Near-Sellout Crowd Attends NCTA’s Statewide Conference in Charlotte
Posted: 06-22-2009 : CHARLOTTE, N.C.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A near-sellout crowd of 500 attended the North Carolina Technology Association (NCTA) 2009 conference “Leaders Driving Change Through Technology: What’s Next?” The event, presented with the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce, was held on Friday, June 19 in Charlotte. Featured speakers included Steve Ballmer, CEO of Microsoft Corporation, Cynthia Marshall, president, AT&T North Carolina and Dr. Mirsad Hadzikadic, director, North Carolina Complex Systems Institute, University of North Carolina Charlotte.

“As companies all across the state undergo disruptive change, now more than ever, executives are using innovative technologies to reposition and accelerate their business,” said Brooks Raiford, NCTA’s president and CEO. “The well-respected speakers at the Charlotte event were able to provide to attendees insight and discussion on the importance of innovation to stay ahead of the competition, and how to lead through change.”

Steve Ballmer provided the opening keynote, discussing the role of technology innovation in driving economic growth, and how smart investments in innovation will help companies emerge even stronger. Dr. Mirsad Hadzikadic’s presentation focused on understanding complexity in organizations, economies, social structures, and innovation and technological systems in order to build sustainable and resilient companies and organizations. Cynthia Marshall challenged conference attendees to “Make a Difference” in their community and in the lives of others, while discussing the potential of education and leadership.

The conference also featured a panel discussion, focusing on the impact the stimulus plan presents at national, state and local levels. Panelists included Dempsey Benton, Director, Office of Economic Recovery & Investment, State of North Carolina, Ron Kimble, Deputy City Manager, City of Charlotte and Kevin Beasley, Partner, Grant Thornton LLP.

“As the statewide voice for the technology industry, NCTA is pleased to have brought such a successful event to the Charlotte area,” said David Jones, NCTA’s chairman, and CEO of Charlotte-based Peak 10, Inc. “With industry leaders from around the country as featured speakers, we hope that attendees received valuable insight from the conference and grasped the significance that leadership in technology will have on introducing opportunities and opening new horizons.”

About NCTA
The North Carolina Technology Association’s mission is “Making North Carolina #1 in Technology and Technology #1 in North Carolina.” The organization does this through three main focus areas: executive engagement, public affairs, and knowledge workforce. For more information, visit our website at www.nctechnology.org.