2011 Newcomer Resource WELCOME CENTER at the MANOR HOUSE OPEN DAILY

CHARLOTTE 2011 Newcomer Resource WELCOME CENTER AT THE MANOR HOUSE OPEN DAILY

Walking trails From I-485 West, take exit 4, Steele Creek Road. Turn left at the top of the ramp. Travel a half-mile and turn right at the light onto Model homes Shopton Road West. Travel a half-mile and turn right on Berewick Commons Parkway (the ﬁ rst right off the roundabout). The Welcome Center at the Manor House is a half-mile on your left. WWW.BEREWICK.COM

Berewick is a community by Pappas Properties. All prices and plans are subject to change without notice. (704) 583-9772

2 Newcomer Resource | 2011 BELK.COM

WELCOME CENTER AT THE MANOR HOUSE OPEN DAILY

LIVE THE GOOD LIFE COMMUNITY FEATURES: Berewick is a vibrant community in southwest Charlotte offering an New adjacent Berewick adjacent elementary school, a planned Town Center and completed Elementary School amenities with an activities director. All this, plus Berewick is close to Planned Town Center with major interstates and the airport. restaurants and shops Visit the Welcome Center at the Manor House to learn about our Townhomes from the $130s; distinctive homes and townhomes. Homes are available for immediate homes from the $180s move-in, or our builders can assist you in creating the perfect home for your family. Builders include Bellamy Homes, Calloway Homes, Amenity center with D.R. Horton, Lennar, Ryan Homes and Shea Homes. Prices range from swimming pools welcome home the $130s to the $350s. On-site activities director From fashion favorites to all the Walking trails names to know for your new From I-485 West, take exit 4, Steele Creek Road. Turn left at the home, come and see for top of the ramp. Travel a half-mile and turn right at the light onto Model homes Shopton Road West. Travel a half-mile and turn right on Berewick yourself the many ways we can Commons Parkway (the ﬁ rst right off the roundabout). The bring modern southern style Welcome Center at the Manor House is a half-mile on your left. WWW.BEREWICK.COM to your life.

Berewick is a community by Pappas Properties. All prices and plans are subject to change without notice. (704) 583-9772

2011 | Newcomer Resource 1

Charlotte Chamber Newcomer Resource Ad_V3.indd 1 11/1/10 5:32 PM BUY NEW BUY NOW A SMART MOVE.

Historically Low Interest Rates Closing Cost Assistance Saving You Thousands Quick Move-In Dates Lower Utility Bills with Our ENERGY STAR® Qualified Homes Design Your Home with Customizing Features & Colors

• Over 30 Inviting Communities Throughout the Charlotte Metro Region • Townhomes and Single-Family Homes from the $90’s – $400’s Visit a Decorated Model Today!

RyanHomesNC.com An Official Publication of the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce

CHARLOTTENewcomer Resource Vol. XIII 2011 Welcome!

Melisa LaVergne, Charlotte Chamber Editor & Director of Branding and Publications n behalf of the Charlotte Chamber and Kelsey Richards, Charlotte Chamber its members, I am delighted you are Director, Advertising & Info! Charlotte considering a relocation to the Queen Charlotte Chamber Officers OCity. Please look through the Newcomer Resource and visit our city. I’m sure you will find Pat Rodgers, Rodgers Builders Chamber Chair Charlotte a wonderful place. Francisco Alvarado, Marand Builders Charlotte, along with Mecklenburg County, is a Operations/Communications Chair growing area with a population of more than 913,000. Bob Morgan, Charlotte Chamber It is seen nationally as one of the best cities in the President country. Charlotte has received first-place honors Blair Stanford, Charlotte Chamber Chief Operating Officer in the America’s Most Livable Communities awards Bob Morgan Mike Manning, Charlotte Chamber presented by Partners for Livable Communities. This Chief Financial Officer program honored Charlotte for its exemplary quality of life. Lori Lewis, Charlotte Chamber That quality can be seen in our education system, which was ranked fifth Chief Revenue Officer in education in Parenting.com’s listing of “The Best Cities for Families.” It can be seen in our business community. Charlotte is the second-largest Contributors financial center in the country and has been ranked by Entrepreneur

Kathleen Conroy, magazine as one of the best cities in the nation to start and grow a business. Melisa LaVergne, Erin Watkins Other accolades include recognition from BusinessWeek as the fourth most Patrick Schneider Photography affordable suburbs and by Business Facilities as the fifth best for economic Design & Production by growth potential. You’ll soon see that Charlotte has spirit. A spirit that makes the nationally recognized achievements possible. A spirit that makes Charlotte an exciting and lively place to live. SPARK Publications | www.SPARKpublications.com This spirit is most evident in our greatest asset — our friendly people. Published By The U.S. Census indicates Charlotte ranks third nationally in in-migration of young, educated people. We welcome newcomers to the Queen City and look

forward to having you become an active part of our community.

Sincerely, For advertising information, call 704.378.1356. Thoughts on a particular article or the magazine as a whole? E-mail Newcomer Resource at [email protected].

Newcomer Resource is published annually. Copies are available in our newcomer packet for $10 by calling 703.378.1300 or by ordering it in our online store at www.charlottechamber.com. Bob Morgan, President

Newcomer Resource reserves the right to refuse advertise- Charlotte Chamber ment for any reason. Acceptance of advertising does not mean or imply the service or product is endorsed or recommended by the Charlotte Chamber. POSTMASTER: Send corrections to Newcomer Resource, Address Change: PO Box 32785, Charlotte, NC 28232-9980. © Copyright 2010 by the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by an information storage and retrieval system, without written permission from the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce.

2011 | Newcomer Resource 3 CXCH_Newcomers Ad 11.5.10_Layout 1 11/5/10 4:47 PM Page 1

the home you’ve been hoping for. 30 CHARLOTTENewcomer Resource 2011 the home builder you’ve been waiting for. Features a better way home.

6 Greening the Queen City Charlotte’s growing focus on sustainability and all other things green is a shining jewel in the Queen City’s crown.

Departments Fieldstone Farm Centex homes. Within reach. Resort-style amenities and great 14 Info! Charlotte schools • From the $140s* Meet the welcoming committee from Indian Trail, NC Beyond expectations. Charlotte’s official welcome center 704.882.3477 for visitors and newcomers. Woodbury • Open floor plans smartly designed with you in mind. Spacious homes with wooded and open spaces • From the $120s* • Step-by-step guidance makes homebuying simple and enjoyable. 30 Finding Your Charlotte, NC Dream Home 704.573.6133 • Our low prices & today’s low rates mean low monthly payments. Before you shop for your dream home, learn Weddington Meadows more about the region’s distinct communities. An intimate community adjacent to • Great value now and lasting value over time for peace of mind. a 265-acre park • From the $214s*

Matthews, NC • Single-family homes priced from the $114s* 42 Economy & Employment 704.841.8713 Find resources to help your job search. Willow Creek Family-friendly neighborhood with Visit a sales center today or call clubhouse and pool • From the $114s* 50 The Essentials – Gastonia, NC 888.347.8115 for more information Get the basic information you 42 704.854.3104 need to set up your home in Charlotte. put yourself in 56 Finding Your Bliss – ™ Plan your leisure time. 888.347.8115 a better place

* Prices listed are base prices, do not include lot premiums or options, and are subject to change without notice. This material shall not constitute a valid offer in any state where prior registration is required or if void by law. Photographs are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be an actual representation of a specific community, neighborhood, or any 4 Newcomer Resource | 2011 completed improvements being offered. Please see a sales associate for details. ©2010 Centex Homes. All rights reserved. 11/5/10. CXCH_Newcomers Ad 11.5.10_Layout 1 11/5/10 4:47 PM Page 1

the home you’ve been hoping for. the home builder a betteryou’veway beenhome. waiting for.

Fieldstone Farm Centex homes. Within reach. Resort-style amenities and great schools • From the $140s* Indian Trail, NC Beyond expectations. 704.882.3477 Woodbury • Open floor plans smartly designed with you in mind. Spacious homes with wooded and open spaces • From the $120s* • Step-by-step guidance makes homebuying simple and enjoyable. Charlotte, NC 704.573.6133 • Our low prices & today’s low rates mean low monthly payments. Weddington Meadows An intimate community adjacent to • Great value now and lasting value over time for peace of mind. a 265-acre park • From the $214s* Matthews, NC • Single-family homes priced from the $114s* 704.841.8713 Willow Creek Family-friendly neighborhood with Visit a sales center today or call clubhouse and pool • From the $114s* Gastonia, NC 888.347.8115 for more information 704.854.3104

put yourself in 888.347.8115 a better place™

* Prices listed are base prices, do not include lot premiums or options, and are subject to change without notice. This material shall not constitute a valid offer in any state where prior registration is required or if void by law. Photographs are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be an actual representation of a specific community, neighborhood, or any completed improvements being offered. Please see a sales associate for details. ©2010 Centex Homes. All rights reserved. 11/5/10. By Kathleen E. Conroy

“At some point, sustainability wil be ingrained in our lives as a simple matter of practice. Whether it happens out of necessity or by choice is the variable.” — Robb Little, chair of the Charlotte Chamber’s Green Works committee and principal of Sustainable Development Services Greening Queenthe City

6 Newcomer Resource | 2011 Photo by PatrickSchneiderPhoto.com

2010 | Newcomer Resource 7 Recyclables are collected every-other-week on the same day as garbage and yard waste collection. Residents can find their collection day and recycling week by visiting www.wipeoutwaste.com then clicking Residential Recycling.

aintree resident James Earles was more than thrilled to see his large, green recycling container arrive at his South Charlotte home in the spring. “I was doing my Rbest to recycle, but my little red recycling bin wasn’t cutting it. And I was happy to throw the cracked bin into the new garbage-can size one,” he smiled. Now he can recycle almost anything he likes as part of the rolling bin recycling program. Charlotte’s “green” initiative has been two-pronged over a number of years. Part one includes encouraging residents to recycle in the new, large, green bins and to take a hard look at their lifestyles. The other involves building a greener city with greener buildings, materials, sources of energy, a keen eye on

8 Newcomer Resource | 2011 What Can I Do?

Robb Little from Sustainable Development Services offers these top 10 ways your business or home can become greener: ◆Be bright about light: Artificial lighting accounts for 44 percent of the electricity use in office buildings. Turn off the lights when you’re leaving any room for 15 minutes or more and use natural light when you can. ◆Maximize computer efficiency: Computers in the business sector unnecessarily waste $1 billion worth of electricity a year. Turn off your computer – and the power strip it’s plugged into – when you leave for the day. Otherwise, you’re still burning energy even if you’re not burning the midnight oil. (Check with your IT department to make sure the computer doesn’t need to be on to run backups or other maintenance.) ◆Print smarter: The average U.S. office worker goes through 10,000 sheets of copy paper a year. Print on both sides or use the back side of old documents for faxes, scrap paper or drafts. ◆Go paperless when possible: Think before you print: could this be read or stored online instead? When you receive unwanted catalogs or junk mail, request to be removed from the mailing list before recycling the item. ◆Ramp up your recycling: Recycle everything your residence or company collects. Just about any kind of paper you would encounter, including fax paper, envelopes, and junk mail, can be recycled. So can your old cell phone, PDA or pager. ◆Close the loop: Purchase office supplies and furniture made from recycled materials. ◆Watch what (and how) you eat: Provide reusable dishes, silverware and glasses for your employees to use at work. Switch to Fair Trade and organic coffee and tea, and buy as much organic and local food as possible. ◆Rethink your travel: Take the train, bus or subway when feasible instead of a rental car when traveling. If you have to rent a car, some rental agencies now offer hybrids and other high-mileage vehicles. ◆Reconsider your drive: Carpool, bike or take transit to run errands or commute to work, and/or telecommute when possible. ◆Create a healthy environment : Use nontoxic cleaning products. Brighten up your office and house with plants, which absorb indoor pollution.

2011 | Newcomer Resource 9 our lakes, rivers and greenways, and other efforts to keep the city sustainable. “For me, sustainability and green are relatively new terminology for an old idea: conservation. There may be new technologies and ideas, but the principles behind it are nothing new. At some point, sustainability will be ingrained in our lives as a simple matter of practice,” said Robb Little of Sustainable Development Services and chairman of the Charlotte Chamber’s relatively new Green Works committee. “Whether it happens out of necessity or by choice is the variable.” The environmental movement (a term that sometimes includes the conservation and green movements) is a diverse scientific, social and political movement. In general terms, environmentalists advocate the sustainable management of resources and the protection (and restoration when necessary) of the natural environment through changes in public policy and individual behavior. In its recognition of humanity as a participant in ecosystems, the movement is centered around ecology, health and human rights. Popular with residents looking to toss the milk carton or newspaper, the city began its residential recycling program years ago by encouraging composting and by offering red recycling bins for disposal. Now Recycle It!, Charlotte’s residential recycling program, has been improved with new recyclable items, a 96-gallon rollout recycling cart and a new collection schedule. Recyclables are collected every- other-week on the same day as garbage and yard waste collection. Residents can find their collection day and recycling week by visiting www.wipeoutwaste.com then clicking Residential Recycling. The Queen City’s leaders looked to other cities, Charlotte has mimicking efforts of the top green cities named by Justlivegreener.com: Chicago and Portland. According to 10 beautiful Popular Science magazine, electricity, transportation, green living, recycling and a green prospective all combine to put greenways cities on “green as green can be” lists. scattered around Green Means Business In addition to residential recycling and civic programs, the county the efforts of the business community to embrace and maintained by promote sustainability are enhancing our community. Led Photo by PatrickSchneiderPhoto.com by Mary Tribble formerly of Tribble Event Group and Tim Newman of the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority Mecklenburg (CRVA), the Charlotte Green Team was formed several years ago to encourage green practices within hospitality County Park organizations and when planning and implementing Charlotte’s large events and conventions. It evolved into and Recreation. a resource for businesses of all types for information on new practices, policies, programs, products and technologies. The group’s mission is to spread the word that

10 Newcomer Resource | 2011 The Green Team’s mission is to spread the word that environmental sustainability is necessary for our community and our businesses. Visit online at www.charlottegreenteam.com.

