Charlotte Regional Business Alliance

As Ally Business Administration Executive Ali Summerville assumes the role of 2024 CLT Alliance chair, she shares her vision for the organization and the region's vibrant business community. In this podcast, Summerville discusses emerging trends, the importance of strengthening the community's ecosystem, and bringing business leaders together to contribute to economic success in the Charlotte Region.

Rob Rolle with HTD Talent sits down with Queen's University Charlotte's President Dan Lugo and McColl School of Business Dean Denise Rotondo to discuss higher education and how the university can partner with businesses to make a larger community impact. With evolving technology,  Lugo and Rotondo share how higher education can meet the demands of today's business world.

This fall the Charlotte Region is playing host to two collegiate-level basketball events, the Ally Tipoff and the Jumpman Invitational.  In this podcast, hear from Miller Yoho, director of communications and marketing with the Charlotte Sports Foundation and Bridget Sponsky, executive director of brand and sponsorship marketing at Ally. Yoho and Sponsky provide a snapshot of each event and the importance of collegiate sports in developing the future business leaders of tomorrow.  

On Nov. 7, voters in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg area will have the opportunity to vote yes for 30 critical bond projects that will strengthen local schools and the community. In this podcast, Vote Yes For Bonds co-chairs David Longo and Mary McCray share why this bond package is critical to the safety and well-being of students across Mecklenburg County. Hear why voting yes is critically important for the future of students and the business community. Learn more about the projects included, here. 

Through years of accomplishments, 2023 Citizen of the Carolinas Mike Lamach has risen to support all who do business in the Charlotte Region, in areas including civic leadership, public policy and economic growth. In this podcast, CLT Alliance President & CEO Janet LaBar sits down with Mike to discuss the great strides he has made for the region and his hopes for the future.  Listen as Mike shares some pivotal moments in his career, what drives him to make a difference, and advice for future leaders. You can learn more about Mike here. Register to join the celebration at this year's inaugural Tate Awards at this link. 

The Charlotte International Arts Festival is an annual celebration of imaginative visual and performing arts from the most creative international and local minds. In this podcast, we sit down with Danny Knaub, vice president of marketing for Blumenthal Performing Arts, to talk about what's in store for this year's CIAF. Hear about the festival's growth and economic impact as well as how it's creating a welcoming space for all in the Charlotte Region. 

This year, the CLT Alliance Foundation is unveiling the inaugural Tate Awards. This celebration will recognize excellence in business leadership and highlight the accomplishments of outstanding change agents, entrepreneurs, and businesses of all sizes in the Charlotte Region. In this podcast, hear from CLT Alliance Board Chair Kieth Cockrell and CLT Alliance Foundation Chair Chris Moxley about the need to support small business leaders and how this event benefits the Charlotte Region. 

Are you an entrepreneur looking to scale your business? In this podcast, we are spotlighting a partnership program designed to accelerate the growth and success of minority-owned businesses in the Charlotte Region. Hear from Scale Up CLT partnership leaders and entrepreneurs involved with the program about how you can get involved, the importance of the growing small business community, and advice to entrepreneurs looking to take their next steps. 

As a global company looking to establish a North American headquarters, GNT had several competitive regions to consider. So, what led leaders to choose Gaston County? In this podcast, we sit down with Vice President of GNT USA Jeannette O'Brien to talk about why the Charlotte Region is the best place for the company's workforce, innovation, and continued growth. 

Employee wellness is a crucial element to organizational success, but studies show only about 24% of employees believe their employer cares about their well-being. In this podcast, we hear from leaders at the American Heart Association, Catapult, and Ten Minute Mindfulness about how organizations can address stress, burnout, mental health, and cultural health. Learn more about services and suggestions from the American Heart Association, Catapult, and Ten Minute Mindfulness.

E & J Gallo Winery recently opened a new state-of-the-art production facility and distribution center in Chester County, South Carolina. In this podcast, Gallo's Vice President of Eastern Operations Erich Kaepp gives us an inside look at what led to the $423 million investment. Listen to learn why factors like talent, geography, and quality of life make business better in the Charlotte Region. 

From the road to the rail and the sky, cargo is moving in and out of the Charlotte Region every day. In this podcast, we sit down with leaders from American Airlines, Armstrong Transport Group, and Aberdeen Carolina & Western Railway Company to talk about supply chain trends and opportunities. Find out why these companies choose to do business in the Charlotte Region and how they're looking to grow. 

As we strive to create economic opportunity for all in the Charlotte Region, we are sitting down with the Carolinas LGBT+ Chamber to get an in-depth look at the economic impact of the LGBTQ+ community and the challenges the LGBTQ+ workforce faces. In this podcast, learn about the importance of intersectionality, how the chamber is working to create equity, and what should be top of mind for business leaders during Pride Month and every month. 

With several economic development wins in its portfolio and a big project in the pipeline, Rowan County continues to bring new business to the Charlotte Region. In addition to creating jobs, Rowan EDC is also attracting diverse talent with its new campaign and working to grow its young professional community. Find out why both companies and people are choosing to call Rowan home in this podcast. 

Sports wagering could become legal in North Carolina. In this podcast, CLT Alliance Chief Advocacy Officer Joe Bost sits down with Rep. Jason Saine (R - District 97) and Sen. Majority Whip Jim Perry (R - District 2) about the legislation advancing through the state legislature. Hear how, if passed, sports betting could help the business community, benefit economic development, and advance professional and collegiate sports programs. 

Get to know some of the newest leaders at the CLT Alliance Foundation. In this podcast meet Foundation President Nate Hogan, Foundation Executive Vice President Lauren Wooden, and Foundation Director of Small Business & Entrepreneurship Tya Bolton. Find out why these leaders choose to call the Charlotte Region home and how they are looking to make an impact. Ready to join the movement and stay connected with the CLT Alliance Foundation team? Don't miss out on the latest developments and work being done by the CLT Alliance Foundation. Fill out our "Stay Connected" form now and become part of our community!

How is economic development evolving in the Charlotte Region? In this podcast, CLT Alliance Chief Business Recruitment Officer Danny Chavez sits down with EDAC Chair Jenn Bosser to discuss current and future strategies that benefit the 15-partner region. Hear about regional strengths and the importance of regional relationships. Plus, find out what led Bosser to leave Raleigh to lead economic development for the booming Iredell County.

The Charlotte Region has a growing entrepreneurial ecosystem, but the business community has the opportunity to help small businesses scale up. In this podcast, we are continuing our "Start Up and Scale Up" conversation from our Exploring Economies trip to Tampa. Hear from three local entrepreneurs about how trust and collaboration with small businesses can make the entire region stronger. This podcast features:Vanessa Mathews, President, AsfalisMiguel Avila, President, Daily View Pools LLCGiovanni Avila, Construction Project Manager, Daily View Pools LLC

What is talent looking for in an employer? What makes young professionals want to stay at their job, and want makes them want to leave? In this podcast, we are expanding on a conversation started on our Exploring Economies trip to Tampa where we heard from young professionals about their expectations of an employer. Hear from three YPs about the importance of professional growth, compensation, creativity, and authenticity in and out of the workplace. This podcast features:Solange Tricanowicz, Director of Corporate Engagement at UNC Charlotte and Young Professionals Board Chair for the CLT AllianceMichaelina Franks, Senior Venue Sales Manager for the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority and former YP Board Chair for the CLT AllianceAntoine Richards, Chief of Staff for the Institute for Diversity & Inclusion in Emergency Management (I-DIEM), and 2021 Chair of the Emerging Leaders Inclusion Group 

Why start and grow a business in the Charlotte Region? Nufabrx Chief Marketing Officer Jason Andree answers that question in this podcast with 704 Shop Co-Owner Chris Moxley. Plus, hear how collaboration drives innovation for both of these successful businesses and advice on how to grow the entrepreneurial ecosystem. 

After years of experience building relationships and advocating for business in both Raleigh and Columbia, Joe Bost has now stepped into his new role as chief advocacy officer for the CLT Alliance. In this podcast, CLT Alliance Advocacy Committee Chair Kevin McLaughlin asks Joe about his biggest priorities for both his new role and the business community. Find out what policies Joe will lead advocacy efforts for and why Joe's previous jobs have set him up for success in building consensus with leaders. 

As the Charlotte Region continues to grow, transportation infrastructure must advance. In this podcast, Tony Lathrop, who sits on the N.C. Board of Transportation and chairs the board's Funding/Appropriation Strategies (FAST) Committee, discusses the vital connection between economic development and investment in transportation. Learn why our current road system is graded as "low/adequate," and what it will take to keep the region's competitive edge.

As we head into the new year, the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance Select CLT team is looking ahead to several projects and investments across industries. In this podcast, the CLT Alliance Lead Principal Economic Researcher Adrienne Hua sits down with the CLT Alliance Managing Director of Business Recruitment Jeremiah Anderson to discuss which industries are increasingly interested in our region and why FDI is likely to increase this year. Plus, hear how the Select CLT team is strategizing to set the region up for success despite talks of a potential recession. 

As Bank of America's Kieth Cockrell transitions into the role of CLT Alliance 2023 chair, he shares his vision for the organization and the business community. In this podcast, hear how Cockrell plans to help leverage public and private partnerships, strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem, bring economic success to the Charlotte Region, and create opportunity for all. 

The CLT Alliance's 2022 Citizen of the Carolinas, Michael Marsicano, shares the pivotal moments in his impactful career. In this podcast, he shares tips for future leaders and advice on how everyone can continue to move the Charlotte Region forward.  Plus, hear what drives him to never stop improving the community and his plans for retirement. 

The Queen City is adding a new jewel to its sporting crown with the Jumpman Invitational.  The two-day event will feature both of the men's and women's teams from four of the original Jordan Brand-sponsored programs. In this podcast, leaders from the Charlotte Sports Foundation share how this one-of-a-kind sporting event came to be and what sports fans can expect this December. 

As we near Election Day, we are focusing on the $226 million Charlotte city bond package on the ballot. In this podcast, City of Charlotte Mayor Pro Tem Braxton Winston and President & CEO of Lumin Strategies and Vote Yes for Bonds Campaign Manager Brian Francis detail the impact these bonds could make on city streets, housing and infrastructure. Find out how this bond package is different than in elections past and how voting 'yes' could impact neighborhoods from University City to Ballantyne.

Higher education and the business community are working together to foster a strong talent pipeline and spark innovation within the Charlotte Region. In this podcast, hear from QM Power Inc. on why it chose to partner with the Energy Production and Infrastructure Center (EPIC) and UNC Charlotte to grow its business in the evolving energy industry.  This conversation spotlights how public-private partnerships are pushing the Charlotte Region to the forefront of engineering and innovation both in higher education and in the business community. 

The Charlotte Regional Business Alliance has added several members to its newly rebranded Select CLT team this year. In this podcast, Chief Business Recruitment Officer Danny Chavez hosts a conversation to help the business community get to know the Select CLT team and the specialties they bring to economic development. Meet the team of six helping businesses relocate and expand to the Charlotte Region. 

In this podcast, leaders from Northeastern University-Charlotte and Atrium Health discuss the current challenges facing the health care workforce and opportunities to grow the talent in the Charlotte Region. The CEO and Dean of Northeastern University-Charlotte Angela Hosking details new programs meant to help more students earn degrees and certifications. Atrium Health's AVP of Learning and Career Development Gerard Camacho shares opportunities to improve talent pipelines in order to fill a growing number of jobs. 

The Charlotte Region will soon be at the center of the world stage as the President Cup tees off at Quail Hollow Club. We sat down with the Executive Director of the 2022 Presidents Cup Adam Sperling and Executive Committee and Host Committee Chair for Corporate Hospitality and Sales Geoff Gray to discuss the tournament itself and its overarching benefit for the business community. Find out what fans can expect, the changes to the famous golf course and why Charlotte was the perfect host location as the tournament ventures into the southeast for the first time.

In the first six months of 2022, the Charlotte Region saw a strong labor market with a high number of job announcements and low unemployment rate. In this podcast, CLT Alliance Chief Business Recruitment Officer Danny Chavez and Principal Economic Researcher Antony Burton take a look at where the Charlotte Region's economy is now and what the economic development landscape looks like for the rest of 2022. Hear why companies are moving to the Charlotte Region and which industries are looking to invest. 

Neighboring Concepts has a history of transforming underserved areas. Even as Darrel Williams, founding partner of the architecture firm, looks to transition leadership, the mission to bring opportunity and create sustainable communities drives the entire staff. In this podcast, hear from Williams, Cathy Morrison and Luke Volkmar as they share the projects underway in the Charlotte Region right now. Plus, hear the success stories of how Neighboring Concepts has used architecture and design to create better lives for the communities where we work, live and play.

The Aggie-Eagle Classic is heading to Charlotte to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the football rivalry in the Duke's Mayo Classic. In this podcast, the athletic directors from North Carolina Central University and North Carolina A&T talk about their excitement for this match up. Not only will Charlotte feel the excitement of the game, fans will get to experience a career fair, step shows, a concert, and the highly-anticipated 5th quarter. You can learn more about the game and its surrounding events at https://charlottesports.org/event/dukes-mayo-classic/

Charlotte is known for being a financial services hub. But why? CEO of Ally Financial Inc. Jeffrey Brown answers that question as he details Ally's continued growth in the region. Plus, Brown explains why culture and innovative technology make Ally a one-of-a-kind financial services company. 

What steps can you take to make your workplace more inclusive? In this podcast, we sit down with Madison Hiatt, Chip Bryan and Justin Taylor from Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont to discuss how their organization has cultivated a culture of inclusivity and intersectionality. Hear about Madison's journey to find belonging in the workplace as a transgender woman, how to have importance conversations about inclusivity, and the internal and external steps organizations can take to support the LGBTQ+ community. 

With the N.C. legislative short session in full swing, one item being closely watched is Medicaid expansion. In this podcast, Sen. Paul Newton shares his thoughts on the proposal along with other big changes across the state that he is keeping an eye on. 

The Charlotte Region is home to a growing and evolving workforce; young professionals make up a large piece of that talent. Charlotte Regional Business Alliance Young Professional Board Chair Kristerpher Smith and Vice Chair Solange Tricanowicz sit down to discuss how YPs (ages 21-39) impact the business community. In this podcast, hear tips on how to advance your career, grow your network and be a part of the Charlotte Region's future. Sign up for CLT Alliance YP emails here.

Spiracle Media CEO Tim Baier was just named one of the CBJ's Most Admired CEOs. His company has been named one of the ‘Best Places to Work' four years in a row. We asked Baier and co-founder Jarod Latch, former sports journalists turned award-winning video content producers, how they've created a culture where employees enjoy working for their company, and want to do so – together, in the office. Here's how these professional storytellers hope their story is told.

As his time in the S.C. Legislature winds down, Rep. Gary Simrill has his sights set on the future. In this podcast, he discusses the legislative priorities for the remainder of the session as well as what comes after his 30-year career in politics. Plus, you will hear his thoughts on the impact of the planned Panthers facility in Rock Hill that recently hit a few snags. 

In Raleigh, Columbia, and Washington, the public and private sectors are working together to improve the Charlotte Region. In this podcast, we hear from Duke Energy Vice President of Governmental Affairs and External Relations Kevin McLaughlin. He explains how advocacy starts in an elected leader's hometown before it's ever brought to a capitol. Find out how his work at Duke Energy and as the vice chair of the CLT Alliance Advocacy Committee has led to historic legislation in the Carolinas. Plus, find out what legislative priorities lie ahead for the business community.

During the CLT Alliance's Exploring Economies trip to Austin, business and civic leaders from Charlotte got a first-hand look at what makes the Austin regional economy thrive. In this podcast, find out how the Charlotte Region stacks up against Austin in areas including talent, transportation, entrepreneurship and affordability.  EY Central Private Leader and Charlotte Managing Partner and CLT Alliance Chair Malcomb Coley and CLT Alliance President and CEO Janet LaBar discuss what they learned, why the Charlotte Region is competitive and how we can continue to make Charlotte a great region for all to work and play. 

The Charlotte Region is quickly growing with new talent moving here every day. In this podcast, Truist Chief Teammate Officer & Head of Enterprise Diversity Kimberly Moore-Wright describes the banking company's recruitment strategies and how they changed during the pandemic. Plus, hear her thoughts on diversity, equity and inclusion as well has how Truist is advancing the community and economic mobility.

In this podcast, we get an inside look at global manufacturer DMG MORI. General Manager of Southeast U.S. Christoffer Stigsby explains why the company chose the Charlotte Region for its new regional headquarters and shares his message to other businesses looking to relocate. Plus, hear his vision for the future of manufacturing in the U.S. and across the world. 

Are you an entrepreneur looking to scale your business? Listen up. Chairman of EO Accelerator Bryan Delaney explains his successful entrepreneurial journey and how he is working with the CLT Alliance to help the entrepreneurs in the Charlotte Region. Through Scale Up CLT, a scholarship program to help diverse entrepreneurs, and the EO Accelerator program, entrepreneurs are transitioning from working for their business to working on their business. Learn more about the program and hear tips for entrepreneurs in this podcast. Learn more about Scale Up CLT and EO Accelerator by visiting CharlotteRegion.com or EOCharlotte.org.

Are you a high-potential professional? If so, listen to Director of Corporate Operations for Security at Atrium Health Phillip Kemp describe how he's growing professionally in the Emerging Business Leaders program. Find out how this program is helping a dynamic and diverse group of professionals enhance their leadership capabilities and connect with high-performing peers from across the Charlotte Region. Hear why Kemp joined the program and his message to others looking to become a leader in their industry. Learn more about the EBL program here. 

Regional Director of Government Affairs for American Airlines Tracy Montross shares an update on the airline industry amid the pandemic and the latest on changes at Charlotte Douglas International Airport. Plus, Montross details her goals as the 2022 chair of the CLT Alliance Advocacy Committee; those goals include a bi-state agenda advocating for legislation related to hate crimes, transportation and Medicaid expansion. Read more about the 2022 CLT Alliance Advocacy Agenda here. 

In this podcast, hear how the newly announced partnership between the Carolinas LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce and NASCAR came to be after years of work. Plus, Chad Turner, the chamber's president and CEO, explains how inclusivity is evolving in the Charlotte Region and what businesses can do to change culture. 

The CLT Alliance Chair Malcomb Coley, EY central private leader and Charlotte managing partner, says he will continue to push for progress when it comes to equity, transformational mobility and more in 2022. In this podcast, hear his plans to grow and develop the Charlotte Region in the new year. 

In this podcast, get to know the CLT Alliance's new Chief Business Recruitment Officer, Danny Chavez. Hosted by our 2021 EDAC Chair, Scott Millar, hear how Danny plans to use his recruitment experience to help bring investments and jobs to the Charlotte Region. Plus, find out what he calls the region's biggest strengths and his goals for 2022. You can learn more about Danny's professional background here. 

The CLT Alliance's 2021 Citizen of the Carolinas, Andrea Smith, Chief Administrative Officer at Bank of America, shares the pivotal moments in her trailblazing career. In this podcast, she shares tangible things all businesses can do to better workplace culture and gives advice to the next generation of leaders.  Plus, hear what drives her to never stop improving the community and her hopes for the Charlotte Region as she moves on to her next chapter. You can learn more about Smith's career and impact on the Charlotte Region here.