The CLT Alliance Foundation proudly celebrates our Scale Up CLT participants who recently attended the Exploring Economies trip in Phoenix. This impactful event brought together more than 125 local government, business, and community leaders for several days of immersive professional development, insight into Greater Phoenix’s economic development success, and invaluable networking opportunities.
Thanks to a generous $10,000 contribution from Kathleen Evans and AT&T, transportation costs were covered, ensuring our entrepreneurs could fully benefit from this opportunity.
Kathleen Evans, regional director, external affairs at AT&T, expressed her excitement about joining the Scale Up CLT participants in Phoenix. She emphasized the importance of the event in bringing together leaders to build relationships, receive mentoring, and pitch their products and services.
“AT&T supports Scale Up CLT, which empowers underrepresented small businesses, entrepreneurs, and business leaders in the Charlotte Region to grow and thrive,” Evans said. “I’m proud to work for a company so committed to helping small businesses succeed.”
Alaa Bou Ghanem, principal at A.B. Group, found the event enriching and enlightening. He appreciated the opportunity to delve into the economic drivers and innovative strategies that define Phoenix, offering valuable lessons to bring back to Charlotte. He remarked that the collaboration and discussions among diverse leaders sparked ideas and lasting connections that will significantly contribute to Charlotte’s growth and competitiveness.
For Chris Davis, CEO of Buff Beauty Academy, the trip exceeded expectations. She highlighted the immeasurable value of the connections made and the insights gained about Phoenix’s offerings. Davis is eager to bring some of those same offerings and ways of thinking to the Charlotte Region.
Tammy Foster-Knight, CEO of Optional Solutions, LLC, thoroughly enjoyed the event’s vibrant atmosphere. She focused on nurturing authentic connections, meaningful conversations, and cultivating trust. Foster-Knight believes that the relationships built during the trip will be grounded in shared experiences and mutual respect, fostering a genuine desire to support each other.
Highlights from the Trip
The participants had the opportunity to visit several key venues that showcased Phoenix’s economic dynamism and innovative spirit. The tour included a visit to Arizona State University, where they explored cutting-edge research and development initiatives. They also visited the Phoenix Biomedical Campus, which highlighted the region’s advancements in health care and biotech industries. These venue visits provided invaluable insights and inspiration, helping our entrepreneurs to envision new possibilities for their ventures in the Charlotte Region.
This trip was not just a professional development opportunity; it was a chance for our entrepreneurs to build lasting relationships and bring back innovative ideas to the Charlotte Region. We are incredibly proud of our Scale Up CLT participants and grateful to AT&T for making this experience possible.
Thank you, AT&T, for your unwavering support!