2011 | Newcomer Resource 11 10 0

N e w C M R n r c F P a d T h u r s d a y , No v e m b e r 04 , 20 1 0 4: 5 2 : 4 5 PM Photo by PatrickSchneiderPhoto.com The Carolina Thread Trail is a regional network of greenways and trails that will reach 15 counties and 2.3 million citizens in the future.

environmental sustainability is necessary for our community The Carolina Thread Trail is a regional network of greenways and our businesses. Visit online at and trails that will reach 15 counties and 2.3 million citizens www.charlottegreenteam.com. in the future. Now in its infancy state with 67 miles of trail The Charlotte Chamber also established its Green Works open, it will link people, places, cities, towns and attractions. committee to be a resource for businesses. “The chamber It is intended to link lives. The trail will preserve our natural polled its members last year and got a surprising number of areas and will be a place for exploration of nature, culture, responses. The overwhelming sentiment was that we have to science and history, for family adventures and celebrations of embrace the idea of being green and/or sustainable, because friendship. It will be for young, old, athlete and average. This is a it is not going away,” said Little. “So while we may not be landmark project, and Mecklenburg County plays a huge role in perceived as green as other cities, there is a growing sentiment connecting about a dozen counties. For a map of the intended that we have to change that.” trail in Mecklenberg, visit www.carolinathreadtrail.org. The chamber business survey shows that 58 percent of The county also has a role in the Catawba River District, respondents ask their suppliers to implement green practice; with a small corner of the area located in Mecklenburg. The 55 percent say they follow green practices in their day-to-day huge volunteer group looks after the river to keep it sustainable, corporate operation; while 60 percent feel “going green” is while the group also uses volunteer river keepers in Lake a critical move that is here for the long term business cycle. Norman to watch for pollution violations or dumping debris. Find out more about Green Works at www.greenworks.com. The Final Word Green Recreation Leaders and residents agree that it’s not important to be on Another growing initiative across the country and in the a top 10, 50 or 100 list. They want the city to utilize every Queen City are greenways, corridors of undeveloped land measure available to get the city green and keep it that way – with paths for residents to enjoy outings. Charlotte has 12 for future residents. beautiful greenways scattered around the county maintained “Charlotte was characterized as a ‘mover and shaker’ by by Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation. This includes Sustain Lane due to a substantial increase in Green Buildings 33 miles of developed greenways and 147 miles of planned, (LEED certified commercial buildings) from 2006 to 2008. undeveloped trails. Find directions and maps online at www. There are many more aspects to being characterized a green parkandrec.com or by calling Mecklenburg County’s 311 city than recycling and construction, but those areas are a information line. great place for Charlotte to build from,” said Little. NR

hould we say welcome to Charlotte or welcome home? Whether you’re Srelocating to Charlotte or simply visiting, Info! Charlotte and the Charlotte Regional Visitor Authority’s Visitor Info Center extend a warm welcome to you. Comprised of a winding road and storefronts sponsored by an array of Charlotte businesses, Info! Charlotte combined with the Visitor Info Center is Charlotte’s official resource for visitors, newcomers As visitors walk and even Charlotteans who have through Info! been around a while. You can find information on neighborhoods, Charlotte, schools, apartments, retirement they are resources, government services, welcomed restaurants, attractions, and the list goes on, while enjoying a cup of by some of coffee and a tasty treat from Amelie’s Charlotte’s Uptown. As visitors walk through prominent businesses Hours of Operation Address that cater to Monday-Friday 330 South Tryon Street Charlotte, NC 28202 newcomers. 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Located in the Chamber of Commerce building Saturday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (corner of S. Tryon Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard). Ticket Master Hours of Operation Monday-Friday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Directions Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. From I-77 take the John Belk Freeway/277 Exit to College Street Exit (1E). Pass the Convention Phone Numbers Center on your right. At the next stop light take For directions to Info! Charlotte – 704.331.2753 a left onto Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. At the For relocation information – 704.378.1362 next light, cross over S. Tryon Street and you will For visitor information – 704.331.2700 see the Chamber of Commerce building on the right hand corner. Info! Charlotte, the Visitor Info Center and Amelie’s Uptown (a French bakery and café) are on the first floor.

14 Newcomer Resource | 2011 Investing and lending in our communities: the right thing to do and the smart thing to do, happily aligned.

At Bank of America, our commitment to investing and lending in our communities is stronger than ever. We act as an economic catalyst by supporting critical needs such as economic development, nonprofit sustainability and affordable housing. Yes, it’s the right thing to do: these initiatives help strengthen neighborhoods and revitalize the places we call home. But it’s also the smart thing to do: strong, vibrant communities are good for our Info! Charlotte, they are welcomed business. And good for us all. by some of Charlotte’s prominent businesses. Through a joint partnership with Ticketmaster, Info! Charlotte is home to the only comprehensive Ticket Central. Ticket Central offers bankofamerica.com the opportunity to view schedules and purchase tickets for a variety of events including Panthers games at Bank of America Stadium, concerts at Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre and plays at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center. More things are in-store for you during your visit, so please come take a walk through Info! Charlotte and experience © 2010 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved. Member FDIC. CSR-100B-AD | AR101029 all that Charlotte has to offer. NR

Follow Info! Charlotte on Twitter @infoclt.

2011 | Newcomer Resource 15 Meet Our Welcoming Committee! Premier Sponsors

Charlotte alone, our associates volunteered more than 100,000 hours and donated more than Bank of America and families $3 million dollars through our Bank of America is proud to navigate challenging matching gifts program. We call Charlotte home. We have a economic times believe that each contribution of tremendous investment here in and beyond. We leverage service is important and together terms of people, leadership and a powerful combination of we can create positive change. infrastructure. With more than human and financial capital Charlotte is a great place to do 15,000 associates in Charlotte and to support nonprofits serving business, and we are proud to serve nearly 18,000 in North Carolina, critical community needs and our customers throughout the state. this gives us an opportunity – and align our volunteerism with our We do that through a network of therefore a responsibility – to philanthropy, which further extends 200 banking centers, nearly 500 immerse ourselves in the civic life of our impact in the neighborhoods ATM machines, small business and the city and the region. we serve. investment banking offices and a We are committed to providing In 2009, the Bank of America variety of products and services. meaningful and responsive support Charitable Foundation invested For more information about to the communities where we $18 million in nonprofits Bank of America please visit live and work, to help individuals throughout North Carolina. In www.bankofamerica.com/opportunity.

Power Lunches or saiLs Meetings and everything in between! INDIVIDUAL & CORPORATE MEMBERSHIPS AVAILABLE Special Corporate Membership Program Meeting & Event Facilities l Corporate Outing & Event Packages 704-892-9858 / www.PENINSULAyACHT.COM

16 Newcomer Resource | 2011 Premier Sponsor

disciplinary team approach to patient treatment. •Sanger Heart and Vascular Institute, which performs approximately 800 open heart surgeries and 14,000 cardiac catheterizations per year, is one of the largest cardiac and vascular programs in the Southeast. Carolinas Medical Center Teaching Hospitals in North •Carolinas Poison Center Carolinas Medical Center Carolina and serves as the has dedicated toxicologists (CMC) is one of the most Charlotte Campus of the UNC offering 24-hour service at comprehensive acute care School of Medicine. 1.800.222.1222. hospitals in the Carolinas, and •Neurosciences and Spine the largest hospital in Carolinas A sampling of key services: Institute provides multi- HealthCare System (CHS), •Physician Services Group of disciplinary treatment to brain, which comprises more than 30 CHS manages more than 100 spine and nervous system affiliated hospitals. physician practices in more disorders, offering patient care, With 874 beds and the region’s than 200 convenient practice research, rehabilitation and only Level I Trauma Center, CMC locations, offering a full range of specialty options. treats patients from a widespread services in family medicine, ob/ •Transplant Center is a geographic area. Each year CMC gyn and other specialties. Medicare-approved center for has more than 50,000 inpatient •Levine Children’s Hospital, transplantation of the kidney, discharges; more than 6,500 which opened in 2007 with 234- heart, liver and pancreas for adults; newborn deliveries; more than beds, is the most comprehensive heart, kidney, liver and bone 31,000 surgical procedures; and pediatric hospital between Atlanta marrow for children; and live more than 110,000 emergency and Washington, D.C. With kidney donor transplants. department visits. more than 30 specialties, it has The CHS Tree of Life logo In 2010 CMC received a dedicated 24-hour emergency is a symbol of quality visible at Charlotte’s Consumer Choice department and a regional CMC and a host of affiliated Award for the 13th time. This network of outpatient centers. facilities. Whether it’s a medical award, presented by the National •Women’s Center and practice, urgent care center, Research Corporation, is based Maternity Center offers health care pavilion, community on comprehensive independent multiple services in a home-like hospital, trauma center or other studies of patient satisfaction. environment including full- facility, CHS provides a medical Other award-winning hospitals term and high-risk deliveries; home for all, from childbirth in the network serving greater postpartum and high-risk throughout their lifetimes. Charlotte include CMC-Mercy in prenatal units; lactation services; For a complete list of CHS- uptown Charlotte; CMC-NorthEast obstetrical education and affiliated hospitals visit and Jeff Gordon Children’s Hospital gynecological oncology. www.carolinasmedicalcenter. in Concord; CMC-Pineville in •Levine Cancer Institute was org/locations. For information Pineville; CMC-Randolph in formed in 2010 to enhance on how to find a doctor uptown Charlotte (behavioral the availability, quality and visit http://findadoctor. health); CMC-University in convenience of cancer treatment carolinasmedicalcenter.org the University area; Carolinas at CHS-affiliated hospitals For information on the Rehabilitation and Carolinas throughout the Carolinas. A benefits of CMC’s membership Rehabilitation-Mount Holly. key component is Blumenthal group for women visit CMC is one of only five Cancer Center, an accredited www.carolinasmedicalcenter.org/ Academic Medical Center cancer center offering a multi- active.

2011 | Newcomer Resource 17 Premier Sponsor

well-being, giving back and and confidence while they’re supporting our neighbors, having the time of their lives. joining the Y will not just bring about meaningful Healthy Living: change in yourself, but in Improving the your community, too. nation’s health and well-being Youth With 21 locations in the Development: greater Charlotte area, the Y is Nurturing the a leading voice on health and potential of every well-being. With a mission YMCA child and teen centered on balance, the Y When you join the Y, We believe that all kids brings families closer together, you’re coming together with deserve the opportunity to encourages good health and men, women and children discover who they are and fosters connections through from your community who what they can achieve. No fitness, sports, fun and shared are joined together by a shared matter what activity your interests. As a result, thousands passion: to strengthen the child engages in – from in our community are receiving foundations of community. swim lessons to sports, the support, guidance and With a focus on summer camp to teen clubs resources needed to achieve developing the potential of – you can count on the Y greater health. kids, improving health and to develop their character Social Responsibility: Giving back and providing support Making a World to our neighbors of Difference The Y has been listening and responding to our British American communities’ most critical social needs for 160 years. School of Charlotte From literacy programs Laying the foundation for learning in a nurturing, creative, academically stimulating environment. Full or part time programs are available. that improve the academic Contact us today for more information. success of thousands of For ages 704.341.3236 • [email protected] 3 to 16. local children to providing www.britishschoolofcharlotte.org education, resources and support to fragile families to building healthy communities through collaborations, the Y empowers millions of people and the communities in which they live, to be healthy, confident, connected and secure. For more information about the YMCA of Greater Charlotte visit www.ymcacharlotte.org. NR

18 Newcomer Resource | 2011 Orchestrating All Your Healthcare Needs Jordan D. Lipton, MD Elizabeth M. Perry, MD M. Bryan Woodward, MD

• Fewer Patients, More Personalized Care • In-Network for Most Insurance • Wellness/Preventative Healthcare

• Medical Care While Traveling • State-of-the-Art Luxury Medical Facility • No Waiting for an Appointment

• Emergency Medical Care on Site • 24/7 Access to Your Doctors • Executive Physicals

