2018 Member City Workshop Agenda

This agenda is a work-in-progress and will be regularly updated.

We are still developing the agenda to create the optimal learning experience.  Expected topics will include:

We are excited about our stunning venues and the flow of events. Please see below for an outline of how things will unfold:

MONDAY, June 4, 2024

Welcome to the 2024 Forward Cities Member City Workshop in Durham, NC! Registration will be at the Durham Hotel, followed by a welcome reception at The Rooftop. Experience Durham and enjoy dinner on your own in “Food Capital of The South”.

1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Registration

The Durham Hotel - 2nd Floor Mezzanine Level (315 E. Chapel Hill St.)

5:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Welcome/Opening Reception // The Rooftop

 The Durham Hotel RoofTop is a year-round gathering spot for guests and locals alike, offering one-of-a-kind panoramic views of the city. Enjoy lite hors d’oeuvres and drinks as we welcome you to Durham.

7:30 p.m. Dinner on Your Own

Enjoy nationally recognized cuisine from the various restaurants in Downtown Durham.

TUESDAY, June 5, 2024

Location: Durham Bulls Park | PNC Club (409 Blackwell St.)

The first full day of the 2024 Forward Cities Member City Workshop begins with continental breakfast at the Durham Bulls Park (2nd floor) and opening remarks, followed by a day of programming —        including a keynote speaker, panel discussions and city field trips in Durham, NC.

7:30 a.m. Continental Breakfast

However you like to start your day, we’ve got what will hit the spot, with more than enough coffee and beverages to get you going.

8:30 a.m. - Welcome Remarks: Christopher Gergen

9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. - Morning Sessions

Case Study of InClusive Economic Developoment: The LISC Story (Session)

Moderator: Christopher Gergen | Forward Cities

Panelists: 

Maurice Jones, President/ CEO of LISC

     Paul Grogan, President of the Boston Foundation and former President/ CEO of LISC

Panel: Achieving Growth through Inclusion (Session)

Moderator: Andre Pettigrew, Director of Economic Development for the City of Durham 

Panelists:

     Mayor Steve Schewel, Durham, NC 

     Mayor Knox White, Greenville, SC 

     Valarie McCall, City of Cleveland 

Panel: Mapping the Inclusive Growth Landscape (Session)

Moderator: Pete Carlson, Regional Growth Strategies

Panelists:

     Joe Parilla, Brookings Institution

     Sara Lawrence, RTI International

     Mike Green, ScaleUp Partners

 Nic Gunkel, Forward Cities

     Dr. Jamie Bracey, Temple University

12:30 p.m.  Lunch and Keynote

Lunch Keynote: Johnathan Holifield

“The Future Economy and Inclusive Competitiveness”

Introduction:  Christopher Gergen 

 

 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Durham Tours

Participate in tours of Durham’s various innovation and expansion districts.

6:00 p.m. -10:00 p.m. Jazz Party // The Rickhouse

Located in the Central Park district of downtown Durham, The Rickhouse is Durham’s newest Event Venue. Once RJ Reynold’s Prizery, it boasts restored and reclaimed wood and exposed brick throughout. In addition to an inside space, The Rickhouse has a partially covered concrete deck overlooking the famed Durham Athletic Park, the original home of the Durham Bulls.

8:00 p.m. Dinner on Your Own

Enjoy nationally recognized cuisine from the various restaurants in Downtown Durham.

WEDNESDAY, June 6, 2024

Location: Durham Bulls Park | PNC Club (409 Blackwell St.)

The final day of the 2024 Member City Workshop.

7:30 a.m. Continental Breakfast

However you like to start your day, we’ve got what will hit the spot, with more than enough coffee and beverages to get you going.

 8:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.  Welcome Remarks 

Reflections on the day before/ preparation for the day ahead:  Christopher Gergen

8:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m. Morning Sessions

Panel:  Racial Equity and Economic Inclusion (Session)

Moderator: Racial Equity Institute

Panelists:

     Evelyn Burnett, Cleveland 

     Camryn Smith, Durham

     Shawn Barney, New Orleans

     Matt Bell/ Suzanne Plichcik

 Promising Strategies Showcase (Session)

Moderator:  Christopher Gergen | Forward Cities

Panelists:

     Steve Tobacman, Global Detroit/ Welcoming America

     Farad Ali, Institute for Minority Economic Development

     Leigh-Ann Buchanan, Venture Café Miami

     Napoleon Wallace, NC Assistant Secretary of Commerce

     Matt Dunne, Center of Rural Innovation

Panel: Funders Perspective (Session)

Moderator: Micah Gilmer, Frontline Solutions

Panelists:

     Sarah Koch, Case Foundation

     Craig Buerstatte, US Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration

     Chantel Rush, Kresge Foundation

     Erin Horne-McKinney, Jumpstart

     Brian Payne, Central Indiana Community Foundation

12:30 p.m. - 1:15 p.m. Lunch + Closing Session

Lunch:  Looking Forward to Miami and Beyond

Speakers:

     Christopher Gergen | Forward Cities

     Saif Ishoof | Florida International University

1:15 p.m. Closing Remarks