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Contact Info
Ronnie Bryant, CEcD, FM, HLM
President & CEO
rbryant@charlotteusa.com
Charlotte Regional Partnership
550 South Caldwell Street
Suite 760
Charlotte, NC 28202
Phone: 704-347-8942
Toll Free : 1-800-554-4373
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The City of Charlotte, located in Mecklenburg County, is named after Queen Charlotte of Mecklenburg/Strelitz, the German born wife of King George III. Though the connection to Germany began in name only, the ties that bind Charlotte and Germany together are stronger today. With nearly 750 foreign-owned companies in the 16 counties that make up the Charlotte region, the largest percentage comes from German owned companies.
One key element of Charlotte's success and future is, and was, location. Located at the intersection of two important trading paths, Tuckaseegee and Nations Ford, which crossed at the current corner of Trade and Tryon Streets, the city became a prime commerce location, a fact that aided in the discovery of gold in 1799. However, after the Civil War and Reconstruction, Charlotte faced the reality that a more stable economy had to be built. James Buchanan Duke's and W.S. Lee's innovative idea of generating hydroelectric power from dams on the Catawba River to lure the textile industry away from its traditional New England home resulted in the creation of Duke Energy in 1904.
While the textile industry was taking off, another industry was emerging. Liberal North Carolina laws regarding branch banking allowed for banks to grow by merger, acquisition, and consolidation. The Charlotte National Bank was established in 1897, which, through a series of mergers, came to be known as Wachovia Bank & Trust, the nation's 4th largest bank. In 1901, the Southern States Trust bank was formed, which, through a series of mergers, became Bank of America, the nation's largest bank today. What began as a fledgling industry has bolstered Charlotte's economy and reputation, helping it become the 2nd largest financial center in the United States, trailing only New York.
Today, the region's 16 counties have a population of 2.5 million and cover an area roughly the size of Massachusetts. The current regional economy is diversified and interdependent. The region embraces today's global economy and works as a unit to reinforce and emphasize regional assets as a means to recruit new businesses as well as foster relationships with companies currently located here. Home to nine Fortune 500 companies, a flourishing film industry, and the Charlotte/Douglas International Airport, the region is a model of business strength and accessibility. Simultaneously, the region also emphasizes quality of life for its residents and visitors. Known as the City of Trees and recently ranked number one for the highest per capita giving to the Arts & Sciences in the U.S., the region is also home to teams in the NFL, NBA, WNBA, and AAA baseball as well as hosting NASCAR and PGA events. As is obvious, the Charlotte Region embraces the "Life. In Balance." motto, which is exactly why Charlotte USA is where you need to be.
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