Robbins-Gioia, Inc. (R-G), a leading provider of management consulting services, announced today that its financial services consulting group will make its headquarters in Charlotte, N.C. Previously, R-G supported the banking sector throughout its various locations nationwide. The company plans to support its new and existing client relationships in the banking and financial services sectors from its 201 South Tryon Street offices. The decision to centralize in Charlotte enables R-G to implement a strategic decision to grow its financial services consulting expertise with experienced banking professionals from the mid-Atlantic and Southeast banking community who have been displaced by the economic downturn.

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Floods are the most common natural disaster in the nation and in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. Since 2005, there have been 17 significant flood events in Charlotte-Mecklenburg, causing nearly $9 million in insured losses, and an estimated $9 million in additional losses that were not covered by insurance. In just the past year, there were five significant flood events locally. Nationally, 90 percent of all natural disasters involve flooding. Floods also cause more deaths nationwide than any other weather event. Last year, floods in the United States caused $5.6 billion in damage. Most local flooding is caused by intense thunderstorms, tropical storms or

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Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC) announced today that it has received $85,000 in new federal stimulus money from Governor Perdue’s JobsNOW program, an initiative that strives to provide workers with job training skills in six months or less. As a result, CPCC will create nine new fast-track job training courses which will help more than 150 additional displaced workers complete job training faster. Classes will be available to the public now through the end of the year, and will focus on such in-demand fields as healthcare, transport technology, motorsports and office administration. In August 2009, CPCC received $500,000 in federal

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The Smart Brothers have announced they will perform at Yn Wine Café on Wednesday, Mar. 31, 2010. This special performance is part of Yn’s Emerging Artists Series. There is no cover charge, doors open at 5 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m. About The Smart Brothers Jay and Lou Smart are two California-borne brothers who travel around the world sharing their love for music while gathering more song material from “life on Earth.” Their beautifully simple acoustic medium delivers who they are—timelessly classic and entirely refreshing. Inspired by the finest traditions of American roots and Rock n’ Roll

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CHARLOTTE, NC – Fifty-seven percent of employees say they regularly make suggestions in the workplace, according to a survey by Right Management. In fact, 27% claim to offer more than 20 suggestions every year. Right Management is the talent and career management expert within Manpower, the global leader in employment services. The firm analyzed responses from more than 600 individuals throughout North America via an online poll conducted in partnership with LinkedIn®. “We find that employees really want to be heard,” said Russ Settles, Market Vice President at Right Management. “Making suggestions signals they are thinking about the performance of

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The man USA Today called “America’s Walking Guru” is coming to town to help get people moving to improve air quality. Mark Fenton is an entertaining, engaging and knowledgeable walking advocate and host of the PBS series “America’s Walking.” Most recently, Fenton has become a recognized authority on public health issues and the need for community, environmental and public-policy initiatives to encourage more walking and bicycling. He has several years of experience empowering people to make healthy lifestyle changes, and helping businesses develop successful wellness programs that encourage employee participation and exceed expectations. Fenton will speak from 11:30 a.m. to

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For nearly a century-and-a-half, police in Charlotte and Mecklenburg County have displayed tremendous courage and sacrifice in the execution of their duty, adapted to social and cultural changes within the American South and increasingly embraced sophisticated methods and technology to meet challenges posed by criminals and a violent culture. In a new book by Arcadia Publishing, over 200 vintage photographs present a celebration of heroes and a history that has been forgotten. Highlights of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County Police: · Features many previously unpublished images and photos culled from family and department collections · Highlights the rich history of two

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Nominations are being accepted for the 31st Annual Police Community Relations Awards, sponsored by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Community Relations Committee (CRC). An annual feature of Charlotte’s Law Enforcement Week celebration, the award recognizes officers and work teams from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department for building positive, problem-solving relationships with individual citizens and neighborhood groups. During the past 30 years, Charlotte-Mecklenburg community members have nominated more than 2,395 officers. Citizens in the patrol area, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) personnel, groups, and individuals may submit nominations. To nominate an officer or team, write to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Community Relations Committee, 600 E. Trade St., Charlotte, NC

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Hundreds of area Realtors® are gearing up to help deserving homeowners across Mecklenburg and Iredell counties in the second Annual Realtors® Care Day scheduled for Friday, April 23, 2010, during National Fair Housing Month. The all-day, home-repair initiative is a project of the Housing Opportunity Foundation, the charitable arm of the Charlotte Regional Realtor® Association. Armed with paint, toolboxes, building supplies and a spirit of volunteerism, more than 650 Realtors® are expected to help 30-plus homeowners across Mecklenburg and Iredell counties with necessary but often unaffordable exterior home repairs and/or adaptive safety modifications for the elderly and disabled. Last year’s

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The Mecklenburg County Health Department’s Fit City Challenge program has launched its second Lose Weight Donate Challenge to benefit the Second Harvest Food Bank and its partner agencies. A partnership with Lowe’s Foods, the Lose Weight Donate Challenge is a 12-week program with Lowe’s donating $1 to Second Harvest for every pound lost by participants. It also recognizes March as National Nutrition Month. The Lose Weight Donate Challenge is designed to encourage participants to lose weight over the 12-week period by being active and eating more fruits and vegetables. Residents will also learn how to live a healthier lifestyle through

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