
In the Loop with the Charlotte Area Chamber
By Charlotte Area Chamber

In the Loop with the Charlotte Area ChamberNov 09, 2023

Our special guest on this edition of In the Loop is Julie Bradlow.
Julie is a Partner and the Practice Leader for Darrow Everett, LLP’s Tas and Government Investigations Practice Groups. Her background encompasses federal, state, and international tax planning, tax controversy, employee benefits, executive compensation, corporate law, and regulatory matters. Have a listen to gain important guidance and tips from practical experience for you and your business.

A Conversation with Becca Wright owner of Piedmont Pennies
Starting with $500 in cash and some savings, Becca Wright has created an amazing professional and personal success story in what’s become an ‘in demand’ bit of deliciousness called ‘Piedmont Pennies”.
Becca turned her grandfather’s recipe and a family tradition into gifts for friends during COVID built it into her MBA project and now, today, a thriving business and a sought-after tasty snack. Her words of advice - Listen to your gut, build relationships, and take your knowledge and experience to create wisdom and success.

A Conversation with Elizabeth Teagarden, Founder & Principal Consultant of CTK@work, a division of Conrad Trosch &Kemmy, P.A.
CTK@work is a subdivision of Conrad Trosch & Kemmy dedicated to providing common sense workforce solutions for scaling your small-to-medium-sized business. Whether you are content with 50 employees or are ready to scale up to 250 employees
CTK@work offers services in the following areas:
- HR Risk Mitigation
- Building an Efficient HR Operation
- Strategic Hiring & Selection
- Principled Talent & Leadership Development
- Employee Lifecycle
- Labor & Employment Legal Services, including mediation

A conversation with Chamber member John Fuller with tips on using design in your marketing
Our guest on this edition of ‘In the Loop’ is John Fuller, Owner of Phoenixfire Design & Consulting, whose mission is to design and build beautiful solutions to real-world problems. Have a listen for tips and insights about smart decisions when it comes to using design in your marketing, how to approach your marketing plans, and more!

A conversation with Emily Green owner of Grace Communications.
Our guest in this edition of ‘In the Loop’ is the Founder and Owner of Grace Communications. Emily Green is passionate about helping businesses all over the United States through branding, event planning, public relations, business development, and social media services. Her goal is to make a difference through marketing for her clients. #CharlotteAreaChamber #Podcast

A Conversation with Charlotte Area Chamber member Chuck Cooper
Your people and your culture are your business differentiators- just one nugget Chuck Cooper shares in this episode of ‘In the Loop’! Chuck Cooper is an inspirational author, speaker, mentor, and People Strategy Consultant for small and mid-size companies. He is CEO of Whitewater Consulting with a mission to provide clarity and peace of mind to clients through HR solutions.
Have a listen and let us know what you think.

A conversation with Charlotte Area Chamber member Brittany Canaski
Brittany Canaski Is a life coach who is passionate about helping ambitious young professionals accelerate their career and life goals by learning new habits and strategies to boost momentum all year long.

A conversation with Jordan Schindler, CEO & founder of Nufabrx
Jordan Schindler is a true innovator and inspirational business leader who took a personal pain point and turned it into a thriving business that provides relief to others. He’s the CEO & Founder of Nufabrx, as well as an EY Entrepreneur of the Year Finalist and Charlotte Business Journal 40 Under 40 honoree.

A Conversation with Member, Kimberly Evans the founder and CEO of Just Her Rideshare.
Kimberly Evans is the founder and CEO of Just Her Rideshare.
Her driving force is in building a community of women drivers for women riders for a safe, stress-free alternative rideshare. She has a huge commitment to building community and quality of life.
She has more than 20 years of experience as an entrepreneur and business owner. She shares a bounty of insights and tips in this episode of In The Loop.

A Conversation with Barbara Rozgonyi and her thoughts on using social media.
Barbara Rozgonyi is a LinkedIn Speaker and Advisor with expertise in social selling and LinkedIn Corporate Training and a principal with CoryWest Media, LLC
She is an inspirational expert in all things social media and digital marketing.

A conversation with Trish Saemann the founder of GoBeyond SEO
The importance of understanding Search Engine Optimization to grow your business success is what we’re talking about in this episode of ‘In the Loop’ .
Have a listen for a wealth of tips and huge learnings from super expert, Trish Saemann, the founder of GoBeyond SEO. Trish melts down the world of SEO in ways we can understand and use!

