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- Registration
Registration check-in will be at the Rock Hill Sports and Event Center. Use this time to also network with our exhibitors!
- Opening Session: The Strategic Vision of Rock Hill Sponsored by the City of Rock Hill
Mayor John Gettys•Jeanne Milliken BondsTrue community development is fostered by community leaders who have a clear vision for a greater community. Learn from the current Mayor, John Gettys, on how he helped establish a strategic vision that is leading Rock Hill into the future.
Opening Session Sponsored by the City of Rock Hill
Rock Hill, South Carolina is a business-savvy blend of historic charm and responsibly implemented expansion. The city is located in the north-central area of South Carolina approximately 20 miles south of Charlotte, NC along the I-77 corridor. Rock Hill is a growing community of nearly 75,000 residents. Rock Hill is the largest city in York County, SC and the only major South Carolina city in the Charlotte area.
https://www.cityofrockhill.com/home
Mayor John Gettys
Mayor at City of Rock Hill
Jeanne Milliken Bonds
Professor, Univ, of NC Chapel Hill & Chair, SC Community Capital Alliance
- Networking Lunch
- Investing in Rural Businesses
Karama Neal, PhDUS Department of Agriculture's Rural Business and Cooperative Division in rural areas across the country has programs that provide the capital, training, education and entrepreneurial skills and the public-private connections to leverage investment in these communities.
Join Dr. Neal in a discussion as she draws from her experience in the private and non-profit sectors to drive USDA programs as investable opportunities.
Karama Neal, PhD
Administrator, Rural Business-Cooperative Service at Rural Development, USDA
- Break
- Load Buses for Mobile Workshop Tours
- Mobile Workshops Tours
Attendees will have the opportunity to take two (2) of four (4) tours. Tours will take place at 1:30 pm and 4:00 pm.
Tour #1: Knowledge Park - A mix-used redevelopment of the urban core of Rock Hill (Bus Tour)
Take a tour of Rock Hill’s Knowledge Park, a walkable, multi-faceted district that is building a modern economy and reinventing the original heart of Rock Hill. At the heart of Knowledge Park, connecting Rock Hill’s historic downtown and Winthrop University, University Center is a new 23-acre development that has transformed one of the largest textile mills in the country (the Bleachery) into a modern mix of businesses, retail locations, apartments, event spaces, hospitality services, and a world-class indoor athletic facility. Forget what you thought you knew about Rock Hill and come see the transformation underway.
Knowledge Park Tour Guides: Wes Tuttle, President/Broker-In-Charge for Tuttle Company and David Lawrence, Knowledge Park Development Manager
Tour #2: Rock Hill Sports & Event Center: A state-of-the-art Sports & Athletic Facility (On-site Walking Tour)
This is an indoor event venue that hosts sports events, conferences, trade shows, concerts and local athletic programs. This state-of-the-art facility features a championship court with stadium seating, a main court accommodating eight basketball (or 16 volleyball) games, and an 8,000 sq. ft. multipurpose space. It is the centerpiece of the University Center, a mixed-use site with restaurants, office space, retail, apartments, and a growing list of attractions together that connects Winthrop University to Old Town Rock Hill.
Rock Hill Sports and Event Center Tour Guide: Andrea Barnette, Marketing & Event Sales Coordinator
Tour #3: Downtown Civil Rights Tour: Friendship 9 & Freedom Walkway - (*Attendees will take a bus to walk the strip*)
Explore the history of the Civil Rights Movement and the “Jail No Bail” exhibit at the site of the January 31, 1969, Friendship Nine Incident. On that date, nine African American students from nearby Friendship Junior College targeted McCrory’s Five and Dine lunch counter and elected to serve out their 30-day hard labor jail sentences rather than posting bail. The actions of these nine men shifted the financial burden from CORE (Congress of Racial Equality), the NAACP, and other organizations supporting the protests to the local governments, forever changing the landscape of the Civil Rights Movement.
Downtown/Old Town Tour Guide: Martin Lane, Project Specialist
Tour #4: Southside Revitalization Tour: Affordable Housing & Clinton College (HBCU) - (Bus Tour)
Rock Hill has adopted a vision to improve the quality of life in South Rock Hill so that community members can thrive and have equitable access to resources and opportunities. Anchored by downtown Rock Hill and our City’s only HBCU, Clinton College the Clinton ConNEXTion is a strategy for attracting jobs, businesses, and housing to the historic neighborhoods of South Rock Hill. Come learn about our commitment to creating opportunities to improve inclusivity, while fostering an environment for ALL to live, learn, work, and play.
Southside Rock Hill Tour Guides- Elaine Wilmore, Community Development Coordinator and Tadean Page, Community Development Coordinator - Mobile Workshop Buses Returns to Rock Hill Sports & Event Center & Reloads for next tour
- Mobile Workshops Tours
Missed out on the first tour? Not a problem, catch the next one!
