Greater Charlotte Biz 2005.08 by CLT.biz & Charlotte Biz & Greater Charlotte Biz

~~路

BREITLING 1884

INSTRUMENTS FOR

PROFESSIONALS ~

No matter how you say it, it's another star-studded year for us.

The 2004 Professional Research Consuttants Patient Satisfaction Awards. Professional Research Consultants, Inc., is a national healthcare research firm that conducts patient surveys to determine the ranki ngs nationwide in patient satisfaction. We are proud to be so highly ranked again this year in so many varied and vital classifications. We humbly thank you for choosing Carolinas HealthCare System for your healthcare needs and for your vote of confidence in our abilities.

AWARDS- 5 Star Highest overall quality ofcare; 4 Star Overall quality ofcare; Top Performer Top

I scoring hospital in each area.

Carolinas Medical Center • 4 Star - O utpatient • 4 Star- Inpatient • 5 Star - Pediatrics (Neonatal Progressive Care Nursery) • 5 Srar-OB/GYN • 5 Star- Pediatrics • 5 Star- Pediatrics • 5 Star - Pediatrics • 5 Star- Outpatient (CMC Outpatient Cardiac Carh Lab) Carolinas Medical CenterMercy • 5 Star- Outpatient • 5 Star - Emergency Department • 5 Star - Medical/Surgery Carolinas Medical CenterPineville • 5 Star - Outpatient • 5 Star - Inpatient

Kings Mountain Hospital (continued) • Top Performer (Overall Quality of • 5 Star - Outpatient Doctor Care) - Outpatient Lincoln Medical Center • 5 Star- Carcliology-Tdemerry • Top Performer(Doctor's Explanation ofTreatments and Carolinas Medical CenterUniversity Tests) - Outpatient • 4 Star- Outpatient • 5 Star - Outpatient • 4 Star - Inpatient • 4 Star- Inpatient Union Regional Medical Center Valdese Hospital • 5 Star - Medical • 4 Star - Outpatient • 4 Star - Emergency Department Cleveland Regional Medical • 5 Star- Inpatient Center • 5 Star - Medical/Surgical • 4 Star - Outpatient • 5 Star - Medical/Surgical • 4 Star - Inpatient Grace Hospital • 4 Star - Outpatient • 4 Star - Emergency Department

Carolinas Medical Center www.caroli.nasheal thcare.org

cover story

Charlotte Checkers Quotes such as, "He simply outshuffled us," and descriptors like "driven and aggressive," seem hardly to fit the good-natured and well-liked owner Carl Scheer of the Charlotte Checkers, known as one of the most formidable businessmen in sports. In a world where sports success is measured in bling and Bentleys, Scheer simply represents a soulful dedication to the roots of some of America's favorite pastimes.

16 American Red Cross When Pam Daigle held out for more fiexible hours twenty years ago, she couldn't

accessories

know that she was beginning a career

Timeless Timepieces

track to the top job at the Charlotte Red Cross. Today, she is CEO of the Greater

relaxation

Carolinas Chapter, with 52 staff reporting

KOHLER sok" Bath

to her, and 25 times that in volunteers.

28 Hinrichs Flanagan Financial

departments publisher's post

and organizations plan so that whatever

employers biz

else the future may hold, 1t will also bring

Legislative and Regulatory

them closer to their dreams. Integrity and

Highlights fo r Area Employers

Tim Flanagan and his firm help individuals

honesty, passion, accountability service to others, and professionalism all play a significant role.

on top

workforce biz

Valuable Research Services

Bradley Arant

biz resource guide

in the Community

John D. Bond Ill calls himself a builder in a lawyer's body. The 50-year-old former

executive homes

president of J.A. Jones Construction

Luxury Homes above $500 ,000

Company has fashioned an impressive

IBC

career combining construction and the law. His ability to handle disputes, as w ell as his penchant for avoidi ng t hem if possible, has earned him high esteem.

on the cover: Carl Scheer CEO

Charlotte Checkers Professional Ice Hockey, LLC

Randolph

& Son Builders Now in its fourth generation, this family of builders participate 1n the Charlotte construction boom. In addit1on to the family's specialized niche in building post offices, the company has worked on over 400 commeroal projects in the Carolinas in the last two decades.

august 2005

Photography by Wayne Morns.

cllaflotte

www.greate rc h arl otte biz. com

Because this is

My Design. Life is full of compromises, they say, but my career wasn't going to be one of t~m. I took my love of the creative process and marri ed it with skills that would help me create a future for my ~ e.f. With what I've learned in the Graphic Arts Program at Central Piedmon: Community College I can design, }IOduce and deliver what I create.

And being in the creative busines.i was always my design.

Jennifer Jones CPCC Student

For more information on Graphic Arts/Flexography visit www.cpcc .ed /flexo

[publisher's

st]

Telling Your Story ... Very often I am asked what makes a good story. I like to turn it around and say, "A person who has a good story to tell." Telling a good story requires much more than the kerne l of the story, though. It requires good communication. And whether telling your own story or speaking in your area of expertise on other matters, communicating information intelligently and entertainingly requires preparation. As in Marshall Mcluhan's mantra, "The medium is the message," you are the medium, and the better you tell your story, the better your message will be understood . The most severe limitations to telling your story will be your audience's time and attention span. Effective communication of your message will depend on your packaging of that information for the intended audience. You want to be comfortab le enough on the spur of the moment to represent yourself/your company in the way that you intend . Telling your story or providing your input will be valuable if you remember these seven points : 1. Accessibility is important! If you want to be quoted or to be covered, you have to understand that writers and reporters live by deadlines and need or want your feedback when they want it. That may not fit your time frame . More often than not, you must be prepared to accept the interview when the writer/reporter wants your input.

cllaflotte z March 2005 Vol ume 6 • Issu e 8 Publisher John Paul Galles jgalles@greatercharlottebiz.com

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

Creative Director/ Asst. Editor Sean Farrow sfarrow@greatercharlouebiz.com

Account Executives Gary Biernacki gbiernacki@greatercharlottebiz.com Mimi Zelman mzelman@greatercharlottebiz.com

Contributing Editor Susanne Deitzel

Contributing Writers

2. Interview the writer/ reporter before they interview you! Verify the legitimacy of the writer/reporter. Make sure you know their purpose in interviewing you and what types of questio ns they will be aski ng you. Ask t hem who else t hey will be interviewing. Ask what the deadline is. 3. Set up the interview! Establish a firm time for t he inte rview, giving yo urself ample time to prepare. Schedule it well enough in advance of the deadline in case any matters require further clarification or amplification. 4. Prepare your story or message in definite points! Every business owner has their story ... how they got started ... how they have grown... what are their prod ucts and /or services ... who are their customers and/or clie nts ... who are their competition ...how are they different... what obstacles have they overco me... wh at is their future. Organize your story or message aroun d these points in an order that is com forta ble for you an d demonstrates your message most appropriately. Prepare a "cheat sheet" of main points for reference du ring the interview.

Ellison C lary Susanne Deitze l Heather Head Casey Jaco bus Eloise D. Morano

Contributing Photographers Sean Farrow W ayn e Mo rris Galles Communications Group, Inc. 560 I 77 Center Drive • Suite 250 Charlotte, NC 282 17-0736 704-676-5850 Phone • 704-676-5853 Fax www.greatercharlottebiz.com • Press releases and other news-related infonnation, please

fax to the attention of " Editor" or e-mail :

editor@greatercharlottebiz.com.

5. Practice! Practice! Practice! You want to ap pear comforta ble and knowled geable. You want to develop your story or message into a few well spoken statements. You want to stay on point. The more you practice, the better you will do, t he more comfortable you will be. 6. Remember that less is better! Answer questions with what you know. Get to the bottom line. Deliver any background information after you have answere d the question. Don't go on and on; don't go off on tangents. Don't speak about wh at you don't know about. 7. Enjoy yourself! Be proud and confident about what you know. It will show. Give good access, good quotes and be reliable. Stay on point and you will have a good time telling your story in your way. A business owner who is accessible, quotable and knowledgeable is extremely valuable to any writer or reporter as well as to the business community. Telling your story and providing your inp ut to writers and reporters is good for your business and good for others who want to do business with you. If you would like to tell your sto ry in Greater Charlotte Biz, please give me a call or sen d me an e- mail, but make sure you have taken the above steps in advance of your call. bi~

a u g u st 2005

• 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.greatercharlottebiz.com.

© Copyright 2005 by Galles Communications Group, Inc. All rights reserved .The information contained herein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable . However, Galles Communications Group, Inc . makes no warranty to the accuracy or reliability of this information. Products named in these pages are trade names or trademarks of their respective companies. Views expressed herein are not necessarily those of

Greater Charlotte Biz

or Galles Communications Group, Inc. No part of th is publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from the publisher. For reprints call 704-676-5850 xI 02. G reater' Chariotte Biz (ISSN I 554-6551 ) is published monthly by Galles Communications Group, Inc ., 560 I 77 Center Or.. Ste. 250, Charlotte, NC 28217-0736. Telephone: 704-676-5850. hx: 704-676-5853. Subscription rate is $2-t for one year. Periodicals postage pending at Charlotte, N .C., and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to G reater" Charlotte Biz, 5601 77 Center Dr., Ste. 250. C harlotte , NC 28217-0736.

www .g reate rc h a rl o tteb i z . com

O}C~~~.

You Can Get An MBA ... AMaster of Accountancy ... AMasters in Economics ... AMasters in Mathematical Finance

THEBELK COLLEGE of BUSINESS LNC(}IARIDTIE

Only one area university offers achoice of advanced business degrees.

CLCl Ov卤-Uo-M-~ ~~路 www. belkcoi!Jge.uncc.edu

Legislative and Regulatory H1ghlights for Area Employers

Shred Employee Information Before Discarding Q: Are employers required to shred paperwork that contains personal information?

A: As of june 1, 2005, all employers are required to shred any document that has personal information on it prior to discarding it. Personal information could be a telephone number, address, Social Security number, etc. The requirement comes from the federal Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions (FACT) Act, which was passed in December 2003. According to USA Today, 'The law requires the destruction - 'shredding or burning' or 'smashing or wiping' - of all paper or .:om---·------

puler disks containing personal infwmation that is 'derived from a consumer rep:m' befo-e it is discarded ." This law applies to all employers with one or more emplo}ees. The aim is to protect the public from identity theft, one of the fastest-grO\\ing crimes in the United States. Many times persmal informati:::m is stolen from an employer. The information comes from the employ~rs paperwork as well as computer database systen'\5. Employers have a duty to restrict access to this data as well as properly dispose of the infom1ation. Guidelines should be established to maintain confidentiality and place restrictions on this information. The guidelines also shoLid contain prmisions for temporary

·--------------·-------------------·------·-···--·-----·------------------)""---,--,----------------------··--

CDHC Plans Reduce Utilization, But Don't Increase Satisfaction Consumer-dri,·en health care (CDHC) plans are dcliYering on their promise to inc rea e consumer engagement and reduce utilizauon, but consumers overall are ~1o t as sausfied with the e plans as with their prc\1ous, more generous health benefits, according to a new study The report by Pittsburgh-based McKinsey &: ompany purports to be the first research of its type to eltmmate the possibility of maJOr adverse selection bias because it studied the behaYtOr of consumers whose employers had offered CDHC as a full replacement account. The report IS based on plimary research, including mten·icws with consumer focus groups, employees, benefits managers, and payors; and an in-depth study of more than 2,500 adults with widely \·ary1ng types of commerual health coverage. The results are based on self reponed, rather than tn1e actuanal data. Most participants were covered under health rcJmbursement arrangements rather than health sa\ings accounts. The research suggests five key findings: • COil , consumers arc more value conscious (both m deciding whether to consume

august 2005

health senices and in selecting appropriate care' than were participants •\ith tra::iitional health insurance; • CDHC consumers reponed enhanced attcr.tion to wellness and prevention; • CDHC consumers reponed beh<moral charges that could significantly redc.ce longtenn medical cost trends in addition to the shor~-tem1 rise in medical costs; • Only 44 percent of CDHC consumers are a<; or more satisfied \\ith these plans than \\1th their previous more generous benefits; and • Consumers sur\'eyed appeared to be more responsive to employers that s·.\.itched to these plans not simply to shift costs but to cnccurage employees to take more control over their long-tem1 health (Full rcpoll at: \l~vw.mcllim(y.com/clicnl\rl vicc/1,avorp1Mid~ i/llfalth_Picm_RL[lOil.J'd{.)

employees and contract employees. Failure to comply with the new regulations could result in several different types of penaltie : • Civil liability Employers could be made to pay up to $1,000 per employee in statutmy damages. Employees could receive actual damages if their identities are stolen as a result of the companys failure to protect the infmmation. • Class-action lawsuit. Employers could face a class-action lawsuit if many employees are affected. • Federal and state fines. Fines up to $2,500 can be assessed from the federal government, and the state could assess fines up to $1,000 per \iolation.

