The North Carolina 100 - 100 word stories & 100 second videos on topics of intrigue

Trust Issues Don’t Keep News Seekers Away

Reuters Institute and University of Oxford gathered information from over 70,000 online news consumers in 36 countries, including the US and UK, to develop the 2017 report.

How we consume the news, our trust in various sources, along with our preferences for obtaining news continues to evolve.

The 2017 Digital News Report published by Reuters suggests that the appetite for news is strong, with 54 percent of respondents saying their consumption will grow. However, there continues to be declining trust in social media, with only 28 percent of those polled trusting the source of the news stories shared by family, friends and colleagues. Only 10 percent say social media will be their primary source of news in the future.

Do your preferences match up with the report?

— Chuck Norman, APR, S&A Communications

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Events

Music Festival Benefits Forests and Wildlife

The 2nd Annual Jam in the Trees will be held August 25-26. (Photo by David Simchock - David Simchock Photography)

The 2nd Annual Jam in the Trees is not only a music festival featuring renowned bluegrass and Americana acts, it’s also a benefit for Wild Forests & Fauna, which supports threatened forests and wildlife in Western North Carolina.

This year’s event will be held Aug. 25-26 at Pisgah Brewing Company in Black Mountain. Artists announced so far include Acoustic Syndicate, The Infamous Stringdusters, Peter Rowan, Larry Keel, Tim O’Brien, Jim Lauderdale, Underhill Rose and Ken Tizzard. Arists perform on both a beautiful outdoor stage and more intimate indoor stage.

Tickets start at just $25; $100 for VIPs. More information here.

— Glenn Gillen, APR, S&A Communications

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Business

Panthers Unveil $47 Million in Stadium Renovations

Panthers fans will notice significant upgrades to Bank of America Stadium this season.

Carolina Panthers fans attending a game at Bank of America Stadium this season will notice some significant changes.

Part of a five-year, public-private financing agreement, the most recent renovations cost $47 million and centered on the lower-level concourse, the Silver Club level and the playing field.

“We want to give our fans every reason to come to the stadium. We know the younger generation watches sports differently. Of course, we want everyone in the bowl cheering on the Panthers during the course of play,” Scott Paul, the Panthers’ executive director of stadium operations, told the Charlotte Observer.

— Mike Trainor, S&A Communications

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Education

NC Community Colleges Rank on Top

In addition to Pamlico Community College, other NC community colleges in the top 10 include Piedmont Community College, College of the Albemarle, Mayland Community College, and Tri-County Community College. (Image courtesy of smartasset.com)

The 2017 SmartAsset rankings of community colleges place five North Carolina community colleges in the top 10 in the nation, and have Pamlico Community College in Grantsboro as number one in the country.

The rankings were based on data gathered from 808 community colleges. Metrics analyzed included graduation rate, transfer rate, cost and student-to-teacher ratio. The ratio of graduates’ median starting salaries to the overall cost of attendance was also taken into consideration in the ranking methodology. In 2016 no North Carolina community colleges made the top ten list.

Our community college system includes 58 public community colleges.

Deneen Bloom, S&A Communications

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travel

Childress Vineyard: A NASCAR Driver’s Dream

Childress Vineyards invites you to celebrate the 2017 harvest with a Grape Stomp September 15. (Photo courtesy of childressvineyards.com

Visit Childress Vineyards for a fun-filled day of wine tasting, savory food and gorgeous sights.

The winery is known for its 72 acres of vineyards and award-winning red and white wines. Partake in premium wine tastings for $12- $15 a person, or dine in the Bistro overlooking the grounds while enjoying food specialties and delicious wine slushies.

Childress Vineyards is the longtime vision of former NASCAR driver and current team owner Richard Childress, who has always been passionate about wine and wine making. Childress Vineyards aims to deliver an unforgettable and affordable experience to each visiting wine lover.

Taylor Bartorelli, Contributor, The North Carolina 100

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Business

First Charlotte Brewery to Go Solar

Birdsong is environmentally conscious. 100 percent of its spent grain (and peanut shells!) are utilized by a local cattle farm. (Photo courtesy of Facebook.com/birdsongbrewing)

This month Birdsong Brewing Co. will become the first brewery in Charlotte to invest in solar paneling.

The brewery expects to generate 50 percent of its power needs by adding solar panels, owner Chris Goulet told Charlotte Business Journal. A 75-kilowatt system will be installed on the roof.

Although the project’s investment is a high price of $110,000, the solar panels will generate $315,000 worth of electricity over the next 25 years, saving the brewery around $30,000 per year.

Other North Carolina breweries have invested in solar energy, including Highland Brewing, New Belgium and Sierra Nevada.

Leah Brown, S&A Communications

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Business

Business Lessons From the Used-Car Industry

Used-car dealerships enjoyed record sales in 2016.

