E3D organizer Pat Millen (fifth from left) received a check for $10,320 from Peninsula Community Foundation chair Todd Wiebusch. With them are others associated with both End Davidson’s Digital Divide and the foundation.

The Lake Norman community is responding to the technology challenge issued earlier this year by Davidson-based nonprofit E3D, which wants to put computers in the hands local schoolkids who lack them. Organizer Pat Millen says help is coming in big and small ways – from donors as large as the Peninsula Community Foundation to events like the Biggest Lemonade Stand Day Ever planned in Davidson Saturday.

The Peninsula Community Foundation recently presented E3D with a check for $10,320 to help fund the group’s goal of helping close the digital gap among families in local schools. Working with local social service and school leaders, E3D is identifying students at public schools in Cornelius and Davidson who lack computers and internet connections.

RELATED COVERAGE

May 17, 2013, DavidsonNews.net, “How to end the digital divide: lemonade stands and foundation grants”

Feb. 27, 2013, DavidsonNews.net, “E3D’s goal: Eliminate Davidson’s Digital Divide.”

[The budget now goes to the Mecklenburg County Commission. A joint school board-county commission budget workshop is planned May 23. The commission is scheduled to hold a public hearing on the full county budget May 30, and to vote on the budget June 18.]

“If not now, when? Now is the time. Children don’t have voices. We are the voices for them,” said Mary T. McCray, chairperson of the Board of Education. “We are the voices for our employees. I fully support this budget.”

Several other Board members spoke in support of the budget as well.

Eric Davis, who represents District 5, noted previous years of cuts have left their mark on the district and on the students and families that it serves. Longer bus rides, crowded schools, fees for tests and extracurricular or arts activities were among the examples he gave of the effects of earlier reductions.

“There are many items not in this budget that our students need. This Board has exercised great discipline and fiscal restraint in asking for only a fraction of what we need,” Davis said. “That’s why it’s so important that this request be fully funded.”

The district is proposing to expand choice for students with a wider variety of programs that are widely accessible. This would include creation of new magnet programs, as well as expansion of existing high-demand magnet programs, existing partnership with Central Piedmont Community College and Career and Technical Education programs.

CMS is also seeking to increase access to technology at all schools, including mobile classrooms, and providing teacher training in new technology and tools, as well as in the Common Core standards.

“This budget reflects our desire to be about every student, every day for a better tomorrow,” Superintendent Heath Morrison said. “We are asking on behalf of our students.”

The total proposed budget is $1.2 billion, with about $136 million expected in federal funding, $716 million expected in state funding and $365.9 million in county funding. Special and other revenues (such as grants) are estimated at just under $19 million.

The largest investment the district is seeking for new initiatives is in technology, including technology tools for teachers, mobile technology labs for students’ use, projection systems for classrooms and expanded wireless access for the mobile classrooms in use at many schools. Another initiative is linked to the Common Core standards, which will require additional teacher training, support and preparation.

The district is also seeking county support to expand choice options and programs for students. Adding more choice and innovative programs, including increasing Career and Technical Education options and early college opportunities, will provide more individualized education options and better prepare students for post-secondary experience. CMS also wants to expand opportunities for all students to participate in Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate and Career and Technical Education choices.

District enrollment is expected to grow again in 2013-2014, as it has nearly every year in recent memory. District projections show 2,665 new students are expected. More students will increase district costs, as will increases in certain mandatory costs the district incurs each year. These include areas such as utilities, fuel, security, health and unemployment insurance and retirement contributions. In all, the district’s proposed budget includes $17.5 million in county funding to cover the costs of growth and sustaining operations.

RELATED DOCUMENTS AND COVERAGE

Download the CMS presentation about the budget given at the May 14 meeting (PDF).

April 24, 2013, CorneliusNews.net, “CMS’s $300m building plan goes to county commission.”

James Sanders of Shared Resources talked to Cornelius Elementary third graders. (Travis Goldstein photo)

Computer firm Shared Resources recently hosted a class of third graders from Cornelius Elementary School for a class on entrepreneurship and its risks. Meanwhile, law firm Copeland, Cook & Richards has moved from North Main Street in Cornelius, and added a partner, Mike Anderson. Plus, a few notes about new businesses, including Civitas Media, a regional newspaper publisher that recently established its headquarters in Davidson.

START THOSE LESSONS EARLY

On May 1, James Sanders, founder of tech services firm Shared Resources in downtown Cornelius, hosted a seminar on entrepreneurship and its risks for Amanda Marco’s third grade class at Cornelius Elementary School.

