Raleigh-Cary-#1 Place for Women Entreprenuers

The Raleigh-Cary area has been ranked as the No.1 place for women who wish to start a new business according to a recent survey. The surevey, conducted by AllBusiness.com, announced on Tuesday the results of its annual "Best Metros for Women Entrepreneurs" national study. AllBusiness.com is a a website for small and medium sized businesses.

The study revealed that Raleigh-Cary was the top-ranking "large metropolitan area" -- which includes cities with populations of 500,000 or more -- and the top-ranking metro overall.

Durham also fared well in the study, placing 10th among "medium sized" metros, or those with between 175,000 and 500,000 residents. Jacksonville, N.C., ranked 10th among small metros, or those with between 50,000 and 175,000 residents.

No other North Carolina metros were ranked in the survey.

The study, which surveyed 700 female executives for small and mid-sized businesses, indicated that women placed the most importance on six community attributes: low crime rate, low property tax rates, high household income, modest real estate prices, rapid population growth and pedestrian friendly.

The study then used federal and local government data to identify which cities best exhibited those six traits, along with the traits of economic growth and business incubation. The results were separated by population into small, medium, large and overall categories.

Steven W. Nelson, a Realtor with Keller Williams noted that this did not surprise him in the least. "I know dozens of women who have started their businesses in this area and are thriving. In fact, I currently am associated with the Top Real Estate agent in the Carolinas, Ida Terbet and previously worked for another female owned real estate office."

Ida Terbet has been a liscenced real estate agent in North Carolina for 20 years and had produced $110 Million in sales for 2005. She has about 15 buyer's agents and 7 staff personnel on her team. "Ida continues to show that women can thrive in business and that the Triangle is a great place for women entrepreneurs. If ever in doubt, look to those who have succeeded," continued Steven.

Raleigh Christmas Parade to modify it's route

A Raleigh tradition is about to get a new direction. The 62nd annual parade will be taking a right turn that has not been done in the past. It will follow the usual route up Hillsborough Street towards the Capital, then take a right onto Salisbury, a left onto Morgan Street. Finally, it will take a right onto the newly opened Fayettville Street and travel for 3 blocks on Fayettville St.

The event will be the first major parade on the newly opened street. Many city officials have touted the wide road as a perfect place for such an event. Additionally, the parade will broadcast live on WRAL TV at 9:30am.

With as many as 25 marching bands, 40 floats, and 50 other groups, this parade is considered a local tradition that brings as many as 250,000 viewers considering those who trek downtown for this event and those who view in on TV. The Greater Raleigh Merchands Association, who has sponsored this event since its inception, will also be hosting a VinterFest at Moore Square after the parade. Addmission to the WinterFest is $5 and the proceeds will benefit high school musicians. Many of the feathured artists will preform.

For more information about the parade, visit the Merchants web site at www.RaleighChristmasParade.org

Steven W. Nelson, a local real estate agent for Keller Williams speaks highly of the event as a way for the community to come together to "enjoy and embrase the sentiments of the holiday season."