REGISTER

Agenda

2023 ecosystem summit

Creating Our Future

DAY ONE

Monday, November 13, 2023

1:00pm – 2:00pm | Registration and Networking

2:00pm – 2:45pm | Welcome and Opening Remarks
                                       Mary-Ann Baldwin, Mayor, City of Raleigh 
                                       Thom Ruhe, President and CEO, NC IDEA Foundation

2:45pm – 3:20pm | Keynote Address: Working Together for Systems Change
                                       Introduction by Peter Mattocks, Schell Bray
                                       Shenell Thompson, Senior Program Officer, Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust

3:20pm – 3:50pm | Networking Break

3:50pm – 4:15pm | Keynote Address: We are the Heroes We’ve Been Waiting for
                                       Introduction by Ariana Billingsly, SBTDC
                                       Victor Hwang, Founder and CEO, Right to Start

                                       We are all born to be starters, makers, and doers, and entrepreneurial opportunity should be a fundamental
                                       right for everyone, everywhere. Join Victor Hwang as he shares why he founded Right to Start, a nonprofit
                                       and nonpartisan organization, to drive civic change to remove the barriers for entrepreneurs, so everyone
                                       can realize their basic right to start. He will also share about his own journey, and how we can all take action
                                       in our own communities to level the playing field and expand entrepreneurial opportunity for everyone.

4:15pm – 4:30pm | Keynote Address: Building the Innovation State
                                       Introduction by Thom Ruhe, NC IDEA Foundation
                                       Bennet Waters, President and CEO, NCInnovation

                                       North Carolina has a world-class university system, ranks near the top of peer states in research and development funding,                                             and is a top destination for talent. Despite those advantages, we rank 20th in innovation. NCInnovation intends to fix that.                                               Learn from NCInnovation President and CEO Bennet Waters how the state’s $500 million investment will enable this vision.                                             Following his remarks, a panel of leaders in innovation will explore strategies and share how you can get plugged into efforts                                           advancing innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology commercialization in our state.                     

4:30pm – 5:15pm | Featured Panel: Building the Innovation State
                                       Introduction by Thom Ruhe, NC IDEA Foundation
                                       Moderator: Bennet Waters, NCInnovation
                                       Representative John R. Bradford III, Petscreening 
                                       Natalie J. Brown, Ally Financial 
                                       John Hardin, North Carolina Department of Commerce 

5:15pm – 5:30pm | Day One Closing Remarks
                                       Thom Ruhe, President and CEO, NC IDEA Foundation

5:30pm – 7:00pm | Networking Reception and Resource Fair

1:00pm – 2:00pm |
Registration and Networking

2:00pm – 2:45pm |
Welcome and Opening Remarks
Mary-Ann Baldwin, Mayor, City of Raleigh
Thom Ruhe, President and CEO, NC IDEA

2:45pm – 3:20pm |
Keynote Address: Working Together for Systems Change
Introduction by Peter Mattocks, Schell Bray
Shenell Thompson, Senior Program Officer, Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust

3:20pm – 3:50pm |
Networking Break

3:50pm – 4:15pm |
Keynote Address: We are the Heroes We’ve Been Waiting for
Introduction by Ariana Billingsly, SBTDC
Victor Hwang, Founder and CEO, Right to Start

We are all born to be starters, makers, and doers, and entrepreneurial opportunity should be a fundamental right for everyone, everywhere. Join Victor Hwang as he shares why he founded Right to Start, a nonprofit and nonpartisan organization, to drive civic change to remove the barriers for entrepreneurs, so everyone can realize their basic right to start. He will also share about his own journey, and how we can all take action in our own communities to level the playing field and expand entrepreneurial opportunity for everyone.

4:15pm – 4:30pm |
Keynote Address: Building the Innovation State
Introduction by Thom Ruhe, NC IDEA
Bennet Waters, President and CEO,
NCInnovation

North Carolina has a world-class university system, ranks near the top of peer states in research and development funding, and is a top destination for talent. Despite those advantages, we rank 20th in innovation. NCInnovation intends to fix that. Learn from NCInnovation President and CEO Bennet Waters how the state’s $500 million investment will enable this vision. Following his remarks, a panel of leaders in innovation will explore strategies and share how you can get plugged into efforts advancing innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology commercialization in our state.

