been involved in economic development for nearly a decade and Plate has been the director since 1999. With the economic development office located at the Monroe Regional Airport, only seven miles from I-485, Plate is strategically positioned to pursue the department's two-pronged mission: encourage new businesses to come to Monroe and maintain and expand the diverse group of existing employers. At 33, Plate explains that to flourish in this profession requires a passion for one's community. "It :s much more difficult to sell a community that is not assisting industry to be successful," Plate says.

"Monroe provides unique opportunities to its existing industries that have allowed them to maintain global competitiveness." Monroe Economic Development has had many successful endeavors, among them Austrian-based Greiner Bio-One. Greiner is a world leader in the production and distribution of blood collection and testing tubes. Greiner's final location was selected from several communities in the Charlotte region. In choosing Monroe's premier business park, the Monroe

Corporate Center for the company's location of its North American Headquarters in 1999, Greiner, Plate's first recruitment for Monroe has grown to account for nearly $20 million in capital investment and 75 well paying jobs. "Part of my job is establishing trusted relationships with company representatives, " states Plate. In fact, he assisted in finding an OB/GYN for the wife of one of Greiner's decisionmakers. She delivered the family's first American born child as the building was under construction.

-SuJe.s

Tr~

-SuJe.s

Mt\~~1'tt Tmi-1-ti~

-J>~~imtio-Ml ~i~ 38

june 2004

greater charlotte biz

-----路---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A more recent success was Goodrich Corporation's decision to locate its customer service and re-manufacturing facility in Monroe. The company is currentl y hiring 150 people with plans to reach 300 in several years. "We fought vigorously for this project," Plate says determinedly "The company really knew what they were doing, so we had to play our '/\. game." As a result of this project . Monroe has solidified its aerospace mdustry cluster and the community ts a real player for these types of proJeCts seekmg a Southeast operation. Plate had one of his most dJsappomting moments when the community lost H Power Corporation due to an acquisition by a competing company in New York state . "The city lost not only 60 jobs, but the potential for a tremendous number of additional jobs," Plate states disap pointedly. 'This was the first commercial fuel cell manufacturing facility in the U.S. lt really was going to open the door to a whole new industry for Monroe." Plate is very confident that a fuel cell company will eventually locate in the facility, since it is one of only a few facilities of its kind in the world. Many of the methods Plate uses to encourage companies to choose Monroe he learned in his first position in economic de velo pment in York County, S.C., under the directorship of Mark Farris, a fellow Clemson University alumnus. Plate says, "I contribute much of my success from the lessons I gained working for Mark. " Farris, now in his 16th year as executive director of the York County Economic Development Board, says Plate was a quick study "Chris is destined to do well," Farris says. "He has a strong sense of persistence and perseverance and he does the groundwork to be prepared for each prospect. He appreciates the importance of having your house in order." Plate left York County in early 1997 to be the economic development director in neighboring Chester County, S.C. It was there that he was able to hone his craft before stepping across the state line to help Monroe take its program to the next level.

greater char lotte biz

I II

Coming to Monroe excited htm, Plate says, because of the community's potential and the new opportunities. "Monroe has progressive leadership, strong utility infrastructure, a well-positioned regional airport, and solid community support for business growth. These factors matched with its easy access and high quality of life make Monroe a compelling location for businesses and their employees," adds Plate. One of Monroe's most significant assets for potential businesses is the Monroe Corporate Center. This 500 acre city-owned business park is the premier business park in Union County lt houses such companies as Goodrich Corporation, TYCO/Scott Health & Safety, Goulston Technologies, Greiner Bio-One, and Coresco. The park contains nearly 900 ,000 square feet of manufacturing space and supports nearly 1,000 jobs. "Although there are still approximately 225 acres available, we are looking at new ways to partner with the private sector to create the next premier park." Plate is quick to acknowledge that economic development is not a one person job. "The Goodrich project was a great example of how the N.C. Department of Commerce, the North Carolina Community College system, local industry and elected leaders , and the Charlotte Regional Partnership can assist a local community such as Monroe in winning projects," states Plate.

