Uptown Charlotte is growing… And the need for a stronger retail base in Uptown has been a hot topic for the past decade. Where is this now and where is it going?  

Retail Studies have determined that Charlotte has an untapped potential when it comes to the retail sector in Uptown/South End, and the market can support an additional 550,000 SF of retail.

MODERATOR | Jeff Neely– Retail Executive Management Consultant & Huntersville Town Commissioner

Jeff Neely has extensive corporate leadership experience and success as a VP, SVP and EVP. While working at Department Store Chains and Specialty Stores, Jeff has developed a successful track record in the areas of merchandising, planning, brand management, operations/logistics, marketing, store management, the fashion designer business, and the outlet business. As the SVP/General Manager of a national retail chain of more than 325 stores in 41 states, Jeff had full P&L and brand vision responsibility. Recognizing Jeff's adaptability and ability to take on additional responsibility as a VP/DMM at Belk Stores he was also the Merchant Sarbanes/Oxley Compliance Coordinator and a "Leadership Charlotte" graduate.  Jeff is currently a member of the Board of Directors at two organizations: Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce & Visit Lake Norman.

Neely's global experience includes business development travel to South America, Europe and Asia. His extensive private label product experience includes: serving as the MACY'S Footwear Chairman for a corporate private label brand, serving on private label brand committees at May Company & Federated Department Stores and the development and management of private label programs at Belk Stores, Dayton Hudson Marshall Fields, & PVH. 

Jeff's leadership and vision with full P&L responsibility supported and guided his management team in accomplishing the successful turn-around of a national retail store division at Brown Shoe Company.

 PANELIST | Chris Hemans - Director of Retail with Charlotte Center City Partners

As Director of Retail with Charlotte Center City Partners, Christopher Hemans is responsible for collaborating with local and state partners to attract new retail to Uptown and South End. He brings over a decade of experience working in economic development, public policy, and community development. Chris has extensive experience in working closely with public officials, private sector leaders, commercial real estate brokers, and community stakeholders.

Most recently, Chris led business recruitment efforts within the City of Charlotte’s business corridor geography. Before moving to Charlotte, he was an Assistant Commissioner with the City of Chicago where he managed the Retail Chicago program. Additionally, Chris represented the City’s financial incentive programs and offerings in many meetings with technology companies and industrial companies considering relocating to Chicago.

A native of Evanston, Illinois, Chris holds a Masters of Science degree from the Newhouse School of Broadcast Journalism at Syracuse University and an undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

Chris is a member of ULI, ICSC, IEDC and 100 Black Men of Charlotte and recently served on the Board of the Stratford Richardson YMCA. When Chris isn’t busy with his three young children, he is an avid golfer and enjoys supporting local charities by running competitively. He finished his first half marathon in 2012.

PANELIST | Alex Kelly - Partner with Tribek Properties 

Alex Kelly has been involved in real estate development for his entire professional career. He started as an Associate with NORCOM Properties in 1999. In 2002, he moved on to work for Lincoln Harris, where he was the Vice President of Retail.  In 2012, he joined Tribek Properties as a Partner, which is his current role. Tribek Properties is responsible for developing more than 95 retail and shopping center developments totaling 3.5 million SF across the Southeast region. 

Alex holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Hampden Sydney College in Hampden Sydney, Virginia. He is married with two children and currently lives in Charlotte’s Myers Park neighborhood.

PANELIST | Paul Hendershot - Director of Research with the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce

Paul Hendershot is currently involved in research at the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce. His previous positions include; Independent Economist, Business Development at DFW International Airport, Adjunct Professor of Applied Economics at the University of North Texas, and Director of Research for the Dallas Regional Chamber. As the Founder and Chief Economist of Hendershot Economics, he had the opportunity to define the Life Sciences industry for BIOCOM among other projects in the Greater San Diego region, including Habitat for Humanity and Sea World. His research was highlighted on NPR and in the Wall Street Journal. During his tenure with the Chamber, Paul completed over 100 unique economic development projects which include: Comerica, AT&T, Gulfstream, Arbitron, Capital One, Research in Motion, among others. While in the Air Force, Paul attended the University of Maryland. He studied Sociology at the University of North Texas and received his Bachelor of Arts, graduating Cum Laude. Soon after, he began his graduate work in Applied Economics at the University of North Texas, receiving his Masters in Science in 2006.

Paul Hendershot currently sits on the Charlotte Region Visitors Authority Board, and is Past President of the Dallas Association of Business Economics, and Past President of the International Business and Trade Advisory Board at Richland College (Texas).

If you have any questions, please contact Jen Weaver at 704.941.2103 or [email protected].

SPONSORS | Thank you to our program sponsors!

Cancellation/Refund Policy
Cancellations made 72-hours prior to the event will receive a refund. Due to our commitment with the meeting facility for food and beverage quantities, all other cancellations or no-shows will be invoiced for the full cost of the event.