Sloane Heffernan
Leadership Raleigh Class 46
Downtown Raleigh is growing and changing in a big way, and we are too, thanks to Leadership Raleigh. The program is opening our eyes to a brand new, broader world built around community, connection, and charity.
Our first monthly session, a “This is Raleigh” day-long class, sponsored by Bobbitt Construction and JDAVIS Architects began at Devereux Meadows, the site of what will become one of Raleigh’s newest parks, officially named by the Raleigh City Council on November 15, Smoky Hollow Park. After more than two years of planning, the concept that includes walking trails and a wetland area just received approval from the city. Our group was one of the first to step on the property with the new plans officially in place. The area, which most recently served as a maintenance yard for the city, will become a beautiful gateway for travelers heading southbound into Raleigh on Capital Boulevard.
From there, our Leadership Raleigh group traveled to the new Seaboard Station for a private tour with the Senior Project Manager, Trevor Kelly, LR45 from Clancy & Theys Construction Company. It was amazing to see the site transformation. There will be apartments, townhomes, shops, restaurants, and even a new hotel. We were most excited to learn about a cool rooftop bar overlooking the Raleigh skyline and a pedestrian area that will be lined with cozy outdoor dining options.
As our group continued to travel it was invaluable to have the time to pick each other’s brains about strategy and fundraising for non-profits as many Leadership Raleigh participants have experience in the industry. With all the talking and walking, we built up an appetite. Our next stop was The Factory for lunch from Union Special and two panel discussions featuring some of the biggest movers and shakers in the Triangle.
The first panel talked about how the local food and beverage scene provides community. There was more talk about charity work as Chris Powers, co-owner of Trophy Brewing talked about the upcoming Trophy Trot 5K and how similar events provide extra opportunities to connect. Our second panel discussed the rich music scene in Raleigh and how it helps fuel the economy. It was inspiring to hear from Danny Rosin, the co-founder of Band Together NC, along with all the panelists who in the words of Dave Rose with Deep South Entertainment are dedicated to making Raleigh a “Music City.”
“This is Raleigh” day wrapped up with a fun scavenger hunt and networking reception at Young Hearts Distilling. The Raleigh Chamber’s Leadership Raleigh program is designed to prepare the future leaders of our community and after our first monthly session, we already feel better equipped and more energized than ever before! Learn more about Leadership Raleigh today.
