impact. The Boro: Recent Episodes
Greensboro Chamber of Commerce
The Greensboro Chamber of Commerce brings you a podcast about leadership, small business, entrepreneurship and our community. New episodes released every Thursday. Find us online at greensboro.org/podcast.
Learn about UNC Greensboro, one of the seven colleges and universities that make up Greensboro's higher education talent pipeline, with Director of Talent Development Bramley Crisco and Dr. Nicole Hall, the university's director of career and professional development.
Launch Greensboro's Lou Anne Flanders-Stec, executive vice president for entrepreneurship, sits down with Adam Duggins, managing partner at New Page Capital, and James Bauler, principal at Cone Health Ventures, to share how Triad entrepreneurs can find funding and scale their businesses. Learn more about First Launch Capital Fund at firstlaunchcapital.com.
Learn about Elon University and Elon University School of Law, one of the seven colleges and universities that make up Greensboro's higher education talent pipeline, with Director of Talent Development Bramley Crisco; Brooke Buffington, director of Elon's student professional development center; and student Victoria Waddell.
Learn about Guilford Technical Community College, one of the seven colleges and universities that make up Greensboro's higher education talent pipeline, with Director of Talent Development Bramley Crisco, GTCC Dean Dr. David Pittman and student Daniela Campbell.
Meet three business owners who shifted their business models to find greater success: Alisha Wielfaert, founder of Yoke and Abundance; Ciandress Jackson, founder and executive director of the Be Great Foundation; and Melissa Wallace, founder of SIPPIN SNAX Gourmet Bar Snacks. Launch Greensboro Advisory Board Chair Kelli Frazier hosts. Learn more about the events and programs discussed in this episode at greensboro.org/launch.
Learn about Greensboro College, one of the seven colleges and universities that make up Greensboro's higher education talent pipeline, with Director of Talent Development Bramley Crisco and Greensboro College President Lawrence Czarda.
Coworking spaces are epicenters of community for entrepreneurs who need connections to resources, infrastructure and partnerships. Join Launch Greensboro Assistant Director Kaitlin Conover as she dives into three of the region's coworking communities with Peggy Hickle, executive director of transform GSO, Rachel Moss, chief operating officer of Business High Point and Condon Yards, and Dr. Jonathan Thill, founder of Venture Asheboro.
Three entrepreneurs join Launch Greensboro Assistant Director Kaitlin Conover to discuss how they build partnerships with other business owners to maximize their success. Guests are Jasmine Beard of AJOY Consulting, Summer Wall of NXT Level Construction, and Will Dungee of CANTAG Solutions.
Entrepreneurs can't succeed in a vacuum - and our Launch Greensboro team collaborates with a variety of organizations to get business owners the resources they need. Executive Vice President of Entrepreneurship Lou Anne Flanders-Stec sits down with three of our regional partners: Dr. Bryle Henderson-Hatch, executive director of Thrive High Point; Stephanie Williams, director of small business and entrepreneurial development at the Alamance Chamber; and William Lee, president of Auxano Economic Development Center.
Meet this year's People's Choice Award winner - Sheena White, CEO of Fiber Space, which offers coworking in the heart of downtown Greensboro. Along with Member Engagement Specialist Seny Tatum, learn how Greensboro's first Black-, veteran-, woman-owned coworking flex space is creating a place for moms, creators and young professionals to work, create and network.
North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University has many reasons to have #AggiePride. Learn more about one of the seven colleges and universities that make up Greensboro's higher education talent pipeline with Director of Talent Development Bramley Crisco and NC A&T's Lonnie Cockerham, director of the office of community engagement.
Launch Greensboro's Assistant Director Kaitlin Conover is joined by Tara Darnley, CEO and co-founder of Darlyng & Co., and Todd Starcevich, head of North America at Reima and owner of BrightStar Care of Greensboro, to discuss how entrepreneurs, small businesses and larger corporations can work together to make our city an even better place to do business.
Meet two of this year's LaunchLab Growth companies: Soledier Socks and Little Light Series. Launch Greensboro's Assistant Director Kaitlin Conover talks to the founders of these companies about their journeys so far and what's ahead. Learn more about Soledier Socks at www.solediersocks.com and visit Little Light Series at www.littlelightseries.com. You can see both companies at this year's Demo Day on May 23 - register at greensboro.org/events.
Trigger Warning: Brief mention of sexual assault. | Meet Alana Allen, founder of the girls' empowerment organization I Am A Queen, is the recipient of Leadership Greensboro's 2021 Leadership Service Medal. Along with her nominator Teresa Davis, associate vice chancellor for alumni engagement at NC A&T State University, Allen shares how she's building future leaders and community service pioneers.
Launch Greensboro's Lou Anne Flanders-Stec leads a discussion on investing in early-stage companies and the importance of having angel investors in our community. Guests are Malay Shah, co-director of VentureSouth Piedmont; Matt Bailey, director of VentureSouth Piedmont; and Nathan Powell, a First Launch Capital Fund Investment Committee member. Learn more about First Launch Capital Fund at https://www.firstlaunchcapital.com/.
Learn about Guilford College, one of the seven colleges and universities that make up Greensboro's higher education talent pipeline, with Director of Talent Development Bramley Crisco, Guilford College President Kyle Farmbry and Guilford College student Marisabel Guzman Cruz.
Mentorship is a key component of Launch Greensboro's programming. Advisory Board Chair Kelli Frazier sits down with mentor Sudhakar Puvvada and mentees Cassey Mapp-Ahmed and Dan Brown to chat about the value of mentors and our goal to build on the diversity of Launch Greensboro’s existing mentor pool - not only in gender and race, but also in industry representation and even lived experiences.
In the season three premiere, President and CEO Brent Christensen sits down with Jim Melvin, president of the Joseph M. Bryan Foundation, and Kevin Baker, executive director of Piedmont Triad International Airport Authority, to discuss the transformational economic development wins that have transpired in the last few months.
Season 2 ends with our CEO Brent Christensen and EVP of Member Engagement Tracy Myers sharing an announcement about 2022's annual meeting and giving an update on our GROW economic development campaign. Learn more at greensboro.org. Season 3 will begin in early 2022!
Former Campus Greensboro Fellow Zachary Attucks shares how he turned his internship at Arch MI into a full time job. He is joined by his supervisor, Director of Information Security Sean Shanahan, and Campus Greensboro Student Engagement & Events Manager Mayeesa Mitchell. Post your internship opportunity with Campus Greensboro by visiting campusgreensboro.org.
Launch Greensboro Advisory Board Chair Kelli Frazier Reyes and Board Member Adam Duggins sit down with entrepreneurs Leah Wyrick and Rich Camacho to discuss Capital Connects, the Chamber's annual pitch competition that both participate in. This year's event is March 9. To apply to pitch, fill out this form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1fK7mpDodQB_XVbt_7l-ueysHDjfROHZK1rx89Cuhm1Y/viewform?edit_requested=true
Introducing First Launch Capital Fund's newest portfolio company - Beam Dynamics. Co-Founder and CEO David Kaszycki joins Fund Executive Lou Anne Flanders-Stec and board member Nathan Powell to share his story and what the Chamber's investment will mean to his growing business.
CC Lambeth, owner of C2 Contractors LLC, and Assistant City Manager Kim Sowell talk about their work to connect MWBE suppliers to public projects. Hosted by the Chamber's Niketa Greene, vice president for leadership, diversity and inclusion.
Kids, pets and fun outfits are welcome at the annual Run 4 the Greenway and Block Party on Oct. 23! Learn more from Downtown Greenway Program & Campaign Manager Laura Lorenz and planning committee member Brian Crean. Register for the one-mile walk or four-mile run at downtowngreenway.org/events.
LD Bennett is back for our second annual impact. Leadership Conference! Hear her audience-favorite session from last year to get hyped up for Oct. 27, when she'll take the stage at The Carolina Theatre. Purchase your ticket at impactgso.com.
Get a behind-the-scenes look at our LaunchLab programming with three volunteer session leaders: Bruce Maxwell of Maxwell Consulting, Shawn Straub of Alt HR Partners and Jeff Crosby of JeffCrosbyBrand. They share how they work with early-stage entrepreneurs to build solid foundations for their businesses. Interested in sharing your expertise? Email laflanders-stec@greensboro.org.
Our society’s understanding of gender identity has changed drastically in recent years. Ivey Ghee – an equity trainer, motivational speaker and founder of The Hospitality G – shares a primer on gender identity, pronouns and how to support LGBTQ+ employees in the workplace. Get in touch with Ivey through her website, www.thehospitalityg.biz.
Links to the organizations mentioned:
https://genderspectrum.org/
https://www.hrc.org/resources/workplace
https://fenwayhealth.org/the-fenway-institute/
https://guilfordgreenfoundation.org/
https://www.pflaggreensboro.org/
Learn about Say Yes Guilford, an organization that provides scholarships and support services to local students. President and CEO Wendy Poteat sits down with Chamber Marketing and Communications Manager Holly West to discuss how this program feeds into Guilford County's workforce pipeline. Take the Say Yes Guilford survey: www.surveymonkey.com/r/6X967XJ
After a year of virtual connections, synerG Young Professionals is excited to bring together young talent in and around Greensboro to grow their leadership skills, build on their ideas, serve their community and connect their network at the Lead Your City summit. SynerG Director Sarah McGuire and Marketing Co-Chair Candace Martin give you a behind-the-scenes look at what you can expect. Register at synerg.org/lyc.
One of the keys to Launch Greensboro's success is its network of local experts who work with entrepreneurs in areas like marketing, legal services and sales coaching, to name a few. Hear from Logan Harvey of FanPark, Christina Degreaffenreidt of Multifaceted and Megan Smoot of Jah Works about their experience with Launch's expert services.
You've heard about Black Girl Magic - but what about Black Business Magic? As the first Scale to Excel cohort prepares to graduate, learn how the minority business program helps already-successful entrepreneurs take their enterprises to the next level. Guests are instructor Dr. Channelle James and David Small, COO of Skyline Video Pros.
The Greensboro-Randolph Megasite is a 1,825-acre plot of land with the capacity for millions of square feet of manufacturing space. Meet the team working to recruit the perfect company to make it their home: Chamber CEO Brent Christensen, Chamber EVP of Economic Development Marvin Price, Anna Lea Moore of the North Carolina Railroad and Kevin Franklin of Randolph County Economic Development Corporation.
Happy Campus Greensboro Day! Join interns Taylor Jones-Curtis, Andrew Council and Paige Wilson - along with Campus Greensboro staff member Caroline Dean Glover - as they take you behind the scenes of our Summer Fellows program.
Launch Greensboro is recruiting for fall internships. Hear from past interns Corey Wooten, Samantha Selleck and Luke Pecor about how their experiences shaped their professional careers. To apply for an internship, visit bit.ly/LaunchGreensboroApp.
Many of our city's hallmark initiatives are the result of the Chamber's Intercity Visits - biennial trips with 100 local leaders to places like Chattanooga and Louisville. COO Deborah Hooper and Event Manager Ainsley Johnston share how the innovative ideas we discover on ICV trips get localized for Greensboro.
Diversity, equity and inclusion expert Jada Monica Drew and Chamber Vice President Niketa Greene discuss the uptick in employer-led DEI efforts that resulted from the summer 2020 racial reckoning. To learn more about Jada and Social Designs, visit socialdesignsconsulting.com.
Launch Greensboro is moving! The Chamber's entrepreneur initiative is teaming up with transformGSO to create a hub for entrepreneurs in the Gateway Center. TransformGSO's Kaitlin Conover, Launch's Jenn Hensel and entrepreneurs FaLon Thomas and Matt Hannan talk about what this means for startup businesses in our city.
With vaccinations becoming widely available, the Chamber is returning to some in-person events. Member Engagement Specialists Heavenly Walker, Katrina Ross and Stephanie Phillips share some of the ways you can get involved with us in the coming months. For more information, visit greensboro.org.
In a year of social and political upheaval, Other Voices participants tackled difficult issues head on in a professionally facilitated setting. Class of 2021 graduates Craig Head of Greensboro Day School and Jacquelyn Clark Johnson of Volvo Financial Services share their experiences. Applications are available now for the upcoming program year, which begins in September.
CarolAnn Tucciarone of Arch MI, Jasmin Hainey of Cone Health and Sarah McGuire of synerG Young Professionals discuss how organizations can use affinity groups to retain young professionals and enhance company culture.
Meet two members of the Launch Greensboro Advisory Board - Sudhakar Puvvada and Chad Oakley. They discuss how their entrepreneurship journeys have informed their work with Launch's program participants. Board member Kelli Frazier and Launch Assistant Director Jenn Hensel host.
Leadership Greensboro program chairs Marcus Thomas, Kelly York and Jasmine Beard reflect on a program year like no other. Leadership Greensboro is the Chamber's three-part leadership development program that includes education, volunteer leadership and alumni engagement.
Downtown Greenway Project Manager Dabney Sanders and Assistant Laura Lorenz share updates on public art projects, events and construction progress. The Greenway is breaking ground on its final mile this spring.
Meet two Accelerate Greensboro portfolio companies making a splash in their respective fields - Marketing Resource Solutions and GP Supply Company. CEOs Larry Fairley (MRS) and Antonio Wallace (GP Supply Company) share the stories behind their success and how our community can better support minority-owned businesses.
LaunchLab Growth participants Natalie Miller of the Historic Magnolia House and Jackson Hoggard of Double Hung Window Restoration share the impact of the program on their businesses. Hear from all 12 of this year's LaunchLab Growth participants at our spring Demo Day on May 24. Register for free at bit.ly/DemoDaySpring2021.
Hear from this year's Small Business Awards winners: United Maintenance Group, Chez Genese, Downtown Greensboro Inc., HAECO, Out of the Garden Project, Greensboro Science Center, Relief Heating & Cooling, Morgan Support Services and Greensboro Aquatic Center. To watch the entire event, visit facebook.com/gsochamber.
Chamber EVP Marvin Price talks economic development with David Ramsey of Landmark Builders and Evan Stone of The Carroll Companies. What types of real estate do companies look for when considering where to locate their businesses? How is Greensboro meeting those needs?
Learn how Guilford County Schools and Truliant Federal Credit Union are working together to to educate students so they can become smart consumers, business owners and employees in the future. Guests are Renee Shipko Rohrer, Truliant's community engagement manager, and Jonathan Permar, the director of social studies for Guilford County Schools. Tracy Myers hosts.
A panel of experts debunk common misconceptions about the COVID-19 vaccine and explain how to address vaccine hesitancy among minority groups. Panelists are Dr. Iulia Vann, Guilford County Health Department; Laura Garduño Garcia, Siembra NC; Dr. Carolyn Harraway-Smith, Cone Health; and Jodie Stanley, Greensboro Human Rights Department. Hosted by Niketa Greene, the Chamber's vice president for leadership, diversity and inclusion. To learn more about the vaccine and access the resources mentioned by our guests, visit greensboro.org/vaccine.
Meet Grace Rojek, the woman behind First Launch Capital Fund's newest portfolio company. Grace shares how her company, Unbox the Dress, is helping women find use for their bridal gowns long after their big day. Launch Greensboro's Lou Anne Flanders-Stec and Clifford Thompson also share updates on the Fund.
Get a taste of the local food scene with three young professionals living in the Boro! Guests Rodrigo Ortiz, James Donnell and Hollie DeBaro, along with host Caroline Dean Glover of Action Greensboro, share their favorite spots to grab a bite. Next time you support a local small business, tag the Chamber @gsochamber and use the hashtags #looklocalfirst and #triadtogether.
The ACC basketball tournaments are back in Greensboro! Ainsley Johnston sits down with the Greensboro Sports Foundation to discuss how residents can support the games despite COVID restrictions. The limited public tickets go on sale today at ticketmaster.com.
Cecelia Thompson introduces the Boomerang Greensboro campaign, launched by Action Greensboro to attract professional talent back to the city. Meet two of our latest boomerangs - Michael Humphrey of the Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro and Alejandra Thompson de Jordan of Thompson Traders. Learn more about the campaign or refer someone you know at boomeranggso.com.
Hear from last year's Capital Connects fan favorite, Roland Trout, about how the pitch competition has propelled his business forward. Plus, meet Launch Greensboro's new advisory board member, Niral Patel.
Register for Capital Connects at greensboro.org/launch/capital-connects.
CEO Brent Christensen and Tracy Myers, executive vice president of member engagement, share the highlights of the Chamber's 2021 events calendar. Plus, listen to a clip from our recently released documentary, "Meeting the Moment." For more information about these events, visit our website - greensboro.org.
Three Greensboro residents were nominated for Grammy Awards this year! In the season two premiere of our impact. The Boro podcast, Cecelia Thompson, executive director of Action Greensboro, sits down with our local nominees to talk about why our city draws talented musicians.
