Images Mooresville, NC: 2010 by Journal Communications

2010 | IMAGESMOORESVILLE.COM ®

What’s s e Online Video of local veterans on the Flight of Honor to Washington D.C.

MOORESVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA

ACTIVE AMENITIES APLENTY Quality park system keeps growing

QUIET GIANTS Big-scale businesses succeed in small-town setting

Heroes Welcome Veterans receive star treatment here

SPONSORED BY THE MOORESVILLE-SOUTH IREDELL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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MOORESVILLE , NORTH CAROLINA SENIOR EDITOR LISA BATTLES COPY EDITOR JOYCE CARUTHERS ASSOCIATE EDITOR JESSY YANCEY STAFF WRITERS CAROL COWAN, KEVIN LITWIN CONTRIBUTING WRITERS ANNE GILLEM, JOE MORRIS, JESSICA MOZO DATA MANAGER CHANDRA BRADSHAW INTEGRATED MEDIA MANAGER DESHAUN GOODRICH SALES SUPPORT MANAGER CINDY HALL SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER BRIAN McCORD STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS JEFF ADKINS, TODD BENNETT, ANTONY BOSHIER, J. KYLE KEENER PHOTOGRAPHY PROJECT MANAGER ANNE WHITLOW CREATIVE DIRECTOR KEITH HARRIS ASSOCIATE PRODUCTION DIRECTOR CHRISTINA CARDEN PRODUCTION PROJECT MANAGERS MELISSA BRACEWELL, KATIE MIDDENDORF, JILL WYATT SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNERS LAURA GALLAGHER, KRIS SEXTON, CANDICE SWEET, VIKKI WILLIAMS LEAD DESIGNER JESSICA MANNER GRAPHIC DESIGN ERICA HINES, JANINE MARYLAND, MARCUS SNYDER WEB IMPLEMENTATION DIRECTOR ANDY HARTLEY WEB DESIGN DIRECTOR FRANCO SCARAMUZZA WEB CONTENT MANAGER JOHN HOOD WEB PROJECT MANAGER YAMEL RUIZ

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CHAIRMAN GREG THURMAN PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER BOB SCHWARTZMAN EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT RAY LANGEN

RELOCATION Considering a move to this community? We can help. Use our Relocation Tools to discover tips, including how to make your move green, advice about moving pets and help with booking movers.

SR. V.P./CLIENT DEVELOPMENT JEFF HEEFNER SR. V.P./SALES CARLA H. THURMAN SR. V.P./OPERATIONS CASEY E. HESTER V.P./SALES HERB HARPER V.P./SALES TODD POTTER V.P./VISUAL CONTENT MARK FORESTER V.P./EDITORIAL DIRECTOR TEREE CARUTHERS V.P./CUSTOM PUBLISHING KIM NEWSOM MANAGING EDITOR/BUSINESS BILL McMEEKIN MANAGING EDITOR/COMMUNITY KIM MADLOM MANAGING EDITOR/TRAVEL SUSAN CHAPPELL PRODUCTION DIRECTOR NATASHA LORENS PHOTOGRAPHY DIRECTOR JEFFREY S. OTTO CONTROLLER CHRIS DUDLEY ACCOUNTING MORIAH DOMBY, DIANA GUZMAN, MARIA McFARLAND, LISA OWENS

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RECRUITING/TRAINING DIRECTOR SUZY SIMPSON DISTRIBUTION DIRECTOR GARY SMITH

In our Interactive section, watch quick videos by our editors and photographers featuring people, places and events.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DIRECTOR YANCEY TURTURICE IT SERVICE TECHNICIAN RYAN SWEENEY HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER PEGGY BLAKE SALES SUPPORT RACHAEL GOLDSBERRY SALES/MARKETING COORDINATOR RACHEL MATHEIS EXECUTIVE SECRETARY/SALES SUPPORT KRISTY DUNCAN OFFICE MANAGER SHELLY GRISSOM RECEPTIONIST LINDA BISHOP

FACTS & STATS

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Images Mooresville is published annually by Journal Communications Inc. and is distributed through the Mooresville-South Iredell Chamber of Commerce and its member businesses. For advertising information or to direct questions or comments about the magazine, contact Journal Communications Inc. at (615) 771-0080 or by e-mail at info@jnlcom.com.

Go online to learn even more about: • Schools • Health care • Utilities • Parks • Taxes

LOCAL FLAVOR From the simple to the sublime, the delicious offerings here are guaranteed to satisfy every appetite.

ABOUT THIS MAGAZINE Images gives readers a taste of what makes Mooresville tick – from business and education to sports, health care and the arts.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Mooresville-South Iredell Chamber of Commerce 149 E. Iredell Avenue • Mooresville, NC 28115 Phone: (704) 664-3898 • Fax: (704) 664-2549 www.mooresvillenc.org VISIT IMAGES MOORESVILLE ONLINE AT IMAGESMOORESVILLE.COM ©Copyright 2009 Journal Communications Inc., 725 Cool Springs Blvd., Suite 400, Franklin, TN 37067, (615) 771-0080. All rights reserved. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without written consent. Member

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MOORESVILLE

2010 EDITION | VOLUME 8 ®

19 MOORESVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA CO NTE NT S F E AT U R E S 8 ACTIVE AMENITIES APLENTY Mooresville’s quality park system just keeps getting better.

MOORESVILLE BUSINESS 22 Quiet Giants Several big-scale businesses have found success in this small-town setting.