The used-car industry enjoyed sales over $100 billion in 2016. Here are some good business lessons from the dealers.

1. Know your local market

Successful dealers know what models sell well in their market, who their competitors are, and what margins to expect.

2. Data is critical

Online platforms now track both the local wholesale and retail prices of used vehicles.

3. Collaborate with peers

Distant dealerships help each other out by selling and trading models that sell well in their market.

4. Maintain good vendor relationships

Dealers work with vendors for everything from signage and advertising to software.

Glenn Gillen, APR, S&A Communications

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History

Raleigh Was Planned

Fayetteville Street in the early 1900s. (Photo Courtesy of North Carolina State Archives)

Raleigh didn’t just happen … it was planned. The Revolutionary War was over. The North Carolina colony turned state wanted a fresh beginning, and what could be more new than a new state capital?

In 1788, 1,000 acres were purchased from Joel Lane in Wake County. The site was chosen because it was centrally located to all of NC’s developed area.

At first it was a town existing primarily on paper. As someone said in 1794, “Raleigh is a city of streets without houses.” The 1800 census had only 669 residents! At least they didn’t have the I-40 Fortify!

— Ron Smith, S&A Communications

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Business News

Davidson County Industrial Park Lands European Company With Plans for 770 Jobs

Egger Woods Products is committed to the responsible use of raw material wood, and works to conserve resources. (Photo courtesy of twitter.com/EggerOnline)

Austrian furniture and flooring company Egger Woods Products has committed to a $700 million project in Davidson County.

Egger supplies wood globally to furniture, wood construction and flooring industries. It plans to build more than 4.5 million square feet of production space over more than 200 acres and bring 770 jobs to the area. Production should begin in 2020.

The average salary would be $40,000. The county’s average salary is $36,836. Governor Cooper said, “North Carolina’s legacy as a top state for furniture manufacturing is an excellent advantage for Egger’s first entry into the US market.”

Ty Myatt, S&A Communications

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Business

Brilliant Sole Makes Brilliant Strides

With Brilliant Sole footwear and the app, your feet can control your virtual reality character.

Brilliant Sole is a startup from Wilmington, North Carolina, that creates virtual reality gear in the form of footwear. Founder Jeff Guard saw the opportunity when he realized the difficulty in navigating through virtual reality spaces.

Brilliant Sole gear places motion sensors on the underside of a shoe insole that allow the user to control their movement with weight distribution while remaining stationary. The gear can be used standing up or sitting down.

Brilliant Sole recently won NC Tech Madness in Raleigh in April. Since the win, Guard and the company have gained popularity and consumer interest in the product.

Ty Myatt, S&A Communications

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Business

Can I Wear This to the Office?

Can't figure out what to wear at the office? Ask yourself what’s right for your work environment, and how you need to move to function in your job.

There’s plenty of readily accessible information guiding appropriate attire for job interviews, and most people have a good handle on that. But what about day-to-day at the office? And the tricky casual Fridays? What constitutes daily professional attire versus business casual?

Many offices have a business casual guideline for Fridays or every day, but what is too casual?

Whether you’ve been working in an office for years or you’re new to it, it’s 2017 and things have changed, including the vibe at the office and the composition of the workforce.

Ladies: check out my blog for some guidance.

Deneen Bloom, S&A Communications

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Real Estate

Developers Create Buzz With Open-Container Laws

Developments such as Parsons Alley in Duluth, Georgia, are encouraging a lively street atmosphere by loosening open-container ordinances. (Courtesy of Kronberg Wall)

When visiting my husband’s family in New Orleans, we take for granted how nice it is to walk down Magazine Street – wine in hand – while patronizing local shops. Sure, we could just be in a restaurant or bar, but we love to take in the neighborhood and have those chance encounters with friends that we get from walking down the street.

Property developers are now taking that vibe and implementing it into developments. The Wall Street Journal recently reported that developers are looking for relaxed open-container ordinances on their sites, and city councils have proved amenable to the change.

– Sarah Weston, The Atlanta 100

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Reputations

Find Your Partnerships

It’s all about teamwork.

One of the best tactics in your business arsenal already exists. Strategic partnerships are quickly becoming a necessity, especially in terms of marketing.

Partnerships can be created in a variety of ways but should include businesses or organizations that align with the mission of your company and have their own circle of influence. Recent high-profile partnerships include the Taco Bell “Taco Mode” Lyft Feature and Under Armour with rapper A$AP Rocky.

What are your partnership opportunities? Find the players in your community by setting an objective, identifying those who will help you get there, and complement your vision.

– Natalie Ghidotti, Ghidotti Communications

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Business

Accommodating New Mothers at Work

The time when a new mother returns to work after maternity leave is called the "Fifth Trimester."

