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The positive responses to our 1st Annual Prosperity Summit have been overwhelming. Held Thursday, October 15, 2026, to an invitation-only crowd, our guests mention finding new connections beyond their sphere of influence, experiencing a hopeful and regenerative environment, and the opportunity to absorb valuable insights and ideas as some of their main reasons for applauding the event.
The anticipation for an evening of education and friendship was palpable. Attendees were immediately greeted by Allen Dargins, REBIC’s Executive Committee Chair for 2026, and President Elect Canopy Realtor® Association for 2027. Welcome remarks were shared by Brenda Hayden, current NC Realtor® President, and the audience was sprinkled with notable special guests, whom we called “mentees”, invited by members who wanted other potential change makers to hear REBIC’s message. Thank you to Grady Thomas, President Thomas Property Group, current Chair of Canopy’s Government Affairs Committee and Executive Committee member for hosting our “all things REBIC” booth.
We share here a snippet of Brenda’s remarks because they define the essence of the event:
“[REBIC] wants to let you know that tonight, we’re trying to do something different. This won’t be your usual development industry gathering.
By inviting people from all segments of our industry, including those that represent commercial and residential land development, real estate and commercial sales, municipal leadership, planners, engineers, and [students,] we can encourage conversations that expand beyond just the issues of zoning, policy, or process. Tonight, we [will talk about] implementing a vision, and discuss the importance of stewardship, opportunity, and prosperity. You will also hear about the importance of education and collaboration so we can secure the long-term economic health of our region.”
The evening featured a live panel of experts answering the important questions: what’s missing, what matters, and what you can do to ensure prosperity is sustained. Moderated by REBIC Executive Director Rob Nanfelt, the audience heard and engaged with these five leaders:
This event, part of an ever expanding set of strategies tied to REBIC’s Prosperity Initiative, which was launched earlier this year with the release of the video “What is Prosperity?” will be followed by more resources, and programs. Namely the release of the document entitled “Your 1, 2, 3 for Championing Prosperity Within Your Organization.” Which is a roadmap for self-actualization within the individual cultures of the development industries.
Also shown at the event was the first screening of the video “Leaders Championing Prosperity…” It featured the following changemakers who lent their voice and beliefs to the screen. It will be available to view and download in very short order.
Leaders featured in the video:
Tracy Montross, Managing Director, Government Affairs with American Airlines
Bridget Grant, Co-head Zoning, Entitlement and Land Use, Moore & Van Allen
Chisa Brookes, Ph.D., Commercial Real Estate Advisor Premier South
James Scruggs, CEO and President Kingdom Development Partners
Alan Banks, CEO of the Carolinas, Keystone Custom Homes
Douglas A. Welton, Chairman of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Planning Commission.
Finally, and a fitting inclusion in the event, was the launch of REBIC’s Legacy & Leadership program. Although just beginning to see traction, we invited students and professors from UNC Charlotte School of Architecture Urban Design to host a booth at the event and mingle with leadership. Thank you to Professor Blaine Brownell, Director, David R. Ravin School of Architecture and Ming-Chun Lee, Associate Professor; Graduate Program Director; Masters in Urban Design; CBL Director as well as Assistant Professor Jen Brooks. Their partnership was much appreciated. We all watched as the students who attended learned about real-time development business challenges, planning, and policy execution, all while sharing their desire to find mentors within our industry.
The timing of this event was intentional. It aligns with our overall approach to advocacy, and collaboration, which are critical to keeping us on course. We quote James Scruggs from our Leadership video who said, “We are beginning to see what happens if we don’t work together.” And it’s that mention of friction, due to the mounting pushback to growth, that should create urgency in our work.
What is our call to action? Stay in touch, share this message, and watch for more tools to help you expand our prosperity initiative across all development conversations.
My Take: I am so grateful to all who participated in making this event happen. Camine Pappas, who has been a part of our REBIC team for several years now, came to me with a vision of how this should play out and wow! Execution was spectacular. Kaitlyn Sakich, a relatively new member of our team who took over our social media efforts back in January, showed she knows how to structure an event and convey a message through various media tools, including video. My experience with her affords me a belief this next generation may actually figure things out and fix the mistakes made by me and my contemporaries. Mandi Jenkins, another new team member, has immense organizational skills. Even though I’m sure I make her crazy, she digs in and makes things happen. Thank you for providing effort and conducting yourselves with humility.
And to report a positive outcome, we are happy to mention that Douglas Welton has already pledged his invitation to the attending UNC Charlotte students to come and shadow and learn about county planning. Thank you, Douglas! And thank you to all who participated in our 2026 signature event!
As a follow up to last week’s story on the CLT lease discussions, the Charlotte City Council held a special meeting to continue the conversation it began last week. A vote on the final lease contract will take place November 9th. As background, review these key facts.
Key Details of the Veto and Debate
My Take: Finally. As a reminder, City and Airport Staff have been in negotiations about a new lease for two years or more. I’m encouraged a majority of the City Council has seen fit to allow for a final vote in the next several weeks. I’m also hopeful my newfound sense of optimism on this topic is not derailed by last minute political maneuvers. Stay tuned…
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