News
Charlotte, NC - Team creatif USA launced the frist of 3 corporate videos to introduce the agency to clients across the United States, Produced by Dianne Stewart of BSA PR with Phil Dogen (camerman and editor) and Patrick Hallowell of Tri-Axis Media.
International Branding and Packaging Experts, Team Creatif USA open US office in Charlotte, NC
Charlotte, NC November 25, 2014 - Internationally recognized global consumer brand and design experts Team Creatif Group, has chosen Charlotte, NC as their US headquarters. Located in the heart of the city's impressive skyline and surrounded by Top 500 companies, Team Creatif's American office now has a full service all-American creative and production team to manage and support their portfolio of existing and new US-based, such as Mars Petcare Division. Team Creatif USA is located in the Carillon Building, 227 West Trade Street, Suite 1820, Charlotte, NC.
Team Creatif Group named Attila Akat as its CEO in the US. An alumni of the prestigious Stern School of Business at New York University, Attila has a 20 year history as a Marketing professional working with multinational CPG companies like Unilever, Mars, Delhaize in Europe and the US, and with McKinsey & Company on the consulting side. He had a long relationship with Team Creatif Group as a client and when Group CEO & President, Sylvia Vitale Rotta was looking for a suitable leader of their new US team, it made him an obvious choice.
Team Creatif Group's basic culture of a 'global but local' focus, has resulted in servicing global clients for more than 30 years, building solid relationships and being a true partner in Branding and Strategic Thinking. Team Creatif Group is one of the largest independently owned strategic branding agencies in the world. The company specializes in FMCG food related brands, as their primary passion and expertise.
Says Attila Akat, "It is an honor to lead one of the worlds leading branding and design agencies. My relationship with the company goes back a long way, both as client and as a friend, and so I know the culture of the company very well. We hope to be the marriage between the beautiful design influence of Europe and the marketing branding experience of the US. The uniqueness of our work is very much appreciated by our clients."
Akat added, "Selling more products and increasing market shares is obviously important to our clients, but there is more to it now. It's about making the American consumers' life more convenient and easy. Team Creatif USA can offer a unique global expertise to local clients addressing different 'consumer needs,' especially with the ongoing changes in consumer demographics and habits. Opening an office in the US allows us to not only be geographically closer to our clients, but to have a deeper understanding of the American consumer. As American consumers ourselves, we know what makes a brand successful in the US and can react to the ongoing changes in consumer behaviors."
Sylvia Vitale Rotta, Team Creatif Group CEO said, "Selecting the Charlotte location was a natural choice for us : Our choice of CEO was already located here, the city offered us an excellent pool of creative talent, and it's extremely well located on the east coast within easy access to all our national and international clients. It also happens to be a sister city of Limoges, the home of our new production facility in France!"
On a recent visit to the new Charlotte office, Team Creatif's International Director, Sherry Baudry said, "Yet another impetus for this permanent US presence, was the current business with long-time client Mars Petcare. While working on one of their pet food brands, Charlotte proved to be the ideal place to conduct consumer research for this product as Charlotte apparently has the highest dog & cat ownership, per capita in the country. At Team Creatif, research features high on the list of important steps in a re-branding process."
Baudry added, "Team Creatif USA offers clients European culinary flair with the innate style of our French roots, but provides essential local US expertise with an All-American team offering extraordinary creative expertise, geographic accessibility, and a clear understanding of market trends. Attila Akat and his team, provide that perfect link. With our wealth of experience and passion for strategic branding, we are able to successfully re-launch existing brands and life life to new brands.
These proactive and strong recommendations, have made us the trusted advisors with an "Everything is Possible" attitude to all our clients.
"When Team Creatif Group started out all those years ago, we never imagined that so much time, energy and creative input would go into building global brands. There is so much that goes into what ends up sitting on the shelf, and we love being part of that creation." Baudry said.
More about Team Creatif Group:
Team Creatif Group was created by graphic designers Sylvia Vitale Rotta and Nick Craig in Paris in the early 80's. Rotta and Craig choose Paris, France as their base for their new branding agency, and together they built a company on solid design and client service principles. Sylvia Vitale Rotta, CEO of Team Creatif Group, is the visionary creative in the company and her successful relationships with clients are legendary, in that she has the unique ability to envision what the client needs.
The global success of Team Creatif Group's clients' brands that have been launched, relaunched, promoted, and marketed from creative concept to store shelf, speak for themselves. Mars brands like : Pedigree, Whiskas, Royal Canin; Danone brands like: Activia, Volvic, Aptamil and many others. Team Creatif Group was instrumental in introducing brand color identities like the Whiskas distinctive purple, and started the idea of 'color blocking' on grocery store shelves.
Rolling out enormous brand launches around the world for the last 30 years, is a Team Creatif hallmark. The strategic piece is extremely important and is inextricably linked to the graphic and creative process. Many years of this experience ensures a consistent product and shelf result. The moment of truth on the shelf is becoming more and more important in the ever crowded media onslaught aimed at the consumer. The Team Creatif aspects of 'packaging that communicates', efficient consumer communication, fresh appealing design and brilliant photography, are all part of their clients' success.
