Staying Ahead Carolina Blog

HAVE YOU EVER PARTICIPATED IN A RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL?

Sabrina Brown — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 06:53:00 GMT

RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL IN THE CAROLINAS IS ONE TO SEE -- OCT 10-NOV 22ND
Saturdays & Sundays 10AM-5:30PM
704-896-5544
Toll Free: 877-896-5544
Rain or Shine - No Pets - Free Parking
www.royalfaires.com/carolina/

Sixteen years of cheer in the Carolinas and going strong.

FALL FESTIVAL WEEKLY RAFFLES

Sabrina Brown — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 23:27:00 GMT

FALL FESTIVAL WEEKLY RAFFLE
Post on this page some of your favorite fall venues or activities in and around the Charlotte area that you would recommend. SHARE AND WIN GREAT PRIZES!! Provide a blurb on why you like it and any contact information you think is relevant. When you post, you become eligible for our weekly give-aways for the month of October!!

We will announce the winner along with the following week's prize at the end of each week. The first week we will have several drawings: movie tickets and restaurant gift card

EXPERIENCE INDIA CULTURE VIA THE FESTIVAL OF INDIA

Sabrina Brown — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 18:05:00 GMT

The India Assn of Charlotte sponsors an exhibition of Indian culture and a wonderful opportunity to experience Indian cuisine, art and have fun at the festival in a carnival style atmosphere.

September 5 and 6 there are a multitude of dances - classical and folk, exhibits, hand painting, art displays inside the Belk theater and a variety of Indian food and cultural performances on Tryon street. The admission is only $5 and children under 10 are admitted free of charge.

Attractions Near the Charlotte Metro

Sabrina Brown — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 16:13:00 GMT

THIS PAST INDEPENDENCE DAY I VISITED LAKE LURE AND THE ADJACENT TOWN OF CHIMNEY ROCK. I APPRECIATED ONCE MORE HOW NICE IT IS TO LIVE IN THE CHARLOTTE METRO. WHAT OTHER PLACES OFFER THE CONVENIENCES OF BEING NEAR OCEAN AND MOUNTAINS ALL WITHIN A FEW HOURS? IN FACT, OUR TRIP TO CHIMNEY ROCK WAS LESS THAN A TWO HOUR DRIVE. WE COULD HAVE RETURNED THE SAME DAY BUT DECIDED TO STAY OVERNIGHT IN ONE OF THE CABINS.

WHAT A WONDERFUL CLIMB TO ENJOY SOME OF THE PANORAMIC VIEWS OF THE AREA. I ENJOYED THE QUIET OF THIS QUAINT TOWN ALONG THE BROAD RIVER, HAVING OUR FEET SOAK IN THE COOL, MOUNTAIN WATER. WHEN WE VENTURED TO HIKE CHIMNEY ROCK, WE EVEN MADE OUR WAY TO THE HICKORY GROVE FALL -- WHAT FUN!!

OUTDOOR LOVERS WOULD LOVE THE OFFERINGS OF LAKE LURE AND CHIMNEY ROCK.

PROFESSIONAL NETWORKING BREAKFAST FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS

Sabrina Brown — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 12:45:00 GMT

Tuesday, July 21 (7:30 a.m.-8:30 a.m.) Join Atria Merrywood for a professional networking breakfast in conjunction with Homewatch Caregivers and Assured Home Respiratory & Medical Equipment. Meet and mingle with your professional colleagues while enjoying a breakfast buffet. Door prizes will be awarded, and youre welcome to bring a friend. Space is limited, so RSVP to reserve your spot, Erin Warchol, erin.warchol@atriaseniorliving.com. Note: Parking is available at the YWCA.

Get on the Bus Tour of Charlotte Sponsors

Sabrina Brown — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 22:58:00 GMT

Staying Ahead Carolina is delighted to announce two new sponsors of our 2nd Annual Get on the Bus Tour of Charlotte. Thanks to the Crepe Cellar in NODA and Cantina 1511 in Dilworth, this year's tour is going to be mouth watering... Check out their menus at the www.crepecellar.com and www.cantina1511restaurant.com. Both are planning some wonderful treats for attendees.

