Charlotte, N.C. - (August 4, 2009) – The Charlotte region is at a crossroads. After three decades of growth driven by large corporations headquartered near the crossroads of Trade and Tryon, Charlotte is adapting itself to emerging economic challenges and opportunities — tapping into the region’s best talents and creative minds. A major step in that direction will occur on Wednesday, August 12 and Thursday, August 13 when Pamela Slim, author of Escape from Cubicle Nation, adds her voice to Charlotte’s business evolution.

Interactive Discussion & Networking Event
Wednesday, August 12, 5:30-7:30pm
Slim, noted blogger and expert on the transition to self-employment and entrepreneurship, will join local entrepreneurs and business innovators for an interactive discussion and networking event at Spirit Square on August 12 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The event is intended to be a break from the panel-discussion format, catalyzing conversation among many who will influence the future of innovation and entrepreneurship throughout the region.

A partial list of participants:

• Pamela Slim, author, Escape from Cubicle Nation
• John Bradberry, managing partner of Ready Founder Services
• Barbara Spradling, director of the The Innovation Institute at McColl Center for Visual Art
• Bruce Nofsinger, Principal/Co-Founder of Topics Education
• Winn Maddrey, VP Business Development of Topics Education
• Matt Spangard, founder of Edison Nation and partner with enventys
• Terry Cox, executive director of the Business Innovation & Growth Council
• Steve Partridge, managing director at Charlotte Regional Economic and Workforce Recovery Initiative
• James Funderburke, principal of Celadon
• Violeta Moser, VP/Co-founder of ReMark Inc.
• Mary Bruce, president of Kaleidoscope Business Options
• Brian Hamlett, of Charlotte Business Professionals, and President of mPower Consulting

Escape from cubicle nation workshop with pamela slim
Thursday, August 13, 8:30am - 4:30pm
In addition to the Spirit Square event, Slim will host a workshop at The Innovation Institute at McColl Center for Visual Art on Thursday, August 13 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 pm. The workshop is intended for aspiring entrepreneurs, small business owners, parents, early retirees and recently unemployed who are considering ways to bring in extra income.

Matt Spangard will host a tour for workshop participants at enventys, a Charlotte-based consumer product development and creative marketing firm, on Wednesday, August 12, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

*** Seating is limited for the workshop. Tickets are $138 each if registered before Thursday, August 6.
Visit Pam Slim's website for more information and to register.