Featured Coming Attractions

Understanding Our Multigenerational Workforce and Your Role In It
University City Chapter luncheon
April 25, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m., Hilton Charlotte University Place
Our current workforce is more diverse and dynamic than ever before. Learn best practices for how your business can maximize productivity and skill sets of the multiple generations in today’s workforce. In addition to ways to engage your employees, the changes occurring in education and workforce training, and adaptations to standard recruiting and retention practices.

Engage Charlotte luncheon
May 18, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., MEZ and EpiCentre Theaters
Our speaker will Brett Carter, president of Duke Energy Carolinas and second vice chair of the Charlotte Chamber's Executive Committee.

ENCOUNTER Charlotte is a great opportunity for you to learn firsthand from a wide range of community leaders about what makes Charlotte work. You will come away with new relationships, a greater knowledge of our local community, and specific ways you can make a difference in our community. The program is only offered once per year and is limited to the first 50 registrants. This year's session will be held on May 9 and 10. Visit Leadership Charlotte online at www.leadershipcharlotte.org for more information and to register.

Upcoming Charlotte Chamber Events

Spring is finally here! Here are some great opportunities to get out and about with the Charlotte Chamber:

Business After Hours
April 21, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m., Kennedy's Premium Bar and Grill

The Impact of Professional Sports in Charlotte
Metro Chapter luncheon
April 26, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., The Westin Charlotte
Hear the rainmakers of Charlotte’s professional sports teams discuss the current state and their future visions of their organizations’ impact on the Queen City. Guest speaker include: Danny Morrison, Team President, Carolina Panthers, Dan Rajkowski, General Manager, Charlotte Knights and Tera Black, Chief Operation Officer, Charlotte Checkers.

Member Orientation & Open House
May 4, 3:30 - 5:30 p.m., Charlotte Chamber - Belk Action Center
FREE and open to non-members; learn more about the chamber!

Picnic at SouthPark
May 11, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., The Pavilion at Symphony Park

Visit www.charlottechamber.com/events to view more events and to register.

News

Public Policy & Economic Development

Wondering about how and when national healthcare reform will trickle down to North Carolina or whether this state might try to challenge recent federal legislation? Governor Beverly Perdue used her veto power this month to veto House Bill 2, meaning we won't know for some time yet. Before the veto, House Bill 2 was ratified by the N.C. General Assembly and attempted to "Protect the Freedom to Choose Health Care and Health Insurance" by prohibiting "any law or rule from requiring a person to provide for health care services or medical treatments for that person." House Bill 2, as drafted by the N.C. General Assembly also sought specifically to prohibit "any law or rule from requiring a person to participate, contract with, or enroll in a public or private insurance plan or health care system." Governor Perdue's official stance is that: (a) House Bill 2 contradicts recent federal legislation that requires most Americans to have health insurance; (b) there are 27 other states passing similar laws, and a challenge to one of these state's laws will timely reach the Supreme Court, so North Carolina should not spend its time or money on this issue; and (c) there are unintended consequences of the bill on the state level that would harm Childrens' Health Insurance Program and Medicaid. The General Assembly recently sought to overide Governor Perdue's veto, but the House failed to garner the necessary votes to do so. Keep reading our monthly newsletter for more updates on North Carolina public policy in the making. Or read more from our sources here and here.

Did You Know?

You can keep informed of the "on the ground" happenings of the North Carolina General Assembly by checking out the Charlotte Chamber's legislative blog at charlottechamber.com/blog/legislative-update

40 Under 40

Congratulations to former Engage Charlotte board member Tameka Green of Compass Group North America for being named one of the Charlotte Business Journal's 40 people under age 40 who are making strides in their careers and impacting our community. You must be a subscriber to read the full 40 Under 40 special publication, but you can get a preview here. 

Networking 101

Engage Charlotte board member Megan Sadler, an associate attorney at Wishart, Norris, Henninger and Pittman, offers a few of her top tips for building trust and long-term relationships through networking.

• Be yourself. This doesn't mean you have to reveal your whole self to everyone you meet, but authenticity is key to developing trust.
• Get involved. Volunteering is a great way to serve your community while bonding with other leaders in the community.
• Start dialogue. Ask open-ended questions that begin with who, what, where, when and how. These questions show you are interested in really getting to know people and help keep a conversation going.
• Give before you receive. Share your ideas and knowledge to establish yourself as a resource and go-to person.
• Prepare and practice your elevator speech. Have a 30- to 60-second description of what your organization does and what sets you apart from your competition.

Blog Much?

Remember to check out Engage Charlotte's blog every week and join the conversation by posting comments. Board Members blog on topics "du jour." Recent blog topics included being a tourist in your own town, non-profits, March Madness, spring fever and networking.

Event Recap

Thanks to everyone who came to our afterhours event at Icehouse South End. This was our first time using this venue and it was a great success! In between all the fun and socializing people actually managed to find some time to network as well! We would like to say thank you to Icehouse South End for hosting this event.