Mecklenburg County is located on the southern border of our state with South Carolina. It is the largest metropolitan area in the state, and includes Charlotte, the largest city by population. It is situated at the western edge of the Piedmont, a region of gently rolling hills and valleys.

Banking and manufacturing are signature activities of the county, but it is also home to large-scale services and tourism draws. It is home to the Bobcats of the NBA, the Panthers of the NFL (with stadium above) and the Knights of AAA baseball.

Background.

Challenges in creating employment.

What is Julius Peppers worth?

Questions that the class can choose to address.

• the role of community colleges in retraining.
• can services/entertainment replace manufacturing as employment generator?  The case of pro sports teams.
• can the health care industry generate employment?