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Before the Christmas Rush Hits, Hayes Meeks Financial Helps Charlotte Close the Year Right. 🎄

The week before Christmas in Charlotte always feels the same. Last-minute shopping runs. End-of-year deadlines. Quiet moments of “I’ll deal with this in January” mixed with the nagging feeling that maybe you shouldn’t wait.

For a lot of neighbors, this is also when finances feel loud. A side hustle that did better than expected. A rental property that finally turned a profit. Contract work, referral income, or a small business that grew faster than planned. It is a good problem to have, but it can still be stressful when tax season is right around the corner.

That is where Hayes Meeks Financial comes in. They work with Charlotte residents whose financial lives do not fit neatly into one box. People wearing multiple hats. People balancing work, family, and future plans. People who want clarity before the year closes, not confusion when April shows up.

Hayes Meeks Financial helps you slow things down. They organize what feels scattered. They explain your options without jargon. And they make sure the money you earned this year is handled thoughtfully, not rushed through at the last minute.

From Ballantyne to Belmont, Plaza Midwood to Matthews, they are helping neighbors wrap up the year with confidence. They are also the friendly sponsor of today’s newsletter.

Tax season appointments are now open.
Schedule your year-end tax appointment with Hayes Meeks Financial

Spark Centro will soon energize Charlotte's east side as an innovative business hub designed to uplift Latino entrepreneurs and fuel growth along the Albemarle Road corridor.

Set at 8805 E. WT Harris Blvd, the nearly nine-acre site will house a 34,000-square-foot headquarters with plans for future retail and community spaces.

Major support has come from Bank of America, which donated $1 million, joining $1.5 million investments from both city and county, and generous backing from the Leon Levine Foundation.

Manuel Rey, Spark Centro’s new President and CEO, champions an inclusive vision, aiming for opportunity that benefits all communities.

With Charlotte’s Latino-owned businesses surging to about 8,000, Spark Centro will offer coaching, training, and space for nonprofit partnerships, reinforcing local workforce development.

Opening is slated for 2026, further cementing the Albemarle Road corridor as a vibrant center of entrepreneurship and economic opportunity in Charlotte.

Charlotte’s investment in digital innovation earned national attention, placing fourth in the 2025 Digital Cities Survey for large municipalities.

City leaders, including Mayor Vi Lyles, stress that technology must deliver measurable, real-life improvements for residents.

Charlotte’s Vision Zero Dashboard provides up-to-the-minute traffic safety data, while the Strategic Progress Tracker offers transparent insight into citywide performance.

Residents benefit from tools like My Charlotte Lookup for address-specific details and faster public records access, with wait times slashed from weeks to days.

Efforts to broaden internet access and boost digital literacy, especially through Access Charlotte, connect thousands of households.

Charlotte also champions responsible AI adoption and greater transparency in tech use, including pilot partnerships designed to gather community feedback.

These advancements position Charlotte as a leader beyond California tech hubs, with continued focus on inclusive, effective digital services for all residents.

HGTV has unveiled its 2026 Dream Home Giveaway, spotlighting a luxurious waterfront estate on Lake Wylie, just minutes from downtown Charlotte, North Carolina.

This custom-built property stands out with over 3,000 square feet of space, including three bedrooms and three and a half baths, valued above $2.4 million.

Designed by Knotts Builders and interior expert Brian Patrick Flynn, the home balances inviting, natural materials with sweeping lake views for seamless indoor-outdoor living.

An expansive deck and a two-story dock make the most of Lake Wylie’s scenic beauty—perfect for boat enthusiasts and gatherings at sunset.

The sweepstakes, open daily from December 16, 2025 to February 13, 2026, awards the fully furnished home and $100,000 cash to the winner.

This high-profile event shines a light on Lake Wylie and Charlotte, further boosting the area’s reputation for luxury lakeside living and growth.

Attention foodies!

Indulge in a culinary experience at this upscale restaurant offering a variety of delectable dishes.

Enjoy a Date Night Special featuring a mouth-watering 3-course meal for two, including appetizers, entrees, and dessert.

The menu boasts a fusion of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to savor gourmet cuisine in a cozy and inviting atmosphere.

Treat yourself and your loved one to a memorable dining experience at a discounted price.

