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South Piedmont Celebrates ‘Topping Out’ of Its Aseptic Training Facility 

South Piedmont Community College recently celebrated the “topping out” of its Aseptic Training Facility, the first building of its kind in our region.  The topping out ceremony involved placing the final steel beam, symbolizing the completion of the facility’s structural framework. The event took place on April 28 at South Piedmont’s Old Charlotte Highway campus. In attendance were of the South Piedmont istration and Student Government Association, North Carolina Senator Todd Johnson, and numerous partners who have helped bring the Aseptic Training Facility to fruition, including representatives from Glenmark Pharmaceuticals, which to date has donated more than $1 million in training equipment and materials for the facility. “Today, we place the final steel beam — a symbol of the tremendous progress we’ve made and the future that’s now within reach. This moment, and this facility, are a testament to what’s possible when vision, collaboration, and hard work come together. The Aseptic Training Facility is not just a building; it’s a game-changer for our region and for the future of life sciences education,” said Interim President Michelle Brock in her remarks. The 21,000-square-foot Aseptic Training Facility will be used to teach students critical skills and sterile processes that are required to work in North Carolina’s growing pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. The building will include classrooms, labs, and simulated manufacturing spaces. The building will also be a multifunctional event space for College and community use. The building is on track to be completed next year.

The Miller-Hogue Law Firm, P.C.: Pioneering Women-Owned Real Estate Law

Founded in 2002 by Janeen Miller Hogue at the age of 31, The Miller-Hogue Law Firm, P.C. stands as a testament to female entrepreneurship in the legal sector. As the youngest woman-owned and longest-running solo real estate law firm in Charlotte, it has carved a unique niche in a traditionally male-dominated field. Now in its 22nd year of operation, the firm has consistently achieved annual revenues of $1 million, demonstrating its stability and success in a competitive market. With a team of three, led by Owner/President Janeen Miller Hogue, the firm embodies the spirit of efficient, focused legal practice. Janeen's journey is inspired by a lineage of enterprising women. Her grandmother, with a 7th-grade education, ed her family through the Great Depression by running a basement store. Her mother, despite not attending college, successfully operated a real estate brokerage for decades. This heritage fuels Janeen's belief that owning a business is "boundless and empowering." The firm's success is particularly noteworthy given the challenges of the real estate industry, dominated by large, established law firms. Janeen has skillfully balanced her professional achievements with her roles as a wife, mother to two young boys, and daughter to aging parents. Community engagement is a cornerstone of the firm's ethos. Janeen actively s women through internship programs like UCREW and CC Paralegal Program. She contributes to various organizations, including Self-Help Community Development Corporation and Crossroads Corporation for Affordable Housing and Community Development. Her involvement extends to the Women's Impact Fund and CREW Charlotte, where she serves on the Board of Directors and Executive Team. Janeen's accomplishments have garnered numerous accolades, including being named one of the 50 Most Influential Women by The Mecklenburg Times, a Woman Extraordinaire by Business Leader Magazine, and a Most ired CEO by The Charlotte Business Journal. She's also been recognized in the Legal Elite by Business North Carolina Magazine and as a Leader in the Law by North Carolina Lawyer's Weekly. The Miller-Hogue Law Firm, P.C. stands as a beacon of excellence in real estate law, proving that dedication, expertise, and a commitment to community can lead to sustained success in a challenging industry.