4:30pm – 5:15pm |
Featured Panel: Building the Innovation State
Introduction by Thom Ruhe, NC IDEA 
Moderator: Bennet Waters, NCInnovation
Rep. John R. Bradford III, Petscreening
Natalie J. Brown, Ally Financial
John Hardin, NC Department of Commerce

5:15pm – 5:30pm |
Day One Closing Remarks
Thom Ruhe, President and CEO, NC IDEA

5:30pm – 7:00pm |
Networking Reception and Resource Fair

DAY TWO

Tuesday, November 14, 2023

8:00am – 9:00am     |  Breakfast and Networking

9:00am – 9:10am     |  Day Two Opening Remarks 
                                           Thom Ruhe, President and CEO, NC IDEA Foundation 

9:10am – 9:40am     |  Virtual Fireside Chat with U.S. Senator Thom Tillis
                                           Moderated by Thom Ruhe, President and CEO, NC IDEA Foundation 
                                           U.S. Senator Thom Tillis, North Carolina

                                           In this session, Senator Tillis will discuss the pivotal role of technology-based economic development and entrepreneurship in                                                 North Carolina’s growth. With a deep understanding of the state’s potential, Senator Tillis will highlight the importance of                                                             fostering innovation and supporting startups to drive economic prosperity. His insights will offer a compelling vision for a                                                             brighter future where innovation and entrepreneurship are central to the state’s success.                               

9:40am -10:30 am   |  Fireside Chat: Patenting Progress: Intellectual Property Insights with the USPTO
                                           Introduction and Moderated by Kirsten Rieth, Senior Director, Strategy and Innovation, RTI International
                                           Elizabeth Dougherty, Eastern Regional Outreach Director, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)

                                           Elizabeth Dougherty will discuss the ins and outs of Intellectual Property and Entrepreneurship during this fireside chat, where                                                 she will provide valuable insights into how startups can harness the power of patents, trademarks, and copyrights to fuel                                                             innovation, and thrive in the competitive business landscape.                           

10:30am – 10:40am | Entrepreneur Spotlight
                                           Sasha Surkin, WeyeZE (Greenville, NC)

10:40am – 11:00am | Networking and Transition to Breakout Sessions

11:00am – 12:00pm | Breakout Sessions

                                            ECOSYSTEM Breakout Sessions

                                            1)Ecosysteming with Experts
                                                In this interactive session, panelists will dive into the crucial process of identifying and mapping resources within your                                                                    community to foster a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. Led by industry experts, participants will learn innovative                                                                      methodologies to assess the strengths and gaps of their local ecosystems, including funding opportunities, mentorship.                                                                programs, co-working spaces, and educational institutions. Attendees will gain practical insights on how to identify                                                                        comprehensive resources in their communities that can drive collaboration and maximize support for startups and small                                                              businesses.

                                                              Moderator: Will McGuire, Incolo.io
                                                              Stephanie Kissel, Supportedly                                                                                         
                                                              Tim Scales, American Underground
                                                              Magalie Yacinthe, Forward Cities

                                            2)Creating Impactful Events and Engaging Entrepreneurial Communities
                                                This session explores the success stories and best practices of organizations that plan celebrations to cultivate                                                                                    entrepreneurship and innovation. This session aims to equip attendees with actionable insights and strategies to create                                                                impactful events that foster a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem within their own communities. During this interactive                                                                  discussion, seasoned event organizers from various regions will share their experiences, challenges, and key takeaways from                                                      hosting large celebrations focused on entrepreneurship.

                                                               Moderator: Tom Snyder, RIoT
                                                               Amy Allison, Mountain BizWorks
                                                               Juan Garzón, Innovate CLT
                                                               Kelly Rowell, CED

                                            ENTREPRENEUR Breakout Sessions

                                            1)Unlocking North Carolina’s Entrepreneurial Resources
                                                With a focus on fostering innovation and accelerating growth, this breakout session provides a roadmap for entrepreneurs to                                                      tap into the extensive resources at their disposal, fostering a dynamic collaboration within North Carolina’s entrepreneurial                                                        ecosystem. Entrepreneurs attending the Summit will gain insight into many agencies that support startups and help them                                                            thrive.