EMPLOYEE BLOGGINGPolicing the Virtual Water Cooler If you have browsed the Internet, read a newspaper or watched television in the past year, you have probably heard of "blogging"short for "web logging" -the hot trend of online joumaling. It is estimated that there are now more than eight million blogs in the United States alone, with discussions focusing on topics ranging from sports to politics, and yes, even employment law Not surprisingly, the growth ofblogging has impacted Internet use and traditional journalism. Blogging has also crept into mainstream America and begun to affect employers as their employees increasingly blog on and off the clock. The chief risk to employers arising from employee blogging is the potential disclosure and mass communication of sensitive, confi-

and that his continuing work served as e\idence of his consent to the change. A jury determined that the employer never effectively communicated the change in the bonus plan to the employee, or demonstrated that the generic incentive compensation plan specifically applied to him. The Court of Appeals affirmed the \·erdict, stating that the question of change to the bonus plan was properly submitted to the jury for determination. The jury was within its authority to detem1ine that the oral contract was never effectively modified. Issuance of a generic incentive compensation plan in 1998 was insufficient to overcome the specific terms of the earlier oral contract. This case amply demonstrates the danger of unwritten compensation plans. Bonus or commission arrangements should be fully documented in advance, and the employer should maintain proof that the employee received the plans. Any changes made to the plans can only apply prospectively, and must be communicated in \\'tiling. with evidence of receipt by the employee. ln this case, in addition to the disputed bonus, the jury awarded liquidated damages, costs, and interest. Failure to adhere to these \\'age payment fom1alities can result in e:---pensive litigation. (Reprinted by permission, Parlier Poe Adams c-· Bernstein, LLP)

dential company information. Take for example former Microsoft employee Michael Hanscom. Hanscom posted a photograph of a pallet of Apple Macintosh computers being delivered to Microsoft headquarters on his blog. The next week, Hanscom was fired for violating his confidentiality agreement with the company Hanscom admitted on his blog that his actions may have crossed the line because he identified the facility, department and building where the delivery was being made. While disclosure might seem trivial, an employees reference to his or her employer's confidential finances, marketing efforts, impending transactions or business strategy can have serious, non-amusing implications for an organization. Employers should also be concerned about what an employee might blog about his or her bosses, co-workers, the overall company, and an organizations customers, clients and investors. For some employee-bloggers, hosting a blog is the equivalent of complaining at the workplace water cooler- the one notable exception being that this water cooler is open to anyone with an Internet connection throughout the world. A loose-cannon employee bashing a customer on a blog could cost a company current and future business. In addition, negative blogging about supervisors and co-workers reflects poorly on an organization and can create unwelcome tension in the workplace. In addition to the above, as demonstrated by the Microsoft!Hanscom matter, employers also risk general negative publicity created by employee blogging that references or is otherwise linked to an organization. One example occurred in October 2004 when Delta Airlines reportedly fired flight attendant Ellen Simonetti for posting inappropriate pictures on her personal blog, "Queen of Sky" The photographs pictured Simonetti posing in an empty plane in her Delta uniform, with her skin hiked up and blouse unbuttoned. Although Simonetti has apparently since changed the name of her blog to "Diary of a Fired Flight Attendant," the damage to Deltas corporate image was already done. While discipline, including termination, may be a lawful response to inappropriate employee blogging in many cases, employers

should be mindful that there are laws that protect employee speech in limited circumstances. For example: • The First Amendment protects the free speech of public, but not private, employees. • The Nationall.a.bor Relations Act (NLRA) protects certain employee speech regarding working conditions and potential organizing activity • North Carolina and many other states have adopted "whistleblower statutes" that protect an employees actual or threatened complaints about his or her employers violation of certain established laws and regulations. • Lastly, many states, including North Carolina, have laws prohibiting discrimination against employees for lawful use of lawful products during non-working hours (e.g., the mere hosting of a blog itself). In the end, as with water cooler conversations, employers are somewhat limited in their ability to control employee chatter. Employers should, however, consider updating their current electronic communications, confidentiality and other policies/forms or adopting a separate blogging policy so that managements expectations are clearly communicated and, if necessary, available for use in disciplinary situations. (Trevor johnston; Helms Mullis Wicker, PLLC. This article, a reprint of the Helms Mulliss & Wicker weekly WorkCite, is not meant to serve as legal advice in particular factual situations.) biz The Employers Association is a nonprofit Charlotte organization providing comprehensive human resources and training services. Founded in 1958, the Association maintains a broadbased membership of over 700 companies from all industries in the greater Charlotte region. 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. august 2005

•

~·

·.

HEY, SALES MANAGER, ARE YOU AS

AS YOU COULD BE??

Do you wish you could transform the same skills you mastered in the field into learning how to manage sales people to do what you want them to do? Are you certain if your compensarion and incentive plans are really driving the right behavior? Are you exhausted from trying to constantly drive yo ur sales people ro behave consistently and reach their quotas? Are you tired of hiring the wrong people and disappoi nted when they don't work our? (Ever wonder how much they're even costing you??) Your sales people are roo comfortable "cherry-picking" existing customers and don't open up as much new business as you would like?

www.dunn.sandler.com www.hireasalespro.com

Shield Engineering, Inc. is a common sense provider of Environmental, Engineering Design, Emergency Spill Management, and Geotechnical Engineering services.

Awards & Achievements Four Charlotte women have been recognized for significant contributions in their professions at the third annual Maya Angelou Women Who Lead luncheon: jeannie Falknor, publisher, Charlotte Business Journal; Shirley L. Fulton, for:ner superior court judge and a partner in Tin Fulton Greene & Owen law

firm; Rai Glover, senior vice president and market development manager, Bank of America; and Sheryl Lee Ralph, actress, singer and producer known for her role on the television series, M:Jesha.

The Radio-Television News Directors Association of the Carolinas has named WFAE's ]aime Bedrin North Carolina Radio j ournalist of the Year. Elaine Lyerly, chief executive officer of Charlotte-based Lyerly Agency, Inc., has been named to the executive committee of the American Red Cross National Board of Governors. The Marketing Consortium, a marketing communications firm, has received two Awards of Distinction in The Communicator Awards 2005 Print Media competition for its work on behalf of Carolinas Medical CenterMercy Red Moon Marketing has promoted Greg Luehrs to acc::mnt director of motor sports and Shyloe Cummings to account director of mobile marketing, and has added Martin Greg Shyloe Luehrs Cummings Tijmes ,]immy Harte, Karri Chatham and Dereck Vogler as account executives and Robert Howell as account supervisor. Charlotte-based Cutters Productions has added two new account executives,j ohn Ficarrotta and David Cosentino, in its sales underwriting department. Business and Profess ional The Charlotte Regional Partnership , which promo~es the 16-county Charlotte region

august 2005

www .greate rch arl otte biz. com

for business expansion and relocation , has named Ronnie L. Bryant as president and CEO. Bryant was recruited from the Pittsburgh Regional Ronnie L. Bryant Alliance, an economic development and regional marketing organization for the 10-county r::gion of southwestern Pennsylvania, where he served as president and chief operating Jfficer. Michelle Crawford, an attorney with the firm of Hedrick Eatman Gardner & Kincheloe, L.L.P, has received the Pro Bono Attorney of the Year award from the Michelle Mel Mecklenburg Crawford Garofalo County Bar Association. The firms managing partner, Mel Garofalo , has been elected president of the North Carolina Association of Defense Attorneys. S.T.A.R. Resources founder Mary Elizabeth Murphy has been appointed executive director of Carolinas Association of Advertising Specialists, a non-profit trade Eliubeth Murphy association. Trial lawyer and former N.C. Court of Appeals judge,Jim Fu ller, has joined The Mclntosh Law Firm, specializing in personal injury and litigation practices. The Academy of Trial Lavvyers in onh Carolina has Ji~r Fuller recognized Eddie Knox of Knox, Brotherton, Knox & Godfrey for the firm's participation in the Leader's Fontm for 2004-2005.

CICS Language Solutions has promoted Chris Raines to senior Chris Raines Otto Zellman interpreting services coordinator and has promoted Otto Zellmann to lead foreign language interpreter. The firm has also hired Drew Phillips as marketing communications intern. Ed Gash , president of Eagle Wings

greater charlotte biz

Your Authentic Style Of Speaking

.. .is also your most persuasive. Exceptional business people are those among us who use their deep interests to have genuine conversations, tell stories, build relationships and provide solutions ... instead of making pitches, networking with acquaintances and providing a product. Y./e're Interact. We specialize in Authentic Speaking and Presenting for individuals and teams . Call Lou Solomon or Sally Mitchener at O (704) 374-0423. Let us know how we can support ~ Your Authentic Style. www.InteractSkills.com

AjCT

Nou.vEON Tecllnoloqy Pa.rmers wa.s built on the be.ie f tha.t in e ver_ythinq we do, if we don't have a. p ositive re fe renc.-e a.t the e nd it 's not wo.-th doinq. Tha.t 's wh_y o..r Nouv[ON we foe-us 0>' true C-lie nt p artnerships a.nd wor/< with ::JOU to p rovide the best c.-omb,natcon of new te~hnoloqy, people a.nd strateq,es to ac.-hieve ::}C<.J.r business needs . Sha.re ,n the value of the::. "New Era. .. w,th Nouv[ON a.nd toqethe r we c..,::,.n qo a.n_ywhere . Sha.re U'l the value of the "New Era. Âˇ b_y bec..ominq the next p artr1er LVI Nouv[ON's IDD'9â&#x20AC;˘ re ferenc.-ea.ble c.-lient ba.se 1

technolog!:J partners

blueOdiamond A

2005 Diamond In the

Routh Wimer

6100 Fairview Rd Suite 560 Charlotte, NC 28210 (704 )944- 3155 www.nouveon.com

a ugust 2005

Consulting, has been named to the Brevard College Board of Trustees. Construction & Design

D.R. Horton, Inc. has added Chris Supple and Robert Fanner as builder representatives to its team of professionals. Education/Staffing

{Business Success In~itute

UNC Charlotte's It Takes a Gift fund raising campaign has raised $115 million O\'er the last seven years, exceeding its $100 million goal and becoming the schools largest fund-raising program in history. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Public Information Office has been recognized by the National School Public Relations Association \!.ith the 2005 Golden Achievement Award. Robert Wilhelm has been named the interim executive director of the Charlotte Research Institute (CRI) at The University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Ryan Cates has joined CEO Inc. as staffing coordinator and Ingrid Howard Ingrid Howard has been hired as human resources consultant/recruiter. Tamrah jordan has also returned to the company as client relationship manager. Kimberly Mauldin has joined Premier Resources as a staffing consultant. Financial & Insurance

Trenl Gazzaway, Grant Thornton LLP's managing partner of corporate governance, has been named to Ii路caswy & Risk Management magazines th1rd annuallOO Most Influential People in Finance. Hinrichs Flanagan Financial, a MassMutual general agency in Charlotte, has recei\'ed the Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Companys National Chairman's Trophy for leading the company in career agent-produced weighted credits in 2004. The 10

august 20CS

www.greate rch arl otteb i z. com

firm has also hired Patty Young as its

business and operations manPatty Dianne ager and Dianne Young Bowles Bowles as execu:ive assistant, and has awarded Regina Bryant the company$ 2004 Stall Associate of the Year. First Colony Capital, LLC, Regina Bryant a real estate investment firm speâ&#x20AC;˘:ializing in tmestment and corporate real estate services, has welcomed Andrew Burger as vice president of brokerage services. Tatum Partners, a professional services provider of financial and information technology, has added three new Andrew Burger parmers to the firms North Carolina team: Steve Carnevale and j ohn Wilson of

Raleigh and Gil McGeorge, Jr. of Charlotte. Amy Hannon has joined Amy Hannon Gerald Yarborough, CPA, PC J..S operatior..s manager. Government/Non-Profit The Arts & Science Council has formally announced it will invest nearly $12.5 million in .ÂĽants for culn.ral programming and projects in ::::harlotte-W.:ecklenburg for fiscal year 20052006. The Cabamti County Convention & Visitors Bureau has received six Destination \1arketing Achievement Awards from the _ onh Carolina Association of Convention & Visitors Bureaus at the associations annual awards. The 2005 Bl-LO Chality Golf Classic , which raises funds for charitable organizations .n South Camlma, North Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee, has raised over $4.5 million in this years 22nd annual golf event. Discovery Learning Inc. has announced the additior of Martha Bennett as the company's business development manager. The Urban land Institute and Urban land [nstitute Fo:mdation have awarded a $35,000 Community Action Grant to the Ull

greater charlotte biz

1001 MOREHEAD SQUARE DRIVF. SUITE 400 CHARLOTTE, NC

J~rllttcrJ

madr

stmpk

28203

8oo. 849.8oo8 704.

