Community & Economic Engagement Summit

North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University will host its fourth annual Community & Economic Engagement Summit on Wednesday, Oct. 16, during the university’s 98th Homecoming. The event is organized by the Division of Strategic Partnerships and Economic Development and the Office of Engagement and Outreach.

This year’s theme will focus on “Maximizing Our Momentum: Strategies for Community and Economic Growth” and will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the N.C. A&T State University Farm Pavilion, 3020 McConnell Road, Greensboro. The early bird registration fee for the summit is $25, and will increase to $50 on Monday, Oct. 7.

The summit will feature a diverse slate of dynamic presenters and panel speakers, including keynote speaker Geoff Foster ’90 and ‘96, founder and CEO of Core Technology Molding Corp.

Core Technology, founded in 2006, broke ground in 2017 at Gateway Research Park South Campus. Under Foster’s leadership, the company has become an innovative supplier for international customers including Eli Lilly, Merck and Pfizer. A 25-year veteran in the plastics field, he received a U.S. patent for his process in 1999. Since moving to Gateway Research Park, the company has experienced triple-digit growth.

Additionally, Foster has contributed to talent development in his company and the industry by serving as an adjunct professor at A&T and educating youth about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) through his nonprofit organization, Molding Kids for Success.

In 2020, Foster was named Greensboro Entrepreneur of the Year by the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce and Ernst & Young Southeast Entrepreneur of the Year. Also, Core Technology was named Small Business of the Year by the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce and Small Business of the Year by North Carolina Business magazine, both in 2021.

“The Community & Economic Engagement Summit is an opportunity for surrounding business owners and statewide community leaders to convene on the campus of North Carolina A&T to enhance their growth strategies,” said Oliver M. Thomas, Ph.D., M.Div., ‘06, associate vice chancellor for External Affairs. “N.C. A&T is at the forefront of innovative technology, groundbreaking research and economic development for the state of North Carolina and beyond.”

The summit is designed for aspiring entrepreneurs and current business owners, regional and state community members, government officials who are involved in fiscal policy, and all members of the Aggie family. It will focus on strategies that inform participants about the role of higher education in the community, empowering business owners and communities through artificial intelligence (AI) innovation, and the future of workforce development.

“As the largest historically Black university in the nation and a land-grant institution, A&T is uniquely positioned to lead initiatives like this summit, which advance our students, employees, alumni, and communities,” said Rosalind Dale, Ed.D., vice provost for Engagement and Outreach. “I believe the impact of the summit will yield actionable strategies for all attendees, benefiting both their personal and professional growth.”

The summit is scheduled strategically during homecoming to involve as many Aggies as possible in rebuilding, establishing, maintaining and growing community and economic engagement in the areas where they live and work.

To register for the summit, visit https://ncat2.gosignmeup.com/public/course/browse. Students can register for free at https://bit.ly/2024CommunityEconomicSummit.