New Hanover County Leaders to Visit Apple Inc. Headquarters
Wilmington, N.C. - There is no denying that technology is disrupting every industry in a plethora of ways. Education is no different. In the last few years, technology has created better experiences for students, teachers, and administrative staff across our country. With the goals of developing our area's future workforce and ensuring students in New Hanover County have the best tools available to them today, and in the future, the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce is coordinating a community-wide initiative to visit Apple Inc.'s corporate headquarters in Cupertino, CA on January 13 and 14 of this month.
In coordination with Apple Inc., a small group of individuals were chosen to attend based on their ties to emerging technology and education in our community. Attendees will include Wilmington Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Natalie English, New Hanover County Commissioners Julia Olson-Boseman and Woody White, New Hanover County Manager Chris Coudriet, New Hanover County School Board members Lisa Estep and Nelson Beaulieu, Deputy Superintendent Dr. LaChawn Smith, NHCS Chief Technology Officer Dawn Brinson, UNCW Chancellor Dr. Jose V. Sartarelli, UNCW Board of Trustees and Hunt Institute Board Member Michael Lee, UNCW's Watson College of Education Dean Van Dempsey, Cape Fear Community College President Jim Morton, and Live Oak Bank's Director of Corporate Philanthropy Kate Groat.
The meeting will be an opportunity to learn about the impact mobility is having on the world of work and learning, emerging technologies, potential workforce pipelines for our community, and innovation in education. County Commissioner Woody White, who was initially approached by Apple Inc. after Hurricane Florence to discuss ways the company could assist in recovery and also learn about the current state of New Hanover County Schools, says: "Technology is impacting our bricks and mortar approach to funding schools, with more and more students opting to learn online and from distances, in non-traditional ways. So, it's increasingly important that our schools' technology is not only preparing students for the modern world but also accommodating students in new and different ways to facilitate more productive, tech-centered learning environments. New Hanover County is committed to making a more meaningful impact on technology that will benefit our students and our schools, and this trip is an opportunity to learn how we can do that."
The Wilmington Chamber of Commerce views talent and workforce development as one of its core missions for the southeastern North Carolina area. Additionally, the chamber is a leader in marketing and promoting the entire region as a destination for corporate relocations and job expansion and assisting its members with economic research and public policy advocacy. Wilmington Chamber of Commerce President and CEO, Natalie English says, "The New Hanover County School system is strong today, and there is always an opportunity to improve what we are doing. We need to think proactively about the future of education so that our next generation's workforce is prepared for the jobs of the future. A strong and diverse talent pool is one of the key elements to making New Hanover County a more desirable place to do business."
###
The Wilmington Chamber of Commerce is a partner in the success of your business and vitality of our community. Our mission is to drive economic growth through active engagement and advocacy for our business community. We take a stand on issues on the local, state, and national level, to make Wilmington a stronger business community. We bring business and community leaders together toward the common goal of economic growth as well as providing emerging leaders opportunities for professional development. We provide opportunities for the business community to connect and grow. We collaborate with city and county-wide organizations and we align with local chambers to advocate for issues for the greater good. We unite over 1,000 member businesses to accomplish much more than one person or business could achieve independently. 
New Hanover County Leaders to Visit Apple Inc. Headquarters