Images Mooresville, NC: 2008

2008 | IMAGESMOORESVILLE.COM | VIDEO TOUR ONLINE TM

OF MOORESVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA

THE HIGHS OF LOWE’S World headquarters continues to add employees

MUCH MORE IN STORE Big-name retailers set up shop

Hospitality Haven Langtree at the Lake promises an upscale leisure experience

SPONSORED BY THE MOORESVILLE-SOUTH IREDELL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

2008 EDITION | VOLUME 6 TM

OF MOORESVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA

50 CO NTE NT S F E AT U R E S 14

HOSPITALITY HAVEN Langtree at the Lake will be a premier “live, work, play village” featuring custom homes.

18

CURES FOR THE COMMUNITY Home to several quality healthcare facilities, the area is a magnet for top-notch physicians and allied-health professionals.

22 SUNNY SKIES AHEAD Great weather, outdoor activities and a family atmosphere make Mooresville a top place to live.

26 MUCH MORE IN STORE When it comes to shopping, Mooresville offers something new almost every day.

50 ART IN THE LIMELIGHT Intrigued by art? If so, head to downtown Mooresville and visit the epicenter of the community’s arts scene.

53 GREEN LIGHT FOR FUN The Mooresville Parks and Recreation Department is developing a greenway and laying plans for a new skate park.

26 ON THE COVER Photo by Ian Curcio Lowe’s corporate campus

MOORESVILLE

I M AG E S M O O R E S V I L L E . C O M

3

ACTION! ADVENTURE! “IT KEPT ME ON THE EDGE OF MY LAPTOP!”

“MOORESVILLE LIKE IT’S NEVER BEEN SEEN BEFORE!”

Images of Mooresville

THE MOVIE

STARTS TODAY!

WORLD WIDE WEB SHOWTIMES VALID MONDAY-SUNDAY 24/7

SPECIAL ENGAGEMENT ANY RESEMBLANCE TO PLACES, EVENTS OR QUALITY OF LIFE IN MOORESVILLE IS PURELY INTENTIONAL!

AT IM AGESMOORESVILLE.COM

TM

OF MOORESVILLE SENIOR EDITOR RENEE ELDER COPY EDITOR JOYCE CARUTHERS ASSOCIATE EDITORS LISA BATTLES, SUSAN CHAPPELL, KIM MADLOM, ANITA WADHWANI ASSISTANT EDITOR REBECCA DENTON STAFF WRITERS CAROL COWAN, KEVIN LITWIN, JESSICA MOZO DIRECTORIES EDITORS AMANDA MORGAN , KRISTY WISE CONTRIBUTING WRITERS KAY BROOKSHIRE, CRISTAL CODY, CATHERINE DARNELL, WARREN DENNEY, SHARON H. FITZGERALD, PAM GEORGE, BRIDGET HUCKABEE, VALERIE PASCOE ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER TODD POTTER INTEGRATED MEDIA MANAGER CASEY PORTER ONLINE SALES MANAGER MATT SLUTZ SALES COORDINATOR SARA SARTIN STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS JEFF ADKINS, WES ALDRIDGE, TODD BENNETT, ANTONY BOSHIER, MICHAEL W. BUNCH, IAN CURCIO, BRIAN M CCORD PHOTOGRAPHY ASSISTANT JESSY YANCEY CREATIVE DIRECTOR KEITH HARRIS WEB DESIGN DIRECTOR SHAWN DANIEL PRODUCTION DIRECTOR NATASHA LORENS ASST. PRODUCTION DIRECTOR CHRISTINA CARDEN PRE-PRESS COORDINATOR HAZEL RISNER SENIOR PRODUCTION PROJECT MGR. TADARA SMITH PRODUCTION PROJECT MGRS. MELISSA HOOVER, JILL WYATT SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNERS LAURA GALLAGHER, KRIS SEXTON, VIKKI WILLIAMS LEAD DESIGNER JANINE MARYLAND GRAPHIC DESIGN JESSICA BRAGONIER, CANDICE HULSEY, LINDA MOREIRAS, AMY NELSON, CARL RATLIFF WEB DESIGN RYAN DUNLAP, CARL SCHULZ WEB PRODUCTION JILL TOWNSEND DIGITAL ASSET MANAGER ALISON HUNTER COLOR IMAGING TECHNICIAN CORY MITCHELL AD TRAFFIC MEGHANN CAREY, SARAH MILLER, PATRICIA MOISAN, RAVEN PETTY CHAIRMAN GREG THURMAN PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER BOB SCHWARTZMAN EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT RAY LANGEN SR. V.P./CLIENT DEVELOPMENT JEFF HEEFNER SR. V.P./SALES CARLA H. THURMAN SR. V.P./PRODUCTION & OPERATIONS CASEY E. HESTER V.P./SALES HERB HARPER V.P./VISUAL CONTENT MARK FORESTER V.P./TRAVEL PUBLISHING SYBIL STEWART EXECUTIVE EDITOR TEREE CARUTHERS MANAGING EDITOR/BUSINESS MAURICE FLIESS PHOTOGRAPHY DIRECTOR JEFFREY S. OTTO CONTROLLER CHRIS DUDLEY ACCOUNTING MORIAH DOMBY, DIANA GUZMAN, MARIA McFARLAND, LISA OWENS, JACKIE YATES RECRUITING/TRAINING DIRECTOR SUZY WALDRIP COMMUNITY PROMOTION DIRECTOR CINDY COMPERRY DISTRIBUTION DIRECTOR GARY SMITH MARKETING COORDINATOR AMY AKIN IT SYSTEMS DIRECTOR MATT LOCKE IT SERVICE TECHNICIAN RYAN SWEENEY HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER PEGGY BLAKE BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR NICOLE WILLIAMS SALES SUPPORT MANAGER/ CUSTOM MAGAZINES PATTI CORNELIUS

34

OF MOORESVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA

MOORESVILLE BUSINESS 36 The Highs of Lowe’s When Lowe’s needed more breathing room, company officials found it in Mooresville.

38 Biz Briefs 40 Chamber Report 41 Economic Profile

D E PA R TM E NT S

OFFICE MANAGER SHELLY GRISSOM

10 Almanac: a colorful sampling Images of 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.

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 E-mail: info@mooresvillenc.org, www.mooresvillenc.org VISIT IMAGES OF MOORESVILLE ONLINE AT IMAGESMOORESVILLE.COM

of Mooresville culture

28 Portfolio: people, places and events that define Mooresville

48 Education 57 Health & Wellness 59 Community Profile: facts, stats and important numbers to know

©Copyright 2007 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.

Magazine Publishers of America Member Member Custom Publishing Council Member Mooresville-South Iredell Chamber of Commerce Please recycle this magazine

MOORESVILLE

I M AG E S M O O R E S V I L L E . C O M

5

What’s Online More lists, links and tips for newcomers

“A Name Recognized”

IMAGESMOORESVILLE.COM

631 Brawley School Rd. Ste. 201 Mooresville, NC 28117

WEB SITE EXTRA

MOVING PICTURES

PLUS SEARCH OUR ARCHIVES Browse past issues of the magazine by year or search for specific articles by subject.

VIDEO TOUR INSIDE LOOK Join us on a virtual tour of Mooresville through the lenses of our award-winning photographers at imagesmooresvile.com

Cathy Lynch Owner/Broker

INSTANT LINKS Read the entire magazine online using our ActiveMagazine™ technology and link instantly to community businesses and services.

Office: (704) 662-9698 Cell: (704) 400-0521 Numbr1properties@aol.com www.number1properties.net

EVEN MORE Read full-length versions of the magazine’s articles; find related stories; or read new content exclusive to the Web. Look for the See More Online reference in this issue.

When buying or selling real estate, you may find it helpful to have a real estate agent assist you. Real estate agents can provide many useful services and work with you in different ways.

A GARDENER’S PARADISE We live in a plant paradise here in North Carolina. From the Outer Banks to the Great Smokies, our diverse climate and topography afford us tremendous opportunities for growing plants that are indigenous to many continents.

BARBECUE: A SIMPLE SOUTHERN PLEASURE One of the simple pleasures of Southern dining is the down-home barbecue experience. Pork is the meat of choice in eastern North Carolina, and it’s usually chopped or sliced and served with a vinegar-based sauce.

A B O U T T H I S M AG A Z I N E Images of Mooresville is published annually by Journal Communications Inc. and is sponsored by the Mooresville-South Iredell Chamber of Commerce. In print and online, Images gives readers a taste of what makes Mooresville tick – from business and education to sports, health care and the arts.

“Find the good – and praise it.”

– Alex Haley (1921-1992), Journal Communications co-founder

Cathy Lynch has many years of experience when it comes to helping you buy or sell a home. She is a highly motivated native of Atlanta, Georgia who has excelled tremendously in her real estate career here in Mooresville and is known for getting the sold sign up!

Whether you are buying or selling your home, give Cathy a call today for a free real estate consultation.

Mention this ad and receive a free Home Warranty with your listing.

Call Today!

jnlcom.com

MOORESVILLE

I M AG E S M O O R E S V I L L E . C O M

7

8

I M AG E S M O O R E S V I L L E . C O M

MOORESVILLE

& j 7;/53A;==@3AD7::3 1=; j D723= B=

& 327B7=< j D=:C;3 $ B;

=4 ;==@3AD7::3 <=@B6 1/ =4 ;==@3AD7::3 <=@B6 1/@=:7</

# 1= <B3 <B A 4 3 /B C @ 3 A " 6=A>7B/:7BG 6/D3< :O\Ub`SS Ob bVS :OYS eWZZ PS O ^`S[WS` ÂľZWdS e]`Y ^ZOg dWZZOUSÂś TSObc`W\U Qcab][ V][Sa

& 1C@3A 4=@ B63 1=;;C<7BG

$ @3B/7: @/;>/53 EVS\ Wb Q][Sa b] aV]^^W\U ;]]`SadWZZS ]TTS`a a][SbVW\U Q] \Se OZ[]ab SdS`g ROg

# /@B 7< B63 :7;3:756B 7\b`WUcSR Pg O`b- 7T a] VSOR

6][S b] aSdS`OZ _cOZWbg VSOZbV QO`S TOQWZWbWSa bVS O`SO Wa O [OU\Sb T]` b]^ \]bQV ^VgaWQWO\a O\R OZZWSR VSOZbV ^`]TSaaW]\OZa

b] R]e\b]e\ ;]]`SadWZZS ;C16 O\R dWaWb bVS S^WQS\bS` ]T bVS Q][[c\Wbg¸a O`ba aQS\S

0WU \

#! 5@33< :756B 4=@ 4C< AC<<G A973A /63/2

BVS ;]]`SadWZZS >O`Ya O\R @SQ`SObW]\ 2S^O`b[S\b Wa RSdSZ]^W\U O U`SS\eOg O\R ZOgW\U ^ZO\a T]` O \Se aYObS ^O`Y

6]a^WbO

5`SOb eSObVS` ]cbR]]` OQbWdWbWSa O\R O TO[WZg Ob[]a^VS`S [OYS ;]]`SadWZZS O b]^ ^ZOQS b] ZWdS

=< B63 1=D3@ >V]b] Pg 7O\ 1c`QW] :]eS¸a Q]`^]`ObS QO[^ca

:O\U O\ c

; == @ 3 AD7 ::3 A>=<A=@32 0G B63 ;==@3AD7::3 A=CB6 7@3

$

7 ; /5 3 A ; = = @ 3 A D 7 : : 3 1 = ;

!

Turn the pages of our

Virtual Magazine

i

LIVE LINKS

Hot links allow users to quickly link to other sites for additional information, and an ad index allows you to easily locate local advertisers in the magazine.

