Belk Adds 150 Employees to Corporate Office

Charlotte-based Belk Inc. will add approximately 150 employees to the corporate workforce over the next year, largely as a result of the company's investment in various growth initiatives. The new jobs will be concentrated in IT and eCommerce as part of Belk's overall OmniChannel strategy and will support corporate operations. Belk currently employs more than 1,000 associates at its existing corporate office.

To secure top talent in these areas, Belk plans a phased approach to fill these management-level positions within IT, eCommerce and OmniChannel. As positions become available, they will be posted in the career section of Belk.com.

"This is the fastest growing part of our company," said Adam Orvos, executive vice president of human resources for Belk. "We're investing in the company, and hiring talent to build out these digital capabilities will be a cornerstone of this growth."

To accommodate this growth, the Company also announced it will lease approximately 50,000 square feet of space at the Coliseum Centre office complex adjacent to Belk's current headquarters facility in West Charlotte (pictured). Belk anticipates moving nearly 300 employees to the new facility, beginning in March 2013.

Another integral part of the retailer's ongoing commitment to eCommerce is the 515,000-square-foot eCommerce fulfillment center in Jonesville, S.C. which began operation in June of this year. This new facility represents a $4.5 million investment for Belk and is expected to create more than 120 new jobs in the Union County, S.C. area over the next five years.

About Belk, Inc.
Charlotte, N.C.-based Belk, Inc. (Belk.com) is the nation's largest privately owned mainline department store company with 301 Belk stores located in 16 Southern states. The company was founded in 1888 by William Henry Belk in Monroe, N.C., and is in the third generation of Belk family leadership. Its belk.com website offers a wide assortment of fashion apparel, shoes and accessories for the entire family along with top name cosmetics, a wedding registry and a large selection of quality merchandise for the home. To connect with Belk via Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, YouTube, blog, mobile phone text messages or by email, go to: Belk Get Connected.

UNCC's New EPIC Building Displays Unique 'Green' Design

Creech & Associates of Charlotte is the architect of UNC Charlotte's new $76-million Energy Power and Infrastructure Center, or EPIC building, dedicated Friday, November 16.

"The dedication of this building culminates five years of creative planning, design, and construction," said David Creech, AIA, managing principal of the firm. "The EPIC building provided numerous challenges for the design team including the integration of a high-bay testing lab (two-story space with overhead crane) in a building that also houses labs that produce microprocessors. We accomplished this by physically isolating these parts of the building into appropriate zones. The academic programs in EPIC rely on community business partners, and the lobby and adjacent rooms are easily adaptable for events that showcase the mission of the School of Engineering.

"Another significant challenge for the firm was to design a building which was a responsible user of energy, thus leading by example," Creech added. "The building utilizes an advanced mechanical system known as 'chilled beams' which, along with other measures, reduces energy usage by up to 30 percent. Additional conservation measures include less technical systems such as natural day lighting, solar control, gray water recycling, rain gardens and cisterns.

"Creech & Associates places a high level of importance on sustainability, not only because of social responsibility but also to reduce operating expenses," he added. "EPIC is on track to be the University's first LEED Gold building, a rating which is very difficult for a laboratory building to achieve. The firm has designed numerous buildings to LEED standards, including all of the buildings at the North Carolina Research Campus in Kannapolis and civic buildings throughout the Southeast."

Learn more at http://www.creech-design.com

Burger 21 To Open First Franchise Restaurant in Charlotte

Burger 21®, a new fast casual concept founded by the owners of The Melting Pot Restaurants, Inc., announced today that it has signed a franchise deal to open one restaurant in Charlotte, N.C., and a multi-unit deal to develop four new restaurants throughout Fairfax County, Virginia and Montgomery County, Maryland. These latest agreements are part of the brand's aggressive growth strategy to bring its crafted burgers and hand-dipped shakes to more cities across the country. To date, Burger 21 has five units open and 10 franchised restaurants in development along the East Coast.

Current franchisees of The Melting Pot®, Todd Dennis and Brian Neel, plan to initially develop one Burger 21 restaurant in Charlotte, N.C. These business partners have more than two decades of franchising experience with the sister brand and operate two successful Melting Pot locations in the Charlotte area.

"As long-time Melting Pot franchisees, we feel Burger 21 is a natural growth extension for us and we know we'll be successful with the valuable support and experience offered by Front Burner Brands," said Brian Neel. "We also know Charlotte inside and out and believe people will be really excited about this unique concept with its incredibly diverse menu of hand-crafted burgers and more."

As experienced franchisees and operators with Dunkin' Brands, Ray Patel, Joseph Yu, Bubuhai Patel and Nick Patel have signed on to develop four restaurants in the Greater Washington, D.C. area -- including Alexandria, Va., Tysons Corner, Va. and Fair Lakes, Va., as well as one unit in Rockville, Md.
"We have a great deal of franchising experience in the Greater D.C. area and look forward to bringing this fresh, new concept to residents in the surrounding communities," said Ray Patel. "With chef-inspired burgers, shakes, hot dogs, chicken tenders, salads and more, we are confident that Burger 21 will quickly become one of our guests' favorite lunch and dinner destinations."


"The signing of these new franchise agreements is a true testament to the strength of our growing brand, attracting both experienced Melting Pot franchisees as well as successful, multi-unit owners with major brands like Dunkin'," said Mark Johnston, Burger 21 president and chief concept officer and president of Front Burner Brands, management company for Burger 21. "Our franchisees recognize the extensive training and support provided by Front Burner Brands, which has given them the ability to further develop their portfolios with our company."

These new franchise agreements come as Burger 21 opens its first franchised restaurant today in Orlando at 4192 Conroy Rd., Suite 109 in Orlando's Shoppes at Millenia.

Since February 2012, the burger franchise has signed six agreements to develop a total of 11 franchised units in the Atlanta, Orlando, Fla., Voorhees, N.J., Charlotte, N.C. and Washington. D.C. markets, for a total of 15 franchised and company-owned units on the East Coast.

To further fuel expansion in North Carolina, Virginia and other markets throughout the U.S., Burger 21 is actively seeking qualified franchisees and will host a live webinar on Thursday, Nov. 29 at 1 p.m. (EST). To register, or to learn more about franchising opportunities with Burger 21, please visit www.burger21franchise.com/events.aspx or contact Ashley Pollard, franchise sales associate for Burger 21 at 813-425-6252 or apollard@burger21.com.