Learn more about the Grammys at grammy.com.
Visit the Chamber website at greensboro.org.
It's our last episode of the season! Join three members of our leadership team as they recap a truly - forgive us - unprecedented year. Then, meet Marvin Price, our new executive vice president of economic development.
Thanks for joining us!
This episode is sponsored by Truliant Federal Credit Union
Visit Truliant here
Register for Annual Meeting: http://greensborochamber.chambermaster.com/events/details/annual-meeting-2021-25967
Remember to subscribe for new episode notifications each week.
Make sure to follow impact. The Boro on social media!
Facebook, Instagram and Twitter: @gsochamber
Visit the Chamber website at greensboro.org.
For the final Launch Greensboro episode, Clifford Thompson and Kelli Frazier talk to Ursula Dudley-Oglesby and Jonathan Lee Kelly about their entrepreneurship journeys.
Thanks for joining us!
This episode is sponsored by Truliant Federal Credit Union
Visit Truliant here
Today’s hosts are Kelly Fraser and Clifford Johnson, Board Members for Launch Greensboro, the Chamber’s coworking space and entrepreneurial accelerator program.
00:58 - The fourth and final episode of the Launch Greensboro Series features board members, Jonathan Kelly and Ursula Dudley-Oglesby, along with our hosts Clifford Johnson and Kelly Fraser. The Board plays an important role in setting a vision for Launch, bringing together resources to help entrepreneurs in the Triad, and strengthening the entrepreneurial landscape in Greensboro!
2:05 - Kelly describes the “boomerang” phenomenon that many people on the Board have experienced - leaving Greensboro at some point before returning to establish their lives and careers. Clifford introduces himself and shares some of his background, how his family started their business, and how he found his way back to Greensboro. He also explains why getting involved with the Launch Greensboro Board was so important to him, on a personal and professional level.
5:25 - Ursula introduces herself, a second-generation business owner that supplies beauty products to salons all over the US and internationally. She talks about her boomerang experience and what brought her back to Greensboro, and how the entrepreneurial landscape has grown and advanced over the years. Ursula is passionate about participating in a strong network of businesses that help each other and lift up small businesses.
7:50 - Jonathan shares about his background and his exposure to entrepreneurship as a way to rise above and build something better. He discusses his boomerang experience that brought him back to Greensboro to help families both locally and globally. Jonathan became a member of the Board because of Cliff and the way that he talked about the power of the entrepreneurial network.
12:17 - Kelly describes her own experience about how she got started in entrepreneurship, which stemmed from her family, and the experience of getting into jobs that didn’t quite fit to help her realize that owning her own business was the path she really wanted. Kelly’s boomerang experience helped her appreciate Greensboro and all that this community offers, and the growth she’s seen since moving back has been invigorating.
15:30 - Cliff asks Kelly to tell her story of growing up in Oak Ridge, how she left for LA, and how she returned to headquarter her marketing business in Greensboro.
17:17 - Part of Kelly’s work also includes helping early stage companies, so she talks about how she and her business partner started up a venture fund, which is now at $25 million!
18:39 - Kelly asks Ursula what they think are the most important trends for Greensboro companies to focus on, especially during this time where we are so impacted by COVID-19. Ursula speaks to flexibility and community, stepping up to support and help each other where we need it. She elaborates on how her own beauty supply business had to pivot in the pandemic to switch to manufacturing, and how she was able to do this with the help of the Chambers of Commerce of Greensboro and High Point.
22:40 - Cliff asks Jonathan what he thinks Greensboro could do to further foster the entrepreneurial environment. Jonathan stresses highlighting competitive differences that exist in the community already, like Greensboro’s several historic colleges and universities like NC A&T, one of the largest HBCUs in the country, and the wealth of different experiences that exist in our multicultural community.
27:05 - Kelly asks Cliff to describe the vision for Launch Greensboro moving forward, and future plans for the fund. Cliff discusses the multiple programs that Launch provides for entrepreneurs at every level, the great mentorship program that is provided, but they really wanted to expand on the funding sources available to local startups. That’s how the First Launch Capital Fund started, so the community could invest in their own Triad-based businesses.
29:28 - Kelly closes out by talking about education, resources, and capital being the pillars of a successful entrepreneurial community, all of which Launch Greensboro provides. She encourages the public to come to Launch programs like Capital Connects and Demo Day to see pitches from local entrepreneurs and support their work!
Remember to subscribe for new episode notifications each week.
Make sure to follow impact. The Boro on social media!
Facebook, Instagram and Twitter: @gsochamber
Visit the Chamber website at greensboro.org.
Three key city leaders - Human Rights Director Dr. Love Jones, City Manager David Parrish and Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer Maria Hicks-Few - share community-wide efforts to achieve racial and social justice. Niketa Greene, the Chamber's vice president for leadership, diversity and inclusion, hosts.
Thanks for joining us!
This episode is sponsored by Truliant Federal Credit Union
Visit Truliant here
Today’s host is Niketa Greene, the Chamber’s VP of Leadership, Diversity, and Inclusion.
00:57 - Niketa kicks off the episode with a warm welcome and introduction of her guests from the City of Greensboro! Today’s guests are Dr. Love Jones, the City’s Human Rights Director; Maria Hicks-Few, Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer; and David Parrish, the City Manager.
3:00 - This year has been a time of challenges, especially within the world of racial justice and inequity. Niketa asks her guests about their thoughts as the City of Greensboro reckoned with social and racial issues at the start of this summer. As parents, community members, and leaders, each shares their experiences and how they viewed the positives and concerns that came from the protests.
8:25 - Niketa asks what the first steps were in addressing these huge social issues, especially as each guest is a key City Government leader. Maria shares that internally, the City staff held a moment of silence, a Blackout Tuesday event, and marched in solidarity of Black Lives Matter. There were also internal conversations that addressed the hurt and confusion of the events, before branching out into the Employee Resource Groups to understand the full impact across the organization and implement action towards change.
11:00 - Dr. Jones shares about the Thrive GSO initiative, housed in the Human Rights Department, to address race and income disparity. The goal of Thrive GSO is to address the challenges that populations re-entering society post-incarceration face when trying to build a successful life. Their four-pronged approach addresses barriers in accessing housing, education, employment, and voting rights.
12:53 - David speaks to how the Greensboro Public Library has helped the community by removing access barriers like overdue book fees in order to prevent access issues for vulnerable populations who need library services and resources. These fines were unintentionally impacting lower income communities and people of color at a higher rate, so removing this barrier allows these populations to continue to access needed public resources.
15:45 - Niketa asks about the complex issue of police reform in Greensboro. David details some initiatives taken on by the new police chief, including changes to use-of-force policy in reaction to the George Floyd murder, as well as how suspects are publicly portrayed in the community.
18:08 - Dr. Jones explains what the RACE GSO initiative is and does for Greensboro. RACE stands for Recognizing And Considering the Experiences of Others, and encapsulates what the City is doing to tackle difficult social and racial issues, spread awareness of the City’s efforts, ensure the City staff feel valued and heard through difficult conversations, and give tools to department leaders to facilitate open, healthy, and healing discussion.
25:30 - Niketa asks David how these changes have been received by City staff and the community at large. He emphasizes on communication first, understanding where people are and what is needed, and building changes from there. But, change will always create discomfort for some while addressing the discomfort for others. Overall, the vast majority supports the direction that the City is moving in and the initiatives that the organization is employing.
31:35 - How can people learn more about the social and racial initiatives that the City is employing? Dr. Jones emphasizes active participation from the community on social media and invites community members to serve on or attend meetings for the three Human Rights Commissions. Maria directs listeners to the Office of Equity and Inclusion website to find out more information about the work they’re doing, to find the Heritage Calendar, and to watch the One Greensboro show. David encourages people to sign up for City communications and follow their social media for updates and information.
Learn more about the RACE GSO initiative at https://www.greensboro-nc.gov/departments/human-rights/race-gso.
Learn more about the Greensboro Office of Equity and Inclusion at https://www.greensboro-nc.gov/departments/executive/office-of-equity-and-inclusion.
Remember to subscribe for new episode notifications each week.
Make sure to follow impact. The Boro on social media!
Facebook, Instagram and Twitter: @gsochamber
Visit the Chamber website at greensboro.org.
Campus Greensboro Director Lizzy Tahsuda sits down with one of the winning teams from the inaugural Next in FinTech: Community Challenge. Teams of college students from across North Carolina were asked to come up with financial technology solutions to two pressing problems, one from Cone Health and the other from Piedmont Business Capital.
Thanks for joining us!
This episode is sponsored by Truliant Federal Credit Union
Visit Truliant here
Today’s host is Lizzy Tahsuda, the Chamber’s Campus Greensboro Director.
00:58 - Lizzy starts the episode by introducing the exciting Next in FinTech Challenge and sharing details on what the challenge encompassed. A total of 24 student teams with 85 students participated in one of two challenges: one for Cone Health around tele-health access and one for Piedmont Business Capital around minority business resources. Lizzy is joined today by the winning team of the Cone Health challenge, Greensboro College students Richard, William, Lexia, and Natalie!
2:40 - Lizzy asks the students what got them to participate in the challenge. Richard explains that it was encouraged by their professor to get some real world, professional experience with companies and build their resume. William shares that the challenge was appealing because it’s a prevalent, real world problem that Cone Health is dealing with, especially during COVID.
4:40 - Lizzy invites the team to share the solution they created to tackle Cone Health’s technical problems. Richard details how they addressed technical literacy issues using bot technology, as well as addressing hardware concerns to build a long-term solution, by suggesting the creation of “check up kiosks” at community points so people with access issues are able to utilize tele-health resources.
6:53 - Lizzy discusses another important factor of the student teams’ success - their Success Squad, made up of community volunteers! The students explain how their Success Squad mentors were an integral part of how they were able to craft a great challenge project that ultimately won them the competition.
9:00 - Lizzy asks the students what they learned about FinTech and if it’s sparked an interest for them in the FinTech industry. They agree that the concept of FinTech was unknown to them before this challenge, and being involved in the workshops helped them gain an understanding of the industry and possible career paths.
10:45 - The challenge included four different industry-led workshops that went more deeply into specific aspects of FinTech - Design Thinking, A.I. and big data, blockchain and cryptocurrency, and the Future of FinTech - and the students expressed how much they learned through those workshops.
12:17 - Lizzy inquires about the one piece of advice the team would give to other students who might participate in a challenge like this. The students encourage their peers to jump on these types of opportunities, to meet and communicate often with your team, to work independently and collaboratively to see what you come up with, and use your network to build the best knowledge base that you can!
13:25 - Lizzy asks the students for their final thoughts on the challenge and the experience. Natalie appreciated the range of participants from different schools across the state, the access that they gained to community and Cone Health leaders, and Lexia expressed an appreciation for the challenge itself, as it is a very practical and applicable real-world problem that affects so many people.
Learn more about the Next in FinTech Challenge: https://campusgreensboro.org/next-in-fintech/
Watch the Next in FinTech Awards Ceremony (and the student teams’ videos) here: https://www.facebook.com/events/2744168269189726/
Remember to subscribe for new episode notifications each week.
Make sure to follow impact. The Boro on social media!
Facebook, Instagram and Twitter: @gsochamber
Visit the Chamber website at greensboro.org.
Heather Adams with The Basics Guilford shares five things we can all do to help prepare young children for success in school and in life. Holly West, marketing and communications manager for the Chamber, is the host.
Thanks for joining us!
This episode is sponsored by Truliant Federal Credit Union
Visit Truliant here
Today’s host is Holly West, the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce’s Marketing & Communications Manager.
00:58 - Holly kicks off the episode by introducing guest Heather Adams from The Basics Guildford. They are sharing five things you can do to help our local kids succeed in school and in life. Education is a key part of creating a strong workforce, and that starts with childhood education!
1:45 - Heather is the Director of Engagement & Literacy Initiatives for her organization, Ready for School Ready for Life. She shares some background about herself, the organization, and their work.
2:15 - Heather dives into the five, fun, free things that any adult can do with a young child to help better prepare them for school and long-term success. These easy actions are specifically designed for children from birth to age three, but there are many other support and success steps that are designed for older children too.
2:40 - The Basics is one strategy aimed at narrowing the achievement gap between children of color and white children. The Five Basics are:
- Maximize love, manage stress.
- Talk, sing, and point.
- Count, group, and compare.
- Explore through movement and play.
- Read and discuss stories.
7:20 - Holly asks how the birth-to-three age range was determined for these types of activities. Heather explains that 80% of a child’s brain development occurs during this time period, and these activities help kids absorb knowledge and expand brain development.
8:20 - Heather sheds some light on how parents can incorporate the Five Basics into their and their children’s daily routines during the pandemic. The Five Basics can actually provide bonding and stress relief for parents as well as their kids, and some of these things you’re probably already doing!
11:05 - Heather explains how the business community can help support The Basics, spread knowledge about the practices, and increase childhood learning. Posters in the breakroom and sharing on social media is also a useful way for businesses to share about The Basics with their employees.
The Guilford Basics: https://guilfordbasics.org/
Remember to subscribe for new episode notifications each week.
Make sure to follow impact. The Boro on social media!
Facebook, Instagram and Twitter: @gsochamber
Visit the Chamber website at greensboro.org.
LaunchLab alumnus company Freeman Capital has recently scored some high-profile investment wins. Launch Greensboro advisory board members Kelli Frazier and Clifford Thompson, as well as Assistant Director Jenn Hensel, sit down with Freeman Capital founder Calvin Williams to discuss how he continues to grow the first black-owned, SEC-registered, automated wealth management platform.
Thanks for joining us!
This episode is sponsored by Truliant Federal Credit Union
Visit Truliant here
Today’s hosts are Clifford Johnson, Kelly Fraser, and Jenn Hensel of Launch Greensboro, the Chamber’s entrepreneurial accelerator program.
00:58 - Clifford introduces his fellow hosts, Kelly Fraser, member of the Launch Greensboro Board of Advisors and Jenn Hensel, Assistant Director of Launch Greensboro. Launch Greensboro is an organization under the Chamber that provides Triad entrepreneurs with education, mentoring, and access to capital. Jenn shares some additional background about their guest, Calvin Williams, the founder and CEO of Freeman Capital, a second-time entrepreneur, and a member of the 2016 Launch Lab Growth Accelerator cohort.
02:43 - Calvin shares more about Freeman Capital’s mission of closing the wealth gap, working via automated recommendations and personal, one-on-one financial planning, all for the price of Netflix! He shares his background and how his family and their financial mindset inspired this career path for him.
05:47 - Kelly asks how Freeman Capital is coping in COVID. Calvin feels comfortable in the virtual world, having always worked with remote clients and seeking out the best talent for his company, no matter where in the world they were located. COVID simply accelerated the proof that remote, affordable financial planning works and works well!
07:55 - Kelly inquires about Calvin’s experience of growing in his business and finding success, then realizing that he had to pivot and change his business to move in a different direction. This experience showed Calvin the inequalities and differences of access in the business world. Most financial planning businesses are built off of large assets, which excludes a huge number of customers, and in that, he found his customer base - regular people looking for accessible education on financial planning and seeking to grow their wealth.
12:33 - Calvin speaks on the life of an entrepreneur, how he manages the ups and downs, and keeps the vision of the future in focus. He envisions every next step and what he wants to achieve to find the spiritual energy to keep going. During the challenging times, he finds his fuel in serving people and hearing that his business is fulfilling the need that they were searching for.
14:34 - Clifford speaks on the issue of wealth inequality in the US and how several companies have come forward to try and tackle this challenge. He asks Calvin how Freeman Capital is disrupting the market differently and stands out amongst similar firms. Calvin emphasizes that on his platform, they are giving advice, education, and individualized strategy, rather than just commission-free trades. Creating a plan and understanding to build wealth are defining factors of his business.
18:00 - Jenn reflects on Calvin’s particular entrepreneurial path, asking about his process of iteration in developing his business. Calvin is motivated by the family saying of “If something bothers you, then it’s your responsibility to solve it.” Rather than complaining or finding frustration with something, Calvin is driven to find a solution to benefit himself, his children, and his customers.
22:42 - Jenn asks Calvin to share some of the wins that he really cherishes, the ones that really stand out and make it all worth the journey. Calvin explains that the wins come from when others see and recognize the changes that he’s doing, the work that he and his employees are putting in. He is most inspired by his team and their loyalty, their hard work, and their dedication to making Freeman Capital a success.
26:54 - Clifford asks Calvin to share a client story where he realized that he helped make an impact on their financial life. Calvin speaks to helping a younger person figure out how to achieve paying his student loans, save for a house, and build his retirement all at the same time, and give that customer the tools, knowledge, and partnership to reach those goals in a manageable amount of time.
