On December 10, 2020 NCGrowth-SmartUp hosted the annual Fall Showcase. There were 60+ registered participants in attendance. This event highlighted SmartUp Elizabeth City and businesses and communities in the eastern region. Chancellor Dr. Karrie G. Dixon of Elizabeth City State University joined us at the top of the event to discuss updates happening at ECSU.
Our candid conversation moderated by Nicole, uncovered the chancellor’s vision for the university as well as her thoughts on the importance of the relationships between institutions of higher learning and organizations like NCGrowth-SmartUp. We heard from our clients Darlene Tuttle of Sanctuary Design Co., Shanise Wilkins of Pathfinders of Coastal Carolina and Ellen Colodney of Wetland Plants Inc.
The event also included a virtual lunch demonstration by eastern NC Pitmaster Antwane Heckstall, owner of the Powellsville BBQ Company of Colerain, NC. Antwane walked the participants through how to make his rendition of Brunswick stew.
The showcase concluded with a panel discussion. The panelists included former business counselor Shannon Baylor-Henderson, CEO of Content Commanders based in Elizabeth City. Deborah Malenfant, Executive Director of Elizabeth City Downtown Inc., Christian Lockamy, Economic Developer of Elizabeth City and Quinn Novels of WRAL Digital Solutions. The discussion was participant led but the conversations were centered on the effects of Covid-19 and its impact related to economic development as well as the implementation of efforts and partnerships in the region.