Burger 21 is seeking single and multi-unit operators with restaurant experience along the East Coast and throughout the country to join its upscale fast casual dining concept. Franchisee candidates should have a minimum net worth of $500,000 and liquid assets of at least $200,000 per unit. Burger 21 will be developed through both single-unit agreements and Area Development Agreements. Depending on the real estate site selected, franchisees can expect the total cost of investment for one restaurant to be approximately $525,495 - $750,995. The initial franchise fee is $40,000; however, a 10 percent discount is applied to all franchises sold by Dec. 21, 2012. Reduced franchise fees apply for Area Development Agreements of four or more units.

To learn more about ownership opportunities with Burger 21, contact Dan Stone, vice president of franchise development for Front Burner Brands, at 813-425-6208 and dstone@burger21.com or visit http://www.burger21franchise.com.



About Burger 21


With five locations open in Tampa Bay and Orlando, Fla., and 10 in development in Orlando, Atlanta, Voorhees, N.J., Charlotte, N.C., and Washington, D.C., Burger 21 is a "beyond the better burger" fast-casual franchise concept founded in 2010. Burger 21 is a chef-inspired brand with offerings including 21 unique burger and slider creations ranging from hand-crafted, freshly ground beef to chicken, turkey, shrimp and tuna burgers, made-to-order salads, Hebrew National all-beef hot dogs, hand-breaded chicken tenders and an extensive shake bar including hand-dipped shakes, floats and sundaes. Burger 21 is an affiliate of Front Burner Brands, a restaurant management company headquartered in Tampa, Fla. For more information, visit http://www.burger21.com.

About Front Burner Brands


Front Burner Brands (formerly known as TGS Restaurant Management) is a restaurant management company headquartered in Tampa, Fla. It is affiliated with the corporate owners of and its management services extended to The Melting Pot Restaurants, Inc., founded in 1975 with more than 140 locations in North America and more than 20 locations currently in development, Burger 21 with five locations open in Tampa Bay and Orlando, Fla., and 10 in development in Orlando, Atlanta, Voorhees, N.J., Charlotte, N.C., and Washington, D.C., GrillSmith with six locations in the Tampa Bay area and other new franchise concepts in development. For more information, visit http://www.frontburnerbrands.com.


Robinson Bradshaw Included Among U.S. News & World Report's Best Law Firms

U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers® has named Robinson Bradshaw & Hinson, P.A as a Tier 1 law firm in 35 practice areas in the Charlotte metropolitan area in their annual ranking of "Best Law Firms" for 2013. Robinson Bradshaw also ranked nationally as a Tier 2 firm for its corporate law practice and was in Tier 3 in four additional practice areas.
Rankings are compiled annually through client and attorney evaluations, peer review, and information provided by law firms. The complete listing of Robinson Bradshaw's rankings includes:

National Rankings – Tier 2:
· Corporate Law


National Rankings – Tier 3:
· Commercial Litigation

· Private Equity Law

· Securities/Capital Markets Law

· Venture Capital Law


Charlotte Metropolitan Rankings – Tier 1:
· Antitrust Law

· Appellate Practice

· Banking and Finance Law

· Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law

· Commercial Litigation

· Construction Law

· Corporate Governance Law

· Corporate Law

· Criminal Defense: White-Collar – Litigation

· Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law

· Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law

· Employment Law – Management

· Environmental Law

· Health Care Law

· International Trade and Finance Law

· Labor Law – Management

· Litigation – Antitrust

· Litigation – Eminent Domain & Condemnation

· Litigation – Intellectual Property

· Litigation – Labor & Employment

· Litigation – Land Use & Zoning

· Litigation – Mergers & Acquisitions

· Litigation – Municipal

· Litigation – Real Estate

· Litigation – Securities

· Mergers & Acquisitions Law

· Private Equity Law

· Private Funds/Hedge Funds Law

· Public Finance Law

· Real Estate Law

· Securities/Capital Markets Law

· Securities Regulation

· Sports Law

· Trusts & Estates Law

· Venture Capital Law


Charlotte Metropolitan Rankings – Tier 2:
· Criminal Defense: White-Collar – Governmental Investigations

· Entertainment Law – Motion Pictures & Television

· Financial Services Regulation Law

· Land Use & Zoning Law

· Litigation – Banking & Finance

· Litigation – Tax

· Litigation – Trusts & Estates

· Natural Resources Law

· Tax Law



Raleigh Metropolitan Rankings – Tier 2:
· Securities/Capital Markets Law

· Venture Capital Law


Charlotte Metropolitan Rankings – Tier 3:
· Corporate Compliance Law

· Litigation – Construction

· Litigation – Environmental

· Litigation – Patent


The annual U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers® ranking assesses more than 10,000 firms in the United States across more than 80 practice areas nationally and in 118 practice areas regionally.
Robinson Bradshaw is a corporate and commercial law firm with more than 130 attorneys. For more than 50 years the firm has provided clients with comprehensive legal services of the highest quality. The firm has offices in Charlotte, the Research Triangle and Rock Hill, South Carolina. On the Web at www.rbh.com.

Boatsman Gillmore and Wagner Noble & Company Merging Practices

Wagner Noble & Company and Boatsman Gillmore, PLLC, two of the region's most prominent accounting, tax, and financial advisory practices are merging their firms. The evolved practice will be known as Boatsman Gillmore Wagner, PLLC and will have offices in Charlotte and the Huntersville-Lake Norman area.

Larry Wagner, managing partner for the practice, noted that the firms were a great complement to each other. "Our business approaches and client values are both completely aligned. This merger allows our partners to focus on what each does best, whether that is consulting, tax, development of financial strategies or assurance," shared Wagner.

"We are focused on two main goals: making a tangible difference in our clients' businesses and growing our firm to be one of the most respected CPA practices in the region," said Dale Gillmore, firm principal and a founding partner. "This merger provides us a tremendous team and the ability to address client needs in a manner that helps them maximize the value of their businesses," added Gillmore.

