 On August 23 - 24, regional leaders came together for our Annual Leadership Conference presented by TowneBank. The annual two-day conference at the Pinehurst Resort focused on making connections with top leaders and discussing topics important to our region’s growth including new developments, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG), transportation infrastructure and innovations, trends in the national and local labor force, and upcoming bond campaigns. Attendees heard from a wide range of speakers during this important event. View the recap and a few highlights from each session: New Developments Leading Triangle developers provided insight on planned growth and shared the impact of their new projects in this lightning-style session. Developments discussed ranged from global life science centers to local projects like Centennial Campus, Smoky Hollow, and other mixed-use spaces.
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) This panel discussed the prevailing trends in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and explained how businesses are aligning company values with operations in supporting environmental and social movements. Panelists also highlighted the Triangle’s unique assets aiding industry ESG goals such as the commitment of local organizations to prioritize partnerships. “We have a chance to be a real exemplar across our region in sustainability!” – Leah Burton
Transportation Infrastructure and Innovations Regional leaders in transportation took the stage to give an overview of imminent transportation projects and current plans to improve mobility for our region moving forward. Attendees received updates on RDU’s recovery, plans for a regional commuter rail, the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) program, and highway projects.
Bridging the Gap in our Labor Force As lead author of The Demographic Drought and its follow-up report released in February of 2022, Ron answers pressing economic questions by analyzing past, present, and future workforces. Attendees gained insight into the rise and fall of America’s population and labor force participation rate and how employers and higher education institutions can survive the sansdemic (sans-without; demic-people). “The way we consume labor as a society has to change…the U.S. needs 3 to 5 million workers to meet the economy’s needs!” – Ron Hetrick
Upcoming Bond Campaigns Speakers urged the public to vote “yes” in November on upcoming Raleigh Parks, Wake County Public School System, and Wake Technical Community College bonds to continue supporting the growth and innovation of our region in the coming years. Attendees received updates on the use of previous funds and heard about specific projects that will require funding.
Attendees at this year’s Annual Leadership Conference were also the first to hear about the chosen location for the 2023 Inter-City Visit & Leadership Conference: Tampa, Florida!  We are proud to support our region’s growth through events like the Annual Leadership Conference, presented by TowneBank. The Chamber sincerely appreciate each of our speakers, our sponsors, and our regional leaders for joining us for an engaging and invigorating two-day conference! We look forward to seeing what progress our discussions lead to and hope to see you soon at another Raleigh Chamber event.
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 The Emerging Leaders May - July 2022 cohort spent the last few months forging new relationships, establishing business and community connections, learning how to network like a pro, and honing their leadership skills. The Raleigh Chamber is so proud of the dedication and commitment that has led each of these Emerging Leaders to great personal and professional growth success:
 More than 1,100 local leaders and members of the community joined us for this annual conference presented by the Triangle DEI Alliance and the Raleigh Chamber to gain the tools to support DEI within their organizations and the entire community in pursuit of "A Better You, A Better Us!" At the 2022 Diversity, Equity, & Inclusivity Conference, in partnership with Bank of America, we gained new tools and insights to strive for more inclusive work and community environments through cultural competence and awareness. The day began with an opening charge from Jamaal Livan of Bank of America before our Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity took the stage for the first interactive activity and panel discussion: Privileges for Sale.
Participants had to identify which privileges they would purchase with a hypothetical budget in only ten minutes, and over 53% of the audience identified race as their most salient identity during the process. When asked to describe the activity using only one word, more than 50 people responded that it was “insightful,” while others believed it was “eye-opening”, “interesting”, “challenging”, and “enlightening.” Attendees also engaged in impactful conversations during breakout sessions throughout the day including vital topics like:
After a delicious networking lunch, the 2nd Annual Phil Freelon DEI Award was presented to Courtney J. White, Head of Human Resources at BASF Agricultural Solutions, who has demonstrated a sustained commitment to championing change and positive impact in diversity, equity, and inclusivity in our community. Courtney was very surprised and proud to accept the award, leaving the audience with a motivational plea, “I just hope we keep on making it do what it do!” A key learning moment followed with a focus on local developments in economic mobility, health, education, and criminal justice from the A Better Wake: Dismantling Systemic Racism project. Those in attendance were also inspired by the Accessibility in the Workplace Panel, with memorable takeaways including, “Assume good intentions and save space for grace,” from moderator Calandra Jarell of Bank of America, and “I may not be able to see, but I can sure read a room,” from panelist Kamille Richardson of iSee Technologies.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 2022 Diversity, Equity & Inclusivity Conference for “A Better You, A Better Us!” View the full agenda and list of speakers here. We are also extremely grateful for the dedication and support of our sponsors who made this event possible. |
AuthorGreater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce Archives
October 2024
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Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce
800 S. Salisbury St. Raleigh, NC 27601 |