30:35 - Calvin shares some exciting updates for Freeman Capital, including that they received their first venture capital check and are also receiving a grant from Google for Startups!
31:27 - Kelly asks Calvin about how Launch Greensboro has impacted his entrepreneurial journey and his experience with Launch. From finding out about the program on Twitter to learning about the gaps in his business plan, meeting his current CFO and accelerating his knowledge about raising capital, Calvin has been able to really propel his business because of the access, network, knowledge, and programs.
34:06 - Calvin shares a call to action for his community - if you don’t have capital or funding opportunities, Calvin emphasizes networking to access Freeman’s target market, and developing relationships with other experts and influencers to continue increasing their knowledge base and problem-solving power.
Freeman Capital’s Website: https://freemancapital.co/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/freemancapital/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freemancapital/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FreemanCapital
Find Calvin Williams Jr. on LinkedIn!
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October 2 is National Manufacturing Day! Director of Existing Industry Services Meridith Berger catches up with Core Technology CEO Geoff Foster, who is in the running for Entrepreneur of the Year for the southeast United States.
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Today’s host is Meridith Berger, the Chamber’s Director of Existing Industry Services for the Economic Development Department.
00:58 - Meridith kicks off the episode with a welcome and recognizes Manufacturing Day and Manufacturing Week! Guilford County is home to the highest number of manufacturing jobs in North Carolina, a wide range of manufacturing degrees and training programs, and is in a prime location for transportation, logistics, and infrastructure.
1:44 - Meridith introduces guest to the podcast, Geoff Foster, CEO and President of Core Technology Moulding in Guilford County. Core Technology Moulding Inc. is a plastic injection moulding company that offers a diverse range of products from automotive parts, medical supplies, aerospace, outdoor equipment, and appliances.
3:30 - Meridith asks Geoff what drove him to become an entrepreneur, and Geoff shares a story where he designed a part for Ford Motor Company, and this experience really sparked his passion to start his own company to create products and share the benefit of new creation with his employees.
4:51 - Meridith asks how COVID impacted Core Technology’s production and hiring processes. Geoff explains that while Core Technology had to retool their approach, they shifted into creating a new mold for faceshields, leading to an increased need for employees for production and assembly.
6:23 - Geoff shares about being recognized as a finalist in the Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award, a prestigious and exciting award to be chosen for!
7:12 - Meridith asks for more information on the diversity and range of the products that Core Technology offers. Geoff explains that their product portfolio is incredibly diverse and their parts appear in a huge number of products that are used every day, around the US. This has allowed for a strong business foundation to grow, and puts Core Tech in a position where they can strategically pursue production in certain fields, like medical supply.
8:45 - Meridith asks Geoff if he sees growth in a certain industry in the near future, to which he says that growth is seen more in additive manufacturing rather than a targeted industry. This means that “printing” parts with 3D printers is becoming the new norm and has helped Core Tech prototype and go-to-market faster!
10:37 - Workforce and culture is important to Core Technology, and Meridith asks how this helps Geoff develop the talent pool at Core Tech. Geoff found a strategic partner in NC A&T, brining in highly talented and educated students who are eager to learn. He also explains that a diverse workforce with different perspectives brings about better solutions and increased value.
12:09 - Geoff reiterates that the location of his company in Greensboro and Guilford County has been a critical part of Core Technology’s success. The location, partnerships, logistics and transportation access, and incredible talent pool available have all contributed to Core Tech’s success.
12:57 - Meridith asks more about Core Tech’s medical clean rooms. Geoff talks about the two different clean rooms established so Core Tech can create needed medical supplies, but also assemble critical vaccine materials.
14:16 - Find out more about Core Technology at their website: www.coretechnologycorp.com And also find them on their social channels: Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook!
Manufacturing Day is October 2! Find out more here:
https://www.ncmep.org/manufacturing-day/
Learn more about Core Technology at coretechnologycorp.com.
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The Chamber's Minority Business Accelerator is partnering with Launch Greensboro and the national nonprofit Interise on a program to help minority-owned businesses accelerate their growth. Hear from Tracy Myers, EVP for member engagement; Niketa Greene, vice president for leadership, diversity and inclusion; and Lou Anne Flanders-Stec, EVP for entrepreneurship about how Interise's Streetwise MBA curriculum will integrate into the Chamber's existing talent pipeline.
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Today’s host is Tracy Meyers, the Chamber’s EVP of Member Engagement.
00:58 - Tracy kicks off the episode with a warm welcome and shares an exciting announcement about a new program tied to the Chamber’s minority business accelerator. Tracy also welcomes today’s guests - Niketa Greene, the VP of Leadership, Diversity and Inclusion for the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce; Lou Anne Flanders-Stec, the EVP Entrepreneurship with Launch Greensboro; and Bernard Johnson, the Director of Programs for Interise.
2:35 - Each guest shares more about their professional background and experiences. Niketa begins by sharing news on her promotion and work with Leadership Greensboro, and how she is stepping into a leadership position with the Minority Business Accelerator (MBA). Lou Anne explains how this program is a great addition to the work that the Chamber and Launch Greensboro already do to help launch and grow local entrepreneurs and their businesses.
7:55 - Bernard introduces Interise and the work that the organization does to intentionally support and scale minority-owned businesses that operate in low- to moderate-income communities. Interise works with partners to identify resources to help these businesses sustain, grow, add and retain jobs, and support diversity in business-ownership.
9:50 - Bernard reviews the data that Interise records annually on how the businesses they support add more to the economy in terms of more stable, higher paying jobs and generate higher levels of revenue growth. He highlights that the Greensboro Chamber, Launch Greensboro, and the MBA Program are all exciting new partners and ventures for Interise.
12:36 - Lou Anne explains how this partnership with Interise feeds into the established pipeline that Launch Greensboro currently works with, from ideation to established bootcamp growth programs. Interise is a logical next-step after the growth program, to help businesses scale sustainably while continuing to provide support, resources, and networks.
14:23 - Tracy asks Bernard what the “ideal” business for the Interise Program would be. He explains that the business would be at least two years old, have at least one full-time employee and be seeking to add more positions, revenues should be in the six-figures at least, and the business owners should be committed to their growth, as well as the support and growth of their fellow program peers.
15:50 - Niketa explains how the other programs that she leads can feed into and support the Interise Program, and how Interise can help provide other growth opportunities to businesses already in the MBA Program.
19:50 - Bernard speaks to how Interise chooses the cities they start programs with, how the organization goes about establishing effective partnerships, and how they forge ahead to achieve their mission of supporting and accelerating minority businesses. He explains that authentic community connections, partnerships, and relationships are absolutely critical, in combination with the curriculum of the program.
23:17 - Tracy asks the guests who might be involved in the first cohort of the Interise Program, and each shares their ideas and excitement about who might be interested in applying. With so many great existing programs, like the MBA and the Launch bootcamps, there are many businesses who are eager to grow and support each other. Bernard elaborates on the critical importance of cohort-building and finding that network in other business owners, even if you come from different industries.
27:04 - Niketa explains the program timeline and how interested people can contact her to get involved. She’s hoping to launch the Interise program at the start of 2021. She also expands on how this initiative fits into the equity and inclusion work that she and the Chamber have made a priority in the work and programs that they are putting on. Niketa is ensuring that there is action around equity work, that there is open discourse about systemic racism in the community, and helping to create change within the Chamber itself.
Learn more about Interise's Streetwise MBA curriculum at interise.org/programs/streetwise-mba.
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Visit the Chamber website at greensboro.org.
The Downtown Greenway is hosting its annual Run for the Greenway in October and regularly offers a variety of socially distanced activities for residents to participate in. Downtown Greenway Project Manager Dabney Sanders and Run for the Greenway Director Laura Lorenz discuss how they've adapted their programming due to COVID-19.
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Today’s host is Dabney Sanders, the Downtown Greenway Project Manager.
00:58 - Dabney welcomes listeners and introduces Laura Lorenz, who works with Dabney by fundraising and designing programming for the Downtown Greenway. Dabney and Laura share some background on the Downtown Greenway, progress on the project despite COVID-19, and what the Greensboro community has to look forward to with the Greenway!
3:45 - Laura explains how they have had to adapt Downtown Greenway programming because of COVID-19, but she feels confident and excited about the Fall programming schedule, as much of it can still be done outside, safely socially distanced. One new program this year is the Fall Nature Series that details how people can harvest locally grown produce and turn it into syrups, jams, and more.
8:10 - Dabney details another fall project, which is the redesign of LowFi (Lower Fisher) Park. The team is working with two professional permaculture gardeners to work on the redesign of the park to ensure that it is its own self-sustaining ecosystem.
9:12 - Laura talks a little about Goat Yoga, a unique yoga session for people of all levels that involves some cute little goat friends! It’s a great way to change things up and bring some extra fun to a yoga session.
11:15 - Laura also discusses the Wheels on the Greenway initiative, where citizens donate bikes to a kid in need, and they have collected over 100 bikes this season! The Downtown Greenway team is in the process of repairing those bikes to give out to kids all over the community.
13:35 - The Run for the Greenway Event, the biggest event for the Greenway team, is still happening this year, but virtually! You can sign up, pick up your runners packet, and then you run the 4-mile loop on your own between October 17th and October 31st. You can do it all in one day, or pace it out over a few days. Participants can post their times and photos to the race app to share with each other and still feel that great camaraderie of the event.
18:20 - Laura also mentions that there are always opportunities to get involved in clean-ups around town! Get your business or organization involved in volunteer workdays to keep our parks beautiful by pulling weeds and making sure trash is picked up. It’s a good way to give back to the community while also maintaining social distancing.
19:30 - Dabney gives us the latest updates on the Greenway construction, which has been able to progress despite COVID-19. There should be some construction on the east side of the loop finishing up in October, which will bring three miles completed of the four total! The final section will go out to bid towards the end of the year, and most likely get started with construction in 2021. The hope is that this time next year, the project will be almost completed!
22:30 - Laura and Dabney discuss the public art projects that are on display throughout the Greenway. In particular, Dabney talks about the Freedom Cornerstone, which is the fourth and final cornerstone project to be built. It will represent Greensboro’s history with the Sit-Ins and its role in the larger Civil Rights Movement. Dabney also talks about the Westwoods Project, which will be three large-scale earth castings that will begin in October, and that they are seeking art proposals for Moorehead Park to update that space after some recent bridge construction.
26:25 - Remember to stay engaged with the Downtown Greenway by participating in the many events they put on, volunteering, or supporting the project through contributions and donations. You can help make this incredible project happen for the community!
Downtown Greenway Website: https://downtowngreenway.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DowntownGreenway
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DowntwnGreenway
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/downtowngreenway/
Downtown Greenway Programming and Events Schedule: https://downtowngreenway.org/events/
Want to join the 2020 Run 4 the Greenway Virtual Challenge?
Find more info and sign up here: https://downtowngreenway.org/2020-run-4-the-greenway-virtual-challenge/
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Visit the Chamber website at greensboro.org.
Register for the race at downtowngreenway.org.
In the second episode of our Launch Greensboro series, advisory board members Kelli Frazier and Clifford Thompson talk to three entrepreneurs about their experiences with LaunchLab Growth. Guests are Matthew Mullens, Shawn Straub and Larry Diana.
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Today’s hosts are Kelly Fraser and Clifford Thompson, who both sit on the board for Launch Greensboro.
00:57 - Kelly welcomes back listeners to continue to learn more about Launch Greensboro. Launch Greensboro aims to accelerate growth for entrepreneurs starting businesses in the Greensboro and Triad area by providing education, mentoring, and access to capital. Today’s episode and guests focus on the growth and mentorship aspects of the program.
1:55 - We start with guest Matthew Mullins, founder of Empasta, a plant-based cheese sauce. He discusses how he first heard about Launch Greensboro, how he got involved at the start, and how Launch really helped his business grow and gain traction.
4:22 - Kelly asks Matthew to explain his experience in Launch Greensboro’s growth program. Matthew describes a several-week program that builds a cohort of entrepreneurs learning together. Professionals and experienced speakers teach important skills, paid interns can be provided, and mentors are available to help expand networks, provide expertise, and keep entrepreneurs accountable.
7:30 - Clifford asks what advice Matthew would give to another young person who was looking to start a business. Matthew simply says “Go for it!” He emphasizes that younger people generally have less to lose and more mobility, but you will still have to bootstrap, work hard, and find capital to build something out of nothing.
8:59 - Matthew gives an update on how Empasta was growing and where it is now, and how COVID has impacted his business. He stresses the importance of being flexible and open to pivot, which has brought him to the point of exploring how to potentially expand.
10:25 - Kelly inquires about how Launch Greensboro has stayed a part of Matthew’s personal and professional network since he graduated from the program. Matthew explains that Launch provides continuing education through Lunch & Learns, newsletters, and simply being available to share resources. He emphasizes some events that help him stay connected to other entrepreneurs and mentors as well.
11:35 - Kelly introduces Shawn and Larry to speak more about the mentorship program, from both the mentor and mentee perspectives. Shawn Straub, the owner of AltHR Partners, introduces herself, a specialty HR consulting company that has been around for a couple of years. Shawn went through the Launch Greensboro Growth Program and was matched with her mentor, Larry, who really helped solidify her business vision and action plan.
16:00 - Larry Diana shares his side of the mentor relationship and how his professional career helped him establish a firm foundation of business knowledge, before starting his own business. Throughout his professional experiences, he really found his calling in entrepreneurship and in mentoring others.
18:33 - Clifford asks Larry what surprises him the most from his experience working with the startups at Launch. Larry is consistently impressed by the energy and commitment of entrepreneurs because it is such hard work to launch a business successfully. He enjoys the part of mentorship that allows him to coach mentees through the challenges and manage the problems - good and bad - that arise.
20:18 - Kelly asks Shawn how things are currently at AltHR and what her next steps for the company are. AltHR is running and growing strong, and credits the strong networks and connections that she made through Launch for that growth. She explains that she’s found some niches where AltHR can really flourish as the main provider of HR systems.
24:47 - Shawn and Kelly highlight how impactful Launch is, creating its own ecosystem of entrepreneurs and mentors to continue the cycle of helping new businesses, to celebrate the growth of Launch businesses, and to find camaraderie in other entrepreneurs who know the importance of the struggles and successes.
27:15 - Each guest helps to wrap up the episode with some final thoughts. Matt recaps how Launch Greensboro is really the place to be as an entrepreneur looking to launch or grow a business. The resources and connections provided are invaluable. Larry echoes this sentiment, expressing that the learning opportunities, connections, and knowledge sources are endless.
Check out Matthew’s products at https://www.empastafood.com/
Find more about Shawn’s HR offerings at http://www.althrpartners.com/
Are you interested in becoming a mentor with Launch Greensboro?
Contact Jenn at jhensel@greensboro.org.
Follow on socials:
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/greensboroentrepreneur
Twitter - https://twitter.com/launchgso
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/launch-greensboro/
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Virtual events are a necessity in the time of COVID, but a challenge for teams to figure out how to adapt. Join Campus Greensboro Director Lizzy Tahsuda as she speaks with representatives from the Wyndham Championship and the North Carolina Folk Festival about adapting events, engaging audiences, and what we can learn from two of the biggest events in the Triad going virtual for the first time.
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Today’s host is Lizzy Tahsuda, the Director of Campus Greensboro, a program under Action Greensboro.
00:57 - Lizzy welcomes listeners back to the podcast and introduces today’s guests, Amy Grossman with the NC Folk Festival, and Mark Brazill with the Wyndham Championship.
2:11 - Today’s topic is focused on virtual events and getting creative with how to engage audiences through their computer screens. Lizzy asks Mark how the Wyndham event looked this year, dealing with the effects and restrictions of COVID-19. Mark and the rest of the Wyndham team planned for multiple scenarios, from hosting a regular event, to one still in person but with restrictions, to a tournament that had no fans or sponsors.
7:50 - Mark discusses how the Wyndham team changed their plans to make the tournament a highly engaging and enjoyable experience for their huge audience and all the sponsors that weren’t able to be there in person.
9:10 - Lizzy asks how Wyndham utilized social media to heighten engagement with fans. Mark talks about how the fans are the soul of the event, so social media was critical in building excitement and interaction with supporters.
12:30 - Lizzy shifts the discussion to Amy to inquire about how the NC Folk Festival is planning for their event this year. Amy echoes a lot of what Mark said, in that there were versions of different plans to allow people to gather safely, and how to hold people accountable for the protection of the audiences, professional staff, and artists that are involved in the event. Amy explains that she and her team knew early on that a modified event would be necessary.
