SOUTHERN PINES, NC – Community partners, the Moore County Chamber, 49ͼ Community College (SCC), The Southern Pines Land and Housing Trust and the Small Business Center at SCC is proud to announce "Cultivating Excellence: Shaping the Future" 2024 Talent Symposium featuring renowned speaker Raven Solomon. This groundbreaking event will take place on August 15, 2024, at the Bradshaw Performing Arts Center (BPAC) at SCC.

This symposium aims to provide insights and strategies for fostering talent and shaping the future of our workforce. The event will bring together business leaders, educators, and community members to discuss and explore innovative approaches to workforce development and excellence.

“The Talent Symposium is a unique opportunity for our community to come together and address the evolving needs of our workforce.” said Linda Parsons, President and CEO of the Moore County Chamber, “We are excited to have Raven Solomon with us, whose expertise and dynamic approach will undoubtedly inspire and equip attendees with the tools necessary to cultivate excellence in their organizations.”

This engaging and active workshop will help employees – from C-suite to the frontline. Objectives include providing the generational evolution of diversity in the workplace and how being committed to inclusion can help businesses embrace a new framework.

Raven Solomon is a thought leader and nationally recognized keynote speaker who helps organizations foster productive working relationships, drive business results, and prepare organizations to compete. She is the author of the 2019 release Leading Your Parents: 25 Rules to Effective Multigenerational Leadership for Millennials and Gen Z where she shares leadership principles and practical advice for young professionals seeking to transition into leadership positions in today’s diverse workplace.  She is the founder of the Charlotte based Center for Next Generation Leadership and Professional Development; a startup focused on providing soft-skill development to the leaders of tomorrow.  She is the host of The Generational View podcast with thought-provoking discussions led by industry experts, exploring critical topics.  Raven has helped thousands from the podiums around the world, including speaking to Office Depot, Hershey Co, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Met Life, Duke Energy, Belk and many more corporations. 

Fallon Brewington, Vice President of Workforce Development & Corporate Partnerships for 49ͼ Community College, highlights the college's commitment to workforce innovation: “At 49ͼ Community College, we are dedicated to supporting the development of a skilled and adaptable workforce. This symposium aligns perfectly with our mission to provide relevant and forward-thinking education and training opportunities. We look forward to the valuable discussions and outcomes this event will generate.”

This event is made possible through a partnership with the Lumina Foundation, the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives Foundation, the American Association of Community Colleges, 49ͼ Community College and the Small Business Center at SCC. 

Sandra Dales, Executive Director of the Southern Pines Land and Housing Trust, underscores the broader community impact: “Cultivating excellence in our workforce is not just about individual success; it’s about building a thriving, resilient community. This symposium will serve as a catalyst for positive change, fostering connections and collaboration that will benefit the entire region.”

The "Cultivating Excellence: Shaping the Future" Talent Symposium promises to be an enriching experience for all participants, offering networking opportunities, interactive sessions, and practical takeaways to implement within their organizations.