The Charlotte Ledger Podcast

For many people in Western North Carolina, everything changed on Friday, Sept. 27, 2024.Hurricane Helene brought record levels of rainfall, reaching as high as 30 inches in some places and triggering massive flooding and mudslides. Roads, buildings, trees, power lines and entire water systems were wiped out, affecting hundreds of thousands of people. More than 90 people died in North Carolina.In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Ledger editor Tony Mecia talks with Ledger staff reporter Lindsey Banks about the storm and its aftermath. Banks is a Buncombe County native with close ties to Western North Carolina, and she spearheads The Ledger's Mountain Updates newsletter. The Ledger created it in September 2024 as a pop-up (temporary) newsletter focused on the crisis and recovery in the North Carolina mountains.The two talk about her experience growing up in the mountains, what it was like seeing her hometown destroyed by the hurricane, what her friends and family have described in the aftermath and the experience of reporting and writing about the mountains.All issues of Mountain Updates can be found online here. If you’re not on The Ledger’s email list, you can sign up for Mountain Updates and other newsletters at TheCharlotteLedger.com. Ledger subscribers can sign up for Mountain Updates on their account settings page.This podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.For more information about The Charlotte Ledger, or to sign up for our newsletters, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

The Charlotte region is on track to lose about 19,400 acres of farmland by 2040. The Carolina Farms Fund aims to prevent that.The Carolina Farms Fund is a new initiative from the Conservation Fund, a national nonprofit dedicated to environmental preservation and economic development. The Carolina Farms Fund aims to protect 5,000 acres in the Charlotte region as working farms and to match farmers to those properties with a path toward ownership.The fund was started in November of 2023 by Tim Belk, the former chairman and CEO of Belk. Belk’s passion for farming comes from the organic farm he started with his wife, Sarah, in 2017, called Wild Hope Farm, in Chester.On this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, staff writer Lindsey Banks sits down to talk to Tim Belk, fund program manager Aaron Newton, and Cherie Jzar, who co-owns Deep Roots CPS Farm, which was the first farm to partner with the Carolina Farms Fund, with her husband, Wisdom. They discuss how the fund works and why preserving local farmland is important. This podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.For more information about The Charlotte Ledger, or to sign up for our newsletters, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

In this special episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Ledger editor Tony Mecia and elections specialist Sucharita Kodali quickly break down the 14 statewide races on the 2024 general election ballot.In less than 10 minutes, they zip through the races that will be on the ballot for every North Carolinian: the Council of State — including races for governor, lieutenant governor, agriculture commissioner and so on — as well as statewide judicial races and a constitutional amendment.Check out the accompanying 10-minute podcast on the Mecklenburg ballot.For full details on the candidates and the races, be sure to check out the Charlotte Ledger Election Hub at NCElectionHub.com. It has brief biographies of 200 candidates in five Charlotte-area counties (Mecklenburg, Union, Gaston, Cabarrus and Iredell), as well as links to candidate questionnaires and articles from other media.The goal is to provide you with trustworthy, unbiased information you can use to cast your vote.Find out more about The Charlotte Ledger at TheCharlotteLedger.com.This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

In this special episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Ledger editor Tony Mecia and elections specialist Sucharita Kodali quickly break down the Mecklenburg County ballot, including state legislative races, county commissioner races, local judicial elections and bonds.In less than 10 minutes, they zip through the under-the-radar races that many voters haven’t considered but will find on the ballot.Check out the accompanying 10-minute podcast on statewide races, such as those for governor, lieutenant governor, insurance commissioner and attorney general.For full details on the candidates and the races, be sure to check out the Charlotte Ledger Election Hub at NCElectionHub.com. It has brief biographies of 200 candidates in five Charlotte-area counties (Mecklenburg, Union, Gaston, Cabarrus and Iredell), as well as links to candidate questionnaires and articles from other media.The goal is to provide you with trustworthy, unbiased information you can use to cast your vote.Find out more about The Charlotte Ledger at TheCharlotteLedger.com.This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

