September 2016
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE
Creative sparks
Centers of innovation come in all sizes. Here’s a sampling of efforts to spur growth and assist North Carolina’s inventors and dreamers.
Wake County round table: Bringing it together
Wake County is home to entrepreneurs, technology giants and world-class educational institutions. Their collaboration makes it a success.
Shooting star
With $225 million in backing from hotshot investors, Michael Praeger’s AvidXchange aims to be the North Carolina tech community’s next big score.
Western: Tough Tom
Western North Carolina loses lots of clout with Tom Apodaca’s departure from the North Carolina Senate, but he’s not going far.
Charlotte: Skill set
SkillPop founder Haley Bohon is building a Charlotte-based business on the premise that people want to learn in person, in a cool space surrounded by others with similar interests.
Triad: Luxe redux
Heritage Home Group, parent company of Thomasville Furniture, is hoping to reignite the 112-year-old brand by associating it with the company’s high-end product lines, including Drexel Heritage and Henredon.
Triangle: Pittsburghers head south
Demographics play a key role in Pittsburgh-based FNB spending $1.4 billion on purchasing Yadkin Financial.
Eastern: Switching tracks
CSX's Carolina Connection terminal in Rocky Mount will create about 150 permanent jobs with an average salary of $60,000.
NC trend: Artistry au naturel
With the body as a canvas, an art form sweeps into North Carolina.
NC trend: The pursuit of hoppiness
Charlotte startup offers a custom approach to the beer club experience.
NC trend: No regrets
After achieving his desired nest egg by age 50, Mark Erwin has spent the last 25 years focused on family, helping elect Clintons and writing.
Point taken: Shaken, not stirred
Herbalife’s $200 million settlement with the government prompts a new spin on the nutrition company’s approach to recruiting.
Town square: Savory Avery
A favored summer locale for the wealthy, Banner Elk relies on education, golf and cuisine to retain an elite reputation.
Up front: Purse protectors
In the election for state treasurer, one candidate says stay the course and the other says a shake-up is overdue.