Plate also pratses the Charlotte Regional Pannershtp , ns CEO M1chael Almond, and hts sta ff, for all the work they do to support communities like Monroe. "The Partnership enab les the member communities to leverage our dollars with other co mmunities and the private sector to accomplish things we could not on our own," Plate says. "They are like having a second Department of Commerce." These cooperative efforts along with being an attractive community adjacent to Charlotte have combined to make Monroe/Union County the fastest growing County in North Carolina and 24th nationally. From a population of about 45,000 in 1960, Union County has grown to nearly 146,000 people. Plate says the community has the ability to accommodate this population growth in part due to the diversification of its industrial base from textiles to growth industries such as aerospace, specialty metals, and plastics. As he begins his sixth year in Monroe, Plate says he is more optimistic about Monroe's future than the day he started. ''I'll be here (in Monroe) as long as they want me," Plate says. "Hopefully, I'll be sitting here in 20 years, searching for the next industry to call Monroe home." Ellison Clary is a Charlotte-based freelance writer. june 2004

[bizdigest] Charlotte Rated Top 15 for Small-Business Climate Accord ing to ft_merica's Best Cities &

â&#x20AC;˘ Charlotte Named One of America's Best-Educated Cities.

â&#x20AC;˘ More Elbow Room, Please.

Charlotte has one of the highest-educated pop-

American Community Survey shows that Charlotte,

ulations in the nation, according to a recent

with nearly I30 people moving here each day,

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, a new

study by the U.S. Census Bureau. Among people

boasts one of the highest median incomes in the

age 25 and older, 40.5 percent of people living

nation. Backing that statistic is a survey by Allied

Rankings, Char lotte ranks among the : op I 5

in Charlotte have attained a bachelor's degree

Van lines, which reports that more than of all

cities in the U.S. fo r small businesses and for

or higher, the seventh-highest percentage in the

interstate moves in North Carolina consisted of

States' The Annual Cold Guide to Leading

nation. Charlotte also placed

people moving into the state.According to the

in the nation 's Top I0

study, the Tar Heel state is the IOth most popu-

from databases and. independent new;

based on the percent-

lar state of people using Allied.

sources, is published by NPRC Press, a divi-

age of people who

the health and wele re of its citizens. The Gold Gui c e , based on information

sion of the Nationcl Policy Research Council

have completed high

â&#x20AC;˘ Small Biz Loan Group Goes Statewide.

in Wash ington , D.C. Charlotte ranks seventh

school.

The Charlotte Certified Development

fo r health and welb.re and 12th for in small-

According to the Census Bureau, educa-

Corporation, a non-profit organized to facilitate

bus iness climate. T I- e city ranked 33rd for

t ion levels bode well for the cities' economic

infrastructure, 35th for government a1d 36th

future; College graduates may expect to earn,

program, has changed its name to Business

fo r quality of life.

on average, nearly $2. 1 million in their lifetimes,

Expansion Funding Corporation (BEFCO). The

nearly twice as much as those who have only

name change reflects the organization's expand-

Across all I I categories, Charlotte captured the 21st

~pot

among 50 U.S. cities.

North Carolin :~ ranked 34th in h~alth

high school diplomas. North Carolina ranks No. 34 on the list

the Small Business Administration's 504 loan

ing role. Fi rst founded to serve small businesses in Mecklenburg County, BEFCO now solicits

and welfare, 17th for small-business E!flviron-

of states, with 23.4 percent of residents older

and processes loans across the state providing

ment, 30th in infrastructure, and 16th in

than 25 having a college degree. The national

long-term, fixed rate financing to small business-

government.

average is 25.9 percent.

es at favorable rates. www.dbusinessnews.com

june 20(4

great e r charlo tt e biz

bizresource guide • CPCC NamedTopTechnology Deliverer.