Tour #1: Knowledge Park - A mix-used redevelopment of the urban core of Rock Hill (Bus Tour)
Take a tour of Rock Hill’s Knowledge Park, a walkable, multi-faceted district that is building a modern economy and reinventing the original heart of Rock Hill. At the heart of Knowledge Park, connecting Rock Hill’s historic downtown and Winthrop University, University Center is a new 23-acre development that has transformed one of the largest textile mills in the country (the Bleachery) into a modern mix of businesses, retail locations, apartments, event spaces, hospitality services, and a world-class indoor athletic facility. Forget what you thought you knew about Rock Hill and come see the transformation underway.
Knowledge Park Tour Guides: Wes Tuttle, President/Broker-In-Charge for Tuttle Company and David Lawrence, Knowledge Park Development Manager
Tour #2: Rock Hill Sports & Event Center: A state-of-the-art sports & athletic facility (On-site Walking Tour)
This is an indoor event venue that hosts sports events, conferences, trade shows, concerts and local athletic programs. This state-of-the-art facility features a championship court with stadium seating, a main court accommodating eight basketball (or 16 volleyball) games, and an 8,000 sq. ft. multipurpose space. It is the centerpiece of the University Center, a mixed-use site with restaurants, office space, retail, apartments, and a growing list of attractions together that connects Winthrop University to Old Town Rock Hill.
Rock Hill Sports and Event Center Tour Guide: Andrea Barnette, Marketing & Event Sales Coordinator
Tour #3: Downtown Civil Rights Tour: Friendship 9 & Freedom Walkway - (*Attendees will take a bus to walk the strip*)
Explore the history of the Civil Rights Movement and the “Jail No Bail” exhibit at the site of the January 31, 1969, Friendship Nine Incident. On that date, nine African American students from nearby Friendship Junior College targeted McCrory’s Five and Dine lunch counter and elected to serve out their 30-day hard labor jail sentences rather than posting bail. The actions of these nine men shifted the financial burden from CORE (Congress of Racial Equality), the NAACP, and other organizations supporting the protests to the local governments, forever changing the landscape of the Civil Rights Movement.
Downtown/Old Town Tour Guide: Martin Lane, Project Specialist
Tour #4: Southside Revitalization Tour: Affordable Housing & Clinton College (HBCU) - (Bus Tour)
Rock Hill has adopted a vision to improve the quality of life in South Rock Hill so that community members can thrive and have equitable access to resources and opportunities. Anchored by downtown Rock Hill and our City’s only HBCU, Clinton College the Clinton ConNEXTion is a strategy for attracting jobs, businesses, and housing to the historic neighborhoods of South Rock Hill. Come learn about our commitment to creating opportunities to improve inclusivity, while fostering an environment for ALL to live, learn, work, and play.
Southside Rock Hill Tour Guides- Elaine Wilmore, Community Development Coordinator and Tadean Page, Community Development Coordinator - Mobile Workshop Buses Returns to Rock Hill Sports & Event Center
- Reception at the Cambria Hotel 354 Skybar Sponsored by Carolina Foothills Federal Credit Union, Optus Bank & SC Community Loan Fund
Join us for light appetizers and networking. Make plans to go to dinner in downtown Rock Hill. A list of local restaurants are located in the conference app.
Reception Sponsored by Carolina Foothills Federal Credit Union
First and foremost, we are LOCAL, but we stay with you wherever life takes you. At CFFCU we are all about community. We proudly serve our members in the Spartanburg, Greenville, and Gaffney areas together with the employees of more than 125 local companies.
We make local decisions, and we support the communities in which we serve. But if you need us across the United States, we are with you through our partnership with the Co-Op ATM Network offering more than 30,000 surcharge-free ATMs along with 5,000 shared branches for your in-person service needs. We also offer you in-branch services as well as the latest in mobile banking options.
In addition, we were recently named one of the top 200 Healthiest Credit Unions in the US by Deposit Accounts by LendingTree.
WWW.CAROLINAFOOTHILLSFCU.COOP/
Reception Sponsored By Optus Bank
At Optus, our origins date back to 1921 when a group of visionary and courageous African American leaders founded Victory Savings Bank on the principle that all people should have access to the American Dream, not just those born into the “right” circumstances.
We are committed to helping all people build wealth and improve their lives, regardless of their background or situation.
We offer innovative ways to manage, move, save and borrow money for individuals and small businesses with the goal of ensuring that wealth building is not just for the wealthy.
Unlike traditional financial institutions that seek to solely maximize the financial returns for their shareholders, we strive to balance the needs of all stakeholders – our customers, communities, employees and shareholders.
We hope you will join us in our efforts to make capitalism work for all people. Whether you are just getting started on your wealth building journey or you are already on the way, we would like the opportunity to serve you.
Optus is a federally designated Minority Depository Institution and a U.S. Treasury Certified Community Development Financial Institution.
https://optus.bank/
Reception Sponsored By SC Community Loan Fund
We are a Community Development Financial Institution providing equitable access to capital and financing projects and small businesses that build healthy, resilient South Carolina communities.
https://sccommunityloanfund.org/
- Breakfast and Registration
Join us for breakfast to start the day at the Rock Hill Sports and Event Center located across the street from the Cambria Hotel. Use this time to also network with our exhibitors!