In 2019, Melissa Sutherland made a dramatic career shift, leaving her role as a bank executive at Bank of America to join Best Impressions Catering as the company’s chief operating and financial officer. Her move from a global financial institution to a small catering business offered her the chance to take her expertise to a new industry, she says, helping the company expand from a single location in Charlotte to three, including Raleigh and Charleston.But just as she was settling into her new role, the Covid pandemic hit.Facing a sudden halt in operations, Sutherland and her team pivoted to launch "Table & Twine," a home delivery service that helped keep staff employed and kitchens running during the shutdowns. Today, Table & Twine remains a successful arm of Combined Caterers, showing how innovation during a crisis can create lasting change.In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Sutherland talks with host Steve Dunn about the transition from a big banking job to a small catering company, the challenges of navigating a small business through the pandemic, what she learned from watching Hugh McColl, former CEO and president of Bank of America, and more.Sutherland was a recipient of The Ledger’s 40 Over 40 Award in 2024. The awards celebrate often unheralded people over the age of 40 who are making important contributions to Charlotte.This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is presented by Trinity Episcopal School, marking 25 years of creating scholars, nurturing spirituality and embracing diversity in Charlotte's center city. Trinity offers a unique K-8 curriculum with a focus on critical thinking, curiosity about the world around us, and service to the community. Learn more about the admission process for the 2025-26 school year and register for an open house at TESCharlotte.org.For more information about The Charlotte Ledger, or to sign up for our newsletters, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com. This episode is part of a series in which we interview winners of The Charlotte Ledger 40 Over 40 Awards, which honor people aged 40+ who are making our community a better place. Find out information about those awards at Ledger40Over40.com.This podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Many children who are on the autism spectrum or have ADHD also have anxiety or depression, and parents caring for those children experience high stress.Diane Reid Lyon’s goal is to help parents not feel quite so alone while finding ways to help their kids. As a licensed clinical mental health counselor for more than three decades, she's helped hundreds of children, teens and adults find growth and healing while dealing with challenges like ADHD, anxiety, depression, grief and trauma. So, she's written a book, “Caring for Yourself - Caring for Your Neurodivergent Child,” to help walk parents through the journey from how to get a child tested for neurodivergence to learning how to support them.On this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Ledger managing editor Cristina Bolling sits down with Reid to discuss her book and the importance of understanding your child’s diagnosis, navigating school systems designed for neurotypical students, and avoiding “parent burnout” and loneliness.This podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.For more information about The Charlotte Ledger, or to sign up for our newsletters, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Hugh McColl Jr. is a Charlotte household name. As the former chairman and CEO of Bank of America, McColl was a major player in consolidating the banking industry in the 1980s and 1990s that has transformed Charlotte into the financial hub it is today. He was also apart of the group of influential Charlotte leaders that pushed to improve the arts and revitalize uptown.On September 17, 2024, McColl, 89, was interviewed in front of an audience at Queens University of Charlotte at an event called “Legacy of Leadership: A Conversation with Hugh McColl.” The Charlotte Ledger received permission from Queens to share the audio of the 30-minute conversation on this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast.At the event, McColl discussed his background, his leadership style, what it was like running one of the country’s biggest banks and his advice for success. He was interviewed by Will Sparks, who is the Dennis Thompson chair and professor of leadership at the McColl School of Business at Queens University of Charlotte.McColl spoke on the occasion of the launch of a newly designed MBA program from the McColl School of Business. The school describes the McColl MBA as a “dynamic program tailored to meet the evolving needs of Charlotte’s professional community,” and one that offers “unparalleled flexibility, field-based consulting experiences, networking opportunities and a strong leadership focus inspired by McColl himself.” You can find out more about it at www.queens.edu/mba.(Photo on podcast: courtesy of Queens University of Charlotte)This podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.For more information about The Charlotte Ledger, or to sign up for our newsletters, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Nate Negrin, owner of SouthernEEZ Landscaping, discusses the rapid evolution of the landscaping industry. Once viewed as a basic service, landscaping now involves advanced technology, sustainability practices and professional expertise. Negrin shares his journey from banking to landscaping, the challenges he faced early on, and the emerging trends such as robo-mowers and corporate consolidations. He also highlights the increasing demand for eco-friendly solutions and offers tips for keeping lawns healthy.This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is presented by Trinity Episcopal School, marking 25 years of creating scholars, nurturing spirituality and embracing diversity in Charlotte's center city. Trinity offers a unique K-8 curriculum with a focus on critical thinking, curiosity about the world around us, and service to the community. Learn more about the admission process for the 2025-26 school year and register for an open house at TESCharlotte.org.This podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.For more information about The Charlotte Ledger, or to sign up for our newsletters, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