Wagner Noble, founded in 1983, provides expertise in tax, assurance, and business consulting. Boatsman Gillmore, established in 2006, provides similar expertise as to Wagner Noble as well as a shared commitment to building long term client relationships. Clients for the combined firm include manufacturers, wholesale distributors, and healthcare providers, as well as real estate and construction, professional services, technology, sports and entertainment organizations. While most of the clientele are closely held businesses, the firm also serves numerous international and not-for-profit organizations.

Community Blood Center Kicks off 2012 Holiday Season with Puppies for Patients

The Community Blood Center of the Carolinas (CBCC) is recruiting blood donors to take part in the Eighth Annual 'Puppies for Patients' program that runs Nov. 1 through Dec. 31, 2012.

Donors who give blood in November and December will be able to sign a tag that will then be attached to a stuffed animal puppy and delivered to children in area hospitals and care facilities during the holidays.

"Throughout the past seven years, our donors, supporters and community partners have gone above and beyond to be a part of 'Puppies for Patients'," said Martin Grable, president and CEO of Community Blood Center of the Carolinas. "Together, we are bringing joy and comfort to children during their hospital stay this holiday season while saving local lives through each blood donation."

As the primary blood supplier to 21 hospitals in the region, CBCC relies on volunteer blood donors and local organizations to help fulfill the need for blood for local patients. In fact, one local children's hospital alone requires nearly 300 red blood cells and more than 200 platelet units each month. CBCC is asking anyone in generally good health, over the age of 16 and who weighs at least 120 pounds to donate blood this holiday season and help save the lives of local patients, many of them children.

Businesses, churches, organizations and schools interested in hosting a blood drive in November and December, can call Kim Jones 704-972-4727. In addition, area high school and college students can qualify for a "Holiday Heroes Scholarship" by hosting a blood drive between Nov. 18-25 or between Dec. 22, 2012-Jan. 6, 2013. CBCC will award a $1,000 scholarship to the student who collects the most units.

Individuals interested in donating blood can do so at a community blood drive. There are also CBCC donor centers located at: 4447 South Boulevard inCharlotte; 363 Church Street North Suite 170 in Concord; 2524 East Franklin Blvd Suite E in Gastonia; 2217 Highway 70 SE in Hickory; and 600 Hospital Drive in Monroe. To sign up, visit https://www.ncdonor.com/ or call 704-972-4700.

About Community Blood Center of the Carolinas
The Community Blood Center of the Carolinas (CBCC) is a non-profit community-based blood center and the primary blood supplier to 21 regional hospitals, serving 16 North Carolina and three South Carolina counties. CBCC focuses exclusively on gathering red blood cells, platelets and plasma from volunteer donors to save local lives – every drop of blood collected remains here to help people in the Carolinas. CBCC is a member ofAmerica's Blood Centers, North America's largest network of community-based, independent blood centers providing more than 50% of the nation's blood supply.

For more information on hosting a blood drive or donating blood in your area, visit www.cbcc.us or call 704-972-4700.

Follow the Community Blood Center of the Carolinas on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/BloodCenter and on Twitter atwww.twitter.com/CBCCarolinas.

Managing Mobile Initiative Free Panel Set For Nov. 14

Digital Intelligence Systems, LLC (DISYS), a certified IT at the Charlotte Marriott City Center, Charlotte, NC, on Wed., Nov. 14.

The panel, Ahmar Abbas, VP of Global Services, DISYS, Danny Hunt, Regional Director, Windstream Hosted Solutions and Mehmet Karakus, Project Manager, TIAA-Cref, will discuss topics that affect the management of mobile initiatives, including:

-Security and policy

-Smartphones and Tablets - BYOD

-Applications

-Revenue generation and supporting costs

Time: Free Food & Refreshments at 5:30 PM; Speakers begin at 6:00 PM EST

Location: Charlotte Marriott City Center - 100 West Trade Street, Charlotte, NC 28202

Highway 55 expanding in Charlotte

Highway 55 Burgers Shakes & Fries, a '50s-style restaurant chain famous throughout eastern North Carolina for its delicious cheeseburgers and excellent customer service, has signed a development agreement to open 75 locations across the western part of the state in the next 7-10 years, the first opening at University Pointe in Charlotte. The restaurant chain, formerly known as Andy's Burgers Shakes & Fries, officially rebranded as Highway 55 as of Feb. 24, 2012, marking the beginning of its expansion across the southeastern United States.

Father and son team Terrell and Brett Rhye will be developing the new locations. They plan an estimated 23 restaurants in the Charlotte Metro area, 7 in the Asheville area, 16 in the Piedmont Triad and 9 in the Unifour, as well as restaurants in smaller markets like Boone and Highlands. Terrell, a native of Mooresville, N.C., is the founder of successful real estate firm InterSouth. He and son Brett, age 26, had been looking for a concept to invest in for several years when they happened upon Hwy 55.

"We wanted a proven concept with a vibrant and inspiring corporate culture," said Brett. "When we met Kenny and saw his passion for making others successful, we knew we'd found the right people."

Kenny Moore, founder and president of Mount Olive, N.C.-based Highway 55 Burgers Shakes & Fries, has used the philosophy of servant leadership—meeting the needs of others before one's own—to grow the business he originally opened in 1991 with $500 to his name to systemwide sales of approximately $50 million in 2010.

Highway 55 Burgers Shakes & Fries is all about the American classics that people know and love, with a background of old-time rock n' roll music and '50s diner décor setting the stage for a mouth-watering menu that features Highway 55's famous hand pattied cheeseburgers, fresh-made frozen custard, mouthwatering cheesesteak sandwiches, shrimp burgers and much more. Highway 55 currently has 100 locations, mostly in the eastern part of North Carolina, and currently has 325 locations in development throughout the Southeast. Area development agreements are in the works to open 100 locations in Florida—with the first location to open in Palm City—75 locations in western North Carolina, and 50 locations in South Carolina, Ohio and Virginia each.
By the end of 2017, Highway 55 envisions up to 500 locations across the country.

Dutchmans Furniture Opens at Merinos Complex in Mooresville

Charlotte-area fans of creative, eclectic furniture don't have to drive hours away to find one-of-a-kind pieces they'll love.