Mary Cravets - More Clients, Less Marketing: How to Create More Leads and Income by Doing LESS
More Clients, Less Marketing: How to Create More Leads and Income by Doing LESS Client generation is the lifeblood of your business. But with so many marketing options, how do you cut through the noise and find your best strategy for growth?

Shannon Emmanuel, CHWC Vice President at American Heart Association in Charlotte
Insights into the important programs serving to improve the health of everyone in our area along with how you can access, support, and participate in healthy living programs --- – those are the nuggets you’ll hear in this episode of “In the Loop’ with our very special guest, Shannon Emmanuel, CHWC Vice President at American Heart Association in Charlotte.

A Conversation with Chamber Member Patrick Twiest
Our guest on this episode of ‘In the Loop’, truly has had an exciting and inspiring professional journey. Patrick Twiest has moved from a decades-long career as a hard-driving, highly successful executive in the finance industry to taking a leap of faith into the world of real estate. Listen to his words of wisdom about following your heart without losing your head.

A Conversation with Jack Thompkins about analyzing and visualizing your data.
Helping business professionals make informed, data-driven decisions is the mission of Jack Thompkins, Founder and Managing Partner of Pineapple Consulting Firm
In this episode of ‘In the Loop, Jacks shares tips and recommendations about analyzing and visualizing your data so your past performance can quickly inform your future strategy.
#charlotteareachamber #charlotteintheloop

A Conversation with Chamber Member DKMS
This episode of ‘In the Loop’ features two special guests who work with DKMS -- an international nonprofit organization dedicated to the fight against blood cancer and blood disorders.
Give a listen and learn from Iris Caldwell and Maya Ward how you can join in supporting the efforts to end blood cancer!

A Conversation with Woody Wilder with the Charlotte FC
Our guest in this episode of ‘In the Loop’ is the head of Communication for the new and incredibly successful Charlotte Football Club.
WoodyWilder has led internal and external communication during their inaugural season which has set records across the league and been recognized around the world on several fronts.
Tune in for a fascinating conversation from a leader behind the success @CharlotteFC.
#InTheLoop #CharlotteChamberofCommerce

A Conversation with Chamber Member Monica Young
As a Certified Productive Environment Specialist™, she works with busy business owners and high-performing professionals who have too much to do, not enough time, and don’t know where to start.
Sharing her freaky fascination with all things productivity, and her extensive experience in business ownership and operations, she works with her clients to help them get organized and streamline their day-to-day operations so they can feel calm, clear, and in control again.

A conversation with Logan Stewart Kureczka, Lead Communications Consultant at Duke Energy Corporation.
Logan Stewart Kureczka, Lead Communications Consultant at Duke Energy Corporation, is a highly experienced and well-connected communicator who has worked with diverse organizations and corporations. She is a purpose driven professional who leads with creativity, a relationship driven approach, and a smile.
Logan shares a number of valuable insights in this edition of 'In the Loop'.

A Conversation with Author Barbara McKay
which showcases her life in the public spotlight and the recipes for food (and life) she learned along the way. Her love of food opened doors to travel the world and meet movie stars and royalty, but it also kept her grounded to home and family. Barbara shares her business insights, love for food, life, and deep faith.

Public Policy meeting with Marjorie Molina –City Council Elect District 5
Marjorie will be joining Charlotte City Council in September as the District 5 representative. Learn why Marjorie decided to run for city council and her goals for Charlotte and the District. Marjorie has lived in Charlotte for 17 years along with her two children, born and raised on Charlotte’s Eastside. The Public Policy Committee is Local Politics for Non-Political People

A Conversation with Chamber Member Tony Mecia editor of The Charlotte Ledger
In this episode of 'In the Loop,' we have a wealth of information, valuable perspectives, and consult from the editor of The Charlotte Ledger, Tony Mecia.
From the status and outlook for area business and industry, to advice on getting visibility for your business, Tony offers some great insights and tips.
Give a listen and let us know your thoughts!

A conversation with Ken Reda - Talking about telecom and making sure you are asking questions.
Ask questions, review your telecom bill, and don't be afraid to upset the apple cart.
Three key tips on this episode of 'In the Loop' from Ken Reda, Co Founder and Managing Partner of Profit Advisory Group
Ken and his team are experts in helping business and healthcare professionals achieve best in class pricing for the technology that meets their needs.