Team Creatif Group, is headquartered in Paris, France and employs over 235 people worldwide, with offices in Lyon and Limoges, France; Milan, Italy; Jakarta, Indonesia, Sao Paolo, Brazil and now Charlotte, NC in the United States.
Ends
Wilkinson ERA is proud to announce that Allie Thomas has joined the company as Director of Business Development, a newly created position for the real estate group.
Thomas will be responsible for Business Development for the Relocation and Corporate Services Division for Wilkinson ERA , offering assistance to companies and individuals who are relocating in or out of the Charlotte region. She will also be doing business development for SouthLake Title, a Wilkinson ERA affiliate.
Scott Wilkinson, President and CEO of Wilkinson ERA said, "Wilkinson ERA is growing in leaps and bounds and Allie will be a major part of that business growth. We welcome her to our team."
Sue Dolquist, Chief Operating Officer at Wilkinson ERA agreed, "Allie will be an asset to our fastgrowing organization, bringing her knowledge of the Charlotte area, her business development skills and extensive marketing experience with her."
Prior to joining Wilkinson ERA, Thomas worked for Wells Fargo and the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce. At the Chamber she was a Major Account Manager and subsequently promoted to the Director of Advertising and Campaign.
This Charlotte native is a graduate of the University of South Carolina with a B.S in Corporate Finance and Marketing and volunteers at Citizen Schools and the Charlotte Gamecock Club, where she is a Board Member.
FrickTrent, PLLC, has announced that attorney Carrie Mansfield Lique has joined the firm
Charlotte, NC Real Estate law firm, FrickTrent, PLLC has announced that attorney Carrie Mansfield Lique has joined the firm as Associate Attorney, overseeing the firms' north Charlotte and new Cornelius offices. Residential and commercial real estate is the firm's focus with offices in both North and South Carolina at Myers Park, Charlotte; South Charlotte, University, Lake Norman, Ft. Mill, SC and Rock Hill, SC.
Lique previously worked under FrickTrent, PLLC Partner, Tracy Frick, for the real estate law firm of Trey Inman and Associates from 2007-2008. Over the last six years she has been working in the admissions department at Charlotte School of Law, most recently as the Associate Director of Admissions.
Said Tracy Frick, Partner at FrickTrent, PLLC, " Carrie brings with her a wealth of skills that will be a great asset to our fast-growing firm. We are delighted to have her onboard."
Lique is an active member of the Mecklenburg County Bar and recently served a three year term on the Mecklenburg County Bar, Board of Directors. She is the Young Lawyer Division chair for 2014-2015 and was a participant in the 2014 Bar Leadership Institute class.
In addition to heading up and working on various committees for the Mecklenburg County Bar and Young Lawyer Division, she serves as a mentor to students in the Charlotte Mecklenburg School systems.
She is an active participant in the North Carolina Bar Association's "Wills for Heroes" program providing free legal services to those in the community that serve the greater good. Carrie is also involved in local civic and political activities in an effort to ensure continuous improvement for the community.
She was admitted to the North Carolina Bar in 2007, and the Florida Bar in 2008. ?Carrie graduated in 2007 with a J.D. from Florida Coastal School of Law, in Jacksonville, FL and a Certificate of Sports Law. She is the current President of her Alumni Association's Charlotte Chapter.
Her undergraduate B.A. degree was from Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL in 2004 in Communications, with Minors in Business and Spanish.? ?She is a member of the?Mecklenburg County Bar Association, the?American Bar Association, the?North Carolina Bar Association and the Florida Bar Association. www.FrickTrent.com
Wilkinson ERA real estate company, names real estate heavyweight Sue Dolquist as their Chief Operating Officer
Charlotte, NC Wilkinson ERA, the third largest* real estate company in the Charlotte metro area, is proud to announce that it has appointed Sue Dolquist as Chief Operating Officer to oversee the day-to day operations and affiliate management of the group.
Sue Dolquist has over 25 years of experience in leadership roles and 12 years of experience in residential real estate sales, operations, and management. She is licensed as a real estate broker in 6 states and has managed and recruited to residential retail brokerages for franchise and independent brokerages, and has supervised brokerage and REO operations in 19 states.
Dolquist has helped build asset management operating systems, IT infrastructure, staffing and compliance systems to service REO assets. Most recently, she started up a new Title company in Florida and expanded Title and settlement services throughout Colorado. She is a member of the National Association of REALTORS®, she has Real Estate Employing Broker's License, and is a Member of the South Metro Denver REALTOR® Association and the Colorado Association of REALTORS®.
Scott Wilkinson, President of Wilkinson ERA said, "Sue brings an array of experience and real estate skills that will greatly benefit our organization. Her talents in team building, strategic planning, compliance, franchise development, business development, and financial management are exactly what we, as a fast-growing and successful real estate company require. We are thrilled to have this caliber professional with national expertise joining our team."
Most recently Dolquist was the COO of The Herman Group, Denver, CO, and the COO at Asset Management Real Estate, Denver, CO (a Startup Affiliate of The Herman Group).
