Five Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ (Ä¢¹½´«Ã½) students recently participated in a three-day Future Business Leaders of America Collegiate National Career Connections Conference in uptown Charlotte, giving them a closer look at corporate America and introducing them to business leaders and career possibilities.

Among the 140 delegates from states nationwide were Ä¢¹½´«Ã½'s Gage Barrier, Lani Pope, Callie Ball, Timothy Karabet, and Toby Neal, along with Chapter Co-adviser, Dan Hazlett.

The conference began with workshops led by a local lawyer, the state Society of Human Resource Managers president, a representative from the International Business Culture department at Krispy Kreme's new Charlotte headquarters, and a top executive from First Citizens Bank. An evening reception allowed delegates to talk individually with Harris-Teeter CEO and President Tammy DeBoer before her keynote presentation.

Meeting at the Foundation of the Carolinas' Levine Conference Center, the second day's schedule included workshops, a panel of business leaders, and tours of various businesses.

Johnson and Wales University hosted the third day's closing session, over which Neal presided. A panel of FBLA Collegiate graduate success stories included Amy Ray, a Senior Tax Accountant with BDO USA's offices in Charlotte and Ä¢¹½´«Ã½'s 2023 Outstanding Alumnus Award recipient.

"The Stanly students who attended the conference found it a motivating and interesting experience," Toby Neal commented. "Even though we are close to Charlotte, it was exciting to be in the city's heart, get a close look at top-level businesses, and meet various established and upcoming business leaders."

Harris Teeter CEO standing with Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ male student

Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ Student and FBLA Collegiate National President Toby Neal with Tammy DeBoer, President and CEO of Harris-Teeter and keynote speaker at a national "Career Connections" Conference held recently at the Foundation of the Carolinas' Levine Conference Center in Charlotte.