14:53 - Amy says that it was clear that the Folk Festival had to commit to a virtual event, so they made the choice and got to work with changing the program. The 2020 program will focus on North Carolina based artists, as travel is safer for them, and partnering with strategic local partners like 7Cinematics videography will still bring performances to life - just on our screens.
18:45 - Amy also speaks to the sponsorship side of these large events. Some sponsors really value the in-person events and are waiting until they can have face-to-face events again, while other sponsors jumped at the chance to participate in a virtual event that reaches a wider audience.
20:26 - If you’re interested in tuning in to the Folk Festival performances this year on September 11 and 12, there are so many ways you can watch live and on-demand after the event! Check out the Folk Festival YouTube channel and Facebook, the City of Greensboro will also broadcast through their channels, and GTN, the local TV network, will be showing the performances as well. Another concert platform, nugs.net, will also have the Folk Festival streaming for free!
22:20 - Lizzy asks the guest what advice they would give to other organizations that are planning events for the fall, and how to put on a really great virtual experience. Mark emphasizes fully virtual events for the rest of this year and to avoid gatherings of people, to simply adhere to safety guidelines. Virtual events have allowed event planners to flex outside of the box and get creative with how to engage audiences and create interesting events while avoiding Zoom fatigue.
27:30 - Amy adds that organizations have to reprioritize things in order to invest more funding and time into making events great. She had to redirect money into strong videography in order to make the musical performances just as amazing in person, but that doesn’t come without compromise elsewhere. Her team is also getting creative with different ways to generate revenue, with sales of merchandise and beverages from the Festival itself now not a feasible source of income.
31:30 - Lizzy asks her guests for any final thoughts before the end of the episode. Amy shares ways that community members can continue to help support local events, businesses, and restaurants, and encourages people to think of how they can amplify their local support!
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Visit the Chamber website at greensboro.org.
If you couldn't make it to yesterday's virtual State of Our Community, you can watch the event via Vimeo at any time. To register, visit greensboro.org/sooc2020. In the meantime, here's a sneak peek.
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Today’s host is Brent Christiansen, the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce's President and CEO.
00:58 - Brent starts the episode by sharing the key speakers and topics from the Chamber’s annual State of Our Community event, which was held virtually this year. Notable speakers included Dr. Mandy Cohen from the NC Department of Health and Human Services, Tom Barkin from the Richmond Fed, Superintendent Sharon Contreras, and Terry Akin from Cone Health, who spoke on topics from COVID-19 to racial inequity to unemployment.
2:44 - Clarence McDonald, Commercial Banking Market Executive for Wells Fargo, speaks to the critical partnership that Wells Fargo maintains with the Greensboro Chamber, and how they have stepped up to the economic challenges posed by COVID-19.
4:53 - Brent introduces Tom Barkin, the President and CEO of the Richmond Fed, who joined the event via Zoom with some members of the Chamber Board. Tom discusses the economy as it is today, what the impacts of COVID-19 look like across various industries, and how trends are looking now that we’re a few months into shelter-at-home. He also speculates on where we can go from here, which depends on so many external factors.
9:45 - Next, Brent introduces Ivan Canada, Director of NCCJ, and Wilson Lester, Executive Director of Piedmont Business Capital, to speak on the topics of injustice and systemic racism, especially within our own community. The discussion starts with a framing of equity and what this word, this value, actually means when put into action.
14:02 - The final panel, led by Terry Akin of Cone Health, includes Dr. Mandy Cohen, Secretary of the NC Department of Health and Human Services, and Dr. Sharon Contreras, the Superintendent of Guilford County Public Schools. The panel holds a discussion of the public health and education effects of COVID-19 and how the virus has highlighted community equity issues.
18:08 - To hear the full speeches, register on greensboro.org/sooc2020 to be emailed a link and password to access the archived video of the whole event!
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Prepac, a North American designer and manufacturer of drop ship, ready-to-assemble home furniture, has selected Guilford County for its new US manufacturing center. Prepac will invest $27 million in capital investment and create more than 200 new jobs.
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Today’s host is Brent Christiansen, the Chamber of Greensboro’s President and CEO.
00:58 - Brent welcomes listeners to the podcast and introduces guest Jim Mathison, CEO of Prepac Manufacturing, which just chose Guilford County as their US location as they expand outside of Canada. They will be bringing 201 jobs with them and this is a great win for the community!
2:33 - Brent asks Jim what the drivers were that led to making the decision to choose Guilford County as Prepac’s expansion location. Jim explains that there are lots of criteria to meet, like availability of skilled workforce, cost of operations, and inbound/outbound freight, to name a few. It really came down to incentives and North Carolina won out on the assistance offered.
4:45 - Brent asks Jim about the building that Prepac chose. Jim explains that the building had all the basic necessities needed and was key to their decision to move here.
5:47 - Jim explains that Prepac has been around for a while and the company is very familiar with the High Point Furniture Market, which allowed them to get to know the surrounding area and understand the infrastructure around to support their business operations.
6:50 - Prepac isn’t necessarily the brand name that consumers recognize, so Brent asks Jim to explain how customers actually interact with Prepac’s furniture products. Jim says they operate under several different brands and drop-ship directly to consumers, and over a decade ago, moved only into the e-commerce space. Prepac’s brands are included in almost every big retail operation that sells home furnishings, such as Wayfair, Home Depot, Walmart, and Target.
9:00 - Brent asks Jim to speak to his own professional background. Jim calls himself a “displaced engineer,” having a background in electronics engineering and software development, but he has a lot of professional experience in business development and e-commerce, which drew him to work for Prepac.
10:58 - Brent asks about Prepac’s ambitious plans to open in February 2021, the work of which will include renovations to the building, moving operations, and hiring. Jim explains this expansion as a critical piece of their growth, so they have a lot of energy behind the move. The hiring process has already started, utilizing hiring services and training programs to source local talent for their staff positions. Jim also credits other local businesses and suppliers for offering their help in getting Prepac established and is grateful for such an outpouring of assistance.
15:24 - How has business been for Prepac in the pandemic? Jim explains that everyone in the furniture industry has been challenged to keep up with the demand of customers with the effects and shutdowns in the supply chain, but opening the factory in Guilford County will be a huge help in expanding their capacity.
17:15 - Jim speaks to his experience in North Carolina, seeing the operations pre-COVID and now in the pandemic, and is still impressed with how the community has been able to pivot and still provide support during this time. He and his team are excited to expand into Guilford County!
Check out Prepac here: https://www.prepacmfg.com/
WFMY News 2 announcing Prepac coming to Guilford County: https://www.wfmynews2.com/article/news/local/prepac-manufacturing-to-bring-200-plus-jobs-to-guilford-county/83-9450fbad-a26f-4928-a14b-392e42e2ed35
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Visit the Chamber website at greensboro.org.
This is the first in a series of episodes focused on entrepreneurship. Launch Greensboro Advisory Board members Kelli Frazier and Clifford Thompson discuss upcoming programs and events with staff members Lou Anne Flanders-Stec and Jennifer Hensel.
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This episode is sponsored by Truliant Federal Credit Union
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Today’s host is Kelly Fraser, a board member for Launch Greensboro. the Chamber’s XXXX.
00:59 - Kelly introduces herself and Clifford Johnson, both on the board of Launch Greensboro. Today, they are focusing on upcoming programs that offer opportunities for you to participate! They will also be hosting future episodes to dive into more of what Launch Greensboro does.
1:38 - First, Kelly shares some background about Launch Greensboro and their mission. She also introduces Lou Ann Flanders-Stec, Executive VP of Launch Greensboro, and Jenn Hensler, Assistant Director of Launch, who run and support the programs that help local entrepreneurs.
4:10 - Kelly asks Jenn about specific focus areas and businesses that Launch Greensboro’s accelerator programs target. Jenn explains that the accelerator programs really “meet entrepreneurs where they are,” whether that is just starting out, or looking to grow their business to the next level. These incredible programs are so helpful on personal and professional levels, and free for entrepreneurs to participate!
7:15 - Clifford chimes in with a question about how mentors influence the program and what the work is in finding mentors in the community. Lou Ann explains that between 20-25 mentors are needed for each program, so Launch Greensboro makes the ask and ensures that they always have a pool of talented, experienced people to bring in as mentors. If you’re interested in supporting a local entrepreneur as a mentor, contact Launch Greensboro, because they’re always looking for more!
8:52 - Lou Ann also highlights the emphasis that Launch Greensboro puts on uplifting, growing, and supporting minority business owners through their programs. She is proud that they have consistently had 65-70% of minority and women owned businesses participate in the Launch Greensboro programs.
9:53 - Kelly asks Lou Ann to detail more on what is required of a mentor, which currently includes dedicating an hour per week for the duration of the accelerator program. Kelly also shares her personal experience as a mentor for Launch Greensboro.
11:19 - Jenn highlights that applications are currently open for the next program, so you can jump on this opportunity to participate in a great program to take your ideas, product, business, and network to the next level.
12:20 - Clifford asks what type of company usually participates in Launch Greensboro programs, which Lou Ann explains that it’s all industries at all levels. The only time requirements get specific is in the capital funding program, which has certain requirements of a company to participate.
13:50 - Kelly asks what participants can expect to walk away with once the accelerator program has concluded. Jenn explains that people walk away with a well-rounded exposure to various topics, the support of their cohort and those relationships, and the self-work of uncovering the “why” of their business and how that influences basic operations.
15:50 - Jenn explains that the impact for every entrepreneur is different because the Launch team really tries to meet a specific need or goal that every participant has. The outcomes are varied but highly specific to save these entrepreneurs time, money, and energy, and get on a faster growth track.
17:20 - Lou Ann adds that another benefit from going through any of the Launch programs is that entrepreneurs learn how to tell their business story and how to perfect their pitch, which is so important in a variety of situations. They refocus the entrepreneur to focus on what is important to their audience, rather than what is important to them.
20:00 - Kelly asks for more specifics about the venture capital fund that Launch has started. Lou Ann describes two ways that Launch helps entrepreneurs raise capital, one of which is the pitch competition Capital Connects, which allows early-stage entrepreneurs to pitch to investors and the community to gain investment and maybe win some prize money. The second way is the First Launch Capital Fund which makes investments at the earliest stage of a business, so businesses may not have even drawn revenue yet.
22:11 - Clifford brings up that so many people think that venture and entrepreneurship don’t happen in Greensboro. Lou Ann says that is just not true - the Piedmont Angel Network previously made investments in the Piedmont Triad, and Greensboro specifically, and First Launch Capital Fund is seeking the earliest stage entrepreneurs who need a boost to get their platform going. Entrepreneurship in Greensboro is strong and well supported here!
24:53 - Kelly asks about the Sustain Program and what happens after a business graduates from an accelerator program. Jenn explains that it’s a program of fellow program graduates where continuing education is offered, strategic networking, and a cohort of support is offered. Entrepreneurs say that this is so important to their continued success.
Find out more about Launch Greensboro and all their programs here: https://greensboro.org/launch/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/launchgso
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/greensboroentrepreneur
First Launch Capital Fund: https://www.firstlaunchcapital.com/
Learn more at launchgreensboro.com.
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Facebook, Instagram and Twitter: @gsochamber
Visit the Chamber website at greensboro.org.
The economic impact of COVID-19 on local arts totals in the millions of dollars. Megan Mabry, the Chamber's director of marketing and communications, sits down with Laura Way, president and CEO of ArtsGreensboro, and Ryan Deal, Greensboro's chief creative economy officer, to discuss the Greensboro Artist Emergency Relief Fund.
Thanks for joining us!
This episode is sponsored by Truliant Federal Credit Union
Visit Truliant here
00:58 - Megan starts the episode off with an introduction of her guests, Laura Way, President and CEO of Arts Greensboro and Ryan Deal, Chief Creative Economy Officer with the City of Greensboro, who are here to discuss the state of the arts in Greensboro
3:30 - Megan asks Ryan what his overall opinion is on the arts in Greensboro, especially considering the impact that COVID-19 has had on the community. As the “new guy” in town, Ryan has mostly experienced the arts and culture community virtually, which has actually allowed him to engage with a wider variety of artists, expressions, and projects.
5:17 - Ryan details the twice-per-week digest that the City partners with Arts Greensboro on to share virtual programs that are being produced by local creative entities. There are a large number of interactive and often free creative forums for people to engage with!
6:36 - Megan asks Laura about some of the challenges that arts organizations are facing during the pandemic. Laura describes how social distancing and lockdown have really damaged the arts infrastructure, and financially, it’s not looking good. Results from a survey Larua put out to local arts institutions detail that lost income totals about $7 million, and the impact on audience interaction is about 700,000 lost engagement opportunities.
11:41 - Megan asks Laura to elaborate on why direct payments to artists are so critically important. Laura explains that many artists work as independent contractors and are self-employed, which made them ineligible for unemployment benefits at the start of shelter-in-place, so they were in a long period of time of having no income at all. Between a generous anonymous donor and a partnership of other local organizations, Arts Greensboro and the City were able to directly support local artists survive the crisis.
15:01 - Ryan shares a fantastic story that shows how individual people can engage with artists in their own lives and get creative while in lockdown.
18:40 - Megan brings up that we’re moving into the Fall season, which is usually a big time for the arts. She asks Laura and Ryan what we might be able to expect and what else is needed. Ryan speaks to how future planning changes every week in response to Phase 2 extensions and adhering to safety measures. He’s hearing more planning around virtual events and recommends that people add the MUSEP concerts to their calendars.
20:52 - Laura talks about reentry and reinvent, meaning that the model that non-profits have functioned under needs to be revamped in order to be more adaptive to large change. Arts Greensboro plans on being the resource to help other arts organizations navigate this new world, figure out new and sustainable funding sources, and will continue to be the advocate for local arts.
Website: Arts Greensboro
https://www.artsgreensboro.org/
Facebook: Arts Greensboro
https://www.facebook.com/ArtsGreensboro
Facebook: Creative Greensboro (hosts the MUSEP concerts)
https://www.facebook.com/CreativeGreensboro/
Donate to the Artist Emergency Relief Fund:
https://www.artsgreensboro.org/artist-emergency-relief-fund/
Donate to the fund at artsgreensboro.org.
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Make sure to follow impact. The Boro on social media!
Facebook, Instagram and Twitter: @gsochamber
Visit the Chamber website at greensboro.org.
Last week, the Chamber hosted a series of virtual discussions about the movie "The Hate U Give" to give community members a common language and starting point for talking about racial inequality in our community. In this episode, we're sharing a portion of the program in which locals shared their experiences interacting with police.
Thanks for joining us!
This episode is sponsored by Truliant Federal Credit Union
Visit Truliant here
Today’s host is Jen Hensel, the Chamber’s Assistant Director of Launch Greensboro .
00:58 - Jen kicks off the episode by introducing her colleague Stephanie Rivers, part of the Chamber’s Member Engagement Team, and their guest Ivey Ghee, to talk about their initiative, One City One Film.
1:27 - Jen shares some background about how the One City One Film project came about. The Chamber wanted to take a leadership role in starting a dialogue in the community around issues of structural racism. The film that was chosen for this project was “The Hate U Give” and three different community sessions followed to initiate discussions around racial inequity and systemic racism, and how it impacts our local community.
3:50 - Stephanie discloses more details about what actually took place in these community discussions, which were made up of community leaders, city employees, police, and the Mayor, and led by trained facilitators. Many white participants felt that they gained new knowledge of what their Black neighbors have to live and experience every day.
5:30 - Stephanie speaks to a video put together by Ivey Ghee in reaction to the One City One Film project. Ivey filmed reactions and perspectives from her fellow community members to the film, the project, and especially about systemic racism in Greensboro. The intent was to give a platform for their voices and experiences to be heard and to understand how racism impacts their daily existence.
6:48 - We hear some audio from Ivey’s film which includes black voices, immigrants’ perspective, and input from white neighbors. They speak to policing in the community, changes that should be made, and what racist instances they have (or have not) experienced personally within the community and with the police. We should all be listening to these stories and participate in creating positive change for our community.
24:28 - After hearing the voices and stories of our fellow community members, Jen and Stephanie bring it back to thank Ivey for her work and encourage listeners to participate in the One City One Film project. The conversation doesn’t and shouldn’t end here.
You can follow Ivey and her work on Instagram at ivjuanvaldezg and on Facebook at Ivey Ghee.
Keep up with updates on the One City One Film project at https://greensboro.org/onefilm/.
Learn more about the One City, One Film initiative at greensboro.org/onefilm.
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Make sure to follow impact. The Boro on social media!
Facebook, Instagram and Twitter: @gsochamber
Visit the Chamber website at greensboro.org.
How does one complete an internship during a pandemic? Campus Greensboro Director Lizzy Tahsuda is joined by CG Fellows Malik Britton and Kelly Farmar, who are both working hybrid internships, to discuss how employers and interns can build strong relationships when they're rarely - or never - in the same room.