                                                               Moderator: Katrece Boyd, North Carolina Central University
                                                               David Newsome, Jobs for the Future 
                                                               JaLisha Richmond, Thread Capital
                                                               Bianca Simmons, NC Bar Foundation
                                                               William W. Toole, NC Secretary of State

                                            2)SBIR Funding Workshop with North Carolina Office of Science, Technology, & Innovation
                                              The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grant programs have a long,                                                        established history of driving innovation in North Carolina and the United States. Startup businesses face significant challenges                                                in landing these awards: a lack of information about the programs, inexperience with the programs and/or grant writing, and                                                    insufficient funding/resources to acquire professional assistance, and the immense competition in these highly competitive                                                        programs. In this session from the North Carolina Board of Science, Technology & Innovation, attendants will hear from some of                                                the state’s leading resource partners in driving SBIR/STTR activity, as well as the stories of a few companies who have found                                                        success through these partners and commercialize their technologies

                                                               Moderator: Dave Kaiser, North Carolina Board of Science, Technology & Innovation, NC Department of Commerce
                                                               Emil Runge, First Flight Venture Center
                                                               Ramya Vijapurapu, Small Business Technology Development Center
                                                               Dr. Dana Upton, Eva Garland Consulting, LLC
                                                               Ivan Barajas Vargas, MuukTest
                                                               David Reeser, OpiAID                                                              

12:00pm – 12:45pm | Buffet Lunch

12:45pm – 1:00pm    | Fireside Chat: Empowering Tomorrow’s Entrepreneurs – The NextGen Program with the Girl Scouts
                                            Moderated by Kate Wiggins, Program Support Manager, NC IDEA Foundation
                                            Laura Lee Davis, Girl Scouts North Carolina Coastal Pines                                        

1:00pm – 1:45pm       | Featured Panel: Working Together in Wilmington
                                            This panel delves into the intricate web of opportunities that the coastal city’s aquatic resources offer to forward-thinking.                                                          entrepreneurs. Attendees will be captivated by discussions featuring visionary leaders, industry experts, and ecosystem                                                                architects, all sharing their insights into how Wilmington’s unique blend of marine science, technology, and business acumen is                                                driving the next wave of economic growth. This session will focus on how the local economy has transformed from tourism                                                          focused to fostering groundbreaking startups, bolstering research initiatives, and creating a dynamic economy, showing the                                                        region’s commitment to economic advancement. This Regional Spotlight panel promises to be an enlightening journey into the                                                heart of Wilmington’s entrepreneurial spirit.

                                            Introduction by Randall Johnson, North Carolina Biotechnology Center   
                                            Moderator: Lakesha McDay, New Hanover Community Endowment
                                            Jim Roberts, Network for Entrepreneurs in Wilmington
                                            Chakema Clinton-Quintana, Channel Powered by Live Oak Bank 
                                            Heather McWhorter, UNCW Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship

1:45pm – 1:55pm      | Entrepreneur Spotlight
                                            David Reeser, OpiAID (Wilmington, NC)

1:55pm – 2:20pm      | Networking Break

2:20pm – 3:20pm      | Featured Panel: Innovations in Rural Entrepreneurship
                                           The spotlight is on rural entrepreneurship, emphasizing the critical role of small towns and rural areas in fostering innovation                                                     and economic growth. This session will showcase success stories, explore unique challenges faced by rural entrepreneurs, and                                                 promote collaborative strategies to empower and support their ventures for a thriving and inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem.

                                           Introduction by Rod Banks, Wells Fargo
                                           Moderator: Moriah Dean, Dogwood Health Trust
                                           Dr. Jerry Edmonds III, Vance-Granville Community College
                                           Michael Harris, East Carolina University College of Business
                                           Molly Hemstreet, Industrial Commons

3:20pm – 3:40pm      | Networking Break

3:40pm – 4:40pm      | Keynote Address: Accelerating Rural Innovation
                                           Introduction by Suzie Koonce, Wells Fargo
                                           Matt Dunne, Executive Director, Center on Rural Innovation

                                           In the afternoon keynote, hear from Matt Dunne, the founder and executive director of the Center on Rural Innovation (CORI), a                                                 national nonprofit helping rural communities build inclusive tech economies. CORI’s work in rural America includes developing                                                 strategies for creating tech accelerators, entrepreneurship centers, innovation hubs, and tech talent development programs, in                                                 addition to securing the funding to make these initiatives come to life. CORI also manages the CORI Innovation Fund, which                                                         invests in early stage rural tech startups across the U.S. Learn more about CORI’s approach to this work and the North Carolina                                                   communities where they are leaning into building rural economies of the future.                                   

