The talent you need tomorrow depends on the decisions we make today.
2026 UNION COUNTY CHAMBER LEADERSHIP SUMMIT
Advancing Workforce Readiness and Educational Attainment
Employers across North Carolina face increasing competition for talent, while communities work to ensure residents have access to education, training, and career pathways that lead to economic opportunity. Building a strong workforce pipeline is no longer solely an education issue or a business issue. It is a regional priority that requires leadership, collaboration, and investment.
Join business executives, elected officials, workforce development professionals, educators, and community leaders for an engaging discussion about the current state and future of talent development in our region. Together, we will explore the data, hear from experts, and identify strategies that can strengthen our workforce pipeline and support long-term economic prosperity.
Presented in Partnership with:
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?
This summit is designed for leaders who are responsible for attracting, developing, and retaining talent, and those with a vested interest in the current and future workforce in our region.
You’ll gain access to:
Workforce Data That Impacts Your Business
Understand what the latest educational attainment and workforce trends mean for your organization and your hiring pipeline.
Learn where talent gaps exist, where opportunities are emerging, and how population, education, and workforce trends may influence your future workforce needs.
Practical Workforce Solutions
Hear directly from employers and workforce leaders who are successfully using apprenticeships, internships, work-based learning, and other innovative strategies to develop talent and fill critical workforce needs.
Walk away with ideas you can apply within your own organization.
Access to Decision Makers
Engage with state and local leaders who influence workforce policy, funding, education, and economic development priorities.
Gain insight into the investments and partnerships being made today that will shape tomorrow’s workforce.
Valuable Connections
Build relationships with the business, education, workforce, and community leaders who are helping shape the future talent pipeline in Union and Anson Counties.
SECURE YOUR SEAT TODAY!
September 9, 2026 | 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Union County Agricultural Center 3230-D Presson Rd., Monroe, NC 28112
Who Should Attend?
This summit is designed for:
• CEOs and senior business leaders
• Human resources and talent acquisition executives
• Economic development professionals
• Local and state elected officials
• Education leaders and administrators
• Workforce development practitioners
• Community leaders
• Philanthropic and nonprofit partners
Summit Outcomes
Participants will leave with:
• A deeper understanding of educational attainment and workforce trends in Union and Anson Counties
• Insight into regional workforce challenges and opportunities
• Examples of successful apprenticeship, internship, and work-based learning models
• A better understanding of workforce investments occurring at the local and state levels
• New connections with leaders across business, education, government, and workforce development
Four hours. Sustainable, long-term change.
SUMMIT AGENDA
8:30 A.M. – 8:50 A.M.
Arrival, breakfast and networking
8:50 A.M. – 9:45 A.M.
Keynote Address: Regional Education Attainment Profiles
9:45 A.M. – 10:15 A.M.
Discussion Groups
10:15. A.M. – 11:00 A.M.
Finding Talent Differently: Emerging Workforce Strategies
11:00 A.M. – 11:15 A.M.
Break
11:15. A.M. – 12:15 P.M.
Workforce Investment Panel
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
Pinnacle Financial Partners
State Utility Contractors
SECURE YOUR SEAT TODAY!
September 9, 2026 | 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Union County Agricultural Center 3230-D Presson Rd., Monroe, NC 28112