Cabarrus Today

Cabarrus Regional Chamber of Commerce issued the following announcement on Sept. 1.

The Chamber, Leading Business in Cabarrus, is proud to announce the 28 participants in the 2021 Class of Leadership Cabarrus. The civic leadership program, sponsored by Duke Energy, is designed for business, nonprofit and community leaders to learn more about the assets, challenges, resources and needs within the Cabarrus County region.

Through a series of monthly class days from September through May, members are introduced to and examine how leadership in the historical, educational, economic, governmental and cultural segments work together to preserve and advance Cabarrus County and its citizens. Additionally, the class works together to produce a legacy service project that benefits the community.

“Leadership Cabarrus has been a signature program of the Chamber since 1989, and we couldn’t be prouder of it, the wonderful alumni that pilot the steering committee, and the class participants,” said Barbi Jones, executive director, The Chamber. “Our graduates are always amazed at the depth of community knowledge they amass, along with professional and personal connections. Through the years, the classes’ legacy projects have added quality of life benefits ranging from recreational opportunities, nonprofit program enhancements and educational support.”

Duke Energy is the title sponsor for Leadership Cabarrus. “Duke is proud of the communities we serve, and we are happy to invest in the The Chamber and this meaningful program that develops our communities’ and businesses’ future leaders,” said Randy Welch, Duke Energy District Manager, Government and Community Relations.

Academy Bus serves as the Transportation Sponsor for the class, providing coach service on class days.

The Leadership Cabarrus Class of 2021 participants are:

• Jennifer Brinson - Cabarrus County Schools
• Erin Burris - Town of Mount Pleasant
• Kellie Cartwright - United Way of Central Carolinas
• Dominique Clark - Cabarrus County Government
• Amy Freeze - Habitat for Humanity Cabarrus County
• Kevin Garay - Kannapolis City Schools
• Larry Gourdine - UNC Charlotte
• Phillip Graham - City of Concord
• Starla Hatley - Cabarrus County Partnership for Children
• Hannah Holliway - Cannon School
• Kara Horn - Novant Health, Mint Hill Medical Center
• Rachael Kocken - Cabarrus Arena and Events Center
• Danielle Kuhn - Flywheel Coworking
• Lauren Linker - Cabarrus County Government
• Ande Lowe - Uwharrie Bank
• Teronda McNeil-Hueitt - Rowan-Cabarrus Community College
• Alicia McDaniel - Cabarrus Health Alliance
• Matt Millward - Kannapolis Cannon Ballers
• Brittany Payne - Cabarrus Rowan Community Health Centers
• Brandon Rios - Novant Health, Mint Hill Medical Center
• Matt Roden - Atrium Health
• Jon Sauter - Cabarrus Healthcare Foundation
• Brian Schultz - Cabarrus County Schools
• Kayla Seigler - The Committee to Elect Aimy Steele
• Dale Shoffner - S&D Coffee & Tea
• Mark Thompson - Cabarrus Brewing Company
• Garrison White - Hartsell & Williams, PA
• Jake Williams - City of Concord

Leadership Cabarrus, Class of 2021 began their year last week with a two-day retreat including team building at Cedar Grove Retreat with Capstone Climbing and Adventures, building foundational skills in implicit bias and diversity, equity and inclusion training, and reviewing Cabarrus County’s 2020 Needs Assessment. Their monthly days will begin in September, ending in May.

The program is celebrating its 32nd anniversary this year and has over 750 alumni since its inception.

For more information on the Leadership Cabarrus program, please contact Barbi Jones at 704.782.4000, ext. 108 or bjones@cabarrus.biz

Original source can be found here.