Leoneda Inge

North Carolina has one of the best networks of free clinics in the country.  Support from funders like the Blue Cross Blue Shield Foundation has helped take care of some of the state’s neediest patients; those who don’t qualify for Medicare of Medicaid.  Warren County – northeast of Raleigh – is home to one of the busiest free clinics in North Carolina.  But funding cuts have resulted in less service at a crucial time in the nation’s health care fight.

National numbers from the US Census Bureau this week showed that in 2012, black voter turn-out exceeded that for whites, for the first time.  The story was the same in North Carolina.  Nationally – about 66% of eligible blacks voted in the November 2012 election.  In North Carolina – just over 80% of blacks voted – the highest voter turnout in any state.

There seems to be strong investor demand on the New York Stock Exchange for North Carolina-based Quintiles.

Trading began today for the drug-testing company at $40 a share, and by mid-day – shares were up to almost $44.  The price closed at $42.

Phil Bridges, a spokesman for Quintiles, says this is an iconic moment in the company's history.

Trading on the New York Stock Exchange begins Thursday for North Carolina-based Quintiles.

The company announced late Wednesday that it is selling about 23.7 million shares of its common stock to the public at $40 a share. That would raise nearly $950 million in this initial public offering for the bio-pharmaceutical services company.

Bayer CropScience joined renowned astronaut Mae Jemison in southeast Raleigh Thursday to announce a new urban revitalization initiative.  A big part of the green space near the Brown Birch housing development will be turned into a community garden – thanks to a $600,000 grant from the Bayer USA Foundation.

Twice a year, in April and October, High Point becomes the center of the furniture and home furnishings world.   This week, Stanley Furniture is getting a lot of attention, showing off its new space.  Stanley recently moved to High Point from Virginia.  It’s just one sign of  growth in the furniture industry in North Carolina after years of decline.

The High Point Market kicks off Saturday.  It’s the largest home furnishings trade show in the world.  Dignitaries and celebrities will make the rounds.  U.S. Senator Kay Hagan and Governor Pat McCrory will "do market" this spring.  McCrory will meet with more than 40 furniture industry leaders who recently sent him a letter in support of funding for the High Point Market Authority.  A budget proposal released earlier this month showed significant cuts to the market authority.

Tom Conley, president and CEO of the High Point Market Authority, says he’s glad the governor reversed course.

A new study shows large corporate boards in North Carolina are less diverse than the boards of Fortune 100 companies. 

The automatic budget cuts or sequester handed down from Washington are starting to affect North Carolina organizations that serve seniors.  Meals on Wheels of Wake County says they got the news last week.  Sequestration means they will lose funding that equates to 12,000 meals a year.  Alan Winstead, Executive Director of Meals on Wheels of Wake County, says he’s confident they will find alternative funding to continue serving hot lunches to 1,300 seniors a day, but the budget cuts have other implications.