Huntersville
Huntersville, NC · Business
Charlotte Observer
Advocate Health to invest over $1 billion into workforce. What it means for employees
Starting next year, Charlotte-based Advocate Health will spend more than $1 billion on its employees, raising its minimum starting pay from $18.85 to $20 per hour. The largest hospital system in the region announced it will invest $1.24 billion, with $846 million allocated toward additional compensation and $390 million toward added benefits. These changes will be implemented through Advocate’s annual compensation process during the first quarter of 2027. “The most important investment we make isn’t in buildings, technology or equipment. It’s in our people,” said CEO Eugene Woods . “Healthcare is a 24/7 calling and every single day our 170,000 teammates bring extraordinary skill, compassion and commitment to the patients and communities we serve.” Advocate will also offer four weeks of paid parental leave and absorb most increases in healthcare costs to keep coverage affordable for employees and their families, according to the health system. Expanding pay across the footprint The last base pay increase was established in January at $18.85 per hour. The bump to $20 is part of an ongoing effort to remain competitive in the healthcare industry. This increase applies to employees across the Carolinas and several other states. The $846 million compensation boost includes merit increases,
Charlotte Observer
Charlotte Observer
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools reveals how it'll handle finances after top staff leave
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools will turn to an outside consulting firm to help oversee its finances after its chief financial officer retires at the end of December, the district announced Tuesday. CMS has selected HIL Group, a firm that specializes in supporting North Carolina school districts, to provide financial management, budget development and operational support beginning Jan. 1, 2027. The arrangement comes amid significant turnover in district leadership. Chief Financial Officer Kelly Kluttz is one of five members of former Superintendent Crystal Hill’s 10-person cabinet who left or announced plans to leave CMS, as previously reported by The Charlotte Observer. “Our priority is to maintain strong financial oversight, ensure uninterrupted operations, and provide a transparent, cost-conscious solution while the district addresses this critical leadership need,” a news release states. Rather than immediately appointing a new CFO, CMS will designate an existing employee as its statutory finance officer while the consulting firm provides specialized financial support. The employee, whom CMS has not identified, will retain their current duties and will not receive a CFO salary. CMS Chief of Strategy and Innovation Beth Thompson will coordinate budget communications with the school board and public. The initial agreement with HIL Group, formally known as Hurd,
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Publix Targets 2027 Opening at Redhawk Pointe in Cramerton
Publix is targeting a 2027 opening for a new supermarket at Redhawk Pointe, a planned shopping center along South New Hope Road in Cramerton, North Carolina. The Lakeland, Florida-based grocer confirmed the upcoming location alongside another Charlotte-area store in Matthews, according to a November 2026 announcement reported by CBJ Newsroom on Instagram.