Thanks for joining us!
This episode is sponsored by Truliant Federal Credit Union
Visit Truliant here
Today’s host is Lizzy Tahsuda, the Director of Campus Greensboro, a program that housed under the Action Greensboro branch of the Greensboro Chamber.
1:02 - Lizzy welcomes listeners to the podcast and shares some background about the Campus Greensboro Program, an internship fellows program that connects local college students to great internship positions while also giving them professional development and leadership training.
2:15 - Lizzy asks Caroline Glover, a student engagement consultant with Campus Greensboro, to introduce herself, as well as their Campus Greensboro guests, Malik Britton and Kelly Farmer. Kelly is a rising senior at Elon interning at the Eastern Music Festival, and Malik is a recent graduate from Guilford College who is currently interning with Xtern Software.
6:10 - Lizzy asks Kelly and Malik about the pros and cons about working both in-office and remotely during the pandemic, as this is the first cohort that has had to operate virtually. They discuss the balance of working from home and keeping themselves on task, while also practicing safe and healthy measures whenever they need to be in the office around other people.
8:33 - Malik and Kelly describe how they have used the Campus Greensboro Program to network with professionals and grow their connections in the community. It has been challenging, having to operate mostly online due to Covid-19, but both feel that they have connected with coworkers, mentors, and other Campus Greensboro Fellows. Many people seem open to meeting, virtually or in-office, which has also been a benefit.
11:22 - Lizzy asks what online tools the organizations have been using for interns to stay connected and on task. Kelly talks about Trello for project management and the Google Chat feature to communicate with each other, even if they’re in the office. Malik’s team uses x-chat to keep in touch and send updates to each other.
12:48 - Lizzy asks what they have done to make the best of their experience as a fellow during Covid-19 and the virtual platform they’ve had to work within. Kelly speaks about another fellow that she works with, as well as her mentor, who has helped connect her with other professionals who are happy to have zoom calls and informational interviews. Malik echoes Kelly’s experiences, highlighting that his mentor has been a tremendous help in his professional development and growing his network.
15:53 - Kelly and Malik speak to how virtual work platforms, Zoom meetings, and growing technology know-how are helping their generation connect more widely with professionals in new focus areas, gain different perspectives, and develop their ability to easily work in a virtual and face-to-face world.
18:57 - Lizzy asks if there’s been anything the Fellows have been surprised by in their experience with working virtually, and how technology can still be improved on. Kelly recommends increased flexibility for students and teams in different timezones, to improve collaboration. Malik expresses gratefulness that this pandemic has forced him to jump into new technologies and learn how to use different tools in order to get his work done.
23:58 - Lizzy explains how Covid-19 has impacted so much of our lives, but especially the internship opportunities for students and job prospects of recent graduates; she asks the Fellows how the Greensboro Community can support them in this current situation. Kelly describes anxiety around the arts industry disappearing, but finding ways to make a community and connections around that shared interest will help keep hope going. Malik stresses showing empathy for others and employers being open to young professionals that don’t have a lot of experience. Their generation has a lot to offer to companies and organizations, and have learned so much about adaptability, technology, and teamwork through this experience.
Campus Greensboro website: https://campusgreensboro.org/
Campus Greensboro Summer Fellows Program: https://campusgreensboro.org/apply/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CampusGreensboro/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/campusgreensboro/
Learn more about Campus Greensboro at campusgreensboro.org.
Remember to subscribe for new episode notifications each week.
Make sure to follow impact. The Boro on social media!
Facebook, Instagram and Twitter: @gsochamber
Visit the Chamber website at greensboro.org.
The Volunteer Center of the Triad helps tackle food insecurity and other hardships in our community - a job made even harder by the COVID-19 pandemic. Executive Director Carley Swaim Walker and Director of Volunteers & Community Engagement Hope Tyler recently sat down with the Chamber's Niketa Greene to discuss the importance of volunteerism during this time.
Thanks for joining us!
This episode is sponsored by Truliant Federal Credit Union
Visit Truliant here
Today’s host is Niketa Greene, the Chamber’s Director for the Leadership Greensboro Program.
1:05 - Niketa kicks off the episode by welcoming today’s guests Carly Swain and Hope Tyler from the Volunteer Center of the Triad. Carly and Hope start with an introduction of themselves and share some of their personal background.
3:30 - Niketa asks Carly about some background about the Volunteer Center. Carly shares the mission of the organization and how they act out their mission every day. Niketa asks Hope to highlight a specific program, the Reducing Hunger Through Service Program, that the Volunteer Center helps coordinate to take on food insecurity within the community.
6:20 - Niketa asks Carly and Hope how Covid-19 has impacted the work that they do, and more specifically, the work that they do to assist with feeding the Greensboro Community. They highlight several local organizations that are already working hard to tackle food insecurity, and it was natural that those organizations came together in the pandemic crisis to identify the need and how to respond. Guilford County Schools also jumped into action to ensure that food-insecure students were able to continue to be served.
10:20 - Hope explains how they have worked to get the word out about what is needed of volunteers and the community. The online presence, emails, social media, and press releases have been a huge way to keep in contact with the volunteer community and ensure that needs are met. She highlights that in times of crisis, people look to help others, and the Volunteer Center’s website identifies how people can step up to assist.
12:00 - Niketa asks how the pandemic has changed the work the Volunteer Center does, and how the Reducing Hunger Through Service Program has been impacted by the crisis. Carly emphasizes that, no matter what crisis they’re faced with, it’s the Volunteer Center’s duty to become the volunteer response center to coordinate emergency efforts. For pandemic management, the team of four staff operated as all-hands-on-deck to make sure they could coordinate volunteers to give relief for those in need.
16:32 - Niketa asks what other impact the Volunteer Center’s volunteers have had over the past few months. One Step Further has the Community Nutrition Program, which allows families to shop (online) according to their dietary needs. Backpack Beginnings coordinates weekend food distributions to ensure that students in need still have meals over the weekend. Other corporate partners are donating materials, like masks, to organizations and volunteers on the ground.
20:14 - Niketa asks Carly and Hope what they need from the community as we move forward in the new Covid-19 world. Carly thinks that they will continue to operate as the crisis volunteer response center for the foreseeable future, recruiting volunteers to make sure that resources are located and distributed to fellow community members that need help.
21:50 - Hope details how people can get involved as volunteers in the current pandemic. Like the organizations it serves, The Volunteer Center itself is a non-profit, so fundraising and donating is critical for these organizations to survive.
23:50 - Niketa asks Carly and Hope to end on their thoughts of the power of volunteerism. Carly emphasizes how volunteering is giving your time, which is giving your heart to the betterment of the community. Doing something good during this crisis provides a ray of hope. Hope adds that volunteering is a great way to channel the stay-at-home boredom, frustration, and loneliness that some of us are feeling, while also creating a positive impact for others.
Want to get involved? Check out The Volunteer Center’s website: https://volunteercentertriad.org/
And make sure to follow The Volunteer Center on their socials!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/volunteercentertriad
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/volunteercentertriad/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-07lBHbkw37jhRJy6vJ5AA
Twitter: https://twitter.com/volunteergboro
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Make sure to follow impact. The Boro on social media!
Facebook, Instagram and Twitter: @gsochamber
Visit the Chamber website at greensboro.org.
Our Other Voices program is accepting applications for the 2021 class. This leadership development and community-building experience allows participants – in frank and open dialogue – to build their insight and understanding of the roots of prejudice.
Thanks for joining us!
This episode is sponsored by Truliant Federal Credit Union
Visit Truliant here
Today’s host is Joyce Gorham-Worsley, the Greensboro Chamber’s Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion.
00:58 - Joyce is joined by guests four guests who introduce themselves: Katina Richmond, VP of Human Resources with Carolina Biological Supply Company; Maria Gonzales, the CEO of Health Fitness Greensboro; Curtis Chesney, an Actuary with Lincoln Financial; and Carl Jones, Senior Manager with United Way of Greater Greensboro.
2:00 - Joyce begins with some background about the Chamber’s Other Voices Program, a diversity leadership and community-building program that teaches local leaders to be more effective in developing and practicing skills and strategies to eradicate prejudices and “-isms” on a personal and professional level.
5:00 - Joyce asks her guests about their experiences as participants of the Other Voices Program of 2020. Katina speaks to the strength and challenge she found in speaking about taboo subjects that are usually “off limits”, explaining that being vulnerable created safe, open, and emotional dialogues with fellow participants.
7:30 - Maria adds her perspective on her experience of Other Voices, especially as an immigrant to the US. She explains that she was able to learn so much from many different perspectives that she never would have been exposed to otherwise.
9:10 - Curtis explains that he entered the program with a “majority culture” lens, so he wasn’t sure how he would fit in a group of many different perspectives, life experiences, accessibility, stories, cultures. He truly appreciated how welcomed he felt in the group and how he grew from the diverse, messy, raw conversations with those who are different.
12:20 - Carl explains that his key takeaway from the program is a sense of empathy for others and a greater understanding of how to see things from others’ perspectives. As a young black man, he tells how he learned so much about the other “-isms” that he was unaware of before, and how he learned how to listen to the experiences of other people.
15:55 - To close out the episode, Joyce asks each guest for one word to describe their time in the Other Voices Class of 2020. Katina chooses “stimulating;” Maria goes with “listening;” Curtis decides on “excited;” and Carl closes with his word, “impactful.” Joyce also encourages our guests to elaborate on why they chose their word and what it means to them.
If you would like to find out more about the Other Voices Program and apply to be a participant in the next cohort, visit the Other Voices webpage on the Chamber’s website!
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Facebook, Instagram and Twitter: @gsochamber
Visit the Chamber website at greensboro.org.
On a recent Daily Action Call, the Chamber's Cecelia Thompson highlighted the Greensboro History Museum's History Happening Now project and the Westerwood Porch Portrait Project - two initiatives to preserve people’s stories, experiences and feelings about COVID-19. From the history museum, guests are Director Carol Ghiorsi Hart and Glenn Perkins, curator of community history. Also on the call were Betsy Blake and Anne Cassity, who are leading the Westerwood Porch Portrait Project along with Cecelia.
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This episode is sponsored by Truliant Federal Credit Union
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Today’s host is Cecelia Thompson, the Executive Director of Action Greensboro, a branch under the Chamber that works to strengthen collaboration in Greensboro and is a catalyst for public-private partnerships.
00:58 - Cecelia Thompson introduces the episode, which is a recording of a “Try This Tuesday” action call highlighting two projects that are documenting COVID-19 in Greensboro: The Greensboro History Museum’s History Happening Now Project and the Westerwood Porch Portraits project.
5:32 - Today’s theme is “History in the Making,” which covers how we are capturing what people are experiencing as we collectively go through the pandemic and quarantine. Today’s guests are Carol Ghiorsi Hart, Director of the Greensboro History Museum, and Glenn Perkins, Curator of Community History at the Museum. Additionally, Betsy Blake and Ann Cassidy join us, who are leading the Westerwood Porch Portraits project, which documents the family experiences of Westerwood neighbors during the COVID-19 pandemic.
10:00 - Cecelia asks Carol and Glenn to share more about the Greensboro History Museum’s project, History Happening Now. Glenn explains how the Museum wanted to document this time in history from a community perspective, so they reached out to the Museum members to send in their experiences, insights, photos of what is happening in their houses and neighborhoods, in order to capture a snapshot of what the last few months have felt like in a very personal sense.
12:18 - Carol explains that the History Happening Now Project is inspired by communities across the country and by history captured by previous generations, where day-to-day experiences are recorded in letters, diary entries, photos, and recordings. This project is a way to record what is currently happening in Greensboro, how people are living through this pandemic, and how people have lived through and documented experiences like these in the past.
14:15 - Carol shares information about a video the Greensboro History Museum has created in connection to the project that highlights diary entries which documents one woman’s experience of living through historical moments.
15:03 - Cecelia shares a preview of the Greensboro History Museum’s video, which features passages from Mary Kelly Watson Smith’s diaries. Watson-Smith kept journals for her entire life, and her diary entries gives us a window into the experience of living in Greensboro during the 1918 Spanish Flu.
23:20 - Cecelia asks Glenn and Carol to share some interesting entries they’ve received from the current project about people’s COVID experiences. Glenn shares the range of letters and messages they’ve received, from how students and teachers are coping, to the creative neighborhood socially-distanced drinks in the evenings, to people pulling together to make masks for others, to hearing from the essential people who are working through the shutdown.
25:41 - Cecelia follows up with a question about the different media and formats that people can submit to the History in the Making project. Glenn explains that the Museum is working with UNCG to archive different types of media, including quarantine playlists to new running routes. Carol also speaks to how the Museum is partnering with schools to capture students’ experiences through lockdown.
32:20 - Cecelia switches to speak to Betsy and Ann about the Westerwood Porch Portraits. Betsy shares background about how the project was formed and the goals of the project. She aims to capture people’s experiences during the pandemic as naturally and comfortably as possible, considering this unnatural time we’re going through together.
36:00 - Betsy shares some sneak peeks of the photos she’s taken as part of the Porch Portraits series, explaining the context behind each scene.
39:30 - Ann adds captions to the images that Betsy photographs. Part of her work on the team means that Ann contacts the families to hear more about their stories and add another layer of intimacy to the photos. Ann shares some of the snippets that have been shared with her.
43:07 - Cecelia asks Betsy and Ann what their advice would be to other people who want to start a grassroots project like this in their own neighborhood. Betsy and Ann both say that this project is so worth it, that it’s been a fantastic way to connect to other human beings in quarantine, so find a team of reliable and enthusiastic volunteers and get out to do it.
45:20 - Another question is when will the Porch Portraits project be complete and released? Betsy explains it’ll be a few more weeks of work, then there will be a public release of the project for people to engage with online. Glenn and Carol add their positive reactions to this type of recording and archival of COVID-19 experiences.
Find out more!
Greensboro History Museum
History Happening Now Project
Keep an eye on Betsy Blake’s social media for the release of the Westerwood Porch Portraits!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betsyblakephotography/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BetsyBlakeSharingLife
Greensboro Chamber of Commerce
Twitter: https://twitter.com/gsochamber/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GSOChamber/
Check out the Greensboro Chamber’s archive of previous Daily Action Calls.
Action Greensboro
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ActionGSO
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/actiongreensboro/
Learn more about the History Happening Now project at https://greensborohistory.org/history-now.
Remember to subscribe for new episode notifications each week.
Make sure to follow impact. The Boro on social media!
Facebook, Instagram and Twitter: @gsochamber
Visit the Chamber website at greensboro.org.
First Launch Capital Fund is a pre-seed/seed-stage venture capital fund headquartered in Greensboro that focuses on capital appreciation, economic development and job creation through investments in companies with high growth and future funding potential. The fund recently announced the closing of an investment in ThreatSketch, LLC a Winston-Salem-based cyber risk management tool.
Thanks for joining us!
This episode is sponsored by Truliant Federal Credit Union
Visit Truliant here
Today’s host is Lou Anne Flanders-Stec, the Chamber’s Executive Vice President of Launch Greensboro, where she is responsible for programming for early-stage entrepreneurs. Lou Anne is also the Fund Executive for First Launch Capital Fund, a seed stage venture fund based in the Piedmont Triad region of North Carolina.
00:58 - Lou Anne opens with an introduction of herself and First Launch Capital Fund. She is joined by Bill Soles, an investment banker turned private investor, and Rob Arnold, the founder and CEO of Threat Sketch, a company that provides cybersecurity risk assessments for small and medium businesses.
3:32 - Lou Anne asks Rob for more on his background and what prompted him to start his own technology company. He explains how his early career enabled him to learn about many different technologies, allowing him to turn to independent consulting, and then started graduate school to learn more about the growing field of cyber security. Rob explains how this all led to the formation of Threat Sketch.
8:58 - There are a few real keys to success in the entrepreneurial and investment world. Lou Anne asks Rob what his keys to success have been in developing his company, and what aspects he thinks provide continued success for the future of his business. Rob emphasizes the strength of the entrepreneurial resources in the Piedmont Triad, credits the Lean Startup Bootcamp put on by the Startup Factory for giving him a firm foundation, and local angel networks for continued support.
12:55 - Lou Anne asks Rob about why he decided to raise capital for his business and what made him choose First Launch Capital as his investor. Rob explains that accessing capital allows a small business to grow more quickly and with more stability, while also being able to try riskier products and markets. Good investors mean the business can have more shots to optimize the product market fit and maximize return on investment.
15:30 - Lou Anne asks Bill how he approached the fundraising process, as one of Threat Sketch’s key advisors. Bill gave the investor perspective and was able to clue Rob in to the need to “talk the talk” to investors, rather than speaking solely from an entrepreneur’s perspective.