SEARCH AND YOU SHALL FIND An easy-to-use search function allows you to ďŹ nd speciďŹ c articles or browse content by subject.

A VIRTUAL TOOLBELT Tools allow you to customize the look and function of the magazine on your desktop as well as print individual pages or save the magazine for ofďŹ&#x201A;ine reading.

MORE OF THE SAME And thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a good thing.

Inside, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll ďŹ nd the same award-winning photography and compelling content as in the printed magazine.

SHARE WITH A FRIEND E-mail individual stories using the pop-up text window.

ŠTown of Mooresville/Kelly Culpepper

â&#x20AC;&#x153;We serve our citizens.â&#x20AC;?

Town of Mooresville North Carolina 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.

Town of Mooresville Post Office Box 878 Mooresville, NC 28115 (704) 663-3800 www.ci.mooresville.nc.us

imagesmooresville.com

MOORESVILLE

I M AG E S M O O R E S V I L L E . C O M

9

Almanac

I’ll Have a Crepe A popular Mooresville bakery has expanded to include meals. La Patisserie now serves breakfast and lunch at its bakery/café at 627 N. Main.

The breakfast and lunch specialties are crepes, including Hawaiian, beef stroganoff, chicken and Cuban crepes.

Other menu items include a variety of soups and sandwiches for lunch, along with pastries and fruit dishes for breakfast.

La Patisserie means “bakery” in French, and all of the baked goods at the Mooresville location have a European/ Mediterranean flair.

Plenty of Preserves Homes in and around downtown Mooresville are spiffing up, as interest grows in the area’s historic architecture.

To help showcase this effort, the Historic Mooresville Tour of Homes took place in October 2007, with 12 properties open to the viewing public.

Tour stops included homes originating from the 1800s, such as Bull House, Turlington House and the Isaac Harris House. Early-1900s structures on display included the Templeton, Harrill and Baker houses.

Also on exhibit for the tour-goers was the Zande House, constructed in 2004.

The Zande House was showcased as a new house that demonstrates appropriate architecture for a historic neighborhood.

Branching Out The Mooresville Public Library is much more than a place to check out a book.

The variety of programs includes reading mornings for toddlers, an organized Summer Reading session, special youth programs and several book clubs for adults and younger readers. There is also an online feature called “Ask a Librarian,” with staff members answering your research requests in a timely fashion.

The library has more than 100,000 volumes of books on site and circulates a total of 350,000 items per year – that’s seven for each of the 50,000 residents living in Mooresville and Iredell County. The library also offers wireless access to the Internet.

10

I M AG E S M O O R E S V I L L E . C O M

MOORESVILLE

Gentlemen, Start Your Tours The largest private collection of retired NASCAR racecars – on the entire planet – is at Memory Lane Museum.

Cars on exhibit were once driven by stock car superstars such as Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt, A.J. Foyt, Junior Johnson, Alan Kulwicki, Richard Petty, Rusty Wallace and Darrell Waltrip. The museum that opened in 2001 also has a large collection of Soap Box Derby cars and go-karts.

There is also a collection of auto props that the museum has lent to Hollywood production companies for use in movies such as Driving Miss Daisy, Days of Thunder, Shake Rattle & Roll and Steel Chariots.

Celebrate Mooresville

Need for Speed

Grab some friends and head downtown to join the fun at the annual festival of arts and culture.

The date for the 2008 celebration is May 17, with the event always taking place during NASCAR Race Week in downtown Mooresville. The outdoor street fair celebrates and showcases the various cultures, arts and people of the community, and is held rain or shine.

The event includes entertainment, children’s games, food and fun lasting from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Mooresville-South Iredell Chamber of Commerce sponsors the festival, and the 2008 celebration will be the 26th annual.

Mooresville is not your average slow, Southern town.

Its official nickname is Race City USA, with more than 500,000 stock car fans rumbling into town each year. Many of the dozens of NASCAR motorsports-related shops in Mooresville offer tours, and more than 200,000 people a year visit the North Carolina Auto Racing Hall of Fame just off Interstate 77.

Race City USA became the city’s moniker in 1993, and city officials estimate that one-fourth of Mooresville’s employment is tied to motorsports.

MOORESVILLE

I M AG E S M O O R E S V I L L E . C O M

11

Almanac

Fast Facts

Mooresville Street … in Germany?

Q Mooresville is home to more than 60 NASCAR racing teams.

People of Mooresville, welcome to Hockenheim.

That was the message in June 2007 when a delegation of Mooresville leaders visited the German town. Mooresville and Hockenheim have been sister cities for the past 10 years, and the June 2007 meeting resulted in the German city naming a park and street after Mooresville.

Meanwhile, Mooresville recognizes its sister-city ties to Hockenheim on the main sign leading into town, at the intersection of Wilson Avenue and Highway 21. There is also a student exchange program in place between Mooresville High School and academies in Hockenheim.

To date, Hockenheim leaders have been in Mooresville twice to form cultural and business bonds, while Mooresville officials have returned the favor by traveling to Germany twice.

Q Mooresville is a top spot for business relocations, according to Site Selection magazine.

Q With 520 miles of shoreline, Lake Norman is the largest body of fresh water in the state.

Q The NASCAR Technical Institute is located in Mooresville.

Q Mooresville is the world headquarters for Lowe’s Co., the nation’s second-largest home improvement retailer.

SEE MORE ONLINE | For more Fast Facts about Mooresville, visit imagesmooresville.com.

Mooresville | At A Glance POPULATION (2006 ESTIMATE) Mooresville: 20,944 Iredell County: 146,206 LOCATION Mooresville is in the Piedmont section of North Carolina, 30 miles north of Charlotte.

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.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Mooresville-South Iredell Chamber of Commerce 149 E. Iredell Avenue, P.O. Box 628 Mooresville, NC 28115 Phone: (704) 664-3898 Fax: (704) 664-2549 www.mooresvillenc.org

MOORESVILLE

Winston-Salem 77

Love Valley

Harmony

40

20

IREDEL L

Mooresville

Statesville 70

64

Troutman 85

Mooresville Lake Norman

7 77

SEE VIDEO ONLINE | Take a virtual tour of Mooresville at imagesmooresville.com, courtesy of our award-winning photographers.

I M AG E S M O O R E S V I L L E . C O M

13

Hospitality

Haven

LANGTREE AT THE LAKE PROMISES AN UPSCALE EXPERIENCE AT LAKE NORMAN

14

I M AG E S M O O R E S V I L L E . C O M

MOORESVILLE

STORY BY SHARON H. FITZGERALD PHOTOGRAPHY BY IAN CURCIO

W

hen Mooresville’s Langtree at the Lake development broke ground on Aug. 9, 2007, there was no doubt that the future commercial and residential community on the shores of Lake Norman would be hot, hot, hot. The temperature was 104 degrees, the hottest day in the region in more than a century.

“You know, more than 250 people showed up,” marvels Mount Mourne native Rick Howard, CEO of Langtree Group and one of the developers of the project. The turnout, he believes, is a testament to the community’s enthusiasm for the project, expected to cost more than $800 million.

Langtree at the Lake will be a combination of luxurious, custom-built homes, upscale retail and Class-A office spaces, a hotel and conference center, a marina and yacht club, walking trails and pools, health clubs and additional amenities that will make Langtree at the Lake a premier “live, work, play village,” Howard explains. “The whole complex is about 128 acres and growing.”

Ruth’s Chris Steak House has signed on to open a restaurant at the development, situated just off Interstate 77 at the new Exit 32. That new interchange is expected to be complete by the summer of 2009.

A 12-story Embassy Suites hotel with about 250 rooms and 35,000 square feet of meeting space in an adjoining conference center will be developed by John Q. Hammons Hotels and Resorts, which operates about 70 properties in 24 states.

“After I visited three or four of his properties, I decided he was the right guy, so I recruited him to come to our community. We have one opportunity to Crews put finishing touches on Langtree at the Lake, an $800 million luxury hotel and conference center on Lake Norman.

MOORESVILLE

I M AG E S M O O R E S V I L L E . C O M

15

16

I M AG E S M O O R E S V I L L E . C O M

MOORESVILLE

do something right on Lake Norman,” Howard says.

Ron Johnson, chairman of the board of the Mooresville Convention & Visitors Bureau, predicts the hotel and conference center will significantly boost the area’s economy. “We have had a lot of requests over the years for meeting space,” he says. “And, of course, to have meetings, you have to have restaurants and lodging and the meeting space all at one place.

We have never had that here. For the last 15 years, one thing I have heard is, ‘Where can I stay on Lake Norman?’ We just have not had that, either, and that’s going to be a unique experience in itself.”

Johnson says the bureau already is promoting the prospective venue, since conventions and business conferences plan years in advance. The Hammons project is expected to open between the fall of 2009 and spring of 2010.

“Mooresville is emerging as one of the largest employment centers in the state,” Howard adds. “We need this type of amenity to help the new industries that are coming to our community, to help them expand their businesses.

Most of the industries currently have to go to Charlotte for a full-service hotel.”

Howard foresees Langtree at the Lake as a “destination location,” taking advantage of Mooresville’s easy accessibility via interstate and air, its proximity to Charlotte and its location on scenic Lake Norman.

“The views are going to be spectacular. Some people offer a view at the lake. We’re going to offer a view of the lake,” he says.

At the same time, Howard emphasizes that the developers have carefully plotted the project’s footprint to protect natural attributes as well as to safeguard the area’s heritage. “It’s really not about office buildings and condominiums and steel and concrete. This whole thing is about quality of life,” he says.

Just three weeks after the groundbreaking, future Langtree at the Lake residents and proprietors had already reserved more than 150 condominiums and 50 percent of the retail and office space. In fact, Howard is sold, too. “I intend to live at Langtree at the Lake,” he says.

Left: Langtree properties will offer gorgeous views of the lake.

MOORESVILLE

Hiking trails around Lake Norman are part of the location’s appeal.

130 Norman Station Blvd.

Mooresville, NC 28117 (704) 662-6900 fax: (704) 662-6914

www.hiexpress.com/mooresville

I M AG E S M O O R E S V I L L E . C O M

17

Cures for the

Community MOORESVILLE AREA HOSPITALS AND THEIR EMPLOYEES GIVE BACK

STORY BY SHARON H. FITZGERALD PHOTOGRAPHY BY IAN CURCIO

W

hen Mooresville-area residents need health care, the impressive array of options proves the adage that quality breeds more of the same.

Boasting several quality health-care facilities, the area is a magnet for top-notch physicians and allied-health professionals attracted by modern hospital facilities and the region’s natural beauty and charm.

“We’ve worked hard over the last 10 to 15 years in recruiting primary-care [providers] and specialists and subspecialists to Mooresville. There’s really not a service that you can’t get done here,” says Paul Smith Jr., Lake Norman Regional Medical Center’s chief executive officer. “We’re very fortunate that

Dr. James W. McNabb at his office at Piedmont Health Care Right: Lake Norman Regional Medical Center

18

I M AG E S M O O R E S V I L L E . C O M

MOORESVILLE

MOORESVILLE

I M AG E S M O O R E S V I L L E . C O M

19

20

I M AG E S M O O R E S V I L L E . C O M

MOORESVILLE

we live in a great area, and we’re able to attract high-quality physicians.”

In 1999, the medical center moved into a new facility on Fairview Road near Interstate 77, thus situating the hospital closer to the county’s swelling population center. Adjacent to the hospital is Medical Pavilion at Lake Norman, which is nearly leased out by health-care professionals. Physicians and outpatient services are also filling up several sizeable professional office buildings that are complete or near completion in the hospital’s vicinity.

The Lake Norman Regional medical staff numbers about 130 physicians, and in February 2007, the hospital received national recognition for nursing excellence. One of only 238 hospitals in the country to garner the honor, the medical center achieved Magnet® designation by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. The nurses are among the first in the nation to master the SafeScan System – handheld, interactive devices designed to ensure medication accuracy.