- Building the International African American Museum: Leveraging the Impact of NMTC to Support Impact of Community Organizations Sponsored by Truist
Dr. Tonya MatthewsThe International African American Museum (IAAM), opening in June 2023, has been a 20+ year journey to create space for honoring the story of the African American journey at a hallowed historic site. As a 100,000 sq. ft. new build site inclusive of outdoor gardens both the cultural impact and the economic impact of the museum has been a critical part of its conception. In this presentation, IAAM CEO Dr. Tonya M. Matthews will introduce the museum, provide a preview of exhibitions, and share the impact of the IAAM’s new market tax credit on museum funding, community engagement, and sustainability.
Sponsored by Truist
Taking care to make things better
We believe in the power of what we can achieve together.
What drives us
At Truist, our purpose is to inspire and build better lives and communities. That happens through real care to make things better. To meet client needs, to empower teammates, and to lift up communities.
Dr. Tonya Matthews
President & Chief Executive Officer at International African American Museum
- Break & Networking with Exhibitors
- Mechanics of the Deal: Knowledge Park
Tadean Page•Tara Sherbert•Justin Smith•Gary WilliamsKnowledge Park is a walkable, multi-faceted district of Rock Hill that creates a modern economy and is reinventing the original heart of Rock Hill. While Knowledge Park is a place, it is also a strategic plan that gives our community the opportunity to come together and make it their own. What started as an idea has become a $400 million investment that is moving Rock Hill into its fullest potential. Join Tadean Page as he moderates a panel of investors and developers to discuss funding mechanisms and strategies for closing deals and selling the vision.
Tadean Page
Community Development Coordinator at City of Rock Hill
Tara Sherbert
Chief Executive Officer at Moxie Investment Funds, TMS Development, and Sherbert Consulting, Inc.
Justin Smith
Partner at Hoppin' RH Development Group
Gary Williams
Founder & Chairman of the Board at Williams & Fudge, Inc.
- Lunch Buffet
- Keynote Luncheon and Awards Ceremony
Dr. Jennifer Clyburn ReedNominated by President Biden and confirmed by the U.S. Senate in December 2021, Dr. Jennifer Clyburn Reed is the first, Federal Co-Chair of the Southeast Crescent Regional Commission (SCRC). SCRC is a federal-state partnership focused on spurring economic development in 428 counties and county equivalents within seven southeastern states – AL, FL, GA, MS, NC, SC, VA. SCRC invests in projects that help create jobs, grow communities, and improve the lives of those who reside in the region.
SC Community Capital Alliance Champion Awards Ceremony
The SC Community Capital Alliance Champion Award is presented to an upstanding local community economic development leader and organization. They not only advocate on behalf of their community but act as an intermediary between public, private, and grassroots organizations that can access and use resources for the benefit and betterment of community sustainability. This Community Development Champion plays a valuable role in collaborating with community members, local government, foundations, and other community organizations to understand the unique challenges and opportunities of their respective communities. Their greatest testament to their success is their ability to endure, build and revitalize the communities in which they live, carry out their mission, and find funding to sustain the work that is done on the community level.
Dr. Jennifer Clyburn Reed
Federal Co-Chair at Southeast Crescent Regional Commission
- Break & Networking with Exhibitors
- Innovative Food Financing: Growing a Local Economy
China Boak Terrell•Rev. Richard Joyner•Jeanne Milliken BondsEven after the hard work required to grow and harvest quality fruits, vegetables, meats and seafood, farmers face a host of challenges financing the processing and packaging and accessing the supply chains for distribution. Join panelists for presentations and discussions about financing and fostering regional food economy collaborations.
China Boak Terrell
CEO of American Communities Trust
Rev. Richard Joyner
CNN Hero, Founder & Chairman of the Board at Conetoe Family Life CenterJeanne Milliken Bonds
Professor, Univ, of NC Chapel Hill & Chair, SC Community Capital Alliance
- Post Conference Networking Reception at the Cambria Rooftop Bar
Minority Business Networking Mixer
Come network with us as we bring together other small business owners and partner organizations to assist you in elevating your business. Business service providers will be on-site for assistance with developing your current business model or assisting you with accessing capital. This event will be held on May 3, 2023 from 3 – 5 pm. Heavy refreshments will be provided.
This post-conference networking event is a part of the SC Community Capital Alliance’s 2023 Community Capital Conference program, a conference that highlights best practices and bold investment strategies that seek to achieve new models for economic growth.
REGISTRATION:
This event requires a separate registration. Copy and paste this link to register: https://app.glueup.com/event/minority-business-networking-mixer-76335/
LOCATION:
354 Skybar - Cambria Hotel Rock Hill
354 Technology Center Way
Rock Hill, SC 29730
PRESENTED BY:
The City of Rock Hill
Rock Hill Economic Development Corporation
SC Community Capital Alliance, SC Association for Community Economic Development (SCACED)
SC Community Navigator Program