24 Biz Briefs

12 HEROES WELCOME Veterans receive star treatment here, where patriotism is part of everyday life.

29 KIDS WHO ACT OUT Mooresville Children’s Theatre provides a creative outlet for young thespians.

26 Chamber Report 27 Economic Proﬁle

D E PA R TM E NT S 4 Almanac: a colorful sampling of Mooresville culture

31 MORE THAN MAKING THE GRADE National honors and tech initiatives deﬁne the local education scene.

16 Local Flavor 17 Portfolio: people, places and events that deﬁne Mooresville

28 Health & Wellness 32 Community Proﬁle: facts, stats and important numbers to know

All or part of this magazine is printed with soy ink on recycled paper containing 10% post-consumer waste.

ON THE COVER Staff photo View from a front porch in Mooresville

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Almanac

Welcome to Wheels Wonderland

Stroll Through History Mooresville has a wealth of historic homes and buildings constructed in a variety of architectural styles, and you can learn more about them each October during the annual Historic Mooresville Tour of Homes. First held in October 2007, the tour was created to promote Historic Downtown Mooresville, and proceeds benefit the Mooresville Historic Preservation Commission and the Mooresville Museum. The tours usually include stops at 10 to 12 locations. In past years, sites have included homes built in the late 1800s, such as the Ernest Henry Miller House, the W.M. Lentz House and the Isaac Harris House. Early 1900s structures on display include the Zebulon Turlington House, the Mary Howard Rankin Turlington House and homes that were part of the Mooresville Mill Village.

If you’re an automotive enthusiast, roll into Memory Lane Museum. The facility houses the largest private collection of retired NASCAR race cars in the world. Among the cars on exhibit are those driven by stock car superstars such as Richard Petty‚ Dale Earnhardt‚ Junior Johnson‚ Richard Petty‚ Rusty Wallace and Darrell Waltrip. Also on display is a large collection of Soap Box Derby cars and go-karts. Hollywood has come calling several times since the museum opened in 2001. Many film production companies have used it as a resource for vintage race cars and other props.

Move Over, Daytona and Indy Big speedway events may create more media buzz for cities like Daytona, Fla., and Indianapolis, but Mooresville is the only place that truly can claim the Race City USA moniker. Officially nicknamed such in 1993, the town more than lives up to the title, with its more than 60 race teams and the hundreds of thousands of motorsports fans that visit them and other attractions here annually. In addition to the race shops, fans also visit places such as the North Carolina Auto Racing Hall of Fame, the North Carolina Auto Racing Walk of Fame and Memory Lane Museum. Numerous NASCAR drivers, team owners and crew chiefs also call Mooresville home.

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Fast Facts

Imagination Station People still visit Mooresvilleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Southern Railway Depot to depart on journeys, only now they are transported by art instead of by train. The structure is now known as the Depot Visual Arts Center, home to the Mooresville Artist Guild since 1978. The building has been remodeled over the years and includes a warehouse space that is used for large exhibits. The guild, which was organized with 20 members in 1966, now has more than 200 artists and supporters. Besides displaying art and serving as a meeting space for guild members, the center is the site for various events and workshops. See www.mooresvilleartistguild.com for a calendar of events.

Mooresville At A Glance POPULATION (2007 ESTIMATE) Mooresville: 26,689 Iredell County: 155,359

Winston-Salem 77

Love Valley

Harmony

LOCATION Mooresville is in the Piedmont region of North Carolina, 30 miles north of Charlotte.

I R EDELL Statesville

FOR MORE INFORMATION Mooresville-South Iredell Chamber of Commerce 149 E. Iredell Ave. Mooresville, NC 28115 Phone: (704) 664-3898 Fax: (704) 664-2549 www.mooresvillenc.org

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Q Mooresville and Hockenheim, Germany, have been sister cities for more than a decade. Q Money magazine ranked Mooresville among the Top 100 cities in which to live in 2007. Q With 520 miles of shoreline, Lake Norman is the largest body of fresh water in the state. Q Mooresville is a top spot for business relocations, according to Site Selection magazine. Q Golfers will find several quality courses in the area, including Mooresville Golf Course, Statesville Country Club, Fox Den Country Club and Verdict Ridge.

BEGINNINGS Mooresville was named for John Franklin Moore, who arrived on the scene in 1855 and persuaded the Atlantic, Tennessee and Ohio Railroad to run tracks through the center of town.

Q The NASCAR Technical Institute is located in Mooresville.

Troutman 85

Mooresville Lake Norman

Mooresville 7 77

Charlotte

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Online e Take a virtual tour of Mooresville, courtesy of our awardwinning photographers, at imagesmooresville.com.

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Our community will fill you with a sense of belonging. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s where you hang your hat and keep your heart. When you think of home, think of Waterlynn Ridge, a community designed for the relaxation and pleasure of its residents.

APARTMENT HOMES COMMUNITY AMENITIES: Resort-style pool with outdoor fireplace

Black appliances Granite counter tops*

Extra storage units Media/movie center Barbeque area with gas grills

waterlynnridge@greystar.com www.waterlynnridgeapts.com

From I-77 North, take exit 33 Turn right and travel approximately one mile to Waterlynn Ridge Apartments on your right.

Two-inch custom blinds

State-of-the-art fitness center Detached garages

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Wood-style floorings in entry and kitchen

Business center

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APARTMENT FEATURES:

Full-size washer/dryer Pool and wooded views* Space-saver microwaves Decorative archways* Linen closets* Walk-in closets

Walking trail

Crown molding

Playground

Custom kitchen cabinets

WiFi access in the amenities

Pantries

Magnificent clubhouse

Kitchen islands*

Pet friendly

Balcony/patio

Extraordinary resident services

Nine-foot ceilings

Ceiling fans*

<eafp ap Oval soaking tubs*

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Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be home â&#x20AC;Ś

Almanac

Meet Your Colorful Neighbor The spirit of watercolor artist Cotton Ketchie may be found in private and corporate art collections throughout 47 states, Canada, Europe and Asia, but his heart firmly remains here in his native Mooresville. When he’s home, Ketchie can often be found at his downtown business, Landmark Galleries Inc. at 212 N. Main, or volunteering with various community organizations. As past president of the Mooresville-Lake Norman Exchange Club, Ketchie has been very involved in child abuse awareness and prevention. The club has held the annual Cotton Ketchie Arts Festival since 2004, raising thousands of dollars for the SCAN, or Stop Child Abuse Now, Center.