“I was impressed again and again at these kids’ understanding of the high risk, high reward gamble of starting one’s own business. Within the first five minutes, I realized my presentation was geared far below their keen grasp of complicated concepts like market risk, financial needs, target markets, and business plans,” Sanders said. “When one young boy explained he was interested in becoming an entrepreneurial ocularist, I learned a new word.” (It’s someone who fits patients for prosthetic eyes.)

“I had to quickly adapt my presentation by asking them questions and commenting on their response,” he said.

Sanders talked to the students about everything from running your own business to property management, as well as supply and demand, monopolies, and planning for expansion. His examples: skateboards, pizza, and computer games.

The seminar ended with a tour of the computer repair shop on Catawba Avenue.

LAW FIRM MOVES TO STOWE’S CORNER

Michael Anderson

The law firm of Copeland, Cook & Richards PLLC has added a partner and moved its offices from North Main Street in Cornelius to the Stowe’s Corner building in downtown Davidson, above Flatiron Kitchen + Taphouse.

The firm formerly operated out of the Caldwell House in Cornelius, and now has taken space on the top floor of Stowe’s Corner, at 215 S. Main St. The firm said it gained additional space for its expansion in the move, but also wanted to be “in the heart of Davidson’s historic and growing Main Street business community.”

Partner Michael F. Anderson joins existing partners Shawn A. Copeland, Christopher W. Cook, and Drew A. Richards. Anderson is a Davidson College graduate with a law degree from the University of North Carolina School of Law. He previously worked at global law firms representing businesses, public officials, and governments in commercial litigation, including contract disputes, business torts, warranty claims, employment issues, and white-collar investigations and defense.

He’s a former Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officer and has also represented public officers and government agencies in liability defense, employment, and other police issues. And he has experience in trust and estate. Named a 2013 “Rising Star” in Business Litigation by North Carolina Super Lawyers magazine, he will concentrate his practice with Copeland, Cook & Richards in the areas of business and commercial litigation; trust, estate, and other fiduciary litigation; and civil litigation.

“This is an exciting time for us,” Copeland, the firm’s co-founder and managing partner, said in an announcement. “The breadth and depth of Mike’s experience and abilities speak for themselves, and his approach to the practice of law makes him a perfect fit for us. We are delighted to welcome him as our partner. We are equally pleased to call Davidson our firm’s new home. Geographically, Davidson keeps us well-positioned to serve clients not only in the Lake Norman region, but also Charlotte and surrounding areas.”

The firm was founded in 2007. More info at www.ccrlaw.com, or 704-439-4441.

EMAIL MARKETING SEMINAR

Crystal Dempsey, an expert with email marketing firm Constant Contact, will lead a free seminar on “The Power of Email Marketing” Thursday, May 23, at The Business Center at South Main Square. It runs 11am to 12:30pm. Register online at SouthMainSquare.com or at the door. A box lunch is available from Campania Cafe for $7. See the registration page for information on how to order.