Dutchmans, known for its colorful furniture and custom designs, has opened a 18,000-square-foot showroom in the Merinos complex at 500 S. Main Street in Mooresville. This is the third Dutchmans store, joining locations in Highlands, North Carolina and St. Simons, Georgia.

Reflecting the tastes of its owner, furniture designer Stephanie Nieuwendijk, Dutchmans features furniture, accessories and lighting for casual living, with a focus on flair and originality. "Our goal is for people to get real enjoyment from their furniture and to create rooms they love to be in," she says.

Signature lines include hand-crafted mahogany tables, dressers, desks and other pieces from The Bramble Company, for which Nieuwendijk is the designer. Celebrity fans of The Bramble Company include Kenney Chesney and Kirstie Alley.

Shoppers who enjoy "classic with a twist" style will like Nieuwendijk's designs for her new label, Bloom. Bloom features repurposed items, including light fixtures made from woks, planters made from tires, and rustic metal tabletops made from tin roofs.

Other offerings at Dutchmans include hand-painted furniture from Steven Shell and upholstery, sofas and chairs from Rowe Furniture and Robin Bruce. The Bramble, Bloom and Steven Shell lines are all produced at The Bramble Company's production facility in Indonesia, giving shoppers the ability to customize their purchases by color and style. The furniture is crafted , painted and screen printed all by hand.

Nieuwendijk, born in New Zealand and raised in Australia, came to the United States in 1998 with $450 in her bank account. She showed her flower and furniture crafts at shows and earned enough to open a tiny Highlands shop in March 2000. That shop later moved to a much bigger space, and the St. Simons store opened in 2008.

Nieuwendijk draws her inspiration from her parents, who both love color in their everyday lives. Her dad was a painter and builder who also restored antiques.

Browse www.dutchmansdesigns.com to enjoy highlights of what Dutchmans offers. Environmentally conscious since its founding, The Bramble co has planted more than 500,000 trees over the past five years to replace trees used in its furniture.

Local Realtor is finalist for NAR Good Neighbor Award

Realtors® are the backbone of a community, often times supporting
local causes large and small, and volunteering their time to help
improve the communities in which they live. Ten such Realtors® were
recognized today by the National Association of Realtors® as finalists
for REALTOR®Magazine's 2012 Good Neighbor Awards. This year marks the
13th year the Good Neighbor Awards program has recognized Realtors®
who improve the quality of life in their communities through volunteer
work. The Realtors® acknowledged by this program over the years donate
their time, money and passion to creating a positive impact and
addressing critical needs in the community.

In October five winners will be selected from among the 10 finalists
and will receive travel expenses to the 2012 REALTORS® Conference &
Expo in Orlando, Fla., where they will receive their awards. Winners
will also receive national media exposure and a $10,000 grant for
their community cause. The five honorable mentions will receive a
$2,500 grant. The winners will be featured in the November/December
issue of REALTOR® Magazine."Realtors® are an integral part to a
successful community," said NAR President Moe Veissi, broker-owner of
Veissi & Associates Inc., in Miami. "The Good Neighbor Awards reminds
us of that, as well as recognizes NAR members who spend their time and
energy to better the lives of those in need. I am proud to honor these
ten Realtors® and help them grow their efforts so they can help even
more people through their selfless work."

The 10 Realtor® Magazine Good Neighbor Awards finalists are:
Rocco "Rocky" Balsamo, The Rocky Balsamo Real Estate Group/Long &
Foster, Princeton Junction, N.J.
Balsamo is founding board member and volunteer executive director for
Center for FaithJustice, a nonprofit that promotes volunteerism among
teens and young adults. CFJ runs summer day camps and sleep away camps
as well as other year-round workshops for schools and churches. Last
year, more than 900 teens volunteered more than 20,000 hours in local
charities and spent a similar number of hours in education classes.

Charlene M. Brennan, Strano & Associates Real Estate, Fairview
Heights, Ill.
For 17 years, Brennan has been dedicated to helping serve the Rotary
District 6510's Belizean Children's Program. She travels to Belize
once a year with physicians to identify children who will come to the
United States for orthopedic surgery. She photographs patients,
coordinates their travel, and recruits host families to care for them.
While they are in the U.S., she coordinates their medical care,
testing, and physical therapy until they are ready to return home to
their families in Belize.

Georgia L. Butterfield, Legacy Real Estate & Associates, Fremont, Calif.
For 18 years, Butterfield has led the nonprofit Adopt An Angel,
providing holiday gifts for more than 8,000 of the country's most
needy children. She helped provide gifts for 800 children in 2011
alone. The children, who are living in group homes, shelters, foster
care or low-income homes, make wish lists of three gifts. Butterfield
finds people to buy what's on the list and procures donated warehouse
space, and recruits volunteers to shop, wrap, tag and deliver the
gifts during the holiday season.

Michael Ray Campbell, Broker Associate, Coldwell Banker Residential
Brokerage, Tucson, Ariz.
Campbell is president of the nonprofit Hearth Foundation, which
provides transitional housing for low-income families, typically women
with young children. He is credited for reorganizing and stabilizing
the organization, strengthening the board, and creating effective
partnerships with other organizations to provide services to the
residents. Campbell recently won a $720,000 grant, which will allow
the organization to make much-needed renovations to their apartments.

Regina "Ginger" Dowdle, Sunrise Realty & Development, Statesville, N.C.
Dowdle and her husband founded The Shepherd's Watch Ministries, which
offers summer camp to the community, as well as a year-round
residential program for at-risk youths ages 13-18, in foster care, on
their 60-acre farm. The residential program focuses on teens who will
likely age out of foster care without being adopted. The goal is to
teach these youths much needed skills to help prepare them for
independent living. The Dowdles have foster parented more than 20
youths since 2005, adopting two boys with another adoption in process.
Ginger Dowdle is a member of the Charlotte Regional Realtor®
Association and was the winner of the Association's 2011 Humanitarian
Award, where The Shepherd's Watch Ministries received a $2,000
donation and crystal award.

