2026 Plan of Action Technology Connects Us. Purpose Unites Us. Evolving Together — With Intelligence and Intention Adopted January 26, 2026 |
Our Vision While digital technologies—including artificial intelligence—and the new transportation era emerging in our region will profoundly shape our future, the Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce recognizes that genuine, people-to-people connections remain the foundation of strong businesses and vibrant communities. By embracing the synergy between technology and human connection, and by leveraging the opportunities created through increased transportation independence, we can build a future where innovation enhances quality of life without compromising authenticity. Together, we are stronger, more connected, and more resilient. |
2026 Board Chair Goals
Leah B. Trowbridge
2026 Board Chair
01
Reimagining Connection: Purpose, People, Progress
Facilitate the evolution of committees and Chamber initiatives into a more cohesive, collaborative and engaged membership experience while increasing the visibility, relevance and value of the Lake Norman Chamber among small businesses, corporate partners and community stakeholders.
02
Technology Connects Us. Purpose Unites Us.
Expand awareness of how artificial intelligence can support marketing, operations and efficiency for small businesses, corporations and municipalities through initiatives such as the 2026 Lake Norman Chamber AI Summit and targeted workshops.
Increase the use of technology to strengthen member connectivity through video testimonials, digital storytelling and improved member engagement tools on the Chamber website.
03
Evolving Together — With Intelligence and Intention
Advocate for infrastructure improvements at the state and local levels, including implementation of hardened shoulders along I-77 to alleviate congestion and improve regional mobility.
Support judicial capacity and access through advocacy efforts, including the appointment of a North Mecklenburg magistrate to enhance efficiency within the local judicial system.
2026 Strategic Divisions Working across business development, education, communications, community engagement, operations, member services and public policy to advance the Chamber's mission throughout the Lake Norman region. |
Business Growth & Economic Development
Chair: Herman Bruno
Supporting regional prosperity through strong commercial infrastructure, business recruitment and retention, workforce development and collaboration with economic, educational and legislative partners.
2026 Priorities:
Expand the Leaders & Legends Program • Explore workforce development initiatives • Strengthen small business recruitment and retention • Host annual Small Business Week • Continue collaboration with Mecklenburg County Economic Development, Central Piedmont Community College, SBA and SCORE
Expand the Leaders & Legends Program • Explore workforce development initiatives • Strengthen small business recruitment and retention • Host annual Small Business Week • Continue collaboration with Mecklenburg County Economic Development, Central Piedmont Community College, SBA and SCORE
Lake Norman Education Collaborative
Sub-Chair: Melinda Bales
Connecting education and business through dialogue, workforce exploration, mentorship, internships and programs designed to prepare students and workers for future opportunities.
2026 Priorities:
Education-focused programming • School system engagement • Career Days • Journey 360 and trade awareness • Junior Leadership and mentorship • College internships and training workshops • Workforce development opportunities
Education-focused programming • School system engagement • Career Days • Journey 360 and trade awareness • Junior Leadership and mentorship • College internships and training workshops • Workforce development opportunities
Communications & Marketing Division
Chair: Stacie Bright
Increasing membership growth through relationships and opportunity while providing positive, energetic leadership that supports business success throughout the Lake Norman region.
2026 Priorities:
Member engagement and retention • Broader Chamber awareness • Social media and website strategy • Text marketing • Website tools and AI capabilities • Monthly Splash Newsletter • Around the Lake podcast and WSIC Town Talk
Member engagement and retention • Broader Chamber awareness • Social media and website strategy • Text marketing • Website tools and AI capabilities • Monthly Splash Newsletter • Around the Lake podcast and WSIC Town Talk
Community Engagement & Diversity Council
Chair: April Patterson
Diversity Council Sub-Chair: Karen Tovar
Building partnerships between business and community, expanding access and opportunity, collaborating with government, nonprofits, education and corporate partners, and supporting community-centered economic development.
2026 Priorities:
Community connectivity • Minority-owned business success • Strategic Diversity Council leadership • Membership growth • Minority Business Accelerator • Pathways to Capital • Workforce pipeline partnerships • Community + Chamber Collaboratives
Community connectivity • Minority-owned business success • Strategic Diversity Council leadership • Membership growth • Minority Business Accelerator • Pathways to Capital • Workforce pipeline partnerships • Community + Chamber Collaboratives
Finance & Operations
Chair: Alec Natt
Overseeing the Chamber's internal operations, fiscal health, contracts and long-term organizational sustainability.
2026 Priorities:
Regular Finance & Operations meetings • Updated membership packages • Program evaluation • Contract and outsourced-service review • Long-term capital and reserve planning • New revenue and fundraising opportunities
Regular Finance & Operations meetings • Updated membership packages • Program evaluation • Contract and outsourced-service review • Long-term capital and reserve planning • New revenue and fundraising opportunities
Member Services
Chair: Brent Thompson
Ensuring exceptional networking, engagement and value for Chamber members, with the Ambassador Program serving as the foundation of the division's work.
2026 Priorities:
Premier networking opportunities • Membership value and growth • Ambassador engagement • Member outreach • Young Professionals development • Chamber history and success stories • Consistent, high-quality signature programming
Premier networking opportunities • Membership value and growth • Ambassador engagement • Member outreach • Young Professionals development • Chamber history and success stories • Consistent, high-quality signature programming
Programming includes the Annual Awards Gala, Business Expo, Captain's Choice Golf Tournament, Leadership Lake Norman, and new affinity and partnership programs.
Public Policy Division
Chair: Pat Jackson
Monitoring legislative issues impacting business and advocating for policies that support economic growth and community vitality.
2026 Priorities:
Monitor public meetings • Host Focus Friday forums • Establish regional legislative priorities • Educate members • Facilitate legislative meetings and candidate forums • Strengthen relationships with elected officials • Advocate for transportation and infrastructure improvements • Collaborate with NCDOT and regional partners
Monitor public meetings • Host Focus Friday forums • Establish regional legislative priorities • Educate members • Facilitate legislative meetings and candidate forums • Strengthen relationships with elected officials • Advocate for transportation and infrastructure improvements • Collaborate with NCDOT and regional partners
Read the Complete 2026 Plan of Action Explore the complete Board-adopted Plan of Action for additional detail on the Chamber's 2026 goals, strategic priorities, programs and initiatives. VIEW THE FULL 2026 PLAN OF ACTION → The 2026 Plan of Action will open in a new browser window. |
Technology Connects Us. Purpose Unites Us. The 2026 Plan of Action brings together advocacy, technology, education, business development, member engagement and community partnerships around a shared commitment to a stronger Lake Norman region. |
Connected by Technology. United by Purpose. CONNECT • COLLABORATE • EVOLVE Together, we are stronger, more connected, and more resilient. |