In this episode, we hear from Shannon Binns of Sustain Charlotte, who makes the case for a “YES” vote on the proposed transportation sales tax referendum. Binns argues that investing in transit, roads, sidewalks and bike lanes is essential to keep up with the region’s explosive growth, improve safety, reduce congestion and make Charlotte more competitive for the future.In a conversation with Charlotte Ledger editor Tony Mecia, Binns explains why he believes the plan offers a balanced approach — funding roads and safety improvements, expanding bus and rail service, and creating cleaner, healthier communities. He urges voters to seize this rare opportunity to build a transportation system that serves everyone.Binns also wrote a column expressing his ideas in a recent edition of Transit Time, a weekly newsletter on transit and transportation produced by The Charlotte Ledger and WFAE.THE OTHER SIDE: This episode and accompanying column are part of a two-part series exploring the arguments for and against Mecklenburg's transportation referendum, which is on the Nov. 4 ballot. Be sure to check out the perspecive of the "VOTE NO" side, in a conversation and column by Robert Dawkins of Action NC.Together, these different perspectives provide a balanced look at both sides of the transportation sales tax debate.The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is 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 charlotteledger.substack.com/subscribe
In this episode, we talk with Robert Dawkins of Action NC, who explains why he believes raising Mecklenburg's sales tax to pay for transit and transportation is unfair and misguided. Dawkins advocates for a "NO" vote on November's referendum, arguing that the plan puts too heavy a burden on low- and middle-income families, lacks accountability and repeats a pattern of broken promises from previous city transportation initiatives.In a conversation with Charlotte Ledger editor Tony Mecia, Dawkins shares stories from his work with displaced residents, outlines concerns about transparency and oversight and questions whether the city’s mobility plan truly serves those who rely on public transportation the most. He urges voters to take a closer look at who benefits—and who bears the costs—of the proposed tax.Dawkins also wrote a column expressing his ideas in a recent edition of Transit Time, a weekly newsletter on transit and transportation produced by The Charlotte Ledger and WFAE.THE OTHER SIDE: This episode and accompanying column are part of a two-part series exploring the arguments for and against Mecklenburg's transportation referendum, which is on the Nov. 4 ballot. Be sure to check out the perspecive of the "VOTE YES" side, in a conversation and column with Shannon Binns of Sustain Charlotte.Together, these different perspectives provide a balanced look at both sides of the transportation sales tax debate.The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is 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 charlotteledger.substack.com/subscribe
Matthew Seneca and Sarah Hayes Harkins are bringing Argentine tango — and a new kind of event space — to Charlotte. Together, they founded Tango CLT, a school for the dramatic partner dance, and The Long Room, a Plaza Midwood venue that blends art, community and celebration.Both come from performing arts backgrounds — Seneca in theater and teaching, Harkins as a ballerina with Charlotte Ballet — and they’ve found a surprising overlap between the discipline of the stage and the demands of running a business. From building a tango community to learning the ins and outs of event planning, they’re charting their own path in Charlotte’s growing cultural scene.On this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Matthew and Sarah share why tango offers a depth and community that other dances don’t, the challenges of starting an event venue, how The Long Room stands out and how they’re growing a consistent tango community with weekly classes and monthly brunches.The background music for this episode is a piece called “El Idioma del Bosque,” composed by Ramiro Gallo. It translates to “the language of the forest.”We hope you enjoy the conversation with Matthew and Sarah. For more information on Tango CLT, visit https://www.tangoclt.com/, or to book The Long Room, visit https://www.thelongroomcharlotte.com/.This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks. For more information on The Charlotte Ledger, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com.This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is sponsored by Crimson Park Digital. For Charlotte businesses, getting noticed and staying visible is tougher than ever. That’s where Crimson Park Digital comes in: a boutique marketing agency delivering bespoke strategies for advertising, content, social media, and search engines. They’re helping bold, service-focused brands get seen, capture demand, and turn attention into revenue. Ready to bolster your marketing this Fall? Visit CrimsonParkDigital.com to get started. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit charlotteledger.substack.com/subscribe
