Gov 101 helps residents “contribute to the conversation”
Judging by the attendance at the most recent Government 101 course, Cabarrus residents are interested in exploring what makes this community so special.
The latest
iteration—which tackled the important topic of economic development and what it
means to the community—drew a crowd of 30. That’s 10 more than the normal
course limit. A waitlist was needed.
Gov 101
originally launched as a 10-week course that covered a gamut of
government-related topics. Organizers later decided to make it a one-day
session around hot topics to help draw interest and accommodate the schedules
of attendees.
Past events
have included breakdowns of the County’s budget, recycling, public safety and
active living. The series is open to all Cabarrus County residents 18 and
older.
Under the
new format, presentations come from the County and partner organizations. The
day is filled with interactive group exercises and other activities.
The format
of the program is part of the draw, according to Dominique Clark, Cabarrus
County’s outreach coordinator. “These topics can sometimes seem dull on the
surface,” Clark said. “That changes when the participants hear directly from
the people involved about how these topics affect them personally. I’ve been a
part of these events for two years now, and it never fails—by mid-morning, the
majority of the group are heavily involved in the conversation.”
During the
economic development workshop, attendees learned how incentives work and
connected with representatives from groups such as the Cabarrus Convention and
Visitors Bureau and the Cabarrus Chamber of Commerce, along with County
leaders.
Yeathus
Johnson of Concord knew the value of these types of workshops after taking a
similar one years ago in New Jersey. He recently moved to the area, and
attended the March 24 session.
“What
impressed me most … was learning about recruitment and the emphasis on new
business coming into the county,” he said. “I think most of us who attended are
inspired and motivated to make our county a better place to live, so as a new
resident, I want to know how I can get involved and use … my gifts, talents and
passion to help others.”
Robert
Anderson decided to take the class because “I wanted to learn more about how
Cabarrus County was managing economic growth along with population growth. I
enjoyed the variety of speakers … it showed how much the county collaborates
with other agencies when making decisions.”
The next
Gov 101 will cover the various ways community plays a role in Cabarrus, with an
emphasis on the arts.
To learn
more and be notified of future offerings, email outreach@cabarruscounty.us.
In addition
to Yeathus Johnson and Robert Anderson, participants in the most recent
workshop included Tammy Lamoreux, Jacob Abel, Crystal Brauer, Alicia Rocco,
Cindy Ryan, Gary Davis, Stephanie Morris, Elesha Ellison, Danielle Kuhn, Peter
Sabo, Jeffery Jackson, Valerie Jackson, Brenda Austin, Mike Roberts, Sandra
Odell, Martin Ericson, Kellie Cartwright, Parish Moffitt, Johnny Kendall, Lori
Stewart, Alan Thompson, Jamie Baker, Griselle Negron, Vanessa Miles, Kevin
Johnson, Thomas Hill.
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