A conversation with Brandon Blell a Professional EOS Implementer.
Need to get more traction in your business?
Be more afraid of the status quo than change.
That insight and more, especially for family-owned businesses, in this edition of 'In the Loop' with Brandon Blell. Brandon is a Professional EOS Implementer who helps entrepreneurs and small business owners get what they want from their business.

Sustainable. Recyclable. Circular. Charlotte Councilwoman Dimple Ajmera joins Bryan Holladay and the Charlotte Area Chamber
We will talk about how local businesses can become more Environmentally Conscious. This meeting will be a great opportunity to learn how the City of Charlotte can help companies focus on sustainability, improve their recycling efforts and participate in the circular economy. Charlotte Councilwoman Dimple Ajmera chairs the Environment, Engagement and Equity Committee and is passionate about helping Charlotte become a global leader in sustainability. She was fundamental in the adoption of the Strategic Energy Action Plan (SEAP) which is the city’s first-ever framework to transition to a low carbon future. Ajmera received the 2019 Blue Sky Award for Public Policy Work by Clean Air Carolina.

A Conversation with Tammy Tufty with Dell Technologies shares insights into marketing yourself and your business
What makes you and your business different?
What do you and your business offer that sets you apart?
How can you turn that into a compelling story?
In this edition of 'In the Loop' Digital Marketing Communications Leader and President of the American Marketing Association-Charlotte Board of Directors, Tammy Tufty with Dell Technologies, shares important insights into marketing yourself and your business for greater success.

A conversation with Tom Bixby about working in your business and making a transition.
Are you spending the majority of your time working in your business instead of on your business?
Have you planned how you want to transition your business?
Are you considering all the tangible and non-tangible factors that add value to your business and to your personal and professional success?
In this episode of 'In the Loop', business valuation and exit planning strategist and consultant, Tom Bixby, shares a wide range of insights and considerations to address those questions and more!
Tom is president and CEO of Level Management Partners with a wealth of experience we hope you'll find of interest.
Take a listen and share your thoughts with us.

A Conversation with Michael Stier from FocusCFO on bringing your business to the next level
Michael Stier is a hands-on C-level executive and entrepreneur with a 35+ year track record of growing companies to scalable and profitable stages, with an industry focus at the intersection of technology and financial services (banking, wealth & asset management). He brings a broad base of expertise across functional areas to guide partners in strategy, entrepreneurship, financial management, M&A, operations / processes / KPIs, data-intensive services, and business development.

A Conversation with Chamber Member Steve Gatter
Talks about ikigai. Steve Gatter is solopreneur. His clients are solopreneurs, startups, and people thinking about being a business. Steve's role is to help them think about the effort and figure out how to be efficient and effective.
"As a one-person entity, we must get the most out of all resources, especially our time and our capital. And as fast as possible, acquire some clients."

A Conversation with Chamber Member Alison Alston and their fundraiser on May 12th at Sycamore Brewing.
We talked a little about real estate and about her fundraiser. From March 24th – June 4th, our small but mighty team’s goal is to raise $100,000 which will go directly to LLS in support of its longstanding goal: a world without blood cancers. We have a big day of fundraising planned on May 12th - our agent Sterling Rockwell is going to take over Sycamore Brewing hosting a day filled with music, vendors, food, philanthropy, and of course some of the city's best craft beer!

A Conversation with Chamber Member Jeffrey Green
A conversation with Jeffrey Green from CV Communications
We are the industry's leading Consultant for Telecom, IT, and all Cloud-based Services. Based in Charlotte NC.
Our objective is to provide the information needed from our carriers and providers so our customers can make an informed intelligent decisions regarding all of their telecommunication needs.

A conversation with Chamber member Lisa Stryker
Here's a little about Lisa,
I coach high-functioning leaders to channel their overthinking into calm, confident, decisive action. I call it “underthinking it.”
You’re a thoughtful, driven problem-solver who really cares. Channel that brainpower into more clear, decisive action and learn to leave work at work so you enjoy your downtime.
Is it finally time to get out of your head and into YOUR life? Let's start by chatting about the possibilities.
If you think you're too busy or won't be able to figure it out you're overthinking it and need help to break the spell!
Is it finally time to take action? Let's start by chatting about the possibilities. Click Here for her Chamber Directory Page

Cryptocurrency - A conversation with Chamber member Steve Eanes
Confused about Cryptocurrency? It's money but not paper money and is typically not issued by a central authority. Cryptocurrencies typically use decentralized control as opposed to a central bank digital currency (CBDC). When implemented with decentralized control, each cryptocurrency works through distributed ledger technology, typically a blockchain, that serves as a public financial transaction database...What?
After listening to our podcast, check out Steve's directory listing to contact him for more help.