Home Sweet Mooresville Next time you enjoy a piece of Baskin-Robbins® candy, know that it was created with pride in Mooresville, N.C. BestSweet Inc. has made its home here for more than two decades, but the third-generation, privately owned company traces its origins all the way back to 1931 in Durban, South Africa, where it was founded by Hymie Zulman as Durban Confectionery, Coffee and Spice Works Ltd. The company operated as Beacon Sweets Inc. in Newark, N.J., from 1976 to 1988, when it relocated here. It became known as BestSweet 13 years later. Besides Baskin Robbins® candy, BestSweet also makes Bee M.D.™ organic honey throat drops. The company also partners with other businesses on a contractual basis to help them conceptualize, develop and manufacture new products.

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Nuts, Bolts and Nostalgia Handymen and women can shop for nuts, bolts and tools at D.E. Turner Hardware on North Main Street, and they’ll also find a fun, retro shopping environment. The business opened in 1900 and is Mooresville’s oldest business under the same name. The interior of the building has remained the same over the years, and the exterior showcases the Italianate Revival architectural style. The store is brimming with nostalgia – a throwback to the 1800s and 1900s before “supercenters” and discount retail outlets. Even famous inventor Thomas Edison stopped here in 1905. The shop stocks the hardware store basics you’d expect, but the shelves are also lined with things you don’t typically find – vintage typewriters‚ tin washtubs‚ Radio Flyer wagons and Red Ryder BB guns.

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Active Amenities Aplenty QUALITY PARKS SYSTEM KEEPS GROWING

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MOORESVILLE

STORY BY CAROL COWAN

STAFF PHOTO

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esidents of all ages will find a veritable playground in Mooresville and South Iredell County, thanks to a continuously growing parks system, well-supported sports leagues and plenty of water recreation opportunities offered by Lake Norman State Park. The town of Mooresville truly puts its money where its parks are, providing the amenities and sports programs that help its residents stay active. Since 2005, when the town council passed a bond that allocated $25 million for parks and recreation facilities, Mooresville has invested millions to improve and expand the system. The Mooresville Parks and Recreation Department currently operates nine parks that range in size from the 40 acres of ball fields and green space at Bellingham Park to several neighborhood mini parks with playgrounds and picnic tables. Collectively, Mooresville parks include 14 ball fields, nine tennis courts, a skate park and three recreation centers. Among its newest parks are the Mooresville Skate Park on West Iredell Avenue, the Nesbit Street Mini Park, John Franklin Moore Park and Bellingham Phase 2, which boasts two lighted tennis courts, two baseball fields, a Lake Norman State Park

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Clockwise from top: Lake Norman; Playground at the Lowe’s YMCA; Bellingham Park

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playground and paved walking trails that connect the park to area neighborhoods. Coming soon is the new Mazeppa Road Park, which will feature paved walking trails that wind through the park’s 80 acres, in addition to a large playground and plenty of room for organized sports. An adult baseball field and three adult softball fields are scheduled to open in the fall of 2010, with six soccer fields to follow in the fall of 2011. The 75-acre Cornelius Road Park is currently in the design and permitting process and should be ready for construction bids by January 2010, says Wanda McKenzie, parks and recreation director for the town of Mooresville. “Our staff is extremely excited about these huge parks opening,” McKenzie says. “This will allow the department not only to expand current programs but also to offer additional programs.” The Recreation Department partnered with area schools to build tennis courts and ball fields and expand the gymnasiums at the Mooresville Graded School District and Iredell-Statesville Schools recreational complexes. All of the upgrades enhance the department’s popular sports programming, which Athletic Director Darrin Hucks considers an essential aspect of community life, allowing kids to learn many life lessons and adults to enjoy the social aspect of health and fitness. Youth programs are grouped by age and include baseball, softball, T-ball, flag football, volleyball, basketball and wrestling. The department also runs adult softball leagues. “The new facilities give us the opportunity to add new programs, regionalize the programs we have in order to minimize travel and provide more practice time, and add more games to our schedule,” Hucks says. Walking trails, playgrounds, picnic tables and open space ensure that the parks also provide plenty of other recreation opportunities. Other popular spots for outdoor fun include Stumpy Creek Park and Boat Landing, an 83-acre park adjacent to Lake Norman. Operated by Iredell County, the scenic park features a nine-hole disc golf course, walking track, picnic shelters, a playground and ball fields. Nearby Lake Norman State Park claims 13 miles of shoreline along this “Inland Sea,” as well as hiking trails, campgrounds, interpretive programs and boating access. And for a truly unusual experience, fun-seekers head to the privately owned Lazy 5 Ranch, a 3.5-mile drive-through safari park featuring more than 750 exotic animals from six continents.

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HEROES WELCOME VETERANS RECEIVE STAR TREATMENT HERE

STORY BY JESSICA MOZO

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t’s Thursday morning at Richard’s Coffee Shop in Mooresville, and upwards of 100 local veterans are filling their coffee cups as they greet friends and neighbors. That’s the typical scene at Richard’s, dubbed The Most Patriotic Coffee Shop in America by Salute Magazine, but Thursdays are especially busy because that’s when coffee is on the house for all veterans. “I really enjoy the camaraderie and talking with other guys who may have been stationed in the same place as you and know what you’ve been through,” says Lonnie Long, an Army veteran who served in Vietnam. Long is president of the board of directors for Richard’s Coffee Shop. “Our customers run the gamut from privates to generals, so this place is like a living history museum. Students even come in and talk with the veterans to get information for school papers.” Richard’s was founded in 1995 by Richard Warren, a Vietnam vet who died in May 2009. “Richard was a pilot on a Huey Gunship, and the coffee shop became a Local veteran Herbert Knox Right: Patriotism is evident in Downtown Mooresville.