375 .8ooc 334. 6526 fax www. knauffins. com

august 2005

Charlotte District Council and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte's Open Space Leadership Institute. The grant will fund an ongoing program for environmentally sound and equitable use of land in urban areas. Sherpa LLC , a Charlotte-based provider of accounting, financial and IT recruiting and staffing, has announced the appointment of Missy McDonald to president-elect of the Metropolitan Business and Professional Women Organization. Cabarrus County has received an honorable mention for the 2005 Marvin Collins Outstanding Planning Award by the N.C. chapter of the American Planning Association for the adoption of "Guiding Principles for School Construction." The Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners has recognized Patricia Mayhew as the recipient of the Department of Social Services' 2004 james F. Richardson Service Hero of the Year Award. The Board has also recognized jan Thompson, director of Inmate Services for the Sherifrs Office, for receiving the Liberty Bell Award from the Mecklenburg County Bar. Health Care

Presbyte1ian Hospital, Presbyterian Hospital Matthews and Presbyterian Orthopaedic Hospital have received a total of 41 awards based on patient, employee and medical staff satisfaction surveys from Professional Research Consultants, a natior:al healthcare marketing research company. The Inc. with several best practices and leadership awards for 2005. GeraldM. Aronoff, MD, has received an academic appointment as adjunct associA ronoff, MD ate professor for Duke University School of Medicine. Manufacturing

SCR-Tech LLC, a subsidiary of Catalytica Energy Systems, Inc. , has appointed Robert Deneault as vice president of sales and marketing and Dr. Howard Franklin as director of technology 12

august 2005

www.gre a te r c harl o tt e b iz.co m

Real Estate Commercial/Residential

Kevin Clary has joined Realty Place as director of training and agent development. Retail/Sports/Entertainment

NASCAR team owner Roush Racing lnc. of Concord has announced it is working vvith the Discovery Channel to create a motorsponsrelated reality television series. The show, tentatively titled Americas Next Top Driver, will be filmed locally. The Charlotte Bobcats organization has named jamie Banks a the new Charlotte arenas manager of public relations. Vanguard Cleaning Systems, lnc. , a commercial Jamie Banks cleaning franchisor, has announced the opening of its Charlotte area o!Iice with Larry Dudzik as president of the region.

((ARE YOUR SALARIES COMPETITIVE?" The Employers Association is the best resource for local compens- tion data . Capturing information from over 260 companies covering 310 benchmark jobs, the 2005 Wage and Salary Survey provides comprehensive local data by induotry, county and company size.

Th e

EMPlOYERS A SSOCIATION YOUR TRUSTED RESOURCE SINCI. 1958 WITH 750 LOCAL MEMBER COMPANIES

For more info: 704-522-8011 I www.employersassoc.com Technology

The e-NC Authority, the designated state authority charged with Internet planning and Internet and technology-based economic development, has announced the reappointment of organization chair, Oppie . j ordan. Charlotte-based Yerian Technologies, a provider of spend management solutions for mid- and large-sized organizations, has been included in the Top 100 list of Inbound Logistics. US LEC Corp., a telecommunications carrier serving businesses and enterprise organizations throughout the eastern United States, has appointed]. Lyle Patrich as chief financial officer.

Food &Entertainment At The Location Of Your Choice! ''OUR PLACE or YOUR PLAH"

Tourism & Travel

Charles G. (Cituch) Raymond, chailman, CEO and president of Horizon Lines LLC, has been named Carolinas 2005 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year. biz

To be considered for inclusion, please send your news releases and announcements m the body of an e-mail (only color photos attached) to ed1tor@greatercharlottebiz.com, or fax them to 704-6 76-5853, or post them to our busmess address at least 30 days pnor Lo our publication date.

greater charlotte biz

august 2005

-----

Value. le Research Services In The Community n t ~ay's environment of accountability, it is cri tical for businesses and communit y organization.; to engage in sound research. With that in mini, Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC) opened the Center for Appli~ d Research in March 2004 , t~'le first fc -profit research center t o be ope::1cd b y a community college in th e U.S.

Wh:.le: mo:;t universities have research centers, ITDSt community colleges do :10t have sufficien: ~aff ·.>Jith appropriate trainir.g and experience :o offer a wide array of research services. Tile Center was opened in pc:.rt to meet the increasing need for affordable research a33essment and evaluation services in Charlot ~:-Mecklenburg and across the nation. Bu;inesses, agencies, hospitals and schools rely on information and data to make key decisions on a continuous basis and the Center exi..;ts to offer such services at m affordable ::nice. Acco~clng to Dr. Terri Manning, director of the Cenr.::r [or Applied Research at CP:::::C, "The Centds professional staff has a broad variety of experience and expertise, uses cutting-edge tJXhnology and is extremely responsi-Je to customers to insure accurate, timely and cost effective results. " Cencr staff have worked with kcal governments, educational institutio:-~s, non-prcfit organizations and businesses in the C-.arlotte region, and have experience and expertise in the following processE.Simethodologies: • Slr;ategic planning • cu·come evaluation • pre gram evaluation for grants/ coitracts • accreditation self-studies • ITscarc~ methodologies • Sla .istical analysis • survey development (mail surveys and web-based surveys) • assessment procedures • qu2litative and quantitative stt.:dies • foCJS group facilitation • danb~e management • ins.ituuonal effectiveness 14

au5ust 2005

Staff Ilembers have content expertise in the following types of areas/prcjects: • job ;kills/employee assessments • de:rog~aphic and economic ana~·ses

• earl.,. childhood education prog:-ams • mecical/health-related studies • gennalional studies • liteocy education • alcoool, tobacco and other drugs • orgmizational boards/advocacy • ad·.1·t education • teaoing evaluation • corrpliance • stati5tical analysis software • pres:ntation software • evaLat.on research • pulxc "Jolicy analysis • fore.:as1ing • trenJ a1alysis • Wet -based publishing • human services agencies The Cerrer offers applied research servkes for sma l to large projects and for non-profit a:td for-profit organizations. ln addition, t~~ <2nter provides education and training. "Since opening in the spring of 2004, we have provi:Ed ·1aluable services to a number of clients in 1.he region," Manning explains. In fact, the Center has received national recognition :x two projects since beginning work a little ov~r a year ago. Some of the projects uncerraken by the Center over the past year inc:ude the following. Understanding The Millennia! Generation. funded by the Workforce Developmen: Eoard. This study involved sur-

veying students from CPCC, UNCC and JCSU on their expectations of college, the workforce and life in general. Businesses were also surveyed and multiple focus groups were conducted through Rotary Clubs and local businesses. The results of this study have been presented across the Charlotte area and the country for various state and national meetings. While this generation is often accused of being spoiled with hovering "helicopter" parents, they are a diverse, multitalented generation that will push technology, communication and teamwork to a whole new level. The evaluation of the "Parent Leadership Network," a project being conducted by the Charlotte Advocates for Education that involves developing parent leadership skills that will allow parents to authentically participate in their child's school. This project is a replica of a model first developed in the Kentucky schools and is designed to strengthen K-12 education. This project was made possible in part by funding from the Wachovia Foundation, the Foundation for the Carolinas, Livingstone Foundation and many other corporations in Charlotte. Two studies were conducted on Meeting the Needs of Displaced Workers, the Effects of the Pillowtex Closing. These two studies were funded jointly by the Centralina Workforce Development Board and a U.S. Department of Labor emergency funding grant received by Rowan-Cabarrus Community College (RCCC) RCCC moved quickly to serve the thousands of displaced workers employed at the various Pillowtex plants in Rowan and Cabarrus counties. Their accountability plan required an indepth evaluation of the programs and services offered through the college. The results of the accountability plan were so well received that RCCC won the "Recognition of Excellence 2005 ," a national award given by the U.S. Department of Labor for their work. A fiscal impact study for the Hendrick Auto Mall was conducted in fall 2004. In partnership with Warren and Associates, the

www.greate rc harl otte biz. com

Center was asked to work on a fiscal impact project proposed by the Hendrick Auto Mall in the U.S. 74 and l-485 area in the Town of Matthews. Detailed research was conducted in order to best estimate the total net fiscal impact of the auto mall on the Town of Matthews annual operating budget. The project won an "Excellence in Project lmpact" award from ACCRA, a national non-profit organization representing community and economic development research and analysis. The evaluation of "The Champion In You ," a book and middleschool curriculum written by Sporty Jeralds, a man who believes we are all born with the same potential for greatness. Jeralds developed the

bictured (I to r) - Terri Manning, Lynn Williams, Cheryl Roberts, Denise Wells, Bobbie Everett, and Paul Earls

principles into a character education training

degrees or continue their education. Because

the Piedmont Courts Community in

tool for middle school students. The book is

children's outcomes are directly related to

CharloLLe. Pan of their obligation in the revi-

comprised of over 60 "vignettes" that, in con-

their teacher's education level, this study was

talization process is to have an evaluation

junction with a leadership guide, can help

conducted to determine what alternative

conducted of the relocation process. The

students become more responsible and

methods of education might be effectively

purpose of the evaluation process is to assess

increase their ability to communicate . Staff

offered to this population and to determine

the impacts on the original residents of the

from the Center for Applied Research con-

strategies to break down the perceived barri-

HOPE VI development area, the neighbor-

ducted an evaluation of The Champion In

ers in attending college.

hood , and the redeveloped HOPE VI

You program at a local middle school during

Business Directories for the Charlotte

community The Center for Applied Research is pleased to have been chosen as the evalua-

the spring 2005 semester. Assessments of

Chamber. The Center for Applied Research

students and teachers indicated that attitudi-

has had the pleasure of collecting informa-

tor for this process. As part of the multi-year

nal changes were made and that students and

tion for two business databases for the

evaluation process, Center staff will be sur-

teachers thought the program was a positive

Charlotte Chamber of Commerce. The Major

veying and interviewing Piedmont Court

addition to their curriculum.

Employers database, which was published as

residents as well as collecting data on the

a Chamber directory earlier this year, con-

Belmont community and other communities

tains information on all employers in the

where residents relocate.

Because Center staff enjoy working with nonprofits, they contracted to do Strategic Planning for the Mental Health

Charlotte region with 100 or more employ-

CPCC administration believes that the

Association of Central Carolinas Inc.

ees. The database includes over 1,100 firms

Center for Applied Research brings tremen-

(MHA) during the fall 2004 and spring

in 13 counties. Currently, Center staff is col-

dous value to this community According to

2005. The process involved multiple focus

lecting similar data for manufacturers in

Director Manning, "We've only tapped the

groups and interviews. The MHA developed

Charlotte-Mecklenburg and the region.

surface of what can be done through the col-

a workable two-year plan that will help them move forward with their work in this region

Concurrently, the Center is also collecting data on metalworking firms in the region, the

lege and this program ." biz

of the state. Barriers to Continuing Education for

first time the Chamber has compiled a busi-

For more information on the Center for Applied Research: 704.330.6688 or 704.330.6592; research@:pcc.edu;www.cpccservicescorp.com/services Research.html. Workforce Biz is intended to highlight workforce training and development programs and mitlatlves delivered by community colleges w1thin the Charlotte reg1on. Community colleges are invited to submit substantive content ideas to edit01@greatercharlottebiz.com.

Childcare Workers funded by SmanStart was conducted during the late spring and early summer 2005 . The Mecklenburg Partnership for Children must meet multiple

ness database on a specific subset of m anufacturers. The evaluation of Piedmont Courts H O PE VI Relocation . The Charlotte Housing Authority ( CHA) was awarded

goals annually as determined by their state

funding from the U.S. Department of

agency One challenging goal they face is the

Housing and Urban Development in 2004

percentage of childcare workers that obtain

for HOPE VI grant fo r the revitalization of

greater charlo tte biz

augus t 2005

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - --

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

Pamela J. Daigle Chief Executive Officer American Red Cross Greater Carolinas Chapter

by eloise d. morano

Red Cross Leader Discusses Emphasis and Resources

When Pam Daigle held out for

so much , she stayed for college

more f1exible hours twenty years ago, she couldn't know that she was

and graduate school, graduating with honors from both. Her spe-

beginning a career track that would lead to the top job at the Charlotte Red Cross. Today, she is CEO of the American Red Cross Greater Carolinas Chapter, with 52 staff reponing to her, and 25 times that in

cial area of interest was aneverything from pottery to sculp-

volunteers. It was one of those 180 degree turns that happen in life - the kind that changes your career direction completely. lt started simply. Daigle, originally from Chicago, had been visiting friends in coastal Maine. She liked it

greater charlotte biz

ture. "1 always knew how to put co lors together," she says with a smile. Daigle had the usual office jobs after college, and learned that she had a talent for fundraising consulting. But marriage and having a child changed her focus. "l simply needed regular hours to be a better mother to my son," says Daigle, who didn't want to miss her son's growing up . >-

august 2005

Take a break. We'll supply the drinks. You have enough on your plate without having to keep your people hydrated or your break room stocked. Let that be our job. We provide bottled water in a full range of sizes, from 16-ounce to s-gallon, water filtration , coffee service and more-the best delivery in the business.

