Aphasia was written by Jim Gloster, a local director, actor and writer.  Gloster wanted to capture the story of his friend, Charlotte actor, Carl McIntyre who suffered a massive stroke in 2005 at just 44 years of age. As a result, McIntyre lives with aphasia, an acquired communication disorder that impairs a person’s ability to process language but does not affect intelligence.

Aphasia recounts McIntyre’s first person experience during the stroke, his recovery and his struggle with his inability to communicate. Carl McIntyre stars as himself in this short film that seeks to raise awareness about aphasia and provide hope and inspiration to stroke survivors and their families.
The film was shot in Charlotte with approximately 100 crew members rotating through the eight day shoot.  There are 33 speaking roles and roughly 35 cast extras that were used at different times.  Most of them had had worked with Carl previously or knew of him, his career and his story.
“The loyalty people felt to Carl made this project a talent magnet for the producing and casting team and provided us with some of the most experienced and gifted local crew and actors for the shoot, all gratis,” said Donna Scott, Executive Producer.

The production team of Jim Gloster, Chuck Bludsworth, Tonya Bludsworth and Donna Scott formed Little Word Films to produce Aphasia, in post production in Charlotte.  The film will be screened on May 1 for the 40th anniversary celebration of the Speech Therapy Department of University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Division of Speech and Hearing Sciences .  Little Word Films has partnered with UNC Chapel Hill on this project.

“Aphasia was the perfect way for us to use our art to bring something positive and far-reaching out of a tragic situation. Everyone brought their “A” game, because it felt so important to seize the opportunity and produce the film at the highest quality level possible,” Scott added.

To learn more about the Carl McIntyre Aphasia Project, or to donate directly to the UNC-Chapel Hill Aphasia Clinical Services fund in support of the film, please check out the website Aphasia the Movie.   All donations to the fund are tax deductible.

More than 100,000 Americans develop the disorder annually. Aphasia affects about one million Americans, or 1 in 300 people. It is more common than Parkinson’s disease, cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy.  However, most people have never heard of aphasia. While the most common cause is stroke, aphasia can also result from head injury, brain tumor or other neurological causes. To learn more, go to HERE

How is the first year of Charlotte’s new Cultural Campus going, and what is coming up?It’s going very well. Certainly with the opening of the Gantt Center, the opening of the Knight Theatre, and the Bechtler Museum, it has created some sense of synergy and life that didn’t exist prior to that. And with the anticipated opening of the Mint Museum in the fall, I think we will have one of the unique spaces in the region.

What successes has the Gantt Center seen in promoting African-American culture?
It’s been seeing visitors from across the country. From a tourism perspective, we’re seeing new traffic that we never saw before. Tourism certainly is a niche market that we continue to want to expand on. We think that’s driven largely by some of the unique and outstanding work that our curator, and our program and educational team, and I have put together. The first six months have really been phenomenal. I even get more excited about some of the outstanding exhibitions that are coming up. I think another important success is the community involvement. When we opened to the public, we had a crowd of over 10,000 people show up. You saw it on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. We had approximately 3,000 people come to the center to enjoy the programming. We saw multiple generations in our classroom or in our performance suite reliving or experiencing some cultural component of the lives of American and African American history in this country. The community is continuing to embrace the work of the Gantt Center, and we’re excited about upcoming efforts as we continue to expand our educational programs.

What still needs to happen? What’s missing?
More than anything it is continuing to build out relevant programming that people want to embrace. When we opened this facility it was really about us continuing to find really compelling cultural experiences that we present to people. I applaud the community for their effort in terms of supporting the Gantt Center. We certainly always need more and want more, but I think first and foremost it’s about us presenting compelling programming that people want to see, and we’ll continue to evaluate that everyday. What’s missing is those folks who haven’t visited yet. Make that investment and visit once. Connect some way. One of the opportunities we have is the diverse programming that lets us touch people, so we’re really excited about the ability to touch people through performance arts or education or book signings. We’re excited about continuing our responsibility to provide compelling programming.

Is the current economic downturn affecting arts funding, and can we expect to see changes in those trends over the next 12-24 months?
I would think things have been negatively impacted, but on the other hand I think corporations and individuals have continued to find ways to try to support the arts, and they should be commended for that. Certainly there have been cuts but, on the other hand, there has been great resolve to try to find positive solutions to continue to support organizations like ourselves, or arts initiatives in this community. At the end of the day, the corporate community should be commended, and so should individuals who continue to give financially when they certainly could easily say no. That commitment has really been an inspiration as we’ve opened our doors.