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the world. We’ve even had guys come in and discover they have military connections from the past, and they’ve found each other again.” The coffee shop grew naturally in Mooresville, which has a strong reputation for patriotism. The Rotary Club of MooresvilleLake Norman is showing its appreciation to those who have served by participating in Rotary District 7680’s Flight of Honor program, which sends local veterans to visit the nation’s war memorials in Washington. The one-day trip includes visiting the World War II Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Korean War Veterans Memorial and the Franklin Delano

STAFF PHOTOS

Watch as local veterans prepare to board the Flight of Honor to Washington, D.C., at imagesmooresville.com.

gathering place for veterans,” Long recalls. “They started bringing in war memorabilia – pictures, uniforms and the like – and it started going up on all the walls.” After Warren’s unexpected death, the wellloved coffee shop was taken over by Welcome Home Veterans Inc., a nonprofit organization Warren had created to help local veterans. With the change in ownership, the coffee shop moved to a new location on Main Street. “We had a soft opening on July 4, 2009, and about 300 people came,” Long says. “Richard started a guest book, and there are almost 6,000 names of veterans who have come from all over

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Roosevelt Memorial. The program is funded by donations from individuals and businesses in the community, making it completely free-of-charge for participants. Interested veterans apply to participate and are typically either placed on the next flight or placed on a waiting list for a future flight. “The Flight of Honor program started in Hendersonville, and it’s grown nationwide,” says Dave McKnight, co-chair of the Rotary District 7680 Flight of Honor Committee. “Four veterans from

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Mooresville went on the first Flight of Honor in April 2009, and we’re planning additional trips in September and October. In the future, we plan to do two trips per year.” Being invited to participate in the program is a dream-come-true for older vets, who knew about the World War II Memorial’s long-awaited dedication in 2004 but have been unable to visit it due to financial or physical constraints. “It’s absolutely tremendous because these guys never believed they’d get to go, and they never dreamed a program

like this would be put together for them,” McKnight says. “It’s so exciting to work with these guys. We’ve had an overwhelming response from the vets and their families.”

Left: Local veterans Herbert Knox, Dick Keenan and Len McCutcheon participated in the first Flight of Honor in April 2009. Below: World War II veterans are greeted by ROTC students as they depart on the second flight in October 2009.

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Local Flavor

What’s Online e STAFF PHOTOS

Watch a video interview with Big Daddy’s of Lake Norman owner Freddie Lancaster at imagesmooresville.com.

Serving Surf, Turf and Southern Tradition BIG DADDY’S MAINTAINS REPUTATION AS A REGIONAL HOT SPOT FOR DINING

lakeside location, racing décor and downhome values add up to a true taste of Mooresville at Big Daddy’s of Lake Norman. The seafood restaurant has been a local hot spot and Southern tradition since 1974. Owner Freddie Lancaster says the popular restaurant attracts locals and also draws diners from an hour away. “Our atmosphere is family-oriented and our service is warm and friendly – two of our waitresses have been with us since the beginning,” Lancaster says. “Big Daddy’s has maintained a large number of regular customers, many of whom have been dining with us since our restaurant’s opening.” Big Daddy’s bills itself as having some of the best seafood on the East Coast. Its entrees include broiled lobster, steamed shrimp served hot or cold, seafood Alfredo, fried scallops, snow crab clusters, king crab, catfish filets and stuffed filet of

flounder. Also on the menu are fresh oysters raw or steamed – the staff will even shuck them for you. “The oysters here are great, and we even have a separate oyster bar on site with seating for 51,” Lancaster says. As for steaks, Big Daddy’s serves New York strip, 16-ounce rib eye, filet mignon and chopped sirloin. Other dinner selections include teriyaki chicken, baby back ribs, sandwiches, pasta platters and desserts such as cheesecake and key lime pie. There are also menus especially for children and senior citizens. “We have restaurant seating for 500 and a private room for up to 35, so Big Daddy’s is a perfect place for family reunions, corporate meetings, wedding receptions or whatever your occasion may be,” Lancaster says. The restaurant is only open at night for the dinner crowd. Hours are 5 to 9:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 5 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. – Kevin Litwin

Patrons of Big Daddy’s of Lake Norman Restaurant and Oyster Bar can expect generous portions of delicious food.