The Charlotte region is in the middle of a population boom, adding tens of thousands of new residents each year. That growth is fueling opportunity and energy, but it’s also straining roads, schools, housing, and infrastructure in ways that demand new solutions.At this year’s Canopy Realtor® Association EXPO, Charlotte Ledger executive editor Tony Mecia moderated a panel of regional leaders who dug into what growth means for communities across the Carolinas — and how local chambers and business alliances are responding.The panel featured Kit Cramer of the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce, Tracy Dodson of the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance, and Dean Faile of the York County Regional Chamber of Commerce.This episode is a recording from the economy and economic development panel at the Canopy EXPO on Sept. 9, 2025.This episode is sponsored by AC Creative Collective. Based in Charlotte, N.C., and founded by sisters Amoura and Avery Carter, AC Creative Collective specializes in end-to-end marketing and learning and development services. They are dedicated to helping businesses and organizations streamline their operations and achieve their goals with creativity and precision. From social media strategies to workshops and brand launches, they’ve got you covered. Visit www.accreativecollective.com to learn more.For more information on The Charlotte Ledger, visit 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 charlotteledger.substack.com/subscribe
When Carlos Jorge and Nathalie Simmons Jorge talk about healthcare, it goes far beyond checkups and prescriptions. For them, medicine is equal parts science, integrity and human connection.Their Charlotte-based practice, Companion Health, PLLC, was built on a belief that the best care is rooted in research and compassion, and that sometimes the most powerful thing a doctor can say is, “I don’t know — I have to look into that more.” As entrepreneurs, clinicians and community members, the Jorges have shaped a model of care in their concierge practice that puts people first while navigating the complex business of modern medicine.The Jorges moved to Charlotte in 2002 after completing medical training and business school. What began with Carlos serving uninsured and underinsured patients in the city’s growing Hispanic community has evolved into a practice that balances medical expertise with entrepreneurship and a deep commitment to doing what’s right for each patient. Today, Carlos serves as chief medical officer, and Nathalie serves as CEO.On this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, the Jorges share how they navigate the rise of social media health advice and focus on evidence-based care, the challenge and importance of saying, “I don’t know” in medicine and what it’s like blending medicine and business as both physicians and entrepreneurs.This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is sponsored by Child Care Search, a service of Child Care Resources Inc. Looking for child care? Our team provides guidance every step of the way! Search online at www.FindChildCareNC.org or call 1-888-600-1685 for live assistance and free, customized referrals.The Jorges received The Ledger’s 40 Over 40 Award in 2025. Find out more about the 40 Over 40 awards by going to Ledger40over40.com.For more information on The Charlotte Ledger, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com. The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is 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 charlotteledger.substack.com/subscribe
After more than 20 years in Charlotte’s corporate banking world, Kristen Winkle Beck made the leap into the nonprofit sector. Today, she leads Social Venture Partners Charlotte (SVP), a venture philanthropy organization that supports emerging nonprofits by combining grant funding with business expertise and professional networks.Beck says many nonprofits are started by passionate community members who see a need but could benefit from connections to people who can help them get off the ground. SVP helps fill that gap, pairing funding with skilled volunteers who can strengthen infrastructure and strategy, ensuring local organizations can grow their impact. One of SVP’s most visible programs is SEED20, an annual pitch competition and year-long learning experience that equips nonprofit leaders to share their innovative ideas.On this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Beck sits down with Ledger editor Tony Mecia to talk about the needs and challenges of nonprofits, the history and impact of Social Venture Partners and how its SEED20 program empowers social entrepreneurs.We hope you enjoy the conversation with Kristin Winkle Beck. For more information on Social Venture Partners Charlotte, visit svpcharlotte.org.This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is sponsored by Crimson Park Digital. For Charlotte businesses, getting noticed and staying visible is tougher than ever. That’s where Crimson Park Digital comes in: a boutique marketing agency delivering bespoke strategies for advertising, content, social media, and search engines. They're helping bold, service-focused brands get seen, capture demand, and turn attention into revenue. Ready to bolster your marketing this Fall? Visit CrimsonParkDigital.com to get started.This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.For more information on The Charlotte Ledger, 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 charlotteledger.substack.com/subscribe