 4:40pm – 4:50pm     | Entrepreneur Spotlight
                                           Marcus Aman, Bayley (Wilson, NC)

4:40pm – 5:00pm      | Day Two Closing Remarks
                                           Barry Ryan, Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships, NC IDEA Foundation

8:00am – 9:00am |
Breakfast and Networking

9:00am – 9:10am |
Day Two Opening Remarks
Thom Ruhe, President and CEO, NC IDEA

9:10am – 9:40am |
Virtual Fireside Chat with U.S. Senator Thom Tillis
Moderated by Thom Ruhe, NC IDEA 
U.S. Senator Thom Tillis, North Carolina

In this session, Senator Tillis will discuss the pivotal role of technology-based economic development and entrepreneurship in North Carolina’s growth. With a deep understanding of the state’s potential, Senator Tillis will highlight the importance of fostering innovation and supporting startups to drive economic prosperity. His insights will offer a compelling vision for a brighter future where innovation and entrepreneurship are central to the state’s success.

9:40am -10:30 am |
Fireside Chat: Patenting Progress: Intellectual Property Insights with the USPTO
Introduction and Moderated by Kirsten Rieth, Senior Director, Strategy and Innovation, RTI International
Elizabeth Dougherty, Eastern Regional Outreach Director, USPTO

Elizabeth Dougherty will discuss the ins and outs of Intellectual Property and Entrepreneurship during this fireside chat, where she will provide valuable insights into how startups can harness the power of patents, trademarks, and copyrights to fuel innovation, and thrive in the competitive business landscape.

10:30am – 10:40am |
Entrepreneur Spotlight
Sasha Surkin, WeyeZE (Greenville, NC)

10:40am – 11:00am |
Networking and Transition to Breakout Sessions

11:00am – 12:00pm |
Breakout Sessions

ECOSYSTEM Breakout Sessions

1)Ecosysteming with Experts
In this interactive session, panelists will dive into the crucial process of identifying and mapping resources within your community to foster a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. Led by industry experts, participants will learn innovative methodologies to assess the strengths and gaps of their local ecosystems, including funding opportunities, mentorship. programs, co-working spaces, and educational institutions. Attendees will gain practical insights on how to identify comprehensive resources in their communities that can drive collaboration and maximize support for startups and small businesses.

Moderator: Will McGuire, Incolo.io
Stephanie Kissel, Supportedly
Tim Scales, American Underground
Magalie Yacinthe, Forward Cities

2)Creating Impactful Events and Engaging Entrepreneurial Communities
This session explores the success stories and best practices of organizations that plan celebrations to cultivate entrepreneurship and innovation. This session aims to equip attendees with actionable insights and strategies to create impactful events that foster a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem within their own communities. During this interactive discussion, seasoned event organizers from various regions will share their experiences, challenges, and key takeaways from hosting large celebrations focused on entrepreneurship.

Moderator: Tom Snyder, RIoT
Amy Allison, Mountain BizWorks
Juan Garzón, Innovate CLT
Kelly Rowell, CED

ENTREPRENEUR Breakout Sessions

1)Unlocking North Carolina’s Entrepreneurial Resources
With a focus on fostering innovation and accelerating growth, this breakout session provides a roadmap for entrepreneurs to tap into the extensive resources at their disposal, fostering a dynamic collaboration within North Carolina’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Entrepreneurs attending the Summit will gain insight into many agencies that support startups and help them thrive.