JOB FAIR

Sabrina Brown — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 22:32:00 GMT

The Charlotte Knights and employmentguide.com will host a job fair 4-7 p.m. June 9 at Knights Stadium. Admission is $5, which includes a baseball game and free parking.
Sign up for a ticket voucher at chalrotte.employmentguide.com. Up to 30 vendors are expected,704-357-8071

Get on the Bus Tour: A Social on Wheels

Sabrina Brown — Wed, 27 May 2009 05:59:00 GMT

Experience What’s Old, New, and What’s Happening in the Queen City. Join Staying Ahead, Carolina for its Second Annual “Get on the Bus” Tour of Charlotte, Saturday, June 13, 2:00 p.m—4:30 p.m.

This is no ordinary tour. We won’t drown you in historical facts. This tour will be a “social on wheels,” as you take in the rich culture the Queen City has to offer. You will meet new people, sample foods from great restaurants, visit some tucked away spots that you might not have considered, enjoy games, and meet our very own Queen Charlotte. You will know where to take friends and guests when you are looking to experience something unique in town. This is a different tour from last year that we trust you will truly enjoy. Appreciate how Charlotte is taking shape in some of the hot areas of town too.

Be sure to register ASAP. The tour is complimentary but a $25 deposit holds your seat. Please send check or money order payable to Delta Transportation to the attention of Sabrina Brown, Helen Adams Realty, 15235 John J. Delaney Dr., Charlotte, NC 28277.

Finally, please email sbrown@StayingAheadCarolina in advance of mailing checks. Deposits must be received by June 8. Delta Transportation will load all registered guests at the Lynx’s Scaleybark Station parking lot on South Blvd at 1:45 p.m. a.m. and depart 2:00 p.m. sharp. Hope to see you!!

TAX CREDIT CAN BE USED FOR DOWN PAYMENT

Sabrina Brown — Thu, 14 May 2009 15:50:00 GMT

More and more housing activity is being generated by the recent policy that offers up to $8,000 tax credit for first time home buyers or those purchasing after renting for three or more years. I am seeing more people entering the market to hopefully take advantage of this offering in conjunction with historically low interest rates offered too. And for Charlotte, the opportunity to purchase in a buyer's market is indeed attractive for many.

Shaun Donovan, secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, recently said the Federal Housing Administration is going to permit its lenders to allow homebuyers to use the $8,000 tax credit as a down payment. The move will allow eligible homebuyers to access the funds immediately at the closing table. Be sure to share this with a friend or family member as the policy sunsets November 30 of this year. Happy to answer questions too.

Source: North Carolina Association of Realtors

COSMOS CAFE IN BALLANTYNE BRINGS ECLECTIC INTERNATIONAL FLAIR

Sabrina Brown — Wed, 13 May 2009 00:25:00 GMT

Try the Cosmos Cafe. Its grand opening was May 7 and what a splash. Located at the Village at Robinson Farm, 8420 Rea Rd, Charlotte.

The restaurant's design is very cool. There is a circular bar custom made in the restaurant with woods from around the world. There are also rings of Saturn as the final masterpiece where the entire theme of the restuarant includes planets, space, cosmic harmony, etc. The lighting, layout, etc are all very cool... Oh, you want to know about the food??? That's right. There is a wide variety of selections around the world from dips, satay, kalamari, grilled octopus salad, lobster and crab cakes, lamb shanks, sushi, lamb burgers

Job Opportunities May Be Found in Biotechnology

Sabrina Brown — Wed, 13 May 2009 00:17:00 GMT

North Carolina has the 3rd largest biotechnology industry. Charlotte-Mecklenburg has more than 200 firms classified as biotechnology, life sicences or related industries. This may be a resonable area to start for those looking for job opportunities. In 2004, there was a report written outlining how 125,000 jobs would be created in biotechnology by 2023. The exact number is less important to the overarching message that the state is putting resources behind this industry and sees this as an emerging area for future growth.