Southpark | 704.554.8787 | signaturehealthcare.org Experience Charlotte

-Education We believe that education is the cornerstone of success, and we contribute to charities that share this belief. Our efforts are making an investment not Belk, Inc. only in young minds, but in •Modern. Southern. Style. the future. Budget Self Storage At Belk, you’ll find the latest Budget Self Storage is a designer fashions for the whole -Women’s health North Carolina based company family, the biggest names and Belk is committed to the (co-headquartered in Charlotte expert advice in beauty plus ongoing effort to cure breast and Winston-Salem) that offers a everything your home needs cancer. By supporting and wide range of secure, convenient from your morning cup of donating to breast cancer and affordable storage facility coffee to the perfect pillow. To awareness and research efforts, options. Budget has 13 locations us, Southern isn’t a place. It’s we hope to make a difference in in the Charlotte area, including an attitude and a state of mind. the lives of women. nearby locations in Fort Mill, It’s exceptional service, smiles Gastonia and Lake Norman. and more than anything, it’s -Community delivering the modern fashion We’re hoping to change the world, All Budget Self Storage you desire and the value and we’re starting in our own locations feature: you deserve. backyard. We give generously of •Open seven days a week our money and our volunteer •Security alarms and •A rich tradition time to local charities that support video monitoring Since 1888, the Southern initiatives in the neighborhoods •Variety of sizes for personal and woman has come to rely on where our customers and business storage Belk first, for her, for her family, associates live and work. •Climate controlled and garage- for her life. What began as a sized units small bargain store in Monroe, •A Belk near you •Storage and moving supplies N.C., has grown into 300 We have three locations in •No deposits fashion department stores in the Charlotte area to serve your •No long-term contracts 16 contiguous Southern states. shopping needs. They include •No “hidden” set up fees Founder William Henry Belk’s our flagship store in SouthPark Budget offers customized dedication to friendly service, Mall, Carolina Place Mall in relocation programs to fair prices and community Pineville and Northlake Mall. So assist businesses that are involvement hasn’t changed – in whether you’re looking for the transitioning employees into the fact, it’s stronger than ever. latest designer brands like Theory, Charlotte area. Select Budget DKNY, Coach or Farragamo stores, including Charlotte’s •A rich tradition of giving at our SouthPark store or your Independence Boulevard We are grateful to our favorite styles for less from Kim (Wallace Lane) and Mooresville communities for the support they Rogers, Red Camel and Madison locations, also offer low-cost give us, so we give it right back. at any location, you’ll find small office rental space. Budget Belk’s rich heritage of community everything you need and more invites all newcomers to the involvement and philanthropy at a Belk store near you. And of Charlotte area to a FREE have been an essential part of course, your favorite fashions are MONTH of storage with Belk since day one. We focus on always just a click away at no long term obligations. To three key areas: www.belk.com. access the FREE MONTH

20 Newcomer Resource | 2011 OFFER and to get additional authentic artifacts telling the flatwater kayaking, mountain information, please visit www. story of NASCAR. Guests also biking, rock climbing, zip BudgetSelf-Storage.com. can step into NASCAR roles lines, team development and with the variety of interactive rope courses. exhibits to practice a pit stop, Plan ahead before visiting walk through a full- size USNWC. Our AllSport, NASCAR Sprint Cup hauler or CoolSport, QuickSport NASCAR call a race. and AllSport Season passes The National Association are available for online purchase for Stock Car Auto Racing, Inc. (www.usnwc.org). Our Web (NASCAR) is the sanctioning site serves as a resource for body for one of North America’s USNWC activities, children premier sports. NASCAR is the and adult programs, great No. 1 spectator sport – with U.S. National Whitewater food at our River’s Edge Bar more of the top 20 highest Center (USNWC) & Grill, mountain bike trail attended sporting events in the Dedicated to promoting status, upcoming news and U.S. than any other sport – and healthy and active lifestyles events, safety policies, and is the No. 2 rated regular-season and developing environmental what to bring. sport on television. NASCAR stewardship, USNWC is the Located in the backyard of races are broadcast in more world’s largest, man-made Charlotte, N.C., start planning than 150 countries and in 20 whitewater facility, offering your visit to the world’s largest languages. NASCAR fans are the premier outdoor activities in man-made whitewater facility in most brand loyal in all of sports, whitewater rafting and kayaking, the world! NR and as a result more Fortune 500 companies participate in NASCAR than any other sport.

NASCAR Hall of Fame Located in Uptown Charlotte, the 150,000-square- foot NASCAR Hall of Fame is an interactive, entertainment attraction honoring the history and heritage of NASCAR. The high-tech venue, designed to educate and entertain race fans and non-fans alike, includes artifacts, interactive exhibits, 278-person state-of- the-art theater, Hall of Honor, Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant, Sports Avenue retail outlet and NASCAR Media Group- operated broadcast studio. Families revving to visit the NASCAR Hall of Fame will find 40,000 square feet of exhibit space showcasing highly- interactive, hands-on exhibits, moving memorials, educational learning opportunities and Charlotte Education

Independent Schools (NCAIS) as and an extensive international well as the Association of Christian exchange and study abroad Schools International (ACSI). program are offered. Latin is a For more information, please school where families of diverse visit www.charlottechristian.com backgrounds, races, religions and or call the Charlotte Christian nationalities share the common School admissions staff at values of honor, integrity and 704.366.5657, ext. 6503. mutual respect, as well as an Charlotte Christian School enduring dedication to their Established in 1950, children’s educational journey Charlotte Christian is celebrating and moral development. 60 years of excellence in Christ- Charlotte Latin is a member centered, college preparatory of the National Association education. Charlotte Christian’s of Independent Schools and vision for students includes the is jointly accredited by the integration of Biblical principles Southern Association of where character, values and Charlotte Latin School Colleges and Schools and essential practical skills are Charlotte Latin is an the Southern Association of emphasized and modeled; a independent, coeducational, Independent Schools. Visit www. rigorous academic program nonsectarian, college preparatory charlottelatin.org. where physical fitness and day school that enrolls 1,400 athletics are encouraged; and a students in transitional fine arts program where creative kindergarten through grade 12. expression is nurtured. Latin provides opportunities At Charlotte Christian, we to support students’ academic nurture and educate the whole achievement, character child: heart, mind, body and development, leadership qualities soul. Our faculty and staff and life-long love of learning. instill the vision and practice Latin’s challenging yet nurturing of excellence in academics, environment is created by a Dore Academy athletics, fine arts and Christian balance of academic excellence, Dore Academy is the first character. We partner with a strong athletic program, an K-12, college preparatory parents to prepare students to exceptional commitment to the school in N.C. devoted excel in college and in life. As arts and an educational approach to teaching children with a college preparatory school for that is traditional in design yet learning disabilities and/or junior kindergarten through 12th progressive in implementation. attention disorders. Founded grade students, we emphasize Charlotte Latin fosters a in 1978 by Dr. Mary Dore, the equipping and developing close relationship between its school serves as an important students while integrating faculty and students. With their educational resource for the Biblical truth and learning into teachers’ guidance, students Charlotte area, surrounding their daily lives. of all ages study and serve the counties and nationally. Dore Charlotte Christian School neighborhoods that surround Academy is accredited by is accredited by the Southern them and the world that beckons the Southern Association of Association of Colleges and them in preparation to care Colleges and Schools (SACS) Schools - Council of Accreditation for and succeed in the global and the Southern Association of and School Improvement (SACS- community. Extracurricular Independent Schools (SAIS) and CASI) and is also a member of activities, an age-appropriate follows the N.C. Department of the North Carolina Association of community service program, Public Instruction curriculum.

22 Newcomer Resource | 2011 The school holds membership with The National Association of Independent Schools, The North Carolina Association of Independent Schools, The International Dyslexia Association, Council for Exceptional Children, The Leaning Disabilities Association of America, and Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorders. With a small teacher to student ratio, Dore provides a distinct interactive and multisensory approach with proven strategies around learning. Dore Academy offers a Signature Experience like no other. The Dore Signature Experience encourages creative thinking and exploration, so students develop a love of learning with Time Warner Cable! that continues long after they leave the school. This unique Cable principle guides Dore’s curriculum, assessment, the arts, technology and • Get all your favorite programming, news, • Instant online access activities that build character and weather, sports and more to movies, music, social skill development. Students pictures and more learn new and unique ways to • No monthly charges for • Always-on Internet express their knowledge and to Basic Cable on additional TVs in your home connection means reach higher levels of achievement. less waiting and • No equipment to buy and a Visit www.doreacademy.org. more exploring 30-day money-back guarantee • Safer surﬁ ng with Digital Home Phone free security software: • Talk all you want for Anti-Virus, Anti-Spam, one low monthly price AntiSpyware, Firewall Protection and • Caller ID, Call Waiting Pop-Up Blocker Mecklenburg Area and more included Catholic Schools For more than 80 years, Catholic Schools in Charlotte have offered CALL 1-800-TW-CABLE | VISIT YourTWC.com a quality education in the Catholic (1-800-892-2253) Tradition open to any student. Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools (MACS) continues this tradition today. MACS is comprised of five Equipment is needed to receive Digital Cable service. An HDTV and an HD digital converter or an HD- ready digital TV with a elementary schools K-5, one QAM tuner is required to receive Time Warner Cable HD programming. Incremental charge for ancillary services, Movies on Demand and some HD channels. Security software is not available for Macintosh® computers. Digital Home Phone does school K-8, a middle school and not include back-up power and, as in the case with an electric powered home cordless phone, should there be a power outage, Digital Home Phone, including the ability to access 9-1-1 services, may not be available. Additional charges apply for Directory a high school. In addition a new Assistance, Operator Services and calls to international locations. Service may not be available in all areas. Time Warner Cable and its afﬁ liates and suppliers reserve the right to discontinue any product, feature or offer at any time. Other restrictions high school is planned for north may apply. ©2010 Time Warner Cable, Inc. POWER OF YOU is a registered trademark of Time Warner Cable, Inc. All Rights Reserved. All other corporate brands and logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies. of Charlotte with a proposed TM & © Warner Brother Entertainment, Inc. (s10)

2011 | Newcomer Resource 23

TWC-9067_Charlotte_Chamber_4.625x9.75.indd 1 9/7/10 4:37 PM For 40 years, Providence Day School has fostered in each student a passion for learning, a strong sense of social responsibility, and a commitment to personal integrity. A school is only as good as its teachers. Providence Day School has assembled one of the nation’s finest pre-collegiate faculties. With more than 700-networked computers on campus, technology is a highly regarded educational tool. Teachers use wireless laptop computers, document cameras, SMART Boards, Senteo technology, video, and digital cameras for instruction. Rack Room Shoes Providence Day School is committed to helping students acquire the knowledge, insight and first-hand experiences needed Loves Calling to live in our global society. Our Global Studies Diploma Charlotte Home. Program, the first of its kind in the country, allows students in grades nine to 12 to choose a curriculum and set of experiences focused on developing successful and responsible global citizens. You will too. Our campus is beautiful, our facilities are warm and inviting, our curriculum is rigorous, and our teachers are enthusiastic and From Charlotte we operate nurturing. We have spent the last 40 years creating one of the nearly 400 stores across finest independent day schools in the country. the country, providing Providence Day School is an independent, coeducational, affordable prices TK-12 college preparatory school, recognized by the U.S. for the entire family. Department of Education as a National Blue Ribbon School Rack Room Shoes of Excellence. Please visit www.providenceday.org or call carries name brand 704.887.6000 to learn more about Providence Day School and shoes including Nike, our upcoming open houses. Converse, New Balance, Rocket Dog, Puma, Skechers and many more. opening date of August 2011 Catholic values and traditions and expansion of one of the and make these values and elementary schools to include traditions part of every school the middle school grades. We day from prayer life to behavioral offer an environment of strong expectations. Respect for one’s self academics where 100 percent of as well as others is an important the high school students graduate aspect of a Catholic education, and 99 percent go on to higher and students experience the education. In addition, our discipline necessary to develop elementary and middle school respect for teachers and other students consistently score well students, as well as for themselves. above the national and local Students are encouraged to averages on the Iowa Tests of become more socially aware To learn more about us, Basic Skills. These results are and responsible. All students are find special deals, coupons important, but perhaps more involved in service projects and or to find a location important are the moral and community service programs. near you visit spiritual elements that are a part For admission information call rackroomshoes.com of every facet of the schools. 704.370.3273 or visit online at Our schools focus on strong www.charlottediocese.org/macs. NR

24 Newcomer Resource | 2011 Welcome Home

Berewick’s full-time community so easy! Looking for more detailed greeter. After many years at information than the magazine Baxter Village in Fort Mill, she’s might provide? Through our intimately familiar with the area superior reach NewHomeGuide. At Home Guide and can help guide you through com and AmericanHomeGuide. At Home magazine is very the community. Also we just com creates a 24/7 presence, by unique. Existing and new home launched a brand-new Berewick providing constant opportunities properties are organized by area Website! Check it out- you can for home buyers to access new and price ... the way homebuyers explore the community on our home information 24 hours a search for homes. We offer a interactive site plan and see a day, seven days a week! Online highly organized, informative complete list of available homes. listings feature pictures, floor layout featuring all the tools you Visit online at plans, inventory homes, school need to make your home search www.Berewick.com. information, builder information, easy. Each listing highlights and so much more! Our magazine bedrooms, bath, square footage and cutting edge family of and acreage; a brief description sites offer the most integrated of the properties best features; information-rich data available and the listing agent’s name, in the industry. If you’d like to phone number and photo. And Charlotte New receive your free copy of the most importantly, a unique Web Home Guide Charlotte NewHomeGuide. site is assigned to each property. The Charlotte com Magazine you can do so Simply type in www.MorePics. NewHomeGuide.com Magazine by contacting (704)525-0556 Info/MLS# and you’re there! is the most comprehensive new or enorton@newhomeguide. No more hunting, entering in home resource offered through com. The NewHomeGuide.com more data ... you simply get to the Charlotte market. The can also be located at many see more photos and learn more magazine features nearly every Harris Teeters, Food Lions, and information about properties. At Charlotte builder with hundreds Lowes Foods through-out the Home helps you break through of communities advertised all in Charlotte metro area. Visit us the clutter of an online real estate an easy to follow format. Looking online at newhomeguide.com or search. And finally, we know for your new home has never been americanhomeguides.com. NR our readers are interested in all things real estate. We offer helpful articles and showcase real estate professionals and services. At Home is your complete guide to real estate. For your free monthly subscription, visit www. YourAtHomeNow.com.