Sue began her professional career as an engineer designing flour mills for Quaker Oats and Nabisco. She later studied theology and is ordained as a minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA) and served churches in Edinburgh, Scotland, and throughout the US for 15 years. She obtained her real estate license in 2003 in Overland Park, Kansas and was a Rookie of the year at Reece and Nichols. In 2005, she moved to Denver, Colorado with her husband and three children and joined Prudential Colorado Real Estate.
Sue quickly moved up the leadership ranks and was promoted to Chief Operating Officer of The Herman Group, a residential real estate services company. In that role, she was responsible for day to day operations, coordinated mergers and acquisitions and division sell-offs and administered multifaceted contracts with investors, subcontractors, and clients. She collaborated with designers to develop a SaaS product specific to Asset Management and was instrumental in leadership executing the sell-off of over 22,000 HUD properties in 15 states and DC. She continues to consult with technology startups in real estate and not-for-profits.
Sue and her husband just celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary and have three children who attend Yale, the University of Colorado, and ThunderRidge High School.
Sue is a competitive age group triathlete, published author and international award winning speaker and holds a Bachelor's degree in Engineering and two Masters degrees.
www.WilkinsonERA.com
Wilkinson ERA real estate company has announced that the company has expanded its reach in the Charlotte market and acquired Exit Realty South from John Byers with immediate effect.
Charlotte, NC Wilkinson ERA, the third largest* real estate company in the Charlotte metro area, is proud to announce it has acquired Exit Realty South in SouthPark, Charlotte, NC from Owner/Broker John Byers.
Exit Realty South will immediately become Wilkinson ERA, and remain in the same location at 4401 Barclay Downs Dr., Suite 1, Charlotte, NC 28209. The Phone # remains 704-602-9900 and the Fax # 704-602-9910.
Agents in the new Wilkinson ERA office in SouthPark will also have the ERA 'Distinctive Properties' designation for the luxury division of Wilkinson ERA, which will cater to all market segments with a focus on properties that have a unique value and typically, a higher sales price.
Wilkinson ERA will continue to serve the metro Charlotte, NC region providing clients with agents who are well trained and experienced in their markets.
Scott Wilkinson, President of Wilkinson ERA, said, "We are very excited that Exit Realty South is joining with Wilkinson ERA. Our expansion plans have always included providing the best service to our clients and the best marketing tools for our brokers. The Exit Realty South agents will be a terrific addition to our team."
Said John Byers, President of Exit Realty South, "Wilkinson ERA is a great fit for Exit Realty South in SouthPark, allowing us to maintain our boutique qualities while expanding our marketing power. We are thrilled with the merger, and with the size and presence of Wilkinson ERA in this area. We'll bring a more powerful way of doing real estate in the region."
Bio : John W. Byers III
John W. Byers III, a native of Charlotte, has been president of the Charlotte Regional Realtor Association and Carolina MLS, and he also is a past Regional Vice President of the Executive Committee of the North Carolina Association of Realtors. A graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill, Byers worked in international banking and commercial real estate finance with Bank of America's predecessor prior to engaging a real estate career in 1993.
John is currently serving as a Regional Vice President of the Executive Committee of the North Carolina Association of Realtors. Now, he makes it his mission to acclimate newcomers and residents alike to their new neighborhoods. Byers works regularly in relocation because he knows how to sell Charlotte to the newcomer market. He takes pride in his hometown and it shows. He loves training as well and agents in his office benefit greatly from his insight and experience. Byers' accomplishments in the real estate industry include ranking in the top 1% of agents in the country while previously with Prudential Real Estate, CRRA's Presidents Award, and he won Prudential's Pinnacle Award (for a Top-Ten office nationally) four years in a row while managing its SouthPark office.
John is well-known in local circles for his annual Tomato Sandwich Luncheon that he hosts for the enjoyment of all who attend. He has been written up about his incredible knowledge of the lowly tomato and the many varietals he grows!
* Wilkinson ERA is ranked third in the Charlotte area based on Market Share Totals for 2013. See attached document.
www.WilkinsonERA.com
Wilkinson ERA real estate company has announced that Tracy McCormack has been named Marketing Executive at its Carolina Mountain Sales office.
Charlotte, NC Wilkinson ERA is proud to announce that Tracy McCormack has joined the company at its Carolina Mountain Sales office in Asheville, NC, as Marketing Executive.
Tracy McCormack, a native Chicagoan, has an extensive background in project management and marketing, and has worked in markets as diverse as Ireland and the United States.
Says Sue Dolquist, Chief Operating Officer at Wilkinson ERA, "Tracy will be an asset to our western NC offices, where she will provide marketing support and use her many talents in managing our team of Realtors® and Brokers in the Asheville and Hendersonville area."
BIO : Most recently, Tracy McCormack has worked for the last two years with the Asheville Design Center in Asheville, NC - a non-profit organization focused on 'Community-Led Design' - in a project management and marketing capacity.
In 2012, Tracy and her family returned to the US after 10 years spent living and working in Ireland. Prior to moving back to the US, Tracy worked with the Crafts Council of Ireland, project managing the design, development and promotion of Learn.Craft.Design.ie, an education and professional development online presence for the Crafts Council. Among many exciting projects, Tracy managed an annual festival of architecture in Waterford, Ireland and organized events for various city councils: Dublin Docklands Development Authority, Culture Ireland and the Department of Arts, Sports and Tourism.
