LINCOLN COUNTY, NC-Fitch, an international rating and research agency, has assigned an AA rating to Lincoln County's $7.5 million general obligation bonds.

HICKORY, NC-Less than 50 miles northwest of Charlotte, this city is experiencing a construction boom in residential and non-residential product.

CHARLOTTE-The 266-unit mixed-use asset, being developed at 309 E. Morehead St. by locally-based Summit Properties Inc., offers shelter space on seven levels above two floors of retail and office. The structure's exterior is finished. Interior work is being completed.

LINCOLNTON, NC-Now that Lincoln County residents can order beer, liquor and wine when they go to a restaurant here, city officials are looking for ways to bring more restaurants to town.

CHARLOTTE-The Downtown inn is scheduled to open in fourth quarter 2002. A major asset of the hotel will be an on-site trolley station, linking the convention district with the south side of Charlotte.

GASTONIA, NC-The computer animation company is leasing 2,400 sf in the former Dixie Yarn Co. facility on Marietta Street, 20 miles west of Charlotte. GeoGolf is working on a $1.5 million contract with the Professional Golfers Association of America.

CHARLOTTE-Internet Operations Center Inc. plans to move from temporary space on South Tryon Street to 4,300 sf at the West Trade building upton.

CHARLOTTE-The bank has created a $25-million kitty to help restore small historic properties for commercial use. Eligible projects include structures that will be rehabilitated for community development purposes.