DIAMOND SPRINGS ~t deat tire (adel

Call 704-393-3900 today.

www.diamondspringscarolinas.com

Proud supporter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation

LandAmerica. More Than Just Title Insurance. LandAmerica offers a comprehensive suite of services to keep every commercial transaction on track. You only need to make one call, to one person, to facilitate the ordering of numerous products. >-Title Insurance >-1031 Exchange >- Valuations >- Environmental and Engineering Assessments >-Construction Monitoring >-UCC Insurance Let LandAmerica save you time on your next transaction with a single point of contact, and the resources of a nationwide, real estate services leader. LandAmerica Commercial Services - Your solution for real estate transaction services.

r..~ LandAme rica路 -

Commercial Services

To find out more, contact: Hunter Meacham John McDermitt Vice President- N.C. State Manager Vice President E-mail: hmeacham@landam.com E-mail: jmcdermitt@landam.com Phone: (800) 868-6529 C 2005 landAmerica is a

trademark of landAmerica Financial

august 2005

Inc.

Family Needs Were Her Inspiration When the Red Cross in Bangor, Maine, offered her manager's job hours in 1985, Daigle jumped at the opportunity. At the time, the Pine Tree Chapter in Bangor had a budget of $65 ,000, and only one full-time and one part-time person working there. In just eight years as chapter manager, Daigle grew the budget to $1.8 million. Her inspiration: To address an area with pressing needs, an area near and dear to her heart serving families and children. It was one the Red Cross hadn't tackled before. "We took the Red Cross babysitting program, and expanded it to care for special needs children," she says. "We provided training for respite care providers, and paid them for caring for special needs kids. The purpose was so that families could have a break, and get away. It was a model program in the country at the time. " Daigle was so successful, that by the time she left the Bangor office in 2000 , she was serving as coordinating chapter manager for the American Red Cross throughout Maine , providing leadership and coordination to other chapters and serving as vice chair of the State Service Council. During that time, Daigle also developed an imerest in International Red Cross services and became a certified International Humanitarian Law instructor in 1993. ln 1996, she was asked to be a part of the American Red Cross Quick Response Team for major national disasters and led fundraising efforts for national disasters in California, Louisiana, Pennsylvania, Maine and Puerto Rico . Daigles abilities hadn't gone unnoticed. The Greater Cleveland Chapter of the Red Cross hired her as their chief operating officer, to oversee chapter services, budgeting, finance and audits, the chapters strategic planning and diversity initiatives . As the Cleveland chapter's COO, she visited Charlotte in 2001 for a Red Cross National Convention. She already knew she liked the area in general; her parents had retired to Hendersonville, and she visited them 3 to 4 times a year. "!loved North Carolina from the first time I saw it," she says. So when the Charlotte chapter recruited her in 2004, it was easy to say yes. "Pam brings an in-depth understanding of both the humanitarian mission and the www.greaterch arl otte biz. com

operations of the Red Cross and of the criti-

troops overseas. The organization has

:::al role a chapter plays in the life of a

always been focused on making the community a safer place to live, providing

:::ommunity," says Keith Butler, chair, Greater Charlotte Chapter board of directors. "She is a proven leader dedicated to ~xceptional service delivery, exemplary stewardship and visionary growth. "

disaster preparedness information and collecting blood for area hospitals. The Red Cross Greater Carolinas Chapter estimates that it has touched the

ServingTraditional Needs

lives of 1 in 4 people in Mecklenburg and Iredell Counties, providing services to

From the initial formation of the Greater :::arolinas Chapter of the American Red

nearly 224 ,950 individuals to date. Daigle says most people think of disas-

:::ross in 1917 , the organization has steadily

ters in terms of hurricanes and tsunamis. "But more often , a disaster is a fire that

s;rown in response to community needs. :::onstantly building their disaster response :apacity, it has been thoroughly tested. Whether providing shelter to thousands :luring ice storms or lending a shoulder to :ry on to those who lost loved ones in the :rash of US Airways flight 5481 , the Red :::ross has been there making an impact in :he lives of hundreds of thousands of individuals in the community The Red Cross is :~lso

there for thousands of local military personnel and their families as local reserve units are deployed overseas, helping service men and women stay connected with loved Jnes and providing quality of life items to

gr eater charlotte b iz

destroys a home or a stream that overflows and floods a neighborhood," she says. The Greater Carolinas Chapter estimates that it responds to emergency situations more than three times a week. Within two hours of notification from the fire department, Red Cross volunteers can be on site to provide, food , clothing, a safe place to sleep and other necessities for individuals and families . A fairly typical situation is like Megan's. One Sunday in April, Megan stepped away from her stove for a minute to attend to one of her three children. She returned

august 2005

to find her kitchen engulfed in flames. In

disaster operations center is a tremendous

National Weather Center, and emergency

the aftermath, Red Cross volunteers worked

value to the Greater Carolinas Chapter as

communications to area county emergency

with her to provide a hotel stay, meals, and

well as Mecklenburg County and Iredell

operations centers.

other practical necessities including finan-

County."

cial help in finding a new place to stay

The Education and Disaster Operations

Expanding Facilities to Serve New Needs For the Greater Carolinas Chapter, growth has happened on a grand scale, though Daigle is quick to point out that the new Education and Disaster Operations Center, just dedicated in June, was already planned when she got here. It was in the aftermath of the events on 9-11 that the Red Cross began to focus on how well prepared they were to serve the community during a large-scale disaster. And partly in response, they committed to building a new 6,000-square-foot operations facility featuring upgraded communication capabilities along \vith a spacious disaster staging area. It more than doubled the chapter's existing space for operations and provides a venue where Red Cross volumeers can respond to disasters more efficiently Daigle remarks, "The new

"This new facility promises to make our

Center is a single-story facility is next door

efforts much more effective," Daigle adds.

to the Red Cross office building and blood

"Only a few of the 1,000-plus chapters

collection center in the 2400 block of Park

nationwide have facilities like this."

Road. It provides 4,000 square feet of space for functions such as Disaster Services and Armed Forces Emergency Services, as well as serving as a training area for disaster preparedness and community education including CPR, first aid, babysitting and more. It also includes 2,000 square feet of warehouse space accessible to tractor-trailer trucks that can ship relief supplies to any area facing an emergency The center has flexible partitions which

Reaching Across the Globe One of the Red Cross' original campaigners, Clara Barton, would be no doubt impressed at how far the reach of the organization has spread from the Civil War battlefield . Barton's original goal in creating the American Red Cross was to provide the critical link between servicemen and their families, although she subsequently expanded the concept to include assistance in any great national disaster.

allow for creating larger or smaller work spaces, as needed . Communication capabilities include satellite telephones, built-in extra lines for computers and telephones, a media room with visual access to the Disaster Command Room and feeds for live television broadcasts, 24-hour access to the

American Red Cross Greater Carolinas Chapter

Amerte11n Red Cross

2425 Park Road P.O. Box 36507 Charlotte, N.C. 28236 Phone: 704-376-1661 Principal: Pamela J. Daigle, CEO Established: 1917 Coverage Area: Mecklenburg and Iredell Counties; has touched the lives of I in 4 people in those counties - providing services to over 224,950 individuals. Operating Budget: $3.477 million (FY 2005-06) Staff: I, 146 volunteers and 52 professional staff (ratio of 22: I)

Allow us to offer yo u a longterm strategic ap proach to employee benefits m anage ment. W ith mo re than 80 years of HR/ Ben efi ts experi ence, we are a strategic partn ership workin g togeth er to provide valuable service to answer yo ur ben efits n eeds.

Thtâ&#x20AC;˘

1 ',

PIO ER IIT/0

STRATEGIC PARTNERS FOR YOUR BENEFITS NEEDS

For more info: 704-522-8011 / www.employersassoc.com 20

august 2 005

Business: Non-profit humanitarian organization dedicated to helping people in Mecklenburg and Iredell counties prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. The Greater Carolinas Chapter, one of a network of more than I,200 Red Cross chapters nationwide, is the largest in the Carolinas, serving nearly 800,000 people with three service centers in the metropolitan area: Charlotte, Mooresville and Statesville.The American Red Cross is an efficient and independent non-profit organization funded solely by contributions from the American people. It is not a government agency nor does it receive any direct government funding. www.redcrosshelps.org

www .gr eate rc h arl otte bi z. c om

The Red Cross received its first congressional charter in 1900 and a second in 1905. This charter- which remains in effect today - sets forth the purposes of the organization that include giving relief to and serving as a medium of communication between members of the American armed forces and their families and providing national and international disaster relief and mitigation. The Greater Carolinas Chapter's new center serves as an excellent. steward of that mission. It goes beyond local disaster relief and training, reaching out across the globe. With the new center as its hub- and the magic of instant messaging- the Greater Carolinas Chapter can help families of service men and women stay in touch with their loved ones around the world. Last year, prior to the completion of the new center, the Greater Carolinas Chapter made this vital connection 1,115 times and gave family members the opportunity to send video e-mails to their service men and women via Operation Video Connect. During the holidays, the chapter, with the help of local restaurants, held a toy drive to give holiday gifts to children whose mothers and fathers were serving in Iraq. Daigle asks us to imagine the possibilities now that the new center is completed. CEO in Charge

Recently, on a business trip to Washington, D.C., a cabbie questioned Daigle about being a CEO. It seemed to him that everyone was a CEO these days, and it didn't impress him much that Daigle is the person in charge. He had a hazy idea that CEO status must be dependent on the number of people one managed . He asked, in a doubting kind of way, how many employees Daigle had. Greatly amused, she asked, "How many employees do you think you need to be a CEO?" He said, "Oh I don't know- thousands, maybe." She told him, "I have about 50some employees ... " He made one of those pffft scoffing sounds." ... and about 1,200 volunteers," she added. "Oh ," he said, somewhat mollified, "you're getting close then. " biz

Ellison Gary is a Charlotte-based freelance

greater charlotte biz

write~

august 2005

Quotes such as, "He simply outshuffled us," and descriptors like "driven and aggressive," seem hardly to fit the good-natured and well-liked owner of the Checkers, an ECHL, AA minor league hockey team. In a world where sports success is measured in bling and Bentleys, Scheer simply represents a soulful dedication to the roots of some of Americas favorite pastimes. Scheers roots run deep . He was around before big names like julius Irving dominated the court. Heck, he was rather serendipitously hired into the NBA administration office despite the inability to type; one guesses his sharp intellect and fastidious passion for sports didn't go unnoticed. A PLAYER IN HIS OWN RIGHT

It may surprise you to know that our color copier/printers are more affordable than most personal printers. Thats because the cartridges in those printers are costly to replace. And a color copier/printer isn't all you g et from us. You get the seNices of specialists in our Color Division who can help you determine the equipment thats rig ht for you. We have a Training Division, too, for your employees, and Application Specialists who can help you customize your new equipment to meet the needs of your workflow. All this and the added benefit of certified seNice technicians. So itS no wonder we're the largest independent office equipment dealer around, With great names l1ke Canon, Sharp, and Konica Minolta. . us a ca II an d sta rt gett.1ng th e k"1n d o f co 1or G1ve you've always dreamed of, at a price you can afford.

