• Charlotte and its surrounding metropolis area is the largest and fastest growing region in North Carolina and the 20th largest city in the US with approximately 2.3 million people.

• Charlotte is the 2nd largest financial center in the United States, after New York City.

• Many major corporations, such as Wachovia, Bank of America, Duke Energy, and Goodrich Corporation, claim Charlotte as the global headquarters of their business.

• Almost 300 of the nation’s Fortune 500 companies have locations in Charlotte.

• Visitor attractions include the NFL Carolina Panthers, NBA Charlotte Bobcats, Carowinds Amusement Park, U.S. National Whitewater Center, Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens, Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, and the NASCAR Hall of Fame (opening 2009).