As the former Director of Project Management with 'Cork 2005: European Capital of Culture,' Tracy provided hands-on guidance and leadership in the design, development, implementation and success of a core program of over 200 projects of varying scale and practice: from Visual Art, Architecture, Community Arts, Design, Film and Healthcare, to the Performing Arts such as Dance, Music and Theater. As Director of Project Management, Tracy was responsible for establishing the Project Management Office (PMO), hiring, mentoring, training, and developing a Project Management team. In addition, Tracy managed a project budget set by the Director and Program Team, which included responsibility of all production costs for the program of events.
Before joining 'Cork 2005' in 2002, Tracy, worked in the United States, establishing and managing the project management office for Circadence Corporation, an industry leader in the development of cutting-edge software solutions for the Internet, based in Boulder, CO. Previous to that, Tracy provided project leadership and operational management for other high-tech and information management companies in the US.
Tracy studied Art History at Columbia College in Chicago and has a post-graduate diploma in Project Management from University College Cork, Ireland, and an International Project Management Practitioner certification from the Institute of Project Management, Ireland. She is a member of the internationally respected Project Management Institute (PMI).
www.WilkinsonERA.com
Charotte, NC - Deanna Valeo has joined First Choice Loan Services Inc. The office is in Ballantyne and she looks forward to working with her husband Todd Croy again, in the business they both love and excel at. Todd has been named the LPO Regional Manager for First Choice Loan Services Inc. in Charlotte, NC.
Wilkinson ERA real estate company has announced that Broker / Realtor® Diane Harrelson has joined the company in Charlotte, NC.
July 25, Charlotte, NC Wilkinson ERA is proud to announce that Diane Harrelson has joined the company in their south Charlotte office.
Diane is a Licensed Broker / Realtor in NC & SC. She has some 20 years of sales and marketing experience with two major real estate companies and has served on the Leadership Committee for the Charlotte Board of Realtors. She has won numerous awards including the esteemed Honor Society, and the Leading Edge & President Circle Awards.
She is a graduate of the College of Charleston, Harnett Real Estate Appraising Charleston, Fundamentals of Real Estate - Monk Real Estate Training, Real Estate Dynamics Graduate - Bill Gallagher School of Real Estate, a CRRA Leadership Development Graduate, a GRI 100 Series Graduate and a Dale Carnegie Sales Course Champion.
Dianne is a member of the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce, the Home Builders Association, the National Association of Realtors, the Charlotte Regional Real Estate Associates, the Multiple Listing Service, the Charlotte Board of Realtors, and the CRRA "Leadership" Program. She is a published writer, volunteers for "Friendship Trays" and is a member of Calvary Church in Charlotte.
Says Diane Harrelson, "I am thrilled to be part of Wilkinson ERA. I know that I will be able to grow my business with the company in a unique way and I look forward to serving my many customers in the Charlotte area and providing them "Service with Integrity."
www.WilkinsonERA.com
Diane Harrelson, Realtor®, Licensed in NC & SC
Wilkinson ERA
OFFICE: (704) 341-7898
MOBILE: (704) 281-3400
EMAIL: dianeharrelson@carolina.rr.com
Wilkinson ERA Real Estate company has announced that the company has expanded its reach in the western part of the state in Hendersonville, NC .
Charlotte, NC Wilkinson ERA, the third largest real estate company* in the Charlotte metro area is proud to announce it has acquired a real estate office in Hendersonville, NC.
Scott Wilkinson, President of Wilkinson ERA, said, "We are happy to announce that we have acquired an existing real estate office, Oates ERA, in Hendersonville, NC. This acquisition is in keeping with the expansion plans we have for Wilkinson ERA to provide the best service to our clients, provide the best marketing tools for our brokers, and become a powerful real estate presence in the southeastern United States."
"Wilkinson has been a great fit with Carolina Mountain Sales in Asheville since acquiring it last year, allowing that firm to maintain its boutique qualities while expanding its marketing power. With the addition of Wilkinson ERA in Hendersonville we'll bring a smarter way of doing real estate in the mountain region," commented Dave Noyes, Wilkinson's Western NC Regional Manager.
Noyes said, "The best part of this merger is that we keep the experience of Betty Oates and the Oates ERA team of experienced Hendersonville agents and build on that solid group with other talented brokers. Additionally, this is all happening at a time when ERA is modernizing its look and feel."
Oates ERA will be known as Wilkinson ERA . It is located at 145 7th Ave in Hendersonville, NC.
* Wilkinson ERA is ranked third in the Charlotte area based on Market Share Totals for 2013.
David Noyes, Realtor®
Charlotte, NC - BSA PR & Marketing has designed a new logo for NC & SC real estate company, Wilkinson ERA. The ERA national logo was recently updated and this was a good time to update the Wilkinson logo at the same time. 
Film Explores Biblical Response to Immigration
'The Stranger' Premieres in Charlotte with Local Leaders Featured in Film
Charlotte, NC -- The Stranger, a documentary film that looks at immigration from a biblical perspective, screened June 9th before an audience of 150+ people at New Life Theological Seminary.