The talented medical professionals in the region make it a point to give back to the community. Outreach is “a major focus for us and has been for years,” Smith explains. “We’ve made it company policy here.”

A full-time community outreach director coordinates health fairs and free screenings, and physicians and other medical personnel volunteer at the HealthReach Community Clinic in Mooresville and other free clinics in the area.

Nurses Pam Rudisill (left) and Pamela Latlamme talk about SafeScan.

“Our doctors have really made this community their home, and I think that’s what separates us a little bit from the bigger places. There is a real sense of community,” he adds.

At Iredell Memorial Hospital in Statesville, which nabbed two national awards for customer service in July 2007, physicians donate their time to the Open Door Clinic.

“This medical community is very giving of their own time, seeing a good number of patients who have no means of paying for their care,” says Ed Rush, Iredell president and CEO. “They do it willingly, openly, and that’s a tough balance nowadays.”

Rush notes that the nonprofit hospital’s bylaws, written when the facility

opened in 1954, endorse disease prevention, wellness and health education.

“The individuals who established this hospital had great foresight,” he says. “That is something I take to heart.”

With the hearts of its patients in mind, Iredell was the first hospital in the county to offer noninvasive heart scans beginning in July 2007. The sophisticated CT scanner is able to take 192 images of the heart per second.

“We operate at a very modest margin, and that allows us to take and reinvest in technology upgrades to the hospital, maintaining the best of care,” Rush says.

Other hospitals and medical groups in the area – and their productive staffs – also contribute to wellness and community education. Piedmont Health Care offers a number of outpatient services, plus urgent care in both Mooresville and Statesville. Carolinas Medical Center–NorthEast, in Concord, features six Centers of Excellence, including the Batte Cancer Center and the Cannon Heart Center. At Presbyterian Hospital Huntersville, The Solomon House offers advocacy, information and referrals to community health resources for the area’s underserved population.

SafeScan at Lake Norman Regional Medical Center aids communication between nurses and doctors.

MOORESVILLE

I M AG E S M O O R E S V I L L E . C O M

21

22

I M AG E S M O O R E S V I L L E . C O M

MOORESVILLE

Sunny Skies Ahead

GREAT WEATHER, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES & FAMILY ATMOSPHERE MAKE MOORESVILLE A TOP PICK

STORY BY CRISTAL CODY PHOTOGRAPHY BY IAN CURCIO

M

ooresville residents know a good thing when they see it.

Economic growth, great schools and easy access to outdoor activities are just a few reasons why the community is getting so much favorable attention these days.

“It’s just a feel-good place,” says Mooresville Mayor Bill Thunberg. “It’s a great place to live with good people and good weather. We’ve got great recreational opportunities in the area for folks.”

The city was nationally recognized in 2007 by Money magazine as one of the country’s best 100 towns to call home.

Chris Montgomery, general manager of the Lake Norman Times, notes that strong family ties are often found throughout the community. For example, his grandparents operated Mabry’s Kids have fun on the playground at the new Lowe’s YMCA in Mooresville.

Right: Stumpy Creek Park

MOORESVILLE

I M AG E S M O O R E S V I L L E . C O M

23

Stumpy Creek Park in Mooresville

Washerette in downtown Mooresville for more than 45 years.

“I like the idea of working where I live and where my kids go to school and where we go to church,” Montgomery says. “We’re fortunate that so much growth has come here, bringing business and opportunity.”

Donna Corriher, development director of the Lowe’s YMCA in Mooresville, says the community offers “a little bit of everything.”

“We’re two hours from the mountains; about four hours from the beach.”

Lovers of outdoor activities will appreciate the Mooresville weather: Average high temperatures are just 77 degrees in the summer, and annual snowfall registers a mere 3 inches.

Festivals and special events fill the local calendar. The YMCA sponsors a major fireworks show in July and Healthy Kids Day in April.

“We love that we have all this space where the Mooresville community can come together,” Corriher says of the new Y on Joe V. Knox Avenue.

The Y’s staff works with area schools to offer educational and fun opportunities for students. The 57,000-square -foot Lowe’s YMCA, part of the YMCA of Greater Charlotte system, features an indoor water park. Activities for adults, include fitness facilities, sports programs and clubs.

“We have wonderful programs, and they’re growing,” she says.

Mayor Thunberg says the town also has started investing creatively in recreation.

24

I M AG E S M O O R E S V I L L E . C O M

MOORESVILLE

Help Is a Mouse Click Away PARENTS GET TIPS

G

The gym at the new Y is a big hit with the preschool crowd.

“We’ve got a new park and a new skateboard park being designed,” Thunberg says.

Finding a spot to enjoy outdoor family activities isn’t a problem. The Mooresville Recreation Department has nine parks on its roster. Amenities include seven tennis courts, eight outdoor basketball courts and six ball fields.

The Iredell County Parks and Recreation Department operates the 83-acre Stumpy Creek Park adjacent to Lake Norman. It has a playground, boat launch, walking track, three soccer fields, three baseball/softball fields and a disc golf course.

The county’s Outdoor Education Center near Mooresville features a ropes MOORESVILLE

course, a 50-foot rappelling/climbing tower and primitive camping sites.

A wide variety of age and interest groups enjoy the ropes course, says Michelle Hepler, recreation programs administrator for Iredell County.

“It ranges anywhere from birthday parties to sports teams to town managers,” she says.

Seniors have their own special interests, such as woodcarving and line dancing, offered every week at the South Iredell Senior Center. The center is located in downtown Mooresville on the first floor of the Charles Mack Citizen’s Center.

With spacious meeting rooms and outdoor courtyards, the citizen center also welcomes large groups.

ot a child care question?

The Iredell County Partnership for Young Children helps families find the answers to child care and other parenting issues.

“We have a complete database of licensed child care operators in homes and centers in Iredell County,” says Karen Campbell, regional school-age specialist and program evaluator for the Iredell County Partnership for Young Children, headquartered in Statesville.

The partnership operates Child Care Solutions, a comprehensive child care resource and referral organization for parents.

“We have preschools listed in there as well, so we’re able to help parents discover what’s in the area,” Campbell says. “We also help link parents with other services in the community.”

The Iredell County Partnership for Young Children offers assistance to first-time moms, a positive-parenting training program that addresses child-behavior issues, and other programs such as More at Four, North Carolina’s state-funded pre-kindergarten program that prepares 4-year-olds for school.

The Partnership for Young Children, a nonprofit organization led by local volunteers, also helps parents find health-care services for children.

“In addition to child care solutions, we do a variety of things to prepare children to be ready for success in school,” Campbell says.

– Cristal Cody

I M AG E S M O O R E S V I L L E . C O M

25

Retail

Rampage WHEN IT COMES TO SHOPPING, MOORESVILLE OFFERS SOMETHING NEW ALMOST EVERY DAY

STORY BY PAM GEORGE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY IAN CURCIO

T

here was a time when national retail chains such as Target, Bed Bath & Beyond or Wal-Mart might bypass Mooresville. No longer, says Darrell Palasciano, a commercial broker with Pinnacle Properties, which is developing Mooresville Town Square, a retail center, and Legacy Village, a mixedused development with retail, residences and offices.

“In the past five years, a lot of your national retailers have taken Mooresville a lot more seriously,” he says.

Take Staples, for instance. The office superstore opened a second Mooresville location last summer to better meet the demand, says Peter Dorninger, general manager of the new store, which is on River Highway across from Target.

What’s fueling the retail boom?

In part, it’s the influx of new residents with the types of demographic profiles that appeal to retailers, Dorninger says.

Newcomers are a mix of retirees, workers related to the NASCAR industry and employees who’ve relocated to the Lowe’s headquarters here. Lowe’s vendors have also sparked the population growth.

Recent accolades and awards have also caught large retailers’ attention.

In 2002, for instance, Site Selection

magazine named the Mooresville area a “Top 10 Economic Development Group for 2001.” Mooresville was selected as a “Champion of Industry” award winner for 2003 by Pat Summerall Productions.

“Mooresville has such high income, such growth and so much employment,” Palasciano says. “It’s become its own self-sufficient town. With the addition of Lowe’s and other large companies, it’s created its own identity, and with that has come a lot of retail.”

Morrison Plantation was among the first developments to spot the trend, says Billy Cooper, a commercial real estate broker with Southern Real Estate, which has been handling the leasing for the Shops at Morrison Plantation for the last five years.

“We’ve got two spaces left, and we are nearly full,” Cooper says.

Harris Teeter anchors the retail segment of the development, which also includes Georgetown-inspired townhomes and live-work townhomes located above retail shops. Although Harris Teeter is a chain, the store bills itself as a “neighborhood food market.”

SaladWorks, a national food chain, is also popular here.

Morrison Plantation has been joined

by Winslow Bay Shopping Center, home

to such well-known stores as Super Target, Dick’s Sporting Goods, T.J. Maxx, PetSmart and Pier 1 Imports.

Mooresville Crossing, meanwhile, features Bed Bath & Beyond, Best Buy and Old Navy.

The latest addition, Mooresville Town Square, is a planned 400,000square-foot retail village with gardens and walking paths. Legacy Village will feature 450,000 square feet of retail, office and residential space.

While giant retailers have clearly taken notice of Mooresville, there is still room for small businesses and entrepreneurial opportunities.

“There’s a wonderful phenomenon in Mooresville – maybe more so than in a lot of your boomtowns – and that is that there are as many if not more mom-and-pops continuing to flourish,” Palasciano says. “There’s a very nice balance.”

Indeed, the Shops at Morrison Plantation is composed mostly of momand-pop operations, Cooper says.

Expect more retail options – both large and small – in the future.

Mooresville, it seems, is on the map of site selection committees nationwide.

“The word has gotten out now,” Cooper says.

Mooresville Town Square shopping center is billed as a “retail village.”

26

I M AG E S M O O R E S V I L L E . C O M

MOORESVILLE

MOORESVILLE

I M AG E S M O O R E S V I L L E . C O M

27

Portfolio

Teens Rock at ClubFX FUN IS TEMPERED WITH SAFETY AT POPULAR MOORESVILLE NIGHTSPOT

T

eens in Mooresville can no longer lament that there’s nothing to do.

ClubFX opened in June 2007, providing a dance floor with DJs and a 12,000-watt sound system just for teens. A snack bar, video game arcade, and a rock-climbing wall add to the club’s attraction.

Teen dances are held on weekends, with middle-school nights on Fridays and high-school nights on Saturdays, bringing in 200 to 350 teens at each event.

“There’s clearly a void in this city and most other cities of places for teenagers to go,” says Ken Connor, owner of ClubFX.

The father of three teenagers, Connor combined his interest in providing a needed amenity for the community with his desire to start a business by opening ClubFX. The club is open to teens 13 to 18, and admission on dance nights is $10.

Security is a priority for Connor, and the club’s rules are strictly enforced.

Alcohol and tobacco products are banned, and teens have a dress code.

“As important as it is for parents, it is equally important for kids to feel like they are secure, as well,” Connor says.

At ClubFX, a private VIP room handles teen birthday parties and other smaller

gatherings, Connor said. Children’s birthday parties, with inflatable bounce houses, are another option. Located in the Talbert Point Business Park, the facility also is home to the Backstretch Grill, which serves lunch during the week, and a catering business, A Tasteful Solution.

Connor offers nonprofit groups the opportunity to use the facility pro bono and has welcomed groups from Special Olympics and inner city youth for special events.

“If we can help them out, we love to do it,” he says. “My own kids work those events. It gives them a better appreciation for life.”

ClubFX owner Ken Connor started the teen club to fill a community need.

