Belk Inc. reports a net loss of $23.5 million for its third fiscal quarter ended Nov. 1. In the same period last year, the Charlotte-based retailer lost $6.9 million.

A panel of Charlotte’s business leaders and a Federal Reserve official predicted more economic pain ahead but held out hope for the beginning of a recovery in 2009. (BAC) (WB) (WFC) (DUK)

The Hannaford Bros. supermarket chain is seeking voluntary resignations at its 750-employee headquarters in Scarborough, Maine.

Stein Mart Inc. has named a senior executive of Belk Inc. as chief executive and president of the Jacksonville, Fla.-based retailer. (SMRT)

USHIFU, a Charlotte health-care company and distributor of medical equipment, has established an Indian subsidiary to promote the sale of its Sonablate 500, a noninvasive device that uses ultrasound energy to destroy diseased tissue.

The U.S. Advanced Battery Consortium has awarded a $2.3 million contract to Polypore International Inc. subsidiary Celgard. (F) (GM) (PPO)

Carolinas HealthCare System is appealing the state’s decision to award 27 acute-care beds to its chief competitor.

US Airways Group Inc. reports a nearly 6.9 percent decrease in mainline passenger traffic for November. (LCC)

Duke Energy Carolinas will appeal a federal court order to submit its 825-megawatt Cliffside coal unit to a thorough state environmental review of the plant’s mercury-control measures. (DUK)

EnPro Industries Inc.’s Compressor Products International business has completed three acquisitions. (NPO) (GR)