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Portfolio

Race City USA Walks the Talk MOORESVILLE IS HOME TO THE NEW NORTH CAROLINA AUTO RACING WALK OF FAME

s that Richard Petty and Darrell Waltrip â&#x20AC;&#x201C; in cement? The latest racing-related attraction in Mooresville, the North Carolina Auto Racing Walk of Fame, was installed in 2009. It features etched brick pavers inside a long sidewalk on Main Street downtown, in front of the Charles Mack Citizen Center. â&#x20AC;&#x153;John Dodson with the NASCAR Technical Institute, Don Miller with the North Carolina Auto Racing Hall of Fame and I started talking about this idea six years ago, and now the Walk of Fame is a reality,â&#x20AC;? says Ron Johnson, chairman of the Mooresville Convention & Visitors Bureau. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Mooresville CVB paid for the project, and visitors can enjoy seeing some of the top drivers in NASCAR history who are permanently enshrined in the exhibit.â&#x20AC;? When the sidewalk opened, a total of 13 racing greats became inaugural inductees when their images were etched in the concrete. Drivers in that first class included Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt, Cale Yarborough, Bobby Allison, Tim Flock, Benny Parsons, David Pearson, Ned Jarrett, Darrell Waltrip and Junior Johnson. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Every October, another driver will be added to the Walk of Fame,â&#x20AC;? Johnson says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In October 2009, A.J. Foyt became the 14th driver inducted.â&#x20AC;? The Walk is comparable to Hollywoodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s famous Boulevard of Stars, and the attraction is free and open to the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is a really interesting exhibit and one that is perfect for Race City USA,â&#x20AC;? Johnson says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The etchings of each driver show them as they would be most familiar to race fans. For example, Richard Petty is etched with his famed sunglasses and cowboy hat, while Dale Earnhardt is portrayed with his trademark sunglasses. The Walk is a great addition to the streets of downtown Mooresville.â&#x20AC;?

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Portfolio

Gustafson Urges Everyone To Go Fish

apt. Gus Gustafson has been fishing Lake Norman ever since 1963 – the same year that the lake was completed and opened to the public. “I was fishing those waters and catching small catfish in the early ’60s when it was just the Catawba River, not a big man-made lake,” Gustafson says. “But look at it now.” Today, the lake that is 34 miles long and features 520 miles of shoreline serves as a magnificent waterway for residents in the Piedmont area. It is the

largest freshwater man-made lake in the state of North Carolina and is only 15 miles from the bustling metropolis of Charlotte. “A lot of US Airways, Bank of America, Wachovia and Lowe’s executives live on the lake, and so do plenty of NASCAR drivers,” Gustafson says. “There are homes priced from $500,000 to $25 million. It’s quite a place to live and play.” Recreation activities on Lake Norman include boating, swimming,

tubing and water skiing, and Gustafson is a go-to expert on fishing. “I run a Fishing With Gus guide service and have probably fished every nook and cranny of this 34-mile-long lake,” he says. “It’s a great bass fishery; there are state-record catfish pulled out of here, and the pan fishing is excellent. Plus the lake has hundreds of miles of rock to combat erosion, so the fish population is always healthy.” Gustafson advises that the best area to fish in the summertime is down by the dam, while the quick channels are the hot spots in the spring and early winter. “I enjoy taking groups out on my boat and showing them, for example, NASCAR driver Rusty Wallace’s house or Jeff Gordon’s house or the president of Lowe’s house, then combine that with a great morning or afternoon of fishing,” he says. “It’s always a fun time whenever you’re on Lake Norman.”

Capt. Gus holds a trophy largemouth bass caught during a summer guide trip on Lake Norman.

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hat was a loss to Chicago, Dallas and Atlanta definitely has been Mooresville’s gain. Employees of the longtime Wilkes County-based Lowe’s Home Improvement Warehouse have gotten completely settled into the company’s new headquarters in Mooresville over the past couple of years. The company underwent an exhaustive headquarters location search that resulted in solid interest from other cities such as Dallas, Chicago, Atlanta, Columbus, Ohio, and Raleigh, N.C. Mooresville emerged the winner, and Lowe’s constructed a spacious campus that was completed in 2008. One of the key reasons Mooresville was chosen is its proximity to the large city of Charlotte and its availability of trained potential employees. “We needed access to a talented workforce that would be able to support the company as we grow well into the future,” says Chris Ahearn, vice president of public relations for Lowe’s Cos. The Mooresville campus is hightech; it includes a “planogram” facility that helps the company with store design and inventory. For example, light bulb merchants might set up their products in the planogram exactly as they would want them to look in a Lowe’s store. Once displayed, Lowe’s decision-makers can then determine if there are enough or too many light bulbs being showcased. The Lowe’s retail store in Mooresville also often serves as a testing ground for new products. Entering 2010, the Lowe’s corporate campus here can accommodate up to 12,000 employees. It oversees 1,400 stores in 49 states, and the company has recently expanded into international markets. Lowe’s opened its first stores outside of the United States in 2007 by introducing seven stores in the greater Toronto area. It also arrived in Mexico in 2009 with a store in Monterrey. MOORESVILLE

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Lowe’s headquarters

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Dffi\jm`cc\ Golf Course

©Town of Mooresville/Kelly Culpepper

Since 1949, golfers of all ages and abilities have enjoyed the challenge of our Donald Ross-Porter Gibson fairways and greens at Mooresville Golf Course. To schedule your tee times, call 704.663.2539 or visit us at www.ci.mooresville.nc.us/golf.

Our mission is to enhance the quality of life of the citizens of Mooresville by providing valued governmental services and directing well-planned growth and development.

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Portfolio

Town Square Comes Full Circle I

add eateries such as NY Bagel, Revel Wine Café and Woody’s Burger Bar. In addition, Lowe’s Foods is planning to establish a grocery store there. Town officials are confident that more and more retailers and restaurants will be drawn to the square thanks to the strong income demographics, great visibility and high traffic counts. As for those traffic counts, estimates are that 45,000 cars already pass through the square every weekday, and that number will only increase as Mooresville’s population continues to rise. In addition, a new interchange is being constructed off Interstate 77 that will increase the already strong traffic counts.

