Business

Duke, Progress Energy going ahead with planned merger

Submitted by Nick Needham on Thursday, December 15th, 5:41 pm

CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) - Duke Energy and Progress Energy announced Thursday they remain committed to proceeding with their planned merger after a federal commission raised concerns about a potential monopoly over the area served.

The companies’ legal and regulatory teams are currently reviewing the order issued late yesterday by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) related to the agency’s concerns about market power. The companies are planning to submit a revised mitigation proposal as soon as the analysis of the commission’s order is complete and after any required notice to the North Carolina and South Carolina commissions.

The FERC’s action changes the companies’ timeline for closing the merger.

The earliest close date would be in March, but will ultimately depend upon the regulatory approval process.

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BBB hit by email phishing scam

Submitted by Nick Needham on Wednesday, December 7th, 10:59 am

CHARLOTTE - The BBB system nationwide is the target of a phishing email scam attack today. Many businesses, locally and across the country, report receiving an email from the BBB that claims that the business has a complaint to be reviewed. The email instructs the business to click on a link to review the complaint and respond to it.

If you receive a similar email, you should delete it immediately. Do not click on any links because you could download a virus to your computer.

If you have already received the email and clicked on the link, you should run your computer's anti-virus software to detect and remove any viruses that may be on your computer.

“We’ve already heard from dozens of businesses in the Charlotte area this morning,” said BBB President Tom Bartholomy. “These businesses were suspicious of the email and deleted it.”

For more information, please call the BBB at (704) 927-8611.

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UNCC releases 2012 economic forecast

Submitted by Nick Needham on Tuesday, December 6th, 4:35 pm

CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) - Despite slow job growth, declines in consumer confidence and the impact of excess reserves on the banking system, UNC Charlotte economist John Connaughton reported today in his quarterly forecast that the North Carolina economy will continue a pace of slow recovery through 2012.

For 2011, Connaughton estimates that the North Carolina real Gross State Product (GSP) will increase by 1.3 percent over the 2010 level. This follows an increase of 3.2 percent experienced during 2010. During the first quarter of 2011, the state recorded a negligible increase of 0.3 percent. During the second quarter, GSP increased by an annualized real growth rate of 0.8 percent. During the third quarter of 2011, Connaughton expects the GSP to pick up slightly and increase by an annualized rate of 2.0 percent.

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ACC championship helps local economy

Submitted by Steve Crump

Tuesday, December 6th, 2011, 11:40am

CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) - The numbers aren't in just yet but the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority estimates that this past weekend's ACC championship game could impact the local economy by more than $10 million.

It is the kind of event the Charlotte Chamber loves to promote.

Thousands of painted up fans from out of town, packed stadium seats, and passionate cheering fans who filled up Bank of America stadium.

So much of what's carried out at the stadium is often seen right on the Tryon Street.

During most days, Donnie Cook can be found carrying out his craft and grilling skills at corner at the corner of Third and South Tryon, and having big time college sports in Center City have taught him one simple lesson.

"It's a fun crowd the college kids," Cook said. "You'll make some money up here."

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U.S. Postal Service says mail delivery will slow down

Submitted by Nick Needham on Monday, December 5th, 6:55 pm

CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) - The U.S. Postal Service is facing bankruptcy and fighting to stay relevant after millions of Americans have traded so-called snail mail for the Internet.

But instead of trying to improve its product, the Postal Service is slowing it down, pushing even loyal customers to take their business elsewhere.

"I'm sure it will," said Louanne Hamm as she mailed off a batch of cookies today in Charlotte. "I have family in Portland, Oregon, so I'm always sending things to my children, and they're waiting for Grandma's package," she said.

Currently, first class mail arrives within one to three days.

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Convergys seeks 150 employees in Charlotte

Submitted by Nick Needham on Monday, December 5th, 5:34 pm

CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) -- Convergys Corporation (NYSE: CVG), a global leader in relationship management, is seeking candidates for 150 non-seasonal, full-time positions at its two contact centers in Charlotte, North Carolina.

New employees will provide customer service support for Convergys clients in the cable/satellite and automotive assistance industries.

“Convergys has been part of the Charlotte business community since 2004, and we are pleased to offer employment opportunities at both of our sites,” said Miranda Lewis, Convergys recruitment manager in Charlotte. “These positions are ideally suited to anyone who appreciates the importance of building strong customer relationships while helping to resolve a caller’s inquiries or concerns.

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