The Charlotte MSA is growing rapidly. Companies and industries relocating and expanding continue to be announced throughout the region. During our panel discussion, local economic developers will share insights into their areas biggest economic drivers, what industry/industries they are focusing on, what is the greatest need (workforce, infrastructure, etc.) to land relocations and expansions, and offer suggestions on how our members can work with their counties to help further the mission.

MODERATOR: Sara Downing, CPSM - Director of Business Development | Clancy & Theys Construction Company

Sara Downing, CPSM is Director of Business Development for Clancy & Theys Construction Company’s Charlotte Division. She is a detail-oriented, results-driven professional services business developer and marketer who has been cultivating relationships in Charlotte since 2003. Sara has been a member of SMPS since 2003, earned her CPSM in 2009 and has served on the SMPS Charlotte board in numerous roles, including President in 2012. She has served as SERC Conference Co-Chair and Chair of the SERC Advisory Board. Nationally, she has served on the SMPS CPSM committee. In addition to her service to SMPS, Sara is on the board of CPN, chair of the ULI NEXT committee, chair of the ABC Carolinas Explorers Club, and on the board of the Charlotte ToolBank. In 2020, she was named as one of the 50 Most Influential Women in Mecklenburg County by The Mecklenburg Times.

Donny Hicks, CEcD- Executive Director | Gaston County Economic Development Commission

Donny Hicks is the Executive Director of the Gaston County Economic Development Commission, a position he has held for thirty-seven years. The EDC is a Gaston County Department charged with recruiting new business, retaining existing companies, marketing and the development of public and private business parks. During this time he has participated in the development of more than 3,000 acres of industrial land, on which, 12,000,000 square feet of space has been constructed. Gaston County has been a destination for advanced manufacturing facilities and foreign direct investment.  In 2001 and 2009 he was chosen by the North Carolina Economic Development Association as the Economic Developer of the Year. He is a Past President of the North Carolina Economic Development Association.

Jenn Bosser, CEcD- President & CEO  | Iredell Economic Development Corp

Jenn leads the overall strategy and management of the organization through engagement with public and private sector leadership for the cultivation of jobs and investment in Iredell County.  She was recently selected by the Charlotte Business Journal as the honoree for the 2021 Women in Business Achievement Awards.

Gretchen Carson- Director, Business Recruitment | Charlotte Regional Business Alliance

Gretchen Carson joined the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance as a Business Recruitment Director in August 2021. Gretchen’s role is focused on project recruitment, management, and marketing of the Charlotte region for North American prospects.   Prior to joining the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance, Gretchen served as Existing Industry Program Manager for Mecklenburg County’s Office of Economic Development for over 3 years. Gretchen was tapped to build and develop the county’s first retention program for business and industry, targeting over 220 manufacturers.  Additionally, under Gretchen, the Existing Industry Program leveraged local incentives for the retention of businesses in the community, generating over $100 million in capital investment and yielding the creation and retention of nearly 500 jobs. Before supporting Mecklenburg County, Gretchen spent 5 years focusing on existing industry retention and nearly a year as a project manager for business attraction in Union County. 

Parking: There is a parking lot in front of the Innovation Center. Street parking is available if the lot is full.

If you have any questions, please contact the Programs Director at [email protected].

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.