CHARLOTTE COPY~

DATA ~ OFFiceAuToMATION "

IN FORMATION

oATANETWORKING

MANAGEMENT

svsTEMs

4404-A Stuart Andrew Soul "'lard. 704 523 3133 FAX 704 525 1506 #MN

h1rlorwcopycuacom

THE AREA'S lARGEST INDEPENDENT DEALER OF COMPLETE OFFICE SOLUTIONS

aug u st 2005

After a respectable run in undergraduate college basketball and baseball, Scheer graduated from Marquette Law School and began a career in a small law firm in Greensboro. After realizing that his desire to litigate cases would likely be unrealized due to the size of the firm, he visited Guilford College and asked to be slated to broadcast basketball and football games - a passion he had indulged in graduate school. Scheer had made fast friends with many in the sports community when opportunity knocked. According to Scheer, "Guilford was embarking upon an aggressive, small college basketball campaign, largely driven by star player, Bob Kauffman. I had announced his college career, and once he found himself in demand by two competing leagues, he asked me to represent him for his contract negotiations." Scheer elaborates, "In 1968, agents were unheard of. Knowing l was a lawyer, Bob asked me to represent him." He jokes, "I am sure I left the poor guy quite a bit of money on the table! But, really, the experience introduced me into the world of sports and business; l was hooked." Not surprisingly, his work ethic and comfortable personality helped to foster a good rapport with team owners, and he was asked to interview for the position of assistant to the commissioner of the NBA. Recalls Scheer, "The BA commissioner at the time, Walter Kennedy, told me after my third interview that he liked me and thought I was a great candidate, but the job was going to 'the other guy ' At the time I was content

www .g r e at e rc h a rl otte biz . c o m

with that. I had had that 15 minutes of glory and was happy to go back to my small North Carolina law firm . But months later he called back and told me the other candidate declined the position, and asked if I would like to be reconsidered. It was a dream come true. I moved to New York and began my indoctrination into the game. There, my sports career started." When Scheer was hired as the assistant to the NBA commissioner, the 500-plus people now manning the global organization consisted of an office of a mere six people, and the sport was struggling to survive. Scheer says Kennedy directed him, "Right now, you are going to do nothing but learn in minute detail the history of this league." Scheer says that he read meeting minutes, history books, rulebooks, and met with NBA icon and NBA Hall of Fame coach, Eddie Gottlieb. Gottlieb, known among other things as the man who signed Wilt Chamberlain to his first professional contract and a notable figure during the introduction of the 24-second shot clock, provided a crash-course education for Scheer. Scheer comments, "I came away with a

rea_l education from the owners, the coaches, managers, and officials about what is involved in all the different facets of sports management. The exposure was unparalled, and taught me one basic truth: knowing the history of the game is vital to the healthy growth and development of any sport." He adds, 'To see what these guys went through very early to sustain basketball before it was a marquee event really demonstrated pure dedication. Dedication to the integrity o:· the sport and the fans was the primary focus of the organization." Scheer went on to manage the ABA's Carolina Cougars and moved to Denver to lead the D~nver Nuggets in 1974. He was named Executive of the Year in 1973 and again in 1974 by The Sporting News, and even had his picture on a special edition Pepsi can tn 1974 and 1975. He masterminded the legendary Slam Dunk Contest in 1976 featuring David Thompson and Julius Irving, helped execute the merger between the American Basketball Association and the National Basketball Association, was named president and general manager of the Los Angeles Clippers in

What Is Your 5usiness

Worth?

1984, and was named the Commissioner of the Continental Basketball Association in 1986. He returned to Charlotte in 1988 as the first president and general manager of the Charlotte Hornets, a year wherein the te<:m enjoyed 20 victories and led the league in average attendance. In 1992, Scheer received an induction into the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame. In 1999, Scheer was named Greenville Businessman of the Year by Greenville Business and Uving Magazine and also received the prestigious Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award. THE BEGINNINGS OF A TEAM

In 1993, Scheer, together with Felix Sabates- also a notable sports figure- purchased the Charlotte Checkers, bringing hockey back to Charlotte after a 16-year hiatus. The hockey team advanced to postseason and averaged an impressive 8,000 fans per game in its first season. Scheer and Sabates have worked very effectively and amicably in their combined years of dedication to the Charlotte sports community The pair was enjoying consider-

As a business owner, you may think you know what your business is worth. But you will be disappoint ed if you make r andom assumptions about t he value of your company. The result: f ail ure t o reach your financial goals. The professionals at Hinrichs Flanagan Financial can assist you with buy-sell plann ng to help protect and control the value of your business and your future.

Because with t he right strategy, you can accomplish just about anything. Hinrichs Flanagan Financial specializes in comprehensive planning for risk management, asset allocation, estate analysis, cash flow and wealth accumulation.

Call Us At 704-557-9632 Toll Free 800-289-1846 Celebrat ing "7 Decades of Stre ngth" The Foundation of'1'o ur Financial Future • 1935-2005 A MassMutu~l General Agency 069436·000

HINR ICHS F LANAGAN

Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance C.:Jmpany (Mass Mutual) and affiliates Springfield. MA 0 I Ill

FINANCIAL

Visit www.HinrichsFianagan.com

g re at er c h a rl otte b iz

au g u st 20 0 5

able success when Scheer started ScheerSports, Inc. in the 1990s to develop the Bi-Lo Center in Greenville. After spending countless hours and considerable funds on the arena, however, Scheer felt that his attention was being spread too thin. In late 1996, the partners decided :o sell the Charlotte Checkers to minority stakeholders, who then sold the team to Hornets owners George Shinn and Ray Wooldridge. The organization became what Scheer calls "the poor sister" of the beleaguered BA team. Once the Hornets left town for the Louisiana bayou in 2002, the hockey team was in serious trouble. When Scheer received a call from Mike Crum of the Charlotte AuditoriumColiseum-Convention Center Authority asking if he would be interested in repurchasing the team, he got back on the phone to Felix Sabates. Remarks Scheer, "Felix says that I talked him into re-buying the team, and I guess maybe I did, but it seeme~ like such a great opportunity for everybody involved." POWER PLAY

Three years later, it appears the Checkers have again turned the corner. Numbers are transitioning from red to black, and the promotions of jeff Longo to Charlotte Checkers president and Derek Wilkinson to hea:i coach/general manager have functioned to reignite fans' enthusiasm for the ice. Explains Scheer, 'Jeff has provided an energy and momentum that has proved

august 2005

invaluable in turning things around. Derek has an incredible focus and a demeanor that you usually only see after decades of experience. It is clear to me that both of these young guys have only just begun their careers, and that they will be in great demand. It is gratifying to work with people of such enthusiastic talent, and to hopefully provide a foundation that will assist them in that growth." The NHL standoff has culled some significant talent, which also hasn't hurt in attracting some audiences. "But," Scheer comments, "while we have benefited by some increased competition on the ice, we won't be hurt once the standoff is over. The average fan just wants to see good competition." Ironically, the biggest boon for the team, its pending relocation to the New Charlotte Arena, could also be its biggest hurdle: diehard fans lament the intimacy of Cricket Arena and are fearful of rising ticket prices. Yet, Scheer contends that the venue will do nothing but increase the teams visibility and support while maintaining affordability and intimacy in a state-of-the-art facility "One thing I learned from the NBA is that sports is a business of people and relationships, not bricks and mortar. We are dedicated to making the transuion seamle5s for the faithful, and at the same time look forward to attracting some new fans, " says Scheer, referring to the over 60,000 people who work in the center city Charlotte Checkers' ticket prices will top

out at $25 as opposed to $22 from last season, and the teams negotiations won decent parking rates. The arena contract is for three years with options on both sides, with the Checkers paying out-of-pocket expenses with incentives for attendance. Comments Scheer, 'The fans will be able to enjoy the game in one of the newest and best facilities in the country at the price they would have paid at Cricket Arena." He adds, "Staying at Cricket was not possible from a financial standpoint. But, we have made arrangements to facilitate the same level of entertainment. All of our hockey seating will be centered around the 5,200 seats at the core level of the arena, and the remaining seating will be curtained off to provide the same intimacy Plus, the restaurant and technology of the new stadium will increase the entertainment value considerably n Since the announcement of the move to the new arena, the Checkers have also moved their business offices from Cricket Arena into downtown's johnston Building on South Tryon Street. BREAKAWAY

While Scheer's Checkers have been ushered into a 21st century venue, he still maintains a strict adherence to the sports mores that commanded his passion in the old days. "What$ special about the Checkers is the same thing I saw when the NBA was in its infancy The players are young and tireless,

www.greate rc harl otte biz. com

playing for the love of the game. The feeling, the effort and the energy that crosses between the players and the fans are what fuel the magic." One of Scheer's favorite moments of his sports career exempli fies this best. "In 1988 when the Hornets reintroduced professional basketball to Charlotte, we had our first home game. There were 24,000 people packing the stands, country bands, speeches

Charlotte Checkers Professional Ice Hockey,LLC New offices in the johnston Bldg.: 212 South Tryon St., Ste.575 Charlotte, N.C. 28281 Phone: 704-342-4423

Principal: Carl Scheer; CEO ( 1993-1996; 2002-present) Background: A native of Springfield, Mass., Scheer spent six years practicing law in Greensboro, N.C., before beginning his involvement in sports marketing; former president and general manager of Charlotte Hornets, Los Angeles Clippers and Denver Nuggets; former owner and CEO of the Greenville Grrrowl. Team Slogan: "Back at Full Strength," a play on the hockey term for a team getting its complete lineup back on the ice. Sponsors: SunCom Wireless, Presbyterian Hospital, Beck lmports,Wachovia Corp., Coors Brewing Co. and Circle K. Business: The East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) is a professional minor-league double-A hockey association based in the United States and Canada.The Charlotte Checkers hockey team is a member of the ECHLAmerican Conference and is an affiliate of both the National Hockey League's NewYork Rangers and the American Hockey League's Hartford Wolf Pack The Checkers began playing in Charlotte in 1956 in the Eastern Hockey League.The team was purchased by Felix Sabates and Carl Scheer in 1993, bringing hockey back to Charlotte after a 16-year hiatus, but sold in 1996.The team was repurchased by Sabates and Scheer in 2002.1n 2004-2005, the Checkers made it to Conference finals. The team has called Cricket Arena (formerly Independence Arena) home since its first ECHL season in 1993-1994,; however; as of the 2005-2006 season, the Checkers will play in the New Charlotte Arena.

from dignitaries, and a lot of black ties. " He cont:nues, ''Aiel!, with great expecta_ions, often comes a great awakening. The dock ran down and :he Hornets had lost by 4{) points' I was beside myself - How could we have lost so badly on our debut game7 Th;:n something incredible happened. The 路::mzzer sounded, the players ran off the c urt, and the fans jumped to their feet givmg the new team a standing ovation. They were just happy to :-tave their team back! That is a feel ing l will never forget." Sc~1eer r;:cently sold another team close

to his heart, the ECHL Greenville Grrrowl, so

that he can focus on the task at hand with the Checkers. And while the Charlotte team has a way to go tackling fan concerns and getting used to its new home, Scheer is eyeing the ECHL championship Kelly Cup in 2006. Last year the team made the playoffs and fans are certainly encouraged. But, perhaps more than they realize, they should be glad to have Carl Scheer back on the team. biz Heather Head is a Charlotte-based freelance writer.

Building brighter futures together. .. Poyner & Spruill attorneys umlerstwul the construction process. Togethet; we will seek a fitture ofpromise, and we'll be with you

Owners , developers , contr actors and design professionals rely on our construction attorneys every day. From concept to planning , to construction and close-out and beyond, we protect your interests. Whether you need an occasional trouble-shooter or help with an entire project, contact Marshall Yoder , Section Chair, at 704.342.5309 to create a relationship that will keep on growing .