In a pivotal moment for Charlotte’s University City, Keith Stanley, the newly appointed president and CEO of University City Partners, is bringing a fresh vision to the area. Having transitioned from his role in Milwaukee’s Near West Side Partners, Stanley has been focused on leveraging his experience to enhance the vibrancy and functionality of northeast Charlotte.In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Stanley discusses the changes afoot in University City, economic trends, development hotspots, arts and cultural events, the importance of UNC Charlotte and the plans for growth in the area. You can find out more about University City Partners at universitycitypartners.org.This episode is sponsored by HopeWay, a nonprofit mental health organization offering life-changing treatment and education. On Wednesday, September 18, 2024, HopeWay is hosting an evening with Alexi Pappas, an acclaimed Olympian, bestselling author and filmmaker, who will share her story of mental resilience and the lessons she learned along the way. To purchase tickets, visit hopeway.org.This podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.For more information about The Charlotte Ledger, or to sign up for our newsletters, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

David Cronenberg’s “Dead Ringers” was an eye-opening film for Brad Ritter. He first saw the horror movie in 1988 alongside college friends — and he hasn’t been able to bring himself to watch it since.“Dead Ringers” exposed Ritter to the world of immersive film, and although he didn’t know it at the time, it would lead to his current role as the executive director of Charlotte’s only arthouse theater and nonprofit, Independent Picture House, located in NoDa.On this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Ritter shares his take on movie soundtracks, the closure of Charlotte's former arthouse theater called Manor Theatre, how Independent Picture House has found success and what's in the nonprofit's future.Ritter was a recipient of The Ledger’s 40 Over 40 Award in 2024. The awards celebrate often unheralded people over the age of 40 who are making important contributions to Charlotte.This podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.For more information about The Charlotte Ledger, or to sign up for our newsletters, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com. This episode is part of a series in which we interview winners of The Charlotte Ledger 40 Over 40 Awards, which honor people aged 40+ who are making our community a better place. Find out information about those awards at Ledger40Over40.com.This episode is sponsored by HopeWay, a nonprofit mental health organization offering life-changing treatment and education. On Wednesday, September 18, 2024, HopeWay is hosting an evening with Alexi Pappas, an acclaimed Olympian, bestselling author and filmmaker, who will share her story of mental resilience and the lessons she learned along the way. To purchase tickets, visit hopeway.org. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

While some Charlotteans might struggle to list even 50 must-do activities in the city, Axios reporter Brianna Crane faced the opposite challenge. In her new book, “100 Things to Do in Charlotte Before You Die,” narrowing it down to just 100 was the hard part.In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Crane talks with The Ledger's Tony Mecia about the challenges and excitement of curating a list that captures the essence of the city, balancing beloved staples with hidden gems that even longtime residents might not know. They also discuss advice for newcomers, what makes Charlotte distinctive from other cities and the process of writing a book.This episode is sponsored by HopeWay, a nonprofit mental health organization offering life-changing treatment and education. On Wednesday, September 18, 2024, HopeWay is hosting an evening with Alexi Pappas, an acclaimed Olympian, bestselling author and filmmaker, who will share her story of mental resilience and the lessons she learned along the way. To purchase tickets, visit hopeway.org.This podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.For more information about The Charlotte Ledger, or to sign up for our newsletters, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Effective leadership is key to building a thriving work environment and driving team success. Paulette Ashlin, founder and president of Ashlin Associates, is an executive and business coach with a knack for transforming workplace dynamics. With a career spanning various industries, she works to help leaders and teams thrive.In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Ashlin talks with The Ledger's Tony Mecia about the art of effective leadership and positive accountability. She shares insights and leadership tips from her latest book, “Five Actions of Positive Accountability,” explaining how clear expectations, constructive feedback and understanding individual motivations can significantly boost team performance.She also discusses the importance of emotional intelligence and adaptive communication, the 360-degree feedback process, how to have hard conversations, challenges of accountability, feedback techniques leaders can employ in their workplace and generational differences in what employees might need.This episode is sponsored by HopeWay, a nonprofit mental health organization offering life-changing treatment and education. On Wednesday, September 18, 2024, HopeWay is hosting an evening with Alexi Pappas, an acclaimed Olympian, bestselling author and filmmaker, who will share her story of mental resilience and the lessons she learned along the way. To purchase tickets, visit hopeway.org.This podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.For more information about The Charlotte Ledger, or to sign up for our newsletters, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Charlotte's Plaza Midwood neighborhood is often known for its bars and restaurants. But it's more than that: As one of Charlotte's historic streetcar suburbs, Plaza Midwood is a diverse community that stays close-knit. It's also undergoing a lot of change.In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, host Steve Dunn — a Plaza Midwood resident — talks with neighborhood leader Phil Gussman about the changes afoot in Plaza Midwood and what makes the area special. As the founder of Gussman Consulting, Gussman has made a significant impact on the nonprofit sector, but his influence extends into spearheading community initiatives, advocating for smart development and ensuring that Plaza Midwood remains a vibrant, connected neighborhood.From social districts to innovative transit solutions, Gussman is at the heart of making Plaza Midwood more livable and enjoyable. He discusses Plaza Midwood’s identity as a neighborhood in Charlotte, the importance of community involvement in addressing neighborhood issues, and what current and future neighborhood initiatives are in the works.Gussman was a recipient of The Ledger’s 40 Over 40 Award in 2024. The awards celebrate often unheralded people over the age of 40 who are making important contributions to Charlotte.This podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.For more information about The Charlotte Ledger, or to sign up for our newsletters, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com. This episode is part of a series in which we interview winners of The Charlotte Ledger 40 Over 40 Awards, which honor people aged 40+ who are making our community a better place. Find out information about those awards at Ledger40Over40.com. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

