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-Information courtesy The Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce
The Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce has released the agenda for Focus 20/20, the Regional Economic Development Summit to be held at the McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center in Henderson on Thursday, February 20, 2020. The summit kicks off at 9:30 a.m.
Agenda:
8:30 – 9:30 a.m. Networking and Registration
9:30 – 9:45 a.m. Welcome and Opening Remarks
Diane Cox, Executive Director, Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments
Gordon Wilder, Chairman, Vance County Board of Commissioners
Eddie Ellington, Mayor, City of Henderson
Benny Finch, Board Chairman, Henderson Vance Downtown Development Commission
John Wester, Embassy Cultural Center Foundation
9:45 – 11 a.m. Opening Act: Setting the Stage – Hear about the condition of today’s economy and how our region compares to the country and the state. Learn how investment in vital infrastructure is key to creating good jobs and promoting full economic development.
Facilitator: Richie Duncan, Economic Development Director, Franklin County
Speakers:
Dr. Michael Walden, William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professor and Extension Economist at North Carolina State University
Jennifer Lantz, Executive Director, Wilson Economic Development Council
Hillary Sherman, NC Economic Development Representative, US Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration
11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Second Act: Advancing Entrepreneurship – Supporting an entrepreneurial ecosystem is a critical building block for community and economic development. Learn about advancing entrepreneurship to encourage the development of new and innovative businesses that support a resilient economy.
Facilitator: Stacy Woodhouse, Economic Development Director, Warren County
Speaker: Thom Ruhe, President & CEO, NC IDEA
12 – 1 p.m. Lunch/Invocation
Harry Mills, Economic Development Director, Granville County
1 – 1:15 p.m. Introduction: Jordan McMillen, County Manager, Vance County
Remarks from North Carolina Secretary of Commerce Anthony M. (Tony) Copeland
1:15 – 2:30 p.m. Third Act: Developing Talented and Innovative People – Retaining, retraining, and retooling our citizens to prepare them for the jobs of the future is of utmost importance. Connecting top talent with quickly changing business needs will further change the workforce landscape as responsiveness and adaptability become paramount. Hear about innovative workforce initiatives that are preparing our workforce.
Facilitator: Sherry Wilborn, Economic Development Director, Person County
Speakers:
Dr. Jenni Harris, Executive Director of Business Services,
North Carolina Department of Commerce, Division of Workforce Solutions
Dawn Michelle Tucker, Dean of Continuing Education and College & Career Readiness, Vance-Granville Community College
Dr. Pamela G. Senegal, President, Piedmont Community College
Judy Bradsher, M.Ed., Director, CTE Programs/GEAR UP Liaison, Person County Schools
Rhonda L. High, Customized Training Director, Halifax Community College
2:30 – 4 p.m. Final Act: 13 Ways to Kill Your Community – Author and former politician Doug Griffiths provides a revelatory and insightful look at the often universal challenges that limit community success and how to overcome them.
Introduction: Walter Gardner, Board Officer, Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments
Keynote Speaker:
Doug Griffiths, President and CEO, 13 Ways, Inc.
Closing Remarks:
Dennis Jarvis II, Economic Development Director, Vance County
Event Sponsored by:
Franklin County Committee of 100, Henderson-Vance Industrial Park, Tommy and Jenny Hester and Region K Community Assistance Corporation.
Lunch Sponsored by:
Franklin County Economic Development Commission, Granville County Economic Development Commission, Henderson-Vance County Economic Development Commission, Person County Economic Development Commission and
Warren County Economic Development Commission.
