Winter Weather Advice!

As you know, we're about to be hit with some very bad weather so I thought I would pass along this advice so that you are sure to be prepared.

Many folks west of us that have been hit by this storm are struggling in the cold without power. We could experience the same problems. The weather is forecast to dip down in the teens which can really make things worse. Here's a short list of things to do before we get hit...

• Disconnect outside water hoses and shut off water to outside faucets.
• Find and tag the main water shut off in your house in case of freezing pipes. When they thaw, broken pipes can lead to a huge mess.
• Keep garage doors closed to reduce draft in the home.
• Remove snow build up from awnings and roof.
• Close all storm windows and apply plastic film to older leaky windows.
• Disconnect your electrical appliances if there is a power outage. When power is restored, surges are likely to damage them.
• If power goes out, do not use a non-indoor approved heating devices and keep your generator outside where there is plenty of ventilation.
Two more important tips...
• Please do not go out into the weather if you can help it or drive the roads before they are safe again.
• Bring our furry friends inside. It's going to get very cold this weekend.
I hope you and your family have a safe weekend without problems!

Looking for a house to Rent in Greensboro, NC? What about a Rent to Own??

A lot of real estate agents run away screaming from people who are looking to rent homes. And, to be candid with you, I don't blame them. Many people don't understand how real estate agents make their living and typically they are paid nothing for helping renters. That means they are putting in a lot of time and effort, taking time from other clients, etc. without any hope of receiving compensation. But, sometimes a person has no other option but to rent. If you need a place to rent or know someone that does, check out this house. It is in a fabulous neighborhood- and I mean fabulous. Do you know what else is fabulous? We will even consider a RENT TO OWN situation!! It is the best of both worlds!! Email me if you have any questions!

Looking for a house to Rent? What about a Rent to Own??

A lot of real estate agents run away screaming from people who are looking to rent homes. And, to be candid with you, I don't blame them. Many people don't understand how real estate agents make their living and typically they are paid nothing for helping renters. That means they are putting in a lot of time and effort, taking time from other clients, etc. without any hope of receiving compensation. But, sometimes a person has no other option but to rent. If you need a place to rent or know someone that does, check out this house. It is in a fabulous neighborhood- and I mean fabulous. Do you know what else is fabulous? We will even consider a RENT TO OWN situation!! It is the best of both worlds!! Email me if you have any questions!

For Rent: 3BR/1BA Single Family House in Greensboro, NC, $975/month

Southern Lights Returning this Spring!

Southern Lights Bistro will reopen this spring.

When the restaurant closed last year, co-owner John Drees bid farewell to the old location, confident he would reopen the restaurant that had retained a loyal following for almost 25 years. Today, Drees is a happy man.

"I'm excited. We've made a turn," says Drees.

After months of speculation, and the possibility of a change in the restaurant's name, Drees announced today that he will definitely reopen Southern Lights Bistro at 415 Lawndale Drive, the former home of Roosters Gourmet Market & Gifts.

He says the menu will feature daily fish and chicken items in addition to lots of old favorites

New Jobs for North Carolina

Husqvarna to Add New Headquarters and 160 Jobs in Charlotte
Husqvarna, a global leader in outdoor power equipment, will double its Charlotte workforce with the opening of a new North American headquarters. Husqvarna plans to add 160 workers over the next three years and invest $2.75 million in the project.
“This decision by a top international company such as Husqvarna shows what trade magazines have long said – that Charlotte is among the nation’s best places to live and do business,” Perdue said. “I will continue working aggressively to create opportunities across the state that put our people to work.”
Husqvarna is based in Sweden and employs more than 15,000 workers in 42 countries. It is the world’s largest producer of chainsaws, lawn mowers and other gas-powered garden equipment such as trimmers and leaf blowers. Its products are sold in North America under many brand names including Husqvarna, Poulan, PoulanPro, Weed Eater, Dixon, Gardena and Jonsered.
The company plans to consolidate its Consumer Outdoor Products subsidiary currently headquartered in Augusta, Ga., with its Professional Products headquarters in Charlotte to form one North American headquarters in Charlotte. While salaries will vary by job type, the overall average annual wage for the 160 new jobs will be $79,453, not including benefits. That is significantly higher than the Mecklenburg County average of $48,776.
Under the terms of the JDIG, the company is eligible to receive a grant equal to 55 percent of the state personal income withholding taxes derived from the creation of new jobs for each of the nine years in which the company meets annual performance targets. If Husqvarna meets the targets called for under the agreement and sustains them for nine years, the JDIG could yield as much as $2.5 million in maximum benefits for the company.
For more information about Husqvarna, including job opportunities, visit www.husqvarna.com and click on “Husqvarna Group” at the top of the page.




Source: Office of Governor Bev Perdue

Energy Efficiency Projects Get Funding Across NC

“Main Street” Energy Projects Approved for Recovery Funding
More than $330,000 in federal Recovery Act funds have been awarded to eight North Carolina “Main Street” communities to help with energy efficiency and renewable energy initiatives. The grants are the first distribution of money from the North Carolina Energy Program for the state’s Main Street initiative.
“North Carolina continues to use recovery funds for job creation and energy efficiency,” said Gov. Perdue. “These grants will provide service jobs for local businesses and help local communities save money on utility bills.”
The Main Street initiative seeks to boost economic development in small towns, including those in rural areas that have been designated by the N.C. Commerce Department’s Division of Community Assistance. A second round of grants is expected to be awarded during the first quarter of this year.
The North Carolina Energy Office, in partnership with the N.C. Main Street Center, awards grants to eligible local governments and/or nonprofit downtown revitalization organizations for projects totaling no more than $250,000. Grants are awarded to Main Street communities for energy audits and planning and policy work to support long-term sustainable changes for energy efficiency.
Local matching funds must be committed for implementation of grant awards on the basis of a minimum of one non-federal dollar for every one federal dollar from the N.C. State Energy Program Main Street Grant Fund.
Click here for the list of “Main Street” projects approved for funding in the first round.