POYNER . SPRUILLLLP ATTORNEYS -AT- LAW Charlotte 704.342 .5250 Raleigh 919 .783 .6400 Rocky M ou nt 252 .446 .2341 Southern Pines 910.692.6866

www. poynerspruill. com grea:er chari::J t te biz

a u gust 2005

heather head

• •

Tim F la nagan knows that the on ly thing that 's certa i1 about the fut ure is that it w II c ome. B ut his f irm helps individuals and organizations pla 1 so that whatever e lse t h = f uture may hold , it w ill als:> br ing t h em closer to the ir d reams. '\!o o::1e ever doubted what Tim Flanagar_

Jr. ·would do when he grew up. His father was a financial advisor, like his father before: hir:-., and Flanagan himself seemed destined to run the family business some day He graduated in 1988 in finance and business from Cabrir..i College. In 1989 he joined the rar.ks of associates at his fathers company ir

greater charlotte biz

•

rea Philadelphia, and received his Chartered Life Underwriter certification in 1993. There was one snag: Flanagan wasn't as sure as everyone else that running a business was what he wanted out of the future. He had taken, at the age of 23 , to writing down his goals and dreams, and ten years ago - the same year he received his Chartered Financial Consultant certification - at the age of 28 he decided to try his wings in the corporate world. He left the family business and headed south to Atlanta to work for Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company ("MassMutual"). In 1999 he became a Certified Financial Planner professional, and by 2000 Flanagan had become regional director for the Southeast. But it turned out that his blood was true to the entrepreneurial spirit his father and grandfather had possessed after all. In early 2000 he presented a business plan for a new venture to MassMutual. Although his superiors at MassMutualliked the plan, they wanted

Flanagan in Springfield, Massachusetts, to assume the position of agency vice president. While the new position was a significant promotion and Flanagan enjoyed his work, his heart stayed in the South where the climate suited him and his wife, jeanine, and where he longed to own his own venture. One of his responsibilities in Springfield involved traveling to independent affiliates and helping them with issues involving their relationship with MassMutual. In 2001, while completing the Executive Development program at the Darden Business School, University of Virginia, Flanagan was called to Charlotte to work with Ivan Hinrichs. Hinrichs needed help implementing his succession plan for Hinrichs Financial so he could spend the balance of his career with his benefits company, HFCB, LLC. Although not part of the original plan, Flanagan became Hinrichs successor in 2004. The match was perfect. Flanagan recalls, "What Ivan saw in me at the time is a guy who would gain the respect of the people ~ august 2005

extends to the greater community where associates have built fourteen Habitat for Humanity houses in the past several years. The fifth and final core value is professionalism. "How you conduct yourself in the community, and present yourself to your clients and your associates matters," explains Flanagan. "Are you somebody who is serious about what you do, not only in your words, but in your actions?"

quickly, and allow us to continue serving our clien:s and helping the community" The organization has succeeded in the ?ast because of its associates and staff. As Racagan says, "This isn't about me; it is about aur people , our staff, and our clients." My role is to buik. on our legacy and help our people succeed and grow. " Stocking Up on Values

Cne of the things Flanagan did early on was to craft a set of five core values; " 1y fi·ve point mantra," he says with a smile. The first point is integrity and honesty. "One of the things that has struck me Jver and over again," says Flanagan, "is how many people come to me and say, 'Your firm is o::1e of the most respected organizations in Charlotte."' That respect is based on the foundation of integrity and honesty that hzs l:e~n at the core of the company for 70 years. Philip :-J.owerton established the firm in 1935 v.ith a strong tradition and built an excellent reputation ·Nhich was continued by Cal Dings and :van Hinrichs, who each led the firm fnr more than 20 years. The second point is passion. "We are passionate about what we do," says Flana5an. "We are passionate about the people we serve and the communities we serve." A:::countability forms the third. "A .ot of -vhat we do is help people plan for events, some of which will definitely happen - like death- and others that might happen." explains Flanagan. He insists that, as Lnan:ial ?Ianners and advisors, they must be accaunt-

Allocating Responsibility

able fer m;.:rLJ.g f,x t:1eir cfun_.; th.:.t - l-2 financ:.altraur;a Ji J.o.se ~~is r::ill:c::d..or elimirnt.:d a' tcge:ib ' Af~nccot:.ntab li t;. tl-,e: :ou-:h p:::in::-5 servia: to: othe:-s. ": !:ell ~~ -,:n~e ~::'tl::u it for yo-:tr£lf or you -c: nit b 0 :1c~ tt-en:!i no in bet-Jexr_;· s:ate:s ::1EBga-. '.nr.d -.'.t 7e: g:Jt to be · ~ fo~ ct~r~ .~ :':er.ri..:t: ~_,_,-_ the compc.n:-'s coon:itr.~<t LJ:: e-..:s. c.:- C.

Flanagan's five core values are the foundation of what sets Hinrichs Flanagan apart. Building upon that foundation, Flanagan is ir process of reorganizing the company to bette serve its clients and the community. Overall, Flanagan has divided the company into four divisions: risk management, wealth management, financial planning!, and corporate benefits. Risk management encompasses traditional insurance coverage - life, disability, and other income-protection plans. Wealth management includes everything having to do with the accumulation and distribution of assets, from investments to estate management. The financial planning division involves the pure act of "helping people plan a creative vision for their own future and their life," because, as Flanagan adds,_"finances are the engine that make:s a lot of that happen, and we help them see how that all comes together." The fourth division, HFCB, LLC, headed by Ivan Hinrichs, his son, Greg Hinrichs, and

A better office is ow within Reach. 1:rcducing Reach ... a new way to look at storage,

.a n=w v1ay to plan space. By placing high-capacity 5-::::r.:lge right in the wall, everything is now at arm's le-:gth. By providing 20% better space utilization, if; a smarter solution that makes storage more active, ~cple more productive, offices more open, organi:!al: •)n more attainable, worksurfaces more workable . •'he knew it could be so simple?

Allsteel Designed to work. Built to last.

august 2005

www.greate rc h ar I otte b iz.co nr

Bill Deuink, handles corporate benefits planning for large companies nationally including income replacement and compensation planning. The divisions allow the company !lexibility and focused expertise to handle client needs at any level. Having established them , Flanagan has gone one step further in beginning to develop within each division teams that will address specific client profiles and more narrowly focus on specialized needs. The teams include one designed to target executives in professional services companies, one working with physicians, one that serves the North Carolina Association of REALTORS, one designed to help careg1vers of elderly family members handle the financial aspects of their difficult situation, and another targeting the families of special needs children. Bonding with the Community The special needs planning team underscores the importance to Flanagan of service to community Families with disabled children are hardly a popular target for financial services salespeople. The financial drains of their challenging condition often leave these families with few resources and little wealth that needs managing.

Hinrichs Flanagan Financial

A sole proprietorship serving as a general agency for Massachusetts Mutual U(e Insurance Company HI NRICHS f LANAGAN 61 0 I Carnegie Blvd., F INANCIAL Ste.400 Charlotte, N.C. 28209 Phone: 704-557-9600 Principal: Timothy C. Flanagan Jr., General Agent (2004 - present) Past Principals: Ivan C. Hinrichs, General Agent ( 1983 - 2003); Cal bert L. Dings, General Agent ( 1968 - 1983) Founded: 1935; Philip Howerton C lients: 43,000 Assets Under Management: Nearly $1 billion Insurance in Force: $4 billion Staff: Approximately 80 Headquarters: Charlotte, with operations in North and South Carolina Business: Providing financial services to individuals, families, and businesses. www.hinrichsflanagan.com

Is there money in this market? Sometimes, Flanagan admits, the answer is no. "But if we can provide some advice, provide some direction on some resources, then that's what we'll do," he adds. "And no, there may not be money in that." This commitment to community is not completely selfless. "If we serve others well, I believe the law of reciprocity says we will do well. But," Flanagan adds, "our intentions and actions have to be on serving others first. " The kick-off for this team is planned for this month on August 28th, when in partnership with Exceptional Parent magazine, Hinrichs Flanagan will host a disability awareness event at Knights Stadium. Children and families of children with disabilities are invited to see the game, participate in the activities, and wimess the giving of community service awards by Hinrichs Flanagan. Cashing In With the twists and turns in Flanagan's career, he's never failed to plan for the future. One technique he implemented early on was writing down his goals. "''ve got all my documents going back to when I was 23," says Flanagan. "Some things I wrote down and forgot about, and they happened anyway. I didn't always have a plan, but I always wrote down my goals." This is Flanagan's first advice for individuals and businesses who seek his financial expertise. It is also something he has done for the company. To remain competitive and relevant in this challenging climate, Flanagan's divisions and teams are poised to better serve their clientele. And Flanagan's goals are clear. He wants his company to continue to be recognized as the most honest, trustworthy firm in Charlotte, and for his client-base and revenues to re!lect the value of that. More importantly; he wants to see his company continue to add value to the Charlotte community, and for underserved markets to begin to get the attention they need. But whatever the future may hold, you can be sure Flanagan has a plan. biz

• 1000's of Products • Grea• Service

• Best Pnces

Quick Turnaround Available Call for Quote

ProfeSSional end aftordnb ~OS

• N. ws1 tters • f t ontat1 '1 Mnteriah

market1ng serviCes

• [,,

.hures

•D

tMilll

• Bu:.ness Cards

lOIS rTl()re, JUSI ask'

Souti'End

vptowr

1Secwi ties,

investment advisory, and fi nancial planning services offered through Registered Representatives of MML Investors Services, Inc.

t€ r 1C1 N 'Y• reet Chn• 'tt Nl 246 p 704 370 2440 f 704 370 2928

ndepAIKiOt

Ather+orl fts 1C ~ - E j. 1 .1 N• p 704 333 2200 f 704 332 0100

www.prstore.biz Heather Head is a Charlotte-based freelance writer.

greater charlotte biz

LogoSTUFF™ Just Got a Whole Lot Easier.

Smalll.'lusme

august 2005

Joh, D. Bond II Partner 3radley Arart R.:>se .3. 1/Yhite l F

grea -_er cha r ot -:. e b iz

o:. ugJst 2005

as a construction lawyer with a Washington

With interest rates soaring past 15 per-

firm that had international concerns helped

cent in 1977, Bond returned to Troy State,

some of the largest contractors in the coun-

him develop his specialty, which he

but still worked in construction four hours a

try and many of them are building

describes as large, complex construction liti-

day and full-time between quarters. After

extensively throughout North Carolina and

gation. "I might be involved in cases or

graduating cum laude in 1980, he went to

South Carolina as well," he says.

working for clients anywhere in the U.S . or

work for Alabama-based contractor

A former president of JA. Jones, Bond says Bradley Arant was the "go-to" law firm

the world, but I'm simultaneously running

Algernon Blair, Inc. and discovered a natural

the Bradley Arant Charlotte office," he main-

ability for estimating the cost of complicated

for that Charlotte-based firm before it filed

tains.

construction projects.

Full circle

ect manager for the Louisiana World

Bond sees Bradley Arant's expansion into Charlotte as eminently logical. "We represent

for bankruptcy in 2003.

By 1982 , he was the firm's resident proj-

Bradley Arant's decision to open a Charlotte office is apropos since the firm

Then he encapsulates his bio sheet: "''m

Exposition in New Orleans. That Worlds

means to transport its strong banking prac-

a lawyer who's come full-circle in his career

Fair project is where Bond first ran across

tice to Charlotte in service to local

and decided to be in Charlotte," he says.

JA. Jones Construction Company which,

institutions. "Recently, Wachovia

Bond's been working since he started in

along with Algernon Blair, built the lions

Corporation acquired SouthTrust Bank, one

construction at 15. "By the time I was 21, I'd

of our oldest clients," he points out. "So that

built hundreds of houses and a few commer-

creates a natural fit with our banking prac-

cia! buildings as a project superintendent,"

Bond to get more education and he decided

tices. That will be an area we will focus on. "

he says.

to enroll in Cumberland School of Law at

Bond has brought two other attorneys

After early childhood in Enterprise, Bond

into the Charlotte office and is in the process

finished high school in Mobile and attended

share of the Worlds Fair. The Fair-building experience inspired

Samford University in Birmingham. While president of the Student Bar Association, he

of hiring others. "Our goal is to have 10

Troy State University He worked in con-

worked as a project manager and procure-

lawyers in the next 12 months and we

struction to put himself through school. At

ment specialist for Birmingham-based

would like to have 20 lawyers in three to

21 , he owned a construction company in

construction firm Harbert International.

five years," he says of the Charlotte presence.

Dothan. For two years, he built residential

But Bond doesn't restrict his practice of law to just the Charlotte area. His experience

He again ran acrossJA. Jones, which

and light commercial facilities in that south-

was participating in a joint venture with

em Alabama region.

Harbert to build a training facility at Fort Bragg near Fayetteville, N.C. Fresh from law school in 1987 , Bond sought his fortune in Washington, D.C. , and

Russian Proverb:

its thriving construction market. Soon he

Ao6paH cAaBa Ae)KHT, a xyAaH 6e)KHT.

joined the Spriggs and Hollingsworth law firm, assigned to start a construction practice. From 1989 unti\1997, he nursed that practice to 22 construction lawyers. He and his colleagues handled cases around the

Translation:

A good reputation will lie around, while a bad one will run around.

The Lesson?

When you make a misstep in international marketing, word travels fast. And your competitors are just waiting to use those mistakes to their advantage.

globe. Along the way, he met and married wife Laurie in 1992. The couple has two daugh-

Poorly translated marketing materials are amateurish and insulting to your customer or prospect. Since 1995, Choice Translating has helped clients choose exactly the right words to bring new ideas and products to overseas markets. Use Choice Translating on your next international marketing project...and have the last word on your competition! Call us today at 704.717.0043.

~ Choice Translating translating

brand name analysis

tagline localization

JA. Jones came calling in 1997 because the firms general counsel was retiring and Bond was an attractive candidate to fill his shoes. Easily, Bond was convinced coming to Charlotte was the right move. He calls his endeavors as general counsel "a fascinating experience. " JA. Jones built projects worldwide, including U.S embassies, military housing and the

....., 1

ters and a son, the youngest just six months old.

interpreting I

Washington memorial to the nation's World War II veterans.