Berewick We have a brand-new Welcome Center at the Manor House, where friendly staff is available daily to answer your questions. Cindy Hafer is

2011 | Newcomer Resource 25 Higher Education

for a high-quality, affordable education. The college offers students small class sizes, online course options, quality instructors Central Piedmont Community College and the convenience of six campus locations Central Piedmont Community College to give them easy access to its close to 300 (CPCC) is a vital community partner, degree, corporate and business training and creating relationships with local business and certification programs. industry leaders that can be felt at the core of As an institution that strives to be the its curriculum and professional training national leader in workforce development, programs, and preparing individuals to enter CPCC is prepared to help students start, today’s workforce. change or improve their careers. For more Each year, more than 70,000 community information, visit www.cpcc.edu or call residents turn to CPCC as their resource 704.330.2722.

at UNC Charlotte is Charlotte’s positions in complex innovative global business organizations. Additionally, school. Accredited by AACSB the college partners with top International, the Belk College schools globally to offer MBA is committed to developing programs in Mexico, Hong the next generation of business Kong and Taiwan, and an MS in Belk College of leaders by offering programs economics degree in Denmark. Business, UNC Charlotte that stress our five core The Ph.D. in business The Belk College of Business values: integrity, knowledge administration with a major in and innovation, excellence, finance is a research-oriented diversity and inclusion, and program designed to prepare global citizenship. graduates for teaching and Undergraduate students may research careers in academia. pursue a degree with a major in The Belk College maintains accounting, economics, finance, strong connections to the A Service of Child Care Resources Inc. industrial and operations Charlotte business community For help finding management, international through signature programs NEXT child care, call today! business, management, including the speaker management information series, UNC Charlotte Free child care referrals from a systems or marketing. A Economic Forecast and the trusted community resource new certificate program in Center for Real Estate. The Belk Cabarrus...... (704) 786-1024 entrepreneurship is open to College has more than 19,000 Mecklenburg...... (704) 348-2181 undergraduate students from alumni, the majority of whom Union...... (704) 238-8800 www.childcareresourcesinc.org any major. live in the Charlotte region. The college’s graduate In 2011, UNC Charlotte will programs in accounting open a distinctive new facility (MACC), business at the corner of 9th and Brevard administration (MBA, with Streets, providing a variety of 11 academic concentrations), educational opportunities for Child Care Search is a service of Child Care Resources Inc. made economics (MS) and those who live and work in the possible with funding from United Way of Central Carolinas, Mecklen- burg County, NC Division of Child mathematical finance (MS) center city. Visit online at Development & Smart Start prepare students for leadership www.belkcollege.uncc.edu.

26 Newcomer Resource | 2011 intercollegiate teams and a Andrew Weill, commentator Ben nationally-recognized international Stein, pianist Leon Fleisher and study program named among the journalist Cokie Roberts. best in the country. As it continues to build Queens University As a community partner, momentum, the university Queens University of Queens is a critical contributor remains committed to its Charlotte is a private, master’s- to the intellectual and cultural fundamental mission – providing level university located minutes fabric of the city of Charlotte. extraordinary educational from uptown Charlotte in the Over the past year, Queens has experiences that transform the heart of historic Myers Park. hosted more than 30 nationally- lives of its students and foster Over the course of its 150-year renowned speakers, musicians, personal and professional history, Queens has evolved from artists and authors such as success for years to come. Visit a small liberal arts college for CNN’s Fareed Zakaria, Dr. www.queens.edu to learn more. NR women into a co-ed university serving approximately 2,600 traditional and adult students at the undergraduate and graduate levels. •The College of Arts and Sciences provides the foundation of liberal learning at the heart of the university. •The McColl School of Business is nationally recognized for its focus on leadership development. •The Cato School of Education is home to the prestigious North Carolina Teaching Fellows program. •The Knight School of Communication keeps pace with the dramatic changes in media and communication. •The Andrew Blair College of Health includes the Presbyterian School of Nursing, the largest private producer of registered nurses in the state. •Hayworth College for Adult Studies is a dedicated entry- point for adult students. Queens is rapidly becoming one of the preeminent comprehensive universities in the Southeast, boasting five N.C. Professors of the Year and offering 32 undergraduate majors, six pre- professional programs and nine graduate programs, 20 NCAA Division II men’s and women’s

2011 | Newcomer Resource 27 Social Charlotte

Charlotte has a growing social LinkedIn you and your work – providing media community that can If you’re job seeking and strong, personal references. Also quickly connect newcomers with aren’t on LinkedIn, stop messing take advantage of groups for information and opportunities around and create your LinkedIn jobs leads, new business leads, that run the gamut from hard profile now! It serves as a virtual professional development and news to entertainment to resume allowing potential networking. Learn more about employment. The trick is finding employers to find you. LinkedIn maximizing LinkedIn at learn. the right resources to fit your also allows colleagues, clients linkedin.com. needs and interests. and vendors to recommend Twitter If you aren’t already on Twitter, you probably think it’s confusing and pointless. If you are on Twitter, the mere mention of it made you subconsciously reach for your phone. The volume and variety of information available can be delightfully addictive. Start by following your real- life friends, favorite news outlets and entertainment venues, companies you want to work for, and your elected representatives. Check out @cltchamber’s lists at twitter.com/cltchamber/lists for local resources that might interest you

Facebook The population of Facebook could constitute the world’s third largest country, so chances are good that you’re already there. Be sure to “like” the Charlotte Chamber at www. facebook.com/charlottechamber and check out our favorite pages for links to our member companies on Facebook. These are but a few of the channels in the social media universe, but they’ll get you started if you’re a novice. If you’re a social media pro, you’ve probably found all these resources already. Either way, welcome to virtual Charlotte. We can’t wait to connect with you! NR

28 Newcomer Resource | 2011 Let us ORCHESTRATE your dream.

For the perfect products for your kitchen or bath, stop by a Ferguson showroom. It’s where you’ll fi nd the largest range of quality brands, a symphony of ideas, and trained consultants to help orchestrate your dream. With showrooms from coast to coast, come see why Ferguson is recommended by professional contractors and designers everywhere.

Charlotte: 2000 South Blvd, Ste 510 (704) 370-2020 Gastonia: 2050 Remount Rd (704) 865-2100 Mooresville: 185 Raceway Dr (704) 799-7999 Rock Hill: 711 Riverview Rd (803) 329-5271

2011 | Newcomer Resource 29 30 Newcomer Resource | 2010 Finding dreamyour

homePlan to spend some time exploring the possibilities, either alone or with the help of a real estate agent. The maps and descriptions on the following pages will acquaint you with the different sections of Mecklenburg County, including areas within Charlotte’s city limits and other towns outside of Charlotte, and within the surrounding counties.

Whether you want to rent or own; whether you love the bustling urban scene or quiet tree-lined streets; whether you seek an apartment, condominium, loft or single-family home, you’ll find what you want in Charlotte.

2011 | Newcomer Resource 31 In October 2010, according to Carolina Multiple Listing Service, Charlotte-Mecklenburg’s average single-family home closing price was $210,979. In this buyers’ market, you are practically assured of finding your dream home at a reasonable price.

32 Newcomer Resource | 2011 Mecklenburg Finding a Builder County For a list of builders in the Charlotte area, start at Info! Charlotte Uptown or with your real estate agent. If you can’t find what you want there, call Uptown Charlotte is one of the Home Builders Association of the trendiest residential areas, Charlotte at 704.376.8524 or visit with glitzy condominiums, it online at www.hbacharlotte.com. rehabbed lofts, new single- You can also access the National family homes, town homes and Home Builders Association online at elegant Victorian homes within www.nahb.org. Finally, the Charlotte blocks of each other. Nearly Observer’s Home section, which 13,000 people currently reside appears every Saturday, includes within the uptown loop, the area advertising from area home builders. encircled by I-77 and the John Belk and Brookshire freeways. By 2028, approximately 100,000 people will reside here. Charlotte was originally divided into Charlotte was originally four districts, or “wards,” with Trade divided into four districts, or “wards,” with Trade and Tryon and Tryon Streets serving as the Streets serving as the inner inner boundaries. The city still uses boundaries. The city still uses the terms to identify areas uptown. the terms to identify areas uptown. Fourth Ward was the first to be revitalized, starting in the The Garden District in 1970s. Today, it includes homes, uptown’s First Ward condominiums and apartments offers a beautiful view in a Victorian atmosphere, within of the skyline. walking distance of the cultural district and office towers. Third Ward has experienced a resurgence in recent years, thanks to its proximity to Bank of America Stadium (home of the Carolina Panthers) and the development of offices, shops, restaurants and the Levine Cultural Campus at South Tryon and 1st Street that includes the Knight Theater, Mint Museum, Bechtler Museum of Modern Art and the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts+Culture. Johnson & Wales University revolutionized Third Ward when it opened its doors in 2004. First Ward is the home of Time Warner Cable Arena,

2011 | Newcomer Resource 33 ImaginOn, several museums, of housing. Charlotte’s center district (northwest of Center restaurants and night life. It city ring, sometimes called urban City between W. Morehead and has a range of housing options, ring neighborhoods, surround W. Trade Streets), Wilmore (off from apartments to single-family the uptown area. They can South Tryon Street), Elizabeth homes. And the LYNX Blue be divided roughly into two (area around East Seventh Street), Line (light rail) originates at 7th categories: the historic streetcar Crescent Heights (off Randolph Street in First Ward. suburbs sometimes known as “Old Rd.), Plaza-Midwood (along Formerly an area devoted to Charlotte” and the transitional Central Avenue and The Plaza, government buildings, Second neighborhoods that were built out a unique enclave of restaurants, Ward is also becoming a residential primarily in the post-World War II shops, bars and galleries), and area. The luxurious Ratcliffe on housing boom. Belmont (off 12th Street near the Green condominiums includes Old Charlotte – Compared Alpha Mill, Charlotte’s oldest an interactive park with fountains to most cities, old Charlotte textile mill now renovated into and walkways. The EpiCenter has doesn’t look old at all. These trendy, upscale apartments). become a nightlife destination with neighborhoods were Charlotte’s Transitional Neighborhoods several clubs and lounges, a movie first true suburbs. They began to – Much like Old Charlotte, theater, a bowling alley, restaurants emerge in the late 1800s thanks to transitional neighborhoods vary and retail, as well as a condo tower streetcar routes. Myers Park and widely in housing prices and that is still under construction. Eastover are the grande dames of level of revitalization. Several Old Charlotte with their stately of them, such as Chantilly and homes and oak-canopied avenues. Sedgefield, are nestled near Old Dilworth, created in 1898, Charlotte neighborhoods, enjoying experienced a revival during the a certain level of prominence by 1980s and is now a comfortable, association. Housing prices in elegant neighborhood. SouthEnd, these neighborhoods have climbed located next to Dilworth near rapidly over the last decade. South Boulevard, has recently But if you’re a bargain- redeveloped into a hot spot, hunting urban pioneer, one of the drawing people from all over the transitional neighborhoods in the city to its restaurants, nightclubs early stages of revitalization may be and businesses. And new the place for you. Many of these apartments and condos continue neighborhoods have their own springing up along the LYNX fascinating histories, albeit more Photo by PatrickSchneiderPhoto.com Blue Line, which runs through the recent history. Camp Greene, for heart of SouthEnd. instance, is named after the World Cherry (adjacent to Myers War I army training camp that Park), Biddleville and Washington operated there. Camp Greene Heights (off Beatties Ford Rd.) brought thousands of soldiers to are among Charlotte’s oldest Charlotte in the 1920s, many Myers Park is historically black neighborhoods. of whom returned to Charlotte known for its mature tree canopy. They’ve declined quite a bit from after the war. Development of the their former glory, but commercial neighborhood continued developments in and around into the 1950s, and it is now these neighborhoods are attracting populated with bungalows, ranch Center City Ring investors that will likely turn these houses and a beautiful canopy of neighborhoods into residential hot mature trees. If you’d like to live close to spots in a few short years. NoDa – A segment of North uptown but not in the direct Some other neighborhoods in Davidson Street approximately shadow of the skyscrapers, you “Old Charlotte,” each in various two miles from uptown, NoDa have a huge range of options, stages of revitalization, include is a National Register Historic both in terms of price and type the Wesley Heights local historic District in recognition of the

