​CBJ Morning Buzz: Many Family Dollar workers decline relocation offers; How NC cities rank on flex jobs; New publication launching next week

In local news:

For upon |Only about 30% of the Family Dollar employees given a chance to relocate with their jobs to Virginia have taken the offer, according to The Charlotte Observer, which cites a securities filing. The update comes after Dollar Tree (NASDAQ: DLTR), parent of the Matthews-based retail chain, announced in September that it would close the local headquarters operation and consolidate those functions in Chesapeake, Virginia, where it is based. The closure is expected to impact about 900 jobs, with the company eliminating 200 positions and offering about 700 employees an opportunity to relocate. The Observer‘s report says about 210 Family Dollar employees have accepted the proposition, leaving about 500 jobs to be filled via hiring.

In other news, an analysis by FlexJobs.com ranks North Carolina at No. 11 in the nation for its number of remote job opportunities. According to the site, 5.4% of workers in North Carolina do so remotely, with the highest concentration in Asheville (8.3%). Charlotte and Raleigh, each with 6.9% working remotely, come in next.

The Charlotte metro area’s unemployment rate inched up to 3.2% in October from a historic low of 2.9% in September, according to figures released yesterday by the N.C. Department of Commerce. However, the local rate remains well below the 4.1% figure posted in October 2017.

A major economic development announcement is expected this morning at 300 South Tryon — sources have said tech manufacturer Honeywell (NYSE: HON) will bring hundreds of high-paying jobs as it relocates its headquarters to Charlotte.

And some of the former staffers of local alternative-weekly magazine Creative Loafing who lost their jobs reportedly are preparing for the launch of a new publication next week. WFAE-FM reported recently that Queen City Nerve, led by former CL editor-in-chief Ryan Pitkin, is expected to release its first print issue on Wednesday. As previously reported by CBJ, CL abruptly announced a shift in ownership and focus at the end of October, dismissing its employees with little notice.

Yesterday’s top-read story on the CBJ website: Honeywell bringing HQ to Charlotte following incentives bill passage

In the national news:

• Marriott says its Starwood database was hacked on approximately 500 million guests — CNBC
• U.S., Mexico and Canada sign pact replacing NAFTA — The Wall Street Journal
• In GE probe, staffers say insurance risks were ignored — WSJ
• Delta says USA’s ‘first biometric terminal’ is ready to go at Atlanta airport — USA Today
• ‘Very legal & very cool’: Trump dismisses criticism of his 2016 business project in Russia — The Washington Post
• Campbell Soup officially expands board of directors to 14, ending months-long proxy contest — Philadelphia Business Journal

And the top-read story across the national bizjournals.com network comes from the Chicago Business Journal: United Airlines CEO surprises passenger with classy move

Sports:

Festivities begin today for the ACC Championship in Charlotte, with a fan-focused event and pep rally taking place at the EpiCentre uptown. The game itself, which has the Clemson Tigers facing down the Pittsburgh Pirates, happens tomorrow at Bank of America Stadium.

The Charlotte Hornets, at 11-10 after Wednesday’s win over the Atlanta Hawks, will host the Utah Jazz this evening at Spectrum Center uptown. Next up, the Hornets will host the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday before hitting the road again next week.

And the Carolina Panthers, at 6-5 and ranked No. 2 in the NFC South, will travel this weekend to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday.

This week and beyond:

Holiday-themed activities popping up around the region: The Charlotte Christmas Village, which is relocating this year to North Tryon and Seventh streets; the Vintage Charlotte Winter Market; the Holiday on Ice skating rink outside the NASCAR Hall of Fame; Carowinds’ WinterFest attraction; and light displays such as Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens’ Holidays at the Garden and Speedway Christmas at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

And upcoming CBJ events include the Fast 50 awards program. Find more at bizjournals.com/charlotte/event.

The article was originally published here.