Interstate Tower 121 West Trade Street, Suite 2650 Charlotte, NC 28202 www.choicerranslating.com

A new blueprint

In 1999, JA. Jones was taken by surprise ~

august 2005

www. greate rcharl otte biz. com

an ou FROM

TliE

Thank you to our wondertul Race and Corporate Partners, lawn Box Members, PSl Holders, Volunteers, Tailgaters and race fans that made our tenth anniversary celebration a great success. The Queen's Cup experienced its first sell-out in all tailgating categories and was able to donate $50,000 to the Catawba lands Conservancy. Please join us next year on Saturday, April 29, 2006 at Brooklandwood in Mineral Springs, NC as we break into our second decade of

•

great steeplechase racing.

Information on hospitality, PSLs and volunteering is available now by calling 704·843·7070 or visit us online at www.queensrup.org. To avoid disappointment, don't delay, contact us today.

BOTTOM OF OUR RACE

Presented by:

SONITROL

PARTNERS

WE ARE PROFESSIONAL GRAOE

COUR S E

AmericanAirlines

WTVI ~ .

VISA

PARTNERS

TI FFANY & Co.

when German parent Philipp Holtzmann

j ones lost its bonding capacity and the busi-

to "perfo rm as a majo r cog in the Bradley

A.G. declared insolvency Bond traveled reg-

ness spiraled downward .

Arant machine."

ularly to Germany to figure out what rights

Bond resigned from j.A. j ones in October

With what time remains after his hectic

and opportunities J .A. j ones might have

2002. He led an investment effort to try to

business schedule, Bond carves out time for

given that countrys legal system

buy the company, but found that the German

his favorite pastime- being with his family

parent struck an exclusive sale agreement

Then , with what time may be left over he

aspect of my job," Bond recalls. Ultimately,

'That was actually the most challenging

with another investor that prevented his

dedicates to favorite civic pursuits such as

the European Union and the German gov-

group's participation. When that deal col-

Wing Haven Gardens or possibly sneaking

ernment provided a temporary bailout for

lapsed in Apri12003, Bond decidedj.A.

away to a trout stream or golf course.

Holtzmann. But the parent firm remained in

Jones was not salvageable as an ongoing

dire financial straits and, in early 200 l, a

concern.

change in the German companys leadership precipitated changes in Charlotte. Bond became president ofj.A. jones. The

By fall2003, ].A. jones was in bankruptcy

But a person with a strong feeling that Bond will succeed is Charles T. (Charlie) Davidson, former chairman of J.A. jones,

and buyers were lining up for its subsidiaries.

who led the effort to bring him to Charlotte.

So Bond hooked on with Bradley Arant

Davidson sees Bond often because he's con-

Charlotte firm remained profitable, but

and spent about six months wi th the home

sulting with him on a complicated

within two months, Holtzmann was back in

office getting ready to open in Charlotte,

construction case in South Texas.

bankruptcy

which he did in june 2004.

Then the 9-ll attacks dramatically

Why did the globe-trotting construction

shrank the ranks of surety bond capacity,

lawyer want to remain in Charlotte7

eliminating many American reinsurers and underwriters from the surety market. J .A.

"Its amusing how I ended up in Charlotte," Bond smiles. He was perfectly happy being based in D.C. and literally hav-

Bradley Arant Rose & White B LLP

Charlotte Office:

1-i

ell Arâ&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ t ra ey an

BRADlÂŁY ARANT ROSE & 'M-ITE

I.U"

"I think the challenge for John is to lead the balanced life that he was able to ach ieve when he was part ofj.A. Jones," Davidson says. An engineer by training, Davidson praises Bonds initiatives to establish stan-

ing the world as his oyster. Whenj.A. Jones

dards of conduct at J .A. Jones and create an

called, he entered dialogue mostly to get to

ethics program years before the Enron col-

know the executives in the company's hierar-

lapse brought such matters to the forefront.

chy better. As he learned more about the firm and its

He values Bonds desire to handle disputes, as well as his penchant for avoiding

Bank of America Corporate Center I00 North Tryon St., Ste. 2690 Charlotte, N.C. 28202

people, he liked what he saw. "At ].A. jones,

them if possible. Further, he says, Bond

every person was responsible for working

helped ].A. jones craft a risk assessment sys-

hard, with the highest priority and value

tem to decide early on whether a project was

Phone: 704-338-6000

placed on integrity of the people who are

worth pursuing or remaining involved in.

Principal: John D. Bond Ill, Partner, Charlotte office Founded: 1871 in Birmingham,Ala., as Hewitt & Walker;June 2004, Charlotte office Offices: Birmingham,Aia. (headquarters); Washington, D.C.; Huntsville,Aia.; Montgomery,Ala.; and Jackson, Mo. Business: One of the oldest and largest law firms in Alabama, with more than 200 lawyers practicing in virtually every area of law. Practice areas include antitrust and competitive torts; appellate litigation; banking and finance; bankruptcy, restructuring and reorganization; construction and procu rement; corporate and securities; emerging business and technology; employee benefits; energy; environmental and toxic tort; estate and trust planning; governmental affairs; health care; international, labor and employment; litigation; media and entertainment; patents, trademarks and copyrights; public finance; real estate; tax; and white collar criminal defense. www.bradleyarant.com

august 2005

working with you ," he says. "That's very

Finally, Davidson, who spent 37 years at

important to me. "

].A. jones, likes Bonds strong advocacy for

Then there was Charlotte itself. "My wife Laurie and l have never been to a friendlier city," he vows. "We see a culture where the

developing leadership in others. "To John," he says simply, "people count. " In turn, Bond says Davidson, whom he

business people have made other business people step up and be accounted for in

names as one of the two most influential

sustaining this as a successful city l'm

are your most important resource."

impressed with the extent to which everybody chips in."

Another influential person for Bond was john Franck, for whom he worked in

"From a global perspective, Charlotte is

Alabama while attending Troy State. Franck

people in his career, taught him that "people

probably as enlightened a city as you can

taught Bond about priorities, he says, and to

find," he adds. "The banking business has

focus on whats important and let small mat-

brought a lot of highly educated people here.

ters take care of themselves.

The legal community is very bright. "

Bond acknowledges both those teachings could play a large part in his ultimate suc-

Friendly digs "I made a decision to stay here," he says, "which has been probably one of the better decisions l've ever made." These days, Bond works "a couple of hundred hours a month " and averages three days a week on the road. It's part of building the Charlotte office toward his five-year goal

cess with the Charlotte office of Bradley Arant "I think john is extremely well qualified to lead this office of Bradley Arant and l predict he will be very successful," Davidson pronounces. biz

Ellison Clary is a Charlotte-based freelance wnter.

www.greate rc h arl otte biz. com

ass

ro ·

ca re is my passioo c-o is keeping my patien s rappy. I don't have tine to wory about my lrrternet provider E~e

DEDICATED ACCESS Fiber connec:ivity fo - business • Scalable 51'V1tp -10Gb~ b·o3dbard sokJtions ave: 13ble

With Ro3d Runner 8Jsiness Class, I oon't have tl. ThE'{ o' er 24/7 e::hnical support ... prety amazilg.

• Poilt-to-mu t-Joint connectbity

I t-ied lrternet access trrough a local Jhone comJanv, J t it wasn't w1at I eeded. Roa Runner Business Cl ass is fast, relia ble and

• T~!::worker a;~!regat10n

secure. t hEven't looked tack.

• Po11t-to-pJi 1 ;onnectivity

• lnti3rnet acce:;

• Me nagej seruity • Ba .ked by Tin 3 Warner C: bi :l

Road Runner Business Class at work for you

• 24,7 dedicatfc support

1-866-RRB Z4U ROAD g ll'VNER

Business Clcus P

twcarolina.com ~ TI M E

Experience ! -o:unond "

WARNER

~ :ABLE

Co111J11ercia! Services

LC ONE" TU~ES , cha•actErs, names 3roi all reicte::: inj cia are r-aderrar<s of 3nd.;: We mr 3ros. Not a~.ail3ble

n mm£ arEas. This is ret a pAid enocrs:!mErt (s05)

(I t'J r): olph, VP, Business: De-.elopment; Ch k Randolph, VP; front rov- jeff Randolph, VP, Project Manager ; Ga I Randolph, Secretary Treasurer; Ray Randolph, President Randolph & Son Builders. Inc

ln 1986, the family moved to the Queen City from Montana, spurred by the active construction industry in the Carolinas. "There wasn't enough work to feed all of us in Montana," says Ray. "We had to move to make a living." Ray and Gail looked around the country for a couple of years before deciding on the Queen City They wanted to locate someplace where they could work year round. At first they chose Las Vegas but, after a visit to Charlotte, they changed their minds. 路路r told the boys that if the company didn't make it, they could all get jobs in Charlotte," laughs Ray Charlottes vibrant growth proved just the right match for Randolph &: Son Builders. The company has worked on over 400 projects in the corridor between Columbia and Mooresvi.lle in the last two decades. At first the projects were in the $25,000 to $150,000 range, but they've grown over the years. Today the company works on projects valued up $5 to $6 million. Among the many commercial projects Randolph &: Son has built are offices, churches, daycare centers, medical clinics, restaurants, and other retail establishments. Industrial projects include printing plants, trucking terminals, chemicalprocessing facilities, and textile operations.

Randolph RAND@ LPH &Son ~ Builders, Inc. 1010 Culp Road Pineville, N.C. 28134 Phone: 704-588-7116 Principals: Ray Randolph, President; Chuck Randolph,Vice President;Jeff Randolph,Vice President, Project Manager; Joel Randolph,Vice President, Business Development; Gail Randolph, Secretary Treasurer Employees: 75 In Business: Family business since 1935 Average Project Size: $1 ,000,000 -

$4,999,999 Market Radius: Statewide Sales: $25 million in 2004 Business: Construction - Commercial Buildings; Charlotte-based general contractor that serves business owners, architects, and developers who build in the Carolinas. www.randolphbuilders.com

august 2005

Starting Up

Chuck, 41 ,jeff, 39, Greg, 35, and joel, 34, all started working summers for Randolph&: Son Builders at age 13, just as their father started working at a young age for his father. Each of them earned money for their college educations working in the family business during summer vacations and each of them are vice presidents today, \vith the exception of Greg who took his love of computers to a technology company. "Each of the boys chose a field of endeavor and we provided the opportunity for them to grow within it," says Ray. "We all share the understanding that this is a business and we stress that we deal with business matters at the office- fun times are separate. lf any conflicts occur, we resolve them before they can fester. " Chuck, who remembers earning $2.50 an hour when he started working for Randolph &: Son Builders, oversees the design-build division of the company. He also supervises the erection of the steel frames for buildings. This is an area in which Randolph &: Son maintains an edge over many competitors the company maintains its own steel erection crew, rather than contracting out the steel work. "This is a service we provide to our clients," says Chuck. "A lot of times, steel erection is 20 percent or more of the project. Because we do it ourselves, we can control the quality and the cost. Jeff handles general construction, supervising the staff who manages the projects, and Joel is in charge of marketing and sales. "Each of them chose what they're doing and thats really their strength," says Ray. 'They grew up together and learned to respect each others' decisions, so they're comfortable with letting each other do their own job." The family is close even outside of work. As Ray points out, there are 19 birthdays to be celebrated. The men enjoy hunting and fishing and play a little golf together as well. They are currently planning a vacation in Montana together in November. Succeeding in Charlotte

The Randolph family quickly made Charlotte their adoptive home. After renting a building for the first decade, the company built its own 15,000 square foot office and

warehouse off Westinghouse Boulevard in 1998. Ray and Joel bought houses in South Charlotte, while Jeff and Chuck settled in Tega Cay. The company prospered. The family also got involved \vith the community, joining the local Arrowood Association and working on various projects with the Chamber of Commerce. joel has served on the Airport Advisory Commission for six years and is preparing to serve a term on the Charlotte Mecklenburg Planning Commission. The company also sponsors local sports teams. While Randolph &: Son Builders suffered a slight downs\\ing after the events of 9-11, it has rebounded quickly Last year was, according to Joel, the companys strongest year ever. And, \vith a current backlog of projects, there is a sense of confidence about the future. Ray Randolph attributes the company's success to its commitment to quality work and to senice. Not content to simply bid on a project, Randolph &: Son Builders works closely with its clients during the design and building phases to ensure a smoothly running, cost-effective project. The company helps clients address everything from soil and environmental testing to financing options. lt can guide clients through the maize of government regulations such as setbacks and buffer requirements. Unlike some other large commercial builders, Randolph &: Son Builders does its own concrete, steel work and carpentry. Having these specialists on staff means hiring few subcontractors. It also gives the company greater control over the quality of the construction. Randolph &: Son Builders is proficient with a vvide variety of construction materials from conventional buildings to innovative preengineered building systems. The company is also adept at combining several construction materials within a single project. The company has also invested in the latest technology; a move Ray says has contributed to its success "We're ahead of the competition in terms of technology," Ray asserts. "The fax machine, the digital camera, lap top computers, all save time and improve construction a lot more than anyone realizes." One room at company headquarters is

www.greate rc harl otte biz. com

Where can you discuss those sensitive issues that are keeping you awake at night? Wake Forest MBA Family Business Center~ Charlotte Metro The Family Business Center in Charlotte was founded to address the unique issues faced by family and other closely held businesses.