The film highlights the stories of three families who are caught in our broken immigration system. It is available for download via www.thestrangerfilm.org. Already, more than 500 screenings are scheduled in more than 30 states.
Although a national film, The Stranger features several individuals from the Carolinas, including a business owner from Asheville, a pastor and his wife from Spartanburg, and a family from Charlotte. At a panel discussion following the screening, some of these local leaders featured in the film and others spoke about the immense human costs our immigration system exacts on churches, families and communities:
Dianne Stewart, President BSA PR & Marketing, Charlotte, (featured in film)
"My hope is that this film will cast a new more positive and enlightened light on an issue that has dominated my life every minute of every day, for 13 long years and is still not resolved for my family. My story is deeply personal and I hope that if it can help just one other family, it would have been worth it. The time for immigration reform and a complete overhaul of the system is now. Families are being torn apart every day and it's just not the American or the Christian way."
Bert Lemkes, Owner, Van Wingerden Intl. Inc. (featured in film)
It is being said that these "illegal immigrants" are taking jobs from Americans. But for every one of these tedious back breaking jobs 2 to 3 either upstream or downstream be it suppliers, supervisors, retailers, or truck drivers. We have to reform the whole immigration system. It's not an option to wait. The situation is only going to get worse.
Meghan Smith, Church leader, Kaleidoscope Multi-ethnic Fellowship, Spartanburg, SC (featured in film)
This film, The Stranger, will put a face on the issue of immigration reform. Stories have the power to change people. The stories presented in this film will show the devastation of our broken immigration system. In our church, Kaleidoscope, there are many families who are being affected and need us to be a voice for them. The Church has a responsibility to love and care for those who are here in our borders regardless of their immigration status. My hope is that this film will move people from apathy to advocacy.
Dr. Nathaniel Pearce, VP of Student Affairs, New Life Theological Seminary, Charlotte
Join the conversation on Twitter using #Pray4Reform and follow the film @thestrangerfilm.
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The Evangelical Immigration Table is a broad coalition of evangelical organizations and leaders advocating for immigration reform consistent with biblical values.
Charlotte, NC - Monday, June 9, 2014 The real estate law firm, FrickTrent, PLLC, is pleased to announce that it has acquired the Law Office of Brad Watson PLLC with immediate effect. Attorney Brad Watson has been named Managing Attorney of FrickTrent PLLC's North Carolina offices located at:
North Charlotte Office:
8604 Cliff Cameron Drive, Suite 120
Charlotte, NC 28269
South Charlotte Office:
10706 Sikes Place, Suite 150
Charlotte, NC 28277
Brad Watson will manage the firm's North Carolina offices and focus exclusively on commercial and residential real estate matters.
Said Tracy Frick, Founding Partner of FrickTrent PLLC, "We are very pleased to join forces with Brad Watson's law firm in Charlotte, NC."
"Frick Trent PLLC, has grown enormously over the last few years and it made sense to have a senior Managing Attorney to take care of our many real estate clients in the Charlotte metro area of North Carolina. Brad brings a wealth of legal experience in real estate transactions and other related legal matters with him to FrickTrent PLLC, and we know he will be a great asset to our firm."
In addition to the above two new offices in North Carolina, Frick Trent PLLC also has the following two offices in South Carolina:
The Clebourne Building in Downtown Fort Mill
111 Clebourne Street, Suite 100
Fort Mill, SC 29715
and
Rock Hill Office
727 Dilworth Lane, Suite 201
Rock Hill, SC 29732
Brad Watson Bio:
Mr. Watson was born in Atlanta, GA, and raised in Roanoke, Virginia. He earned his J.D. from the University of Dayton and his B.A. from Clemson University.
Upon graduating with his Juris Doctor in 2006, Brad moved to Charlotte, NC to begin his legal career. He has spent the last 8 years helping North Carolina residents with their real estate matters. Brad has overseen hundreds of residential real estate closings while managing his firm, The Law Office of Brad Watson.
Brad lives in Ballantyne in Charlotte with his wife, Emily, and their two children. In his free time, he enjoys golfing, fishing, and is an avid Atlanta Braves baseball fan.
www.fricktrent.com
An accidental phone call from Michael Graff, the Editor of Charlotte Magazine, led to this mystery being solved!
Read the artcile here
The Stranger is a 45-minute documentary film commissioned by the Evangelical Immigration Table and produced by Emmy-award winning producer Linda Midgett. The Stranger profiles three immigrant stories and includes interviews with local and national Christian leaders. By highlighting biblical teachings related to immigrants, sharing compelling stories of immigrants who are also evangelical Christians, and addressing some common economic and political misconceptions, The Stranger seeks to mobilize evangelical Christians to respond to immigrants and to immigration policy in ways that are consistent with biblical principles. The film will be released on June 5, 2014 at the National premiere in Chicago, IL.
View the Trailer for the movie here
time or with a panel of local leaders responding to the film and addressing the topic of immigration from a Christian perspective. If you think it would help to draw a larger crowd, the Evangelical Immigration Table may be able to work with you to invite a nationally-recognized speaker and/or individuals involved in the production of the film to be a part of the screening event.
