Charlotte Blogs

We want your questions and comments about all things finance and banking. We’ll find out exactly what bank stress tests are and how our area banks and banks across the nation did with them. We’ll talk about the aftermath of the Bank of America shareholders meeting and what splitting the CEO and Chairman positions will mean in the short and long term. We’ll also discuss what’s ahead in the financial sector- are we headed for easier times in the next few months or will the uncertainty continue indefinitely?
Guest
Dr. Tony Plath – Assoc. Prof. of Finance, Belk College of Business, UNC Charlotte

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We’ll look at the quality challenge in China’s manufacturing industry with the author of a behind-the-scenes look at the China manufacturing world. We’ll discuss how widespread the quality crisis is, who the players are, and explore possible solutions.
Guest
Paul Midler – Author of Poorly Made in China

Since this is an encore presentation, we won’t be able to take your phone calls.

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Ron Davis was born deeply dyslexic. He was labeled mentally handicapped at school, endured abuse and could not speak clearly or read at all until he was an adult- even with an IQ of 137. Then Mr. Davis discovered a method to emerge from his Dyslexia and went on to become an engineer, businessman and now an author. He calls his Dyslexia a gift- we’ll find out why.
Guest
Ron Davis – Author, The Gift of Dyslexia

• More information at Davis Dyslexia Association International

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Part One: Chad Lawson Music
Charlotte composer and pianist Chad Lawson of the Chad Lawson Trio just released his first solo effort, Set on a Hill. We’ll discuss his decision to record a solo CD, about the writing and recording process, his move back to Charlotte from New York City, and hear some of his new music.
Guest
Chad Lawson – Composer & Pianist, Chad Lawson Trio

• Chad Lawson will perform May 17th in Charlotte at Jazz Vesper: Charlotte

Part Two: Statesville, NC’s Record Breaking Concert
Statesville native Chris Bumgarner wanted to break the Guinness World Record for the longest continual music concert by multiple artists; but first he had to figure out how to organize a 255 hour, ten day music marathon. He also had to sort through the red tape of documenting the record with Guinness. Hear about the journey that made Statesville a member of the Guinness Book of World Records.
Guest
Chris Bumgarner – Coordinator for the Statesville World Record attempt

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We’ll take a closer look at the quest for Alcoa Power Generating, Inc. to retain its control over part of the Yadkin River northeast of Charlotte. There are several opponents to their effort, including Stanly County officials who think that the Yadkin River should be in the public’s control, and not a private company’s. We’ll discuss the details behind the dispute- including environmental issues, hydroelectric power generation and the relationship between Alcoa and the Yadkin River in that part of the state. We’ll also hear about how these water management situations are typically handled and how this dispute may be resolved.
Guests
Julie Rose – Reporter, WFAE News
Gene Ellis – Licensing and Property Manager, Alcoa Power Generating Inc.
Lindsey Dunevant – Stanly County Commissioner

• Hear the full series Public vs. Private: Power Struggle on the Yadkin from WFAE News

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The economy has had an effect on many industries with ties to our region, from banking to real estate, and NASCAR is no different. Many NASCAR teams based in Charlotte and across the country are facing lay-offs, sponsor trouble, and declining admissions. With NASCAR setting up shop in Charlotte for the next couple of weeks, we’ll talk with some experts on the sport about how its faring and also about how the money troubles affect safety, testing and competition.
Guests
Humpy Wheeler – Former GM, Lowe’s Motor Speedway and Chairman, The Wheeler Company
Nate Ryan – Motorsports Writer for USA Today
Steve Byrnes – Host of Trackside and NASCAR Live on Speed TV

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Adventurer and explorer, Helen Thayer is back for another visit with Mike Collins. The first woman to walk to the North Pole, Helen joined us last year to talk about her treks in the arctic, across deserts and among animals like polar bears and wolves- all after the age of 50. She joins us to share her experiences from her latest travel to the Amazon where she spent weeks with her husband exploring over 1200 miles of Amazonian rivers and jungle.
Guest
Helen Thayer – Adventurer and Author of Polar Dream, Walking the Gobi, Three Among the Wolves

• More information at HelenThayer.com

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A group of nursing professionals will join us to discuss some of the current trends in the nursing industry. We’ll talk about the shortage overall in the field of nursing, patient safety, healthcare spending and how the increased diversity of our population affects how nurses interact with patients. Join us for a look at the healthcare industry and its issues seen through the eyes of nursing professionals.

Guests
Barbee Whisnant Burgess – Asst. VP, Nursing Excellence, Carolinas Medical Center
Dr. William Cody – Dean, Queens University School of Nursing
Dr. Rumay Alexander – Director, Multicultural Affairs, UNC School of Nursing

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Many of us know the most famous historic landmarks in Charlotte, from centuries-old Latta Plantation to Civil War cemeteries; but as we move into the 21st Century, some argue that the meaning of “Historic Charlotte” may be changing. We’ll hear from an organization that is trying to preserve buildings from the middle of the 20th Century and take a look at the definition of architectural history and how it might change.
Guests
Diane Althouse – Executive Director, Historic Charlotte
Wayne Camas – President, Camas Associates Architects
Tom Hanchett – Historian, Charlotte Mecklenburg Historic Landmarks Commission

• More information at Levine Museum of the New South

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Amidst this economic crisis, one industry is expanding significantly, and Charlotte may benefit from its success. In the coming years, thousands of jobs will be created here related to the licensing, design and construction of new nuclear plants. The nuclear industry is facing a serious personnel gap, as a large percentage of its workforce will soon age out of the industry. We’ll discuss the nuclear comeback, why Charlotte is becoming such a hotbed for nuclear jobs and find out how the industry is encouraging nuclear energy as a career.
Guests
Jim Davis – President of Hoskins Davis, LLC
Jeff Merrifield – Senior VP, Shaw Power in Charlotte
Jay Potter – Dean, Harper Campus at CPCC

• Hear WFAE’s Lisa Miller’s story on how Duke Energy’s nuclear plant at Lake Norman is becoming a popular social venue. “Fun at the Nuclear Plant.”

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