17:10 - Lou Anne inquires why Rob accepted First Capital’s invitation for investment. Rob explains that First Launch is a bridge between the angel investment and the seed round that the company was planning later in the year. He wanted to signal to the investing community that Threat Sketch was growing and wanted to build a strong, very local company.
18:58 - Lou Anne asks Bill what his top considerations are when he makes an investment, and what he advises companies to think about when they start approaching investors. Bill explains that startups and early stage companies need a strong team with good entrepreneurial experience, ready to give 150% to the growth and success of the company. There also needs to be a big market for the product or service, multiple exit opportunities, and minimal capital to have the business succeed.
24:48 - Bill emphasizes the excellent management team that Threat Sketch has as another strong point of a good investment opportunity. A team needs to be able to pivot and adapt with strong leadership and good ideas.
25:30 - Lou Anne asks Bill what are the key goals and outcomes he has as an investor, besides the obvious return-on-investment. He sees positive results in financial return, job creation and growth, and strengthening the local and regional economy to keep the highly educated younger populations graduating from the colleges and universities.
31:50 - Lou Anne wraps up with more information about First Launch Capital Fund, how companies can qualify for investment opportunities, and how First Launch truly helps support early stage companies grow with more than just financial resources.
Threat Sketch: https://threatsketch.com/
First Launch Capital Fund: https://www.firstlaunchcapital.com/
Contact Lou Anne (lafstec@firstlaunchcapital.com) if you’re interested in learning more about
venture capital opportunities for your business.
Learn more about First Launch Capital Fund at firstlaunchcapital.com.
Remember to subscribe for new episode notifications each week.
Make sure to follow impact. The Boro on social media!
Facebook, Instagram and Twitter: @gsochamber
Visit the Chamber website at greensboro.org.
The Campus Greensboro Fellows Program is a competitive, 10-week summer program that includes a paid industry internship and opportunities to build your network, enhance your professional development, engage in the community and explore Greensboro as a place to thrive as a young professional.
Thanks for joining us!
This episode is sponsored by Truliant Federal Credit Union
Visit Truliant here
Today’s host is Lizzy Tahsuda, the Director of Campus Greensboro, an initiative of Action Greensboro and part of the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce.
1:00 - Lizzy kicks off the episode by introducing two guests, Crystal Tehada, a UNCG graduate, and James Dunell, an Elon graduate. Both guests have participated in Campus Greensboro and Lizzy shares some background about how the program helps students like them.
3:00 - Lizzy asks Crystal to share about her internship experience through the Campus Greensboro Fellows Program. Her internship with Cone Health gave her incredible access to many different learning opportunities and pushed her to grow professionally.
4:22 - James has participated twice in the Fellows Program, in 2018 and 2019. James shares about both of his internship experiences with the City of Greensboro. He was able to work in the City Manager’s Office and gain important civic leadership experience.
5:27 - Lizzy asks Crystal and James how the Fellows Program had an impact on them. James shares how Campus Greensboro helped him build his personal brand by connecting, networking, and working with local leaders. Crystal agrees that pushing herself to make big networking connections and leveraging those people to learn what she wants to do with her future.
7:55 - There is discussion around how the Fellows Program strives to provide equity to all students with all opportunities. Both James and Crystal are first generation college students, and this year, ⅓ of the Greensboro Fellows were first generation college students.
9:25 - Lizzy invites James and Crystal to share about their learning experiences with the Center for Creative Leadership. They explain how the CCL training gave them the tools they needed to communicate effectively, learn how to build relationships, work with others, and get the most from their internship experiences.
12:25 - James and Crystal share examples of how networking as a tool has worked for them to improve their connections, ability to build professional relationships, and stories of how those experiences have been so important for them.
15:55 - Lizzy asks Crystal and James what advice they would give to younger college students who are navigating career exploration? James advises taking internships early, getting experience, building your personal brand, and having a strong resume! Crystal agrees, adding that taking risks are okay, saying yes more, and attending more events to get out there.
18:25 - One of the aims of Campus Greensboro is to help young professionals love Greensboro. James and Crystal share how and why they have connected with the Greensboro community, from the corporate headquarters here to the special GSO-only gems.
21:37 - Lizzy asks James and Crystal how the Greensboro community can best support young professionals and recent grads during the COVID-19 crisis. Crystal emphasizes empathy over sympathy, to not minimize the accomplishment of graduating from college, and realize the fear in young professionals of lost professional opportunity. James agrees that more support and flexibility in keeping opportunities open for young professionals is extremely important.
Learn more about Campus Greensboro.
Find them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CampusGreensboro/
And on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/campusgreensboro/
Learn more at campusgreensboro.org
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During what was supposed to be Small Business Week, our member engagement team shares the stories of two local companies that have had to change the way they do business because of COVID-19.
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Tracy Myers, the Chamber’s Executive Vice President for Member Engagement, introduces us to today’s hosts: Stephanie Rivers, Member Engagement Retention Specialist, and Heavenly Walker, Member Engagement Specialist.
00:24 - Today, our hosts are joined by Nino Giamio, owner of GIA: Eat, Drink, Listen. Nino shares some background about GIA, which he calls Greensboro’s “most visible speakeasy.”
01:21 - Stephanie asks how GIA has had to pivot their business model since COVID-19 has hit. Nino explains how the shared plate concept of GIA had to completely change, but they were able to adapt to offer family-style meals and wine sales to keep the business open.
3:20 - Stephanie asks about any lessons that the team at GIA have learned through this process. Nino explains that they will probably keep the family-style, to-go option that has become central to operating during COVID-19, especially because “normal” will look different once the crisis has calmed down.
5:20 - Nino shares information about the GIA’s Mother’s Day package for partners and children to purchase to give mom a great Mother’s Day meal, which will also benefit Family Services of the Piedmont. You can get a fantastic meal, some bubbles, and make mom happy while helping the community too.
6:50 - You can find GIA on Facebook, Instagram, and their website. If you’re looking to change it up for dinner, menus are posted every afternoon on social media. Call Nino to put in your order and set a pickup time!
7:55 - Heavenly introduces herself and her guest, Bill Norman, the master distiller at Fainting Goat Spirits. Bill kicks off with an introduction of his family business and how they have adapted in the COVID-19 pandemic. Early on in the crisis, Fainting Goat received permission to create hand sanitizer, so they stopped production of spirits and started to work just on creating hand sanitizer.
10:20 - Heavenly asks about the process of how Fainting Goat is making hand sanitizer. Bill explains that they currently are producing about 1200 gallons of sanitizer per week.
11:38 - Heavenly inquires about how the hand sanitizer is distributed. Bill and his family have been giving away about 400 gallons per week for free to the community, who can come by the distillery for curbside pickup. The rest of the sanitizer is given to first responders in different counties, who will then distribute it to those that need it.
12:51 - How has COVID-19 changed the business beyond the shift from producing alcohol to producing hand sanitizer? Bill talks about how many of their clients are bars and restaurants, which are currently closed, so those sales dropped dramatically. Fortunately, Fainting Goat can sell bottles directly from the distillery and there has been an increase in sales from the community coming to the distillery.
14:33 - Heavenly asks Bill what lessons he’s learned through this pandemic experience. Bill says that he truly appreciates everything and to really appreciate your loved ones and the community around you. Bill emphasizes that the community is so genuinely appreciative of what his business is doing, which makes it all worthwhile.
17:20 - If you need hand sanitizer, you can do curbside pickup Monday through Saturday from 10am-4pm. You can find Fainting Goat online on their website and social media. Make sure to follow them for some great cocktail inspiration!
GIA
Website: https://www.drinkeatlisten.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/giadrinkeatlisten/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/giadrinkeatlisten
Fainting Goat Spirits
Website: https://faintinggoatspirits.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faintinggoatspirits/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/greensborodistilling/
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Leadership Greensboro Director Niketa Greene and two of this year's program chairs talk about how they've moved the program to an online format. LG is the Chamber's signature leadership program, producing leaders committed to inclusivity, collaboration, and the common good.
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00:58 - Niketa kicks off the episode by introducing Brandon Inscore and Elizabeth Paul to discuss the Leadership Greensboro, what the program consists of, and how the program has changed to adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic. Leadership Greensboro is a three-part, nine-month leadership curriculum that brings together a cohort of 45 diverse professionals from a range of industries and experience levels.
2:56 - Elizabeth and Brandon introduce themselves and share how and why they got involved with Leadership Greensboro. They were both part of the 2019 Leadership Greensboro cohort and are involved in helping the 2020 cohort as chairs of the program.
6:00 - Niketa asks Brandon and Elizabeth to explain what they do in the program chair role and how the chairs contribute to continuing improvement in the program. Niketa emphasizes the importance of having the chairs’ input and influence into the program, as Niketa is the only paid staff member for Leadership Greensboro, so the assistance of the chairs is critical.
10:00 - Niketa asks her guests to reflect on what Leadership Greensboro was like as a participant. Elizabeth remembers the first day she met the other participants and how they all jumped right into the experience together. Brandon shares his memories from Day 1 as well, appreciating the many different people he was able to meet and the opportunity to expand his professional network.
15:13 - When asked about their favorite moments, Elizabeth praises Niketa for her leadership, her encouragement, and her invitation for the Leadership Greensboro participants to bring their whole selves into the program. Niketa lay the foundation for great engagement, education and bonding for the whole cohort. Elizabeth remembers the impact that Diversity and Inclusion Day had on her cohort and the emotions that were shared between participants.
19:35 - Brandon echoes Elizabeth’s highlight moments of CCL and the Diversity and Inclusion Day that the cohort experienced together. Leadership Greensboro allows participants to sit down and talk about their life experiences, and create a safe space to understand how policy and assumptions affect others differently. This was a powerful experience for Brandon.
21:35 - Niketa asks how Brandon and Elizabeth took on the time commitment of Leadership Greensboro in balance with their work responsibilities. Brandon explains that Leadership Greensboro fit in with his company values of community and he took full advantage of what was offered to him through the program, while also making sure that he was putting in extra time at work. Elizabeth’s experience was the same, always looking forward to the program days, learning everything she could, and appreciating that her workplace sees the value of Leadership Greensboro.
25:20 - Niketa asks her guests for a word that describes how the program has translated to value for them personally and professionally. Elizabeth chooses “transformational” as her word, explaining how the Leadership Greensboro experience has transformed her in so many ways. Brandon says he also felt so much transformation, but also gained hope. Leadership Greensboro allowed him to have open and honest conversations about difficult and complicated topics, where respectful disagreement and understanding could happen.
28:40 - Niketa brings up when the world changed with the outbreak of COVID-19 and how this interrupted so many plans (including graduation) for Leadership Greensboro’s class of 2020. Ultimately, the leadership team decided to move the program days online, which is a first. Niketa asks what apprehensions Elizabeth and Brandon had about helping the program move to a virtual platform. Overall, engagement was still high even though the program had to be online.
37:00 - Niketa asks “What advice would you give to next year’s program chairs, especially if we are still affected by quarantine?” Brandon says there’s always a benefit in being prepared, especially if COVID-19 comes back in a second wave. Preparing great programming that can be flexible and adapt to an online forum is critical for the current situation and moving forward. Elizabeth seconds Brandon’s suggestion, planning for in-person events with a backup plan for online situations and also figuring out ways to create the bonds between the cohort members if the program goes virtual.
41:25 - Niketa closes out by reminding listeners that Leadership Greensboro will start recruiting for the next cohort in late May 2020, so follow the Chamber on social media to keep up with those dates and how to apply to the program!
Visit the Leadership Greensboro webpage for more details about the program!
Find Leadership Greensboro on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/leadershipgreensboro/
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Visit the Chamber website at greensboro.org.
The Guilford Apprenticeship Partners program allows high school students to learn a trade and graduate with both their high school diploma and associate's degrees debt-free. Meridith Berger, director of existing industry services for the Chamber, sits down with Peter Shoun from LC America and Courtney Smith, an apprentice with MSI, to talk about how GAP works.
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Today’s host is Meridith Berger, Director of Existing Industry Services
Disclaimer: We recorded this episode in early February, before the impact of COVID-19. Our programming for the Guilford Apprenticeship Partners (GAP) Program is now all virtual.
1:52 - Meridith kicks off the episode with some background information about the Guilford Apprenticeship Partners Program and how it benefits both young students and our local companies. GAP is a registered apprenticeship program for high schoolers, is in its fifth year of operation, and has grown to include six program tracks.
3:08 - Today’s guests are Peter Shawn with LC America and Courtney Smith, a second year apprentice with Machine Specialities Inc. Peter and Courtney share some more information about how the companies interact with and teach their apprentices.
5:44 - Peter dives into why LC America partnered with the GAP Program, the benefits that the company is seeing from the program, and how the apprenticeship program is cultivating a long-term, dedicated, and highly skilled employee for the company. Peter explains how LC America is seeing a great return on investment from taking on apprentices, but also how the students grow and benefit.
9:40 - Meridith asks Peter about what cultural or work stresses can be presented by bringing in such young apprentices into the workplace. Peter explains that these students go through a rigorous application, are hardworking, have a particular focus and have great community support behind them. Once employees see how eager the apprentices are, their energy is contagious.
12:10 - Meridith asks Courtney about her experiences as a student-apprentice, her interactions with the other workers, and how career mentors are helping to shape her professional learning. Courtney has found her mentors and fellow employees to be very open, helpful and accepting.
13:20 - Meridith explains that although the GAP Program is 138 students strong, only 6 are female. She asks Courtney how she’d encourage other women to get into GAP or manufacturing environments. Even though manufacturing is a male-dominated field, she feels supported and able to work just as well as her male counterparts. Courtney encourages women to pursue their interests, whatever they may be.
15:25 - For those students interested in the GAP Program, make sure to ask your school counselors, teachers, and peers for information! You can also visit https://gapnc.org/ for more information on how to apply, how it works, and participating employers.
Find out more about GAP: gapnc.org
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Visit the Chamber website at greensboro.org.
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the 19th amendment, which grants women the right to vote. Learn what local organizations are doing to mark the milestone. Guests are Catherine Magid with the League of Women Voters of the Piedmont Triad and Kathelene McCarty Smith, interim head of the Martha Blakeney Hodges Special Collections and University Archives at UNC Greensboro.
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Today’s host is Cecelia Thompson, the Chamber’s Director of Action Greensboro.
1:33 - Our host Cecelia kicks off by introducing our guests for Women’s History Month, Katherine Magid from the Piedmont League of Women Voters and Kathelene McCarty Smith from UNC Greensboro’s Special Collections and University Archives.
2:35 - Cecelia asks Katherine to explain what the Piedmont League of Women’s Voters is doing to commemorate the 100th anniversary 19th Amendment. Katherine also offers some historical background about what the League of Women Voters has done over the years.
5:06 - Cecelia asks Kathelene what historical role UNCG played in the Women's Suffrage Movement, and how the University is honoring Women’s History Month currently. Kathelene emphasizes that UNCG has always brought in women with different perspectives and experiences, in order to expose students to new ideas, and dives into how WWI mobilization efforts fed into the suffrage movement.
8:15 - “These were certainly not shrinking violets, they were very serious, and continued to be after the war ended. ” - Kathelene, speaking about UNCG’s female students demonstrating and speaking out for their right to vote.
9:10 - Cecelia highlights Suffragette women, like Harriett Elliott from UNCG, from across Greensboro campuses. Katherine offers more detail about how the League of Women Voters is helping to identify a Suffragette from each college to honor, as well as honoring the League’s own Suffrage Woman, Gertude Wheel, who founded the League of Women Voters of North Carolina.
11:13 - Kathelene shares more about Harriett Elliott and the impact that she had on her students and the UNCG campus, and the many reasons why she is such an important figure in history.
12:45 - Cecelia asks how women are making history now, and who can be identified as some strong current female leaders. Katherine brings up the number of women candidates running for public office at every level and appreciates seeing women in politics. Kathelene mentions Alma Adams, who worked on the Greensboro City Council and was the 100th woman in congress, but also speaks to the students she interacts with at UNCG’s campus, and how these young women have truly created a vision and voice for themselves that includes leadership, equality, and strength.
16:08 - Cecelia asks her guests to detail some of the upcoming events and exhibits that are centered around Women’s History Month and the Suffrage Movement.
Action Greensboro
Twitter: @ActionGSO
Facebook: Action Greensboro
League of Women Voters: Piedmont Triad
Twitter: @LVWPT
Facebook: League of Women Voters of the Piedmont Triad
UNC Greensboro
Martha Blakeney Hodges Special Collections & University Archives
Learn more about Project 2020: lwvpt.org
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Facebook, Instagram and Twitter: @gsochamber
Visit the Chamber website at greensboro.org.
