Health systems are a go.

• Position: Triad

The Triad recently became the only region with five of the state's 10 largest health systems after Carolinas HealthCare System and UNC Health Care made inroads there. Cone Health signed a 10-year management deal with Carolinas HealthCare, and High Point Regional Health System will join UNC Health's network next year. They join--in addition to Cone Novant Health and Wake Forest Baptist Health as members of the state's "Big 10" in the Triad. Cone will stay independent, but UNC Health will control High Point Regional's board in return for $150 million in capital improvements and a $50 million community-health fund. Only three of the region's largest hospitals remain independent.

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A tale of two MSAs

A report released by the Wells Fargo Economics Group says the Greensboro-High Point metropolitan statistical area has "turned the corner," with total nonfarm employment up 2.5% over the 12 months through September. But Winston-Salem's economy is deteriorating, having lost nearly 2,800 jobs--1.3% of the workforce--during the same span.

Employment change Greensboro-High Winston-Salem Sept. 2011 to Sept. point 2012 (%) Education and health 2.4 (2.7) services Financial activities (1.0) (0.8) Government 3.9 (5.6) Information 1.9 0.0 Leisure and 3.6 3.4 hospitality Manufacturing 5.8 (7.0) Mining, logging, 0.7 (4.9) construction Other 0.7 (1.2) Professional and 3.6 1.9 business services...