What started as a small Charlotte restaurant in 1977 has since grown into a beloved brand with over 800 locations across 17 states, known for its fried chicken, biscuits and sweet tea.That’s right, today we’re talking about Bojangles.In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Ledger editor Tony Mecia talks with Bojangles' chief marketing officer Tom Boland about how the chicken chain stays relevant in a fiercely competitive industry, how it innovates its menu and the thinking behind its expansion beyond the Southeast.We talk Bo-Berries, sports marketing, customer menu hacks that evolved into menu items, the "Bo-linda" AI drive-thru chatbot, UNC Chapel Hill's "biscuit boys," tailgating strategy, data analytics in fast food, the power of the WWE and many other intriguing topics.This podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.For more information about The Charlotte Ledger, or to sign up for our newsletters, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Since 2018, developer Northwood Office has been working on an ambitious plan to remake the center of Ballantyne with its Ballantyne Reimagined project. Now, the effort on the 535-acre Ballantyne Corporate Park is bearing fruit, with restaurants and retailers opening on the former golf course of The Ballantyne hotel.Leading the effort has been John Barton, president of Northwood Office. In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Barton shares insights into the project, how and why it came together and what comes next. Also: Is Charlotte is becoming the next Atlanta?BONUS EPISODE: If you want additional insights, check out The Ledger's bonus subscriber-only podcast with John Barton, in which he discusses the state of the commercial real estate industry and how Northwood is responding to recent challenges in the office sector.This podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.For more information about The Charlotte Ledger, or to sign up for our newsletters, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com.This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