As Charlotte moves forward, what is the Gantt Center’s role in the African American community, and in the arts community?
They’re generally one and the same. Our goal is to promote African American art, culture and history in the community. There is really no American history without African American history. So at this time I think we have a sole responsibility of simply telling American history through the eyes of an African American experience.

Are there still arts opportunities left for the little guy in the Charlotte art scene?
There most certainly is, and I think organizations like us have a responsibility to be able to find ways to engage and empower the little person or the emerging artist that needs a relationship, and resources. Our plan is to continue to participate in that, because they’re so much a part of who we have been over the years.  It’s been part of us, you know, finding the small artist, and helping the emerging artist find their way. We must be involved with them and find ways to support them.

What can we expect to see in the arts the next couple of years?
As these institutions all come online, you will see in Charlotte some of the most unbelievable art and cultural experiences that you can see in any part of the United States.  I think this cultural campus will become a model to people trying to grow the arts in other communities, and I think what we’ve accomplished has been huge, and it will forever change the landscape of arts appreciation in Charlotte.

~Clay Whittaker

Have EpiCentre and the Cultural Campus increased uptown’s draw as a place to live – not just work?
Absolutely. I hear people talking about both all the time, and it’s really starting to become a regional draw for entertainment. And more people are making uptown Charlotte their destination for entertainment, which is really cool. And it’s new, it’s a change, so the word’s definitely getting out.

What demographics are being attracted to uptown and to Charlotte as a whole?
It’s a variety, and uptown in particular ¬ I think with the growth they’re getting everything from the young singles to the empty nesters and everything in between. I think that uptown living is just a microcosm of the whole of Charlotte. However, there is evidence that some young families are being attracted to uptown living.

What does uptown need to offer to win over the young professionals? Are we drawing them now?
There’s been a lot that’s happened in the last couple years to draw the young professionals, but I think more needs to be done. More needs to be done in the way of retail in the way of shopping and restaurants, and more neighborhood full-service grocery stores. But I think we’re getting there. I think a lot has been done to beef up entertainment, and the variety of entertainment uptown. I also think transportation is a lot easier, so I do think young professionals are being drawn. I do see uptown Charlotte as having the amenities to continue to attract that young professional, and if they can get enough full-service grocery stores and parks, they will even increase the number of young families.

Does a bad economy hurt Charlotte’s chances of populating the residential sections of uptown more than the suburbs? Can those areas come back if left unoccupied until the economy recovers?
I don’t think you can say “more than,” because clearly it’s all about personal choice. In fact, with some condos going to rental, it’s actually going to help because that will provide more options for people to not necessarily have to buy. So it will provide that spectrum of availability along different price points. I do have a sense that in a weak economy, when people are watching every penny they spend, and there are options to move to a place closer to work and not rely on a car, there’s a possibility that the population will continue to grow in uptown. There’s a lot more potential for the positive than not in the coming years.

What are condo rental conversions doing to the developments uptown, and how do they affect real estate values?
My speculation is that it’s allowing uptown to be competitive price-wise, so there will be more of a draw from a variety of demographics to possibly move to uptown that might not have considered it otherwise. But at the same time there are still projects under way. It’s not like uptown is just sitting in mothballs. There’s stuff going on and stuff coming online, so while there may be high vacancy rates, it’s not all negative, and I think there’s a lot of potential.

What can Charlotteans be optimistic about in terms of the near and distant real estate future?
As I say to my members and to the public, we have a lot to be bullish about in our market, and I think the Charlotte Chamber does a great job as far as economic development, and I think we are far more diverse from an economic standpoint and an industry standpoint than a lot of consumers understand. I don’t want to diminish the role that the banks have played, but at the same time I think other industries are stepping up and expanding, so that we will not suffer as greatly as other parts of the country. If you’re a qualified buyer, right now is a great time to buy. It’s a matter of time until we can get the distressed properties through the system, but I think it won’t be a huge hit, so I think pricing will start to level off. I don’t think we’re going to be in stellar markets for the next few years, but we’re not going to be doing too bad, either. We just got recognized by Forbes Magazine and Builder Magazine in January of this year as having a strong economy and housing market, so I think Charlotte is seen as having a strong quality of life. We’re still attracting newcomers here. The potential for future job growth is pretty strong if we can just get through the worst of it.

What can we expect to see in the coming year?
We are going to skip along the bottom, and 2010 is going to be similar to 2009 from a job standpoint and consumer standpoint. We will start to pick up, and a year from now we will be slightly better than we are now, and we’re slightly better off now than we were a year ago. And that’s very typical of Charlotte: steady as she goes.