How do you get more done in a world that never stops pulling at your attention—without burning out? In this episode, we talk with Brie Chrisman, the founder and CEO of Boss Co Ops, who brings her background in operations, project management and Six Sigma expertise to share practical strategies for boosting productivity while keeping your sanity intact.Brie explains why our brains get overwhelmed, what “executive dysfunction” really means and how small shifts in your day can have an outsized impact on your focus and energy.Whether you’re juggling a demanding job, a family schedule, or both, this episode will give you actionable tools to reclaim your focus and make real progress on what matters most.About Career Boost: This is part of a September 2025 series in The Charlotte Ledger called “Career Boost,” designed to help professionals sharpen their skills, grow their careers and thrive in the workplace. Each installment offers practical tips and expert insights on everything from leadership and productivity to communication and personal branding. It’s smart, actionable guidance for anyone looking to take the next step in their career.This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is sponsored by Crimson Park Digital. For Charlotte businesses, getting noticed and staying visible is tougher than ever. That’s where Crimson Park Digital comes in: a boutique marketing agency delivering bespoke strategies for advertising, content, social media, and search engines. They're helping bold, service-focused brands get seen, capture demand, and turn attention into revenue. Ready to bolster your marketing this Fall? Visit CrimsonParkDigital.com to get started.This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.Find out more about The Charlotte Ledger 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 charlotteledger.substack.com/subscribe
In today’s workplace, your online presence is just as important as your resume. LinkedIn has become a cornerstone of how careers grow: it’s where opportunities surface, reputations are built and connections turn into fruitful business relationships.In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Amy George of Charlotte-based By George Communications talks with The Ledger’s Tony Mecia about how professionals at every stage can use LinkedIn to strengthen their careers. Amy, who helps clients refine their profiles and presence, shares insights on how to make the platform work for you — whether you’re job hunting, networking or building credibility in your field.This episode is packed with practical tips that professionals can apply right away to strengthen their LinkedIn presence and, by extension, their careers. It’s useful, real-world advice that can help you look better online, connect more effectively and open doors to new opportunities.About Career Boost: This is part of a September 2025 series in The Charlotte Ledger called “Career Boost,” designed to help professionals sharpen their skills, grow their careers and thrive in the workplace. Each installment offers practical tips and expert insights on everything from leadership and productivity to communication and personal branding. It’s smart, actionable guidance for anyone looking to take the next step in their career.This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.Find out more about The Charlotte Ledger 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 charlotteledger.substack.com/subscribe
Being good at your job isn’t enough. At some point, every professional is asked to step out from behind the spreadsheets, codes or reports and communicate — whether it’s presenting to leadership, giving feedback to a colleague or rallying a team around a shared vision. That’s where careers are made or stalled.In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, The Ledger’s Tony Mecia talks with Lou Solomon, founder of Charlotte-based communications training company Interact Studio and an expert in helping leaders communicate with authenticity. Lou shares practical strategies to move from subject-matter expert to communicator, using tools like storytelling, brevity and honest dialogue to build influence and trust.This conversation offers practical tips on how better communication can help you grow in your career.About Career Boost: This is part of a September 2025 series in The Charlotte Ledger called “Career Boost,” designed to help professionals sharpen their skills, grow their careers and thrive in the workplace. Each installment offers practical tips and expert insights on everything from leadership and productivity to communication and personal branding. It’s smart, actionable guidance for anyone looking to take the next step in their career.This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.Find out more about The Charlotte Ledger 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 charlotteledger.substack.com/subscribe