28

I M AG E S M O O R E S V I L L E . C O M

MOORESVILLE

One-Stop Shop at Dale Jr.’s ans of Dale Earnhardt Jr. now have a one-stop shop in Mooresville for checking out retail merchandise, viewing exhibits and touring the NASCAR driver’s race shop.

“To get the room that we need and to have really a first-class facility that we are proud of is just very exciting,” says Kelley Earnhardt Elledge, JR Motorsports vice president and general manager and sister to Dale Jr. Growing from six employees in 2001 to 100 employees in 2007, JR Motorsports moved out of two facilities with 14,000 square feet into a 65,000square-foot building at Talbert Point Business Park in January 2007.

Fans can shop at JR Nation, the first retail store that exclusively carries the Dale Jr. and JR Motorsports brand, and they can visit the Dale Jr. Fan Experience, a permanent display featuring the driver’s life and racing career with exhibits that rotate quarterly. Past exhibits have included a salute to the fans and Earnhardt Jr.’s Elvis memorabilia. Exhibits in 2008 will chronicle Earnhardt Jr.’s association with the music industry, including his appearances in music videos, as well as his sports collectibles.

“He’s a huge Redskins fan,” Elledge says of Earnhardt Jr. The Fan Experience includes a 15foot window into the race shop, where fans can watch the two Busch teams work on JR Motorsports’ No. 5 and No. 88 cars. Nearby is a life-sized wax figure of Earnhardt Jr. commissioned by Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum.

JR Nation attracted about 4,000 fans during the May 2007 race week and averages about 100 fans a day, according to Elledge. The retail store carries more than 500 items, including hats, shirts and collectibles, many with the JRM orange flame logo.

“Dale Jr. was very instrumental in helping with the design of the product,” Elledge says “It definitely speaks Dale Jr. It’s got the cool factor.

It’s interesting from the design standpoint, not your typical race gear. It’s more trendy and fashionable.”

MOORESVILLE

PHOTOS BY IAN CURCIO

F

Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s new shop is at Talbert Point.

I M AG E S M O O R E S V I L L E . C O M

29

Portfolio

IAN CURCIO

The salad bar is fresh daily at The Little Kitchen on North Main Street.

Big Appetites at Little Kitchen

T

he Little Kitchen keeps families coming back, generation after generation, for its slow-cooked prime rib, its homemade salad dressings and special desserts.

The 38-year-old restaurant has had only three owners, and each has followed the traditions and menu established by the family of Claude Little, the original owner.

“Besides giving the place a face lift, nothing has literally changed since I bought the restaurant,” says owner Joyce Smith, whose customers know her as Joy. After working in Charlotte area restaurants, Smith returned home to Mooresville in 1998 and worked as a waitress at The Little Kitchen until 2005, when she purchased the restaurant.

Smith continues to serve the complimentary cheese-spread appetizer to customers as they relax on classic red leather button-tuck chairs at black tables and booths. The late NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt used to slip into a back booth frequently for prime rib, and Dale Jr. included the restaurant in a documentary, Smith says.

Smith’s daughter, Tiffany Tadlock, manages the 200-seat restaurant with her mother, continuing the familyrestaurant tradition. Organist Jerry Shiver has provided live music Friday and Saturday nights at The Little Kitchen for 22 years.

Tucked into the Port City Shopping Center at 631 N. Main St. in Mooresville, The Little Kitchen serves breakfast to customers every Tuesday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. and dinner from 5 to 9 p.m. each Tuesday through Thursday. The restaurant stays open until 10 p.m. on weekends.

30

I M AG E S M O O R E S V I L L E . C O M

MOORESVILLE

Classic Cars Head for Race City M

ooresville steps back in time the first Saturday of each month, when the Cruise-In Classic Car Show attracts hundreds of classic automobiles downtown for an evening of family fun.

Spectators, sometimes as many as 3,000, might see a rare 1933 Buick sedan along with the restored Cadillacs, Chevrolets and other well-kept classics from the last century. Also on display are well-maintained street rods and sporty muscle cars. The show is open to cars 30 years old and older.

The Cruise-In features a disc jockey spinning golden oldies, food vendors, karaoke and games for children. Many of the downtown merchants remain open during the 4 to 8 p.m. Cruise-In to serve the crowds.

“Folks love to bring their cars out. It’s a big family affair,” says Allen Warlick, a member of the Good Ole Boys Street Rodders. “It certainly is good for business.”

The small street-rod club cosponsors the monthly Cruise-In with the Mooresville-South Iredell Chamber of Commerce and the Town of Mooresville. After hosting an annual show for 14 years, the street rodders made it a monthly event in 2006 with help from the town and chamber.

A recent Cruise-In brought about 500 cars to Mooresville from South Carolina, Virginia and throughout North Carolina. Visitors to Mooresville often take in the classic car show, along with nearby racing attractions, Warlick says.

Warlick is at work restoring a 1934 Buick and owns several street rods. His family is one of eight families involved in the Street Rodders club, a small group tackling a large monthly task.

“It involves a lot of work for our club to organize every month. But we enjoy the folks and we just have a very good time,” he says.

MOORESVILLE

R AYMER OIL COMPANY • 24-hour fueling • Tractor-trailer access • Member of CFN fueling network • 17 convenient locations in and around Iredell County Statesville, North Carolina (704) 873-7285

I M AG E S M O O R E S V I L L E . C O M

31

Portfolio

IAN CURCIO

The community will benefit from sales at the new ABC store off Interstate 77 at Exit 33.

Store Fills Community Coffers M

ooresville’s newest state-of-the-art package store offers an impressive selection of items and gives a boost to the town and school system budgets.

In the 2007 fiscal year, the area’s three package stores and numerous liquor-by-the-drink establishments generated $500,000 for the Town of Mooresville and its public parks, the Iredell-Statesville Schools and Mooresville Graded School District, says Mike Deaton, general manager of the Mooresville Alcoholic Beverage Control Board.

The third and newest Mooresville ABC Store opened in mid-2006 at 117 Bridgewater Lane in a 7,200-squarefoot building. The store stocks some 1,200 items, Deaton says.

Annual sales of spirits in Mooresville, including those at the package stores and in restaurants, total about $7 million, Deaton explains. Once excise and sales taxes are delivered to the state and expenses are covered, the remaining profits are available to the town and the school systems.

North Carolina is one of 19 “control” states, in which a state control board regulates the sale of liquor.

“But we’re unique in that we are the only state that keeps all the profits locally,” Deaton says. “All of ours stay in the local school systems and the town of Mooresville.”

Since the first package stores opened in Mooresville in 1965, the Mooresville ABC Board has turned over nearly $6.3 million in profits to the town and schools, Deaton says.

– Stories by Kay Brookshire 32

I M AG E S M O O R E S V I L L E . C O M

MOORESVILLE

Image Gallery |

PHOTO BY IAN CURCIO

Main Street mural

MOORESVILLE

I M AG E S M O O R E S V I L L E . C O M

33

Image Gallery

34

I M AG E S M O O R E S V I L L E . C O M

MOORESVILLE

PHOTOGRAPHY BY IAN CURCIO

Lake Norman sunrise

MOORESVILLE

I M AG E S M O O R E S V I L L E . C O M

35

Business

36

I M AG E S M O O R E S V I L L E . C O M

MOORESVILLE

LOWE’S

Knows

MOORESVILLE PROVIDES THE RIGHT ENVIRONMENT FOR THE COMPANY’S GROWTH STORY BY PAM GEORGE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY IAN CURCIO

W

hen the nation’s second-largest home improvement retailer – and one of the nation’s fastest-growing chains – needed more breathing room, they found it in Mooresville.

“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., which relocated its corporate offices to Mooresville from Wilkes County.

With its close proximity to Charlotte and a growing population of 67,000, Lowe’s officials saw Mooresville as a bigger pond in which to fish for workers.

Lowe’s purchased land in Iredell County in 2001 after an exhaustive search that included such major cities as Dallas, Chicago, Raleigh, Atlanta and Columbus, Ohio. Factors they considered included workforce demographics, education, housing, quality of life and transportation.

The company is now in the midst of the third phase of its expansion plan, which will bring more employees to the area. When the master plan is fully complete, the campus will accommodate

up to 12,000 people, Ahearn says.

Lowe’s Mooresville customer support center opened in 2003, and the next year the company announced plans for its second phase, a 136,000-square-foot addition to house 600 employees.

Phases I and II total 537,000 square feet and house about 2,100 employees.

When complete in fall 2008, phase III will house about 2,400 people and total 735,000 square feet.

“We will do a phased move over a four- to six-month period,” Ahearn says.

The newest facilities were designed to accommodate Lowe’s anticipated growth over the next few years.

Phase III expands the site’s conference center facilities. It also provides Lowe’s with an auditorium. “It will be convenient for large presentations,” Ahearn says.

The campus buildings, which are con nected by enclosed walkways, surround a spring-fed lake. A terrace, suitable for lunch, invites employees to take a break and get a breath of fresh air, she says. Lowe’s has been investigating the installation of wetlands to serve as a filtration system for the lake. “We’re trying to be environmentally friendly, as well,” Ahearn says.

The campus also includes a “planogram” facility in a 94,000-square-foot building that is home to the company’s quality assurance and business television departments. The laboratory-like planogram helps with design and inventory.

For instance, light bulb merchants might set up products exactly as they would in a store. Once installed, decision-makers can determine if there is enough or too much of any one type of product.

“They evaluate the products the way they would look in a store,” Ahearn explains. “Once they make their decision, then it goes out the stores. The light bulbs would come down and another product would go up – maybe garden hoses and sprinklers. (The Mooresville Lowe’s retail store often serves as a testing ground for new products.)

It is easy to see why Lowe’s continues to ramp up operations. With fiscal year 2006 sales of $46.9 billion, the Fortune 50 company serves about 13 million customers a week at more than 1,425 home improvement stores in 49 states.

There are currently no plans on the horizon for phase IV, Ahearn says. “We do have a master plan that will include additional buildings as the need arises.

But we have no timeline for that.”

Lowe’s environmentally sensitive campus could house up to 12,000 workers.

MOORESVILLE

I M AG E S M O O R E S V I L L E . C O M

37

Business | Biz Briefs

IAN CURCIO

to grow the business,” Spencer says. “At the same time, we have remained true to our goal of keeping prices very reasonable for our customers.”

With two dining rooms and more than 16,000 square feet of space, Soiree offers banquet facilities for weddings and other events as well as on-site resources for corporate meetings.

Spencer says the restaurant is also expanding its off-site catering business.

Soiree Restaurant on Main Street serves spiced rare tuna.

UPSCALE DINING DOWNTOWN From the moment they first laid eyes on the historic two-story building at the corner of Center and Main streets, Maria and Jon Spencer knew it would be perfect for a restaurant full of character and charm.

Two years later, in 2006, the Spencers and their partners, chefs Alan Jackson and Michael Spencer, opened Soirée, a restaurant known for its upscale atmosphere, extensive wine list and gourmet dishes such as grilled North Carolina trout and rack of lamb.

“The combination of exquisite food, along with the ambiance and history of the surroundings, makes Soirée a truly 38

I M AG E S M O O R E S V I L L E . C O M

unique dining experience for our customers,” says Maria Spencer.

“Everything is made in-house, even down to our ketchup and salad dressings. Our chefs are dedicated to using only the freshest ingredients.”

In addition to serving lunch and dinner Tuesday through Friday and dinner on Saturday nights, Soirée is a popular destination for Sunday brunch.

Spencer says the response has been so tremendous that the restaurant regularly attracts some of the top names in NASCAR and prominent visitors to the area.

“This side of downtown was really missing a restaurant like this, and the terrific response has helped us continue

THE REAL (ESTATE) DEAL When James Jennings founded Lake Norman Realty in 1978, the region was primarily known as a retreat with summer cottages and vacation homes.

