MacLeod Construction is a concrete and construction company with a penchant for progress. Customers are served by MacLeod’s concrete flatwork, poured walls, foundations and most recently, its ready-mix supplies. Increasing demand for concrete and construction services coupled with industry investments and government incentives has allowed MacLeod to capitalize on alternative fuel vehicles such as compressed natural gas vehicles.

As part of women’s history month, we’d like to highlight some of the women in government leadership positions in the Centralina region.

Celebrating Women’s History Month: The aging network in the greater Charlotte area is a close-knit group of professionals, many of whom can draw the beginning of their education of gerontology to the University of North Carolina at Charlotte’s gerontology program. The program has been a staple in the aging network for decades and there is one woman who has been both director of the program and mentor to many students, Dr. Dena Shenk.

Does Our Region Have an EV Infrastructure Plan? There is a flood of transportation-related funding coming to North Carolina thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). To assist our member communities, Centralina is developing resources that support planning and funding activities on a regional level. We are also working with the NCDOT to update state EV plans, such as the 2019 zero-emission vehicle plan, as mandated under the federal BIL and NC Executive Order 246.

Over the next few weeks, we’ll be featuring women around the region, including Centralina staff, local government leaders and other community trailblazers, in honor of women’s history month. We want to recognize the achievements of female leaders and support their continued efforts to break barriers. The theme for this year’s International Women’s Day was #BreaktheBias, encouraging us to move away from prejudice and towards gender equality.

In early November 2021, Catreana Harris rang the bell at NCWorks Career Center-Stanly after obtaining employment. Ringing the bell recognizes the career seekers who have been able to obtain a job. Before this, Catreana had lost her position as a home health aide due to physical health conditions that prevented her from heavy lifting. Catreana needed to find a new way to financially support herself and sought employment assistance from NCWorks Career Center in Albemarle. The NCWorks staff looked for new ways to apply her passion for healthcare and medical skills background to a related field.

The ombudsman program advocates for the resident who call our adult care homes and nursing homes their homes. We work to resolve issues of concern and advocate to protect the rights of those living in long-term care facilities. We also provide technical assistance to residents, the public and facilities.

A community that is pedestrian friendly benefits everyone. And when sidewalks, crosswalks and transportation infrastructure are missing or in need of repair, the result is a lower standard of living for people who depend on these facilities for mobility. Pedestrian infrastructure is a key component in supporting community connections and the health of residents and visitors. Aging adults and those with disabilities are disproportionately affected by gaps in pedestrian infrastructure.