When Charlotte-based entrepreneur Gilberto Bergman describes asbestos removal, he makes it sound like a mix of science, construction and public health. His company, Bergman Brothers Staffing, provides trained, certified workers for jobs that require the safe handling of hazardous materials like asbestos, lead and mold. These jobs, he explains, aren’t just dirty or technical — they’re lifesaving.“You know you’re doing something that is going to protect the well-being of the people in that building,” Bergman said.Bergman’s journey into the field wasn’t planned. Originally from Nicaragua, he moved to the U.S. as a teenager, eventually landing in Charlotte, where he and his brother started a staffing business. When his brother left, Bergman kept the company going and gradually steered it into a highly specialized niche.Nearly 25 years later, Bergman Brothers is bidding on projects from Texas to Hawaii and working on federal sites across the country. For Bergman, it’s both a business and a calling.On this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, in an interview with host Steve Dunn, Bergman shares the joys of entrepreneurship and finding his purpose, how toxic materials like asbestos are removed in an environmentally safe way, his journey from Nicaragua to the U.S., and his plans for the future.This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is sponsored by Child Care Search, a service of Child Care Resources Inc. Looking for child care? Our team provides guidance every step of the way! Search online at www.FindChildCareNC.org or call 1-888-600-1685 for live assistance and free, customized referrals.Bergman received The Ledger’s 40 Over 40 Award in 2025. Find out more about the 40 Over 40 awards by going to Ledger40over40.com.For more information on The Charlotte Ledger, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com. The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is 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 charlotteledger.substack.com/subscribe
Maintaining strength and mobility isn’t just about looking fit—it’s about preserving independence, health and quality of life as we age. Muscles naturally begin to change around midlife, with metabolism slowing and the body losing some of its ability to build or maintain mass.Without attention, that shift can lead to less strength, more fatigue, and a higher risk of chronic conditions. But experts say muscle longevity—the ability to keep muscles strong and functional well into later years—is possible with the right habits.On this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, The Ledger’s Tony Mecia talks with orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist Dr. Robert Morgan about how aging affects muscle, what people can do to counteract the decline, and why it’s never too late to start.This episode is a recording of the third session of the free “Move Well, Live Well” webinar series, brought to you by The Charlotte Ledger and OrthoCarolina. This summer, we’re bringing you a three‑part series designed to help you stay strong, mobile, and pain‑free as you age. Each session features practical advice from experts you can use right away.We hope you enjoy the conversation with Robert Morgan. Click here for more information on the “Move Well, Life Well’ webinar series.Other podcasts in the series:Part 1: "Improving your muscle health, with OrthoCarolina's Dr. Barrett A. Little"Part 2: "Understanding arthritis and easing the aches, with OrthoCarolina's Dr. Michael Bates"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 charlotteledger.substack.com/subscribe
Arthritis is one of the most common conditions people face as they age, often bringing pain, stiffness and limits on mobility. But while many assume it’s an unavoidable part of getting older, experts say there are steps people can take to slow its progression and even reduce the risk of developing it in the first place.From lifestyle choices like exercise and weight management to newer treatment options, the conversation around arthritis is shifting from inevitability to prevention and management.On this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Dr. Michael Bates, a Charlotte orthopedic surgeon recognized as a 2023 Top Doctor by Charlotte Magazine, sits down with The Ledger’s Tony Mecia to explain what arthritis is, dispel common myths, and share practical advice.This episode is a recording of the second session of the free “Move Well, Live Well” webinar series, brought to you by The Charlotte Ledger and OrthoCarolina. This summer, we’re bringing you a three‑part series designed to help you stay strong, mobile, and pain‑free as you age. Each session will feature practical advice from experts you can use right away.We hope you enjoy the conversation with Michael Bates. Click here for more information on the “Move Well, Life Well’ webinar series.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 charlotteledger.substack.com/subscribe
This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is presented by OrthoCarolina, a leading orthopedic care center based in Charlotte. For more information or to book an appointment with an expert, visit OrthoCarolina.com.This episode is a recording of the first session of the free “Move Well, Live Well” webinar series, brought to you by The Charlotte Ledger and OrthoCarolina. This summer, we’re bringing you a three‑part series designed to help you stay strong, mobile, and pain‑free as you age. Each session will feature practical advice from experts you can use right away.Whether you're managing joint pain on the pickleball court, staying active as you age or just trying to stay strong between TV episodes, Barrett A. Little, MD, has the answers on how to keep your muscles strong and active at any stage of life that you’re in, including movement, nutrition, supplements and proactive care.Little is a board‑certified sports medicine and orthopedic surgeon with OrthoCarolina based in Fort Mill and Rock Hill. He has more than 15 years of experience treating athletes of all ages, specializing in shoulder and knee arthroscopy, joint and fracture care, and general sports orthopedics. He also serves as the team physician for Winthrop University Athletics.We hope you enjoy the conversation with Barrett Little. Click here for more information on the “Move Well, Life Well’ webinar series.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 charlotteledger.substack.com/subscribe
