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🏗️ Building a future
Students will gain real-world knowledge of construction projects at the new school’s field lab. | Rendering via UNC Charlotte
UNC Charlotte is building new futures for its student body. Starting in the fall, the Albert School of Construction will become the first school of construction in North Carolina to focus on the entire project life cycle.
“We’ll go beyond construction management and include construction engineering, digital twinning, and data science,” UNC Charlotte Chancellor Sharon Gabor explained to CLTtoday. “Students will have everything from a shovel to being able to manage the projects.”
Craig Albert, UNC Charlotte alum and President/COO of Bechtel Group Inc., shared his hopes for the new school during an announcement.
“My hope is that students who come through this program get promoted more quickly than others because they have what it takes to build big projects,” said UNC Charlotte alum Craig Albert. “They come out equipped for exactly what the industry needs.”
Speaking of growth... Japanese financial-services giant Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp. plans to open an office in Charlotte, bringing up to 2,000 jobs between 2028 and 2032, and investing $50 million in the area. SMBC is expected to hire executives, middle-management, associates, and analysts, with an average salary of $165,000. (Charlotte Business Journal)
Biz
Queen City Quarter, formerly known as the EpiCentre, is officially on the market. Deutsche Bank currently owns the property, after purchasing it in 2022 for $95 million. (Charlotte Business Journal)
Transit
NCDOT presented updates to Charlotte City Council about the I-77 South Express Lanes project, including a toll rate cap, free rides for HOV users, and discounts for low-income residents. Read up on the project. (WCNC)
Community
Novant Health is partnering with Suzie’s Kitchen to host a free cooking class tomorrow, April 9 at 6 p.m. Register to learn how to make a delicious and simple breakfast. The workshop will be at 325 Hawthorne Ln. and on Zoom.
Active
Registration is open for the 25th annual 24 Hours of Booty, the non-competitive cycling and walking event hosted by 24 Foundation. This year’s “Booty Loop” in Myers Park will start Friday, July 24 at 7 p.m. and run through Saturday, July 25 at 7 p.m.
Try This
Tickets are selling fast for Charlotte Wine + Food Week (CW+FW). The festivities kick off Wednesday, April 15 through Sunday, April 19, with proceeds benefiting Charlotte-area children’s charities, including Beds For Kids, Digi-Bridge, Families Forward Charlotte, and Wayfinders.
Mailbag
When you subscribed, you may have received an email asking for your favorite nearby restaurant — and yes, I read every response. Reader Claudia L. said this: “My favorite restaurant: Barcelona Wine Bar.” I’ll be your +1 any day.
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Listen
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Category
Biz
🍪 Baking up love
These fresh cookies from La Bonbonniere are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. | Photo via La Bonbonniere Bakery
We’re celebrating all the businesses that make Charlotte so special. Nominate your favorite so we can share it with the whole audience.
Don’t see your nomination? Stay tuned, we’ll share a new batch of businesses every month.
Editor’s note: Some quotes may have been edited for clarity and brevity.
Food & bev
La Bonbonnière Bakery | Bakery “We are a family-owned bakery specializing in gourmet cookies with stories behind them. We’re inspired by the world around us and the different cultures we belong to.” — Owner Valentina Lopez
This popular micro-bakery serves large fresh cookies and offers more than 100 flavors. Pro tip: Order the cookie bundle, where you can sample four cookies, brownies, and croissants for $20.
The Buy Editor Emily here. Meet my dog Meredith. Like so many incredible pups, she’s a rescue.
Until recently, I didn’t know much about her breed, or how to best care for her. Thanks to Embark’s Breed + Health Dog DNA Test, that’s all changed. I’ve learned Meredith is a mix of American Pit Bull, Australian Cattle Dog, Dalmatian, and that she may be at higher risk for Intervertebral Disc Disease. Now I can take proactive steps to support her health — like keeping her on a balanced diet and opting for a harness over a collar to help reduce strain on her spine.
Try Embark for your dog, discover their unique DNA, and give them the best possible care.
GVLtoday’s Danielle and I caught up to discuss all things episode five of “Top Chef.” This week’s episode took the cheftestants to the US National Whitewater Center for a well-deserved fun day + the latest elimination challenge, where Joe and Katy Kindred served as guest judges. Check out our recap.
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