Returning to work after having a child can be a challenging transition. Regardless of which state or federal workplace laws apply, employers should consider these best practices for welcoming back new mothers:

– Talk to expecting employees about how much leave they will take and whether they may need flexible work hours when they return.

– Consider increasing a new mother’s workload gradually instead of expecting her to return to work at full capacity.

– When possible, avoid scheduling meetings beyond normal work hours, especially without notice.

– Allow breaks for mothers to pump breast milk in a comfortable, private space – not a bathroom.

– Lisa McGlynn, Fisher Phillips

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The NC Guy

Automation Is Quickly Changing Reality

A study suggests by 2030, 95 percent of US passenger miles traveled will be with on-demand autonomous electric vehicles.

Much like how the industrial revolution paved the way for the US to become a world power, it might not hold a candle to what technology may do in just the next 10 to 20 years.

There are dozens of stories on the internet about automation, but some of the most interesting predictions I’ve read are in this LinkedIn article. Many of the biggest changes seem to be around how long we will live, how transportation will change, and what professions may go the way of the lamplighter.

Autonomous vehicles seem to be the closest reality, but who really knows?

– Chuck Norman, APR, S&A Communications

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Wellness

Tips on Marathon Running

The inaugural RDC Marathon and Half Marathon will start and finish at the The Streets at Southpoint in Durham, NC.

Running a half or full marathon is all about mental and physical preparation. Here are some tips to help you prepare:

• Focus on finishing the race strong, rather than beating a time.

• Pace yourself.

• Get your gear: Invest and train in a quality long-distance running shoe, bring music, a hydration belt, light and comfortable apparel, and sun protection.

• Review the course map to know what to expect.

• Find your motivation and stick to it – hold onto a mantra or phrase to empower you throughout the distance.

– Jason Biggs, FS Series

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cars

Is It the Battery or the Alternator?

Look for key indicators to identify the cause of engine issues.

We’ve all had those days where you insert your key in the ignition, turn it over, and … nothing. While a simple jump-start might help, it’s often difficult to pin down the cause of the issue.

Is it the battery? Look for indicators such as a lit check engine light, slow engine crank, “ticking” sound when starting the engine, or leakage or swelling around the battery case.

Is it the alternator? The engine cutting off shortly after starting your vehicle, a growling sound, flickering headlights, dimming dash lights, and a burning rubber smell are all signs of a failing alternator.

– Anthony Blackman, Atlantic Tire & Service

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Economy

Nonfarm Payroll Growth 2016-2017

Review of the past year's nonfarm payroll growth

National and NC economies continue to create new jobs, but some sectors are doing better than others.

Nationally, construction employment and employment in professional and business services have grown by over three percent over the past 12 months, while manufacturing, trade, transport, utilities and government employment have grown less than one percent.

In NC, overall employment grew slightly faster than nationally, 1.7 percent versus 1.6 percent. Professional and business services saw a 5 percent growth in NC. The construction, manufacturing, financial services, education and health, and leisure and hospitality sectors are growing slower than the nation is overall.

– Ted Abernathy, Economic Leadership LLC

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Art

Nonprofit Arts Are Big Business in NC

Audiences of nonprofit arts in NC spent more than $1.18 billion in 2015.

Did you know that nonprofit arts (not including for-profit venues) support almost 72,000 full-time-equivalent jobs in North Carolina?

A study released by Americans for the Arts in conjunction with the North Carolina Arts Council shows that the nonprofit arts and culture sector generated $2.12 billion in direct economic impact in 2015.

Some additional findings:

• Nonprofit arts generated $201.5 million in revenue for local governments.

• Audiences spent more than $1.18 billion; each person spent an average of $27.95 in the community.

• Out-of-state attendees spent an average of $61.86 per person.

– Glenn Gillen, APR, S&A Communications

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History

We Are All Kituwah

Kituwah was a Cherokee "mother town."

“We’re all Kituwah.”

That was the greeting whenever Western Cherokees (those relocated to Oklahoma) met North Carolina Cherokees. To what were they referring? To discover the answer, go back 5,000 years; yes 5,000. Before Moses.

Kituwah was a Cherokee village on the Tuckasegee River near today’s Bryson City. Because it was the oldest Cherokee village, Kituwah was a “mother town.” Whenever a new village was being started, Cherokees would come to Kituwah’s great council fire for embers to start their own council fire.

Although now only a mound, legend has it that all Cherokee villages came from Kituwah.

– Ron Smith, S&A Communications

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Food & Drink

Craft Liquor is Booming in North Carolina

Behind-the-scenes shot of Durham Distillery (Photo courtesy of Jonathan Fredin)

Consumers’ desire for local libations is fueling growth in the NC distilling industry. Today, there are 68 licensed distilleries in the state; two years ago, there were half that many.

“Craft spirits is speaking to the idea of not drinking more, but drinking up. It’s not about quantity, it’s about quality,” said Melissa Katrincic, co-owner of Durham Distillery.

