(OKLAHOMA CITY) – The SONIC Drive-In crew(s) at 296 HIGHWAY 29 NORTH is/are one step closer to qualifying for the National Finals of the 16th annual Dr Pepper SONIC Games, the competition that recognizes the best SONIC Drive-Ins in the country. The CONCORD SONIC is one of 300 remaining drive-ins striving to become one of the Final 12 teams to participate in the Dr Pepper SONIC Games National Finals in Las Vegas, Nev., Sept. 20-21.

“The crew(s) should be proud of their hard work and dedication to advance to the top 10% of all SONIC’s in the nation,” said Nelson Taylor, vice president of operations services for SONIC. “Dr Pepper SONIC Games is a unique and fun experience that encourages employees to deliver outstanding customer service. It also provides opportunities to learn about goal setting, responsibility and teamwork.”
 

Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont announces the grand opening of its new Goodwill Center located at 5511 Poplar Tent Road in Concord on Saturday, June 27. The center will include the agency’s 20th retail store, a donation center and job resource center.
 
A ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place at 8:45 a.m., followed by music, giveaways, games, kids activities and other festivities from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Doors will open to the public at 9:00 a.m.
 
Goodwill’s new 12,000-square feet location will employ 20-30 people and generate approximately $500,000 in wages and sales taxes paid per year. The store will be stocked with more than 125,000 pieces of donated clothing and household items and will feature a convenient donation drive-thru.
 

Charlotte, NC: Gail Martin, Founder of DreamSpinner Communications and author of the bestselling Chronicles of the Necromancer dark fantasy adventure series (The Summoner, The Blood King, Dark Haven and Dark Lady's Chosen) has sold a book on marketing strategies for authors to Comfort Publishing.

The Thrifty Author's Guide to "Launching Your Book Without Losing Your Mind" sold to Concord-based Comfort Publishing for a September 2009 release date. The book provides a concise, step-by-step proven approach to marketing a new book. It is designed for authors to create effective buzz using traditional and online marketing as well a social media tools. It is the first in the Thrifty Author's series on book marketing strategies.

The City of Concord is taking applications for Concord 101. Concord 101 is a course designed for citizens to learn about their local government. The free 10-week course will begins September 1 and culminates with a graduation ceremony.
 
Residents of Concord over the age of 18 are invited to submit an application by August 21. Class size is limited to 25 participants.
 

Old buildings are being used as the seeds to encourage both growing and established artists to move into the Gibson Village area. A plan to re-use buildings that are solid, open spaces with great light and ambiance was hatched as a way to provide cost friendly rental space and fit in with the neighborhood's concept for redevelopment. One artist, Patrick Glover www.pdglover.com, has taken up residency in the old Concord Public Works Building and is encouraging other artists to do the same. Currently, another artist has occupied space with Patrick and several others are looking to purchase homes and make the move to Concord from Charlotte.  Here is a description of what is beginning to take place in Gibson Village.

Many times a plan comes together by means other than what is expected.  This was the case with the artist who currently occupies the building historically known as the Water Works Building.  A local artist was touring a former textile plant looking for suitable studio space.  The property owner of the former textile facility realized his space was not appropriate, but recalled seeing the Gibson Village plan calling for artists studios.  The artist was directed to Steve Osborne with the City of Concord Business and Neighborhood Services Department who made arrangements to show the available space.  The local artist was very impressed with the sites potential and reached out to another artist who worked out of Charlotte, Patrick Glover.  Mr. Glovers enthusiasm over the potential of the site impressed Steve Osborne and Steve Cromer, Director of Buildings and Grounds at the time.  Mr. Osborne worked with Mr. Glover to enable him to occupy the building and obtain a lease.  Mr. Cromer led the effort to get the building ready for occupancy.  In early April, Mr. Glover moved into the building and has continued to refer other artists interested in available spaces to the City.  Currently phase II of the work plan is being developed by City Staff with donated services by Paul Lorenz of Lorenz Architecture.  Paul is on the Board of Directors of the Cabarrus Arts Council and is preparing design visuals to aid in the evaluation process.