NEW BUSINESSES

• Amy L. Marks, a licensed massage and bodywork therapist, has set up practice at 20823 N. Main St., Suite 112, in Heritage Plaza, offering therapeutic massage. A recent transplant from Ohio, Marks maintained a private practice for three years before moving to North Carolina. “I often combine several modalities that create an integrated and individualized therapeutic massage experience tailored to meet the individual’s needs at every appointment,” she says. Marks also supplements her massages with Young Living essential oils. Office hours are 8:30am to 7pm, Monday through Saturday, by appointment only. www.amymarkslmt.com.
• A groundbreaking is planned Friday, May 17, at Bailey Commerce Park, off Bailey Road, for a new upscale storage facility called Hyde Park on Bailey. See more in our May 9 report, “May 17 groundbreaking starts work at Bailey Commerce Park.”
• Davidson Prosthetics and Orthotics is opening on May 20 at 428 S. Main St., South Main Square.
• The Eden Street Market held a grand opening Saturday, May 11, in the former Metrolina Warehouse off Depot Street in Davidson. The new market includes stalls with everything from seafood to local meets to “upcycled” clothing and furnishings to outdoor gear and supplies. See more in our May 9 report, “Grand opening Saturday for Eden Street Market.”
• The Pickled Peach, a new sandwich shop focusing on local ingredients, is completing renovations in the rear of 202 S. Main St. and plans a “late June” opening, according to co-owner Travis Jentz. Renovations and construction of a rear outdoor seating area have taken longer than expected, in part because of the weather. Travis and wife Jennifer, who live in Davidson, acquired 202 S. Main St. last year and reshuffled tenants. They say the Pickled Peach will sell “handcrafted food,” much of which incorporates local produce from the Jentz garden as well as other area farmers.
• Newspaper publisher Civitas Media, formed last fall by the merger of four media companies, has located its headquarters in Davidson. Civitas has 1,650 employees in 12 states. Among other things, its owns five papers in North Carolina: The Sampson Independent, The Laurinburg Exchange, The Robesonian, Mount Airy News and Daily Journal in Rockingham. This week, the company annoucnced the hiring of former Harris Teeter exec Jeff D. Sherman as its first chief financial officer. Sherman will work alongside CEO and President Michael C. Bush. Civitas moved to 130 Harbour Place Drive, Suite 300, in April. Civitas is owned by Versa Capital Management, which formed the new company in September.
• Brickhouse Tavern owner Nick Lyssikatos is eyeing the former Midtown Sundries restaurant site on Lake Norman in Cornelius for an expansion. See more in our May 8 Dining News column, “Brickhouse owner eyes new eatery at lakefront site.”
• Fireside Bar & Grill has opened at 19930 W. Catawba Ave., the site of Pelican’s Patio until it closed last November. The new restaurant has a varied menu, with everything from burgers and bread bowls to salads and panini sandwiches to fish, chicken, pork and steaks. They’re open Mondays to Thursdays, 11-10, Fridays and Saturdays, 11 to midnight and Sundays noon to 10pm.

SMALL BUSINESS WEEK

The celebration kicked off Monday with “Lunch & Learn” program on the “Secrets of Business Growth for Small Business Owners” at the Peninsula Club in Cornelius.

On Tuesday, May 14, the chamber will host a Small Business Accounting Workshop facilitated by Adam Boatsman, Owner, Boatsman Gillmore Wagner PLLC and Greg Hart, Partner and CFO at Scale Finance LLC. The event will be held from 8:30-10am at the Chamber. There is no charge for chamber members and $25 for non-members.

Wednesday, May 15, brings two events: an 8am Coffee Connections networking event at the Donut King, 9905-A Rose Commons Drive in Huntersville, and a Social Media and Internet Marketing seminar at the Chamber of Commerce by McBryde Website Design at 3pm.

On Thursday, May 16, from 5-7pm, the chambers from Lake Norman, Mooresville-South Iredell and Lincolnton-Lincoln County will co-host the annual Tri-Chamber Regional Business After Hours at the McGuire Nuclear Station Energy Explorium, 13339 Hagers Ferry Road in Huntersville. That event runs 5-7pm.

The week culminates with a speed networking event at the Chamber Friday, May 17, at 8am, and the annual Small Business of the Year reception at 4pm Friday, at newly opened Fireside Bar and Grill, 19930 West Catawba Avenue in Cornelius. (That’s in the former Pelican’s Patio space.)

For more information on these events and seminars, visit the Chamber’s website at LakeNormanChamber.org. Non-members who wish to attend any of these programs or events are encouraged to contact the Lake Norman Chamber at 704-892-1922.

RELATED COVERAGE

May 13, 2013, DavidsonNews.net, Biz Notes column: “Law firm adds a partner, moves into Stowe’s Corner building” –

Child labor is the subject of both state and federal laws designed to protect children from dangerous jobs and exploitation. The first federal law regulating child labor was passed in 1916. In 1918, Roland Dagenhart of Charlotte challenged the restrictions, claiming that Congress had no power to prevent him from sending his sons, aged 12 and 14, to work at Atherton Mill. The U.S. Supreme Court agreed with Mr. Dagenhart and invalidated the law. The Dagenhart children were free to work.

In a newspaper interview several years later, Rueben Dagenhart, the older of the two boys, complained that all he got out of the successful lawsuit was a Coca-Cola and a car ride, both provided by the “big lawyers from the North” who represented his father. He also reported lingering health problems from the factory conditions and limited job prospects from dropping out of school to work 12-hour shifts at the mill.

It was not until the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (FLSA) that the federal government once again attempted to regulate child labor. The law was promptly challenged. In the 1941 case of United States v. Darby Lumber Co., the Supreme Court reversed its earlier decision in Hammer v. Dagenhart and upheld the power of Congress to protect children from unsafe working conditions.

