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Tax Season Is a Team Sport. Hayes Meeks Financial Is Ready for It. ⚽️

Thanksgiving in Charlotte brings moments of calm, connection, and the relief of having real help when life gets noisy. That same helper energy is exactly what you want walking beside you when tax season arrives.

When income looks mixed and complicated, when paperwork feels like a stack of small questions begging for answers, when receipts might live in three different places and your time lives nowhere, having someone patient, organized, and in your corner isn’t a luxury. It’s a strategy.

That’s where Hayes Meeks Financial steps in. A Charlotte-based advisory team specializing in smart filing for local families, small business owners, caregivers, and professionals balancing personal and entrepreneurial finances.

This is not generic tax prep. This is the kind of filing where someone double-checks the details so you don’t have to lose sleep over them. It’s steady guidance delivered like a conversation, not a collision.

They support clients across the Charlotte metro, from Belmont to Huntersville, from Concord to Fort Mill, and even the folks juggling home-service businesses, side-income, and referrals. They’re the team proudly sponsoring today’s edition of the newsletter.

Appointments are now open for the upcoming tax season.
Book your tax appointment with Hayes Meeks Financial

Charlotte is on the shortlist to host matches for the 2031 FIFA Women’s World Cup, putting the city in the global spotlight and energizing dreams across the region.

Bank of America Stadium is among 14 U.S. venues in the combined national bid, highlighting Charlotte’s powerful infrastructure, enthusiastic sports fans, and history as a stage for major events.

If selected, the city could welcome visitors from around the world, filling Uptown with excitement, boosting local business, and igniting soccer pride citywide.

Hosting the Women’s World Cup means more than thrilling matches — it promises lasting impacts, from increased youth sports participation to improvements in community programs and facilities.

Charlotte’s passion for soccer is real, and the possibility of the world’s best teams playing here would cement the city as a home for big moments and inspire future generations.

This is a true win for Charlotte.

The Charlotte chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities celebrated a record-breaking Night of Joy Grant Celebration, awarding over $2 million to 95 local nonprofits—a major increase from last year’s total.

More than 400 children and charity representatives gathered for holiday festivities, enjoying treats, visits with Santa, and a dazzling ride through the Speedway Christmas lights.

Key community contributors included SCC Chairman Marcus Smith, Catwalk for Causes donors, and Coca-Cola Consolidated, which gifted an added $50,000.

Beneficiaries such as One7 Ministries received vital support for their outreach to local refugee and immigrant families.

SCC honored standout volunteers and celebrated its cumulative impact—over $79 million granted nationally since 1982—underscoring its commitment to helping every child overcome obstacles.

"Life is an echo. What you send out, comes back. What you sow, you reap. What you give, you get. What you see in others, exists in you." - Zig Ziglar

Fuerza del Este, a new effort by nonprofit CharlotteEast, aims to revitalize East Charlotte’s local businesses after widespread disruptions from recent federal immigration enforcement.

The campaign encourages residents to shop and dine at immigrant-owned establishments throughout December, offering gift card rewards for spending at participating locations.

With more than 400 independent businesses in East Charlotte—about 70% of them immigrant-owned—many faced closures and lost an average of $2,500 per day due to reduced customer turnout and safety fears.

By uploading receipts from eligible shops and restaurants, customers can earn substantial gift cards, supporting both the local economy and community resilience.

Highlighted participating spots include Manolo’s Bakery, Lang Van, Queen Sheba Ethiopian, and Why Not Pizza, reflecting the community’s rich multicultural flavors.

Residents are encouraged to explore these local gems, knowing every purchase fuels recovery for hardworking business owners and their families.

The 2026 Crowns of Enterprise Awards is now open for nominations, inviting the Charlotte-Mecklenburg community to spotlight remarkable local small businesses.

Celebrating its 15th year and backed by Mecklenburg County and the City of Charlotte, this annual event highlights the vital economic role of small enterprises in the region.

Residents can nominate outstanding businesses or self-nominate through January 23, 2026, choosing from six distinguished award categories — from innovation and young entrepreneurship to industry stewardship and impactful community involvement.

Winners and nominees gain valuable networking opportunities with business leaders, government officials, and peers.

The awards ceremony, taking place in May 2026, will celebrate those shaping the area’s economic growth.

Charlotte’s recent success stories — like the expansions of SoFi Technologies and Scout Motors — reinforce the community’s dynamic business environment and underscore the importance of honoring local enterprise achievements.

Wear Your Pride. Support Your City.

There’s a special energy in the Queen City, and it’s powered by our local businesses.

When you choose to #shopcharlotte, you’re investing in the people and places that make CLT unique.

Rock the official City of Charlotte seal and show everyone where your heart is while keeping our local scene thriving.

Shop the full collection now at 704shop.com.

🎉 Queen City Weekend: 6 Can’t-Miss Events

• Light the Knights Festival
  Fri–Sun, Nov 29–30 (2 p.m.–10:30 p.m. Sat, 2–9 p.m. Sun) @ Truist Field — "Ice skating, 150-foot snow tubing hill, twinkling lights, live music, local vendors, and Santa photos transform the ballpark into a winter wonderland."
  
  
• The Bad Daddies — Live Show
  Sat Nov 29, 8 p.m. @ Visulite Theatre — "Charlotte's seven-piece powerhouse brings an unstoppable mix of funk, disco, rock, pop, country, and rap for their annual Visulite extravaganza."
  
  
• Charlotte Symphony: Home Alone in Concert
  Fri Nov 28, 7:30 p.m. & Sat Nov 29, 3 p.m. @ Belk Theater — "John Williams' score performed live by the Charlotte Symphony as the holiday classic plays on the big screen. Holiday fun for the entire family."
  
  
• Finally Fridays Market — Glow Edition
  Fri Nov 28, 5–9 p.m. @ Urban District Market — "Kick off holiday shopping at this festive night market featuring local vendors, live music, and food from Seoul Food courtyard. Free admission."
  
  
• Panthers vs. Rams
  Sun Nov 30, 1 p.m. @ Bank of America Stadium — "Carolina Panthers take on the Los Angeles Rams in NFL action. The Rams enter at 9-2 on a six-game winning streak."
  
  
• Ice Skating at The Bowl
  Fri 4–10 p.m., Sat 11 a.m.–10 p.m., Sun noon–9 p.m. @ The Bowl at Ballantyne — "Outdoor ice skating in Ballantyne's premier entertainment district. Perfect for families looking to embrace winter activities."

🤝 Partner with The Queen City Scoop
We’re building collaborations with local businesses, nonprofits, and professionals to highlight their work while bringing more value to our readers. If you’d like to explore a partnership or get your organization involved in future issues, let’s connect →