You probably should join the Facebook group Charlotte Professionals this morning while you're online at work. After all, there are more than 300 members from around town. But I won't tell if you waste precious company time and abuse Web surfin' privileges to join the Facebook group Charlotte Wine Exchange, which is growing even faster. (I certainly saw some familiar faces in there …)
Speaking of social networking, there's an interactive experiment on the way – a look at the future of the city, especially regarding race relations. Studiobanks, the edgy SouthEnd interactive firm, is building the new Crossroads Charlotte site, and Foundation for the Carolinas and others are behind it. You'll be able to go online, connect with people, and share your experiences. The goal is to bring separate communities closer together.
Things are booming for Studiobanks CEO Banks Wilson. The UNCC grad is returning to his alma mater this fall to teach a course on animation and interactivity. And the company is taking on new projects, like Find Your Center, the events site for Center City Partners. He credits his creative people, such as new hire Alexis Acosta and masterful operations manager Christy Vannetta. Look for another big announcement from the company soon.
Environmental museum
It's the museum in search of a name. BOLT, the hot design and branding firm, is coming up with a brand strategy and name for York County's new environmental history museum. It will be the only museum of its kind in the country, and BOLT's Jamey Boiter promises it will be very interactive. Architect William McDonough, the museum's designer, is a big name in the sustainability movement. Jane Spratt McColl (wife of Hugh) donated the 400 acres for the museum and the Kanawha community project. The museum's working name is the Museum of Life and the Environment. The first phase should be completed by early September.
Fastest items in town!
Attendance is up 4.2 percent for the Knights from last year. Last fireworks show is on Aug. 23 – plus Homer the Dragon Bobbleheads (YAY!) to first 1,000 fans. … Joyce Payne of Rocky Mount has been appointed Chair of the AARP Foundation Board. … Local film guy John Schwert is set to release his latest film for the upcoming festival season. I'm told the cast of “In/Significant Others” has Charlotte roots. … With the Olympics in full swing, we have our own Jamaican bobsled team: The Chamber sent 180 or so people to Jamaica late last week – a reward for being top producers in new and renewing memberships.
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That's Banks Wilson, the savvy chief of Studiobanks, the interactive and digital design firm. Send business news tips to jelder@charlotte observer.com, or call 704-358-5032.
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