Brince Manning, Southeastern Region Manager for the US Chamber of Commerce, provides an overview of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and. Economic Security Act. The legislation provides provisions to help small businesses get back on their feet.
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Today’s host is Brent Christiansen, the Chamber’s President and CEO.
1:00 - In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we at the Chamber are working with community partners to mitigate its effects on businesses, both large and small. In lieu of our regular podcasts, we will be sharing highlights from our Daily Action Calls, where experts share information and resources for businesses to survive in this unprecedented time.
1:43 - Brent kicks off the Daily Action Call with some general housekeeping, community updates about the Paycheck Protection Program applications and introduces today’s topic of the CARES Act.
4:15 - Brent introduces guest Brince Manning, manager of the Southeastern Region for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
5:50 - Brince dives into some background information about the CARES Act package, what it includes, how it is intended to help the economy during the pandemic, and how funds can be used by individuals, businesses, and government entities. Brince also covers changes to unemployment benefits and how eligibility to that benefit has increased.
9:10 - Brince goes into the major provisions of the CARES Act for employers, from large companies to smaller businesses, sole proprietors, and nonprofits. Benefits include provisions like delaying payroll taxes, increased interest deductibility from 2019 and 2020, the Employee Retention Credit, and other methods for employers to increase liquidity that do not have income generating right now.
13:51 - Brince goes into the differences of how the Employee Retention Credit is applied for companies with more than 100 employees, and those with less than 100 employees, and how the credit can be applied depending on the work situation. He highlights that the Employee Retention Credit cannot be used if businesses choose to participate in the Paycheck Protection Program.
15:35 - Brince moves into how the bill affects mid-sized and larger companies and the credit facilities that will be made available to them. The Treasury Department will be supporting financial institutions across the nation to enable them to make more and larger loans to companies.
17:35 - Next, Brince details how small businesses, self-employed, independent contractors, and nonprofits can participate in the CARES Act. $349 billion has been set aside for these entities to apply for Small Business Loans and qualifications have been extended beyond typical SBA conditions to include sole proprietors and independent contractors. These general loans are not issued by SBA, but instead by qualified local lenders. Brince goes into the important details that businesses need to know to navigate these loans and how they work.
24:14 - Another small business provision to take advantage of is the SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL), which have been around for a long time and are generally issued for businesses impacted by natural disasters like hurricanes or tornadoes. These loans are different than what is in the CARES Act because they generally do not convert to grants, you can borrow up to $2 million that can be paid back over 30 years, and payments can be deferred for up to a year.
26:00 - The CARES Act does add to the benefits of EIDLs. Under the Act, EIDLs can be paired with an emergency grant of up to $10,000 that has to be paid to the business or sole proprietor within 3 days. Additionally, if you are denied the EIDL, you do not have to pay back the grant.
26:50 - Brince details how EIDLs interact with the Paycheck Protection Program, as businesses can generally get both, but cannot seek loan forgiveness with both programs. You cannot take out these two loans to pay the same bills, so make sure to do research about what would be most beneficial to your business and employees.
28:18 - Next, Brince updates listeners about paid sick leave for small businesses, some provisions which come from the CARES Act and some from the Families First Act (also known as the Phase II Bill). Employers with less than 500 employees must provide 10 days of paid sick leave to employees affected by the coronavirus, or those who are impacted by childcare center closures. There is more specific guidance for businesses with less than 50 employees, and all businesses can seek out information at the Department of Labor’s website.
31:10 - The Phase II Bill also includes FMLA changes and extended leave due to coronavirus closures. The Bill details how payments are made to the employee, how businesses are protected, and exemptions.
33:18 - Brent thanks Brince for his presentation, and starts with a Q&A session. The first question deals with the funds coming to individuals and how that calculation is made. Brince understands that the funds are based on your most recent income tax filing, whether that is 2018 or 2019, if you have filed already.
34:47 - As a small business with few employees, if you get the EIDL advance but not the SBA Loan, can you still get the Employee Retention Credit? Brince answers that yes, you can.
36:01 - Is there an age restriction for children being classified as a minor-dependent for the CARES Act payments to individuals? Brince confirms that dependents are counted as children.
36:35 - Brent’s next question from the audience deals with investor funds and small businesses with angel funding, and concerns around those situations. However, there is limited guidance from the CARES Act for these situations.
38:25 - What is the best way to calculate monthly payroll? The Paycheck Protection Program application has guidance on how businesses can calculate the average monthly payroll, and Brince goes into a little more detail about how various businesses of different ages can do this.
40:31 - Would foreign ownership of a company be a barrier to receiving assistance? Brince explains that the primary residence of the employee must be within the US, but residency of the owner shouldn’t impact the ability for program assistance.
41:07 - If you’re a franchisee of a franchise that is not on the SBA franchise directory, are you eligible for the Paycheck Protection Program? Brice explains that a franchisee should be permitted to apply for the PPP, as the eligibility list has been expanded and is generally viewed on a case-by-case basis in this situation.
41:50 - Can an individual apply for unemployment if they are in-between leaving one job and starting their next job, which is now on indefinite hold? Brince explains that until the start date of the next job arrives, one should be able to apply for unemployment assistance.
43:13 - What can the $10,000 SBA emergency grant be used for? There are guidelines for how to use those funds, but there are no restrictions on how to use those emergency funds. Just remember that the emergency grant cannot be stacked with the PPP; if you receive both, the emergency grant will be deducted from your PPP funding.
46:16 - Brent and Brince remind listeners to consult with the local SBTDC for assistance with understanding and applying for loans. These experts are here to help you understand which loan is the best fit for you.
48:00 - Brent asks if the $350 million in loan funds is enough to really help the US small businesses survive and if it will be quickly depleted. Brince answers confidently that the loan programs are strong and will not run out of funding for those who need it. However, do your research and don’t wait to apply for the loan that will help your business the most!
Find links discussed in this episode and more resources related to COVID-19at greensboro.org/covid19.
Learn more about the NC Small Business Association. Get connected: 336-256-9300 Schedule a virtual or phone appointment with an SBTDC Counselor.
Go to the Office of Disaster Assistance and apply for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan.
disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/account/login
Also reference the Coronavirus Small Business Guidance and Loan Resources page.
Want to help the community by donating blood? Check out OneBlood, the main supplier for Cone Health, to find out how and where you can donate blood.
Remember to subscribe for new episode notifications each week.
Make sure to follow impact. The Boro on social media!
Facebook, Instagram and Twitter: @gsochamber
Visit the Chamber website at greensboro.org.
Making the transition to remote work can be difficult. Hear from Sean Kearny, founder of UpGaged, and David Horne, principal at Honestly Co., about how you can make working from homework for you and your team.
Thanks for joining us!
This episode is sponsored by Truliant Federal Credit Union
Visit Truliant here
Today’s host is Brent Christiansen, the Chamber’s President and CEO.
00:53 - In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we at the Chamber are working with community partners to mitigate its effects on businesses, both large and small. In lieu of our regular podcasts, we will be sharing highlights from our Daily Action Calls, where experts share information and resources for businesses to survive this unprecedented time.
1:28 - Brent Christensen kicks off the Daily Action Call by introducing today's topic of how to work remotely, how to manage and inspire your team from afar, and how to continue to be productive while we’re in quarantine.
3:47 - Brent introduces Congressman Mark Walker, who represents NC’s 6th District. Walker shares an update about how COVID-19 is impacting North Carolina right now and information coming from the White House. Walker also reviews the three phases of the federal pandemic funding, the details of what each phase of funding covers, and how those decisions are being rolled out.
12:45 - Brent introduces two other guest speakers; Sean Kearney, founder of UpGaged and David Horne, who owns several remote-first Greensboro-based businesses.
13:50 - Brent asks Sean what is different about this transition to work-from-home situation and how to navigate the challenges of adapting to a new way of working. Sean explains that all organizations struggle at times with remote work situations, especially in times of uncertainty and change. What’s different about today is that everybody has been thrown into change - businesses, families, individuals, children - so we have to learn how to survive, care for each other, and adapt the best practices that no longer apply to this new situation. Sean emphasizes good, daily communication and ensuring people are acknowledged, heard, and cared for.
19:32 - Brent asks David about remote work etiquette that we should practice and be aware of. David explains bringing the same respect and patience as if your team were working together in a physical office. He emphasizes that communication is the most critical skill to practice in the move from real-time to asynchronous work, and to be considerate of how someone may interpret what is written to them. He recommends instituting boundaries and office hours, so we can balance work with quiet time.
24:30 - Brent asks Sean what are the best ways to keep a remote team engaged in the work that they’re doing. As leaders of businesses, we cannot solve all engagement issues and this is a big challenge. Real engagement comes from interaction, rather than giving out directives. Constant status updates aren't always the best use of time; have a clear thought, invite your teams to give you feedback, interact between themselves, and build trust.
28:04 - Brent asks David about how remote teams build and maintain organizational culture. David explains that culture is built from people’s experiences and interactions together. Embracing that from a remote standpoint means continuing to communicate, building in multiple touchpoints, creating effective processes that are productive but also build trust, acknowledging employees and good work. Planning unproductive time together is also useful - have a videoconference in the morning for a coffee and chat with your team.
32:50 - Brent asks Sean about his steps for setting up remote work processes.
Step one, think of the five to ten people that others turn to for advice or help (whether that’s employees, customers, vendors, etc.). This creates relevance in your messaging, because your trusted people are helping to build your message.
Step two is to ask “how are you; what are you concerned about” and really listen to the answer. Make sure you fully understand so you can figure out how to help.
Step three is to follow up with anyone that you believe has potential solutions. Review your notes and find patterns for solutions.
Step four is to acknowledge concerns and fears, and then offer solutions and suggestions. Maybe create a short video to make it more human and accessible, share information from your trusted sources.
Step five is to ask for feedback and comments from your viewers, employees, customers. Understand what you need to provide them in the remote work world and challenge your people to get uncomfortable and create new habits.
41:20 - What tools in the remote workspace work well to help teams continue to engage with each other? Sean talks about “bring your own” team tools, like Slack and Microsoft Teams, for internal communications and file sharing. David emphasizes finding the right tools for the business that people will actually use and not overloading on how many apps or tools are used.
Find links discussed in this episode and more resources related to COVID-19at greensboro.org/covid19. Learn more about the NC Small Business Association.
Get connected: 336-256-9300
Schedule a virtual or phone appointment with an SBTDC Counselor.
Go to the Office of Disaster Assistance and apply for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan.
disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/account/login
Also reference the Coronavirus Small Business Guidance and Loan Resources page.
Want to help the community by donating blood? Check out OneBlood, the main supplier for Cone Health, to find out how and where you can donate blood.
Remember to subscribe for new episode notifications each week.
Make sure to follow impact. The Boro on social media!
Facebook, Instagram and Twitter: @gsochamber
Visit the Chamber website at greensboro.org.
North Carolina small businesses and nonprofits are now eligible to apply for the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program. The working capital loans of up to $2 million can provide vital economic support to small businesses and nonprofits to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Thanks for joining us!
This episode is sponsored by Truliant Federal Credit Union
Visit Truliant here
Today’s host is Brent Christiansen, the Chamber’s President and CEO.
0:33 - Brent kicks off the discussion with a few housekeeping items, updates that business owners need to be aware of in the changing world of COVID-19, and what community resources are available. We’ll dive more into the SBA Loans that have recently been made available and what that means for small business owners.
3:34 - Today’s guests are from the Small Business Association. We’re joined by Levi Kinnard, Economic Development Specialist from the NC District Office, as well as Bob Weston and Victor Dau, Director and Assistant Director of the Piedmont Triad Region for the Small Business Technology Development Center.
4:39 - Brent asks Levi to walk us through what the new SBA Loans are, how to apply for a loan, and other important information that business owners should know about receiving assistance. Levi explains more details about the Economic Injury Disaster Loan, which is now available because of the Governor’s declaration of a state of emergency.
7:19 - Brent asks about which businesses and organizations can qualify for this loan. Levi explains how the disaster loan program is operating differently in this situation, as there is no physical damage from COVID-19, like what we would see after a hurricane. In this case, small businesses and non-profits are now eligible to receive these loans, and he explains how some of the loan guidelines have been relaxed due to the unconventional nature of the COVID-19 crisis. If you need help putting together your disaster loan application, Levi lists many resource groups in Greensboro who are available to help.
11:34 - Brent asks about the calculation involved in the loan process based on a business’s ability to pay. Levi explains that the SBA loans are working capital loans, which takes into consideration pre-crisis revenues and operating costs. Based on that, assessors will look at your ability to repay the loan once business is restored. However, deferment periods are being built into the loan to protect the longevity and sustainability of business operations.
13:04 - Are there any regulations and tracking methods about how the loan funds can be used? Levi explains that there are guidelines, but the loans are intended to help with operating costs - bill payments, fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable - but are not intended to replace lost sales or allow businesses to expand.
14:17 - Brent inquires about which, if any, industries are excluded from applying for these loans? Levi lists that agricultural enterprises (who rely on the USDA), religious and charitable organizations, small businesses that make ⅓ or more revenue from gambling profits, casinos and racetracks are barred from applying for this loan.
15:54 - Some questions from the online group chat are based around what would be considered collateral for these types of loans. Levi explains that there is a collateral requirement for any loans over $25,000 and while personal or business collateral can be put up, real estate is preferred.
17:13 - Brent reads another question from the chat asking if business owners should wait and see the financial impact in a few weeks, or apply for the loan sooner? Levi recommends applying sooner (especially if you’ve already seen an impact) and get approved for as much funding as possible. This is because it is easier to be approved for more funding now and not spend it all, rather than ask for multiple loans throughout the crisis.
18:51 - A question from a young business: If your business is less than a year old and doesn’t have the year-over-year revenues to determine need, how are those loan applications handled? Levi explains what documentation is needed if your business is newly established, and that the Office of Disaster Assistance can make a credit decision based on all the information that is given to them.
20:39 - Brent asks for the loans up to (but not over) $25,000, what are the terms and negotiating items that businesses should be prepared for? In these cases, there is no collateral requirement, and you can negotiate with the Office of Disaster Assistance on the repayment terms of the loan to reduce the monthly cost up to 30 years.
21:57 - Levi offers clarification about what defines a “small business” and which organizations would qualify for these new SBA loans. Levi recommends finding out your NAICS classification code.
24:08 - Brent brings on Bob Weston, who details the wide range of services the SBTDC offers ordinarily to help businesses, and then speaks specifically what the organization can do now to help small businesses with their loan applications and make the process as easy as possible. Bob reiterates Levi’s recommendation to go ahead and apply for these loans, use the checklist and reference the paper application before submitting the electronic application.
30:17 - Brent reads another question from chat, asking how long it will take for funds to be dispersed. Levi explains that the normal processing time for an application is 8 to 21 days, but one of the biggest hindrances to getting funds is that business owners do not check the message center that loan officers communicate through. Levi recommends frequently checking the loan message center for any updates. Once the loan is processed and approved, there is usually a 5 day distribution period.
34:34 - Brent asks what the difference is between an SBA 504 loan and these new disaster loans. Bob explains the details of typical SBA loans, and how the disaster relief loans are different. Levi adds that there is no cost to apply for a disaster loan and no obligation to take the loan if it is offered.
37:44 - For business owners with branches in several locations, the recommendation is to apply for a loan for the main business location. Corporate structure decides whether you apply for one or two loans; if both companies originate from the same corporate entity, then you would apply for one loan. For questions specific to your business situation, be sure to contact an SBTDC Counselor.
Learn more about the NC Small Business Association.
Get connected: 336-256-9300
Schedule a virtual or phone appointment with an SBTDC Counselor.
Go to the Office of Disaster Assistance and apply for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan.
disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/account/login
Also reference the Coronavirus Small Business Guidance and Loan Resources page.
Want to help the community by donating blood? Check out OneBlood, the main supplier for Cone Health, to find out how and where you can donate blood.
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Facebook, Instagram and Twitter: @gsochamber
Visit the Chamber website at greensboro.org.
Looking to boost your business' social media presence but unsure where to start? Follow these five tips from Megan Mabry, our director of marketing and communication, and Hannah Pomphrey, owner of Hue + Tone Creative.
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This episode is sponsored by Truliant Federal Credit Union
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Today’s host is Megan Mabry, the Chamber’s Director of Marketing and Communications.
1:42 - Megan welcomes Hannah Pomphrey of Hue and Tone Creative as today’s podcast guest. Hannah shares some background about herself, her business, and how she works to help with the Chamber of Greensboro’s various marketing and social campaigns.