Ortrud "Trudy" Harsh, Associate Broker, Long & Foster, Fairfax, Va.
Harsh founded The Brain Foundation in 2003 to address the growing need
for affordable housing for mentally ill adults who might otherwise be
homeless. The foundation has since purchased six homes that house 24
adults with brain diseases like schizophrenia, bi-polar disorder or
chronic depression. She has formed a successful partnership with
another nonprofit to provide residents with services that allow them
to live independently. Her model has been copied in Florida and she
frequently mentors others who are trying to create similar programs.

Geoffrey W. Lavell, Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate-Desert
Properties, Henderson, Nev.
Lavell devotes hundreds of volunteer hours to the Nevada Childhood
Cancer Foundation. A survivor of childhood cancer himself, Lavell is a
15-year volunteer and co-director of Camp Cartwheel, a summer
overnight camp for children with cancer or other catastrophic diseases
and their siblings. He also leads a puppet show program that travels
to schools to educate children about these illnesses and the
importance of welcoming back a child who is re-entering school after
long illness.

Patti M. Miller, Tierra Antigua Realty, Sierra Vista, Ariz.
Miller is founder and president of Real Wishes Foundation. Since 2006,
the organization has granted home repair wishes for the elderly and
disabled as well as other wishes throughout their community. Miller
sprang into action during recent Arizona wildfires and flooding,
collecting $1 million worth of food, clothes, and places to stay for
victims who lost everything. The foundation, which is supported by the
Southeast Arizona Association of REALTORS®, also distributed $130,000
in donations to victims to help pay for losses.

Kathleen Peck, All in One Realty Group Inc., Naples, Fla.
Peck cofounded Lighthouse of Collier, Inc. in 2009. The organization
provides services to help the blind and visually impaired function
more independently and improve their quality of life. Legally blind
herself, Peck raises funds to provide free summer camp for blind
children, counseling and skills training for adults transitioning to
blindness, and support for caregivers.

Sally Rudloff, Kane & Associates, Alameda, Calif.
As volunteer president of the Alameda Boys and Girls Club, Rudloff, is
credited with incredible growth that will allow the club to expand
from serving 1,200 children to 3,000. Rudloff led a $10 million
capital campaign that built a new 25,000 sq. ft. youth center. She
also launched a dental clinic for uninsured children, recruited math
teachers for a new tutoring program, and created partnerships that
provide counseling for 50 families.

REALTOR® Magazine's Good Neighbor Awards is sponsored by Lowe's and
HouseLogic. In addition to the grant awards, each of the Good Neighbor
Award winners will receive a $2,000 Lowe's gift card, and each of the
honorable mentions will receive a $1,000 Lowe's gift card.
Nominees were judged on their personal contribution of time, as well
as financial and material contributions, to benefit their cause. To be
eligible, nominees must be NAR members in good standing.
More information about the Good Neighbor Awards finalists is available
at www.REALTOR.org/gna.
Lowe's (www.lowes.com) has worked with customers to maintain and
improve their homes since 1946. Lowe's is proud to support the Good
Neighbor Awards. Lowe's is a proud supporter of Habitat for Humanity
International, American Red Cross, SkillsUSA/SkillsCanada, and The
Nature Conservancy, in addition to numerous nonprofit organizations
and programs that help communities in North America. In 2011, Lowe's
and the Lowe's Charitable and Educational Foundation together
contributed more than $30 million to support community and education
projects in North America. Lowe's also encourages volunteerism through
the Lowe's Heroes program, a company-wide employee volunteer
initiative. Lowe's, a proud partner in NAR's REALTOR Benefits®
Program, brings Realtors® exclusive benefits to help build
relationships with their customers, generate referrals and expand
their client base. The benefits program is featured
onwww.LowesRealtorBenefits.com.

HouseLogic, www.houselogic.com, is a free source of information and
tools from the National Association of Realtors® that can help
homeowners make smart and timely decisions about their home. With
content covering home improvement, maintenance, taxes, finance,
insurance, and even ways to get involved in and enrich their
community, HouseLogic can help homeowners increase and protect the
value of their home by helping them make confident decisions.

The National Association of RealtorsÒ, "The Voice for Real Estate," is
America's largest trade association, representing 1 million members
involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate
industries.
###

Swarovski to re-open SouthPark Mall boutique with new design

Swarovski, the leading designer and producer of fashion jewelry and
crystal décor objects, is updating its boutique at SouthPark Mall with
a new retail design concept. The boutique is located at 4400 Sharon
Road in Charlotte, NC and is scheduled to re-open with its new design
during the last week of September. The location will offer Swarovski's
full range of fashion jewelry and watches, as well as home accessories
and décor objects.

The 1,030 square-foot space will boast Swarovski's "Crystal Forest"
retail design concept, which was created in collaboration with Tokujin
Yoshioka, 2007 Design Miami, Designer of the Year award winner. The
concept highlights the infinite possibilities of crystal and creates a
fresh showcase for Swarovski's own branded collections. The new retail
architecture brings the brand to life in a tangible crystal experience.

"Swarovski's updated SouthPark Mall location will create a consumer
experience that embodies our brand values of innovation and
modernity," said John Heidt, Vice President Retail for Swarovski North
America Limited's Consumer Goods Business.

The design highlights Swarovski's crystal-cutting expertise, unique
craftsmanship, creativity and innovation. Key elements of the new
design are:

· A Chrysalis chandelier, which is a beehive-shaped, art
installation composed of crystals
· Stainless steel prism exterior that catches light and
reflections from outside the store
· A crystal column
· Textured walls featuring reflective white prisms envelop the
space to create the illusion of an organic crystal forest
· White lacquer and mirror stainless steel finishes
· A combination of horizontal and vertical showcases featuring
LED lighting from various directions
· Play of light on different materials enhancing the sparkle
of the store
· Floating window boxes that allow for unique, eye-catching
displays of Swarovski's crystal accessories

The Crystal Forest design concept made its global debut in Tokyo's
prestigious Ginza district in March 2008. In November 2009, Swarovski
opened its first Crystal Forest store in the United States on the
Magnificent Mile of Chicago's Michigan Avenue.

Swarovski has more than 240 boutiques in the United States and a
global reach with more than 2,200 retail outlets in 120 countries in
all major fashion capitals around the world. The crystal company
opened its original boutique at SouthPark Mall in July 2003. In
addition to its SouthPark Mall location, Swarovski currently has one
additional location in Charlotte, NC and two other locations in North
Carolina.

