"A community becomes excellent because it is doing things normal places do not want to do.” - CivicLab
2025 UNION COUNTY CHAMBER LEADERSHIP SUMMIT
What is our community’s “way” of working together?
Every community has a way of working together. But often, that approach is unspoken and shaped by habit rather than intention.
As the challenges facing Union County grow more complex, it’s critical we take a closer look at how we collaborate and how we can do better.
“Our way of working together cannot be left to chance. The best response to the gifts we receive from previous generations is to create something of lasting value in our own time and in our own way for future generations.”
A Powerful Opportunity to Enact Change
What is the Leadership Summit?
The Union County Leadership Summit brings together business leaders and elected officials, and community members to explore a practical process for engaging stakeholders and creating solutions to our region’s most pressing challenges.
National thought leader Dakota Pawlicki of CivicLab will lead an engaging, hands-on session where we’ll begin to map and understand the “Union County Way” of working together. We’ll identify strengths and areas for improvement.
Join us for a valuable and inspiring session where you’ll learn how to:
• Apply a proven stakeholder engagement framework to tackle complex issues
• Understand the four common ways organizations deal with problems, and why only one leads to lasting change
• Collaborate with peers in focused breakout discussions on issues impacting your workforce and community, including:
• Labor Market Alignment
• Affordable Housing
• Transportation
• Childcare
This summit builds on two years of discussions around collaboration and will be a launching point for coordinated action. You’ll leave with a clear understanding of how to align efforts, build trust across sectors, and position your organization as a leader in building a thriving Union County.
You will also have practical tools and strategies you can implement right away to strengthen collaboration within your organization and across sectors.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER: DAKOTA PAWLICKI
Director, Talent Hubs at CivicLab
Dakota Pawlicki is a nationally recognized leader in community building and systems change. He currently directs CivicLab’s national Talent Hubs initiative, working with nearly 100 community partnerships on postsecondary education and career success. In this role, he brings expertise in collective impact, stakeholder engagement, and systemic problem-solving.
CivicLab’s approach under his leadership emphasizes that improving social outcomes is a group effort. The organization has trained over 14,000 leaders from business, government, education, and nonprofits in collaborative problem-solving.
SECURE YOUR SEAT TODAY!
September 10, 2025 | 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Union County Agricultural Center 3230-D Presson Rd., Monroe, NC 28112
Four hours. Sustainable, long-term change.
SUMMIT AGENDA
8:15 A.M. – 8:45 A.M.
Arrival, breakfast and networking
8:45 A.M. – 9:45 A.M.
Keynote Address by Dakota Pawlicki
9:45 A.M. – 10:30 A.M.
Discussion Groups
10:30. A.M. – 10:40 A.M.
Break
10:40 A.M. – 11:30 A.M.
Keynote Address by Dakota Pawlicki
11:30. A.M. – 12:15 P.M.
Group Discussion
12:15 A.M. – 12:30 A.M.
Final Comments
Pricing:
Chamber Member Rate: $45
Public Rate: $65
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
Fairfield Inn & Suites Monroe
Fifth Third Bank
State Utility Contractors
SECURE YOUR SEAT TODAY!
September 10, 2025 | 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Union County Agricultural Center 3230-D Presson Rd., Monroe, NC 28112