3:05 - Megan asks for Hannah’s insight on the important things to remember when managing a social media site. One of Hannah’s key tips is to set aside time each day to work on social media in order to interact, comment, follow, and build rapport with your audience.
5:06 - After setting aside your dedicated time for social media management, how can this time be used most effectively? Hannah uses timers to keep on track with posting, following, commenting, and browsing new social channels for increased interaction. She suggests that timed, individual tasks and setting priorities help accomplish more in the long run.
6:40 - Megan brings up Hannah’s use of content calendars and asks her to dive deeper into how those tools help with managing social media. Content calendars help with planning out posting content, dates and times posts will happen, on what social channels the messaging will go out. Hannah uses Excel and Google Doc to help her plan monthly and quarterly posts for both her personal and business accounts.
8:33 - Megan asks how Hannah helps people and businesses figure out the best time of day to post on social media? Hannah explains how some apps, like Instagram, can show you when your audience is most active. Otherwise, it’s a little bit of trial and error to figure out the best posting time for you and your business specifically.
9:40 - The next tip that Megan and Hannah offer is to focus on one or two social platforms - having many doesn’t always mean that your reach is most effective. Managing many different social accounts also is a huge time commitment, so be strategic about which platforms work best for you and the type of business that you’re in.
12:30 - Megan asks Hannah about curating a “voice” on social media. Hannah recommends having a brand voice, but to keep it open and conversational. Interact on social media as you would in person; deliver good customer service, be polite, avoid heated exchanges, and treat others how you’d want to be treated.
13:50 - What about the ROI that businesses and organizations can measure through their social media accounts? Hannah speaks to finding what is meaningful for your specific business, things beyond direct sales like inquiries, tours to your space, new relationships, or increases in event RSVPs are all indicators that your social media is creating a positive impact for your business.
15:55 - Hannah also shares her insights about advertising on social media platforms. Facebook Analytics and Facebook Pixel allow you to see data about your audience and how they respond to your posts, so you can learn more about what gets higher interaction and where to put your advertising dollars. Megan recommends to start small, see what works, and use your analytics to help guide you in making advertising choices!
17:45 - The last, bonus tip that Hannah and Megan offer is to resist the temptation to always hand your social media accounts over to your young interns! You want a social media manager who is well-versed in your business, who will be around for a long time to build a brand voice, and who has the experience to respond appropriately to customers. Interns do not always have those skills or longevity (but you can guide them in learning).
21:00 - Hannah wraps up with a reminder to make your public-facing marketing a priority in your business, and that investing time and energy into your social media can lead to an increase in customers and overall success.
Want to learn more about Hannah’s business?
Check out her website: hueandtonecreative.com
and Instagram: @hueandtone
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Make sure to follow impact. The Boro on social media!
Facebook, Instagram and Twitter: @gsochamber
Visit the Chamber website at greensboro.org.
We reflect on the 60th anniversary of the Woolworth’s lunch counter sit-ins and learn about some of its lesser-sung heroes: the women of Bennett College. Our guests are Bennett College President Suzanne Walsh and sit-in participant Dr. Linda Brown. The Chamber's executive vice president for member engagement, Tracy Myers, hosts.
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This episode is sponsored by Truliant Federal Credit Union
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Today’s host is Tracy Myers, the Executive Vice President for Member Engagement.
1:55 - Tracy welcomes guest Dr. Suzanne Walsh, President of Bennett College, and Dr. Linda Brown, a Bennett alumni who participated in the famous Sit-In movement in July 1960. Tracy asks them to share some information about themselves.
2:52 - Tracy invites Dr. Brown to speak about the book she wrote about her experiences and the role of herself and other women during the Civil Rights movement. Dr. Brown’s accounts of these moments in history are so critical because she worked on laying the foundation to make the sit-ins happen, and experienced the movement happening first-hand.
6:37 - Dr. Brown speaks about how she and other female activists worked behind the scenes to make the sit-ins happen, but that their actions went unnoticed. “The women at Bennett never wanted to take away from the decision of the guys, and one of the reasons it wasn’t talked about, it wasn’t corrected, was that we were looking for solidarity and we didn’t want to appear to the community to be fighting with each other. That would not have done the movement any good.”
7:57 - Tracy asks Dr. Walsh to speak on how she promotes Bennett, tells the school’s story, and emphasizes how Bennett has played a critical role in Greensboro. Dr. Walsh starts by highlighting her favorite statistic from Bennett’s history - that 40% of the student population was arrested during the Sit-Ins, and those Bennett Belles were wholly supported by their university president at that time.
10:22 - Dr. Walsh furthers the discussion into Dr. Brown’s book, as Dr. Brown not only tackles the role of women in the Civil Rights movement but also dives deeply into the role of gender, the expectations of gender, the respectability of women, why and how women are hidden figures of history.
14:27 - Dr. Brown talks about how previous Bennett presidents have advocated for Bennett to be included in the history of the Civil Rights and that their on-going support enabled her to complete her book. Dr. Walsh discusses how a Bennett Belle she visited still has letters and “college mementos” from the time that are now seen as vital pieces of the accurate telling of Bennett’s role in the movement.
17:22 - To wrap up, Tracy asks what it is about the culture of Bennett College that produces students who are unafraid to stand up for their beliefs. The answers, grounded in past experiences and strong educational backgrounds, highlight how that spirit of participation and involvement is strong within the Bennett conversation.
23:02 - To find Dr. Brown’s book, Belles of Liberty: Gender, Bennett College, and the Civil Rights Movement in Greensboro look locally if you’re in Greensboro, search on Amazon, or look via Dr. Brown’s website.
Interested in Dr. Brown’s book?
Purchase Belles of Liberty: Gender, Bennett College, and the Civil Rights Movement in Greensboro on Amazon.
Be sure to check out Dr. Brown’s website for her writing, events, workshops, and more: www.lindabeatricebrownauthor.com
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Visit the Chamber website at greensboro.org.
Greensboro is known as "Tournament Town," but it's not just because of the NCAA and ACC. Ainsley Johnston, the Chamber's event manager, sits down with the Greensboro Sports Foundation to discuss how our city lives up to its moniker the other 363 days of the year.
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This episode is sponsored by Truliant Federal Credit Union
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1:23 - Ainsley welcomes us to the podcast and introduces guests Rob Goodman, the Executive Director of the Greensboro Sports Foundation, and Marc Bush, the Vice Chairman of the Foundation. Ainsley, Rob, and Mark are discussing the idea of “Tournament Town” and how the Greensboro Sports Foundation plays a critical role in bringing these events to our community.
1:58 - The Greensboro Sports Foundation is the local organizing committee for helping to bring sporting events to Greensboro and ensuring that visitors have a great time. Once the event is in town, the Foundation is responsible for hosting, coordinating logistics, and helping to make people feel welcome and excited to come back to Greensboro.
3:50 - Ainsley asks Rob and Marc to expand on the breadth of sporting tournaments that Greensboro hosts. Greensboro earned the name of Tournament Town because it has played host to numerous ACC Basketball tournaments, the US Figure Skating Championships, ODAC Swimming Championships, ACC Women’s and Men’s Swimming and Diving, NCAA Basketball and Swimming Championships, and more!
6:12 - Ainsley asks for more detail on the numerous swimming and diving events held in Greensboro, as we have a fantastic aquatics center but most often hear about basketball. Marc discusses how the Greensboro Aquatics Center (GAC) has helped put Greensboro on the map for national championship events. The GAC recently was awarded the YMCA’s Y National Long Course event for three years and is currently in the bid process for the NCAA Swimming and Diving Division 1 and Division 3 events.
8:10 - The discussion moves to the addition of a fourth pool at the Aquatics Center. The fourth pool has now made Greensboro Aquatics Center the largest in the nation, opening up many other event and tournament options. This expansion has also helped the Center honor its commitment to serving the community, hosting local programs even when tournaments are in town.
12:55 - Ainsley moves the conversation to basketball and what to expect in Greensboro for 2020. Rob describes hosting the ACC Women’s Basketball Tournament for the 20th time during the first weekend of March, followed by the ACC Men’s Basketball Tournament (Greensboro’s 27th time hosting), then the next weekend will be the NCAA Division 1 Men’s Basketball first and second rounds. The logistics of hosting this sporting trifecta takes the perfect, coordinated effort of talented and dedicated Coliseum staff!
17:25 - Rob talks about how the community is coming together to work on decorations and marketing around these events, and how the revamped Tournament Town logo is now focused on Greensboro, tradition, and the fans that drive the economic boom that comes with these events.
19:08 - Ainsley asks about events planned for fans during the basketball tournaments. Rob describes a kickoff lunch, speakers, a Tuesday night party open to the public, a Saturday night concert with the Indigo Girls, tailgating, food trucks, live music, festivals, live watch parties, and so much more. It’s an exciting and packed schedule!
23:50 - Ainsley asks Rob and Marc to explain how local support helps Greensboro get and keep these tournaments and all the positive economic impact that comes with them. Marc explains the enormous economic impact that sporting events have on Greensboro’s local economy, from restaurants and hotel rooms to selling tickets and Coliseum concessions. Rob details that local support helps Greensboro stay competitive among other cities that host tournaments by creating an experience unlike anywhere else.
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Visit the Chamber website at greensboro.org.
Learn more about this year’s Tournament Town events here.
Get tickets to the NCAA tournament: www.greensborocoliseum.com/events/detail/2020-ncaa-mens-basketball-tournament
The Chamber's synerG Young Professionals program is preparing to host its 2020 Lead Your City Summit, which will bring our best under-40 talent together to grow their leadership skills, build on their ideas, serve their community and connect their network. synerG Director Sarah McGuire is joined by Candace Martin, a synerG Council member and the communications and operations manager for Action Greensboro.
Thanks for joining us!
This episode is sponsored by Truliant Federal Credit Union
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00:52 - Brent introduces today's topic, young professionals in the Triad. Today, we have Sarah McGuire, Director of synerG Young Professionals here to tell us more about the program.
01:25 - Sarah is joined today with Candace Martin, Operations and Communications Manager at Action Greensboro and the newest edition to synerG to talk about exciting events coming up with synerG within the next few months and how to get involved in the program altogether. Sarah kicks the conversation off with Lead Your City and what to expect there.
06:44 - Sarah talks about the venue itself being a great way for young professionals to brush up on networking skills and the opportunity to meet like-minded individuals plus other awesome benefits for attendees. Sarah tells us about early bird ticket prices to the event.
08:55 - Candace gives recognition to the volunteers who help make the event possible, and to the sponsors who help and invest in Greensboro’s young professionals. Shout outs are given to a handful of sponsors. Candace shares some insight on what to expect from the event, On Tap.
12:53 - Candace talks about the various lunch-n-learn throughout the year with topics ranging from personal development to leadership hosted by synerG. Sarah mentions a lunch-n-learn coming up soon on reducing student loan debt.
15:12 - Sarah mentions that Candace is still a volunteer for synerG after being added as a council member, she asks what her perspective is on how synerG has helped her career grow as a young professional. Candace gives recognition to the marketing and social committee of synerG. Our hosts strongly encourage outreach from any bar, restaurant or venue owner who would be interested in an event taking place at their location. Sarah expands on the placemaking committee that Candace brought up earlier, what their role is and what they’ve done for the community.
18:18 - Our hosts finish on final thoughts urging the young professionals in our community to come to an event and participate in city activities!
Register for Lead Your City: synerg.org/event/2020-lead-your-city-summit/synerg.org/event/2020-lead-your-city-summit/
Thanks for joining us!
This episode is sponsored by Truliant Federal Credit Union
Visit Truliant here
Visit synerG.org for details on sessions at Lead Your City 2020
Tag synerG in your participating posts on Facebook & Instagram: @synerggso
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Make sure to follow impact. The Boro on social media!
Facebook, Instagram and Twitter: @gsochamber
Visit the Chamber website at greensboro.org.
Launch Greensboro's annual Capital Connects pitch competition is coming up on March 4 - and more than $20,000 in prize money and in-kind services is at stake. Jennifer Hensel, assistant director of Launch Greensboro, sits down with 2013 Capital Connects winner Ryan Pratt, CEO of Guerilla RF, to discuss his experience in the competition.
hanks for joining us!
This episode is sponsored by Truliant Federal Credit Union
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00:26 - Brent sets the stage for today’s host, Jennifer Hensel, assistant director of Launch Greensboro. She and Ryan Pratt, founder and CEO of Guerrilla RF will be introducing an event coming to Greensboro, Capital Connects which will be coming up in March of 2020. Ryan shares his background and shares what his company does.
02:28 - Jennifer gives context to what she and Ryan will be talking about for those who are not in the entrepreneur world, just so they are able to follow along with the conversation. She explains what Capital Connects is and how it helps entrepreneurs and investors.
04:19 - Ryan and Jennifer answer, “What do you think makes a great pitch?” and “What kinds of companies should apply and present at Capitol Connects?”
06:39 - Jennifer asks what year Ryan participated in Capital Connects. He explains what led him to apply for the event and details his experience was. Ryan shares his entrepreneurial successes.
13:20 - Jennifer asks Ryan what it felt like to be on stage pitching his business idea to investors against other competent entrepreneurs in a competitive environment. Jennifer also asks what it was like to push personal boundaries and to grow from it.
17:00 - Ryan tells the story of when his business had one week’s worth of expenses left and how he handled and overcame the situation.
20:43 - Jennifer asks Ryan to describe his relationship with his investors. We learn the process of having a phone call conversation versus a meeting with an investor?
24:32 - Jennifer explains more about Capitol Connects detailing the competition and the prize winners are competing for. Ryan talks about how back when he competed and won, there was no prize money.
26:59 - Since the success of Ryan’s business through Capitol Connects, Ryan has been an audience member and even a judge for the program. Jennifer asks what it’s like to hear different companies compete now that the roles are reversed.
29:37 - Ryan shares advice for the companies pitching on March 4th along with uplifting parting words for entrepreneurs wanting to build a company and stay local.
Register for Capital Connects: bit.ly/2020CapitalConnects
Learn more about Guerilla RF: guerrilla-rf.com
Visit the Chamber website at greensboro.org.
Thanks for joining us!
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Recorded and Edited by Press Play Studios
Visit the Chamber website at greensboro.org.
Leadership Greensboro Director Niketa Greene hosts this episode about our city's history of African American trailblazers in honor of Black History Month. Her guests are Franklin McCain Jr., the son of one of the Greensboro Four, and James Shields, the director of the Bonner Center for Community Service and Learning at Guilford College.
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This episode is sponsored by Truliant Federal Credit Union
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00:58 - Niketa kicks off the show along with James Shields and Franklin McCain Jr., who will be joining the discussion on Greensboro’s Freedom Fighters and Trailblazers. James and Franklin give their background.
05:00 - Niketa points out the history of Franklin’s family name. Franklin explains that his father was one of the Greensboro Four and how his father was one of the catalysts that launched the Civil Rights Movement.
07:59 - Niketa quotes Levi Coffin and discusses the similarities between him and Franklin’s father. She discusses the connection between Greensboro, Guilford College, and the Quakers. James expands on the Quakers and their history in Greensboro and Guilford County.
10:42 - Niketa mentions a quote by Franklin’s father that displays overwhelming courage and bravery. She asks how he continues to display these characteristics throughout his life.
15:44 - Franklin’s explains how his father struggled among prejudiced and racist eyes, despite being an educated man. Niketa explains that more times than not, it takes someone who is among those of racist and prejudiced mindsets to engage and use their privilege to lend a helping hand. James is asked to share how people in these positions have contributed to change in the Greensboro community.
19:37 - Niketa asks about Franklin and James about their personal connections to these trailblazing moments in history. Franklin explains that even though his father was an internationally significant figure to him that's dad. Franklin is asked to explain how he carries on his father's legacy.
24:05 - Niketa asks James more about Guilford College and how knowing his ancestors had come to that same place is significant to him, and how does that connection impacts the work he does today.
27:13 - Niketa discusses the race riots, peaceful city movements and underground railroads that Greensboro is known for. She asks both guests if it is fair to say that Greensboro is a revolutionary city.
33:02 - Niketa closes by saying she hopes Greensboro continues to be a revolutionary city.
Thanks for joining us!
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Recorded and Edited by Press Play Studios
Visit the Chamber website at greensboro.org.
Brent talks to Tom Waldron, Kontoor Brands’ executive vice president and global brand president for Wrangler, about how the new company is faring eight months after separating from VF Corporation. Tom and two other Kontoor Brands leaders are delivering the keynote at our Annual Luncheon on Jan. 22.
Welcome to impact. The Boro, a podcast from the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce! We’re starting out with an overview of our 2020 programming from Brent Christensen, our president and CEO, and Tracy Myers, our executive vice president for member engagement. Make sure to check out part two for a sneak peak of our Annual Luncheon keynote.