Blue Diamond Award Winners Named

Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC)

Mecklenbu rg County and nine local

has been cited as one of the most technically

businesses have been named recipients of

adept community colleges in the country.

the 16th annual Blue Diamond Awards for

According to a recent Center for Digital

the following achievements in technology:

Education survey of large/urban colleges, CPCC is second only to Florida Community College in Jacksonville in its ability to deliver services via information technology to its students, fac ulty and staff.

Mecklenburg County, for its web site that gives users access to land records; National Gypsum Company, for it's IT-based customer service; Premier Inc., for a clinical database that tracks hospital performance; e Preferred Parking Inc., for the best use of IT for customer service; e MobileHWY, for the best use of IT; Venetica, for the best IT software product; HR America, for the best community leadership; e Peak I0 Inc., as a top growth company.

e e

• Babcock School's Angell Center Among Top Entrepreneurial Programs. The Angell Center fo r Entrepreneurship at Wake Forest University's Babcock Graduate School of Management has been named one of the leading entrepreneurship programs in the nation by

Entrepreneur magazine, and Angell founder and director Stan Mandel has been named in the top

e e

five program directors. The center features several programs to foster entrepreneurship including

Rollover Systems Inc. received the " Diamond

the Babcock Demon Incubator, the Family

in the Rough Award" and Bank of America

Business Center and the national renowned

Corporation received the Joanna R. Baker

MBA student competitions.

Award for corporate community leadership. bi;&>

f Business Success Institute '-. Charlotte The next Business Success Institute- Charlotte will meet on June 22nd to help you :

Reduce Costs~ from Health Insurance to Utilities Get practical, useful business information from speakers and panelists, share ideas with other business owners, brainstorm issues with a group that understands what you deal with every day. Call Denise Altman at (704) 708-6700 for more information or visit www.business-success-institute.com. g reater charlotte biz

Toke advantage of rhese products and serv1ces from Charlotte ·s leod1ng bus1ness-to-busmess suppliers. ABC Cleaners At com Altman Initiative Group

Bessire Carolina Audi Carolina Foot Associates Carolinas Medical Center Charlotte Steeplechase Association Choice Tran slating Choose Charlotte USA Compass Career Management Solutions CPCC Corporate Training Crown Solutions

Dilworth Hair Dunhill Hotel Diamond Springs Employers Association End II End 5 Off 5 On Rrst Citizens Bank FN Thompson Henricks Corp Hood Hargett Knauff Insurance Lesson s from the Big Guys Meeting House RBC Centura Regent Park Road Runner Business Class Scott Insurance Scott Jaguar Tathwell Printing United Mailing Se.vice Wachovia Westport Marina

pg. 21 pg. 33 pg. 41 pg. 33 BC pg. 41 pg. 3 IBC pg. 31 pg. 16 pg. 43 pg. 24 pg. 37 pg. 32 pg. 27 pg. 32 pg. 14 pg. 21 pg. 36 pg. 5 pg. 15 pg. 38 pg. 42 pg. 31 pg. 17 pg. 17 pg. 7 pg. 25 IFC pg. 2 pg. 26 pg. 40 pg. 30 pg. I pg. 36

CAROLINA FOOT ASSOCIATES Committed to the health of your feet

Great news for those with chronic heel pain We are very excited to in troduce a new non~ invasive treatment for those with heel spurs and plantar fasciitis. T his new treatment is called ESWT,

extracorporeal shock wave therapy. • ESWT uses shock waves created by sound energy to reduce the inflammation and alleviate the pain. • Performed in the office with no hospital stay. • ESWT helps those who have had heel pa in for at least six mon ths and fa iled to respond to other conservative treatmen ts.

Dr. Thomas Hampton, DPM Board Certified 2200 Rando lph Rd . Charlotte, NC 28207

704 ..376..3947 Please call for information or an appointment.

june 2004

[ontop] Building on the momentum of their recent Fast 50 award, Charlotte's HRAmerica has placed 7th out of more than 7,000 nominees in Inc. Magazine's 2004 Inner City I00. Nominated by Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory and Merrill Lynch, HRAmerica becomes the first North Carolina company to crack the Inner City IOO's Top I0 list. Horizon Lines has been awarded Best Performance for Ocean Carrier by G laxoSm1thKiine pharmaceutical's U.S. transportation diVISion and Fed Ex Supply Cham Serv1ces. The award Includes speoal recogmtion of the ocean carler s achievmg I00 percent billing accuracy and zero cla1ms 1n 2003 .