The visionary entrepreneur predicted a boom in the local real estate market early on and, as a result, built one of the largest real estate firms in the Charlotte region.

“He had a vision for what this area would become, and he was right. He was always a little ahead of his time,” says Abigail Jennings, who became president of the family business a year before her father passed away in 1999.

Today, Lake Norman Realty has four locations across the area and is known for its residential and commercial services, as well as in-house products such as homeowner’s insurance, title insurance and mortgage services.

“The local real estate market has remained strong and active,” Jennings says. “We have not seen depreciation in the Lake Norman region. In fact, we see plenty of people still moving into the area. We’re very fortunate to live in such a strong market.”

FAMILY JEWEL For more than 90 years the Markarian family has been a source for comfort and beauty underfoot. In 2000, Steve Markarian opened the Mooresville location of Markarians Fine Rugs & Carpets, a company originally founded in upstate New York by his grandfather.

Today, Markarian is grooming a fourth generation to continue expanding the family business in North Carolina.

“One thing that hasn’t changed since my grandpa’s era is respect for our customers and dedication to service,” Markarian says. “We recognize that you can buy carpet and flooring anywhere, but what you can’t buy is customer service and the values of honesty we MOORESVILLE

Row Boat Dock & Dredge built this marina in eastern North Carolina.

hold as a family business.”

Located on Charlotte Highway, near Interstate 77 at Exit 33, Markarians Fine Rugs & Carpets is hard to miss.

The 18,000-square-foot facility has undergone a series of major expansions to house several new departments, including a rug loft and a home interiors division.

“We saw that flooring companies were catering to new home construction, but we also wanted to focus on individuals remodeling their homes,” Markarian says. “Our success is a testament to our clients and the support of the local community.”

MAKING WAVES Mooresville business leader Bob Wilson received an honor when he was tapped by North Carolina’s governor to serve as a state commissioner-atlarge as part of the Coastal Area Management Act. The appointment came as somewhat of a surprise, since Wilson’s hometown of Mooresville is more than 200 miles from the beach.

However, his company, Row Boat Dock & Dredge, has had positive impact on the state’s effort to balance environmental protection with economic MOORESVILLE

development along the coast – and so Wilson was, in fact, a natural choice for the position.

“The strength of our company is the quality of our people and the experience they bring to the business,” Wilson says. “We have built an enviable reputation in the industry, thanks to our talented employees.”

Founded in Mooresville in 1976, Row Boat Dock & Dredge is a $10 million heavy marine construction business with 50 employees. The company designs and builds docks and marinas for waterfront developments. In addition to dredging for docks and marinas, the company also provides dredging services for golf courses and power and chemical companies.

With customers in the Lake Norman region and across waterfront areas throughout the southeast, Wilson says Row Boat Dock & Dredge will continue to expand its headquarters in the Mooresville area.

“Mooresville is not only a very strategic location with respect to transportation resources that reach our target markets, it’s also a community that has supported us over the years,” Wilson says. “Mooresville has been very good to us.”

STILL GOING STRONG When L.B. Plastics came to North America in 1977, the company’s European founders were drawn to Mooresville for its hard-working population and proximity to the furniture manufacturing industry.

Thirty years later, the Mooresville facility has grown to include more than 324,000 square feet of manufacturing, operations and storage space three miles east of Interstate 77, Exit 36.

According to Harry Davis, president of L.B. Plastics, many of the company’s 125 employees have been on board for 25 to 30 years.

“As we continue to add production, we recognize that a good part of our success can be attributed to the dedication of our employees and the good working relationship we have with the local community,” Davis says.

With several award-winning patented products, L.B. Plastics Inc. is recognized as an innovator and leader in the building products industry for its design and manufacturing of premium, low-maintenance vinyl railing, post clad, decking and related products.

– Valerie Pascoe I M AG E S M O O R E S V I L L E . C O M

39

Business | Chamber Report

Business Expo Spotlights Diversity CHAMBER-SPONSORED EVENT PROMOTES A VARIETY OF LOCAL BUSINESSES

40

I M AG E S M O O R E S V I L L E . C O M

visitors and exhibitors at two halls.

“It is eye-opening,” Shore says. “The diversity of the businesses and their products and services is amazing. We want people to be aware of what’s done here and of the potential of what can be available to them.”

“This event highlights the diversity of the products and services available here.”

KAREN SHORE CHAMBER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Another highlight of the expo is the Taste of the Town, a two-hour social event that wraps up the expo and showcases the expertise of local

restaurants and caterers.

“There is always a lot of excitement over Taste of the Town,” Shore says.

“During this time, the exhibitors are really able to socialize. Some of them have not been able to really see much of what the others have to offer because they’ve been at their booths most of the time.

“So this part of the expo has become very important in itself and allows an after-hours networking and a sampling of some of the great food provided in our area.”

Of course, the bottom line with this type of event is its impact on business, and Shore believes the effect is major.

“Everything we do aims for an impact by producing more revenue for the businesses and more jobs created within the community,” Shore says.

“The expo brings into focus everything we do as ‘the chamber.’ We are all about the promotion of doing business locally. This event highlights the diversity of the products and services available here.”

– Warren Denney

COURTESY OF KEELI KELLY

W

hen Karen Shore speaks of the annual fall Business Expo sponsored by the Mooresville-South Iredell Chamber of Commerce, she can’t help but express both excitement and pride.

The expo showcases products and services offered by local businesses and organizations – from manufacturing to retail to nonprofit, in areas ranging from agriculture to advertising and recreation.

“Participation in the expo increases a little each year,” says Shore, who took over as the chamber’s executive director in August 2006. “It has grown some from my last year’s experience, and we may have to consider changing venues in the future if it keeps growing. That’s how popular it is.”

The Charles Mack Citizen Center has two exhibit halls that provide room for up to 100 exhibitors, and those accommodations have been pushed to the limit in recent years, Shore says. Increased participation by local businesses also indicates that the chamber has been successful at promoting the expo as part of its overall mission.

“We do market it widely through normal channels and resources, television and radio,” Shore says. “I do think the business community is strongly aware of it and relies on it each year, not only as a means of exhibiting services but as an important means of networking and establishing relationships.”

The event, free and open to the public, attracted 100 exhibitors in October 2007. The high level of participation mirrors the energy and broad-based enthusiasm of the local business community, Shore says.

During the event, Shore spends much of her time greeting and directing

The fall Business Expo showcases companies’ products and services.

MOORESVILLE

Business | Economic Profile

MOORESVILLE BUSINESS CLIMATE Mooresville has a healthy and diverse economy, with a strong manufacturing base. The city’s industries manufacture a variety of products – from textiles to candy. The area’s economic base is also anchored by tourism, spurred by the burgeoning stock car racing industry.

Mooresville is nicknamed Race City USA. TRANSPORTATION Airports Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (704) 359-4013

More than 60 race teams and more than 100 race-related suppliers are in the city and county.

Concord Regional Airport (704) 920-5900 Statesville Regional Airport (704) 873-1111 Lake Norman Air Park (704) 896-0822 Railroads Norfolk Southern (404) 529-1591

TAXES Property Taxes Mooresville $.55 per $100 valuation Iredell County $.465 per $100 valuation Next valuation year is 2007 Sales Tax 7% (4.5% state, 2.5% county) Income Personal tax on income varies depending on income and filing status Franchise tax $1.50 per $1,000

High Speed Learning LABOR FORCE STATISTICS Iredell County Labor Force June 2006 Labor Force, 73,250 Employed, 70,034 Unemployed, 3,216 Unemployment percentage, 4.4%

MOORESVILLE

Mary Ann Mauldwin mmauldwin@ryrengines.com P.O. Box 4928 Mooresville, NC 28117

(704) 902-2899 Fax: (704) 799-7553

www.highspeedlearn.com

I M AG E S M O O R E S V I L L E . C O M

41

Business | Economic Profile MAJOR EMPLOYERS

42

Company

Product/Service

Loweâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Companies

Regional headquarters

Lake Norman Regional Medical Center

Hospital and medical offices

930

Wal-Mart SuperCenter

Retail

500

Mooresville Graded School District

Public education

465

NGK Ceramics USA Inc.

Manufactures ceramic auto parts

450

Super Target

Retail

350

BestSweet Inc.

Manufactures candy

300

WinCup Inc.

Manufactures plastic utensils and containers

290

Dale Earnhardt Inc.

Racing-related company

250

Town of Mooresville

Town government

250

Cardinal FG

Manufactures flat glass

230

Penske Racing South Inc.

Racing-related company

210

PGI Non-Wovens

Manufactures polypropylene non-wovens

210

Loweâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Home improvement center, retail

175

Overcash Electric Inc.

Commercial, residential and industrial electrical

175

NASCAR Technical Institute

Automotive repair/collision technical school

150

Service Partners Inc.

Manufactures glass logs, ceiling tiles and insulation

150

Southern Container Corp.

Manufactures corrugated boxes

150

L.B. Plastics Inc.

Manufactures PVC profile extrusions

145

Custom Products Inc.

Manufactures airline seats and cushions

143

Brian Center Health & Retirement

Skilled intermediate nursing and rest home

130

Michael Weinig Inc.

Woodworking machinery specialist

130

Spectrum Financial Systems Inc.

Alarms, ATMs, bank security systems

120

General Microcircuits Inc.

PC board assembly

90

Carolina Beer & Beverage

Brewery

85

I M AG E S M O O R E S V I L L E . C O M

No. of Employees 1,800

MOORESVILLE

HOUSEHOLD INCOME Iredell County Income (2005) Median household income $48,686 Median family income $60,587 Per capita personal income $23,802

BUSINESS PARKS Barley Industrial Park Is zoned light industrial.

Approximately 40 acres remain available. Among the current tenants are Carolina Beer & Beverage, AeroDyn Wind Tunnel and DDP Holdings Inc. Deerfield Business Park Is a Class A industrial park located next to I-77 and the future I-77 interchange. This park is zoned light industrial.

Tenants include Recource Plus and Scott Glenn Motorsports.

Lakeside Business Park Is a 245-acre business park zoned general industrial and business. Approximately 25 acres remain undeveloped.

This park is close to I-77, I-40 and I-85. Water, sewer and natural gas are available to the site. This park is close to hotels, restaurants and shopping. Among the current tenants are Ameritech Die-Mold, the North Carolina Racing Hall of Fame, REDS Athletic Club, Michael Weinig Inc. and Master Power Brake Inc. Mooresville Business Park Is a 500-acre industrial park with all utilities in place.

Approximately 90 acres remain undeveloped.

Norfolk-Southern Railroad considers Mooresville Business Park one of their top industrial sites in North Carolina.

Current tenants include Cardinal FG, Duke Power, Southern Container, PGI NonWovens, Penske Racing South,

MOORESVILLE

I M AG E S M O O R E S V I L L E . C O M

43

the Griffin Agencies Statesville Mooresville Lincolnton Denver

(704) (704) (704) (704)

871-8002 664-9111 735-6974 483-4383

227 W. Plaza Dr. Mooresville, NC 28117

• Luxury bedding • Marriott’s new Early Eats™ complimentary hot breakfast • Complimentary high-speed Internet • Executive and whirlpool rooms available • Fully equipped fitness center • 1,066 sq. ft. of meeting facilities • Seasonal outdoor pool • Conveniently located off exit 36, adjacent to shopping and dining • 100% smoke-free environment

120 Consumer Square Dr. Mooresville, NC 28117 (704) 663-6100 tel • (704) 663-6138 fax www.marriott.com/cltmr

44

I M AG E S M O O R E S V I L L E . C O M

MOORESVILLE

Toyo Seal of America and WinCup. Restrictive covenants are in place to preserve and maintain the visual appeal of the park.

