Saturday, January 28, 2012

Bednar Cosmetic Surgery of Charlotte Offers Fat Cell Transfer for Augmentation Procedures

Bednar Cosmetic Surgery of Charlotte is offering one of the latest
advances in plastic surgery for augmentation procedures. Fat cell
transfer or body fat transfer is a natural alternative to enhancing
parts of the body, such as the breasts and buttocks. Compared to
traditional breast augmentation techniques, a fat transfer
augmentation removes fat from the body and transfers to the designated
area(s) without the risk of complications or rejection.

As an added benefit, liposuction is used to remove the fat that will
be used in the fat transfer to augment certain areas of the body. The
fat is removed from the thighs, abdomen, buttocks or another area with
excess fat, which slims and tones that area of the body on the patient.

Once the fat cells are harvested through liposuction, they are
processed and purified before being injected into the area of the body
being augmented. The fat is placed with precision to ensure the right
aesthetics and most natural appearance while allowing the fat cells to
survive.

"The ability to enhance an area of the body while trimming another is
one of the many great benefits of a body fat transfer," said Dr.
Edward Bednar, medical director of Bednar Cosmetic Surgery of
Charlotte. "Our patient's results have been outstanding and thanks to
the use of the patient's own body fat, the risks are minimal and
therefore one less thing a patient has to worry about when deciding on
an augmentation procedure."

For more information on fat transfer augmentation procedures, contact
Bednar Cosmetic Surgery of Charlotte at (704) 366-6700 or visit www.drbednar.com
. Bednar Cosmetic Surgery of Charlotte is located at 439 North
Wendover Road.

About Bednar Cosmetic Surgery of Charlotte
Under the medical direction of Dr. Edward Bednar, a board certified
plastic surgeon with over 25 years of practice experience, Bednar
Cosmetic Surgery of Charlotte specializes in body and facial
rejuvenation procedures and treatments. For more information, visit www.drbednar.com
or call (704) 366-6700.

Axum Capital Partners Acquires Wild Wing Café

Axum Capital Partners (Axum), a Charlotte-based private equity firm,
has acquired a controlling interest in Wild Wing Café -- a 32-unit
restaurant company based in Mount Pleasant, S.C.

Wild Wing Café operates 11 corporate-owned restaurants and 21
franchised restaurants across North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia,
Tennessee, Virginia, Texas, and Florida. For fiscal year ending
December 31, 2011, Wild Wing Café generated approximately $100 million
in system-wide sales. Fifth Third Bank provided debt financing for
the transaction. McGuireWoods, LLP, represented Axum.

Edna Morris, a managing director with Axum, will become the interim
chief executive officer of Wild Wing Café. Edna is a 30-year veteran
of the restaurant industry, having served as president of Red Lobster
(Darden) and Quincy's Family Steakhouse (Advantica). She was a
founding member and the first president of the Women's Foodservice
Forum and also president of the James Beard Foundation, a non-profit
organization that celebrates America's culinary heritage. She is on
the board of Tractor Supply Company (NASDAQ:TSC).

"Wild Wing Café provides Axum with a proven and well-run concept
allowing for strong growth in existing and new markets," Morris said.
"Our experienced management team has over 120 years of restaurant
experience. With Wild Wing's broad demographic appeal, quality food
and superior service, we believe that the concept will sustain and
continue to strengthen its competitive position."

Since its inception in 1990, Wild Wing Café has established a strong
brand based on its ability to offer consumers high-quality food at
attractive prices. The brand is also known for its sports and
entertainment component. This will enable Axum to utilize its unique
access to the professional athlete community to enhance the brand.
Wild Wing Café is also known for featuring live local and national
bands, as evidenced by numerous performances by Edwin McCain. Wild
Wing has often been referred to as a "breeding ground" for local
recording artists.