The Gardner-Webb University's Students in free Enterprise team has won a USA regional championship for Its free enterpnse educational outreach proJects. advanc1ng to the national exposition.

The Mecklenburg County Information Services and Technology Department has won ts third Blue Diamond Award for excellence m the use of technology.The award was g1ven for the department's creation of POLARIS. a mapping and data program that allows customers to access all public mformation about land parcels and homes. Robinson Bradshaw & Hinson has announced that the following attorneys have been named in Chambers USA: America's Leading Business Lawyers, 2004-2005: Peter C. Buck, Edwin F.

june 2004

Lucas, Allen K. Robertson, David M. Schilli, Robin L. Hinson, Stephen M. Lynch, Russell Robinson II, Charles E. Johnson, William W. Toole, Everett J. Bowman, A. Ward McKeithen, MarkW. Merritt, john R.Wester, and Brent A. Torstrick. Mulkey Engineers & Consultants, Inc. has been named one of the top 500 engineering consulting firms by Engineering News-Record, an industry trade journal. Companies are ranked according to revenue for design serv1ces perfo rmed in 2003. The Rutherfoord Agency has been named most valuable partner for the Southeast

region by CNA Insurance Company. Rutherfoord was selected from 87 partner agenCi es m Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Alabama and Mississippi based o n growth in 2003. Charlotte SCORE Chapter# 047 has received the Small Business Administration's award for counseling and training for having training more than 2,1 00 clients during FY 2003. The 14 SCORE chapters in North Carolina combined counseled and trained more than 13,000 clients. CTI Service Group has been named the Charlotte area recipient of the 2004 First

Citizens Bank Amazing Customer Service Award . The award, presented in partnership with the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce, is given to

an area business that goes above and beyond in customer service.

The Department of Software and Information Systems at UNCC has been designated by the National Security Agency as a center for academic excellence in information assurance education .The honor is granted to universities based upon their offerings of information assurance programs, external funding and outreach programs offered. Only SO universities hold this distinction. META Security Group has won SC Magazine's 2004 Global award m the readers trust division - best policy management solution category - for 1ts private label version of Command Center'M. a policy management system. META is a Cornelius-based provider of information security products and consulting services. Lennar Associates have won an award

for its volunteer hours and continuing support of A Child's Place. a community organization that works with CMS to support children and families who are homeless or at risk of being homeless. During 2003 Lennar associates supported three families that were on the verge of homelessness by providing gifts, meals , appliances and clothing. Moonlight Design Group has received the

Crystal Award of Excellence, two Awards of Distinction and an honorable mention at the

greater charlotte .biz

2004 Communicator Awards competition. The Communicator Awards recognize outstanding electronic and print communications. The Bainbridge Crew has won first place in the south region for the best bathroom under $50,000 in the I Ith annual Chrysalis for Remodeling Excellence competition. The Women's Council of the Home Builders Association of Charlotte has raised $3,600 for 95.1's Ace and TJ Grin Kids, a charity for terminally ill and chronically handicapped children. The funds will pay for a four-day trip to Disney World for the children and all members of their immediate families. Congratulations to Habitat for Humanity Charlotte on the I Oth anniversary of its "Families at Work" initiative and the dedication of its tenth home, which was built by 36 families along with corporate sponsors Wells Fargo Mortgage and Hinrichs Flanagan Financial Group. Congratulations to Charlotte-based Autobell Car Wash Inc. on its 35th anniversary, washing over 23 million cars. Nationally, Autobell is the third largest full-service conveyoroperated car wash company. Congratulations to F&M Bank of Granite Quarry on the celebration of its 95th anniversary of its Granite Quarry headquarters.The bank opened in a schoolhouse in 1909 with a $3,700 initial investment. Today, the bank has a 25

