Transit + innovative city = Progress
November 17, 2016
One week after the Wake County transit referendum passes and this innovative community is already having a contest on new bus shelters. Vote if you live in Raleigh!
The future of innovation and technology policy in the U.S.
November 10, 2016
As this ITIF report indicates, we have a lot to learn about President-elect Trump’s positions on important innovation and economic issues such as R&D, federal research funding, patent system reform, tech transfer and commercialization and more.
These issues are important for our country’s ability to compete in the global economy, for the competitiveness of our innovative companies and universities, entrepreneurs, scientists, and all of us. These policies help shape job creation and determine where capital investments are made.
You can read the full report here.
Big win for new chamber export program
October 5, 2016
In 2014, the Gainesville Chamber launched an export program for members in partnership with Enterprise Florida and the U.S. Commercial Service. One of the first participants was a small business from Newberry, FL, Endoscopy Replacement Parts. John Hartnett, VP of Global Business Development, made full use of the Chamber’s resources, staff and programs. John quickly moved into leadership roles with the Chamber and in the community and his company began to expand in size and reach across the globe.
This year, Endoscopy Replacement Parts was awarded the “National Exporter of the Year Award” by the U.S. Small Business Administration. Such a huge honor for John and his colleagues.
Seeing companies succeed like this makes me feel proud of what we did in Gainesville.
All are Welcome Here Campaign
May 19, 2016
Today, we launch a new campaign from Raleigh and the Research Triangle to the world.We all know how great our region is—and we’re inviting everyone to share the love. Download a logo, social media avatar, or another of our open source assets and use them to express your feelings and tell your story—on a t-shirt, a website, a poster, anything.
Show the world your point of view and what you’re up to as you explore our unique area with the #AllAreWelcomeHere hashtag.
No matter who you are or where you’re from, you are always welcome here! #AllAreWelcomeHere
7 lessons for my younger self
January 22, 2016
Do you wish you knew then what you know now?
The link below is nearly the full text of a speech I gave today to 350 young professionals in Raleigh. Our Great Raleigh Chamber’s Young Professionals Network is impressive and many of the participants are already emerging in leadership roles throughout the Triangle. Here is a glimpse of this morning as captured on Twitter.
I’d love your comments on these 7 lessons that I believe are important for leaders to thrive:
#1: You can change the world
#2: Perseverance and passion: the difference between good and great leaders
#3: Get ahead to stay on top
#4: Focus on the important, not always the urgent
#5: Choose your mentors wisely
#6: The whole cloth approach to professional development
#7: Great leaders learn from failures
Link to full speech:
Speech to Raleigh Chamber YPN assembly on January 21, 2016
“New generation steps up to lead the Triangle”
January 19, 2016
Since moving to the Triangle, I’ve had the opportunity to meet hundreds, if not thousands of business, government and civic leaders. Amongst this group, I’ve met many new leaders that are shaping the future. I’m honored to be included by the News & Observer in their story, “New generation steps up the lead the Triangle.” Having multiple generations of leaders “at the table” is something that will serve our region well.
Link to article: http://www.newsobserver.com/news/business/article52581665.html
Gainesville gets great new leader in Dr. Fuchs
February 2, 2015
The University and Gainesville communities have welcomed Dr. Kent Fuchs over the past month as UF’s 12th President. Last Thursday, President Fuchs gave the keynote address at the Gainesville Chamber’s Annual Meeting. He highlighted the progress, momentum and future potential of our region and that of UF. Both have initiatives underway that are bold and complementary in strategy, UF’s “UF Rising” and the chamber’s “Transforming Greater Gainesville” initiative.
President Fuchs said, “I know that this community is bent on reaching the next stage in its tech evolution, the stage when Gainesville joins or even eclipses the likes of Austin or Research Triangle Park, the stage when … people who can live anywhere choose to live here. I believe we have the strongest chance of achieving this goal if we, like Cornell and Cornell Tech, make it our top priority to unify both of these dreams.”
Read the full Gainesville Sun article here:
http://www.gainesville.com/article/20150129/ARTICLES/150129503/0/search
