Purpose

To act as an advisor and catalyst

to the Charlotte Chamber’s leadership

on matters of diversity and inclusion;

To positively impact decisions by bringing

added/diverse perspective – act as an internal consultant

on matters of diversity and inclusion in business

Definition of Diversity

Diversity as defined by the Diversity Advisory Cabinet

is race, gender, ethnicity, national origin, geography, sexual orientation, age, ability,

beliefs and business size/type

The Diversity Advisory Cabinet

IS NOT:

• An opposition group• Focused on social aspects of diversity/inclusion

• A public forum

DAC Steering Committee

Mary Tribble - Tribble Creative Group – Co Chair

Vince Berkeley - Compass Group – Co Chair

Tim Belk, Belk Department Stores – Charlotte Chamber, First Vice Chair,

Charlotte Chamber Board of Directors

Brenda Anderson – Galilee Agency, Strategic Partnership Chair;

Charlotte Chamber Executive Committee

Astrid Chirinos - Diverso Global Strategies, Charlotte Chamber Board of Directors

Blair Stanford - Staff

Keva Walton - Staff

Diversity Advisory Cabinet Stakeholders

Establish a diverse cabinet of key Charlotte Chamber stakeholders to assist in developing and executing key

diversity and inclusion strategies:

Charlotte Business Organizations•Carolinas Asian Chamber of Commerce •Charlotte Mecklenburg Black Chamber of Commerce•Charlotte Business Guild•French American Chamber of Commerce•German American Chamber of Commerce•Latin American Chamber of Commerce

Charlotte Chamber Chapter RepresentationAirport NorthWestBallantyne SouthParkCenter City University East

Charlotte Chamber Council Representation •Charlotte Chamber Black Professional Network (BPN)•Information Technology Council (ITC)•Charlotte Chamber Diversity Business Council (DBC)•Creative Industries Council •Charlotte Chamber “Engage” (Young Professionals)•Health Service Council•Manufacturer’s Council

Large Employer Member Representation

Charlotte Chamber Diversity Advisory Cabinet

Preliminary RecommendationsRole of the Charlotte ChamberRemain focused on Economic Development• Foster business development in all parts of the city• Workforce Development• Economic diversity (business size/type)• Build the business case for diversity

Be a role model for the business community in diversity and inclusion• Establish mentoring relationship• Media engagement/awareness building• Leadership• Sale/marketing

Practice Inclusion at the Charlotte Chamber• Engage diverse groups in chamber functions• Diverse staff

Charlotte Chamber Diversity Advisory Cabinet

Preliminary RecommendationsPossible ActionsRemain focused on Economic Development• Economic incentives for developers• Entrepreneurial development• Recruit more international business• Workforce Development

Convene and Connect• Be a clearinghouse for best practices• Connect different groups regularly, be the convener• Engage ethnic/international communities in assisting small and

minority businesses• Take Crossroads Charlotte to the Chapters…involve members

Tell our story

• Establish/expand branding budget• Network with the media

Next Steps• Work with Crossroads Charlotte organization to identify a specific

Crossroads Charlotte project consistent with preliminary recommendations

• Engage the Expanded DAC in refining recommendations• Other action steps:

• Establish a diversity award-Chamber Innovation Awards• Develop and implement member value driven

supplier diversity strategy• Added detail at September ’08 Advance • Continue to refine Strategic Outcomes

Diversity is Part of the Chambers fabric, how it plans, acts, and operates…not just programs it provides

What will success look like?

A vibrant local economy where diverse businesses and business owners are an integral part of creating economic growth

and opportunity.