In fact, town officials believe that the many NASCAR fans who visit Mooresville’s race shops and related destinations here each year will find it increasingly attractive to visit the square once they exit off of I-77, as it will be positioned as the first development on Brawley School Road. The Square eventually will feature gardens and walking paths, which will further transform into a lifestyle center and community destination. Plans include adding more upscale architecture and outdoor seating areas, and a central green space already is in place to host concerts and other festival-type events. – Stories by Kevin Litwin

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t’s perfectly hip to be square in Mooresville – or rather, hip to be on the square. Mooresville Town Square is becoming an increasingly popular retail and restaurant destination as it continues to develop. Officials expect it will ultimately become a major 400,000-square-foot retail destination for shopping, dining and entertainment. The development already is home to several restaurants that include Cartucci’s Italian restaurant, Fusion Bowl (Asian, sushi), Indigo Joe’s (a sports bar) and the Redeye Martini Bar. Future plans for the Square are to continue increasing the restaurant offerings, with plans in early 2010 to

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Business

Quiet

Giants BIG-SCALE BUSINESSES SUCCEED IN SMALL-TOWN SETTING

STORY BY JOE MORRIS

hey may not be as visible to locals as the corner store or a favorite restaurant, but Mooresville is home to some longtime businesses whose services span the globe. Locals know the names Custom Products, General Microcircuits and Rowboat Dock & Dredge – they’re all big employers. But few are aware of the long and successful track record each of these “quiet giants” has built from its Mooresville base. For example, Custom Products has been supplying fabricated, fire-blocked seat cushions to the airline industry for more than 30 years. It does all of its engineering and design, certification and manufacturing at its Mooresville plant. “This has been a good place for us in terms of having a quality employee base; our people are just fantastic,” says Dave McKnight, president. “We’ve got about 120 people working here, and for a family-owned business, there just isn’t a better place to operate.” The high-tech work at General Microcircuits, or GMI, includes everything from design and engineering services through prototype building, testing and assembling circuit boards and other electronic products. Founded in 1980, the company supports more than 600 projects for dozens of customers, says Dave Dalton, executive vice president of sales and marketing. “We started out near Lake Norman in a building we shared with a hairdresser,” Dalton recalls. “Now we have approximately 75,000 square feet of manufacturing space and another 20,000 square feet of storage space.” GMI has approximately 116 full-time employees and adds temporary workers based on need. Many of the workers have

been cross-trained from former textile operations. “The textile industry was the largest employer here back in the 1970s, and we were very fortunate that it required special skills to do that detailed work,” Dalton says. “We were able to parlay that over into electronics and get people with skills and a great work ethic. You couldn’t ask for a better place to grow a business.” GMI also benefits from the region’s network of community and technical colleges, where programs can be customized to train or retrain employees as new products come online. “They help us ensure that our current staff has the skills they need to make sure we lead the way and stay competitive,” Dalton says. The Lake Norman area also saw the arrival of Rowboat Dock & Dredge in the early 1980s, when the company set up shop to offer a dredging service to developers needing to remove shoals for the installation of floating docks, says Bob Wilson, president. “The transition to heavy marine construction was a natural migration, given the barges, push boats and other pieces of floating equipment owned by the company,” Wilson says. “Now, Rowboat provides a full design, permitting and construction service to the recreational boating and marinerelated industries.” Mooresville’s location and workforce have made the difference for the company and continue to do so, Wilson says. “The slow yet deliberately progressive pace of the Mooresville community provides businesses an opportunity to grow in an atmosphere of true Southern charm,” he says. “Rowboat Dock & Dredge is privileged to call Mooresville our home.”

Clockwise from top left: Circuit board at General Microcircuits Inc. Kathy Fidler is among approximately 116 GMI employees. Clive Wilson, vice president for Custom Products, which specializes in airline seat cushions

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Business

Biz Briefs BUSINESSES – BOTH LARGE AND SMALL – THAT HELP DEFINE MOORESVILLE’S ECONOMIC CLIMATE

Scorecard BUSINESS AT A GLANCE

$1,573,615 Retail sales ($1,000)

$12,054 Retail sales per capita

$143,189 Accommodations and food service sales ($1,000)

11,590 Total number of firms Source: U.S. Census QuickFacts

CAROLINA BEER CO. Biz: Carolina Beer Co. Buzz: Carolina Beer Co. was founded in 1997 by CEO J. Michael Smith and President John Stritch. The company produces about 60,000 barrels of beer annually, including beers sold under its flagship brand, Carolina Blonde, as well as Cottonwood Ales brands. Tours of the brew house are every Saturday from noon to 2 p.m. www.carolinabeer.com 24

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STEEL AND STOCK CAR ALUMINUM INC. Biz: race stock inventory Buzz: This company’s slogan is “If it’s in a car, it’s in our warehouse.” That includes carbon steel, aluminum, stainless steel, chrome moly tubing, sheets, bars, plates and structurals – all things that come in handy to more than 60 race teams in Mooresville. www.stockcarsteel.com MOORESVILLE

LAKE NORMAN GARDENS Biz: Located on Perth Road between River Highway and Troutman, this business was founded by Odell and LaVerne Starney in 2005 and is now operated by their daughter, Robbi Grayson. The business still carries a full range of lawn and garden products, including outdoor furnishings, fountains and other garden dĂŠcor. www.lakenormangardens.com

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INGERSOLL RAND Biz: industrial firm Buzz: Ingersoll Rand, which has a South Iredell campus, provides products and services to enhance the quality and comfort of air in homes and buildings, transport and protect food and perishables, secure homes and commercial properties, and enhance industrial productivity and efficiency. www.ingersollrand.com

PIEDMONT HEALTH CARE Biz: health-care provider network Buzz: Piedmont HealthCare is one of the largest physician-owned and -directed, multispecialty groups in North Carolina and the Southeast, with 39 locations and more than 90 physicians providing comprehensive health care to people in Iredell and surrounding counties. www.piedmonthealthcare.com

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Business | Chamber Report

Chamber Encourages Community Reinvestment BUY LOCAL CAMPAIGN URGES RESIDENTS TO SHOP AT HOME

o help keep Mooresville’s business climate resilient during these tough economic times, the Mooresville-South Iredell Chamber of Commerce launched its own type of economic stimulus package in January 2009. The chamber’s Buy Local campaign is encouraging local residents to think twice about spending their hard-earned money outside county lines and opt instead to reinvest those dollars at home. “With the downturn of the economy, we decided we needed to start this year off on a very positive note and do something