34 Newcomer Resource | 2011 part the area’s mills played in textile history. The last mill shut Finding a Realtor® down in the 1970s, and the A good Realtor® is key to finding a home in Charlotte. area began attracting artists who Many real estate companies offer relocation specialists envisioned and created an arts to help new residents get a feel for the city, discover the community. NoDa is now home best area for a home and get settled in quickly. Your to a variety of funky galleries, employer may have an arrangement with a local real estate restaurants, live music venues professional to handle employees’ relocation needs. If you and housing options. need to find your own agent, start by checking with Info! Charlotte at www.charlottechamber.com/infocharlotte or Eastside contact the Charlotte Regional Realtors® Association at www.carolinahome.com or 704.372.0911. Some of the earliest residential movement outside of the city headed east along Independence Boulevard, Central Avenue, Albemarle Road Ballantyne and Monroe Road. These roads continue to support this area, Ballantyne is a 2,000-acre which is full of older, established master planned community neighborhoods and many in South Charlotte that was apartment complexes. Central developed in the 1990s on Avenue is known for its diverse farmland once owned by the shops and restaurants. Harris family, one of Charlotte’s oldest and most prestigious Southeast Charlotte families. Combining all elements of life, the area has a wide When the city started range of housing, employment, expanding rapidly during the shopping and entertainment 1960s and ’70s, most of the options. The area’s crown jewel is development headed south. The the Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge, Cotswold neighborhood was a AAA four-diamond hotel one of the first areas, developed and spa and a par 71, five-star in the 1960s. SouthPark Mall, championship golf course. established in 1970, became the catalyst for a host of Southwest retail, business and residential development. Today, SouthPark The southwest corner of feels almost urban. Throughout Charlotte and Mecklenburg the area, you’ll find plenty of County is home to large business housing options, ranging from parks on Arrowood Road and small brick ranches to new-home Westinghouse Boulevard, as well as Photo by PatrickSchneiderPhoto.com communities to mansions. one of Mecklenburg’s largest parks, Southeast Charlotte McDowell, along Lake Wylie. continues to be the best place Airport expansion and the I-485 in town to find upscale shopping, outerbelt are luring even more both at the mall and in several businesses. The widening of N.C. mixed-use developments in 49 through southwest Charlotte Ballantyne’s Villa Antonio the area, including Phillips into South Carolina bolstered Restaurant is a popular spot to Place, Piedmont Town Center development in the area, including relax and enjoy friends, food, wine and live music. and Morrison. several expensive developments

2011 | Newcomer Resource 35 along the shores of Lake Wylie. I-85 and I-77, the Westside is great is protected from development, Duke Power created Lake Wylie in area for frequent travelers who since the lake provides drinking 1904 and enlarged it in 1924. want to get in and out of town water for most of Mecklenburg With 12,455 acres and quickly. The Whitewater Center and Gaston County residents. 325 miles of shoreline, the lake has the world’s only multi-channel Once a small, farming village provides water recreation to recirculating whitewater river, as known as Shuffletown, the residents and visitors in three well as challenge courses, 11 miles Mountain Island area has become counties — Mecklenburg of biking/hiking/ running trails, a popular location for residential and Gaston in N.C. and York climbing walls and a climbing development. Numerous new County in S.C. Major mixed-use school, guided kayak tours along housing developments have developments in this area include the Catawba river, a conference emerged along Mt. Holly- Ayrsley and Whitehall. center and event venues, and Huntersville Road, which runs the River’s Edge Bar and Grill parallel to I-485 in this area from Westside overlooking the whitewater course. I-77 to Mountain Island Lake, The Whitewater Center brings and in the Northlake Mall area. The Westside saw its first tourists from all over the world. suburban growth in the 1950s University City and ’60s. The area is experiencing Mountain Island a new growth spurt with the University City, home to UNC completion of the western portion Mountain Island Lake, which Charlotte and University Research of the I-485 loop and the U.S. covers 3,235 acres, is bordered by Park, began to blossom in the late National Whitewater Center. Gaston County on the west and 1980s. The area is one of Charlotte’s And as home to the Mecklenburg County on the east. largest employment centers, with Charlotte/Douglas International Duke Energy created the lake in many technology and banking firms Airport and with easy access to 1924. Much of the watershed with offices in University Research Park and nearby business parks. Housing in this area is a great mix An of single-family and multifamily choices. This area also has some of Charlotte’s best choices for apartments, condominiums, Educational Experience town homes and patio homes that serve college students and young professionals. Extraordinary Retail development is booming in this area, with more than 3 million square feet of stores centered on W.T. Harris Boulevard and I-85, including the new IKEA. The region’s largest outlet mall, Concord Mills, lies just over the Cabarrus County line along I-85. And Northlake Mall is located at the I-77 and W.T. Harris Boulevard junction. 212 Boyce Rd. • www.charlotteprep.com • 704.366.5994

Pre-Kindergarten - Eighth Grade North Mecklenburg Core Knowledge K-8 Curriculum County Montessori Pre-K program (Morning or full-day, year-round) North Mecklenburg County is home to Lake Norman and

36 Newcomer Resource | 2011 three bustling towns: Cornelius, Davidson and Huntersville. With 520 miles of shoreline, Lake Norman is the largest body of fresh water in North Carolina. Duke Power Co., now Duke Energy Corp., created the lake in the early 1960s when it dammed the Catawba River at Cowans Ford to provide cooling for McGuire Nuclear Station. Mecklenburg, Lincoln, Catawba and Iredell counties border the lake. Residents and visitors enjoy boating, waterskiing, swimming, kneeboarding and fishing. And several golf-course communities have been developed at the edge of Lake Norman, so residents can enjoy the beauty of both the lake and golf courses Cornelius – As a gateway to Lake Norman, Cornelius has become an attractive residential location with nearly 25,000 residents. The popular area around Lake Norman has spawned numerous residential and commercial developments to serve its growing population. Davidson – Just north of Cornelius is Davidson, the home of Davidson College. Residents enjoy cultural and sporting events offered by the college, as well as the amenities of Lake Norman and the town’s New England-flavored main street. The town has a little fewer than 10,000 residents. About 1,800 students attend Davidson College, one of America’s premier liberal-arts schools. Celebrating 40 years of excellence Huntersville – Fifteen miles north of Charlotte and easily Leader in global education accessible by I-77, Huntersville is home to about 40,000 people. College preparatory Birkdale, one of Huntersville’s Visit www.providenceday.org for open house information. most popular areas, is a 52-acre mixed use development modeled after a New England 5800 Sardis Road | Charlotte, North Carolina 28270 | 704.887.6000

2011 | Newcomer Resource 37 77

IRDELL COUNTY

Statesville 40

Lake Norman 85

Lincolnton

LINCOLN COUNTY Concord

Gastonia CABARRUS COUNTY

GASTON COUNTY Charlotte

MECKLENBURG 85 COUNTY

York UNION COUNTY

Monroe YORK COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA

77 SOUTHCAROLINA Lancaster

LANCASTER COUNTY

38 Newcomer Resource | 2011 sea coast town. It offers with the preservation of historic of Pineville, linking it directly to apartments, single-family homes, buildings, some dating back to Uptown Charlotte. shopping, dining, movies, live the 19th century. entertainment in warm weather Mint Hill — Mint Hill and a splash fountain that will is primarily a residential Contiguous entertain the kids for as long as community, with about 20,000 Counties you can stand it. Huntersville is residents. The town has a strong also home to several historic sites retail market, a historical society, Charlotte is the center of the including Latta Plantation Park, an athletic association and a nation’s 18th-largest urban area, a large nature preserve and number of civic clubs. with more than 7.1 million home to the restored antebellum Pineville — Once a mill people residing within 100 miles Latta Plantation. village, Pineville calls itself “the of uptown. As Charlotte has ‘biggest’ small town around” grown and prospered, so have South Mecklenburg with a population of only 7,700 nearby cities and counties. While County but more than 6 million square in some respects they blend feet of retail space. Just 12 together as one metro area, in Matthews – A rapidly miles from uptown Charlotte, many ways each city and county growing town, Matthews is Pineville is a dining and retains its distinctive flavor. popular for its antique and craft shopping mecca with options shops, new-home developments ranging from quaint antique Cabarrus County and convenient location. With stores in Pineville’s historic a population of approximately downtown to national chains at More than 170,000 people nearly 30,000, the town is Carolina Place Mall. The LYNX live in Cabarrus, which is just balancing new development Blue Line terminates just outside 20 miles northeast of uptown I-US-G-color-7.375x4.625v3:Chamber/Newcomer 9/21/10 4:08 PM Page 1

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2011 | Newcomer Resource 39 Gaston County population grew more than 56 percent since 2000, to more than Just west of Mecklenburg 29,000 residents. Mooresville is County is Gaston County, home to several NASCAR race known for its history in the teams and related companies and textile production and trucking calls itself “Race City, U.S.A.” industries. More than 208,000 people live in Gaston County, Lincoln County with 69,000 in its largest city, Gastonia. The county’s public Northwest of Mecklenburg school system is the seventh- County, also on the shores largest in North Carolina. of Lake Norman, is Lincoln

Photo by PatrickSchneiderPhoto.com The county celebrates its County. Because of its location heritage through a variety of in the western side of the lake, museums, including the Gaston Lincoln County is becoming a County Museum of Art and hot spot for those who prefer The Daniel Stowe History in the original county more secluded lakeside living. Botanical Garden in Gaston County offers a scenic seat of Dallas, the Schiele The county has a population of excursion for all ages, Museum of Natural History in about 76,000, with Lincolnton, as well as educational Gastonia and the C. Grier Beam the county seat and largest programs and events. Truck Museum in Cherryville. town, accounting for 10,000 The Daniel Stowe Botanical residents. The town has several Garden in Belmont is becoming a industries and many historic Charlotte and is easily accessible major tourist attraction. structures. It also is home to the by I-85. Gaston County is also home Lincoln Theatre Guild and the Concord, the county to Belmont Abbey College and Lincolnton Apple Festival, which seat, is one of the state’s fastest- the popular holiday tradition of draws around 80,000 visitors growing cities, with a population the McAdenville Christmas lights. each year. of 79,000. Concord is a major Each December the village lines Denver, located in eastern tourist destination with Concord its main streets with thousands of Lincoln County, rests on the Mills and Lowe’s Motor Speedway colored lights. Visitors come from western shores of Lake Norman. located just a few miles apart off throughout the region to enjoy Denver is a straight shot from I-85 exit 49. the extravaganza. Charlotte on N.C. Highway 16, Kannapolis, with a population making it easy for office workers of nearly 40,500, was built by Iredell County to escape to the lake’s charms at Charles Cannon in 1887. Once day’s end. home to the historic Cannon More than 158,000 Mills, it is now a center of biotech people live in Iredell County. Union County research and development as home More than 26,000 of them to the N.C. Research Campus. live in Statesville, the county Agriculture and Cabarrus offers plenty for seat and largest town. The manufacturing are important residents and visitors to enjoy. greater Statesville area, at the industries in the state’s fastest- Reed Gold Mine State Historic intersection of I-40 and I-77, growing county, just southeast Site in Stanfield commemorates is home to a diverse range of of Charlotte. Farms producing the first gold discovery in North industries, including plastics, livestock, corn, soybeans and Carolina in 1799. transportation equipment, metal cotton exist in harmony with Other attractions include working and distribution. plants turning out textiles, Cannon Village, the Bost Grist Mooresville, located 30 minutes electrical equipment and Mill, Historic Downtown north of Charlotte, is conveniently pharmaceutical capsules. Concord’s Shopping District and near Lake Norman on I-77. That Monroe, named for the fifth Memorial Gardens. location explains why the town’s U.S. president, James Monroe,

40 Newcomer Resource | 2011 is home to more than 30,000 of Just south of the N.C./S.C. arts in the Southeast. the county’s 200,000 residents. border, Fort Mill is the home of Lake Wylie provides Waxhaw, at N.C. 16 and N.C. Knights Stadium, the 10,000-seat York County plenty of water 75, features numerous antique headquarters for the Charlotte recreation. Tega Cay, a residential shops. Weddington, on the edge Knights, a Triple-A baseball community just west of Fort Mill, of Mecklenburg County, has team. With about 10,000 boasts 27 holes of championship become a prosperous suburb of residents, Fort Mill is a high- golf and two waterfront parks. Charlotte. Wingate University, growth area, particularly with the nationally renowned for its addition of Baxter Village, which Lancaster international programs, is in includes single-family homes County, S.C. Wingate and draws high-powered and condominiums as well as visitors thanks to the Jesse Helms Baxter Town Center & Village Covering 549 square miles, Library located there. Shops, a mixed-use development Lancaster County is 35 miles of parks, shops and restaurants. south of Charlotte. The county, York County, S.C. Opportunities for post-secondary which has an estimated population education in York County of more than 75,000, includes With more than 225,000 include Winthrop University and Lancaster, Kershaw, Heath Springs people, York County continues to York Technical College, which and eight townships. The fastest attract newcomers to its provides technical training and growing area is Indian Land, which South Carolina suburbs. As a two-year associate degrees. For a is becoming a Charlotte bedroom result, the city of Rock Hill, with different look at education, visit community. Andrew Jackson State more than 61,000 residents, is the Museum of York County, Park, nine miles north of Lancaster, now South Carolina’s fourth- which contains one of the largest offers 360 acres of camping, largest municipality. displays of African animals and boating, fishing and hiking. NR NewcomerAd-2010:Layout 1 10/7/10 12:28 PM Page 1

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2011 | Newcomer Resource 41 By Erin Watkins Economy Employmentand

In spite of a national economic slowdown, Charlotte continues to serve as a destination for relocation. From young and educated professionals to families in search of a better quality of life, the Queen City remains one of the most frequently moved to areas in the country. 2011 | Newcomer Resource 43 Charlotte-Gastonia-Concord Population 2000-2009 Year Population Percent Change 2000 1,330,448 ––– 2001 1,374,889 3.3% 2002 1,405,871 2.3% n the last eight years, the population for the Charlotte 2003 1,435,910 2.1% Metropolitan Statistical Area has increased by more 2004 1,470,342 2.4% than 31 percent. Newcomers feel they can find meaningful Iemployment in Charlotte more so than other parts of 2005 1,518,488 3.3% the country. 2006 1,580,070 4.1% One of the reasons Charlotte has become a magnet of the minds 2007 1,646,431 4.2% includes the cost of living. Charlotte is extremely competitive at 92.6 percent, more than 7 percent lower than the national average 2008 1,701,799 3.4% index of 100 percent. Of the top 40 Metro Markets Charlotte 2009 1,745,524 2.6% ranks eighth, with the cost of living less than cities such as Atlanta, Ga., Austin, Tex., and Denver, Co. The affordability factor is Source: U.S. Census Population Estimates

44 Newcomer Resource | 2011 Photo by PatrickSchneiderPhoto.com

one that continues to persuade those from more expensive urban Charlotte area was also fortunate to experience population growth areas located around the country. Many feel drawn to Charlotte, during the same time. appreciating the presence of metropolitan amenities while still being Charlotte has been ranked by many different publications, able to experience a better standard of living. showcasing its success and all-around appeal. As seen by New business and employment has been consistent for the recent accolades, Charlotte continues to rise above many of its Charlotte region. In the last 10 years, Charlotte has seen 7,011 national counterparts. new firms and more than 61,000 new jobs. The unemployment Charlotte is an area for both work and play. The quality of life, rate, although seemingly high, has decreased as the economy presence of business, and a thriving economy make for a cohesive has started to turn around. Despite the recession, Mecklenburg and productive city. Almost 50,000 people move to the Charlotte County saw 8,542 new or expanded jobs within the first nine region every year. Any newcomer would feel right at home in the months of 2010, announced by 713 different companies. The Queen City, the true melting pot of the south.

