People who know the majority owner of the Carolina Panthers describe Jerry Richardson many ways.

Business North Carolina's annual ranking of the state’s largest employers shows many have more jobs, indicating less unemployment ahead.

Raleigh-based Progress Energy Inc., which plans to eliminate 700-1,000 jobs after its proposed merger with Charlotte-based Duke Energy Corp., agreed to sublease 380,000 square feet at Two Progress Plaza to Red Hat Inc. through August 2035.

High-Point-based BNC Bancorp has agreed to buy four banks since March 31, 2010, greatly expanding its market by acquiring smaller regional banks.

In January, state Transportation Secretary Gene Conti appointed one of his predecessors interim statewide logistics coordinator, a new position that will oversee the state ports and Global TransPark.

In December, media outlets reported that Lowe’s Cos. had pulled its advertising from the cable-TV series All-American Muslim under pressure from the Florida Family Association, which claims the TLC program promotes Islamic fundamentalism.

Mooneyham: In this down economy, politicians on both the left and right have tried to sell themselves to constituents as being all about jobs.

Once again, G.D. Gearino reviews the year that was, putting such a spin on it that 2011 feels quite dizzy.

Gearino: North Carolina’s newest corporate resident-to-be, Chiquita Brands International Inc., recently found itself in the odd situation of simultaneously being a boycotter and boycottee.

Up Front: Journalists sometimes mess up, too.