About Swarovski
In 1895, Daniel Swarovski, a Bohemian inventor and visionary, moved to
the village of Wattens, Tyrol in Austria, with his newly-invented
machine for cutting and polishing crystal jewelry stones. From this
beginning that revolutionized the fashion world, Swarovski has grown
to be the world's leading producer of precision-cut crystal for
fashion, jewelry and more recently lighting, architecture and
interiors. Today, the company, still family-owned and run by 5th
generation family members, has a global reach with some 26,100
employees, a presence in over 120 countries and a turnover in 2011 of
2.22 billion Euros. Swarovski comprises two major businesses, one
producing and selling loose elements to the industry and the other
creating design-driven finished products. Swarovski crystals have
become an essential ingredient of international design. Since 1965 the
company has also catered to the fine jewelry industry with precision-
cut genuine gemstones and created stones. Showing the creativity that
lies at the heart of the company, Swarovski's own brand lines of
accessories, jewelry and home décor items are sold through more than
2,200 retail outlets worldwide. The Swarovski Crystal Society has
close to 300,000 members across the world, keen collectors of the
celebrated crystal figurines. And in Wattens, Swarovski
Kristallwelten, the multi-media crystal museum, was opened in 1995 as
a celebration of Swarovski's universe of innovation and inspiration.

Mattress Firm Opens New Store in Concord

Mattress Firm, Inc., one of the nation's largest specialty mattress
retailers, has announced the opening of a new location in Concord,
North Carolina. The new 4,000 square foot store is located at 8561
Concord Mills Boulevard, Suite 301C.

"We are thrilled to be opening a new location in Concord and look
forward to offering our customers the same great shopping experience
they have come to expect at our other locations throughout North
Carolina," said Steve Stagner, Mattress Firm's chief executive
officer. "Our goal is to make the experience of shopping for a new
mattress as simple and rewarding a process as possible, and with our
unparalleled selection and knowledgeable staff we will do just that."

Mattress Firm stores feature more than 55 different models of
mattresses from top manufacturers such as Sealy, Serta and Simmons.
Specialty mattress and bedding products incorporating the latest sleep
technology are also on display, including pressure relieving
mattresses from Tempur-Pedic.

The store design is centered around Mattress Firm's "Comfort by Color"
concept, which allows customers to easily move throughout the store to
browse and compare the different styles and brands based on the
comfort level of the mattress: Firm (Yellow), Plush (Orange), Pillow
Top (Red), Contoured (Green) and Personalized (Blue).

The new store is open seven days a week: 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.,
Monday – Saturday; 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. – Sunday. The new store
will also offer the company's Happiness Guarantee, which covers the
lowest price, comfort and excellent service or your money back.
Mattress Firm stands behind their happiness guarantee and is committed
to making sure their customers sleep happy.


About Mattress Firm
Houston-based Mattress Firm (NASDAQ: MFRM) is a high growth specialty
retailer, recognized as one of the nation's largest specialty bedding
companies, offering a broad selection of both traditional and
specialty mattresses, bedding accessories and related products from
leading manufacturers. With more than 800 stores across 26 states,
Mattress Firm has the largest geographic footprint in the United
States among mattress specialty retailers. Mattress Firm offers
customers comfortable store environments, guarantees on price, comfort
and service, and highly-trained sales professionals.
More information at www.mattressfirm.com

Electro Adhesion Products in Charlotte to Distribute New JuStick Display Boards for the Home and Office

Electro Adhesion Products, LLC in Charlotte is now distributing
JuStick display boards to major retailers in the United States. The
innovative bulletin boards feature electro adhesion technology that
holds flat objects including paper, cardboard, photos, plastic and
CD's evenly and firmly across its surface without the use of pins,
tape, glue or magnets. From small desktop boards to blackboards to
large display boards, JuStick's electro adhesion products come in a
variety of sizes and are suitable for the home and office, as well as
educational and retail spaces.

JuStick International (Pty) Ltd developed and patented the electro
adhesion surface, a non-magnetic and non-invasive force that firmly
holds items in place all on their own. These innovative JuStick
products are designed to replace the traditional bulletin boards,
magnet boards and white boards that require pins, magnets, tape, etc.
to be effective.

The JuStick home and office products currently available to retailers
include:

• JuStick Desktop Stand, a versatile table-top desk organizer,
transcription holder, advertising display unit or corporate gift, with
a durable plastic surface perfect for use in small offices, home and
training centers.

• JuStick Lite Blackboard, a multipurpose notice, display and
bulletin board. This black display board comes with durable standard
aluminum frame to mount with ease on walls. Perfect to use in any
office, small business, home, education center, training facility or
call center.

• JuStick 2-in-1 Interactive White Board, a useful teaching,
training and corporate meeting aide. With clear PC overlay for
superior illustrations, display and interaction capabilities, this
board is perfect for use in any corporate, training, educational,
school, home, office, small business or board room.

• JuStick Expo System, a modular, easy to assemble, portable,
mobile, lightweight display system for professionals on the go. It
comes in three or six quick-fold JuStick panels with a durable
carrying bag. A perfect trade show and training display surface.

• JuStick Strip, a great solution for securing and displaying large
drawings and flip chart sheets in boardrooms, meeting rooms and class
rooms. This narrow 8″ high by 48″ long black durable plastic can
be mounted horizontal with ease or on walls with double sided tape.

• JuStick Manager Board, an innovative display solution for
retailers and convenience stores to display their current advertising
flyers and newspaper inserts while utilizing the built in basket
system for customers to pick up their copy while shopping.

• JuStick Lobby Stand is ideal for use in business lobbies,
restaurants, hotels or cafeterias where quick-display is required for
all to see.

"This product is incredible in both its usefulness and simplicity and
has received a lot of fanfare at trade shows both in the U.S. and
internationally," said Lou Amico, president of Eletctro Adhesion
Products. "Through our U.S. distribution center, we are able to make
JuStick products more widely available to retailers."

JuStick products have received several prestigious awards for
innovative product development from the Invention and New Product
Exposition:

• Innovative excellence in the category of Office Supplies and
Stationery

• XEROX Innovation Award

• Overall Grand Prix first runner up for all inventions, in all
categories.