Can participate in your own private Affinity Group with loca l business colleagues, who have also experienced issues like yours. Will be the only member from your company or family in your group. Will meet regularly to talk about sensitive issues, share experiences and benefit from advice in a confidential setting . Wi ll be amazed at how your group can help you sleep better at night. Affinity Groups are just one of the many programs offered by the Center. For more information contact Nicole Stephens at 704.366.0540 or visit www.mba .vvfu.edu/fbc

WAKE FOREST B ABCOCK G RADUATE SCHOOL

of M ANAGEMENT

www.mba.wfu.edu

dedicatecl to a chgital estimator, which crunche5 out aJ the ILlmJers relevant to a specific pro_ eeL Ray s•ys i: takes days off the process c f estimating he materials and costs of a p~ojc:ct. \Vithsixty years of experience, the company ha~ a strong trac..-<. record with the business owners, ardLtects and developers who buii:! in the Cardinas.

"Daniel, Ratliff & Company has been more than an accountant to us, they have been a true business partner in helping us get the right information to manage our business."

Crrowner of Red Rocks Restazmmr, z;;itb locations ~n Pr.videncr Rd. in Charlotte and at Birkdale Villafiin Hunterst•ille.

301 S. McDowell Street Suite 502 Cwlotte, NC 28204

125 E Plaza Drive Suite 101 Mooresville. NC 28115

704.371 .5000

704.663.0193

it all Adds up. 42

august 2005

Rand·Jlph & Son Euilders has found a special n che in ·::>Uildi.tg post o!Iices. They nave bui:l l3 new ones, including the U.S. Post Qffi.:e in :)akdaiE, c.n:l have worked on restoring several otheG. They've won acco:ades for ::ompleting a post office in Columbi:l, S C., three m::mths ahead of sched·J!e "We s:ar:ed building post offices in Yiontana" explains Ro--y 'Theres a lot of paperno-~ ·nvolved nd you have to build to ·o~e ry tigh schedules. \ve'w gouen on their .ist of qu llified builde-s. ' Randolph & Son Euilders is currently worki1g :on a $4.7 milioncomplex of build.ngs for Lie South Can! ina Department of Transpor::atior. in Rock Hi], S.C.

Looking Ahead

The future of the family business appears to be assured, \vith nine grandchildren as possible builders. Although Ray at age 63 has no intention of reuring, saying, 'Til stay until they kick me out," he is still intent on training the fourth gene ration. Chucks daughter Nichole is in her fifth summer of working in the front office, while her sister Danielle, a sophomore in high school, is working as receptionist. Thirteen year old justin Randolph, Greg:S son, is also working at Randolph&: on this summer- just as hts father and uncles dtd. However, while they earned $2.50 an hour at that age, justin is earning $8.00. Although his father is no longer part of the family busmess, justin delighted hts grandfather recently by declanng, "I think I want to be in the construction business." At 17 months joei:S daughter Emil) may be too young to JOin the business, but she is already learning to work the phones. Her dad says she can already unlock his Blackberry and scroll his address book. 'Td love to see all of them work here," says proud grandfather Ray "It will be open for them, but it:S their choice to make." In addition to hoping for a fou rth generation working full Lime at the family business, Randolph&: Son Builders has a business plan that calls for growing the business over the next five years. The plan lists the company objectives and organizational goals for each year, looks at a succession plan, and focuses on delivery of quality projects for clients. lt also contains Rays expectations that the company will work on larger projects in the future. Ray expects the company to be working on projects in the $10 to $15 million range over the next five years. With the family line of succession well established and a business that is continuing to grow and prosper, Ray Randolph is confident that Randolph &: Son Builders is well positioned to serve the Carolinas in the future. "Charloue is very competitive," say Ray. "There are a lot of good contractors here. We have to work hard every day and do a good job of marketing. Fortunately, we have a lot of saLisfied clients and a good word-of-mouth reputation." biz Casey jacobus is a Charlotte-based (reelance writer.

www.greate rc h arl otte biz. com

bizresource guide

Is Emplovee Turnover Driving You Crazvil See If Applicants Are The Right Fit Before You Hire Them Determine which applicants will have longterm success within your organization. We have helped companies go from 14% to 85% effectiveness with their hiring process by using our proven assessment techniques. Contact Scholz & Associates today!

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

704-987-0195 www.lmproveYourHiringProcess.com

Take advantage of these products and services (rom Charlotte's /ead1ng business-to-business suppliers. Allen Tate Realtors ATCOM Ballantyne Center for Dentistry Breakfast Club America Business Success Institute Carolinas HealthCare Charlotte Copy Data Charlotte Steeplechase Association Choice Translating CPCC Corp Training Daniel Ratliff Diamond Springs Water Dilworth Hair Co. Dunn Marketing Employers Association Employers Association-Benefits Fink's Jewelers Henricks Corporate Training Hinrichs Flanagan Financial Interact Knauff Insurance LandAmerica MacThrift Office Furniture NouvEON Pfeiffer University Poyner & Spruill PR Store Scholz & Associates Scott Jaguar Shield Engineering Signature Healthcare SMS Catering Tathwell Printing TimeWarner Business UNCC Belk College WFU- Family Business Council

IBC pg. 12 pg. 21 pg. 26 pg. 10 pg. 1 pg. 24 pg . 35 pg . 34 pg . 3 pg. 42 pg . 18 pg . 11 pg . 8 pg. 13 pg. 20 IFC pg . 10 pg. 25 pg . 9 pg . 11 pg . 18 pg . 30 pg . 9 pg . 19 pg . 27 pg . 31 pg . 43 BC pg . 8 pg. 12 pg . 13 pg . 43 pg. 37 pg. 5 pg. 41

2200-E Interstate North Drive • Charlotte. NC 28206 704.357.6002 ·Fax 704.357.3374 • www.tathwsJJprinting.com greater charlotte biz

august 2005

TIMELESS TIMEPIECES www.breitling.com As red carpet ''bli ng" reaches almost absurd proportions, it is nice to know that there are still some folks who prefer class and cachet to the blinding glare of bejeweled one-upmanship. One company in panicular, Breitling, has made it a point to preserve the timeless craftsmanship of watch making by adhering to standards of extraordinary precision, insisting on tasteful and elegant designs, and building upon the history and legacy of the brand. The founder of the family's watch making tradition, leon Breitling, opened his workshop in 1884 at just 24 years of age in the jura mountains of Switzerland, specializing in chronographs and precision counters for scientific and industrial purposes. Through generations, the family firm has maintained its obsessive attention to anistry, precision, detail and functionality. The company became the first official supplier of the Royal Air Force in 1936, and has been a long-time favorite of the American armed forces, major airlines and astronauts. One of the more popular of the coveted Breitling chronographs, is the Navitimer, which can calculate fuel consumption, rate of assent, air speed, distance, and conven miles to kilometers or nautical miles. Also well known is the Professional series equipped with an emergency microtransmitter.

Most recently, Breitling has introduced perhaps their "blingiest" series of chronographs- Breitling for Bentley - and featuring Bentley Motors design elements in the watch's aesthetics. The crown jewel of the series is the Mulliner Tourbillon. Manufactured at the rate of only two watches per month in a limited edition of 100, it is customized to the preferences of its future owner and includes the owner's initials engraved on one of the movement bridges. Prices stan at $152,000 and can go upwards of $215 ,000 depending on the paniculars. Recently this interesting collection made a tour stop in Charlotte, hosted by Fink's jewelers at SouthPark, which repons that Breitling is its fastest growing collection. Breitling representatives echo the warm response saying that Charlotte is one of the most rapidly growing markets for its chronographs. Marie Bodman, Breitling USA president, called 2004 the "best year ever" for the Swiss watch in the United States with business growing 38 percent. The brand has a distribution network of 315 U.S. retailers. Breitling watches retail generally from $1 ,200 to $120,000. More information: www.breitling.com; wwwfinks.com. rn

'1n: ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

KOHLER SOKâ&#x201E;˘ BATH www.us.kohler.com

One of most rewarding investments you can make for yourself and for the value ofyour home is one of the hottest luxwy housing trends in baths, the Kohler soh (pronou nced "soak"). A reincarnation of the bathing litual, the soh overflowing bath creates the ultimate soaking expelience. No longer are we interested in zipping through the bathing routine to the snappy tune of an Irish Spring commercial. No longer do we want to be pounded incessantly by pulsating jets or tumbled mercilessly by whirlpool eddies, invigorated and re-energized. After a stressful and hectic day, we are seeking sanctuary and soothing. Hold the Zest and light the aromatherapy candles!

august 2005

The sok is an oversized bathtub with a deep basin that allows you to be submerged to your chin in water that never gets cold. The melodic sound of cascading water continuously overflowing all sides with a gentle rhythm soothes the senses. A built-in channel captures the cascading water which is then reheated and recirculated through specially engineered air jets that create small soothing bubbles for the ultimate soaking experience. Kohler has recently taken their sok overflowing bath to a new level, with the addition of chromatherapy to enrich the experience, allowing an individual to be immersed in pure, healing hues. With the touch of a button, the Kohler sok with chromatherapy features eight hues that are sequentially transmitted via four LED light pons positioned within the inner walls of the bath. According to research in the practice of chromatherapy, color has a tangible effect on feelings of well being and comfon. Warm colors are stimulating; cool colors are calming. It is believed that color can affect people's mental and emotional states. In addition, the water's warm temperature, combined with the gentle massage from the specially designed jets, relaxes the muscles, making the body even more receptive to the effects of color. These luxury spa tubs can be seen at various high-end retailers, including Ferguson Bath Kitchen & lighting Gallery at 2000 South Blvd. in Charlotte, and range in retail price anywhere from $7,100 to $8,800. More information: http:!!wwwus.kohler.comltech!products!why_sokjsp; wwwjerguson.com. rn i

www .greatercharlottebiz .com

PENTHOUSES AT PHILLIPS PLACE Charlotte, North Carolina Location, location, location! Like new, in the heart of South Park. Shopping, dining and entertainment only footsteps away. Ultirrate elegance in a maintenance-free lifestyle of penthouse living, gated, key access only garage, private elevator. Impeccable quality and exceptional value. 3BR/ 3BA MLS# 516949 • $1 ,200,000 Property Address: 6700 Fairview Road, Unit 450

Barbara Tate - 704-367-7200 www.allentate.com/barbaratate

GATED COMMUNITY Weddington, North Carolina Stunning, two-story home in prestigious Chatelaine! This home feat~es hardwood throughout main, gourmet kitchen with glazed

cabirets, stone fireplace in two-story great room, exquisite master suite with bay window sitting area and guest suite on main with full bath. 4BR/ 4.1BA MLS# 521185 • $789,000 Property Address: 701 Beauhaven Lane

Lynn Burnett - 704-650-3472 www.a llentate.com/ lyn n burnett

:::.. UXURIOUS MID-RISE CONDO Charlotte, North Carolina Luxu·ious, mid-rise condo in the heart of Myers Park, overlooking Myers Park Country Club. Gourmet kitchen with granite countertops, hardwood floors, two fireplaces, covered terraces and secured underground parking. Never lived in, ready to occupy. 3,162 sq.ft. 3BR/ 2.1BA MLS# 500357 • $1 ,395,000 Property Address: 2343 Roswell Avenue -···-··---··-----···-·------

Barbara Tate -704-367-7200 www.allentate.com/barbaratate

CUSTOM ARTISTRY & DESIGN Union County, North Carolina Elegc;nce beyond description by Excellence Custom Homes. Features include two-story great room with fireplace, opulent master suite, media room with wet bar and adjoining recreation room, cascading staircase, furn iture-quality cabinets, three-car garage and workshop. The essence of luxury Union County living in gated Providence Downs South. 4BR/4.2BA MLS# 504764 • $1 ,520,000 Property Address: 148 Strike the Gold Lane

Robert Myers - 803-802-0231 www.fortmillrealty.com

THANKS TO STANDARD PERMANENT ALL-WHEEL DRIVE, A LEATHERTRIMMED INTERIOR AND AVAILABLE ONE-TOUCH POWER MOONROOF, YOU'LL GO YOUR OWN WAY ON A ROAD PAVED WITH BOTH LUXURY AND COMMON SENSE.

2005 JAGUAR

X-TYPE 3.0

$418 20 /mo* 36-MONTH LEASE**