I don’t know if there is an official conference season, but spring sure feels like it!
Last week, several members of our team attended the Rural Summit hosted by our friends at the NC Rural Center. It was an excellent opportunity to connect with partners and local communities about issues facing rural North Carolina. Congratulations to IEI National Advisory Board Member Juvencio Rocha Peralta on receiving a Community Advocate of the Year Award from the NC Rural Center for his work with AMEXCAN!
Earlier this month, we held an initial meeting of leaders in the water, agriculture and business sectors, as well as community leaders and more, to discuss how IEI can best add value to improving water infrastructure in North Carolina as part of our 2026 Emerging Issues Forum: Future Forward Water. Attendees discussed the interconnected nature of water issues, how it ties into economic and workforce development, funding sources for necessary infrastructure projects, water quality and water resilience – especially in light of weather-related disasters. We came out of the meeting energized about the important role leaders across the state believe IEI can play as a nonpartisan, solution-oriented convener and we look forward to continued conversations with community leaders about this topic.
Shifting gears, we are excited to partner with the NC Department of Information Technology (NCDIT) for the upcoming Spring 2025 NC Digital Opportunity Gathering on April 28. Attendees will connect with other experts in this space to gain practical skills and learn about digital opportunity resources. Seats are going fast! Reserve your spot for free on the NCDIT website.
Last month, I asked what impactful connections you have made at the Emerging Issues Forum. I was reminded of a forum participant from Wilson who was so inspired by one of the 2024 forum speakers that she invited them to speak at her annual meeting. A former cohort member from UNC Wilmington made a connection during the ReCONNECT NC series that led to a new member of their board of directors. Still, my favorite story is former Transylvania County Commissioner Page Lemel connecting with 2018 forum keynote speaker Jeannet Bennetcourt of Sesame Workshop, and bringing Sesame Street in Communities to Transylania County. I’m still collecting responses, so email me at smlanger@ncsu.edu with your stories!
Finally, I want to congratulate Kevin Howell on being named NC State’s next chancellor! Chancellor-elect Howell is a native of Shelby, understands the unique economic development needs of our state’s communities, both rural and urban alike, and understands the land grant mission of our university. He is no stranger to IEI and the Emerging Issues Forum. We’re excited to welcome Chancellor-elect Howell back to the pack.
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