Young Professionals

The US Department of State, Global Ties US, International House and The Palmetto Council on International Visitors had an inspiring and innovative summit offering unique learning and networking opportunities with Department of State Representatives, leading international and local business and entrepreneurial leaders, foreign dignitaries and Federal, State and Local elected officials.

Charlotte, North Carolina
Thursday, August 30 Omni Charlotte Hotel

The Economic Development and Entrepreneurship Regional Summit explored key factors driving growth of the regional economy and entrepreneurship, as well as the importance of public diplomacy and international exchanges in forging Charlotte's connection to the world.

Young professionals, college and high school students had a unique opportunity to meet and speak with recruiters, directors and representatives from the Department of State including the following offices:

The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs
The Office of International Visitors
The Office of Citizen Exchanges, Youth Programs
Diplomatic Security
The Office of Public Affairs - Engage America
The Charleston Passport Agency

Panel and keynote topics included:
* Economic Impact of the Latin American Community in the Carolinas
* How the Carolinas are Attracting Foreign Businesses
* Craft Breweries Impact on Regional Economic Development
* The Power of Women Entrepreneurs in the Carolinas
* The Win-Win Impact of IVLP and Other Exchange Programs at Home and Abroad
* Planes, Trains and Automobiles: All Aboard for Economic Development
Featuring the Charlotte International Airport, Intermodal, and the I-77 Alliance

Exhibitors included:
International and Local Chambers of Commerce
International Consulates
Entrepreneurship Hubs
Local Breweries
International Businesses
Global Financial Services

The Young Professionals at International House are partnering with the City of Charlotte’s Office of Economic Development to put on the first ever, International Synchronicity Lip-Syncing Competition.

Join us as five teams lip-sync to their favorite international songs while you and your guests enjoy street foods from around the globe! All proceeds will go to benefit the Mayor’s Youth Employment Program and International House. We are looking for interested young professionals who are either members of the Young Professionals at International House or those who would like to join the Young Professionals at International House to help us put on this unique, one of a kind event, that is taking place in Charlotte for the first time ever.

Those interested in joining the planning committee should contact International House’s Citizen Diplomacy Director Johnelle Causwell at email: jcauswell@ihclt.org or phone: 704-342-2248.