Moderator: Katrece Boyd, NCCU
David Newsome, Jobs for the Future
JaLisha Richmond, Thread Capital
Bianca Simmons, NC Bar Foundation
William W. Toole, NC Secretary of State

2)SBIR Funding Workshop with North Carolina Office of Science, Technology, & Innovation
The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grant programs have a long, established history of driving innovation in North Carolina and the United States. Startup businesses face significant challenges in landing these awards: a lack of information about the programs, inexperience with the programs and/or grant writing, and insufficient funding/resources to acquire professional assistance, and the immense competition in these highly competitive programs. In this session from the North Carolina Board of Science, Technology & Innovation, attendants will hear from some of the state’s leading resource partners in driving SBIR/STTR activity, as well as the stories of a few companies who have found success through these partners and commercialize their technologies

Moderator: Dave Kaiser, North Carolina Board of Science, Technology & Innovation
Emil Runge, First Flight Venture Center
Ramya Vijapurapu, Small Business Technology Development Center
Dr. Dana Upton, Eva Garland Consulting
Ivan Barajas Vargas, MuukTest
David Reeser, OpiAID

12:00pm – 12:45pm | Buffet Lunch

12:45pm – 1:00pm |
Fireside Chat: Empowering Tomorrow’s Entrepreneurs – The NextGen Program with the Girl Scouts
Moderated by Kate Wiggins, Program Support Manager, NC IDEA
Laura Lee Davis, Girl Scouts NC Coastal Pines

1:00pm – 1:45pm |
Featured Panel: Working Together in Wilmington
This panel delves into the intricate web of opportunities that the coastal city’s aquatic resources offer to forward-thinking. entrepreneurs. Attendees will be captivated by discussions featuring visionary leaders, industry experts, and ecosystem architects, all sharing their insights into how Wilmington’s unique blend of marine science, technology, and business acumen is driving the next wave of economic growth. This session will focus on how the local economy has transformed from tourism focused to fostering groundbreaking startups, bolstering research initiatives, and creating a dynamic economy, showing the region’s commitment to economic advancement. This Regional Spotlight panel promises to be an enlightening journey into the heart of Wilmington’s entrepreneurial spirit.

Introduction by Randall Johnson, North Carolina Biotechnology Center
Moderator: Lakesha McDay, NHCE
Jim Roberts, NEW
Chakema Clinton-Quintana, Live Oak Bank
Heather McWhorter, UNCW CIE

1:45pm – 1:55pm |
Entrepreneur Spotlight
David Reeser, OpiAID (Wilmington, NC)

1:55pm – 2:20pm | Networking Break

2:20pm – 3:20pm |
Featured Panel: Innovations in Rural Entrepreneurship
The spotlight is on rural entrepreneurship, emphasizing the critical role of small towns and rural areas in fostering innovation and economic growth. This session will showcase success stories, explore unique challenges faced by rural entrepreneurs, and promote collaborative strategies to empower and support their ventures for a thriving and inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Introduction by Rod Banks, Wells Fargo
Moderator: Moriah Dean, Dogwood Health Trust
Dr. Jerry Edmonds III, Vance-Granville CC
Michael Harris, ECU College of Business
Molly Hemstreet, Industrial Commons

3:20pm – 3:40pm |
Networking Break

3:40pm – 4:40pm |
Keynote Address: Accelerating Rural Innovation
Introduction by Suzie Koonce, Wells Fargo
Matt Dunne, Executive Director, Center on Rural Innovation

In the afternoon keynote, hear from Matt Dunne, the founder and executive director of the Center on Rural Innovation (CORI), a national nonprofit helping rural communities build inclusive tech economies. CORI’s work in rural America includes developing strategies for creating tech accelerators, entrepreneurship centers, innovation hubs, and tech talent development programs, in addition to securing the funding to make these initiatives come to life. CORI also manages the CORI Innovation Fund, which invests in early stage rural tech startups across the U.S. Learn more about CORI’s approach to this work and the North Carolina communities where they are leaning into building rural economies of the future.