~Clay Whittaker

Is Charlotte as polarized right now as the rest of the country? What are the things that polarize us?
In some ways we represent that and in some we don’t. If you look at the last two budgets the county passed, we had unanimous votes. When you look at the transit issue, you had Republicans and Democrats who were coming together to say we need transit and this is going to be a great way for our community to address a number of things, and again there was a lot of working together. If you look at the Chamber of Commerce, and the way it has targeted certain industries we need to develop to bring jobs back to Charlotte, that is a message that Republicans and Democrats are singing together. There’s a lot more focus on some of those key issues that matter, and a lot less use of partisan rhetoric than you might expect.

What are the important issues as we head into primary season?
Definitely the economy, you know. Jobs, jobs, jobs. We’re hearing that at every level. The state, which is focused on transforming North Carolina into a 21st century economy, has restructured its taxing and industries so that it can compete. And at the local level, you know, most of the economic grants we work on, we work on together. Some of the issues that we’re going to hear more about are access – you know, do we have enough programs for small business. The city and county are looking at things that have worked in the past in terms of small-business lending. We have positive programs for minority businesses, woman-owned businesses. And work force development and job training – is our community college keeping up with new technologies in the marketplace and the needs that there are? Are they keeping up fast enough? And I think they are. Those things are part of that conversation to make sure that we are thinking through every scenario and making sure we get companies to move here. If we want to attract businesses, we have to make Charlotte a great place for their employees.

Are we doing enough to attract a diverse population to Charlotte as it expands?
Well, we’re trying to attract targeted industry sectors.  We know our strengths. We’re trying to be more strategic in focusing on those industries we know we have the work force and infrastructure to support. We’re trying to get those new technologies: energy, bio-fuels.
In terms of looking at diversity from a personnel and employee standpoint, I think we can always do better. One of the things we emphasize in the contracting partners and the companies we bring here … we let them know that this is a community place. They’re expected to be part of that corporate philanthropy and our community. Part of that is being very accepting of a diverse work force, of a diverse client base. We’re doing a lot, and I think we have a good start.

What do current high unemployment rates mean for the immediate and distant future of Charlotte?
It’s pretty clear what high unemployment means. It means longer lines for services. It means we have people standing in line for food stamps and Medicaid and welfare systems that are much bigger than before. The numbers are much bigger than before, and we’re going to continue to see that. They’re coming to seek assistance as they bridge that time of being between jobs. We’re also seeing that as a decrease in sales tax revenue. That impacts the city, county and state budgets. When people aren’t working they don’t spend at the same rate. It also means they don’t pay income tax at the same rate. In December, we received $5 million less than we anticipated from sales tax. And that makes a big impact on your budget, no matter how big a county you are.

What can we expect to see in November?
I think the public is going to want to see people who are focused on getting jobs here. They’re going to want to hear from people about how they’ve supported assistance for people looking for work. There will be some people that are angry. It’s a difficult time to be leading. It’s one thing if you have a lot of resources to maneuver and negotiate. When we have few resources, it’s very stressful on current elected officials. I think there will also be people paying attention, because they have more time to read if they’re not employed, and because they feel the impact of what government means to them more.  Here are folks who are in the libraries using the Internet to look for jobs, and they’re going to appreciate those services. They’re going to take that appreciation into the voting booth. The economy makes a big difference on turnout and on the way people vote, because it all starts with what you have to survive. If you feel like you’re stretching it, you’re barely making it, that’s going to definitely affect your attitude towards who you think should be in charge.

What will Charlotte look like in 12 months? What will be different?
My hope is in 12 months that the job growth will have continued, that we’ll see that job growth come back, that we’ll see we’ve been able to manage through a tough time, that we haven’t had a drastic cut in those services we need, that the volunteers have stepped up, whether it’s tutoring or whatever. And corporations will have stepped up, too. My hope in 12 months is that we will have some optimism that comes from feeling like we’ve turned the corner. I don’t think anybody is saying the recession is going to end tomorrow, in terms of the impact on households, but I’m hoping that we’ll have some more optimism, some more business relocation, more grants come into the community, whether it’s from donations or the federal government – that really sustain that long-term infrastructure that we need to live and work.

~ Clay Whittaker

15 lovely ladies are feeling a bit sore after the first ever Beach Body Bridal Bootcamp presented by GetFitCharlotte.com and Carolina Wedding Design.  We start with a run around the pond at the beautiful Freedom Park on one of the best weather days of the year yet. The Spring’s green grass, tulips, daffodills, weeping willows, and spouting fountains are sure signs… wedding season is upon us!  As the ladies are panting from their early morning start… a mother of a bride takes the lead and sets the tone… if the young ladies can’t catch her… their egos are shot… way to go Mom… thanks for raising the bar.  Wowza… look who ate her Wheaties this morning!