Some biotech/life science organizations that come to mind is the North Carolina Biotechnology Center. There is a Charlotte office of course. Other organizations in the field that have a Charlotte presence include Barnhardt Manufacturing Company, Microban, Polypore, Alveolus, and the list goes on and on... Think about the many companies that provide services to the biotech industry such as attorneys, accountants, venture capitalists and more.

What do you know about this area? And where can one find yet more opportunities? Would love to hear from you....

A Sign of the Times Points to Reflection Pointe in Belmont, NC

Sabrina Brown — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 06:56:00 GMT

Gated, waterfront communities have historically been viewed as one of those sure bets in real estate. Being on or near the water appears to never go out of style. Unfortunately, with the recent credit crunch, many may still want to buy in these communities but fewer people have been able to afford the down payments required by lenders to start on the build of their home. Fortunately, there are some efforts to work around these challenges in the subdivision Reflected Pointe in Belmont, NC, located minutes from Downtown Charlotte. Selected lots there are being offered seller financing for up to two years. Buyers may decide to hold the lots for the two years without having any mortgage payments, while locking in the gains that may be had from purchasing in today’s sluggish market. Others may decide to move forward with their build right away and take the enormous credit upfront from the seller financing incentives offered. It is an extraordinary offer addressing extraordinary times.

Reflection Pointe is located off of I-85, nestled along the shores of Lake Wylie, 25 minutes from Downtown Charlotte, 15 minutes from the Charlotte airport and other attractions. It is a resort like community in the historic, charming city of Belmont. Many don’t expect to see this gated community, with rolling hills, a tremendous waterfall entrance and string fountains and an amenities package including an athletic field, stocked ponds throughout, walking trails, private marina and boat storage, clubhouse, tennis courts, pools, and more. Homes range in the high $400Ks to over $2 million in this community of approximately 360 future homes. I’ve watched this community grow, and this is probably the first time I’ve heard of seller financing on lots for such a generous time period of two years. Buyers in a position to purchase can really take advantage of great offers in today’s marketplace.

TOSHIBA LOCATES NEW CENTER IN CHARLOTTE -- JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Sabrina Brown — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 06:18:00 GMT

As mentioned in a previous newsletter, the energy sector is an area to keep an eye on in the Queen City. Here is a recent announcement by Toshiba America Nuclear Energy Corp.

Toshiba America Nuclear Energy Corp. will locate its project management and engineering center in Charlotte and create 194 new jobs, Gov. Bev Perdue announced Tuesday. According to CEO Fuyuki Saito, Charlotte has the talent pool and quality of life that makes it a perfect fit for his company's center to be located here.

North Carolina already is home to General Electric Hitachi Nuclear Energy. Average wages for employees hired at the new center will be $122,037 plus benefits, according to the governor’s office.

Toshiba America Nuclear Energy is part of Toshiba America, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Toshiba Corp. The Toshiba nuclear group launched in March of 2008. It sells advanced boiling water nuclear reactors, turbines, other equipment and also offers engineering, licensing, construction management, maintenance and other services.

Great news for Charlotte!!! Spread the word.

What's Happening in the Queen City

Sabrina Brown — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 22:21:00 GMT

Spring weather is finally here!! It's time to get out and have some fun this weekend!! Once again Staying Ahead Carolina is delighted to share with you updates on What's Happening in the Queen City!

Select the link EVENTS to see a list of activities in your area.

Want to share some events with the group? We would love to hear from you.

FREE CONE DAY AT BEN & JERRY'S LOCAL SHOPS

Sabrina Brown — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 05:49:00 GMT

Ben & Jerry's celebrates its 31st anniversary, giving away free ice cream throughout the day April 21st. Visit its website for details. However, it instructs all across America, you can go to your local shop for a FREE CONE. In Charlotte, there is a store just east of Fairview Rd and Carmel. The website says the Arboretum on Providence, but I'm not sure about that one.