percent market share in Rowan County, more than ISO employees, eight locations and more than $375 million in total assets. Congratulations to Gary and Maxine Silverstein for their 25 years at the helm of Mann Travel & Cruises, a full-service agency handing corporate, vacation and group travel. David Test, special education professor and graduate coordinator in the UNCC College of Education, has been awarded the 2004 First Citizens Bank Scholars Medal for his research on adolescents and adults with disabilities preparing to enter the workforce. Lyman Johnson, UNC Charlotte history professor, and Kinyata Adams, a senior history major, have been recognized for outstanding accomplishments in international research, study and service to the community, receiving the university's Office of International Programs 2003-2004 International Education faculty and student awards. Johnson has taught Latin American history for 30 years, helping to develop UNC Charlotte's Latin American major and minor. Adams, who has studied in Costa Rica, is a Halton International Scholar recipient and part of the UNC Charlotte Education Abroad team. Andrew Clark has been awarded UNCC's first Nish Jamgotch Jr. Humanitarian Award for his work to design a designed a pulley system that

Ten Years of Success! BUSINESS/CAREER TRANSITIONS & HUMAN RESOURCE CONSULTING INCLUDES TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT Compass Career Management Solutions builds strong relationships with companies, delivering solutions and procedures which bring the company goals to fruition.

Specializing in Outplacement and Change Management • Strategic Planning

• Employee Relations & Counseling

• Consulting I Assessment I Coaching

• Career & Job Development Centers

• Corporate I Community Relations

• Transition-Related Workshops I Training

Executive Coaching, Individual/ Group Outplacement, Training & Development Assessments, Retirement Workshops, Strateg ic Money Management Workshops ...

C(lMPASS Career Management Solutions

1994-2004 • The Winds of Change Bring Opportunity

704.849.2500 • 704.845.2420

FAX •

www.compasscareer.com

8509 Crown Crescent Court • Suite 100 • Charlotte, NC 28227

gr e a te r charl otte bi z

Crigger Owners

lifted the stone duirng construction of the Wings of Hope Orphanage in Port-au-Prince. Haiti. The award is given to a student who demonstrates creative problem solving, conflict resolution and improvement for the human condition. Dr. George Liles has received UNCC's 2004 Distinguished Service Award for personal commitment and dedication to improving the community. Liles helped form the Community Free Clinic and, following retirement. began a second career as the mayor of Concord. The award is the highest honor bestowed by the university to recognize individual career service. Jennifer Hart, president of Distinctive Kids, Inc., has been awarded the North Carolina Businesswoman of the Year Award.The award recognizes the top U.S business leaders who have successfully integrated business and financial success with the support of Republican issues like tax cuts and debt reduction. Hart was selected to receive the award for her efforts as a member of the National Republican Congressional Committee's Business Advisory Council. Charlotte attorney Jim Cooney has received the North Carolina Bar A ssociation's William L.Tho rp Pro Bono award , the association's highest award for providing legal services to persons of limited means. Cooney practices with Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice, PLLC. Victor Guzman has been named North Carolina's Minority in Business Advocate of the Year for 2004 by the U.S. Small Business Administration. Guzman was a founding member of the Las Americas Business Council, known today as the Latin American Chamber of Commerce of Charlotte. He is currendy a board member and past chairman, helping Latin American businesses and professionals. Robert A. Pressley. president of Coldwell Banker Commercial MECA. has been awarded the designation of Certified Commercial Investment Member, a distinction given on completion of a graduate-level curriculum. Tim Paschall . owner of Paschall & Associates, has been certified as a financial planner by the C ertified Financial Planner Board of S t andards for meeting educational, examination, experience and ethical requirements of the CFP Board. The newly established Institute for Social Capital at UNCC has named its board members: Diego Anselmo, George Battle , Howard Haworth, Richard W. Jacobson, Gloria Pace King, Joan Lorden, Sallie Lowrance, Michael Marsicano, Ja m es L. Pughsley, Louis Trosch Jr., and Vicki Wilson-McEireath.The new institute is a collaborative effort among the university, local non-profits, government agencies and community-based organizations to determine the impact of potential funding initiatives. Peter Sidebottom, director of special initiatives for Wachovia Corporation, will serve as interim chair of the board and N icole De Villers has been named interim director. )oo

