Writer: Felipe Rivas
2 min read April 2021 — A year into the pandemic, showcasing the strength and overall resilience of the local economy continues to be crucial for the sustained success of growing markets. Invest: Charlotte 2021, published by media platform Capital Analytics, highlights the opportunities in the regional economy through C-level insider insights and key business intelligence. The official launch of the report’s second edition will take place on Wednesday, May 12, starting at 11:00 a.m. via Zoom webinar.
The launch event will consist of a brief introduction by Capital Analytics’ CEO Abby Melone and will be followed by three robust panel discussions.
“As the nation’s second-largest banking city and a key driver of economic growth in the Southeast, the Charlotte market continues to be a major part of our economic intelligence reports. Despite the yearlong battle with COVID-19, the Queen City continues to experience positive economic activity as national and international companies choose Charlotte as a place to grow or relocate their operations. Despite the challenges put upon us by COVID-19, Capital Analytics remains steadfast in our purpose: to deliver in-depth business intelligence through its print and digital platforms. Now more than ever, information is not only necessary, it is vital,” said Abby Melone, President and CEO of Capital Analytics.
Known for its affordability, highly educated workforce and reputation as a major banking hub, Charlotte is poised to continue its growth and economic diversification in a post-COVID world. The initial, and continued, pandemic challenges and steps taken to overcome them are just some of the focal points of Invest: Charlotte 2021. The report dives deep into the top economic sectors in the Charlotte metro area, featuring exclusive insights from industry leaders, sector insiders, elected officials and heads of important institutions. It analyzes the leading challenges facing the market while uncovering emerging opportunities for investors, entrepreneurs and innovators. The second edition highlights business activity throughout Mecklenburg County and surrounding counties, including special focus chapters on Gaston County and Union County. It also emphasizes local education with a focus chapter on Central Piedmont Community College.
The launch event will provide further insights, with regional business and political leaders participating in important panel discussions. Collaboration between the public and private sectors will be pivotal in ensuring financial recovery for both businesses and residents as the nation continues to contend with the pandemic. The first panel, “Financial future: What’s next for one of the nation’s preeminent banking hubs?,” goes to the heart of the matter. It will be moderated by Staci Rosche, partner with McGuireWoods, and features North Carolina JPMorgan Chase Head of Commercial Banking Brent Gore, Fifth Third Bank Mid-Atlantic President Lee Fite, and Self-Help Credit Union Charlotte Executive Claudie Johnson.
The second panel, “How pandemic-born innovation is reshaping and influencing real estate development,” will be moderated by Judy Wishnek, Charlotte Market executive with Truliant Federal Credit Union, and features DPR Construction Business Unit Leader Zach Pannier, Brasfield & Gorrie Regional Vice President and Division Manager Michael Byrd and Progressive AE Managing Principal Wes Jones.
The third panel, “Innovative ideas helping to position Queen City for growth in a recovering economy,” will feature Signature Consultants Executive Vice President Geoff Gray, Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority CEO Tom Murray, Charlotte Assistant City Manager and Economic Development Director Tracy Dodson and Central Region EY Private Leader and Charlotte Managing Partner Malcomb Coley.
Gaston County’s County Manager Kim Eagle will be featured as the mid-panels speaker and Charlotte Center City Partners’ CEO Michael Smith will be the featured keynote speaker. Hundreds of high-level guests and officials from Charlotte’s key industries and economic institutions will be tuning into the event.
Click here to register for the event.
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