Talbert Pointe Business Park Is a 260-acre, Class A business park that fronts I-77. The park is zoned for light industrial.

Approximately 150 acres remain undeveloped. Sites range from one to 10 acres. Located nearby this park are hotels, restaurants and shopping.

Among the current tenants are PIT Instruction and Training, NASCAR Technical Institute and Robert Yates Racing.

Timber Ridge Industrial Area Consists of 37 acres of land located close to I-77, I-40 and I-85. This property is zoned for general industry and would be an ideal location for an office, distribution or manufacturing facility. City water, sewer and natural gas are available to the site. This park is not in a watershed district. Tenants include Goodridge USA, Pro System, Details Inc., and Varnell Struck and Associates.

Your local destination for FOOD, FUN & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT

Lunch, Sightseeing & Dinner Cruises Aboard the Catawba Queen

Pirateland, Golf & Bumper Boats

For cruise reservations, call (704) 663-2628

Jokers â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Dueling Piano Bar

Dinner Cruises on the Lady of the Lake

Wed-Sat 7 pm-2 am Entertainment starts at 8 pm

Check our Web site for dates for our theme cruises

Jacks Lakeside Grill | Tiki & Dock Bar | Special Events/Parties Banquet & Conference Facilities | Full ABC Permits | Special Corporate Cruises Check out our monthly event calendar! | www.queenslanding.com

1459 River Highway Mooresville, NC

4.5 miles west off Exit 36 I-77 on Hwy 150

SMALL BUSINESS RESOURCE CONTACTS Small Business Center Mitchell Community College Michael J. Tucker, Director 701 W. Front St. Statesville, NC 28677 Phone: (704) 878-3227 Fax: (704) 878-4265 Centralina Development Corp.

Richard D. Vitolo, President One Charlottetown Center P.O. Box 34218 Charlotte, NC 28235 Phone: (704) 373-1233 Fax: (704) 372-1280 Small Business Technology and Development Center The Ben Craig Center 8701 Mallard Creek Rd. Charlotte, NC 28262

MOORESVILLE

I M AG E S M O O R E S V I L L E . C O M

45

Business | Economic Profile Phone: (704) 548-9113 Fax: (704) 602-2179 SCORE (Service Corporation of Retired Executives) Phone: (704) 344-6576 Call Monday-Friday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Small Business Resource Center Eileen Joyce Phone: (704) 344-9797 Fax: (704) 344-3990 Meets monthly at the chamber. Call (704) 664-3898 for an appointment.

SUPERLATIVES Mooresville’s economic development group ranks among the 10 best economic development organizations in the nation. Site Selection magazine, May 2005.

Ranked the No. 1 community in the nation out of the top 100 U.S. micropolitan areas.

Site Selection magazine, March 2005 and 2004.

Named one of the 25 Best Managed Small Cities in America by Pat Summerall

Productions, 2004.

A Champion of Industry award winner. (Pat Summerall Productions, 2003) Ranked the No. 1 Small Town in the U. S. for New and Expanded Corporate Facilities by Site Selection magazine, 2002.

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS Bank of America (704) 664-8300 Bank of Granite (704) 987-9990 BB&T, (704) 664-3434 Catawba Valley Bank (704) 658-9261 Charlotte Metro Credit Union (704) 375-0183 Citizens South Bank (704) 799-2800 Fidelity Bank, (704) 799-3302 First Charter, (704) 664-4488 First Citizens Bank (704) 799-6233 First Trust Bank (704) 662-9004 Mooresville Savings Bank, SSB (704) 664-4888 Mountain National Bank (704) 799-7740 Piedmont Aviation Credit Union (704) 660-7200 Piedmont Bank (704) 660-0111 RBC Centura Bank (704) 658-2280

Mooresville Savings Bank, SSB

Member FDIC

46

I M AG E S M O O R E S V I L L E . C O M

347 North Main Street Post Office Box 1158 Mooresville, NC 28115 (704) 664-1383

Southern Community Bank & Trust (704) 663-7426 State Employees Credit Union (704) 663-0305 SunTrust Bank – Motorsports Banking Group (704) 662-3487 Wachovia Bank (704) 663-5344

MOORESVILLE

IREDELL COUNTY EMPLOYMENT DIVERSITY 3% 2% 7% 12%

25%

28%

A Tradition of Equipping Students for Success Established 1905

“Excellence isn’t a skill.

It is an attitude.”

– J. Marston

23%

Construction and Mining Finance, Insurance and Real Estate Government Manufacturing

305 N. Main St. Mooresville, NC 28115 (704) 658-2530 Fax: (704) 663-3005 mgsd.k12.nc.us

Service and Miscellaneous Trade Transportation, Communication & Public Services

Generations of Trust. Decades of Knowledge. Since 1979.

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 Mooresville-South Iredell Chamber of Commerce Economic Development 151 E. Iredell Ave. Mooresville, NC 28115 Phone (704) 664-6922 http://economicdevelopment. mooresvillenc.org

Sources: www.mooresvillenc.org, http://economicdevelopment. mooresvillenc.org, www.city-data.com

MOORESVILLE

Sara Seasholtz, CFP® (704) 658-1040

Scott Andrew, LTCP (704) 663-9041

www.FinancialStrategiesForLife.com Securities through Advantage Capital Corporation. A registered broker/dealer.

A registered investment advisor. Member FINRA/SIPC

I M AG E S M O O R E S V I L L E . C O M

47

Education

Arts on the Schedule NEW SCHOOL COMBINES HIGH SCHOOL- AND COLLEGE-LEVEL LEARNING

I

associates degree and a high school diploma in five years. The new Visual and Performing Arts School will be partnered with Mitchell Community College and Catawba College.

“The county commissioners did a proposal last fall where they asked for a vision for 2025,” Miller says. “They determined that we needed to do more in Iredell County for visual and performing arts.”

Visits were made across the state to determine the best offerings for area students. As a result, instruction will include choral arts, dance, theater art, visual arts and orchestra.

The school will incorporate the Mac Gray Auditorium, a 1942 facility whose renovation has kept some of the charm of the historic structure. Classes will be held in a new building that is adjacent to it.

“My background is band and music, and I’m just thrilled to be a part of this, especially when you have students and

teachers who are eager to participate and grow with it,” Miller says.

Other teachers on board include theater and orchestra instructors. Some students will be accepted as early as January 2008. The early college classes will begin next fall.

The student-selection process will include an application and an audition or portfolio submission, depending on the student’s area of interest.

“Most of the kids and parents I’ve talked to are very excited,” Miller says.

“A lot of them are taking piano, dance, voice, things like that, and they are thrilled to have something that is special for them.

“This is not to take away from their high schools, but to enhance it. Some of them will have AP [Advance Placement] credit, so they’re just thrilled to take it up a notch from what they have in their traditional high school.”

– Catherine Darnell

IAN CURCIO

n the not too distant future, teenagers around here will be acting out, singing a different tune and marching to the beat of their own drummers.

And they will be applauded for it.

Those young creative types will be enrolled at the Iredell-Statesville School District’s School of Visual and Performing Arts, set to open in 2008 with 400 students.

“This is an exciting new program that will serve students in the areas of visual and performing arts,” says Principal Lisa M. Miller, who came on board Aug. 1.

The school is a “learn and earn” early-college high school, the ninth such school in the state. Students will earn an endorsement in fine arts that will appear on their diplomas when they graduate from high school. It is part of the North Carolina New Schools Project, sponsored by Gov. Mike Easley, that allows students to earn both an

A new visual and performing arts school will use the Mac Gray Auditorium in Statesville.

48

I M AG E S M O O R E S V I L L E . C O M

MOORESVILLE

Growth Brings Challenges AREA IS FULL OF YOUNG FAMILIES long with the usual trappings of a school superintendent’s office, Dr. Mark Edwards has something one might not expect to see in an educator’s environment.

That would be a hardhat.

And it’s not just for show.

When Edwards came on board at the Mooresville Graded School District in May 2007, he inherited the second-fastestgrowing school system in North Carolina. Currently the district has 5,700 students – a number expected to continue to increase by 600 to 700 students each year.

“Growth is our biggest challenge,” Edwards says.

There are several factors contributing to the growth.

Mooresville is about 20 minutes north of Charlotte, which attracts a lot of people who don’t necessarily want to live in the city, the superintendent says. Also, Lake Norman is in Mooresville, and it is one of the largest, most beautiful lakes in North Carolina. In addition, Mooresville is the NASCAR capital, and Lowe’s corporate headquarters is here.

Whew.

So while there are seven schools already in Mooresville, there are still lots of plans for expansion.

“We have an aggressive capital [building] plan which includes opening up a new intermediate school in 2008,” Edwards says. “We will start construction on a new elementary school in the winter [of 2007]. We are also in the process of renovating other school spaces.”

It’s all pretty exciting stuff to Edwards. “I think one of the things about being a highgrowth area is that people come

MOORESVILLE

in from all over the country with energy and ideas,” he says. “It’s a great place for families. My wife and I have a 7-year-old. We think it’s going to be a great place for our child to grow up.”

– Catherine Darnell

Mark A. Edwards, Ed.D, is the new superintendent at Mooresville Graded School District.

IAN CURCIO

A

I M AG E S M O O R E S V I L L E . C O M

49

Arts & Culture

Art in the Limelight DOWNTOWN DISTRICT ATTRACTS GALLERY OWNERS AND ART PATRONS

I

ntrigued by art?

If so, head to downtown Mooresville and visit the epicenter of the community’s arts scene.

“The art scene is lively in downtown Mooresville, and we’re trying to be even livelier,” says Sandie Bell, publicity director and board member of the Mooresville Artists Guild.

Once a month, the guild sponsors a Gallery Crawl, which takes place in conjunction with a classic car cruise-in and always attracts large crowds.

The Saturday evening Gallery Crawl begins with a 6 p.m. reception at the old Southern Railway depot, home of the Artists Guild.

“There is no charge for the event, and many downtown businesses, such as the antique shops and restaurants, stay open for it,” Bell says. “We feature an artist of the month at one of the galleries.”

Four Corners Framing and Gallery displays the work of more than 80 artists. Gallery owners Tony McDaniel and Kim Saragoni provide live music, as well as wine and cheese, for art lovers to enjoy as they browse during the monthly Art Crawl.

Four Corners occupies a 104-yearold building on Broad Street next to the Deluxe Ice Cream Co. “We’ve provided a bench where gallery crawlers can sit to eat their ice cream

and look at the art,” McDaniel says.

Exhibited art ranges from watercolors and oils to pottery and some very popular metal work.

“We also display photography,” says McDaniel, a photographer and a former Charlotte Police Department detective.

Saragoni did custom framing in the Charlotte area prior to the gallery’s opening.

“Kim and I always talked about opening a gallery, and one day our spouses said, ‘Quit talking about it and do it.’ So we did,” McDaniel says.

The gallery rotates exhibits on a regular basis. Prices range from $25 to $2,000.

Artist James M. Moore created this tall maple vase on display at Four Corners on Broad Street.

50

I M AG E S M O O R E S V I L L E . C O M

MOORESVILLE

The framing side of the business offers 3,500 samples for customers to contemplate. McDaniel considers framing an art in itself. The owners’ expertise in the area is one of the perks of having framing done at Four Corners.

Another benefit is a computer program that allows customers to test various frame and mat colors, textures and sizes before their picture is framed.

McDaniel says all the framing work is done in-house.

“We get a lot of return customers at the gallery and the frame shop,” he says.

“I think that speaks for itself.”

Another popular stop on the Gallery Crawl is the Depot Fine Arts Gallery, which is housed in the old Southern Railway Depot, home of the Artists Guild. Remodeled space at the depot also includes a converted warehouse used for large exhibits.