Wild Wing Café founders Cecil and Dianne Crowley will retain an
ownership stake in the company and will serve on the board. According
to Cecil Crowley, he and his wife Dianne founded Wing Wild Café two
decades ago based on the idea that people would flock to a place that
served the best flavored wings, cold beer and good times. "We're not
flying the coop," said Dianne Crowley. "We look forward to working
with the Axum team to continue growing this wonderful brand."

"This is a great partnership for our firm. We've developed a strong
relationship with the Crowleys and share a similar vision regarding
the future of Wild Wing Café. In addition, this transaction reflects
Axum's strategy and what we set out to do. By targeting specific
sectors, we've been able to establish a team that is uniquely suited
to effectively execute our firm's investment strategy. Edna's
extensive expertise, strong leadership and broad-based relationships
enabled us to quickly and properly evaluate this opportunity and
develop an effective growth strategy," said Muhsin "Moose" Muhammad, a
managing director at Axum and former pro football player for the
Chicago Bears and the Carolina Panthers.

About Axum Capital Partners
Axum Capital Partners is a private equity firm focused on making
strategic equity investments in lower middle market privately-held
businesses across North America. Axum's target markets include food
and beverage, educational services and other markets that share
similar characteristics. To execute its well-defined investment
strategy, Axum has brought together a best-in-class and diverse team
with deep industry expertise, robust transaction execution
capabilities and a unique ability to create value in its portfolio
through its access to the professional athlete community. The firm
was co-founded by Edna Morris (former president of Red Lobster and
Quincy's Family Steakhouse and the James Beard Foundation), Raymond C.
Groth (former head of mergers and acquisitions at First Union/Wachovia
Securities, now Wells Fargo), Muhsin Muhammad II (former Chicago Bear
and Carolina Panther), and Denis Ackah-Yensu (formerly with McColl
Partners and Citigroup). For more information visit: www.axum-partners.com
.
# # #

Ritz-Carlton Offers Charlotte 14-Carat Chocolate Package for Valentine's Month

Valentine's Day awaits, and for those wishing to do something
exceptionally special for February 14th, The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte
has introduced a new 14-Carat Chocolate Package highlighting the
wonder, drama and romance that is chocolate – and more.

The 14-Carat Chocolate Package at The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte is
designed to provide private access to the hotel's popular Bar Cocoa
all-dessert dining and culinary school experience, and to feature two
treasured keepsakes, including a Le Vian® Chocolate Diamond with 14-
carat white gold necklace, and a chocolate-hued fine writing
instrument from Montblanc®.

Culinary highlights of the culinary weekend experience include a five-
course all-dessert Champagne and Chocolate Dinner, featuring such
pairings as Caramelized Lemon Chiboust and Berry Consommé served with
Perrier-Jouët Grand Brüt, or Chocolate Pistachio & Raspberry Macaron
with Moët & Chandon Nectar Rosé Imperial.

Not limited just to travelers in the 14% tax bracket, the 14-Carat
Chocolate Package at The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte is priced at $14,000,
includes tax and gratuity and features the following, offered not just
on February 14th but on weekends throughout February, 2012:

· Two Nights in The Ritz-Carlton Suite, featuring a spectacular
sound system and floor-to-ceiling panoramic views of Charlotte
· Private Dessert Cooking Class for Two at Bar Cocoa's Cocoa
Lab Kitchen, including instruction in replicating beloved Southern
desserts from the award-winning movieThe Help
· Champagne & Chocolate All-Dessert Dinner for Two at Bar Cocoa
· A Le Vian 14K White Gold and Chocolate Diamond Pendant Necklace
· A Montblanc Chocolate Brown Bohème Fountain Pen
· Weekend Brunch for Two at Bar Cocoa
· Honey Detox and Chocolate Truffle Body Treatment and Massage
for Two at The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Charlotte
· A dedicated private car and driver throughout the stay
· Limousine service to/from the hotel and a local address or to/
from the hotel and Charlotte Douglas International Airport
For personalized reservations assistance, please contact Ashley Branch
at The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte, at 704-549-4735. Seven days' advance
notice is required to finalize all reservations for this limited-
access romance travel experience.
About The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte
An eco-focused rarity among luxury hotels, the LEED® Gold-certified
Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte offers 146 luxurious guest accommodations, a
13,000-square-foot bi-level penthouse Spa & Wellness Center with
fitness center and bromine-treated swimming pool, and more than 12,000
square-feet of contemporary meeting and gathering space. Dining
highlights include the acclaimed 15th-floor Urban Sip Wine and Scotch
Bar; Bar Cocoa, presenting a new chocolate dining and retail
experience complemented by dessert cooking classes in Cocoa Lab; The
Lobby Lounge's regional and organic culinary choices and signature
martinis, cocktails, wines, coffees and flavored ice teas; and a
street-side BLT Steak offering prime cuts of beef, fresh seafood,
tempting side dishes and classic American dessert favorites. Located
seven miles from Charlotte Douglas International Airport, the AAA Five-
Diamond property enjoys a walkable setting moments from Uptown
Charlotte's favorite sights, sounds, businesses and attractions. For
further information and dining or cooking class reservations, contact
The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte at 704.547.2244.

ECPI University in Charlotte Adds New Medical Imaging Technology Degree

ECPI University is now offering an Associate of Science in Electronics
Engineering Technology degree with a Concentration in Medical Imaging
Equipment Technology. This program prepares students for a career
specializing in diagnostic medical imaging equipment (fluoroscopy and
radiography including X-rays and mammography) installation,
maintenance, repair and troubleshooting.

"We developed this concentration with the assistance of medical
imaging companies who have a need for technicians," says Victor Riley,
Charlotte Campus President. "As technology has changed, the need for
technicians with networking and computer skills has grown. We are
proud to have the opportunity to assist job seekers prepare for this
type of career."

According to O*Net online, the field of Medical Equipment Repair is
projected to have faster than average growth from 2008-2018. "Medical
Imaging Equipment Technology is an excellent opportunity for the
students of ECPI University because of the unique nature of our
program, says Career Services Advisor David Elliston. "Our hands on
education will prepare graduates to pursue employment with
manufacturers, service providers and the clinical engineering
departments of major healthcare systems."

Core courses include a foundation in electricity, as well as analog
and digital electronics. Advanced courses focus upon:

· Radiological Systems including PACS/DICOM

· Medical Imaging Equipment Troubleshooting

· Integration of Computer Network Technology with High-Tech
Microcomputer-controlled Medical Imaging Equipment and Systems

For more information, please contact ECPI Charlotte Campus President
Victor Riley at 704.399.1010 or Director of Communications David
Brandt at 757.213.3613 or dbrandt@ecpi.edu.

About ECPI University

ECPI University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award associate,
baccalaureate, and master degrees and diploma programs. With campuses
in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia, ECPI, a private
university established in 1966, offers convenient classes during the
day, evening, and online; graduate employment services are provided.
Continuing education certification classes and testing are also
available.

ECPI's fields of study include: TECHNOLOGY: Cyber and Network
Security, Information Systems, Healthcare IT, Web Development,
Simulation and Game Programming, Database Programming, Business
Systems Administration, Accounting Administration, Electronics
Engineering Technology, Mechatronics; BUSINESS AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE:
Accounting, Business Administration, IT Management, Food Service
Management, Criminal Justice, Homeland Security; HEALTH SCIENCES:
Healthcare Administration, Health Information Management, Medical
Administration, Physical Therapist Assistant, Massage Therapy, Dental
Assisting, Medical Assisting, Medical Radiography, Diagnostic Medical
Sonography, Surgical Technology, Nursing (BSN), Registered Nursing,
Practical Nursing; CULINARY: Culinary Arts. (Program field
availability varies by campus.) For more information, visit http://www.ecpi.edu/
.