Behind the Chiquita deal: Months of meetings, lobbying

The article describes the five months of meetings with state and local officials from Gov. Bev Perdue on down, an all-out lobbying push, a scramble to come up with financial incentives, custom-made bowties and a letter from a fourth-grader that served to lure Chiquita Brands from Cincinatti to Charlotte.

The city and state coughed up $22 million in an effort that also involved more than 180 elected officials, business leaders and others. It also included a grassroots social-media campaign.  More here.