Job seekers can mark their calendar for the Career Expo on Feb. 25. | Photo via Mecklenburg County
Mecklenburg County is expected to gain more than 200,000 new residents by 2030. With so many new neighbors, steady places of employment are precious to keep pace with Charlotte’s rapid growth + provide a sustainable living wage.
The Office of Economic Development and Unified Workforce Development is teaming up with Charlotte Works to host a Career Expo and two workshops for prospective employees.
Career Expo Prep Workshops
Pro tip: Registration is required for both workshops at the Valerie C. Woodard Community Resource Center.
Attendees should plan to attend only one of the free workshops where they’ll learn about resume building, interview skills, and county services.
Career Expo
Ready to start a new journey? The Career Expo is happening at Central Piedmont Community College’s Harris Conference Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 25.
Introduction to Coffee | 12-5 p.m. | Trail Blaze Coffee Training Center, Cornelius | $295+ | Learn the skills of coffee making in this half-day, seed-to-cup training class.
Mad Miles Run Club | 6:30-8 p.m. | You Vs Yourself | Free | Exercise and connect with new friends during this group run at Camp North End.
Wednesday, Jan. 22
Yoga for Mental Health | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | HopeWay | Free | End your work day renewing your body and mind with fellow yogis.
DaBaby & Friends | 7 p.m. | Spectrum Center | $65+ | Party like a “ROCKSTAR” when the Charlotte native returns home to take the stage.
South Fork Run Club | 6:30-8 p.m. | Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, Belmont | Free | Meet at the Trailhead Store and jog the beautiful trails for fresh air and exercise.
Candlelight: Coldplay & Imagine Dragons | 6:45 + 8 p.m. | The Barrel Room at Triple C Brewing | $41 | Feel the “Thunder” when the songs of these soulful pop bands are performed by candlelight.
Randy Travis: More Life Tour | 7:30 p.m. | Ovens Auditorium | $72+ | See the country music icon in a show you’re sure to remember “Forever and Ever, Amen.”
PNC economists provide updated analyses and forecasts of trends throughout the year. | Photo provided by PNC
The new year is looking bright — and so is the 2025 economy. According to PNC Chief Economist Gus Faucher, the US economy is in good shape, thanks to four primary drivers:
Low unemployment
Solid job gains
Good wage growth
Rising household wealth
Consider this: More jobs and rising wages often result in higher incomes and increased household spending. And since consumer spending makes up approximately two-thirds of the US economy, it’s reasonable to expect that the broader economy will expand too.
Other factors that support the health of the economy and quality of life include:
Slowing inflation
Continued strength in biz investment (think: equipment, workplaces, and technology for workers)
Falling interest rates and lower mortgage rates
Pro tip: PNC’s economic insights are updated throughout the year, so be sure to check back in.
Bundle up. The Queen City is facing more of the coldest weather of the season so far. Temperatures today start in the teens and aren’t expected to rise above freezing. (WCNC)
Opening
Calling all breakfast lovers. The Wafflery is hosting its grand re-opening tomorrow. The breakfast hub at 1020 E. 10th St., Ste. 3 serves up waffles, biscuits, and grits. Come hungry when the doors open at 7 a.m.
Drink
Knowledge Perk Coffee Company is launching its sixth location in the Carolinas this week when it debuts at The Alley at Latta Arcade in Uptown. Expect to order hot and cold brews, along with pastries, bagels, and cocktails at the small-batch roastery.
Announced
Carolina Beer Temple is relocating to a larger location at 215 N. Ames St., Ste. 1000 — just two blocks away. A closing party is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 25 with draft beer specials and giveaways. The new location is slated to open in March.
Real Estate
Buildings for sale. Two buildings at 1786 and 1800 Overview Drive in Rock Hill, SC are back on the market. The 287,000-sqft industrial and office space was previously acquired by New York-based Pallidus Inc. for $443 million to be its new headquarters before plans fell through. (Charlotte Business Journal)
Number
$37 billion. That’s the economic impact Charlotte Douglas International Airport brought to North Carolina’s economy in 2023. A new report from the North Carolina Department of Transportation’s Division of Aviation revealed more than 53 million passengers flew through CLT in 2023, surpassing a pre-pandemic record.
Sports
Only 93 days until the Panthers are on the clock for the NFL Draft. Go beyond the field for the biggest stories on the Carolina Pantherswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
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The Buy
The Buy
Our favorite $6.99 women’s thermal undershirts and women’s thermal leggings to get you through the winter season. We love brand 32 Degrees (you may recognize it from Costco) for durable, warm basics at price points that make us happy.
Bundle up, Queen City. The nationwide average low temperature today is only going to be 6°F. I’m finding a coffee shop today to hunker down and write. Only 58 days left until spring!