2011 | Newcomer Resource 45 Embarking on Your Job Search more. More than 1,300 companies are listed with contact As a new resident to the region, the Charlotte Chamber information, including chief executive officers, chief financial of Commerce offers many resources in searching for officers and human resource directors. Also included are employment. The chamber’s Career Center Web site at e-mail addresses, phone numbers, Web sites and description of www.charlottechamber.com/careercenter has information industry. This directory is available in hard copy as well as in for both the job hunter and the employer. The resume Excel database format. bank provides an outlet for those in search of employment The Manufacturer’s Directory lists all manufacturing to post their resumes, which can be viewed by more than companies, both small and large, within the 16-county 3,000 Charlotte Chamber members. Also available is the Charlotte region. Like the Major Employer’s Directory, Job Seekers Package, a three-month membership providing it lists the contact information for the CEO, phone, fax, networking opportunities, research data and special discounts e-mail, employment number and industry description. More to help get the employment process started. than 5,000 companies are within the directory, and it is also The research department of the chamber serves as an available in database format. extremely helpful channel in identifying possible employment The Foreign Firms directory is a listing of all companies opportunities. There are several directories and databases that are foreign-owned within the 16-county region. This available that can prove helpful in the search. The Major useful piece is for those that have international experience or Employer’s Directory is a listing of all employers in speak additional languages. More than 845 companies are the 16-county Charlotte region with 100 employees or listed in the updated directory published in November 2009. The directory is also available in database format and lists the same type of information as the Major Employer’s and Manufacturer’s Directories. Other useful tools are the quarterly New and Expanded Business Report, the Million Dollar Database and the Fortune Recent Accolades 500 list. The New and Expanded Business Report is published every quarter and is comprised of the new or expanded #1 – Top Five Best Foreign Direct Investment companies within Mecklenburg County. These companies April 2009, fDi Magazine (ranked among range from small to very large businesses. The company contact 400 large cities) information along with employment number and investment dollars are also included. This is a good resource for contacting Best Place to Live May 2009, Relocate- companies that have not yet physically moved to the Charlotte #1 – region but are looking for employees. America.com (ranked among 100 cities) Dun and Bradstreet’s Million Dollar List has all companies #1 – Highest Percent Change in Jobs August 2008, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (ranked among 40 metro areas)

#2 – Top State Business Climate July 2008, DIC (ranked among 14 large cities)

#2 – Best Place to Start a Small Business February 2009, Bizjournals.com (ranked among 100 metro areas)

#3 – Most Popular Move Destination January 2009, United Van Lines (ranked among 100 metro areas)

46 Newcomer Resource | 2011 2011 | Newcomer Resource 47 in the Charlotte area that have sales of $10 Million or more. N.C. Department of Commerce JobLink Centers This list is useful for sales professionals or those interested www.joblinkcenter.org in companies that produce a particular dollar amount. The •5125-A South Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28217 Fortune 500 List includes companies in the Charlotte area 704.527.3195 ext. 6506 that have been listed in Forbes Magazine’s annual top 500 •5601 Executive Center Dr., Ste. 100, Charlotte, NC 28212 companies listing. 704.566.2870 (hosted by ESC) Each of these resources is available online at •7140-A Forest Point Blvd. , Charlotte, NC 28217 www.charlottechamber.com/onlinestore. The Charlotte 704.565.6865(hosted by ESC) Chamber Research Department and the Charlotte Chamber •10801 Monroe Road, Suite A, Matthews, NC 28105 Career Center are some of the best resources for those 704.847.2660 (hosted by ESC) newly arrived Charlotteans looking for employment. Some •4045-C N. Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 28206 additional resources are listed below. 704.597.8057 (hosted by Charlotte Enterprise Community)

Charlotte Chamber Career Center North Carolina Department of Labor www.charlottechamber.com/careercenter and our partner, 901 Blairhill Rd., Charlotte, NC 28202 LocalJobs.com 1.800.NC.LABOR (625.2267) or 704.665.4341

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Workforce Social Security Administration Development Board www.ssa.gov www.charlotteworks.org 5800 Executive Center Drive, Ste. 300, Charlotte, NC 28212 700 Parkwood Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28205 1.800.772.1213, TTY 1.800.325.0778 704.336.6270 The Employers Association Employment Security Commission www.employerassoc.com (ESC) of North Carolina 3020 W. Arrowood Drive, •5601 Executive Center Drive, Suite 100, Charlotte , NC Charlotte, NC 28273 28212 | 704.342. 566.2870 704.522.8011 •7140 Forest Point Blvd., Suite A, Charlotte, NC 28217 704.565.6865 U.S. Department of Labor •10801 Monroe Rd., Ste. A, Matthews, NC 28105 www.dol.gov. NR 704.847.2660

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission www.eeoc.gov 129 W. Trade Street, Ste. 400, Charlotte, NC 28202 1.800.669.4000

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Certain things absolutely social security number; proof of Driving Rules & Regulations must be done when relocating liability insurance coverage; and Charlotte citywide speed limit to a new town. Certain proof of residency. is 35 mph unless otherwise information is essential to your N.C. has a graduated posted. Speed limit in school continued life, liberty and licensing program for drivers age zones is 25 mph. Statewide pursuit of happiness. Some of 15 to 18. Licenses for ages 18 speed limit is 55 mph unless that information is available in to 53 are renewed every eight otherwise posted “Finding Your Dream Home” years. After age 54, licenses are Seatbelts are mandatory for (page 30) and “Economy & renewed every five years. all passengers. Employment” (page 42). The For a list of acceptable Child restrain devices are rest is boiled down here and in documentation (for proof of mandatory for children less “Finding Your Bliss” on page 56. identity, liability coverage and than eight years old and lighter residency) and DMV locations, than 80 pounds. Children please visit the DMV’s Web site between 40 and 80 pounds Childcare or call the number above. can be secured with a belt- positioning booster seat. They Childcare Resources Inc. Auto Registration & must also sit in the back seat (CCRI) License Plates Info if the vehicle has an active www.childcareresourcesinc. Newcomers must obtain passenger-side air bag and a org 704.376.6697 or an N.C. driver’s license before rear seat. Children under age 704-348-2181 registering a vehicle. There are 16 must use a seat belt or child some situations under which you passenger restraint system Provides a wide variety can use a driver’s license from at all times, whether in the of information to help another state. front or back seat. Placing the parents and families find early Newcomers must register shoulder belt under the child’s learning and school-age child motor vehicles. Vehicle (or adult’s) arm or behind the care services. registrations from other states back is illegal. usually remain valid for 30 Vehicles must stop for school days, but this time period varies buses loading or unloading. Driving depending on your prior state Drivers must burn their of residence. You must provide headlights when using N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles the title (unless the title is windshield wipers www.ncdot.org/dmv 919.715.7000 held by a lien holder) and a Motorcyclists must wear valid registration card from the helmets and burn head lights Driver’s License Info state of prior registration. Fees at all times. Download the Driver’s for private passenger vehicles Driving under the influence Handbook from the Web site for include a $40 title fee and a $28 of alcohol or drugs carries complete information. Here are registration fee. Registration severe penalties, including some highlights. must be renewed annually. imprisonment, fines and the Newcomers must obtain a Vehicle must also receive loss of driver’s license. North Carolina driver’s license an annual safety and emissions within 60 days of establishing a inspection that costs $30. Education permanent residence. You will Inspection stations are usually be required to provide proof found at service stations, car From preschool to of your full name, age and dealerships and auto repair shops. postgraduate, excellence in

50 Newcomer Resource | 2011 districts nationally for the including a growing Catholic number of National Board school system and a variety Certified (NBC) teachers. This of denominational church certification is equivalent to schools and non-church related the CPA exam for accountants institutions. Information or the bar exam for lawyers and on private schools and how documents a teacher’s skills. to select an independent The top 10 percent of CMS school is available from the graduates outperform their North Carolina Association public and private school peers of Independent Schools or statewide, scoring an average the North Carolina Division of 1782 compared to 1737 for of Non-Public Education. A the top 10 percent in North comprehensive list of private Carolina. and charter schools within the Serves more than 20,000 city of Charlotte is available by students in 11 magnet programs calling the Charlotte Chamber at 40 schools. Magnet schools at 704.378.1300. For additional education is a priority for the offer students an opportunity information on tuition and Queen City. Charlotte boasts to focus on a particular theme enrollment openings, contact a wealth of K-12 educational or curriculum while receiving individual schools directly. choices. The city includes the N.C. Standard Course Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools of Study. Any student can Higher Education (CMS, one of the nation’s best apply to any magnet program Whether you’re seeking an urban school districts), as well as within CMS, but they must undergraduate or graduate a wide variety of private schools meet the program’s eligibility degree, training for career and charter facilities. requirements prior to applying advancement, or enrichment To find the very best option, and must agree to fulfill courses through continuing new residents should spend program requirements to education, you’ll find schools adequate time researching remain enrolled. to meet your needs. Besides all options. Educators and Other standout programs traditional weekday programs, administrators at all schools, within CMS include Advanced many institutions offer evening both public and private, are Placement classes, arts or weekend programs for adult happy to speak with newcomers education, character education, students with full-time jobs. and answer questions about a English as a Second Language, A list of institutions of higher variety of unique programs. exceptional children, after- learning that are members of the school enrichment programs, Charlotte Chamber is available Public Schools and a strong emphasis on by calling 704.378.1300. Charlotte-Mecklenburg literacy and science. Schools (CMS) Emergencies & www.cms.k12.nc.us 980.343.7450 Non-Public Schools N.C. Association of Related Services CMS serves 134,951 students Independent Schools in pre-kindergarten through 12th www.ncais.org 704.461.1812 Police/Fire/MEDIC grade. As the 19th largest district in Emergencies…911 the country, CMS has 176 schools N.C. Division of Non-emergencies…311 and almost 19,000 employees. Non-Public Education Power outages Some facts about CMS include: www.ncdnpe.org 919.733.4276 800.Power.On Ranked in Forbes as seventh in the country for the “Best Nearly 20,000 students are All Charlotte-Mecklenburg Education in the Biggest Cities.” enrolled in 80 independent, non- Agencies Ranks in the top five school public and charter schools, www.charmeck.org…311

2010 | Newcomer Resource 51 WE’RE THE NEIGHBOR WHO HAS EVERYTHING With six campuses located throughout Mecklenburg County, Central Piedmont Community College is right in your own backyard.