Strata Project Management Group

Founded in 2021, Strata Project Management Group has quickly established itself as a dynamic force in the construction industry. Led by Principal Amy Johnson, this Charlotte-based firm offers comprehensive project management and consulting services, guiding clients through every phase of construction from feasibility studies to post-construction . With a team of four dedicated professionals, Strata has achieved remarkable growth in its first three years. The company's revenue jumped from $744,777 in 2022 to $884,159 in 2023, reflecting its expanding influence and client base. As a 55% women-owned business, Strata is breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated field. Amy Johnson, recognized as one of Meck Times' 50 Most Influential Women for 2023 and a Woman of Influence in Commercial Real Estate by Globe Street for 2024, brings a unique leadership style to the company. Her "velvet hammer" approach facilitates productive outcomes even in challenging situations, fostering a positive and solution-oriented atmosphere that sets Strata apart from competitors. Strata's commitment to empowering women extends beyond its own walls. The company partners with "She Built This City" to women and marginalized communities in skilled trades. This dedication to diversity is not just about social responsibility; it's a strategic advantage that brings fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to complex construction challenges. Recent accomplishments include expanding into new markets such as medical and faith-based projects and ing a start-up client's expansion into Denver and Atlanta. These achievements demonstrate Strata's adaptability and its ability to drive growth for both itself and its clients. As Strata Project Management Group continues to evolve, it remains dedicated to challenging industry norms, promoting gender diversity, and delivering excellence in project management. With its innovative approach and commitment to inclusive leadership, Strata is not just managing projects – it's building a new future for the construction industry.

U.S. Foreclosure Activity Increases Annually In April 2025 

ATTOM has released its April 2025 U.S. Foreclosure Market Report, which shows there were a total of 36,033 U.S. properties with foreclosure filings — default notices, scheduled auctions or bank repossessions – up 0.4 percent from the prior month and up 13.9 percent from a year ago. “April’s foreclosure activity continued its gradual climb, with both starts and completions up annually,” said Rob Barber, CEO at ATTOM. “While volumes remain below historical norms, the year-over-year increases may suggest that some homeowners are beginning to feel the effects of persistent economic pressures.” Foreclosure completion numbers increase annually  Lenders repossessed 3,580 U.S. properties through completed foreclosures (REOs) in April 2025, down 2.9 percent from last month but up 23.3 percent from a year ago – marking the second month of REO numbers increasing annually. Counter to the National trend states that had at least 50 or more REOs and that saw the greatest annual decline in April 2025 included: South Carolina (down 45.9 percent); Maryland (down 42.5 percent); Ohio (down 22.4 percent); New York (down 17.3 percent); and New Jersey (down 11.5 percent). Among the 225 metropolitan statistical areas with a population of at least 200,000, that saw the greatest number of REOs included: Chicago, IL (220 REOs); Atlanta, GA (213 REOs); New York, NY (143 REOs); Houston, TX (114 REOs); and Philadelphia, PA (86 REOs). Highest foreclosure rates in South Carolina, Illinois, and Florida  Nationwide one in every 3,950 housing units had a foreclosure filing in April 2025. States with the worst foreclosure rates were South Carolina (one in every 2,311 housing units with a foreclosure filing); Illinois (one in every 2,405 housing units); Florida (one in every 2,526 housing units); Delaware (one in every 2,617 housing units); and Nevada (one in every 2,944 housing units). Those major metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) with a population greater than 200,000, with the worst foreclosure rates in April 2025 were Warner Robins, GA (one in every 1,512 housing units with a foreclosure filing); Killeen-Temple, TX (one in every 1,590 housing units); Chico, CA (one in every 1,720 housing units); Ocala, FL (one in every 1,731 housing units); and Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL (one in every 1,753 housing units). Among the metropolitan areas with a population greater than 1 million, those with the worst foreclosure rates in April 2025 included: Cleveland, OH (one in every 1,964 housing units); Chicago, IL (one in every 2,076 housing units), Riverside, CA (one in every 2,106 housing units), Houston, TX (one in every 2,147 housing units) and San Antonio, TX (one in every 2,326 housing units). Foreclosure starts increase monthly and annually  Lenders started the foreclosure process on 25,265 U.S. properties in April 2025, up 0.8 percent from last month and up 16.1 percent from a year ago. Those states that had the greatest number of foreclosures starts in April 2025 included: Texas (3,280 foreclosure starts); Florida (2,810 foreclosure starts); California (2,501 foreclosure starts); Illinois (1,313 foreclosure starts); and Ohio (1,135 foreclosure starts). Among those major metropolitan statistical areas with a population of at least 200,000, those with the greatest number of foreclosure starts in April 2025, included: Houston, TX (1,202 foreclosure starts); Chicago, IL (1,139 foreclosure starts); New York, NY (1,099 foreclosure starts); Miami, FL (739 foreclosure starts); and Atlanta, GA (665 foreclosure starts).