South Charlotte Partners Breakfast Club

About the South Charlotte Partners Breakfast Club

The South Charlotte Partners Breakfast Club is an innovative evolution of the esteemed Ballantyne Breakfast Club, originally founded in 2001 as a key communication platform for South Charlotte residents. Now orchestrated by South Charlotte Partners, this refreshed event series remains committed to keeping our community well-informed, fostering connections, and advocating for local interests.

Join Us For Our Next SCP Breakfast Club Event!

Event Day & Time:

Thursday, February 20 · 8 – 9:30am EST

Venue:

Hestia Rooftop

14819 Ballantyne Village Way #16th Floor Charlotte, NC 28277

To Inquire About Sponsorship Opportunities:

Reach out to [email protected]

Join us for our February Breakfast Club as we explore what it takes to build and sustain a global business in South Charlotte. With our city’s increasing international connections, we’ll hear from experts across various global communities who are shaping the business landscape right here in Charlotte.

Our panel discussion will feature leaders from international chambers and business networks, sharing insights on how to succeed in global markets, navigate cultural differences, and tap into the resources available for international business growth in South Charlotte.

Panelists:

Hans Hilgenstock (German Chamber of Commerce): Learn how German companies are growing in Charlotte and what unique strategies help them succeed in the U.S. market.
Ann Gonzales (Carolina Asian American Chamber): Ann will discuss the role of Asian American businesses in Charlotte and how cultural understanding fosters international growth.
Troy Pelshak (African Business Community): Troy will share how African entrepreneurs are expanding their influence in Charlotte and the importance of building cross-continental relationships.
Aleksandra Degernes (Eastern European Chamber of Commerce): Aleksandra will provide insights into how Eastern European businesses are integrating into the local economy and the importance of networking and collaboration.
Jose Alvarez (Prospera North Carolina): Jose will highlight how Latinx businesses are driving economic growth in the region and how community support can lead to broader international success.

This event is a great opportunity to learn from experts, expand your network, and gain valuable insights on growing your global business in South Charlotte. Don’t miss out on this dynamic conversation with our international business leaders!

Panelists:

Tracy Dodson, Assistant City Manager, City of Charlotte
Tracy Finch Dodson has been an Assistant City Manager for the City of Charlotte since 2018, overseeing economic development and key city departments like Charlotte Water, Charlotte Douglas International Airport, and Intergovernmental Relations. She plays a pivotal role in driving the city’s economic growth, workforce development, and corporate recruitment, successfully attracting major companies such as Honeywell and Lowes, resulting in over 5,200 jobs and $300 million in investments. Tracy has also led high-profile negotiations with sports franchises such as the Charlotte Hornets and Carolina Panthers, and guided projects like the Gateway Station transportation hub. With over 20 years of experience in real estate development, economic development and brokerage, she previously served as senior vice president at Lincoln Harris.

John Barton, President, Northwood Office
With nearly 30 years of experience in commercial real estate, John Barton serves as president of Northwood Office. His focus is to further enhance Northwood’s office leasing and operations, integrate more mixed uses into Ballantyne, and grow the company’s management platform in other markets. Prior to Northwood, John served as managing director and co-head of HFF’s Office Investment Advisory Group in Atlanta, where he handled sales of office buildings in the Southeast. Before joining HFF, John served as Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Parkway Properties, where he was responsible for the company’s Atlanta and Philadelphia markets. During his 16-year career at Parkway, he was directly involved in all aspects of asset management, including leasing, operations, and joint ventures in multiple Sunbelt and Mid-Atlantic markets.

Ron Pappas, Owner, New Leaf Communities
Having served in both municipal and corporate leadership positions throughout his career, Ron Pappas brings over 40 years of executive experience to his role as owner of New Leaf Communities. Ron also served as Mayor of Waxhaw. His senior positions include Region President, President, and Vice President for top Fortune 500 Real Estate Development and Home Building Companies, President of a Regional Real Estate Brokerage Services company, and comprehensive involvement in County and regional Planning Boards.

Chris Thomas, Partner, Retail, Childress Klein
With over four decades of retail experience, Chris Thomas heads Childress Klein’s retail development, marketing and leasing practice. In this role, he focuses on market analysis, site acquisition, negotiating major tenant and specialty tenant leases, property disposition, implementing marketing plans and third-party owner relationships. Chris has extensive experience in shopping center development, retail site selection, tenant representation, and structuring and negotiating transactions.

November Breakfast Club Panelists

Tracy Dodson, Assistant City Manager, City of Charlotte

Tracy Finch Dodson has been an Assistant City Manager for the City of Charlotte since 2018, overseeing economic development and key city departments like Charlotte Water, Charlotte Douglas International Airport, and Intergovernmental Relations. She plays a pivotal role in driving the city’s economic growth, workforce development, and corporate recruitment, successfully attracting major companies such as Honeywell and Lowes, resulting in over 5,200 jobs and $300 million in investments. Tracy has also led high-profile negotiations with sports franchises such as the Charlotte Hornets and Carolina Panthers, and guided projects like the Gateway Station transportation hub. With over 20 years of experience in real estate development, economic development and brokerage, she previously served as senior vice president at Lincoln Harris.

John Barton, President, Northwood Office

With nearly 30 years of experience in commercial real estate, John Barton serves as president of Northwood Office. His focus is to further enhance Northwood’s office leasing and operations, integrate more mixed uses into Ballantyne, and grow the company’s management platform in other markets. Prior to Northwood, John served as managing director and co-head of HFF’s Office Investment Advisory Group in Atlanta, where he handled sales of office buildings in the Southeast. Before joining HFF, John served as Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Parkway Properties, where he was responsible for the company’s Atlanta and Philadelphia markets. During his 16-year career at Parkway, he was directly involved in all aspects of asset management, including leasing, operations, and joint ventures in multiple Sunbelt and Mid-Atlantic markets.

Ron Pappas, Owner, New Leaf Communities

Having served in both municipal and corporate leadership positions throughout his career, Ron Pappas brings over 40 years of executive experience to his role as owner of New Leaf Communities. Ron also served as Mayor of Waxhaw. His senior positions include Region President, President, and Vice President for top Fortune 500 Real Estate Development and Home Building Companies, President of a Regional Real Estate Brokerage Services company, and comprehensive involvement in County and regional Planning Boards.

Chris Thomas, Partner, Retail, Childress Klein

With over four decades of retail experience, Chris Thomas heads Childress Klein’s retail development, marketing and leasing practice. In this role, he focuses on market analysis, site acquisition, negotiating major tenant and specialty tenant leases, property disposition, implementing marketing plans and third-party owner relationships. Chris has extensive experience in shopping center development, retail site selection, tenant representation, and structuring and negotiating transactions.