The HCPED Industrial Executives Forum Planning Committee has lined up great speakers on three very different issues.  Clark Gillespy, Vice President of Economic Development, Business Development & Territorial Strategies with Duke Energy will present the utility’s planned merger with Progress Energy and the impact this may have on Henderson County. 

Our second speaker will be John Franklin of Volvo Logistics North America who founded the WNC Transportation Alliance after studying logistics alliance advantages in his degree studies.  John will speak on the Alliance’s efforts to connect manufacturing and distribution transportation operations to more efficiently manage transportation assets, increase fleet utilization and combat the expenses associated with deadhead miles.  John will present data showing Henderson County companies transport patterns in aggregate form, and will present a collaboration opportunity to connect businesses that can align patterns and increase efficiencies.

Dr. Jerry McGee, President of Wingate University, will be our closing speaker.  Dr. McGee will introduce Wingate University to our community, present Wingate’s academic offerings and history, and discuss their decision to grow by developing the Hendersonville Campus.  Dr. McGee will also present Wingate’s presence in terms of our ability to attract and retain young talent in Henderson County.

Please RSVP to attend the Industrial Executives Forum on Thursday, March 24th from 8:30-11:30am. The forum is open to HCPED members and manufacturers in Henderson County.