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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
Screening of Wilmington On Fire with Director, Chris Everett
Networking Reception in Jengo's Backyard with invited guest, Johnny Griffin, Director, Wilmington Regional Film Commission, Inc.
Environment
Kenneth Waldroup, Executive Director, Cape Fear Public Utility Authority
Layton Bedsole, Shore Protection Coordinator, New Hanover County
Carol Yates, Environmental Control Supervisor, Corning
Criminal Justice
Donny Williams, Police Chief, City of Wilmington
Health and Human Services
Laurie Whalin, Chief Operating Officer, Novant Health New Hanover County Regional Medical Center and President of Novant Health Scotts Hill Medical Center
Donna Fayko, Director, Health and Human Services, New Hanover County
Transportation and Infrastructure
Mike Kozlosky, Executive Director, Wilmington Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization
Marie Parker, Executive Director, Wave Transit
Aubrey Parsley, Director, Economic Development, City of Wilmington
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
Jim Morton, President, Cape Fear Community College
Dr. James Winebrake, Provost, University of North Carolina Wilmington
Jeff Stein, Workforce Director, StepUp Wilmington
Business Growth and Development
Cliff Pyron, Director of Business Development, Wilmington Business Development
Josh Hallingse, Vice President, Small Business Development and Retention, Wilmington Chamber of Commerce
Community Engagement
Lisa Leath, Co-Founder, WorkTok and President, Leath HR Group
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 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 is $495 per person. 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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LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
- Leadership Wilmington
- Leadership Wilmington Alumni
- Encounter Wilmington
- Wilmington Chamber Career & Leadership Development Academy