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special for our members,” says Karen Shore, president of the Mooresville-South Iredell Chamber of Commerce. “So we invited all our members to a brainstorming session, and they packed our conference room. We had no set agenda other than wanting to hear from them, and the room became very energized. The whole concept of our Buy Local campaign came out of that session.” Local media partners got on board offering specially priced advertising rates to area businesses, and the chamber held a campaign kickoff at the Charles Mack Citizen Center in January

2009. Another networking event held in October encouraged people to buy local for the holiday season. “We’re really putting an emphasis on spending your money with local businesses and keeping your dollars here at home,” Shore says. “If you spend one dollar at a local independent merchant, 68 cents of that dollar will be reinvested in our community, because that merchant is eating locally and buying goods and services locally. That’s a real eye-opener for people.” Thanks to the campaign, Mooresville residents who used to drive to Charlotte to shop are thinking about where they can get those items at home. “We’ve been telling people before you go online to buy something, see if you can find it here,” Shore says. “It’s amazing the attention we’ve been able to capture. I hear young people at church on Sundays talking about the ads our businesses are running.” The local economy isn’t the only thing that benefits from people shopping at home. There are incentives for shoppers, too. “Personal, friendly service is a big factor, and people like knowing they’re preserving the history of business in our community,” Shore says. “We have businesses that are 50 and even 100 years old, and we want to continue their success because they have such wonderful stories to tell.” The campaign has also created collaboration among businesses. “We’re seeing like businesses really support each other and work in a collaborative fashion, ” Shore says. “This campaign has kept a positive energy in our community throughout the year. In a time when you read a lot of negative headlines, it’s been something positive to hold onto.” – Jessica Mozo MOORESVILLE

Business | Economic Profile

MOORESVILLE ECONOMIC OVERVIEW Mooresville and South Iredell County have seen more than 8,000 new jobs come online in last five years, with growth across several sectors.

GOVERNMENT OFFICES

Lake Norman Air Park (704) 896-0822 Statesville Regional Airport (704) 873-1111

TAX STRUCTURE

2.25% County Sales Tax

4.5% State Sales Tax

6.25% Total Sales Tax

TRANSPORTATION

Iredell County Area Transportation System/ICATS 2611 Ebony Circle Statesville, NC 28625 (704) 873-9393 www.charmeck.org

ECONOMIC RESOURCES

Town of Mooresville 413 N. Main St. Mooresville, NC 28115 (704) 663-3800 www.ci.mooresville.nc.usl Iredell County Government Center 200 S. Center St. Statesville, NC 28677 (704) 878-3000 www.co.iredell.nc.us

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Mooresville-South Iredell Chamber of Commerce 149 E. Iredell Ave. Mooresville, NC 28115 (704) 664-3898 www.mooresvillenc.org

imagesmooresville.com More facts, stats and community information, including relocation tools and links to resources.

Concord Regional Airport 9000 Aviation Blvd. Concord, NC 28027 (704) 920-5900 www.ci.concord.nc.us

Mooresville-South Iredell Economic Development Corporation 151 E. Iredell Ave. Mooresville, NC 28115 (704) 664-6922 www.edcmooresville.org

Charlotte Douglas International Airport 5501 Josh Birmingham Pkwy. Charlotte, NC 28208 (704) 359-4000 www.charlotteairport.com

Mooresville Convention & Visitorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bureau 265 N. Main St. Mooresville, NC 28115 (704) 799-4400 www.racecityusa.org

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Health & Wellness

Helen Holiday, Janice Frank and Gail Sanders play table tennis at the South Iredell Senior Center.

Establishing Seniority CENTER PROVIDES A FULL SLATE OF EXERCISE AND EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS

t the South Iredell Senior Center, there’s no shortage of activities for seniors to keep their minds nimble and active. And to ensure their bodies stay strong and agile, there are just as many exercise programs from which to choose. Since opening in the mid-1990s, the center and its sister facility in Statesville have worked to provide area seniors with a one-stop place for mental and physical activity, entertainment and more. There’s no membership fee for Iredell County residents, and the programs have grown to encompass just about anything people ask for. These days that includes a lot of exercise, with specialized programs designed to ensure that every level of fitness is accommodated. “We have our exercise room that people can come in and use anytime we’re open, but we also have things like tabletennis classes from advanced to beginners, exercise classes that promote and increase individual strength and flexibility, and a lot more,” says Tina Czarnecki, manager. “We also have our walking club, the Silver Striders, who walk together and individually and count miles to reach certain goals. They have special lunch-and-learn and nutritional programs to encourage them throughout the year.” There’s also a full range of water-exercise programs, as well as arthritis-friendly classes in aerobics, tai chi and yoga. There also are evidence-based learning classes that last six weeks. One class, called Learn to Live a Healthier Life, focuses on chronic disease self-management. 28

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Chair-based exercise classes also are available, and special needs remain at the forefront of any planning efforts. “We have a lot of classes that we gear toward certain disabilities, certain needs, so that everyone can participate,” Czarnecki says. “We’re very accommodating so we can reach everyone.” As a part of the center’s ongoing exercise-program roster, it also has partnered with area hospitals and care providers to conduct monthly blood pressure, hearing, cholesterol, glucose and other screenings on site. Most of those services are provided at little or no cost and supplement the comprehensive diet and exercise offerings already on tap at the center. “We also have seminars and workshops that provide them with updated information on all kinds of health issues and also have classes for the caregivers so they can learn how to take care of themselves as well as the person they’re caring for,” Czarnecki says. “We want to support those people, as well, so they can continue to provide quality care.” The center also offers plenty of other ways to get moving, from monthly dances to shuffleboard. “We’re working all the time to be able to offer and provide more, because our people really enjoy them,” Czarnecki says. “We even have doctors tell their patients that they need to come down here and take some of these classes as part of their rehab after surgery, which is a really nice recommendation to get.” – Joe Morris MOORESVILLE