Promotion: If you agree to host a screening of The Stranger, we would love for you to help us promote the film to ensure that the event is a success. Promotional ideas could include announcing the film screening (and/or showing the trailer) during a church's weekend service, including an announcement in a church bulletin or email updates, using social media to spread the word, leaving fliers about the event at local Christian bookstores or other businesses, and asking local Christian radio stations to run a Public Service Announcement about the film screening or even to feature a local leader discussing the film on a radio program.
For More Information or To Set Up a Screening: Please reach out to Carolina mobilizer Matthew Blanton at (864) 590-1099 or Email him here.
The Stranger is a project of the Evangelical Immigration Table (www.EvangelicalImmigrationTable.com), a non-partisan coalition comprised of the following groups:
• Bread for the World
• Christian Community Development Association
• Council for Christian Colleges and Universities
• Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the
Southern Baptist Convention
• Esperanza
• Liberty Counsel
• National Association of Evangelicals
• National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference
• National Latino Evangelical Coalition
• Sojourners
• World Relief
• World Vision
Watch Daniel Papandrea as he talks about his listings in Charlotte right now!
Wilkinson & Associates Realtor, Daniel Papandrea appeared on MyFoxCarolinas regarding a scam, that is damaging the real estate industry in Charlotte! Homes for sale are being 'hijacked' and touted as rentals to people outside of the Charlotte area. Scammers request that potential rental clients wire them the money before seeing the property. See story here
REALTORS JOIN WILKINSON & ASSOCIATES-ERA POWERED REAL ESTATE
Wilkinson & Associates-ERA Powered has announced the following Realtors who have joined the company.
Charlotte, NC Wilkinson & Associates-ERA Powered, the third-largest real estate company in the Charlotte metro area, is proud to announce that the following licensed Realtors have joined the firm in South Charlotte and the University area:
Scott Wilkinson, President of Wilkinson and Associates Real Estate, " We are attracting a wide variety of talented and experience Realtors to our business and we are excited about the growth that our company is experiencing right now!"
Mark Moore
Jordan Perez
Susan Roldan
Gary White
Scott Blake
Frank Jernigan
www.wilkinsonera.com
Wilkinson & Associates-ERA Powered announces that a Top Producing Realtor® has joined the Fort Mill office.
Charlotte, NC Wilkinson & Associates-ERA Powered, the third-largest real estate company in the Charlotte metro area*, is proud to announce that Marty Mathis and The Marty Mathis Team joined the firm's Fort Mill, SC, office.
A Full Time Realtor/Broker since 1996, Marty comes with a wealth of experience and a diversified background in selling homes, farms and land. Marty has sold Real Estate in SC, NC and KY.
Marty has earned many awards over the years, including the Herald's Buzzie Award for York County's Favorite Realtor and has consistently been a Top Producer. Marty serves Rock Hill, Fort Mill, Lake Wylie, York County, Lancaster County, Chester County SC and South Charlotte, NC areas. She has earned designations as Realtor®, Certified Distressed Property Specialist, Accredited Buyer Representative, Certified Buyers Representative, Cartus Network Relocation Specialist and Cartus Network Marketing Specialist.
Said Mathis: "I decided to join forces with Wilkinson & Associates-ERA, the 3rd largest ERA franchise in the nation, because of Scott Wilkinson's forward focused vision for the company along with his great agent minded attitude! Scott brings a lot to the table and is focused on providing great marketing tools and support for his agents. This will enhance our marketing presence for our sellers... making Wilkinson & Associates ERA a great fit for The Marty Mathis Team!"
Marty was born in Rock Hill, SC. Marty enjoys spending time with her children and grandchildren. Marty is also an avid Horsewoman and enjoys trail riding.
Website: http://www.MartyMathisOnline.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/MartyMathisTeam
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/marty-mathis/12/74/96a
* Wilkinson & Associates-ERA is ranked third in the Charlotte area based on Market Share Totals for 2013.
http://www.WilkinsonERA.com
Statement from CEO of Studio Charlotte, Bert Hesse
Charlotte, NC March 20, 2014 - Studio Charlotte submitted what we considered was a responsible, thoughtful solution for the revitalization of an economically challenged area of town. With the support of local residents, our development partners and investors, we presented to the City of Charlotte a clearly defined roadmap as to how the property would be developed and financed in its RFP presentation of over forty-five pages. The solution was to build an industry [film], with educational, retail and mixed-use options that over time would totally revitalize an area of the city that for so long the public and private sector[s] have ignored.
The purchase of the land and the leveling of the old Eastland Mall by the City of Charlotte was a good beginning, but that is all it was... just a small beginning!
The negotiations/talks got caught up in who will pay for what studies and the city requesting more information without a definitive understanding by Studio Charlotte on the end goal of the MOU period.
From the very beginning both parties knew that no decision could be made until the state made theirs on the film incentives. On the advice of our developing business partner, a $9 Billion public company, we chose not to divulge additional proprietary information until the decision on the incentives has been made.
If your decision is to terminate your work with us now, we are sad for the people who saw hope and excitement in our project on the east side, but we will continue our work to bring a state of the art studio and educational complex to the area. While we had hoped it would be for the good people of the east side, at least we know we will brings jobs, revenue and education wherever we are in North or South Carolina.