Whether you want to earn a diploma, certificate or degree; take personal enrichment classes; or enjoy quality entertainment at a great price, CPCC is your community resource for academic excellence and cultural enhancement. 704.330.2722 • www.cpcc.edu

52 Newcomer Resource | 2011 Including Animal Care and governed by councils elected Major Medical Control, Department of Social every two years in partisan Two major Services, Domestic Violence, elections – the Charlotte City healthcare systems are located Emergency Management, Council and the Mecklenburg in the county along with a wide Fire Department, Health Board of County Commissioners. range of specialists, nationally Department, Mental Health, The city manager is appointed renowned teaching and Police Department and more. by City Council and oversees research institutions and a day-to-day operations of the “concierge medical practice” Children & Family city. The city’s mayor works for those who would like Services Center with City Council to establish extra special attention from their www.childrenfamily.org general city policies. The county physicians. While the spectrum 704.943.9400 manager is appointed by the of medical services available to Board of County Commissioners area residents has grown, the cost The Children & Family and oversees the day-to-day of health care remains below the Services Center is a highly operations of the county. City national average. efficient 10-agency source of Council and Board of County assistance. The agencies at this Commissioners meetings are Carolinas HealthCare System central location collaborate with open to the public and televised (CHS) is the largest health care each other and with agencies live on cable channel 16. system in the Carolinas and one throughout the county to offer of the largest public systems in the comprehensive services. Health Care nation. Its services cover the scope Crime Stoppers of health care, from primary care www.charlottecrimestoppers.com Finding A Physician to trauma to long-term skilled 704.334.1600 Carolinas HealthCare System nursing. Located near uptown Physician Referral Federal Bureau of Investigation Charlotte, Carolinas Medical charlotte.fbi.gov 704.377.9200 www.carolinashealthcare.org Center (CMC) is the system’s 704.355.7500 flagship hospital. It is one of only N.C. Highway Patrol www.nccrimecontrol.org five facilities in North Carolina 919.733.7952 Mecklenburg County Medical designated as an Academic Medical Society Physician/Dental Center and Teaching Hospital Poison Center Referral Service www.ncpoisoncenter.org and a Level I Trauma Center. 704.376.0847 800.222.1222 The Levine Children’s Hospital is located on the CMC main campus. Presbyterian Healthcare It offers more than 30 specialized Government www.presbyterian.org pediatric services and state-of-the- 704.384.CARE (2273) art facilities that address the needs North Carolina of patients and their families. www.ncgov.com Find a physician before Presbyterian Healthcare is someone in your family needs one of the founding members of North Carolina government immediate care. Start by looking Novant Health Inc. and represents is based on the federal structure, at listings offered by your health its Southern Piedmont region with executive, legislative and insurer. Asking neighbors, with four hospitals, a network of judicial branches located in the friends or co-workers if they can primary care physician practices, state capital, Raleigh. recommend any of the physicians, outpatient surgery centers, urgent dentists, or other specialists on care centers, rehabilitation and Charlotte-Mecklenburg your list will be beneficial in community health outreach www.charmeck.org choosing what is right for you. If programs. Its flagship, Presbyterian 311 or 704.336.7600 you still need help, several local Hospital, is one of the largest services are available to help you private community hospitals The City of Charlotte and find a physician who is currently in the region. Established in Mecklenburg County are each accepting patients. 1903, it is also Charlotte’s oldest

2011 | Newcomer Resource 53 extant hospital. It offers an four to eight years with to pay a surtax on the amount array of diagnostic, surgical and the next revaluation occurring of taxes they owe before any therapeutic services and several in 2011. withholding, payments or specialized treatment centers, Property located within the credits through taxable years including a women’s center, a corporate limits of the City of 2009 to 2010. children’s hospital and emergency Charlotte is taxed by both the city Visit the N.C. Department department, a cardiovascular and county. The state does not of Revenue’s Web site to see the institute, a cancer center and a levy a property tax. surtax qualifications. behavioral health center. Property tax statements for car owners are sent out within three State Corporate Income Tax Pets months of registration renewals N.C. Department of Revenue and are due by the first day of the www.dornc.com Newcomers must obtain fourth month following renewal. 877. 252.3052 animal licenses for their dogs, Property taxes fund police cats and ferrets within 30 days of protection, public transportation, North Carolina’s corporate establishing residency. All dogs, parks, public schools, libraries, income tax rate is 6.9 percent. cats and ferrets more than four restaurant inspections, and health The franchise tax rate is $1.50 months old must be vaccinated for and welfare programs. per $1,000. Many businesses rabies, and proof of vaccination can qualify for state funded tax is required to purchase a license. State and Local Sales Tax credits and incentives. License fees are discounted for pets A 4.25 percent state tax plus a The 2009 North Carolina that have been neutered or spayed, 3.0 percent local tax makes up the General Assembly enacted and a discount is available for senior 7.25 percent Mecklenburg County legislation that will temporarily citizens. Pet owners must keep pets sales tax. Prepared food purchases require all corporations subject on a leash or within a fence, and carry an additional 1 percent tax, to corporate income tax to pay dog owners are required to clean up and hotel room occupancy rates a surcharge of 3 percent on its after their pets. More information carry an additional 6 percent tax North Carolina income tax due is available at www.charmeck.org/ The 2009 North Carolina before deducting any tax credits Departments/Animal+Control or General Assembly enacted or payments through taxes owed by calling 311. legislation that temporarily through January 1, 2011. increases the state sales tax Postal Service rate by 1 percent effective September 1, 2009 and expiring Call 1-800-ASK-USPS on July 1, 2011. (1-800-275-8777) or go to www. usps.gov to fill out a change of State Personal Income Tax address form or to find the post N.C. Department of Revenue office nearest you. www.dornc.com 877.252.3052 Taxes All N.C. residents are subject Charlotte-Mecklenburg to personal income taxes. The Property Tax state’s individual income tax rate www.charmeck.org 311 is based on the taxpayer’s taxable income as determined under the Real property tax rates are Internal Revenue Code. based on 100 percent of the The 2009 North Carolina fair-market value and are due on General Assembly enacted September 1 each year. Interest legislation that will temporarily accrues beginning January 1. require individuals who meet Property values are reassessed every certain income requirements

54 Newcomer Resource | 2010 Transportation uptown area during weekday Time office hours. Warner Cable Air Transportation While the entire fleet is www.timewarnercable.com Charlotte Douglas wheelchair accessible, CATS 877-566-4TWC International Airport Special Transportation Services Windstream (Matthews) www.charlotteairport.com provides additional services for www.windstream.com 800.347.1991 704.359.4000 those with certified disabilities.

Our airport provides non- Trash & Recycling stop service to 134 destinations, Utility Connections Charlotte CURB IT! including 32 international curbit.charmeck.org destinations, to approximately Making arrangements for utility 311 35 million passengers a year. and other services for your new BFI (Davidson)…704.393.6900 The Wilson Air Center serves home is a fairly simple process. A Mecklenburg County corporate and general aviation letter of credit or information about Wipe Out Waste needs. The airport offers shuttle your former utility services may www.wipeoutwaste.com and taxi service, public transit help you avoid paying deposits. 311 service, courtesy vehicle pick-up R.C.S. Inc (Mint Hill)…704.376.9359 for motels, hotels and rental cars. Electricity Duke Energy Town of Matthews (in town limits) 704.847.3640 Ground Transportation www.duke-energy.com 800.777.9898 Town of Pineville…704.889.2291 For the most part, Charlotte ElectriCities (parts of Cornelius and was not built on a grid system, Huntersville) Waste Management (Cornelius and Huntersville…800.927.8362 and several streets change names www.electricities.com 704.948.0550 multiple times. A good street map EnergyUnited (parts of Cornelius) The following companies provide is a vital tool for newcomers to the www.energyunited.com 704.892.0278 residential recycling services for city. One is available by calling the Union Power Cooperative unincorporated areas of the county: Chamber at 704.378.1300 or by (serves several area counties) Allied Waste Services visiting Info! Charlotte. www.union-power.com 800.922.6840 704.393.6900 Pineville Electric Company Republic/GDS of Charlotte Charlotte Area Transit 704.596.2077 www.pinevillenc.net/utilities_ System (CATS) electric.html Signature Waste Systems, Inc www.ridetransit.org 704.889.2292 704.714.9400 704.336.RIDE Waste Management The Charlotte Area Transit Water and Sewer 704.824.2011 Mecklenburg County System (CATS) has an extensive 311 or 704.336.7600 transportation system in the Gas Voter Registration Charlotte area. Local fare is just Piedmont Natural Gas $1.75, while fares for express routes www.piedmontng.com Mecklenburg County are $2.40 within the county and 800.752.7504 Board of Elections $3.50 to neighboring counties. PSNC Energy www.meckboe.org The LYNX Blue Line, (Cornelius and Davidson) 704.336.2133 Charlotte’s first light-rail transit www.psncenergy.com system, extends from 7th Street in 877.776.2427 You must be a resident for 30 Center City Charlotte to I-485 at Telephone/Internet/TV days and must register to vote 30 South Boulevard. Additional lines AT&T days prior to the next election. to Lake Norman, UNC Charlotte www.att.com- 888-757-6500 North Carolina also provides and the airport are planned for for same-day registration during the future. Pineville Telephone Company early voting, which typically is The Gold Rush, a free shuttle www.pinevilledsl.net available for two weeks prior to service, operates within the 704.889.2001 an election.

2011 | Newcomer Resource 55 Finding Your Bliss

Ahhh, the good life: It means the cultural community is Carolina Nightlife something different to every one the Arts and Science Council www.carolinanightlife.com of us, but without exception, of Charlotte-Mecklenburg we all crave it. Whether you (ASC). The ASC is a nonprofit Provides information on prefer the hustle and bustle of organization that offers the bars, clubs and restaurants in city life or the peace and quiet community many services, North and South Carolina. of a suburban neighborhood ... including grants, events and Information is grouped by an evening with the Charlotte programs. The success of the cities to make it easy to find Symphony or riding backward organization is evident through something local. down the rapids at the U.S. the $14 million awarded National Whitewater Center annually to arts education, Charlotte Regional ... rooting for your kid’s soccer cultural organizations and Visitors Authority team or watching very large neighborhood cultural projects. www.charlottesgotalot.com professional athletes battle it out The ASC provides a 800.231.4636 ... eating a hamburger and fries comprehensive, online directory or dining on exotic cuisine... of performances, ongoing “The official travel resource dancing until the wee hours of events, attractions and venues at for Charlotte” introduces the morning or snuggling by CharlotteCultureGuide.com. visitors and new residents to the fire at home ... Charlotte overnight accommodations, area has everything you need to Dining & Nightlife attractions, events, entertainment create your own private heaven. and more. The following section offers Charlotte has dining and a sampling of activities and nightlife choices to suit every Charlotte Observer resources to enjoy Charlotte’s taste. The following Web sites Charlotte.com/livinghere high quality of life. and organizations can help you The Charlotte Observer’s Web plan your culinary adventures site is chock full of information Arts & Culture and evenings on the town. from restaurant reviews to farmers Arts & Science Council www.charlottecultureguide.com 704-333-2ASC

Art and culture lie at the heart of world-class cities, and in Charlotte, that heart is very much alive and vibrant. Charlotteans heavily support arts and culture in the belief that its benefits overflow into business, education and the economy. The Charlotte cultural community produces 65,000 events annually, generating $158 million to the local economy and supporting more than 4,700 jobs. A major champion for

56 Newcomer Resource | 2011 markets to pick-your-own farms, positioned between the coast recipes, meal planners and more. and the mountains. Several You can also get complete news at popular destinations in the Charlotte.com or subscribe to the mountains can be reached paper by calling 800.532.5350. within a two or three-hour fitness not only convenient, but drive, and the beaches near also fun. Charlotte Center Charleston, S.C., can be City Partners reached in a little more than Golf www.findyourcenter.com three hours. Below are some Search area attractions database 704.332.2227 resources to help you plan a www.charlottesgotalot.com delightful trip. 800.231.4636 Information on dining, nightlife and culture in N.C. Division of Tourism North and South Carolina Charlotte’s Center City, www.visitnc.com are two of the nation’s most which includes uptown and 800.VISITNC revered golf destinations. Golf surrounding neighborhoods. in the Carolinas includes the Categories are listed for types of S.C. Division of Tourism rolling parkland courses of the food and nightlife, so it is easy www.discoversouthcarolina.com piedmont, spectacular mountain for everyone to find what they 866.244.9339 tracks and soothing beach are craving. courses. Pinehurst, with more Must-See Cities than 30 golf courses, is just a Creative Loafing Asheville, N.C. two-hour drive and is one of the www.exploreasheville.com charlotte.creativeloafing.com nation’s top golf destinations. 828.258.6101 Full of all things entertainment, Charleston, S.C. Water Recreation www.charlestoncvb.com

from musical events to featured 843.853.8000 Duke Energy Lake Management places for food and drink, arts, www.duke-energy.com/lakes Myrtle Beach, S.C. film and more. Hard copies of the www.visitmyrtlebeach.com newspaper are available for free 800.356.3016 U.S. National Whitewater in restaurants, grocery stores and Center www.usnwc.org Pinehurst, N.C. other venues all over the city. www.homeofgolf.com 704.391.3900 800.346.5362 Yelp The Catawba River and www.yelp.com Fitness & Outdoor its system of manmade lakes If you want to know what Recreation provide many activities for water other people are saying about lovers. Located just 30 minutes a place before you make your north of the city, Lake Norman plans, check out Yelp. The site Thanks to our mild climate, has 520 miles of shoreline and is allows users to rate and review golf, disc or “frisbee” golf, the state’s largest man-made lake. restaurants, stores, nightlife, etc., boating, biking, tennis, hiking, Mountain Island Lake and Lake and has a growing representation running, horseback riding and Wylie lie south of Lake Norman of users from Charlotte. other outdoor recreational on the Catawba. Sailing, wind activities are popular year-round surfing, power boating and activities in the Charlotte fishing are just a few of the Explore The area. The area’s many gardens, activities to be enjoyed on this Carolinas parks and greenways also remain water system. The Catawba well-used throughout the year. River system is managed by Charlotte is ideally All these possibilities make Duke Energy. Maps to public

2011 | Newcomer Resource 57 access areas are available at on Mecklenburg County Parks searchable database of clubs and the Web site above. and Recreation department organizations in the “Services” The river is also home to maintains an extensive public section of the Public Library the U.S. National Whitewater park system and operates of Charlotte and Mecklenburg Center, which serves as training numerous indoor facilities, County’s Web site (above). grounds for Olympic athletes as including Ray’s Splash Planet (a Another option is Charlotte well as a busy recreation center family-oriented water park), the Outdoor Adventures (CHOA), for the public. Mecklenburg County Aquatic the largest, most active outdoor/ Additional lake and river Center (MAC) in uptown sport/social organization in activities are available through Charlotte, several fitness centers, N.C. Activities vary widely and the local and state park system. and several recreation centers accommodate singles, couples with indoor gymnasiums. and families alike. Parks Systems The N.C. Division of Parks Finally, the Charlotte Disc Mecklenburg County and Recreation operates the Golf Club and the Charlotte