Arts & Culture

Just for Kids Who Act Out MOORESVILLE CHILDREN’S THEATRE PROVIDES OUTLET FOR YOUNG THESPIANS

hanks to Mooresville Children’s Theatre, the area’s young thespians have a chance to shine in the spotlight each summer in stage productions, learning discipline, gaining experience – and having a lot of fun. For more than a decade, the organization has presented a musical at the Charles Mack Citizen Center, located at 215 N. Main Street. The shows usually involve about 50 children, and auditions are held before the end of the school year. From the first production, The Wizard of Oz, to Once Upon a Mattress in 2009 and the musical version of The Princess and the Pea, the shows have been a popular draw for both those seeking a role and members of the audience, too. Cast members range in age from 6 or 7 to 15 or 16. After the audition process, the young actors are involved in preparing for the production for six to eight weeks. During that time, they witness the entire process of putting on a theatrical production, from understanding character development to building sets and publicity. Parents also are encouraged to get involved in various aspects. The young participants come away from the experience with a variety of skills, including enhanced confidence from appearing on stage in front of 232 people. They also make many new friends. Many children return to audition year after year. The performances, over two weekends, usually in August, are held in the auditorium at the citizen center. Rehearsals are also held at the venue, space permitting. Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for children under 12. Shows staged in past summers include junior versions of Willy Wonka, Into the Woods, Fiddler on the Roof, Schoolhouse Rock, Anne of Green Gables, Beauty and the Beast, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. – Anne Gillem MOORESVILLE

Mooresville Children’s Theatre performs at the Charles Mack Citizen Center.

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YOUR HOMETOWN UNIVERSITY Most classes meet late afternoon or evening for the convenience of working adults.

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Education

More Than Making the Grade NATIONAL HONORS AND TECHNOLOGY INITIATIVES DEFINE EDUCATION SCENE

ational recognition has become a hallmark of education in Mooresville and Iredell County, with both public school systems consistently earning accolades. Excellent facilities, outstanding teachers and cutting-edge technology have combined to place both the IredellStatesville Schools system and the Mooresville Graded School District at the head of the class. In 2008, the Iredell-Statesville system received the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award in recognition of its ongoing and extensive efforts to meet all student needs, and the resulting strong test scores and graduation rates that reflect its success. “It is a testament to the hard work of our students, teachers and other staff,” says Dawn Creason, public relations director for the system. “It’s nice to be recognized for the gains the district has made over the years, but in the end, our focus is still about how many students walk out of our doors ready to be productive, contributing members of society. What the Baldrige criteria did for us was provide a framework to help us ensure that we were all traveling toward the same goal; that our work was aligned and that our processes were clear and focused.” Both systems are known for heavily integrating technology into the classroom and plan to continue enhancing those efforts. The Mooresville Graded School District’s Digital Conversion Initiative also has gained national recognition. “It basically means we have a ratio of one computer to every child,” says Dreisa Sherrill, director of human resources and public information. “Every student in our district from grades four through 12 receives a MacBook laptop computer to keep for the year, and their teachers have received professional development in learning how to teach with digital content.” The program has been phased in over the last couple of years and now includes Smart Board technology in kindergarten through third-grade classrooms, so that all students are being taught using digital platforms to some degree. Both Mooresville and Iredell have ambitious construction programs, bringing new facilities online in 2009-10. Iredell added approximately 400,000 square feet with

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Cloverleaf Elementary, a math, science and technology magnet school in Statesville, and Coddle Creek Elementary in Mooresville, Creason says. The system also completed renovations and additions at five other schools as part of a $83 million program, and shifted resources to allow for two new International Baccalaureate schools on former elementary campuses. Mooresville opened the new Rocky River Elementary School, a K-3 campus, and also has cut the ribbon on Mooresville Intermediate and renovated its former building to create a new middle school. – Joe Morris

Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award

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Community Profile

MOORESVILLE SNAPSHOT Mooresville was formed in 1788 and sits on Lake Norman, the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest man-made lake by surface area. This gives the area 520 miles of shoreline.

HEALTH CARE CLIMATE

37 F January Low Temperature

50 F January High Temperature

65 F July Low Temperature

90 F July High Temperature

EDUCATION Mooresville and South Iredell County families are served by Iredell-Statesville Schools and the Mooresville Graded School District. Iredell-Statesville Schools ranks among the 20 largest school districts in North Carolina. Both systems are known for heavily integrating technology into the classroom and plan to continue enhancing those efforts.

Iredell Memorial Hospital and Lake Norman Regional Medical Center offer emergency services, cardiac care and many other services, including obstetrics and home health.

LOCAL UTILITIES Energy United (800) 522-3793 www.energyunited.com Duke Energy (800) 777-9898 www.duke-energy.com PSNC Energy (877) 776-2427 www.psncenergy.com Water Department 413 Main St. Mooresville, NC 28115 (704) 663-3800 www.ci.mooresville.nc.us

MI-Connection Cable 435 S. Broad St. Mooresville, NC 28115 (704) 660-3840 www.mi-connection.com Windstream Communications 236 W. Center Ave. P.O. Box 689 Mooresville, NC 28115 (704) 663-3010 www.windstream.com

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Iredell County Garbage Refuse Depot 354 Twin Oaks Road Statesville, NC 28625 (704) 878-5430 www.co.iredell.nc.us

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