Lewis Donald, better known as “Sweet Lew,” is the classically trained chef behind Sweet Lew’s Barbecue in Charlotte’s Belmont neighborhood. After two decades in fine dining and country clubs, including an apprenticeship at The Greenbrier in West Virginia, Donald traded white tablecloths for wood smoke in 2018, opening a counter-service spot dedicated to Carolina barbecue and community.At Sweet Lew’s, the focus is on simplicity, consistency and tradition: whole pork shoulders, brisket, ribs and house-made sausages smoked entirely over wood, alongside nods to multiple regional styles like South Carolina hash and rice, Lexington-style chopped pork and both red and white slaws. Donald says the goal is to be Charlotte’s go-to neighborhood barbecue joint — approachable, unpretentious and the kind of place where memories are made over smoked meats.In this episode, Donald shares how his fine dining skills translate to the pit, what he’s learned running a neighborhood barbecue joint and why he’s passionate about pushing North and South Carolina barbecue into the national spotlight.For more information on Sweet Lew’s, visit SweetLewsBBQ.com.This podcast episode is part of a series highlighting winners of The Ledger’s 40 Over 40 awards, which honor and celebrate often unheralded people over the age of 40 who are making important contributions to Charlotte. It’s hosted by Steve Dunn of Miles Mediation and Arbitration. Donald received The Ledger’s 40 Over 40 Award in 2025.This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks. For more information on The Charlotte Ledger, 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 charlotteledger.substack.com/subscribe
Before Doug Madar helped launch Carolina Crown into one of the world’s top drum and bugle corps, he was simply a young music enthusiast captivated by the intensity and precision of the activity. Though he never marched himself, Madar became a lifelong supporter and, in 1990, co-founded the Fort Mill-based corps with just 57 members, homemade uniforms and used horns.Today, Carolina Crown is celebrated for its unmatched horn line, dynamic shows and the passion of its performers, many of whom are college-age musicians from across the globe. Beyond the field, Crown also hosts NightBEAT — a premier competition that draws more than 11,000 fans each year and showcases the very best of the activity.On this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Madar shares how Carolina Crown grew from a small local group to a world-class ensemble, why drum corps is both an art and a life lesson and the values that keep performers and fans dedicated to the activity. Madar received The Ledger’s 40 Over 40 Award in 2025. For more information on Carolina Crown, visit CarolinaCrown.org.This podcast episode is part of a series highlighting winners of The Ledger’s 40 Over 40 awards, which honor and celebrate often unheralded people over the age of 40 who are making important contributions to Charlotte. It’s hosted by Steve Dunn of Miles Mediation and Arbitration. Find out more about the 40 Over 40 awards by going to Ledger40over40.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 charlotteledger.substack.com/subscribe
Off the coast of North Carolina lies one of the world’s most treacherous stretches of sea — a place where shifting shoals, sudden storms and centuries of shipwrecks have earned it the name “Graveyard of the Atlantic.”In July 2025, The Charlotte Ledger ran a series with that same name — researched and written by journalist Mark Washburn — that explores the region’s lore through wartime sinkings, devastating hurricanes, pirate legends, lost treasure and enduring nautical mysteries.Washburn recently spoke in front of an audience at The Sharon at SouthPark retirement community about his research process and what he learned along the way. He was interviewed by Ledger assistant editor Lindsey Banks, and we recorded the conversation for anyone who wants to listen and dive deeper into the series.On this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Washburn discusses the inspiration behind the “Graveyard of the Atlantic” series, how he approached the research and the surprising discoveries he made along the way.To read the full series, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com and subscribe today.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 charlotteledger.substack.com/subscribe