After a good stretch… we shake our booties to warm up a bit more… Lil Jon’s “KRAZY” and Sean Paul’s, “So Fine” get us groovin… Time to take it up a notch with Turbo Kick (a cross between kickboxing and hip hop dancing).  The brides are looking like they need a little high quality H20… so we take five and chill.  I hand out Shakeology samples and tell them it’s a product I swear by… a great mix of protein, vitamins, minerals… that keeps you trim since it’s low in calories and sugar.  The girls get the most excited about the Shakeology recipes that will let them eat chocolate covered strawberries and peanut butter cups with out the guilt!  Enough fantasizing about the finish… and getting to relax for the holiday weekend… it’s time for sprints ladies!  Whistle!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

These brides are gonna be lookin even hotter in no time!  Wind sprints, push ups, bicycles, burpees, high knees, squats…. ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.  Water break…. Pfeewwww.  Only 10 more minutes… A little more booty bouncin to cool us down… Beyonce’s, ‘Sweet Dreams’… and a special TURBO version of ‘Everybody on the Dance Floor.’  A few more prizes are handed out for who can do the most pushups in 60 seconds… and who brought the most bootcampers… Tell em’ what they’ve won Johnny! An elastic exercise resistance band and two Shakeology workout DVD’s. But the best part… everybody leaves with a smile and knowing they did something healthy for their minds and bodies.

I can’t wait for the next one ladies… you’re not tired are you!?!

~ Anna Kooiman

GetFitCharlotte.com

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Trafk Media – A Website Design and SEO Firm in Charlotte NC

Is Charlotte still a competitive city?
Absolutely. Since around Christmastime we’ve seen our largest corporate relocation in 20 years. US Airways has announced new daily flights to Rio, Honolulu, Rome, and a new third parallel runway has opened. On January 1 the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art opened, and we all know that on May 11 the NASCAR Hall of Fame is scheduled to open. Charlotte remains very competitive notwithstanding the current challenges in the economy.

What is the state of Charlotte’s economy? How do we compare with similar cities across the region and the nation?
We are still very challenged by the downturn in the national economy, and we are still seeing the loss of dividend income from our banks. Access to capital continues to be a challenge for small businesses, and the unemployment rate is too high. Our construction and homebuilding industries have taken severe hits. At the same time, there is new activity in the commercial real estate market. Economic development activity remains encouraging, and as many good announcements as we’ve had in the last few months, there are more coming.

What are we doing to encourage folks and businesses to come to Charlotte, and what do we have to offer them?
There are three consistent competitive advantages that Charlotte has to offer: the first is our work force. We have a large population; we have a growing population. They know that our work force is capable, it’s relatively young, and they know if they can’t find people here they can recruit them. Second, our cost of doing business is 94 percent of the national average. And the third is Charlotte-Douglas International Airport.  Our airport is the ninth biggest. That gives companies doing business in Charlotte a level of connectivity that few others our size offer.

Is fear having an effect on the economy?
Absolutely. I was part of a trip that Mayor Fox organized to the White House, where we talked about this. There is a lot of cash that’s on the sidelines right now because of fear. There’s uncertainty about the direction of the economy, about financial regulatory reform and health care, so it’s not being invested in small business. So part of our message to Washington is clarity. Currently their fear outweighs their greed. We need to make their greed outweigh their fears. We need to find ways to encourage investment to take place again.

What does Charlotte lack, and what do we need in order to have a healthy, stable economy?
We need a medical school in Charlotte. We are very fortunate that UNCC is in the business of Ph.D. level research. We need to continue to grow the research programs because that research fuels the economy with technology and patents, helping Charlotte to grow and expand. And unfortunately one of the things the economy has done is push back plans to move AAA baseball to the city. With that, the sports calendar would be complete in terms of making Charlotte a year-round draw.

What do Charlotteans have to be hopeful about? What can we expect in the coming years?
Notwithstanding the challenges of the current economy, Charlotte continues to attract. People want to live here, and long term I have no doubt we will resume our growth. We are particularly excited about what we are seeing in the energy sector. We’ve seen announcements from companies like Siemens, who will be constructing a new facility that will bring about 800 jobs. We intend to make Charlotte one of the energy hubs of the United States.

How does Charlotte match up with the rest of the region in terms of unemployment and job creation?
I think it’s safe to say that Charlotte remains the economic engine of the Carolinas. There’s no doubt that with what’s happening at our airport, our population, we’re growing. We’ve seen banks like Fifth Third plant in Charlotte. Morgan Stanley would like to do the same. Charlotte remains firmly the economic engine of the Carolinas.

~Clay Whittaker