JuStick was also a finalist for the Technology Top 100 award for
excellence in management of innovation.

More information on the JuStick display boards can be found on their
website at www.ElectroAdhesionProducts.com or by calling (800) 651-7818.

Charlotte Business-Career Coach Presents Workshop On "Secrets To Landing The Job You Desire"

"Secrets To Landing The Job You Desire" is the title of a workshop to
be presented by Charlotte business/career coach Deborah Jackson at the
Charlotte City Club, 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. Wednesday August 29.

"This will be a radical, three-hour, highly engaging and interactive
workshop for anyone in search of a job, preparing to interview for a
job, or seeking to move internally to a different job," explained
Jackson, president of Harobed Inc. "This workshop is designed to
change your mindset, help you become more prepared, to be more in
control of the process, and to increase your odds dramatically for
getting the callback and landing the job."

Seating at the event, at 121 W. Trade St., Suite 3100, is limited to
50 people. Early bird registration before Aug. 23 as well as for City
Club members is $50, and afterwards $75. Register online at: http://wwwharobedinc.eventbrite.com
.

"After 20 years in corporate America, coaching, training, speaking and
facilitating for hundreds of professionals and executives across the
country, I have learned a lot and look forward to sharing key insights
with workshop participants," Jackson said. "I have been an interviewer
and interviewee successfully hiring top candidates and being recruited
by top organizations. I know what they're looking for; I understand
the question behind the question; I know the scoring processes. And
while every industry may be unique, the principles for interviewing
and communicating effectively are largely the same."

Learn more about Jackson and her company at http://www.harobedinc.com.

Charlotte Regional Partnership hires Utah economic developer as VP

Michael Flynn will be joining the Charlotte Regional Partnership on
August 20 as vice president of economic development services. Most
recently he was vice president of proactive recruitment at the
Economic Development Corporation of Utah. Flynn also served as
research manager, director of existing business and vice president of
public development for the organization. Before joining EDCUtah, Flynn
worked in the marketing department at the Newspaper Agency
Corporation, the advertising, production and distribution company
associated with The Salt Lake Tribune and Deseret News. Flynn has a
bachelor's degree in marketing from the University of Utah and an MBA
from Westminster College.

Uptown Wild Wing Cafe will Re-open Under Corporate Ownership

Wild Wing Cafe ("Wild Wing"), a portfolio company of Axum Capital
Partners, today announced that it will be converting its Charlotte,
NC, EpiCentre location from a franchised restaurant to a corporate-
owned and managed operation.

As part of Wild Wing's strategy to revitalize key locations across the
country, the EpiCentre location will undergo remodeling through August
23, in time for the Democratic National Convention.

"The EpiCentre is an important location for us, and we look forward to
continuing to provide our customers with a great dining and
entertainment experience at this location and across our entire
system," said Muhsin "Moose" Muhammad II, a managing director at
Charlotte-based Axum Capital Partners, the private equity firm that
acquired Wild Wing in January.

Wild Wing Cafe currently has 34 restaurants across the Carolinas,
Georgia, Tennessee, Virginia, Texas, and Florida. Since its inception
in 1990, Wild Wing has established a strong brand based on its ability
to offer consumers high-quality food at attractive prices. Building
on this strong platform, Wild Wing is poised for substantial growth
over the next several months.

"We're totally bullish on the Charlotte market," said Wild Wing Cafe
CEO William E. Prather. "The EpiCentre location has especially strong
potential because of the uptown sports activities and its proximity to
the light rail line."

Other Wild Wing Cafes in Charlotte are located in the Ayrsley (South
Tryon Street at I-485) and the University City area (West Mallard
Creek Church Road).

The planned remodeling will include relocation of the performance
stage to further enhance the restaurant's entertainment component,
which features live local and national bands, as well as other
improvements aimed at providing a great customer experience. "Wild
Wing Cafe is also known for its sports emphasis, which will be
highlighted in the remodeled restaurant," said Muhammad, a former pro
football player for the Chicago Bears and the Carolina Panthers.

Axum Capital Partners focuses on making strategic equity investments
in lower middle market privately held businesses across North America.
Axum's target markets include fast-casual or differentiated-casual
restaurants, early childhood educational services, and other markets
that share similar fundamental characteristics. The firm was co-
founded by Muhsin Muhammad, II (former Chicago Bear and Carolina
Panther), Edna Morris (former president of Red Lobster and Quincy's
Family Steakhouse), Raymond C. Groth (former head of mergers and
acquisitions at First Union/Wachovia Securities, now Wells Fargo), and
Denis Ackah-Yensu (formerly with McColl Partners and Citigroup). For
more information visit: www.axum-partners.com.

InChem Corp. Names New Director Of Asian Sales & Marketing

Chris Joe, an experienced sales representative for InChem Phenoxy
Resins in South Korea, has been named Director of Asian Sales and
Marketing for phenoxy manufacturer InChem Corp. of Rock Hill, S.C.,
effective immediately.

Joe, whose Korean name is Joe Namsok, has been selling phenoxy resins
for InChem Corp. in Korea for 10 years, concentrating on paint,
coatings and adhesive applications.

"Chris has done an outstanding job for us in Korea, and he was a
natural choice for us to further expand our sales throughout Asia,"
said Jim Werkmeister, Director of Sales for the Phenoxy Division of
InChem Corp. "We are finding growing interest in and demand for
phenoxy as Asian countries develop and expand rapidly."

Phenoxy resins are tough, flexible, clear thermoplastics used in such
demanding technologies as composites, adhesives and coatings for
aerospace, automotive, electronics, engineered plastics, packaging and
consumer goods applications.

Chris Joe majored in chemistry at Myongji University in South Korea
and received a master's degree in management information systems at
Ajou University. He has worked for Korean chemical manufacturers and
distributors since 1995.

InChem Corp. provides custom, contract and toll manufacturing of
specialty chemicals to many of the world's leading chemical companies.
InChem is also the only licensed manufacturer of phenoxy in the world.
Learn more at http://www.phenoxy.com and http://www.inchemcorp.com.

