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April 23-25, 2025  |  Charlotte, North Carolina

32nd Annual Leadership Study Mission

Hotel:  JW Marriott Charlotte

Orientation:

  • Date: Thursday, April 17th
  • Time: 8:00AM – 10:00AM
  • Location: Second Harvest Food Bank
    • 331 Great Circle Rd, Nashville, TN 37228

Flights:

  • April 23 – Southwest flight #0409
    • Departs- 12:25PM (CST)
    • Arrives- 2:45PM (ET)
  • April 25 – Southwest flight #4077
    • Departs- 6:40PM (ET)
    • Arrives- 7:25PM (CST)

2025 Visit Topics of Interest:

  • Finance- Charlotte is the second-largest banking center in the U.S., behind New York City, and is home to the headquarters of Bank of America and the East Coast operations of Wells Fargo, among other major institutions. This financial strength has helped shape the city’s economy, attract top talent, and support a wide range of supporting industries, including legal, tech, and real estate.
  • Transportation- In 1998, voters approved a half-cent sales tax dedicated to transit, paving the way for Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) and the development of the Lynx Blue Line, the region’s first light rail system, that launched in 2007. Over the years, the city has expanded its light rail network, improved bus services, and integrated bike and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure.
  • Entrepreneurship- Historically known as a financial powerhouse, Charlotte has leveraged its economic strength to support a growing entrepreneurial ecosystem. Over the past two decades, the city has seen a rise in tech start-ups, fintech firms, and small business ventures.
  • Education- Charlotte is home to a diverse mix of public and private K-12 schools, higher education institutions, and technical training programs that support a skilled workforce. Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools, one of the largest school districts in the U.S., has implemented career and technical education (CTE) programs, STEM initiatives, and partnerships with local businesses to enhance student readiness for the workforce.
  • Innovation- Charlotte has embraced smart city initiatives, integrating data-driven solutions into urban planning, transportation, and sustainability efforts. Investments in AI, IoT, and green technologies have positioned Charlotte as a model for cities looking to leverage innovation for economic growth and improved quality of life.
  • Economic Development- Charlotte has diversified its economy by expanding industries such as technology, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics. Through strategic planning, public-private partnerships, and a focus on key industries, Charlotte has become a competitive economic hub in the Southeast.

Leadership Study Mission: A History

Leadership Study Mission is the Chamber’s annual community development initiative that brings together over 100 leaders from the Nashville region to explore best practices in cities facing similar challenges and opportunities. This immersive experience is more than just a trip; it’s a journey towards Nashville’s future, offering fresh perspectives on community priorities and inspiring actionable solutions.

Successes that have been attributed to these visits include:

  • Creation of a 10-county Transit Alliance of Middle Tennessee
  • Creation of a 10-county Mayors’ Caucus
  • Creation of the Nashville Downtown Partnership and central business improvement district (CBID)
  • Creation of downtown bicycle and horse patrols
  • Early awareness and support for:

    • Moving Forward – a regional transit solution
    • Music City Center
    • Schermerhorn Symphony Center
    • Nissan Stadium
    • Mayor’s Office of Neighborhoods
    • Bridgestone Arena
    • Nashville’s downtown and satellite library buildings
    • Nashville’s greenways plan
    • Nashville’s poverty initiative

Presenting Sponsor

NACC Forvis Mazars Greyscale

Pivotal Partners

Logo of gresham smith on a plain background.
The image shows the logo of regions financial corporation, featuring a symbolic graphical element that resembles an abstract triangle or pyramid composed of three peaked shapes, next to the word "regions" in a serif font. the color palette is monochromatic.

Friends of the Chamber

Amazon logo with its iconic smiling arrow pointing from the 'a' to the 'z' indicative of the company's wide range of products, from a to z.
The image displays the logo of bank of america on a plain background.
The image shows the logo of comcast, which is a telecommunications company. the logo features the company's name in a sans-serif font with a stylized flower or peacock emblem above, symbolizing the company's range of services and broadcasting capabilities.
The image displays the logo of corecivic, which features a stylized building icon next to the company name in a clean, modern font.
The image displays a simple logo or monogram consisting of the letters "lbmc" in bold white font set against a rectangular gray background.

Supporting Sponsors

Logo of greater nashville realtors®, since 1891.
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The image displays the logo of piedmont natural gas, which consists of a graphical representation of a flame next to the company name, suggesting their business is related to natural gas services.
Atiba - half geek, half human brand logo.
A sleek company logo for "connect" with the tagline "gifts that mean business", featuring an incorporated abstract design that suggests connection or networking.
The image displays the text "tennessean." on a plain background.

Pivotal Partners

Logo of community health systems featuring the acronym 'chs' alongside an abstract design and the full organization name.
Logo of gresham smith – featuring a simple, high-contrast design with a white crescent shape and geometric figure on a black background, accompanied by the company name in a clean, sans-serif typeface.
Regions bank logo with a white abstract pyramid symbol to the left of the word 'regions' written in white capital letters on a black background.

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Nashville TN, 37203

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