This Mooresville Artists Guild began in 1955 with six artists. Now with 225 members, the guild includes Mooresville residents as well as others from throughout the surrounding region.

The nonprofit organization is supported by the North Carolina Arts Council and the Iredell Arts Council.

– Bridget Huckabee

Cardinal Glass Industries is the world’s largest producer of Insulating Glass units.

Since our opening here in Mooresville (August 1999) we have produced enough glass to wrap around the equator twice and we are about 1/3 of the way around again!

PHOTOS BY IAN CURCIO

Cardinal FG Mooresville has 230 employees and produces 625 tons of flat glass every 24 hours.

Artist John Melius created this natural edge vessel of ambrosia maple burl.

MOORESVILLE

Striving to set the industry standard for safety, quality, customer service and employee satisfaction by everyone working together.

Cardinal FG 342 Mooresville Blvd. • Mooresville, NC 28115 (704) 660-0900

I M AG E S M O O R E S V I L L E . C O M

51

Look, a tall purple rectangle!

Homesley, Jones, Gaines, Dudley, Childers, McLurkin & Donaldson, PLLC

Offering legal services in real estate, corporate and business law, personal injury, criminal law, domestic, civil law, contract, probate and estate planning.

T.C. Homesley, Jr. | Walter H. Jones, Jr. | Edmund L. Gaines L. Ragan Dudley | Mark L. Childers | Elise B. McLurkin Horton Kevin C. Donaldson | J. Patrick Stutts

When you talk to your child you build vocabulary, so everyday moments become learning moments. For more tips, visit bornlearning.org

Mooresville Office | Lakeside Business Park | 236 Raceway Dr., Ste. 7 Mooresville, NC 28117 | (704) 664-1127 Statesville Office | 316 E. Broad St. | Statesville, NC 28677 | (704) 873-2172

Representing the people of Iredell County since 1962

52

I M AG E S M O O R E S V I L L E . C O M

MOORESVILLE

IAN CURCIO

Sports & Recreation

Charles Mack Citizen Center is a popular public gathering spot in Mooresville.

Green Light for Fun NEW RECREATION PROJECTS GET THE GO-AHEAD IN MOORESVILLE

T

he Mooresville Parks and Recreation Department is developing a greenway and planning for a new skate park. But those projects are just the tip of the iceberg.

Funding is on its way for numerous additional parks and rec improvements, and the community’s enthusiasm for the added amenities is palpable.

“This is a very exciting time at the Parks and Recreation Department,” says Wanda McKenzie, who has served as the city’s parks and rec director for the past 12 years.

“I’m excited about our future. We have more going on and more funding becoming available for our projects than at any time during the 28 years I’ve been with the department.”

A bond issue passed by the town council generated $25 million for parks and recreation facilities.

The new Mazeppa Road Park is one of the department’s most ambitious

MOORESVILLE

projects, with amenities likely to include three softball fields, a baseball field, dog park, a BMX/mountain bike trail, tennis courts, playground structures, a trail system, a recreation center, soccer fields and practice fields.

The John Franklin Moore Memorial Park planned across from the depot would include an interactive water fountain and pavilion.

The department is also working with architects Wirth and Associates of Charlotte to design a skate park.

Land has been purchased on Cornelius Road for a park and a possible recreation center, and contractors are currently working on two more Mooresville parks: Bellingham Phase 2 and Nesbit Street Park.

“I am very excited for the citizens of Mooresville,” McKenzie says.

As if they didn’t have enough going on, the department staff recently moved into new offices.

The Mooresville Parks and Recreation Department runs nine parks that include seven tennis courts, eight outdoor basketball courts, six lighted ball fields and a gym for volleyball, badminton and basketball.

The department also offers a variety of classes – such as tennis instruction, dog obedience, creative arts and fitness – for youth and adults.

At the War Memorial Center, the parks and rec staff provides summer programs for 80 to 100 children each week. A special program for eighththough 10th-graders includes leadership training, character education, etiquette and life skills.

The city’s 60,000-square-foot Charles Mack Citizen Center has space for large and small functions, which, along with the center’s Joe V. Knox Auditorium’s seating capacity of 235, are all available for rentals.

– Bridget Huckabee I M AG E S M O O R E S V I L L E . C O M

53

Health & Wellness

“I’ve had two kids and I lost the weight from both pregnancies. Going to the Y just makes me feel better about myself. I like the way I look. I like the way my clothes fit.” – Carla Halpern

Real People. Real Solutions.

Lowe’s YMCA Lowe’s YMCA • 170 Joe Knox Ave. • (704) 716-4000 Financial assistance available.

YMCA Mission: To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.

54

I M AG E S M O O R E S V I L L E . C O M

www.ymcacharlotte.org

MOORESVILLE

R

estore your confidence with a beautiful smile that lasts.

Don’t waste one more day embarrassed by your aging smile. Dr. Drouin offers advanced dental techniques to restore your smile’s lost strength and beauty. By first rebuilding a healthy foundation, he ensures that your beautiful smile will outlast “cosmetic band-aid” treatments that simply cover up unhealthy teeth.

Best of all, you’ll love the warm, friendly atmosphere at Lake Norman Cosmetic & Restorative Dentistry. We treat you like family and offer you the comforts of home – even sedation dentistry for those who are anxious about treatment.

Featured in Charlotte Magazine as one of Charlotte’s Top Dentists.

Creating beautiful smiles that last a lifetime: Teeth whitening Tooth-colored fillings Porcelain bonding & veneers Custom crowns & bridges Full & partial dentures Implant restorations Sedation dentistry Laser certified TMJ diagnosis & treatment Invisalign – straight teeth without braces Family-style comfort & convenience: Warm, friendly care Televisions, DVDs & CD headphones Warm towels & cozy blankets Convenient appointment times Major credit cards welcome Insurance-form preparation No- & low-interest payment plans

Call (704) 664-7774 today!

631 Brawley School Rd., Ste. 500 Mooresville, NC (In the Lowes Foods shopping center) www.LakeNormanSmiles.com

MOORESVILLE

Dr. H. H. Drouin Pronounced Drew-in

I M AG E S M O O R E S V I L L E . C O M

55

Serving you with dignity since 1925

SEVER SURDULESCU, MD, FCCP CHRISTOPHER POOR, MD, FCCP

Owned and operated by H. Mike Cook

Specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of: • Asthma • Shortness of Breath • Emphysema • Sleep Apnea and Sleep Disorders • Other Breathing Disorders

Lake Norman Medical & Professional Plaza 170 Medical Park Rd. • Ste. 103 Mooresville, NC 28117 (704) 660-4094 • Fax: (704) 660-8901 www.lakenormanpulmonary.com

(704) 664-3363 • 494 E. Plaza Dr. Hwy. 150 • Mooresville www.cavin-cook.com Member National Funeral Directors Association, NC Funeral Directors Association and Cremation Association of NC

LNU5578419

Providing quality and compassionate care for patients and their loved ones for 24 years.

Hospice & Palliative Care of Iredell County

Now Available in Statesville!

“Making An Emotional Connection!”

Mooresville/ Lake Norman Office

• 3D/4D/Elective/Prenatal Ultrasound

P6018923

A nonprofit, community-based organization, we are the leading provider of medical, emotional and spiritual care for Iredell County residents. With a dedicated staff that lives and works in the community, we have earned the trust of our local doctors, hospitals, nursing homes and families like yours.

Statesville Office 2347 Simonton Rd. Statesville, NC 28625 (704) 873-4719

Mooresville/Lake Norman 150 Fairview Rd. • Ste. 325 Gordon Hospice House Mooresville, NC 28117 2341 Simonton Rd. (704) 663-0051 Statesville, NC 28625 www.HospiceOfIredell.org (704) 761-2400

Serving south Iredell and north Mecklenburg since 1984.

56

I M AG E S M O O R E S V I L L E . C O M

• Licensed/Certified Ultrasound Technologists

19 weeks

• Sessions Available from $95 • Makes an Unforgettable Baby Shower, Birthday or Holiday Gift • Gift Certificates are Available

All images are projected on our seven-foot home theater screen!

24 weeks

Mom may bring up to five friends/family with her to debut this special occasion!

Call for your appointment:

(704) 883-8363

30 weeks

1620-A Davie Ave. • Statesville, NC 28677 Visit our Web site for more information: www.watchmegrowultrasound.com

MOORESVILLE

Health & Wellness

Just Say, ‘Ahhh’ AHLARA OFFERS CITY A TASTE OF THE GOOD LIFE

W

wellness center.”

Wiggins bought an acre of land and built the 7,500-square-foot facility on Joe Knox Avenue, now an area of considerable growth.

“We built it out in the middle of a field,” she says. “Now the YMCA is near us; it’s one of the biggest in the South.”

Ahlara employs 22 specialists in body, skin and nail care. Wiggins’ enterprise boasts four distinctive divisions: the wellness center, a spa, a retail shop and a travel service. Wiggins leads two to three trips annually for travelers interested in seeing more of other countries – not just the traditional tourist spots. On these excursions to places such as Thailand, Nepal, Tibet, India, Egypt and South American countries, Wiggins buys local-artisan handcrafted treasures, which are sold in Ahlara’s International Market. She brings 20 years of retail experience to the merchandising side of the business.

The overall atmosphere at the wellness

IAN CURCIO

hen you pronounce the name of Ahlara International, just remember the first syllable is pronounced, “Ahhh.”

That’s fitting, considering that the Mooresville business is a wellness center and spa unlike any other in the community.

“People’s lives are so busy, and we have a very tranquil atmosphere,” says company owner Lynne Wiggins. “People tell me every day when they come that, first of all, they’ve never seen anything like it. Second of all, they tell me that they immediately calm down when they walk in.

“Even if they take half an hour out of their lives to get a manicure, it’s very relaxing.”

Wiggins founded Ahlara in 2005 and patterned it after a wellness center she owned in Boston in the late 1980s and early ’90s.

“I found that there was nothing here like what I had in Boston, a true

center and spa also has an exotic flavor.

Wiggins says the interiors are “decorated in an Asian motif” and that many of the space services are Asia-inspired.

“One of my areas of interest has been to travel all over Asia, so I brought back a lot of their thinking and philosophy.”

Wiggins says.

The 1,500-square-foot wellness center offers classes in yoga, meditation, tai chi and Pilates, as well as symposiums taught by local physicians and practitioners such as accupressurists, chiropractors and podiatrists. “We look upon ourselves as preventive health,” she says.

The spa takes clients into an atmosphere of pampering and relaxation, with an eclectic assortment of services, from shirodhara, a sesame-oil treatment for the forehead and scalp, to prana massage, designed to release blocked energy and realign healing forces.

“People will come to us so that, at least, they get an hour or two out of their day for themselves. That’s the main thing,” Wiggins says. “We find that people don’t take care of themselves.

They don’t take the time to take care of themselves.”

– Sharon H. Fitzgerald

Lynne Wiggins offers pampering and relaxation to customers at Ahlara International spa.

MOORESVILLE

I M AG E S M O O R E S V I L L E . C O M

57

Community Profile

MOORESVILLE SNAPSHOT Mooresville is about a 35-minute drive from the Charlotte/Douglas International Airport and is known for its excellent schools, strong neighborhoods and flagship industries such as Lowe’s corporate headquarters and NASCAR racing teams.