While the decision on the North Carolina incentives is being made, we now turn our attention on breaking ground this summer on our first studio under the Studio South banner in a state that encourages the film industry. Hopefully, later we will then choose a suitable location in the Charlotte area and be prepared to begin in North or South Carolina, depending on the incentives decision.
We still believe that we have the best option for the city and the residents of the east side and regret that the city does not agree. We wish you the best in finding what you think is a more viable solution. The people of the east side deserve that and we deeply appreciated their support for our project.
UPDATE: March 14, 2014 - Bert Hesse, CEO of Studio Charlotte, had a meeting with a number of members of the Development Committee at the City of Charlotte this morning and the following occurred:
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The City said that they had heard the residents many requests to have Studio Charlotte Development at Eastland Mall, loudly and clearly
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The city requested that local community organizer, Tracy Thomas cancel the Rally on Monday March 17th at the Government Center at 4:30 pm and she has obliged. (Although she would very like the media's support in getting the word out that it IS cancelled so as not to inconvenience the many supporters who might not have heard this news yet.)
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It was agreed to move ahead with negotiations and discussions between the City and Studio Charlotte, in good faith, to ensure that this project progresses ahead and stays on track for a successful outcome, for the benefit of the Eastside community and the city.
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All efforts by all interested parties, will now be focused on the State legislature of NC to ensure that the tax incentive is retained for this purpose.
The media has led the public to believe that Studio Charlotte is dead. This could not be further from the truth. Studio Charlotte is certainly not dead. Studio South LLC, holding company of Studio Charlotte, will be announcing very soon where this studio will be built and who will support it. Other landowners are eager to do business with Studio South and their partners, locally, regionally and nationally.
President of Studio South Holdings LLC, Bert Hesse* said today, "It has become increasingly clear that the city is unable to work successfully with a project of this size and complexity in this particular industry. It has also become evident that we no longer seem to be the only players on this field. Ideas and proposals were submitted in good faith after the RFP was announced, with much expense incurred by us, which now appears to have been shared with "other" new arrivals on the scene, making it very difficult to have any faith in what they are sharing with other competitors. Even with the current Memorandum of Understanding that Studio Charlotte has with the City until March 31st, we are not confident that this development can continue under these circumstances."
This situation is exacerbated by the City Council's repeated attempts to have Studio Charlotte divulge proprietary information. Our business relationships are our business advantage at this point. For this reason we are protecting those partners until we have a deal completed. This has proven to be a good decision on our part with the City indicating that they will be "talking to other developers." Our existing business partnerships, which we have cultivated and secured - like our investors, our builders, our architects, our tenants, a very large national chain, our environmental engineers and our non-profit organization, will all be moving to a new location with us. We have provided exhaustive details as the City requested, but this doesn't seem to be enough to satisfy them even though this project is viable, extremely well supported at this early stage, and backed by some of the largest players in the movie and ancillary industries. We are puzzled as to why the City insists on saying that we haven't given them enough on the project to take it seriously!"
Studio Charlotte requested a 5 month extension to get an important environmental study done on the site and to be assured the state film incentives are in place. This was denied today, even though Studio Charlotte offered to pay for half of the cost of the study, on land owned by the city, not us. At the last business development meeting, the city had suggested an extension. We do not know why that idea was good when it came from them, but denied when coming from us. There are many mysteries which make us wary of releasing more information.
Studio Charlotte executive team are all residents of Charlotte and care deeply about the city. We were very excited about the enormous benefit that this development would have brought, especially to the Eastside of Charlotte, which has long suffered from a lack of investment and growth."
"Unless we can break this impasse with the City, we will have no alternative but to relocate the project elsewhere," said Hesse.
* Bert Hesse, is a local Charlotte businessman, and the visionary behind Studio Charlotte. He is the CEO of Studio South Holdings LLC, which is currently working on numerous other similar developments around the US. Mr. Hesse was one of the original founders of the $38 million dollar US National Whitewater Center, a public/private development in Charlotte, NC. The center is now one of Charlotte's top tourist destinations and is an Olympic training facility for canoeing and kayaking. Has over 25 years experience running companies with multi-million dollar budgets, including Orbitron International (a holding company with four subsidiaries, sold in 1990) and MedCorp of America (a regional health care company, sold in 1996).
Over the last twelve years Mr. Hesse has been in the film industry in the capacity of executive producer for numerous feature length films and documentaries. His expertise with investors has proven invaluable, pursuant to fund raising activities. As Executive Producer, his last two feature films (Night Feeders and Cold Storage) Mr. Hesse oversaw all aspects of the projects including financial, legal issues and negotiating sales and distribution contracts (both domestically & internationally).
For more information on the Studio Charlotte project visit http://scdnc.com/
Charlotte, NC Studio Charlotte has named Dianne Stewart of BSA PR & Marketing, to head up their Communications and Media Relations activities. Ms. Stewart is an international public relations expert with some 25 years of experience. She will handle all media enquiries on behalf of Studio Charlotte with immediate effect.
