Chamber hosting Women’s Leadership Conference

The Wilson Chamber of Commerce is hosting its Women’s Leadership Conference Oct. 3 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Frank L. Eagles Community Business Center at Wilson Community College.

Chamber President Ryan Simons said the annual conference is an extension of the Women of Wilson networking group.

“There have been countless women business leaders who have contributed to the success of our market and chamber,” Simons said. “Not only will this conference acknowledge those contributions, it will also hopefully be the springboard that inspires more women to take on a leadership role in our community.”

After opening remarks, Meredith Archie, president of the N.C. Chamber Foundation, will give the keynote address before attendees have the opportunity to participate in two breakout sessions.

“As a leader with statewide influence, Meredith Archie heads an organization that is impacting the business climate of North Carolina” Simons said. “Her remarks should demonstrate how the growth of Wilson is determined both by our own efforts, as well as circumstances that exist outside of our county line.”

Christina Bynum White and Catesby Denison with the city of Wilson will lead a breakout session titled “Imagining the Future of Wilson,” to inform women of the development patterns happening across Wilson, while examining how those patterns will impact their success. Chamber staff will lead a benchmarking exercise to discuss the workforce and economic development conditions that determine how professional women adapt to a rapidly changing market. All participants at the event will be able to attend both breakout sessions.

“Wilson has experienced tremendous change over the past five years, and that evolution is expected to accelerate as our community becomes a destination for development,” Simons said. “Women in our market should know that they have tremendous influence on how that change occurs, but it is important for them to be aware of the critical projects that will shape our future. City officials encourage as much input as possible, and this breakout session will be another example of that.”

The conference will also include a panel discussion focused on workforce and economic development. Cindy Ingram of the Wilson Economic Development Council, Teresa Lucas of the Wilson Workforce Center and Emily Wells of the Gig East Exchange will serve as panelists, moderated by Chamber Board Chair Heather Mercer.

“Workforce and economic development in Wilson happen within a complex framework that includes many community partners,” Simons said. “Our panel discussion will illustrate how this framework works to benefit all women in our market, from the recruitment of industry, preparing our labor market to compete for jobs, and supporting entrepreneurship.”

Simons said the chamber is inviting women-focused businesses and services to be vendors at the event. He said vendors will be positioned around the perimeter of the main conference room, with time dedicated for attendees to visit with vendors.

Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m. with a light breakfast. Simons said capacity is limited and expects the event to sell out. For chamber members, registration is $50. For non-members, registration is $60. To register or to inquire as a vendor, visit ww.wilsonncchamber.com or call 252-237-0165.