Running a large parks system in a fast-growing county might sound overwhelming, but for Nick Walker, it’s exactly the kind of challenge he was looking for. The former Memphis parks director took over as head of Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation in February 2025 and now oversees more than 290 parks, greenways and facilities across 22,500 acres.Since arriving in Charlotte, Walker has been getting to know the system from the inside out. He’s toured parks, met staff and listened to residents’ feedback as the department begins updating its master plan — a process that will help shape future investments in parks, sports fields, pools and community centers. While the county has made major progress in recent years — completing more than 50 of 85 planned projects — Walker says the demand still outpaces what’s currently in place.On this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Walker sits down with The Ledger’s Lindsey Banks to talk about his vision for the county’s parks and recreation system, the challenges of managing a growing park system, and upcoming projects he’s excited about. They also discuss what drew Walker to Charlotte, big-picture needs like more ball fields and pools, and the accuracy of the NBC sitcom “Parks & Rec."Today’s episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is sponsored by Child Care Search, a service of Child Care Resources Inc. Looking for child care? Our team provides guidance every step of the way! Search online at www.FindChildCareNC.org or call 1-888-600-1685 for live assistance and free, customized referrals.For more information on The Charlotte Ledger, visit 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 charlotteledger.substack.com/subscribe
What happens when a major foundation suddenly triples its giving? In this episode, we talk with Tom Lawrence, CEO of The Leon Levine Foundation, about the decision by the 3rd-largest foundation in the Carolinas to boost its annual grantmaking to $100 million. Ledger editor Tony Mecia talks with Lawrence and board chair Michael Tarwater about how the move fulfills Leon Levine’s longtime vision, what kinds of organizations stand to benefit and how the foundation is navigating this turning point. Lawrence shares insights on giving priorities, how funding decisions are made, and what the surge in grant-making means for communities across the Carolinas.For more information on The Charlotte Ledger, 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 charlotteledger.substack.com/subscribe
Running a business with your sibling might sound like a challenge, but for Amoura and Avery Carter, it’s become their secret weapon. The Charlotte-based sisters co-founded AC Creative Collective, a firm offering marketing and learning and development services across the Carolinas. With complementary skills — Amoura in strategy and operations, Avery in design and messaging — the two are helping businesses cut through the noise and build authentic, effective brands.On this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, the Carters talk about what led them to entrepreneurship, how they combine creativity with structure and the lessons they’ve learned along the way. They also discuss why so many companies struggle with consistent branding and employee development, the importance of planning and authenticity in a noisy digital landscape, and the advantages (and quirks) of running a business as sisters.Listen in for a wide-ranging conversation about purpose-driven entrepreneurship, and how two Charlotte natives turned their passion into a growing, people-centered business.This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks. For more information on The Charlotte Ledger, please visit TheCharlotteLedger.com. This episode is sponsored by AC Creative Collective. Based in Charlotte, N.C., and founded by sisters Amoura and Avery Carter, AC Creative Collective specializes in end-to-end marketing and learning and development services. They are dedicated to helping businesses and organizations streamline their operations and achieve their goals with creativity and precision. From social media strategies to workshops and brand launches, they’ve got you covered. Visit www.accreativecollective.com to learn more. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit charlotteledger.substack.com/subscribe
Joy Callaway started her career in marketing, but after rediscovering her childhood love of storytelling, she traded spreadsheets for stories. Now the Charlotte-based author has seven books to her name, including two new releases in very different genres: a World War I-era historical novel set in west Charlotte called “The Star of Camp Greene,” and a contemporary romance rooted in small-town charm called “Sing Me Home to Carolina.”On this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Callaway talks with former Ledger managing editor Cristina Bolling about her journey to becoming a full-time author, how she researches her books and why setting plays such a central role in her work.Listen in for a conversation about writing, research and the unexpected ways stories find us.This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is sponsored by Child Care Search, a service of Child Care Resources Inc. Looking for child care? Our team provides guidance every step of the way! Search online at FindChildCareNC.org or call 1-888-600-1685 for live assistance and free, customized referrals. This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks. For more information on The Charlotte Ledger, 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 charlotteledger.substack.com/subscribe