Statesville Christian School (704) 873-9511

EDUCATION Public Schools Iredell-Statesville Schools (iss.k12.nc.us), (704) 872-8931 Mooresville Graded Schools (mgsd.k12.nc.us) (704) 664-5553 Private Schools Believer’s Faith Center Christian Academy (704) 873-5484 Cannon School (704) 786-8171 Chesterbrook Academy (704) 658-1344

Higher Education Catawba College (704) 637-4290 Central Piedmont Community College, (704) 342-6633 Davidson College (704) 892-2000 Gardner-Webb University at Statesville, (704) 761-5100 Johnson C. Smith University (704) 378-1000 Livingstone College/Hood Theological Seminary (704) 797-1000 Mitchell Community College (Mooresville), (704) 663-1923

Racing Schools NASCAR Technical Institute – UTI, (704) 658-1950 PIT Instruction & Training Main (704) 799-3869 (866) 563-3566

CLIMATE Annual Precipitation 43.35 inches Average July high temperature, 88 F Average January low temperature, 26 F

GARDENING Average last frost date, spring April 11

Montessori Children’s House (704) 873-1092

Mitchell Community College (Statesville) (704) 878-3200

Montessori Elementary School (704) 873-1092

Montreat College (Charlotte) (800) 436-2777

Mooresville Christian Academy (704) 633-4690

Pfeiffer University at Charlotte (704) 521-9116

Primrose School of Lake Norman, (704) 658-0460

Queens University of Charlotte (704) 332-7121

NUMBERS TO KNOW

Southview Christian School (704) 872-9554

University of North Carolina – Charlotte, (704) 547-2000

Emergency Services For all emergencies, dial 911.

Average first frost date, autumn Oct. 24 Iredell County Agricultural Extension Service 873-0507

THIS SECTION IS SPONSORED BY

The area code for Mooresville is 70 4 .

I M AG E S M O O R E S V I L L E . C O M

59

Community Profile (Non-emergency numbers) Iredell County EMS (704) 878-3025

(704) 664-3311

Registration, (704) 663-5472

Mooresville Rescue Squad (704) 663-3660

Business Office (704) 663-3800

Iredell County Fire Marshal (704) 878-3035

Mount Mourne Volunteer Fire Department, (704) 892-1530

Charles Mack Citizen Center 662-3334

Iredell Sheriff’s Department (704) 878-3180

MSI Crimestoppers Inc. (704) 658-9056

Lake Norman Volunteer Fire Department (704) 664-2468

Shepherd’s Volunteer Fire Department (704) 663-1245

Convention & Visitors Bureau (704) 799-2400 or (877) 661-1234

Mooresville Fire Department Station #1 (704) 664-1338 Station #2 (704) 660-7740 Station #3 (704) 235-5900

South Iredell Volunteer Fire Department (704) 664-3043

Mooresville Police Department

Other numbers Automobile & Boat

Driver’s License (704) 664-3344 Human Resources (704) 662-8724 Hunting & Fishing License (may be obtained at WalMart) (704) 664-5238 Parks and Recreation (704) 663-7026 Personal & Real Estate Tax (704) 878-3000 Planning Department (704) 662-7040 Post Office (800) 275-8777 Public Library (Iredell County) (704) 878-3090 Public Library (Mooresville) (704) 664-2927 Public Works Department (704) 664-4278 Mooresville Town Clerk (704) 664-3800 Town Engineer (704) 662-8472 Town Manager (704) 663-3800 Vehicle Registration (704) 663-1699 Voter Registration (Iredell County) (704) 878-3140 Voter Registration (Mooresville) (704) 664-3898 Water-Sewer Maintenance (704) 664-3705MEDIA Newspapers Business Today (704) 795-6030 The Business Journal (704) 347-2822 Lake Norman Neighbors/ Charlotte Observer (704) 987-3670

60

I M AG E S M O O R E S V I L L E . C O M

MOORESVILLE

Lake Norman Magazine (704) 892-7936

Benfield Sanitation (704) 872-2668

Lake Norman Times (704) 664-2822

Iredell County Garbage Refuse Depot and Transfer Station (704) 663-5314

Mooresville Tribune (704) 664-5554 Que Pasa Newspapers and Radio, (704) 391-5044 Statesville Record & Landmark (704) 873-1451

HOUSING VALUES .4% 5.1%

Water Water Department (704) 663-3800

Children’s Museum (Statesville) (704) 872-7508 Cotton Ketchie’s Landmark Galleries (704) 664-4122 D.E. Turner & Co. Hardware (704) 664-5145

ATTRACTIONS

Dale Earnhardt Inc. (877) DEI-ZONE

Bird Brain Ostrich Ranch (704) 483-1620

Energy Explorium (704) 875-5600

Championship Yacht Charters (704) 905-1495

Fishin’ with Gus (704) 489-0763

22% 24% 3.4% 15.4% 29.6% .2% Less than $50,000 $50,000-$99,999 $100,000-$149,999 $150,000-$199,999 $200,000-$299,999 $300,000-$499,999 $500,000-$999,999 $1 million or more

UTILITIES Cable MI Connection, (704) 662-3255 Time Warner, (888) 683-1000 Electricity Duke Power Co., 594-9400 Energy United, 892-0278 Gas Public Service Co. of N.C. (877) 776-2427 Telephone Windstream Communications (704) 664-4123 Trash Town of Mooresville (704) 664-4278

The area code for Mooresville is 70 4 .

I M AG E S M O O R E S V I L L E . C O M

61

Visit Our Advertisers #1 Properties of Lake Norman www.number1properties.net Ahlara International www.ahlarainternational.com

Lake Norman Hematology Oncology Specialists www.lnho.org Lake Norman Pulmonary

Blanco Tackabery Combs & Matamoros, PA www.btcmlaw.com

Lake Norman Realty www.lakenormanrealty.com

Buonosera Media Services, LLC

Lake Norman Regional Medical Center www.lnrmc.com

Cardinal FG www.cardinalcorp.com Cavin-Cook Funeral Home & Crematory www.cavin-cook.com Dale Earnhardt, Inc. www.daleearnhardtinc.com Energy United www.energyunited.com Fairfield Inn by Marriott www.marriott.com/cltmr Farm Bureau Insurance www.ncfbins.com First Command Financial Planning www.firstcommand.com First National Bank & Trust www.myyesbank.com Fishing With Gus www.fishingwithgus.com Garage Pass Shop Tours, Inc. www.adventureinmotorsports.com Griffin Brothers www.griffinbrothers.com Griffin Insurance Agency, Inc. Guardian Fence Company www.guardianfenceco.com High Speed Learning, LLC www.highspeedlearn.com

Mitchell Community College www.mitchellcc.edu Mooresville Downtown Commission www.downtownmooresville.com Mooresville Graded School District www.mgsd.k12.nc.us Mooresville Savings Bank MSI Economic Development Corporation www.edcmooresville.org Piedmont Healthcare www.piedmonthealthcare.com Pinnacle Properties, LLC www.pinnacle-properties.net PIT Instruction & Training www.5off5on.com Preferred Financial Strategies www.financialstrategiesforlife.com Queen’s Landing www.queenslanding.com Raymer Oil Company Re/Max at the Lake www.homesatthelake.com Ryland Homes www.ryland.com Sells Service, Inc.

Holiday Inn Express www.maya-hotels.com Homesley, Jones, Gaines, Dudley, Childers, McLurkin & Donaldson, PLLC www.hjattorneys.net Hospice & Palliative Care of Iredell County www.hoic.org Iredell Memorial Hospital www.iredellmemorial.org Iredell-Statesville Schools www.iss.k12.nc.us L.B. Plastics, Inc. www.lbplastics.com Lake Norman Cosmetic & Restorative Dentistry www.lakenormansmiles.com

62

I M AG E S M O O R E S V I L L E . C O M

Soiree www.soireeonmain.com

Gasoline Alley Collections of Mooresville (704) 662-9479 Historic Mooresville Downtown Commission (704) 662-3336 Iredell Arts Council (704) 873-6100 Iredell Museums, Inc. (704) 872-7508 Lake Norman State Park (704) 528-6350 Lake Norman Yacht Club (704) 799-2446 Lazy 5 Ranch (704) 663-5100 Memory Lane Motorsports & Historic Automotive Museum (704) 662-3673 Mooresville Convention & Visitors Bureau (704) 799-2400 Mooresville Dragway (704) 857-9364 Mooresville Ice Cream (704) 664-5456 Mooresville Museum (704) 664-2704 North Carolina Auto Racing Hall of Fame (704) 663-5331 Penske Racing (704) 664-2300 Pit Instruction and Training Facility (866) 563-3566

State Farm www.chrisburnham.net

Queen’s Landing/ Catawba Queen (704) 663-2628

The Clusters Premier Rental www.clustersbybmc.com

Race Shop Tours (704) 688-1466

Town of Mooresville www.ci.mooresville.nc.us

The Quilter’s Loft (704) 662-8660

Watch Me Grow www.watchmegrowultrasound.com Windstream Communications www.windstream.com Yadkin Valley Bank www.piedmontbank.com YMCA of Greater Charlotte www.ymcacharlotte.org

MEDICAL FACILITIES Carolinas Medical Center (Charlotte) (704) 355-2000 Davis Community Hospital (Statesville) (704) 872-0281

MOORESVILLE

Community Profile Iredell Memorial Hospital (Statesville) (704) 873-5661 Lake Norman Regional Medical Center (Mooresville) (704) 660-4000 Northeast Medical Center (Concord) (704) 783-3000 Presbyterian Hospital (Huntersville) (704) 384-4000 University Hospital (Charlotte) (704) 548-6000

PROFESSIONAL SPORTS

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Charlotte Bobcats, basketball

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

Charlotte Sting, basketball

Sources:

Professional sports in nearby Charlotte include: Carolina Panthers, football

Charlotte Checkers, hockey Charlotte Knights, baseball Kannapolis Intimidators baseball

www.mooresvillenc.org, http://economicdevelopment. mooresvillenc.org, www.ci.mooresville.nc.us

MEETING VENUES The Charles Mack Citizen Center (704) 662-3334 5 Off 5 On/ PIT Crew U Training Facility (704) 799-3869 Fairfield Inn by Marriott (704) 663-6100 Hampton Inn & Suites (704) 660-7700 Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites (704) 662-6900 Iredell County Outdoor Education Center/Ropes Course (704) 878-3103 Memory Lane Museum (704) 662-3673 NC Auto Racing Hall of Fame (704) 663-5331 Queens Landing/ Catawba Queen (704) 663-2628 Sleep Inn and Suites Hotel (704) 799-7070 The Springhill Suites

by Marriott (704) 658-0053 The War Memorial (704) 663-7026 Wingate Inn (704) 664-4900

The area code for Mooresville is 70 4 .

I M AG E S M O O R E S V I L L E . C O M

63

“GARAGE PASS” SHOP TOURS, INC. The VIP Race Experience Tour the NASCAR race shops, museums, Lowe’s Motor Speedway and more on a guided VIP tour of NASCAR. Monday-Friday Gift certificates available (704) 938-7390 motorsports2@ctc.net www.adventuresinmotorsports.com

The job is not complete until you are happy!

(704) 799-3666 Fax: (704) 799-6444 www.guardianfenceco.com

We specialize in: Ornamental • Aluminum PVC • Wood • Chain link Custom arbors & pergolas Swimming pool enclosures Installation & repairs

Unique Shopping & Dining

www.downtownmooresville.com 215 N. Main St. Mooresville, NC 28115

Providing Full Service Moving & Storage Since 1960

Sells

Moving & Storage

Family Owned and Operated Approved Carrier for the Department of Defense Call for a Free Estimate (704) 872-9841 • (800) 723-8003 2313 W. Front St. • Statesville, NC 28677 • sellsmoving@aol.com D&B 030491633 • NCUC-C-609 • DOT 512499 • MC 197142

questions

answers

© 2002 American Cancer Society, Inc.

8 0 0 . A C S . 2 3 4 5 / c a n c e r. o r g

64

I M AG E S M O O R E S V I L L E . C O M

MOORESVILLE