Her company and other small distilleries offer tasting tours, which are a good way to try craft spirits. In the Triangle, Raleigh Rum Company and TOPO Organic Spirits in Chapel Hill are worth visiting. The state also provides this handy map.

– Amber Keister, S&A Communications

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Nature

Are You Ready? Total Solar Eclipse August 21

After the August 2017 total solar eclipse, the next one visible for people in the US will be on April 8, 2024. (Photo credit: NASA )

On August 21 at 2:30PM the moon will block the sun, causing daylight to wane and temperatures to drop; it will be a total solar eclipse.

According to NASA, more than 300 million people in the United States may be able to view this 70-mile-wide phenomenon passing over 14 states.

NASA recommends:

• Using only special-purpose solar filters (eclipse glasses or hand-held solar viewers)

• Ensuring the glasses or viewers meet the requirements to keep your eyes safe.

Want to be more involved? NASA is looking for citizen scientists to help collect data. Read all about it.

– Deneen Bloom, S&A Communications

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travel

Whirligigs in Wilson

The Whirligig Park's grand opening is scheduled for November 2. (Photo courtesy of Jonathen Fredin)

Coming soon to Wilson is a public park and outdoor museum where visitors can gather around the wind-powered sculptures, known as whirligigs, of world-renowned artist and engineer Vollis Simpson.

Project manager Juan Logan and 22 workers, many of them volunteers, are restoring each intricate piece of the whirligigs, ball bearings, textile mill rollers, HVAC fans and milkshake mixers to archival standards.

The two-acre finished park will feature a covered pavilion and sidewalk grids mimicking rows of tobacco laid out at auction. It will host a farmers market, educational programs and concerts. A water feature is also planned.

– Nancy Pardue, S&A Communications

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Business

Tech Firm Infosys Bringing 2,000 Jobs to Wake County

The Infosys campus

Indian technology firm Infosys plans to bring 2,000 jobs to Wake County with a $72,000 starting salary. Infosys will hire local software developers, analysts, architects and technology professionals. To get the full incentives package, Infosys must maintain at least 1,600 employees and keep the minimum average salary above $65,000.

Currently employing 1,138 people in NC, Infosys has over 200,000 employees worldwide. It will spend around $8.7 million in capital investments to receive its full benefits. The state estimates the project will produce more than $24 million in state revenue between now and 2029.

– Ty Myatt, S&A Communications

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Education

Sending Your Kid to College?

Plan a day of the week for a phone call or Skype session to check in with each other.

Start preparing early: Talk with your kids in high school about what they enjoy doing, what their strengths are, and what they may want to go to college for.

Transitioning to college can be stressful, but knowing what they want to do after graduation can ease some of that pressure.

Keep in contact, but let your child stand on their own. It’s important to make sure your college freshman feels supported, but this is an opportunity for them to find out who they are. If they start to struggle, help guide them to resources instead of fixing the problem yourself.

– Arielle Stratton, Author of Your College Survival Guide

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Digital Age

Not Just a Young Person’s Game

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan social welfare organization with a membership of nearly 38 million.

When most people think of video games, they think of millennials and younger people; they don’t think of people 50 and older. Yet one in three Americans age 50-plus play video games regularly. Most of these gamers play for fun and the opportunity to stay connected with loved ones through online game communities.

Video games and apps are truly ageless, offering gamers of all ages — from grandfathers to granddaughters — the opportunity to share entertainment and social interactions with each other. At AARP, we’re looking at the role video game technology can play in helping us all to age better.

– Sami Hassanyeh, SVP Digital Strategy and Membership, AARP

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travel

Travel Lighter With Baby

Rather than drag bulky equipment like strollers with you on your trip, rent them through Babierge when you stay at a Destination Hotels property.

Traveling with a baby has turned parents into sherpas, transporting mountains of gear for their little ones. Lighten that load when you stay with a Destination Hotels property. This collection of independently owned hotels and resorts in the US and Caribbean has partnered with Babierge to offer parents the option of renting baby gear instead.

Parents go on the website prior to the visit and select the equipment they’ll be using from inventory that includes cribs, strollers, swings, books and toys. The equipment will be set up for them when they arrive. And Destination Hotel guests get a 10% discount.

– Jan Schroder, Girl on the Go

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Business

Just Who Do You Think You Are?

Everybody knows Barbie and what she stands for. A personal brand communicates who you are, what you are good at, and how you can help others. A brand is important to tell others what you stand for, allowing you to advance.

How do you identify your personal brand? It starts with figuring out some key things about yourself and how you would like to convey them. Think about your values, mission and unique strengths. With these pieces, you can start to tell your story.

A word of advice: maintain authenticity and avoid empty socializing, and success will follow.

– Betsie Gambel, The New Orleans 100

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