Join us for an engaging panel discussion about the future of economic development in South Charlotte and the surrounding region.
Moderated by The Charlotte Ledger’s Tony Mecia, the panel will feature key leaders driving our business growth efforts, including Tracy Dodson, Chief Operating Officer of the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance; Solange Tricanowicz, Business Recruitment Manager at the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina; and Mitch Miller, Director of York County Economic Development. They will share insights on the factors influencing regional growth, emerging business opportunities, and the increasing importance of collaboration.
Tracy Dodson, COO, Charlotte Regional Business ALliance
Tracy Finch Dodson is the chief operating officer and head of economic development for the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance. In her role, Tracy oversees economic development, research, marketing, communications, business development, and investor relations for the organization. Under Tracy’s leadership, the organization continues to successfully leverage strong business relationships on the local, county, regional, and state levels.
Tracy previously served as assistant city manager and director of economic development for the City of Charlotte, where she had oversight of three departments: Charlotte Water, Charlotte Douglas International Airport, and Intergovernmental Relations. Tracy guided the City of Charlotte in developing a vibrant regional economic ecosystem. Her ability to foster strong partnerships on the local, county, regional, and state levels has been a driving force in advancing Charlotte’s economic prosperity.
Tracy earned a bachelor’s degree in architecture and psychology from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She later attended Harvard University, where she earned a master in design studies degree in real estate and urban development.
Solange Tricanowicz, Business Recruitment Manager, EDPNC
Solange Tricanowicz is a Business Recruitment Manager at the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, where she leads projects that foster job creation and investment throughout the state. The mission of EDPNC is to improve the economic well being for all North Carolinians by recruiting new business, supporting existing employers, assisting companies with international trade, counseling small business and promoting North Carolina as a tourism destination. Prior to her current role, Solange served as the Director for Corporate Engagement at UNC Charlotte, where she played a pivotal role in establishing and fortifying connections between the university and the business community.
In addition to her professional endeavors, Solange has served as the Young Professionals Board Chair for the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance, and served as a Ruth G. Shaw Leadership Program mentor at Central Piedmont Community College. Solange holds a Master of Science in Organizational Communication from Northeastern University and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication & Spanish from The University of Tulsa.
Mitch Miller, Director of York County Economic Development
Mitch Miller is focused on building connections that move communities forward. As Director of Economic Development for York County, South Carolina, he’s helping bridge the Charlotte region’s momentum with South Carolina’s drive to grow differently by connecting people, ideas, and place.
Before joining York County, Mitch spent more than a decade in Northeast Tennessee, where he helped form a public–private partnership that raised over $5 million in support, recruited more than 5,000 jobs, and sparked $88 million in new private investment that helped transform downtown Johnson City.
Today, Mitch leads initiatives like Project Trailmix and Digital Main Street, where trails meet talent and small businesses meet digital opportunity. He’s also the creator of EconDevTalk, a digital video platform inspiring a more creative, connected, and community-driven approach to economic development.
