Charlotte Chamber

Engage Charlotte: We will not host another event until after the New Year.

You: But why, Engage Charlotte?! Why?!

Engage Charlotte: Oh, you, don't worry! We'll still see each other. We just don't want to take your time and attention away from several YP-driven fundraisers over the holiday season. Here are two events we want to make sure you know about, and we hope to see you there.

The 2009 Red Hot Turkey Bash will be from 6 to 11 p.m. on Tuesday, November 24, at the Wachovia-Wells Fargo Atrium at 300 S. Tryon St. This annual fundraiser for the Red Cross features live music and an inclusive, all-you-can-eat-and-drink ticket. This year's musical entertainment will be Liquid Pleasure. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. Visit www.redcrosshelps.org/turkeybash for more information.

Second String Santa has become one of the largest charitable events in Charlotte. Through its annual holiday party and other yearly events, Second String Santa raises money and delivers thousands of gifts and school supplies to needy children in our area. Come to the 21st annual Second String Santa’s Holiday Party at Time Warner Cable Arena on Thursday, December 3, from 7 to 11 p.m. Admission is $30 with an unwrapped gift or $50 without a gift. Learn more: www.secondstringsanta.org.

You can get your ticket price reduced further by volunteering for Second String Santa. Dependable vounteers are needed to work one-hour shifts during the event. Time slots are 7-8 p.m., 8-9 p.m., 9-10 p.m. and 10-11 p.m. To sign up, e-mail secondstringsanta@gmail.com with three time preferences. Volunteer coordinators will respond with your assigned time. Admission for volunteers is only $20 with an unwrapped gift (gift is mandatory though).

Networking is crucial to your career development, especially given the state of the economy. Bring your business cards and prepare to build your contacts at upcoming Chamber events:

Motivating Your Workforce, SouthPark Chapter Breakfast

November 10, 7:30 - 9 a.m., The Westin Charlotte

Legislative Agenda Task Force Discussion on Federal Cap and Trade Legislation

November 11, 8 - 11 a.m., Charlotte Chamber Belk Action Center

Charlotte Remixed: 2009 Charlotte Chamber Annual Meeting

November 16, doors open at 5:45 p.m., Charlotte Convention Center

Technology Summit

November 18, 7:30 a.m. - 12 p.m., Hilton Charlotte Center City

Mecklenburg County Government in partnership with the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce developed the Internet Economic Development GIS Mapping Tool to provide national businesses a decision-making tool with a wealth of geospatial information to help them consider relocating their businesses to the Charlotte Metro area. The interactive mapping tool allows users to query a wide range of population demographics such as race, income and level of education. The tool also provides geospatial information on local businesses and real estate. Take the mapping tool for a test drive here.

At Engage Charlotte’s last luncheon on October 28, Dr. Bill Davis of Wake Forest University gave attendees a crash course on the theory and practice of negotiations. In his presentation, Dr. Davis described negotiators as being either deal-makers or implementers. Deal-makers are focused on closing the deal and moving forward without much regard for the long-term working relationships between the negotiating parties. Implementers on the other hand are primarily focused on the long-term relationship between the entities involved in the negotiation. While implementers might not drive the hardest bargain, they achieve more sustainable agreements when long-term cooperation is required for success. Regardless of your approach, Dr. Davis cautioned the most important strategy for any negotiation was to have a BATNA – best alternative to negotiated agreement. In other words, the best strategy to successfully negotiate is to have the option to not negotiate at all. Listen to a podcast of the event and view Dr. Davis's slides here.