Try a new flavor or all time favorite!

Sabrina

PROJECT ADMINISTRATOR POSITION

Sabrina Brown — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 01:10:00 GMT

OPPORTUNITIES AT SCHWEITZER ENGINEERING LABORATORIES
Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL) seeks a professional, innovative and detailed individual for its Project Administrator/CSR position in Chlarotte. Visit its website at www.selinc.com for more details. Let me know if you have questions, happy to help.

JOB POSTING FROM MELANGE HEALTH SOLUTIONS...

Sabrina Brown — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 00:54:43 GMT

Recent posting of jobs by Melange Health Solutions. It's a behavioral healthcare company that services the Charlotte metro and Raleigh Durham area.

Mélange Health Solutions offers empowering, family, and adult counseling services to help families achieve their full potential. They provide an innovative Family Life Coaching program that supports the unique cultural strengths and needs of their clients.

They are looking to add full-time, part time and contract behavioral health care professionals to their service team.

They have Opportunities for:
Counselors
Case Managers
Therapists
Psychologists, PHD
Psychiatrists

Visit us on the web to learn more.http://www.melangehs.com or visit on Facebook the group Staying Ahead Carolina and send a message to one of the principals who posted a message on the discussion board under the topic "Spring Showcase Is Online Now"

Spring Showcase: Jobs, Businesses, and More

Sabrina Brown — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 16:03:00 GMT

It was great reading the positive things people are doing as well as the interests and opportunities available to Charlotteans at large... Based on some emails received, it is understandable not everyone is comfortable discussing their job search on Facebook although it is clearly top of mind for many. As a result, I am committed to research and post at least weekly on the Wall any new jobs that I hear of in the marketplace. It would be great if we can all pull together and share information we hear that may be helpful to someone. Businesses, consultants, and other organizations please continue to showcase what you do.

Announcements will also be made on the Staying Ahead Carolina facebook page for those connected on facebook. Simply search Staying Ahead Carolina and the page should pop up.

Building a stronger Charlotte,
Sabrina Brown, Staying Ahead Carolina

Spring Showcase Is Online Now

Sabrina Brown — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 03:31:00 GMT

Despite our current economic challenges, there is so much to celebrate and support in our city! Staying Ahead Carolina wants to bring this to light and let the residents of Charlotte showcase its talents, services, and products that are contributing to the ongoing progress of our city. Over the next two days I will provide a prompt once a day and moderate discussions based on participants' postings the previous day. Here is the prompt for Day 1:

a. Describe how your services/products/organization are contributing to Charlotte and adding value to the lives of those who live here.
b. Who uses your services/products?
c. How does one contact you (website or other contact information you wish to share)

You may also join us on Facebook to participate in discussions there. Staying Ahead Carolina has its own group page.

I will check back tomorrow night, respond to any responses provided, and feature the next prompt.

Until then, tell us about yourself! Enjoy!

Staying Ahead Carolina Spring Showcase

Sabrina Brown — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 20:25:00 GMT

Staying Ahead Carolina is having its Spring Showcase online this Friday, April 3, and you are invited. Businesses and professionals around Charlotte are welcome to share any skills, talents, and business offerings that are in bloom this Spring! Hear the stories of photographers, marketers, attorneys, CPA’s, boutiques, craftsman, etc. in and around your neighborhood, and how they are helping to build a better Charlotte. Everyone has a story, and I would love to hear your story too. All are invited to showcase their talents in this business networking forum! I’ll be moderating follow up discussions and try to build connections among those who participate.

Subscribe to this blog and you will receive the prompt automatically. I’ll post the prompt at midnight, and the first person to respond on Friday, April 3 will receive a gift certificate for a massage. All will, of course, benefit from the conversation.