THE RULES TODAY

What is the minimum age for employment and how many hours are children allowed to work?
The general rule is that children must be at least 14 years old before they can be employed in non-agricultural jobs. Family-owned businesses are exempt from this age limit as are purely volunteer positions.

Although businesses can legally employ 14- and 15-year-olds, those employees are not permitted to work during school hours. During the school year, 14- and 15 year-olds are limited to a maximum of 18 hours of work per week (not to exceed 3 hours on a school day or 8 hours a day when school is not in session), and they can only work between 7am and 7pm. In the summer, the evening work hours are extended to 9pm and the maximum number of working hours is increased to 40 hours per week. The daily 8-hour limit still applies.

The type of job that a 14- or 15-year old may legally hold is limited. A comprehensive listing of the specific employment limits applicable to 14- and 15-year-olds can be found on the N.C. Department of Labor’s child labor fact sheet. According to the N.C. Department of Labor, examples of permissible occupations for 14 and 15-year-olds are “bagging groceries, office work, stocking shelves or cashiering.” No one under age 16 may be employed in a mining or manufacturing job.

The minimum age for general employment is 16. Nevertheless, there are limits on the hours 16- and 17-year-olds may work. Children under 18 who are enrolled in school may not work between 11 pm and 5am on a school night. Unlike with 14- and 15-year-olds, these hour limits may be waived in certain instances with the written permission of a parent or guardian.

Certain regulations apply to all potential employees aged 14 to 17. For example, no one under the age of 18 may be employed in any job that the U.S. Secretary of Labor or the N.C. Commissioner of Labor has declared to be “hazardous or detrimental.” Examples including work that involves exposure to radioactive materials, meat processing machinery and power saws. Roofing work is also prohibited to anyone under 18. Finally, in North Carolina, all employees under the age of 18 – even those employed by parents – must obtain a youth employment certificate (work permit) when employed. Work permits are available on the NC Department of Labor website.

Once a person reaches 18 years, they are no longer subject to child labor laws.

THE INTERNSHIP QUESTION

Are unpaid internships allowed?

Many students are willing to work for free in exchange for the opportunity to gain valuable experience through on-the-job training. Non-paying positions are legal as long as they are legitimate internship arrangements and not simply a sham that allows unscrupulous employers unrestricted access to free labor.

The FLSA presumes that an internship with a for-profit business is subject to the wage and hour requirements of the act, unless the internship is “training for educational benefit,” rather than employment. To determine the true nature of an internship program, the Department of Labor considers the following six factors:

1. The internship, even though it includes actual operation of the facilities of the employer, is similar to training which would be given in an educational environment;
2. The internship experience is for the benefit of the intern;
3. The intern does not displace regular employees, but works under close supervision of existing staff.
4. The employer that provides the training derives no immediate advantage from the activities of the intern; and on occasion its operations may actually be impeded;
5. The intern is not necessarily entitled to a job at the conclusion of the internship; and
6. The employer and the intern understand that the intern is not entitled to wages for the time spent in the internship.

According to the Department of Labor, if all six factors are satisfied, the internship is deemed to be a legitimate training experience. For a detailed discussion of how to evaluate these factors, please consult the Department of Labor’s Internship Fact Sheet.

FINDING THAT JOB

How does my teen find a job?

Nothing beats asking prospective employers if they are hiring. Similarly, it is never too young to learn the value of networking, so teach your child to ask friends and family about job opportunities. Local information sources like the community bulletin board at Summit Coffee and the classified ads on DavidsonNews.net and CorneliusNews.net are also extremely useful.

In addition to local resources, the Department of Labor has a comprehensive job bank listing summer job opportunities on its website.

RELATED LINKS

N.C. Department of Labor Internship Fact Sheet.

State Department of Labor summer job bank

If you are interested in the history of textile mills in Charlotte, including child labor at Atherton Mill, you can visit the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Historic Landmarks Commission’s website.

If you have a legal question of general interest, please send us an email (dlbatty@gmail.com) and we might use your question in an upcoming column.

ABOUT THIS COLUMN

David and Lyn Batty live in Davidson and as lawyers, they also want you to read this disclaimer: We write this Common Laws column for informational purposes only. This column is not legal advice and it should not be relied on for making any decisions that may affect your rights. If you need legal advice regarding a specific situation you should consult a lawyer. No attorney-client relationship is created with any of our readers. Although we try to ensure that the information we provide is accurate, we disclaim any liability for inaccurate, incomplete or out-of-date information appearing in this column.