4:40pm – 4:50pm |
Entrepreneur Spotlight
Marcus Aman, Bayley (Wilson, NC)

4:40pm – 5:00pm |
Day Two Closing Remarks
Barry Ryan, Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships, NC IDEA Foundation

DAY THREE

Wednesday, November 15, 2023

8:00am – 9:00am      |  Breakfast and Networking

9:00am – 9:10am      |  Day Three Opening Remarks 
                                            Thom Ruhe, President and CEO, NC IDEA Foundation                                            

9:10am – 10:00am    |  Featured Panel: Creating Charlotte’s Equitable Ecosystem
                                            This session sheds light on Charlotte’s rapidly evolving entrepreneurial landscape, emphasizing the importance of fostering an                                                  inclusive and equitable environment for all aspiring and established entrepreneurs. The session will feature a panel discussion                                                  of  how partners in the Charlotte region have worked together to build a thriving ecosystem.                                                    

                                            Moderator: Manwell Bynum, Atrium Health now part of Advocate Health
                                            José Alvarez, Prospera
                                            Liz Brigham, The Hurt Hub@Davidson
                                            Eric Lewis, NXT | CLT
                                            Laura Smailes, Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at UNC Charlotte

10:00am – 10:10am |  Entrepreneur Spotlight
                                            Desmond Wiggan, BatteryXchange (Charlotte, NC)

10:10am – 10:25am |  Networking Break

10:25am – 11:30am |  Featured Panel: New Normals of Funding in North Carolina
                                            Introduction by Linda Hall, Research Triangle Foundation

                                            Funders Panel
                                            In the first panel, local angel and venture capital funds will share their perspectives, strategies, and investment criteria,                                                                  shedding  light on the evolving funding landscape in North Carolina.                                         

                                            Moderator: Tim McLoughlin, Cofounders Capital
                                            Robbie Allen, Triangle Tweener Fund
                                            Zakiya Lee, IDEA Fund Partners
                                            Jenn Summe, Primordial                                         

                                            Entrepreneur Panel 
                                            The second panel will feature successful entrepreneurs who have secured funding, providing firsthand accounts of their funding                                               journey and the support they received from North Carolina funding sources.                                        

                                             Moderator: Tim McLoughlin, Cofounders Capital
                                             Sherrod Davis, EcoMaps
                                             Josh Owen, CycleLabs

11:30am – 12:00pm |   NC IDEA MICRO and SEED  Grant Recipient Announcement and Closing Remarks
                                             Allan Younger, Senior Director, NC IDEA Foundation
                                             Amy Bastian, Senior Director, NC IDEA Foundation
                                             Thom Ruhe, President and CEO, NC IDEA Foundation

8:00am – 9:00am |
Breakfast and Networking

9:00am – 9:10am |
Day Three Opening Remarks
Thom Ruhe, President and CEO, NC IDEA

9:10am – 10:00am |
Featured Panel: Creating Charlotte’s Equitable Ecosystem
This session sheds light on Charlotte’s rapidly evolving entrepreneurial landscape, emphasizing the importance of fostering an inclusive and equitable environment for all aspiring and established entrepreneurs. The session will feature a panel discussion of how partners in the Charlotte region have worked together to build a thriving ecosystem.

Moderator: Manwell Bynum, Atrium Health now part of Advocate Health
José Alvarez, Prospera
Liz Brigham, The Hurt Hub@Davidson
Eric Lewis, NXT | CLT
Laura Smailes, CEI at UNC Charlotte

10:00am – 10:10am |
Entrepreneur Spotlight
Desmond Wiggan, BatteryXchange (Charlotte, NC)

10:10am – 10:25am | Networking Break

10:25am – 11:30am |
Featured Panel: New Normals of Funding in North Carolina
Introduction by Linda Hall, Research Triangle Foundation

Funders Panel
In the first panel, local angel and venture capital funds will share their perspectives, strategies, and investment criteria, shedding light on the evolving funding landscape in North Carolina.

Moderator: Tim McLoughlin, Cofounders Capital
Robbie Allen, Triangle Tweener Fund
Zakiya Lee, IDEA Fund Partners
Jenn Summe, Primordial

Entrepreneur Panel
The second panel will feature successful entrepreneurs who have secured funding, providing firsthand accounts of their funding journey and the support they received from North Carolina funding sources.

Moderator: Tim McLoughlin, Cofounders Capital
Sherrod Davis, EcoMaps
Josh Owen, CycleLabs

11:30am – 12:00pm |
NC IDEA MICRO and SEED Grant Recipient Announcement and Closing Remarks
Allan Younger, Senior Director, NC IDEA 
Amy Bastian, Senior Director, NC IDEA
Thom Ruhe, President and CEO, NC IDEA