june 2 0 0 4

[ontop] Elizabeth M. Guinan, president of The Art Institute of Charlotte, has been elected 2004路05 president of Women Executives, an association of female executives and professionals. New board members are: president-elect Littleton Rich, a partner in Sockwell & Associates; Ann Depta. Toni Freeman, Bev Kothe, Nancy Blozis, Heloise Merrill, and Sue Pitchford. Sandy DuPuy has been appointed to an advisory board that will help guide North Carolina through extensive mental health reform over the next few years. DuPuy will be one of 21 volunteers on the State Consumer and Family Advisory Committee. Deanna Valeo ofWashington Mutual Home Loans has been nominated to the Board of the Metrolina Real Estate Investors Association. photo Kenneth D. Lewis, Bank of America chief executive officer, has named Chad Gifford as chairman of the Bank of America Foundation; Gifford will continue in his role as Bank of America chairman. Wachovia Securities has announced that Dennis Kraft, Ph.D., has joined the firm as dire~tor and head of Consumer Asset-Backed Securities research, covering home equity, credit card, automotive, student loan and business loan issues; Kraft will be based in Charlotte. William C. Parise has become associated with Pyner & Spruill's Charlotte office and will practice in commercial real estate and financial services. Maria Burchfield, a licensed esthetician and certified laser technician, has joined Charlotte Laser Center's Ballantyne facility. Shea Homes has announced the following additions to its staff: William J. Simpson, superintendent; Will McKendry, assistant superintendent; Eric Hayden, assistant superintendent; Banks Pickens, assistant superintendent; Joseph T. Borms,Assistant Superintendent; Tim Curtis, assistant superintendent; Amanda Potts, sales administrator; Michael Long, punch-out carpenter; John Chapman, personal assistant; and Susan Harris, collections coordinator. Bryce Riorden and Mark Jordan have joined the Dienst Custom Homes team; Jason Whitener has been promoted to construction manager and Adam Grebner has been promoted to assistant superintendent. Colin Shaughnessy has been named general manager of Westfield Shoppingtown Eastridge in Gastonia. The Charlotte Bobcats have named Jacqueline Coleman as vice president of sports and entertainment programming and John Guagliano as vice president of professional properties and game entertainment. Both will manage programming, programming, production and game entertainment for the Charlotte Bobcats, the Charlotte Sting and C-SET (Carolina Sports Entertainment Network}.