Parks and Recreation Lake Norman State Park and Area Ultimate Association offer www.parkandrec.com 311 Crowders Mountain State Park more fun than you ever thought in the Charlotte area, as well as could be had with a frisbee. N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation a host of other parks within easy www.ncparks.gov driving distance. Fitness Centers 919.733.4181 Our state is home to several YMCA of Greater Charlotte National Park Service nationally administered parks www.ymcacharlotte.com www.nps.gov and forests, including the Blue 704.716.6200 U.S. Forest Service Ridge Parkway, the Appalachian www.fs.fed.us Trail, the Wright Brothers If you like physical activity 800.832.1355 National Memorial and more. but would rather not do it More information on public outdoors, you still have many access and activities is available options. The YMCA of Greater from the National Park Service Charlotte is one of the largest and the U.S. Forest Service. YMCA facilities in the country with 19 facilities and more than Associations and Team Sports 161,000 members, program Searchable database of clubs members and others served. It www.plcmc.org/services /clubs.asp offers a wide array of activities Charlotte Outdoor Adventures for members of all ages and can www.choa.com plug you into the many fitness- 704.759.6891 themed charitable events that Charlotte Disc Golf Club happen annually in Charlotte. www.charlottedgc.com A wide variety of private Charlotte Area fitness centers are available Ultimate Association www.charlotteultimate.com throughout Charlotte. For a list of fitness centers that are Athletic associations for members of the Charlotte children and adults organize Chamber, call 704.378.1300. team sports including football, basketball, baseball, softball, Gardens and soccer, volleyball, swimming, ewOther Outdoor Fun tennis and rugby. To find Carowinds Amusement Park athletic organizations, check www.carowinds.com Mecklenburg Neighbors in the Sunday edition of The Charlotte Daniel Stowe Botanical Observer. You can also find a Gardens www.dsbg.com

58 Newcomer Resource | 2011 Christian & Missionary Alliance...... 704.543.0470 Church of God...... 704.364.5003 Church of the Nazarene...... 704.540.8300 Church of Religious Science...... 704.531.7993 Episcopal...... 800.448.8775 Greek Orthodox....704.334.4771 Hindu Center of Charlotte...... 704-607-8412 Islamic Society of Greater Charlotte...... 704.536.2016 Judaism...... 704.366.5007 Latta Plantation Lutheran...... 704.372.7317 www.lattaplantation.org interests. In addition to helping Mecklenburg UNC Charlotte those in need find services to Ministries...... 704.347.2404 Botanical Gardens help them, the United Way Moravian...... 704.334.1381 gardens.uncc.edu of Central Carolinas offers an Wing Haven Gardens information service to help Presbyterian (USA)704.535.9999. and Bird Sanctuary people find volunteer and Seventh-Day www.winghavengardens.com charitable giving opportunities Adventist...... 704.596.3200 to give back to the community. Unitarian...... 704.549.0750 Library United Methodist Religion & Church...... 704.525.3395 Public Library of Charlotte and Spirituality Mecklenburg County (PLCMC) Retail Therapy www.plcmc.org Charlotte, which has more 704.416.0100 than 1,000 houses of worship, is often known as the “City Nothing quite warms the soul The public library operates of Churches.” Religious and like buying a new outfit. And 20 branches, including several spiritual organizations often it stimulates the economy, so it regional libraries with advanced form the nucleus of community counts as a good deed! Charlotte computer and business services life for Charlotte residents and has a wide range of shopping with state-of-the-art technology, offer a variety of activities and experiences, from major shopping performance spaces, classrooms opportunities for members centers to funky boutiques tucked and a teen center. Most locations of all ages. And Mecklenburg in alleys. You’ll have to explore the are equipped with WIFI access. Ministries coordinates interfaith city to find the hidden gems. activities to build understanding Below are the major retail Philanthropy and cooperation across centers. Charlotte’s diverse spiritual United Way of Central community. Assistance finding SouthPark Mall Carolinas www. www.simon.com a spiritual community near you 4400 Sharon Rd., uwcentralcarolinas.org may be available from one of the Charlotte 28211 211 or 1.866.744.7778 denominational headquarters 704.364.4411 located in the area. Charlotte is well known for AME Zion...... 704.599.4630 Concord Mills its philanthropic spirit, and www.simon.com Advent Christian..704.545.6161 newcomers often find that 8111 Concord Mills Blvd., getting involved is a great way Baptist...... 704.375.1197 Concord 28027 to meet people with similar Catholic...... 704.370.6299 704.979.3000

2011 | Newcomer Resource 59 2011 Volvo XC60 starting at $32,400

Carolina Place Mall living, elder law, government profit information clearinghouse www.carolinaplace.com agencies, long term care options, and advocacy group for all 11025 Carolina Place Pkwy., senior associations and societies, aging-related resources and Pineville 28134 veteran’s benefits and more. information. It offers training, 704.5436.9300 on-going education, senior Centralina Area Agency programs and an annual Northlake Mall on Aging (AAA) conference in May. www.shopnorthlake.com www.centralinaaging.org 6801 Northlake Mall Dr., 800.508.5777 Charlotte Mecklenburg Charlotte 28216 Under the Council of Senior Centers Inc. 704.921.2000 Government, this agency covers www.cmseniorcenters.org Mecklenburg as well as eight 704.522.6222 Birkdale Village other contiguous counties with www.birkdalevillage.net education and services to help Provides resources for Birkdale Plaza Pkwy., and support older and disabled recreation, health and wellness Huntersville 28078 adults and their caregivers. programs, information and 704.895.8744 AAA provides family caregiver counseling, and employment resources, long term care services for seniors. Class facility resources, caregiving subjects range from computers Retirement information, and training and to exercise to line dancing. Local Resources employment opportunities for and out-of-country trips are those aged 55 and older. It also coordinated by the centers for All About Seniors provides educational participants. www.allaboutseniors.org opportunities and advocacy 704.366.1410 related to long term care for Just1Call residents, caregivers www.just1call.org All for Seniors is a and facilities. 704.432.1111 or 877.889.0323 comprehensive resource and This free, one-call resource referral directory for the Greater Charlotte Mecklenburg provides information and Charlotte area. It covers more Council on Aging assistance resources for seniors, than 50 topics of senior-related www.charmeckcoa.org adults with disabilities, and services, organizations and 704.391.5216 their families and caregivers. agencies including adult day Services include information care, affordable housing, assisted This organization is a non- and assistance, assessment of need, referral and linkage, and advocacy.

North Carolina careLINK www.nccarelink.gov 800.662.7030, TTY 1.877.452.2514

This site provides up-to-date information about programs and services across North Carolina for families, seniors, youths and everyone in-between. It is a collaborative effort of the North Carolina Department University Volvo of Health and Human Services and many other government 7716 N. Tryon St., Charlotte N.C. 704.547.1095 | www.universityvolvo.com 60 Newcomer Resource | 2011 2011 Volvo XC60 starting at $32,400

University Volvo 7716 N. Tryon St., Charlotte N.C. 704.547.1095 | www.universityvolvo.com 2011 | Newcomer Resource 61 and non-profit information and referral stakeholders across North Carolina. Photo by PatrickSchneiderPhoto.com RSVP (Retired Seniors Volunteer Program) www.cmseniorcenters.org/RSVP.htm 704.522.6222 NASCAR racing at Seniors aged 55 and better Charlotte Motor volunteer and use their experience Speedway attracts to tutor children, counsel small thousands of fans. businesses, assist at health clinics and hospitals, distribute food to homeless or volunteer at a Professional Sports Davidson College variety of one-time community Carolina Panthers (NFL) www.davidsonwildcats.com events. The RSVP Program has www.panthers.com 800.768.CATS affiliations with more than 40 704.358.7000 different non-profit agencies in Johnson C. Smith University the Charlotte-Mecklenburg area. Charlotte Bobcats (NBA) www.jcsu.edu/athletics www.nba.com/bobcats 704.378.1091 Shepherd’s Center of Charlotte 704.BOBCATS www.shepherdscharlotte.org Meineke Car Care Bowl 704.365.1995 Charlotte Checkers (ECHL) www.meinekecarcarebowl.com www.gocheckers.com 800.618.8149 Shepherd’s Center South 704.342.4423 www.shepherdscentersouth.org Queens University 704.541.0100 Charlotte Eagles/Lady www.queensathletics.com Eagles (USL) 704.337.2585 Shepherd’s Center East www.charlotteeagles.com 704.338.1511 704.841.8644 UNC Charlotte www.charlotte49ers.com With various locations in Charlotte Knights (AAA 704.687.4949 Charlotte, the Shepherd’s Center baseball) organization strives to provide www.charlotteknights.com Wingate University meaning and purpose for senior 704.357.8071 www.wingatebulldogs.com adults by sharing learning 800.755.5550 opportunities and social services Charlotte Motor Speedway through many faiths and the (NASCAR) Winthrop University greater community. www.charlottemotorspeedway.com www.winthropeagles.com 800.455.FANS 803.323.2345 NR

Spectator Sports Wells Fargo Championship (PGA) With several professional www.wellsfargochampionship.com sports teams, numerous colleges 800.945.0777 and universities with robust athletic programs, and several College Sports annual, sports-themed events, CIAA Men’s Basketball your fanaticism has plenty Tournament of outlets. www.ciaatournament.org

62 Newcomer Resource | 2011 www.charlottechamber.com/newcomers

CHARLOTTE2011 Newcomer Resource

The following companies are recognized ADVERTISERS for their commitment to the Chamber and the Charlotte community. Alan Gordon Immigration & Naturalization Law...... 37 Trustees Bank of America...... 15 AT&T Bank of America Belk, Inc...... 1 Carolinas Medical Center Duke Energy Corporation Carolina Buyer’s Agent...... 33 Presbyterian Healthcare Time Warner Cable Wachovia, a Wells Fargo Company Carolinas Medical Center...... 12 Directors Central Piedmont Community College...... 52 ADECCO Allen Tate Company Balfour Beatty Construction Charlotte Christian School...... 21 Belk, Inc. Blue Cross & Blue Shield of North Carolina Charlotte Country Day School...... 39 Branch Banking & Trust Co. Carolina Business Interiors, Inc. (CBI) Charlotte Latin School...... 41 CaroMont Health, Inc. Fifth Third Bank Charlotte Motor Speedway LLC...... IBC Goodrich Corporation Grant Thornton LLP Charlotte Preparatory School...... 36 Hendrick Automotive Group IBM Corporation Child Care Resources Inc...... 26 IKON Office Solutions Parsons Piedmont Natural Gas Company Ferguson Enterprises, Inc...... 29 Premier PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP Majestic Tours, Inc...... 29 Robinson, Bradshaw & Hinson P.A. Signature Consultants, LLC Pappas Properties, LLC (Berewick)...... IFC The Bissell Family of Companies The Charlotte Observer Party Reflections, Inc...... BC The Shaw Group, Inc. University Volvo Piedmont Natural Gas Company...... 64 US Airways President’s Circle Providence Day School...... 37 AREVA BE&K Building Group Pulte Homes (Centex)...... 5 BECO South, Inc. Carowinds Rack Room Shoes, Inc...... 24, 49 Charlotte Pipe & Foundry Co. Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority Ryan Homes...... 2 Deloitte Electrolux Ernst & Young, LLP Signature Healthcare...... 19 First Citizens Bank GE Money TelWare Corporation...... 18 Husqvarna Professional Products Inc. Ingersoll Rand Company The British American School of Charlotte...... 18 Lance, Inc. Maersk Inc. The Peninsula Yacht Club...... 16 Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, P.C. RBC Bank Time Warner Cable...... 23 Sharp Business Systems SPX Corporation Time Warner Cable - News 14...... 28 SunTrust Bank The Cato Corporation University Volvo...... 61 The Northhighland Company The Vanguard Group TIAA-CREF WSOC-TV/WAXN-TV

2010 | Newcomer Resource 63 For an invisible product, its benefits are clear.

It keeps you warm on a cold night. It helps you comes from North America, which helps make cook dinner. And it can even wash the dishes. the distribution efficient as well. According Natural gas makes your home feel more relaxing to the Department of Energy, only 10 percent because this energy source provided by Piedmont of natural gas energy is lost in its journey Natural Gas is one of the most dependable to your home, while electricity loses almost and efficient available. You don’t have to worry 65 percent of its useful energy. Natural gas also about losing service during a storm. You c an take heats water twice as fast as electricity using longer showers without running out of hot water. half the energy. And on average you can dry And there are even natural gas generators two loads of laundry with a gas dryer for what that can keep refrigerators, lights and air it costs to dry one load of laundry in an electric conditioners working in the middle of a power dryer. Not to mention that’s less work for outage. It’s a product so trusted that several you. Natural gas appliances come with of the country’s most critical buildings rely efficiencies built-in. Gas range burners on natural gas, including the Pentagon, respond instantly, deliver precise heat, the White House and the Capitol building. offer more control and take less time to It’s also one of the fastest-growing clean. Professional chefs all around the energy sources in the marketplace, world prefer the accurate cooking that now providing one-fourth of the a gas range offers. Even maintenance nation’s energy. And those 69 million is easy because all of our customers customers are actually helping the enjoy access to our Service Plus environment by choosing natural program with expert technicians gas. The average natural gas who take care of everything home emits 46 percent less from installation and conversion carbon than an all-electric to maintenance and service of home. So the air enjoys fewer most natural gas products. We’re harmful emissions and you a company as dependable as can enjoy a cozy fire without the product we deliver. Every any soot or ashes. But whether day Piedmont Natural Gas you’re curled up by the fire provides many things that with a book or grilling out aren’t always visible. Natural with friends, as a Piedmont gas just happens to be one of Natural Gas customer you’ll them. So while you still can’t see also support a primarily domestic our product, its advantages are product. More than 98 percent no longer hidden. And that’s definitely of the gas we use in the United States something you should see for yourself.

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