Wendell Roth Named Director of Business Development At InChem Corp., Rock Hill, SC

Wendell Roth III, an experienced sales and marketing executive with
over 20 years in the chemical and plastic industries, has been named
Director of Business Development for InChem Corp., a chemical
manufacturer in Rock Hill, S.C.

Roth held positions of increasing responsibility at The Dow Chemical
Company in the Liquid Separations Group focused on high purity water
solutions. At DSM Fine Chemicals, a Dutch company, he gained
international experience while living in Europe, and had North
American commercial responsibilities for custom synthesis products,
and North American marketing responsibilities for nutritional
supplements.

He was Vice President, Sales & Marketing at DanChem Technologies,
Inc., where he participated in a leveraged buyout, and was
instrumental in the turnaround and eventual sale of the company in 2008.

Most recently, Roth started Waterra in Greensboro, N.C., to provide a
solution for the tens of billions of plastic bottles discarded
annually. Waterra provides environmentally-friendly purified water
dispensers that require the consumer to utilize a reusable water
bottle or container and eliminates the problem of single use plastic
bottles. The company's scope also broadened to providing a healthier
alternative to the sugared and diet beverages packaged in plastic
bottles.

Roth is past President of The Racemics, a New York based industry
group. He graduated in 1988 with a Bachelor of Industrial Engineering
from The Georgia Institute of Technology. He lives with his wife,
Cindy, and three children in Greensboro, and volunteers for various
charities in the Triad.

"Wendell has an excellent background in sales and marketing for the
custom and toll chemical manufacturing industry in which we operate,"
said Steve Crownshaw, President and CEO of InChem Corp. "As demand for
our services and facilities continue to grow, he will be a valuable
addition to our team, enabling us to be more responsive to current
customers and to secure new ones."

InChem Corporation of Rock Hill, S.C., provides custom, contract and
toll manufacturing of specialty chemicals to many of the world's
leading chemical companies. InChem is also a leading global supplier
of Phenoxy resins, which are high-value-added products used in such
demanding technologies as composites, adhesives and coatings for
aerospace, automotive, electronics, engineered plastics, packaging and
consumer goods applications. Learn more at http://www.inchemcorp.com

Charlotte Attorney Heidi Royal Named 'Young Lawyer of the Year' by Mecklenburg County Bar

Heidi E. Royal, a shareholder with Robinson Bradshaw & Hinson, P.A.,
is the recipient of the Mecklenburg County Bar's "Young Lawyer of the
Year" award for 2011-12.

Royal is a board certified specialist in estate planning and probate
law whose practice focuses in the area of trusts and estates, with an
emphasis on tax and estate planning for high net worth families. In
addition, Royal has significant experience in assisting clients in
navigating the complexities of the probate process. Her tax law
practice includes the preparation of federal and state estate and gift
tax returns as well as fiduciary income tax returns. She also
represents estates under audit with the Internal Revenue Service.

Recipients of the Young Lawyer of the Year award are selected based on
outstanding overall contributions to the Mecklenburg County Bar, as
well as to the practice of law, the community and clients.

This is the second consecutive year a Robinson Bradshaw lawyer has
been honored with this designation from the Mecklenburg County Bar.
Jennifer Csik Hutchens was the recipient for 2010-11.

At Robinson Bradshaw, Royal serves on the firm's recruiting committee.
She is actively involved with on-campus and in-office interviews with
potential summer associates and lateral candidates. During the summer
associate program, Royal serves as a co-chair "work coordinator" in
which she oversees the summer associates' work experiences and
opportunities while they are at the firm.

In addition to participating in the recruiting efforts at her firm,
Royal is an advocate for increasing summer associate opportunities for
law students of diverse backgrounds. She is actively involved with the
Mecklenburg County Bar's Charlotte Legal Diversity Clerkship (CLDC)
program, and participates in interviewing and selecting applicants for
the program. Robinson Bradshaw has placed CLDC participants every
summer since the program's inception and has made offers to three
alumni from the program for permanent positions.

Royal has demonstrated her commitment to public service through her
involvement with the Charlotte Women's Bar since 2007. She served as a
co-chair of the public service committee for two years, during which
time she organized community service opportunities for female lawyers
to participate in throughout the year. Royal's volunteerism includes
extensive pro bono efforts as well. She has provided pro bono legal
services through the Low Income Taxpayer Clinic, Legal Services for
the Elderly and the Wills for Heroes program.

Royal earned her law degree from the University of Georgia, where she
graduated summa cum laude, Order of the Coif, and was a notes editor
of the Georgia Law Review. She received her bachelor's degree from
Rhodes College, where she graduated magna cum laude and was selected
for Phi Beta Kappa.

Robinson Bradshaw is a corporate and commercial law firm with more
than 130 attorneys. For more than 50 years the firm has provided
clients with comprehensive legal services of the highest quality. The
firm has offices in Charlotte, the Research Triangle and Rock Hill,
South Carolina. On the Web at www.rbh.com.

Charlotte Chamber Hires New European Recruiter

The Charlotte Chamber of Commerce announced June 21 that it has hired
Sven Gerzer as vice president of economic development/European sector.
He will succeed Justin Hunt, who retires at the end of June after 18
years of service with the chamber.

Most recently, Gerzer has held the post of director of the State of
West Virginia's European office in Munich, Germany. He has worked in
economic development for West Virginia for nearly 10 years and managed
the office for seven years. He also currently serves as vice president
of the Council of American States in Europe, representing the
interests of all American states in Europe with national, regional and
local governments as well as industry associations.

"We are pleased to have found someone with Sven's background to fill
this very important role on our economic development team," said Bob
Morgan, president of the Charlotte Chamber. "Sven brings a dynamic
personality and a knowledge base to our team that will enable
Charlotte to continue its success in recruiting European companies,"
he added.

Gerzer is a native of Munich and holds a B.A. and an M.A. in
International Studies from the University of South Carolina. He is
bilingual in German and English.

In his role with the chamber, he will be tasked with developing leads
and recruiting in Europe and India as well as attracting U.S. domestic
companies. The chamber has a firm commitment to recruitment in Europe
and Asia with two economic development staff members focused on those
efforts.

Gerzer will begin his employment with the chamber on September 1 and
will work in Germany until he and his wife, Preeti, relocate to
Charlotte in early October.