Book your reservation now and elevate your next date night with this tempting offer!

"Life is a journey that must be traveled no matter how bad the roads and accommodations." - Oliver Goldsmith

Charlotte is launching the Skilled to Build initiative to prepare local residents and small businesses for a wave of upcoming infrastructure projects.

The push follows the approval of a one-cent sales tax expected to generate $19.4 billion over thirty years, aimed at boosting public transportation and roads across Mecklenburg County.

Skilled to Build centers on small business readiness, workforce development, and business engagement — offering training, grants, and technical guidance so local talent and companies can thrive as the city grows.

Other local organizations are joining these efforts.

The BuildStrong Academy of Charlotte provides essential carpentry and electrical training, while She Built This City empowers women and girls with trade skills.

By investing in its people and supporting small businesses, Charlotte is creating economic mobility and ensuring future development uplifts the whole community.

In Ballantyne, Finale Pizza brings authentic New York-style pizza to Charlotte at 15025 Lancaster Hwy D3.

Guests enjoy an upbeat, friendly atmosphere with green barstools, lively music, and warm service that makes every visit inviting.

Created by the team behind Inizio Pizza Napoletana, Finale’s focus is on 19-inch, thin-crust pies, cooked at high heat for perfectly charred, crisp slices that are deliciously foldable.

Lunch crowds flock for slices served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., but true fans order the whole pie for the full experience.

Each pizza boasts a golden crust, balanced toppings, and signature mozzarella chunks, demonstrating attention to detail and flavor.

Popular options include the crispy Vodka Sauce pizza and creamy tiramisu, while salads and pasta add tempting variety.

Finale Pizza stands out locally with intentional flavors and consistent quality, making it a can’t-miss spot for Charlotte pizza lovers.

Wear Your Pride. Support Your City.

Charlotte is more than a skyline. It is built by small businesses, local talent, and people who care about where they live.

Every time you #ShopCharlotte, you help keep our neighborhoods vibrant and our local economy strong.

Rep the Queen City with official City of Charlotte gear and show your love for CLT wherever you go.

Shop now at 704shop.com.

🎉 Queen City Weekend: Can’t-Miss Holiday Events

• The Bergamot: A South Shore Christmas Concert
  Thu, Dec 18, 7:30 p.m. @ The Carolina Theatre — Indie-folk duo The Bergamot brings their festive holiday show to Charlotte with classic Christmas tunes and originals. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
  
  
• Charlotte Symphony: Cirque de Noël
  Fri–Sun, Dec 19–21 @ Knight Theater — A magical holiday show combining aerial acts, circus elements and symphonic music. Showtimes vary; tickets available via the Charlotte Symphony site. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
  
  
• Holi-Jolly Christmas Market
  Sun, Dec 21, 1–5 p.m. @ 8470 Bellhaven Blvd — Free local vendor market with holiday finds, family-friendly activities and seasonal cheer. (No central ticket page found; event details confirmed by community listings.) :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
  
  
• Carolina Holiday Light Spectacular
  Nightly through Dec 30, 5:30–10 p.m. @ Ballantyne’s Backyard — A walk-through holiday light experience with dazzling displays and festive atmosphere. (Local attraction — no central ticket page found.) :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
  
  
• Speedway Christmas (Lights & Christmas Village)
  Select dates Dec 18–23 & Dec 25–28 @ Charlotte Motor Speedway — Drive through a massive holiday light display, then explore the Christmas Village. (Official site has full schedule and ticketing.) :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
  
  
• Vienna Light Orchestra Christmas Tour
  Mon, Dec 22, 3 p.m. & 7 p.m. @ Knight Theater — Candlelit holiday orchestra performance featuring beloved Christmas classics. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
  
  
• Futurebirds
  Sat, Dec 20, 8 p.m. @ Neighborhood Theatre — Indie rockers bring their Southern-infused sound to Charlotte. (Ticket page via AXS; times confirmed from Axios local listing.) :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
  
  
• Time Sawyer
  Sat, Dec 20, 7:30 p.m. @ The Evening Muse — Roots-driven live music for a cozy holiday weekend night out. (Ticket page via AXS/venue listings.) :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
  
  

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