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Encounter Wilmington
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We are thrilled to launch our newest program, Encounter Wilmington! In this program, we invite executives and business owners who are new to Wilmington to join us for a program like nothing else you’ve experienced in our region so far. Participants will gain an intensive and up-close look at the most challenging issues and opportunities facing our area while also networking with peers and fast-tracking their connectivity to our community.
Encounter Wilmington will deliver information about eight key areas of our community, presented by unique and engaging guest speakers. The high-impact sessions will introduce participants to the Wilmington area, expose them to the Chamber’s key initiatives and feature high-level speakers that are decision-makers in their respective industries.
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About the Program
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Session Topics
- Arts, History, and Culture
- Environment
- Criminal Justice
- Health and Human Services
- Transportation and Infrastructure
- Education, Talent and Workforce Development
- Business Growth and Development
- Community Engagement
- Arts, History, and Culture
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Guest Speakers
Arts, History, and Culture
Rhonda Bellamy, President & CEO and Founder, The Arts Council of Wilmington/New Hanover County
Jan Davidson, Cape Fear Museum
Dan Brawley, Chief Instigating Officer, Cucalorus Film Foundation
Screening of Wilmington On Fire with Director, Chris Everett
Dr. Kim Cook, Professor of Sociology and Criminology, UNCW
Environment
Kenneth Waldroup, Executive Director, Cape Fear Public Utility Authority
Layton Bedsole, Shore Protection Coordinator, New Hanover County
Jennifer Adams, Environmental Leader, Corning Incorporated
Criminal Justice
David Oyler, Assistant Chief, Wilmington Police Department
Health and Human Services
Shelbourn Stevens, Senior VP and President, Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center and Coastal Market
Donna Fayko, Director, Health and Human Services, New Hanover County
Jeff James, CEO, Wilmington Health
Meade Van Pelt, Executive Director, The Harrelson Center
Transportation and Infrastructure
Abby Lorenzo, Deputy Director, Wilmington Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization
Marie Parker, Executive Director, Wave Transit
Brian Clark, Executive Director, NC Ports Authority
Granseur Dick, Deputy Airport Director of Operations, Facilities and Maintenance, ILM
Education, Talent, and Workforce Development
Jane Morrow, Executive Director, Smart Start
Dr. Charles Foust, Superintendent, New Hanover County Schools
Brandon Guthrie, VP of Academic Affairs, Cape Fear Community College
Dr. Jamie Winebrake, Provost, University of North Carolina Wilmington
Talent and Workforce Development
Lisa Leath, Chief People Officer, Vantaca
Ginger Brick, Workforce Development Director, Cape Fear Council of Governments
Jeff Stein, Workforce Director, StepUp Wilmington
Business Growth and Development
Dr. Mouhcine Guettabi, Regional Economist, UNCW's Swain Center
Cliff Pyron, Director of Business Development, Wilmington Business Development
Heather McWhorter, Director, UNCW's Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Josh Hallingse, Vice President, Small Business Development and Retention, Wilmington Chamber of Commerce
Community Engagement
Wilmington Water Tours, End of Day Cruise
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Session Dates & Times
April 25 & 26, 2023
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April 25: 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
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April 26: 7:45am - 6:15 pm
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Applications are accepted until February 28 for the April program
October 24 & 25, 2023
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Applications are now open and will be accepted until August 31 for the October program
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Ideal Candidate
- Individuals who are either new to Wilmington or new to a key position with their employer
- Strong drive to immerse themselves into our community
- Individuals that feel a strong sense of purpose to not only excel in their careers but make a deeper and more positive impact in our region
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Cost
The cost of participation in Encounter Wilmington this fall is $535. This cost covers all program costs including meals, snacks, site visit fees, program materials, facilitator fees, and an opening and closing reception.
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