june 2004

The Astri Group, an investment company in Miami, Florida, has joined the ownership group of Bobcats Basketball Holdings, LLC, which owns and operates the Charlotte Bobcats, the Charlotte Sting and C-SET (Carolinas Sports Entertainment Television). The Astri Group joins a varied list of minority investors in Bobcats Basketball Holdings, LLC including Bank of America Corpor.ation; Wachovia Corporation; Skipper Beck, partner in Beck Automotive Group; M.L. Carr, former NBA player and executive; Howard Levine, chairman and CEO of Family Dollar Stores; Hugh McColl, Jr., chairman of McColl Partners and former CEO of Bank of America; Felix Sabates, owner of NASCAR Winston Cup racing teams and the Charlotte Checkers minor league hockey club and chairman ofTrinityYachts, America; Nelson Schwab Ill, co-founder of Carousel Capital; Anderson Warlick, CEO ~f leading textile manufacturer Parkdale Mills; Ed Weisiger, Jr., president/CEO cif Carolina Tractor; and the Professional Sports Investment Group led by managing partners Rev. Claude Alexander of University Park Baptist Church and Dr. Spurgeon Webber Ill, owner of a local dental practice. Marjorie Wrenn and Pat Wilson have joined Fidelity National Title Insurance Company;Wrenn serving as an assistant vice president and marketing director, Wilson serving as a commercial coordinator. Joey Ellis and Ben Gelnett have joined BOLT, an integrated brand development product design and retail environment firm, as graphic designers. They will develop brands, product graphics, packaging, environmental . . ... graphics and marketing solutions for BOLT's growing roster of home improvement clients including Lowe's, BroanNuTone,lrwin Industrial Tools, Rubbermaid, Hunter Fan and UnionTools. Helen Adams Realty has added new staff as follows: Laurie Knudsen, broker in charge; Beth Ann Bushon, receptionist; Nancy Price, sales assistant; Davia Brown, sales assistant; and Cara Asaro, sales associate. Douglas Wright has been named vice president of the Engineered Systems Group at Curtiss-Wright Controls, Inc. of Gastonia. Andre Boyd has been named marketing and promotions manager for WJZY UPN 46 and Charlotte's WB. Boyd will oversee on-air promotions, community events, outside media advertising, and strategic marketing for both television stations, which are owned by Capitol Broadcasting Company, Inc. Kathleen F. Grew has been named chief nursing officer for Presbyterian

Healthcare. Grew is a member of the American Organization of Nurse Executives and the American College of Healthcare Executives. J. Whitfield Wilks has been promoted to senior vice president and Michael L. Rogers has joined as a vice president in U.S. Trust's Charlotte office. Gary R. Knapp joins Career Transition Solutions, Inc. as vice president overseeing the development and delivery of customized workshops and professional coaching services. Hilton Charlotte and Towers has added new staff as follows: Jhoselyn Wolter, sales manager; Tracey Poteat, business travel sales manager; Michael Museler, conference sales manager; Jessica Clubb, catering sales manager; and Elizabeth Fesperman, meetings and conventions service manager. Jon J. Kucera has been named business development manager and Elizabeth B. Giancarlo has been named production coordinator for Mastering Business Development, Inc. Tracy L. Whetzel, COT has joined the Charlotte office of Clark Nexsen as project designer. Mulkey Engineers & Consultants has named Lisa Privette as chief operations officer responsible for internal operations of the company and its three Julie Zydron Griggs has joined Robinson, Bradshaw & Hinson as a shareholder. Griggs has extensive experience in trusts and estates. Blair, Bohle & Whitsitt, PLLC has joined the America Institute of Certified Public Accountants' Employee Benefit Plan Audit Quality Center for CPA firms. Glynis A. Coley has joined First Trust Bank as vice president and branch manager of its Mooresville office. Gary Haines has joined PAM Fastening Technology as regional sales manager where he will coordinate Southeast sales and develop new business. Grant Wicklund has joined MedCath Corporation as senior vice president and chief administrative officer.Wicklund will oversee human resources, managed care, materials management/purchasing, administration and MedCath's cardiology consulting and management division. Michael J. Barnett has joined the Hickory firm of Patrick, Harper & Dixon as an associate attorney. Kathleen N. Rebhan has become a franchisee of Weichert Real Estate Affiliates, Inc. and has opened a full-service agency. biz

grea t er c harlo tt e b iz

from the bottom of our hooves! This year's Queen's Cup Steeplechase was a great success! "Thank you" to our wonderful sponsors, Lawn Box members, PSL holders, charity, volunteers and the 15,000 race fans that enjoyed a day at the races few will ever forget. Race day proceeds benefit the Catawba Lands Conservancy

Races Run tor the Benefit

o;J

~ (AJAWBA

ext yeat; the 10111 Anniversary of the Queen's Cup Steeplechase will be held on Saturday, April 30, 2005. Join us at Brooklandwood in Mineral Springs, .C., as a PSL subsa路iber or possible race sponsor For more information on hospitality, PSLs or volunteering for the 2005 Queen's Cup Steeplechase, please call 704-843-7070 or visit us online at www.queenscup.org.

lmsCotmvmv

RACE