From the challenges of scaling and fundraising to the critical need for financial sustainability, business principles can drive nonprofit success.Raj Merchant serves as chair of Feeding Charlotte, a nonprofit that provides nutritious food for those in need. He also serves on the boards of Helping Education and the Kenan-Flagler Business School. In his day job, he’s the director in data and analytics at Perficient, a leading global technology consulting firm serving Fortune 1000 customers. In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Merchant talks about the intersection of entrepreneurship and social impact. He also discusses similarities between early-stage nonprofits and startups, challenges in early-stage nonprofits, and the importance of diverse funding streams.Merchant received The Ledger’s 40 Over 40 Award in 2023. The awards celebrate often unheralded people over the age of 40 who are making important contributions to Charlotte.This podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.For more information about The Charlotte Ledger, or to sign up for our newsletters, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com. This episode is part of a series in which we interview winners of The Charlotte Ledger 40 Over 40 Awards, which honor people aged 40+ who are making our community a better place. Find out information about those awards at Ledger40Over40.com. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Electric vehicles (EVs) have slowly been taking over the roads of Charlotte. Many people have traded in their transmission cars for one that is more environmentally friendly and offers a quieter and smoother driving experience.After a year of driving a Ford Mustang Mach-E, Mark Gustafson, an attorney and mediator with Bell, Davis and Pitt, says he will never go back to a gasoline-reliant car. Gustafson even has written an article about what he calls his "personal social experiment" to see if the touted range anxiety and other concerns about EVs held true.On this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Gustafson sits down with Ledger podcast host Steve Dunn, who also drives an electric vehicle, to bust some EV myths and talk about the advantages and disadvantages of electric vehicles. This podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.For more information about The Charlotte Ledger, or to sign up for our newsletters, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com.This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Speak to any nonprofit leader, and you'll frequently hear about the difficulties of delivering essential community services while also handling the operational aspects necessary for growth and stability.This is where skilled volunteering becomes invaluable. Skilled volunteering enables volunteers to contribute their expertise and professional experience to charities. For instance, a nonprofit might need assistance with website design but lacks the staff, time or funds to accomplish it. In such cases, a skilled volunteer proficient in web design can step in to fulfill that need.On this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Ledger managing editor Cristina Bolling talks to the leaders of three Charlotte area nonprofits about the topic of skilled volunteering and how it's made a difference in their organizations. The guests are Angie Bush, CEO of Hospitality House, Pete Vacho, vice president of operations for Veterans Bridge Home, and Kim Lanphear, CEO of Apparo. This podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.Today’s episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is sponsored by Apparo, a Charlotte-based nonprofit that supports other nonprofits through technology and business process improvement. As a community connector, Apparo now hosts the Blue Diamond Awards, Charlotte's prestigious award series that recognizes organizations and individuals innovatively using tech to better achieve their mission or business goals.For more information about The Charlotte Ledger, or to sign up for our newsletters, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Michael Bay was born in a small village in Mesopotamia. Despite his humble beginnings, his ambitions took him far beyond the borders of his village. From helping tourists as a young boy to moving to London driven by the dream of a better life, Bay’s path has been anything but conventional.In London, he started from scratch, washing dishes before venturing into import-export businesses, and later navigating the challenges of mad cow disease that disrupted his thriving beef trade. His journey continued across numerous countries, including Japan, South Africa and Russia, before he ultimately found a new home and purpose in the United States.Today, Bay is owner of Merino Mill in Mooresville and three restaurants, The Barcelona Burger & Beer Garden, Alino Pizzeria and Picasso Taqueria. He also owns The Barcelona Burger in Winston-Salem.On this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Bay discusses his journey to becoming a successful entrepreneur and the lessons he's learned along the way. Bay was a recipient of The Ledger’s 40 Over 40 Award in 2024. The awards celebrate often unheralded people over the age of 40 who are making important contributions to Charlotte.This podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.Today’s episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is sponsored by SouthPark Community Partners, an independent nonprofit organization whose mission is to lead SouthPark's advancement by driving economic vitality, creating memorable experiences, and ensuring an extraordinary quality of life.For more information about The Charlotte Ledger, or to sign up for our newsletters, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com. This episode is part of a series in which we interview winners of The Charlotte Ledger 40 Over 40 Awards, which honor people aged 40+ who are making our community a better place. Find out information about those awards at Ledger40Over40.com. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

You might be surprised by how many brides still flip through the glossy pages of wedding magazines to gather inspiration for their big day, says Charlotte-based wedding photographer Robert Burns II.But as with many types of publications, bridal magazines are increasingly moving to digital formats — swapping that satisfying page-turn with a swift click. Burns recently ventured into the world of digital publishing himself, with his new annual bridal publication, BRIDE Magazine.On this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Robert talks with the Ledger’s Cristina Bolling about what inspired him to launch Bride Magazine, what's trending in wedding photography, locations and styles, as well as tips for couples planning their big day.This podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.Today’s episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is sponsored by SouthPark Community Partners, an independent nonprofit organization whose mission is to lead SouthPark's advancement by driving economic vitality, creating memorable experiences, and ensuring an extraordinary quality of life.For more information about The Charlotte Ledger, or to sign up for our newsletters, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

As chair of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Planning Commission, Douglas Welton has a front-row seat to the complexities of Charlotte's rapid growth. In his role, he faces the challenges and opportunities presented by the city’s expansion, engaging with developers, city staff and residents alike.Welton's tenure has been marked by a focus on increasing housing supply, advocating for density in appropriate areas and fostering community involvement. His vision for Charlotte's future is one of thoughtful growth, ensuring that the city remains vibrant and inclusive while addressing the practical realities of urban expansion.On this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Welton talks with the Ledger’s Tony Mecia about Charlotte's rapid growth, affordable housing challenges, transportation issues, public safety and future planning strategies to ensure balanced development and community well-being.This podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.Today’s episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is sponsored by SouthPark Community Partners, an independent nonprofit organization whose mission is to lead SouthPark's advancement by driving economic vitality, creating memorable experiences, and ensuring an extraordinary quality of life.For more information about The Charlotte Ledger, or to sign up for our newsletters, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

