2026 The FORWARD Summit

Description

Businesses that win don't wait. THEY INNOVATE. The FORWARD Summit is where Wayne County businesses who are ready to elevate to the next level gather to challenge complacency and spark innovation to guarantee a future for their businesses. One powerful morning. Limited access.

Our powerful keynote speakers include: 

• Carol Aebersold, Creator and Co-founder of Elf of the Shelf
• Bobby Frye, President & CEO of Mount Olive Pickle Company
• Dr. Michael Langley, Assistant Dean of Tillman School of Business at the University of Mount Olive

Conference Agenda

8:30 – 9:00 AM | Networking Social Hour

• Light breakfast/coffee and local vendor tables    

9:00 – 9:10 AM | Opening Remarks

• Welcome by Todd Walker, President/CEO, Wayne County Chamber of Commerce

9:10 – 9:50 AM | Keynote Speaker – Carol Aebersold

Title Suggestion: “From Family Tradition to Global Phenomenon: The Power of Storytelling in Business”

Focus Points:

• Entrepreneurial Origins: How “The Elf on the Shelf” started as a family story and became a worldwide brand.
• Creative Branding: Turning an idea into a movement through emotional connection and strategic marketing.
• Authenticity in Business: Staying true to your mission and values while scaling growth.
• Lessons for Local Entrepreneurs: Innovation can come from anywhere — even your own living room.
• Inspiring Creativity: Encouraging Wayne County businesses to think differently about their products, stories, and customers.

💡 Tie-In: “Innovation starts with imagination — and community support can make it soar.”

9:50 – 10:30 AM | Keynote Speaker – Congressman Don Davis

Title Suggestion: “The Future of Economic Growth in Eastern North Carolina”

Focus Points:

• Federal and State Opportunities: Updates on legislation, grants, and programs that support small business development and rural economic growth.
• Infrastructure and Workforce: How investment in broadband, transportation, and education strengthens business ecosystems.
• Public-Private Partnerships: How local chambers and businesses can collaborate with government to attract investment.
• Leadership and Service: Lessons from military and congressional service — building trust and leading with integrity.
• Call to Action: Encouraging Wayne County business leaders to engage in policy discussions and advocate for growth opportunities.

💡 Tie-In: “Progress requires partnership — from Washington to Wayne County.”

10:30 – 11:10 AM | Keynote Speaker – Bobby Frye, President/CEO, Mount Olive Pickle Company

Title Suggestion: “Leading with Purpose: Building a Legacy of Growth and Community”

Focus Points:

• Business Longevity and Leadership: How Mount Olive has remained a trusted, family-rooted brand for over a century.
• Scaling with Integrity: Balancing innovation and tradition in a competitive market.
• Corporate Citizenship: The role of community involvement and employee investment in long-term success.
• Rural Economic Impact: Lessons for Wayne County businesses on how local enterprises can drive regional prosperity.
• Resilience and Adaptation: Leadership lessons from navigating market changes, supply chain challenges, and workforce shifts.

💡 Tie-In: “When business succeeds, communities thrive.”

11:10 – 11:55 AM | Panel Discussion

Topic: “Forward Together: The Future of Business in Wayne County”

• Discussion themes:
  • The role of innovation and creativity in rural economies
  • Building a workforce ready for the next decade
  • The power of collaboration across sectors

11:55 AM – 12:00 PM | Closing Remarks

“Our community moves forward when every business, big or small, takes one step together.”