The Making of A Global City: International Business & Communities in Charlotte
Charlotte is home to thousands of companies and entrepreneurs with an impressive international footprint. Companies from Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada, and others have flocked to this region since the 1920s. Primarily a destination for manufacturing chemicals and machinery for North Carolina’s textile plants, the Charlotte region has attracted companies like Siemens, Husqvarna, Compass Group, Domtar, BASF, Electrolux, Ahold Delhaize, and BAE Systems to have a significant international business presence in the Carolinas.
Join us on Thursday, September 17th at 2:00 p.m. EDT as we have a conversation with Marcus Jones, Charlotte City Manager about Charlotte’s transformation as one of the largest FDI and international business incubators in the southeast with a world-class intermodal system, diverse talent, comprehensive workforce development programs, and a business-friendly corporate environment.
WACC Distinguished Speaker Series
Date: Thursday, September 17, 2020
Time: 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Register online: Free (WACC member) | $10 (non-member)
Mailing address for check payments:
World Affairs Council of Charlotte
c/o UNC Charlotte
9201 University City Blvd.
CHHS 227
Charlotte, NC 28223
Biography
Marcus D. Jones is the City Manager for the City of Charlotte, which operates under a council-manager form of government. City Council sets policy objectives and the City Manager ensures runs the day-to-day operations of the city, ensuring city operations and business are carried out and administered effectively and in alignment with Council policy objectives. Mr. Jones maintains fiscal stewardship over the city’s $2.6 billion budget in addition to operations of the city’s 20 departments. These responsibilities include community safety, economic development, public transit (bus and light rail) as well as the Charlotte, NC airport (CLT).
Jones is a respected leader in government affairs at the city, regional and national levels. He is immersed in the Charlotte community, fostering and developing relationships in the business, arts and culture, philanthropic and faith-based communities. He is an active board member with the Leading on Opportunity Task Force, Charlotte Center City Partners, Envision Charlotte, TreesCharlotte, YMCA, Charlotte Regional Business Alliance Executive Committee and the National Forum for Black Public Administrators.
Jones’ energetic, collaborative approach to government and business has transformed organizations to become action-oriented guided by the city vision and strategy. He challenges teams to innovate and develop partnerships internally and across the community, resulting in long-term, sustainable programs that support upward mobility, job growth and economic development, improved community safety and stronger city and regional brands.
Jones has more than 25 years of public service experience at the city and state level. His prior experience includes serving as the City Manager, Assistant City Manager and budget director for the City of Norfolk. He also served as the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for Richmond, VA and the Deputy Secretary of finance for two governors in the Commonwealth of Virginia. While serving with the state government, Jones gained a strong reputation for his ability to negotiate complex financial and legislative issues across party lines.
Jones earned his Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration from James Madison University and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Virginia Commonwealth University.