President of Studio South Holdings LLC, Bert Hesse * said, "It has become increasingly necessary to add a seasoned professional to our growing executive team, following the success of our Proposal, which we recently submitted to the City of Charlotte, for the development of Studio Charlotte on the previous Eastland Mall site."
He added, "Interest in this project has been high and we felt it essential to actively communicate what this incredibly exciting project entails, including to all facets of the local Charlotte and NC community, our national film production partners, our Hollywood megastar investors and the international partnerships involved. We believe that this transparent approach to communication with all our partners, will contribute enormously to its success, not only for our city, but for the State of North Carolina."
Barbara McKay, well-known Charlotte media personality and Senior Vice President for Studio Charlotte added, "I'm thrilled to be working with Dianne on this exciting project. She has wide experience with the media in this particular industry and brings an invaluable contribution to the project. I think that this is without doubt, one of the most important and pivotal projects to present itself to Charlotte in a long time. It's going to be important to let all stakeholders know what is happening on a regular basis and what benefits and opportunities it encompasses. Dianne Stewart is poised to do that for us. Studio Charlotte is committed to invigorating the economic activity on the east side of the city, which has long since been underserved by the public and private sectors. This project will change all that!"
* About Bert Hesse:
Bert Hesse, is a local Charlotte businessman, and the visionary behind Studio Charlotte. He is the CEO of Studio South Holdings LLC, which is currently working on numerous other similar developments around the US. Mr. Hesse was one of the original founders of the $38 million dollar US National Whitewater Center, a public/private development in Charlotte, NC. The center is now one of Charlotte's top tourist destinations and is an Olympic training facility for canoeing and kayaking.
He has over 25 years experience running companies with multi-million dollar budgets, including Orbitron International (a holding company with four subsidiaries, sold in 1990) and MedCorp of America (a regional health care company, sold in 1996).
Over the last twelve years Mr. Hesse has been in the film industry in the capacity of executive producer for numerous feature length films and documentaries. His expertise with investors has proven invaluable, pursuant to fund raising activities. As Executive Producer, his last two feature films (Night Feeders and Cold Storage) Mr. Hesse oversaw all aspects of the projects including financial, legal issues and negotiating sales and distribution contracts (both domestically & internationally).
For more information on the Studio Charlotte project visit http://scdnc.com/
MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Media Contact: Dianne Stewart - BSA PR & Marketing
704-777-4842
Sandy Howard : Wilkinson & Associates Real Estate
704-575-8777
TOP PRODUCER JOINS WILKINSON & ASSOCIATES-ERA POWERED REAL ESTATE
Wilkinson & Associates-ERA Powered announces that a Top Producing Realtor® has joined the Lake Wylie Man Team in the Fort Mill office.
Charlotte, NC Wilkinson & Associates-ERA Powered, the third-largest real estate company in the Charlotte metro area*, is proud to announce that Sandy Howard has joined the Lake Wylie Man Team at the firm's Fort Mill, SC, office.
Said Howard, "I love selling homes and properties in the Fort Mill and Lake Wylie area and I'm thrilled to join Wilkinson & Associates-ERA to be part of the Lake Wylie Man Team. Having worked with all the members of the team before, I have great respect for their values and work ethic."
Team founder David Coone said, "Wilkinson & Associates-ERA has been a great fit for the Lake Wylie Man Team and top in sales on Lake Wylie since 2005. They've been a great partner in the real estate business, and our operating models complement one another."
He added, "With the addition of Sandy Howard to the Lake Wylie Man Team at Wilkinson & Associates-ERA, our overall marketing presence and service to our buyers and sellers will only strengthen."
Howard has been active in the real estate community since 2001, serving the South Charlotte, NC, and Lake Wylie and York County, SC, areas. She has earned such designations as Realtor®, Accredited Buyer Representative and Relocation Specialist.
Howard has been a consistent top producer as well as active on many committees, both at the local and state level. She recently served on the Forms Committee for the South Carolina Association of Realtors in their rollout of new state-wide real estate contracts. Howard resides in Clover with her husband and two cats. She enjoys live music, playing tennis, gardening, camping and mountain rides on her husband's motorcycle.
Originally from Georgia, Howard is a Magna Cum Laude graduate of the University of Georgia with an MFA in Music Performance. After a brief career as a musician and educator, Howard explored other career paths that afforded her more than 20 years' experience in insurance, finance and customer service. As a trainer, supervisor and mentor, Howard guided many agents during her experience as a Broker-in-Charge, and she is excited to once again be working with buyers and sellers, helping them to realize their dreams.
Website: http://www.thelakewylieman.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sandy.a.howard
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/sandy-howard/a/207/606
* Wilkinson & Associates-ERA is ranked third in the Charlotte area based on Market Share Totals for 2013
http://www.WilkinsonERA.com
BSA is currently assisting on activities for the exciting and ground-breaking new Studio Charlotte development project on the old site of Eastland Mall, on the east side of Charlotte, NC. For more information visit their website here. Watch latest TV news on the project here
BSA is proud to announce that it has signed with a new client: Wilkinson & Associates Real Estate. Wilkinson is currently rated as the third largest real estate company in the Charlotte metro area and growing rapidly throughout the Carolinas and beyond. BSA will undertake Media Relations, Special Events and other essential Marketing activities.
