Global commerce is changing. Business, civic and educational leaders must work together to develop plans for growing a robust and resilient Charlotte region. – Global Competitiveness Summit II

Charlotte community leaders and business professionals engaged in dialogue at the Global Competitiveness Summit II hosted by Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC) on February 21st, 2013.

Our very own, Ljubomir (L.J.) Stambuk, president and CEO of the World Affairs Council of Charlotte, provided thought-provoking insights during the “Charlotte as a Global City” panel discussion.

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  • Dr. Tony Zeiss, president of Central Piedmont Community College, sharing his opening remarks.

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  • LJ Stambuk, president and CEO of the World Affairs Council of Charlotte, participating in the “Charlotte as a Global City” panel discussion.

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  • Mayor Anthony Foxx sharing his “global vision” for the city of Charlotte.

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  • German Ambassador to the U.S. Peter Ammon talks about the business relationship between Germany and Charlotte, North Carolina and the potential for economic growth for both. 

In the hopes of formulating a shared vision for Charlotte’s future on the international stage, Charlotte leaders discussed the city’s current role in global trade, economics, innovation and education.  The summit enumerated the many assets, businesses, educational institutions, and international relationships that allow the Queen City to be a global competitor and generated public discourse on how the community can use these assets to place Charlotte on the path towards a more successful future in the international arena. 

The meeting was attended by Sharon Decker, North Carolina Secretary of Commerce, Dr. John Silvia, Managing Director and Chief Economist for Wells Fargo, Michael Gallis, Principal of Michael Gallis & Associates, Anthony Foxx, Mayor of Charlotte, Mike Manis, Director of Community and Economic Development for Centralina Council of Governments, Bob Morgan, President of the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce, Ronnie Bryant, President & CEO of Charlotte Regional Partnership, Seth Harris, Acting Secretary of U.S Department of Labor, H.E. Peter Ammon, Ambassador of Germany to the U.S.  and Tanja Gonner, Board Chair of GIZ.

Business and community leaders who were experts in their respective fields were asked to provide insights to Charlotte’s standing in comparison to other international cities while providing constructive thoughts and suggestions for advancement in areas that require improvements and changes.   

Panelists at the Global Competitiveness Summit II included Jeff Merrifield, Senior Vice President of Global Business Development from Shaw Power Group, Mark Pringle, President of Siemens, Steve Partridge, President of Charlotte Works, Steve Partridge, Jerry Orr, Aviation Director of Charlotte Douglas International Airport, Dana Hicks, President of Huber Technology, Chase Saunders, Special Counsel for McNair Law Firm, Dr. Carol Spalding, President of Rowan Cabarrus Community College, Greg Sizemore, Director of Charlotte U.S. Export Assistance Center.

The summit opened an imperative dialogue on growth, transformational initiatives, targeted industries to take us into the future, and what can give Charlotte the competitive advantage to become world-renowned and a city of international character.