Maitri “my tree” Meyer - Charlotte Area Chamber Member
Did some digging on the results of my membership in the Charlotte Area Chamber of Commerce to prepare for tomorrow’s podcast.
Joined March 2020 as one of the first 25 members and renewed a year later
Reason joined: Wanted to support the new chamber that was focused on supporting small businesses like mine. Of course, I wanted to meet new people, especially during Covid when virtual networking was the only option. This had an incredible online networking platform that made it so easy to interact with others.
Reason renewed: Have become too busy to participate as much but I wanted to continue to support the group and be professionally affiliated with the organization for credibility in the marketplace.
Estimated 300 new connections made based on entries into my CRM
Have made numerous referrals and connections of chamber members to others and know that two have resulted in signed contracts.
I’m an ongoing client of two chamber members: IT Consultant and a Bus Coach…ironically have never met either one in person only via video conferencing technology.
I have served two chamber members as my clients, one is a long-term high revenue client that has referred me to a $75M company that has become a big client.
My total investment in the chamber memberships, event registrations, and sponsorship fees has been $500
My total revenues from Chamber member clients is just under $10,000 to date (doesn’t include referrals to other organizations.)
That’s a return of 1,900% in less than 2 years. That’s better than any market investment I’ve ever made.
Have become personal friends and professional colleagues with several who have met through the Chamber.
I’m sure there will be many positive partnerships for years to come!

Dr. Michael Estramonte - A Conversation about StarMed
As the founder and CEO of Starmount Healthcare and StarMed Healthcare, Mike provides the vision and mission for the company. As an entrepreneur, Mike continually takes on new challenges and opportunities that support company growth. His passion for underserved communities and access to affordable healthcare continue to resonate with and support his long term goals.

A Conversation with Michael Graff Editor of Axios Charlotte
In this episode, Michael Orzech COO of the Charlotte Area Chamber, and Dianne Chase, CEO/Founder of Chase Media, interview Michael Graff Editor of Axios Charlotte.

Public Policy Committee Meeting - A conversation with Congressman Budd
We talk about pro-business issues.
Ted Budd represents North Carolina's 13th Congressional District and is serving his third term in the 117th United States Congress.
Ted brings an outsider’s perspective to Washington, having never held elective office. When an opportunity presented itself after redistricting opened up North Carolina’s 13th Congressional District in 2016, Ted decided to run and bring a businessman’s outlook to our nation’s capital.
Ted sits on the Financial Services Committee, where he uses his real world experience to roll back the restrictive regulations that strangle job creation in our country. Working at a young age on his family’s cattle and chicken farm and for their janitorial and landscaping business, Ted learned the importance of work ethic and common sense decision making. He brings his strong belief in God, family, and country to his job each and every day.
Ted and his wife Amy Kate have three children and live in Davie County, NC. He holds an MBA from Wake Forest University and a Masters of Theology and Educational Leadership from Dallas Theological Seminary.

Public Policy Committee Meeting - A conversation with City Councilman Larken Egleston
If you have ever wanted to participate in a Smoke-Filled Backroom Political conversation this is your chance! (Note: The Vintage Whiskey & Cigar Bar has a world-class air filtration system and any and all cigar smoking will take place after the meeting) The Chamber’s Public Policy Committee will be hosting an informal, nonpartisan conversation with City Councilman Larken Egleston. Councilman Egleston will provide a synopsis of the major City Council decisions and events that happened this year. Including COVID Relief and Cares Act Spending Decisions, Charlotte’s new Development Plan, the successful efforts to recruit new companies to Charlotte, and other topics of interest. The Public Policy Committee is Local Politics for Non-Political People – this is a great place to learn, be social, and become engaged.

Public Policy Committee Meeting 1
Tuesday, Nov 2nd is election day for the six Mecklenburg Towns, and Wednesday, Nov. 3 rd is the unofficial start for the 2022 Election. Join us as we recap one election and forecast the next, with former political strategist Larry Shaheen. This will be a fun, informal, non-partisan look at elections, candidates, and voters in the Charlotte Area.