In his day job, Brian Kahn is the Charlotte office managing partner at McGuireWoods. But Brian also has a side-hustle: He is a founder, writer and co-producer of "Charlotte Squawks," a long-running and critically acclaimed comedy stage show poking fun at local politics, pop culture and sports.On this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Kahn discusses the importance of creativity and humor in law and theater, and how he balances both of his passions. He also gives a glimpse behind the scenes of how he devises song parodies. New seasons of "Charlotte Squawks" traditionally come out each summer. In 2024, "Charlotte Squawks 19" is playing through June 29 at Booth Playhouse at Blumenthal Arts Center.Kahn was a recipient of The Ledger’s 40 Over 40 Award in 2023. The awards celebrate often unheralded people over the age of 40 who are making important contributions to Charlotte.This podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.Today’s episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is sponsored by SouthPark Community Partners, an independent nonprofit organization whose mission is to lead SouthPark's advancement by driving economic vitality, creating memorable experiences, and ensuring an extraordinary quality of life.For more information about The Charlotte Ledger, or to sign up for our newsletters, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com. This episode is part of a series in which we interview winners of The Charlotte Ledger 40 Over 40 Awards, which honor people aged 40+ who are making our community a better place. Find out information about those awards at Ledger40Over40.com. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

The city of Charlotte has struck a deal with Tepper Sports and Entertainment on funding renovations at Bank of America Stadium, the home to the Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC. The city, which would spend $650 million in tourism tax money for the project, says the deal makes smart business sense because the stadium is responsible for more than $1 billion annually in economic impact to the Charlotte region.This newsy and bonus episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast examines the economic effects of sports stadiums, in a conversation with Fred Smith, an economics professor at Davidson College. He teaches courses on urban and public economics, as well as sports economics and American economic history. He spoke with The Ledger's Tony Mecia shortly after the deal was announced in early June 2024.The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is produced by Lindsey Banks.You can find out more about The Charlotte Ledger and sign up for our newsletters at TheCharlotteLedger.com. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Imagine strolling down a vibrant street, filled with neighbors stopping by a community farmer's market, admiring local artwork or grabbing lunch at a food truck. That's SouthPark Community Partners's vision for the SouthPark area in south Charlotte.In April 2024, SouthPark Community Partners released a comprehensive vision plan aimed at enhancing SouthPark's economic vitality and quality of life. The plan, developed through extensive community engagement, outlines 64 projects to shape SouthPark's future over the next decade. The goal is to transform SouthPark into a cohesive, engaging environment where residents and visitors can thrive.On this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, SouthPark Community Partners CEO Adam Rhew talks with The Ledger’s Tony Mecia about the vision plan and what residents can expect to see in the future.You can find out more about SouthPark Community Partners at southparkclt.org .This podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.Today’s episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is sponsored by SouthPark Community Partners, an independent nonprofit organization whose mission is to lead SouthPark's advancement by driving economic vitality, creating memorable experiences, and ensuring an extraordinary quality of life.For more information about The Charlotte Ledger, or to sign up for our newsletters, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

One glance at Blair Primis’s LinkedIn profile, and it’s clear that community involvement ignites his passion. Primis serves on the board for numerous nonprofits and organizations in Charlotte, including Charlotte is Creative, 7th Street Public Market, Carolina Farm Trust and Charlotte Cirque & Dance Center. In his day job, he’s the chief marketing officer of Flagship Specialty Partners, a healthcare management services organization for oral surgery practices. He’s a well-known name in Charlotte’s marketing circles, and he previously was the chief of marketing for OrthoCarolina and served as co-director of the OrthoCarolina Foundation.Throughout his nearly 17 years as a Charlottean, Primis has become a key figure in transforming healthcare marketing. In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Primis discusses why he thinks it's important to be involved in his community, the challenges and keys to success in the healthcare marketing industry, and what he's learned from his mentors throughout his career.Primis was a recipient of The Ledger’s 40 Over 40 Award in 2020. The awards celebrate often unheralded people over the age of 40 who are making important contributions to Charlotte.This podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.Today’s episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is sponsored by SouthPark Community Partners, an independent nonprofit organization whose mission is to lead SouthPark's advancement by driving economic vitality, creating memorable experiences, and ensuring an extraordinary quality of life.For more information about The Charlotte Ledger, or to sign up for our newsletters, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com. This episode is part of a series in which we interview winners of The Charlotte Ledger 40 Over 40 Awards, which honor people aged 40+ who are making our community a better place. Find out information about those awards at Ledger40Over40.com. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe