The Hampton Roads Chamber held its annual Leadership Exchange in Charlotte, North Carolina from June 22 to June 25. During their time in the Queen City, the Hampton Roads Chamber delegates were able to engage in meaningful dialogue with Charlotte leadership around topics including economic mobility, workforce development, infrastructure as an economic catalyst, talent attraction, and growth opportunities in the realm of sports.

The three knowledge-filled days started with opening statements at the Bechtler Museum of Art by Hampton Roads Chamber President and CEO, Bryan Stephens and led into a night of exceptional networking between Hampton Roads natives and Charlotteans.  During the opening reception and dinner, delegates received a warm welcome from Charlotte Mayor, Vi Lyles and learned about the Bechtler family collection.

The second day of the leadership exchange started with a presentation by Charlotte leadership at the Harvey Gantt Center. Charlotte Mayor, Vi Lyles, and Charlotte City Manager, Marcus Jones shared their accomplishments and goals and set the tone for the City Leader Conversation. Led by Ron Carlee, municipal leaders from both Charlotte and Hampton Roads discussed victories and aspirations for their cities.

Prior to lunch at the Charlotte Beer Garden, Hampton Roads delegates toured the Harvey Gantt center and took part in a question-and-answer Economic Mobility Panel. The interactive panel was moderated by Tonya Jameson, Executive Director of Leading on Opportunity.

The afternoon kicked off with the Workforce Development Panel, moderated by John Martin, CEO and Managing Partner of SIR. The panel shared the actions put in place in Charlotte and the success seen across multiple organizations. The question and answer portion allowed Hampton Roads delegates the opportunity to focus on aspects of the presentation that most benefitted their business and position.

The third day of the leadership exchange started with an Economic Development Tour of Charlotte. The bus tour covered the different areas of Charlotte and included a discussion on the relationship between businesses and transportation and those effects on the area. Ending at our next venue, the Foundation for the Carolinas, delegates heard presentations focusing on arts and cultural institutions and urban development. 

The afternoon began with the Young Professionals panel, moderated by Tom Marsden. Young professionals in Charlotte shared their stories and provided insight as to why they chose Charlotte as their home. Hampton Roads delegates were able to ask questions to gain information on specific topics that could transition directly to Hampton Roads.

Before the sports panel and regional storytelling conversations, Hampton Roads delegates were able to explore the Nascar Hall of Fame museum and take part in driving and pit crew simulators. The sports panel featured Charlotte sports, marketing, and regional professionals that focused on how the sports community has made Charlotte a hub for athletics and music-focused events. The regional storytelling conversation focused on Charlotte tourism and the importance of city branding.

The Hampton Roads Chamber is currently in the process of planning the 2023 Leadership Exchange. For more information regarding the 2023 Leadership Exchange or to participate and/or sponsor the 2022 Convergence (October 13 – 14, 2022) please contact Anne Baumler Thuma at abaumler@hrchamber.com.

Presenting Series Sponsor: Dominion Energy

Transportation Sponsor: S.B. Ballard

Breakfast Sponsor: Dollar Bank

Luncheon Sponsor: Sentara Optima Health

Dinner Sponsors: Truist, Cox, Virginia Natural Gas

Reception Sponsors: American Engineering, Truist, Virginia Natural Gas

Economic Mobility Panel Sponsor: Truist

Workforce Development Panel Sponsor: Aviation Institute of Maintenance

Gift Sponsors: Gold Key PHR, Tarnished Truth