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INSIDE ▼ Brewer toasts state recognition
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Friday, October 10, 2025 • Vol. 25 • No. 41
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Monroe launches Office of Economic Development MONROE – The City of Monroe has established the Office of Economic Development to lead efforts in attracting, retaining and expanding Donna business opportunities D’Alessandro O’Keefe in the community.
The office will be led by Director Teresa Campo, who most recently served as the city’s strategic projects manager. “Monroe has always had Teresa Campo a strong commitment to economic vitality, but this new office allows us to bring focus, coordination and strategy
to that mission, and Director Campo is the perfect person to lead the way,” City Manager Mark Watson said. “As a full-service city with electric, natural gas, water and fiber utilities, Monroe is perfectly positioned to help prospective industries find a home here.” Campo, who has more than 20 years of leadership in local government, has worked across infrastructure development, workforce programs, revitalization and community initiatives. She is a member of the International Economic Development Council and the North Carolina Economic Development Association, holding multiple state certifications. “It is a privilege to transition to this new role under the city manager,” Campo said.
“I was honored to work alongside Economic Development Hall of Fame inductee Walt Sprouse in building the foundation of Monroe’s economic efforts. We are focused on facilitating new business opportunities, business retention and expansion, and strategic partnerships to strengthen the city's economy and support sustainable growth. I look forward to building tomorrow, today.” Donna D’Alessandro O’Keefe joins the team as existing business and industry manager. She previously served as the city’s downtown manager. O’Keefe brings more than 30 years of leadership experience in workforce training, national retail management and business development.
WALK TO END ALZHEIMER’S KICKS OFF OCT. 18
“I am thrilled to have been chosen as part of this team,” O’Keefe said. “I am dedicated to strengthening our existing business community and am eager to contribute my skills to support our outstanding companies, with the goal of assisting them to grow and flourish.” The new office builds on the city’s economic development efforts by streamlining services, expanding resources and creating new opportunities for collaboration. “Teresa and Donna’s leadership ensures our economic development office is ready to go to work from day one,” Watson said. “With their knowledge, experience and vision, Monroe is well positioned for continued growth.”
Union County Arts Council in search of new home MONROE – When the Union County Community Arts Council’s lease at the Ellen Fitzgerald facility ends in July 2026, the City of Monroe plans to repurpose the building for municipal use.
The Alzheimer’s Association hosts 17 walks across North Carolina, including the one scheduled for Oct. 18 at Trusit Field in Charlotte.
Photos courtesy of The Alzheimer’s Association
CHARLOTTE – The Alzheimer’s Association invites residents of Mecklenburg County and nearby areas to join the fight to end Alzheimer’s.
Presented by The Sharon at SouthPark, the Alzheimer’s Association - Western Carolina Chapter will host Walk to End Alzheimer’s – Charlotte on Oct. 18 at Truist Field, 324 S. Mint St. Check-in opens at 9 a.m., followed by the opening ceremony at 10 a.m. and the walk afterward. “This is a pivotal moment in the fight against Alzheimer’s. There are now treatments that change the course of the disease,” said Katherine L. Lambert, CEO of the Alzheimer’s Association - Western Carolina Chapter.
“We hope that everyone in our community can join us by starting a team to help the Alzheimer’s Association raise awareness and funds for families facing the disease today, take more steps toward treatments and finally ending this disease.” On the day of the walk, participants honor those affected by Alzheimer’s with the Promise Garden ceremony. During this ceremony, walkers hold pinwheel flowers of various colors representing their personal connection to the disease. Visit act.alz.org/Charlotte or call 800-2723900 to register as a participant or team captain, or learn about becoming a sponsor or volunteer.
The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s raises awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research.
Forum explores future of manufacturing industry MONROE – South Piedmont Community College and the Union County Chamber of Commerce will host a forum designed for those leading and partnering with the local manufacturing industry.
Attendees will gain insights and best practices that will help them navigate the ever-changing manufacturing industry landscape. “Manufacturing is facing a number of significant challenges, from workforce shortages to rapidly evolving technologies to the effects of tariffs,” said Latoya Billings, director of corporate education and training. “In Anson and Union counties, where manufacturing is one of our largest industries, the challenges are particularly acute. This event is about bringing
together the leading minds in manufacturing, both on a local and national scale, learning from one another, sharing ideas and moving forward in our collective strength.” The forum, “Sailing Through the Storm: Building Resilience in Our Manufacturing Industry,” will take place from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Oct. 14 at the Rolling Hills Country Club, 2722 W. Roosevelt Blvd. Register to attend at https://tinyurl.com/v78xt3yc. In addition to a customer loyalty instructor, leading the discussion at the event will be Michael Barbera, chief behavioral officer at Clicksuasion Labs, and Wade Younger, CEO of The Value Wave. The agenda for the event includes: • 8-8:30 a.m. Registration and networking
breakfast • 8:30-8:45 a.m. Welcome and opening remarks • 8:45-9:30 a.m. Customer Loyalty in a Disrupted World • 9:30-10:15 a.m. Selling Through Disruption • 10:15-10:30 a.m. Break • 10:30-11:15 a.m. Leadership in the Trenches: Building Trust & Retaining Talent (panel discussion with local manufacturing leaders from Amcor, Glenmark, O'Neil Digital and Southern Fabricators) • 11:15 a.m. Workforce and AI: Recruiting, Reskilling and Retention • 12-12:30 p.m. Networking lunch and closing
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While this means the arts council will be relocating, the city and arts council remain committed to ensuring the arts continue to thrive in Monroe and Union County. “The city values its long relationship with the arts council and is pleased to provide space for its operations,” City Manager Mark Watson said. “Moving forward, the use of the Ellen Fitzgerald facility for city operations ensures city staff can continue delivering quality services without the city taking on additional debt. It is always a balance to meet service needs, make the best use of existing facilities and support community providers.” The city’s partnership with the arts council dates back to 1980. Over the years, this collaboration has included office and program space, grant support and opportunities to work together on city events. For the past two years, the arts council has been housed at the Ellen Fitzgerald facility, where expanded gallery exhibits, workshops and free space for arts groups to rehearse, meet, teach and perform have enriched the community. Both organizations are exploring new opportunities for a permanent home for the arts council that will allow it to continue serving the community. “We’re proud of our long partnership with the City of Monroe and grateful for the opportunities this space has provided,” said Melanie Miller, executive director for the arts council. “When change occurs, so do new avenues for growth and impact. As we plan for our next chapter, we look forward to continuing to cultivate and celebrate the arts in Monroe and throughout Union County.”