The Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce is hosting the new Cornelius Arts Director and the President of the Arts and Science Council this Friday when they discuss “Creating a Wave of Arts Awareness for our Lake Norman region.” The Focus Friday event will be held Friday, July 21 from 8:30 until 10 am at the chamber’s conference room, 19900 West Catawba Ave.
Justin Dionne, the newly hired first Executive Director of the Cornelius Arts Center, will be discussing the ongoing fund raising and plans for the Center. Dionne is the former Managing Artistic Director of Lee Street theatre, in Salisbury. In his five years there, he grew the company from a volunteer-led organization to a renowned leader in the state for theatre. Dionne’s leadership drove the campaign to renovate an historic 1920’s warehouse into a performing arts center that became the centerpiece of the RailWalk Arts District in Salisbury. He is passionate about how the arts impact communities, both culturally and economically.
Dionne is joined by Robert Bush, President of the Arts & Science Council (ASC). A nationally known leader in the local arts agency community, Bush joined the ASC in 2000. He was named President in 2014. In his current role, he is responsible for ensuring ASC’s mission, annual goals and long-term objectives are advanced by setting the strategy and vision for the organization, as well as the tone for an organizational culture that supports ASC’s mission, goals and strategies. He also ensures the organization has the necessary human capital to advance its mission, while directing and overseeing the tactical activities designed to produce the desired results and leading efforts to secure and allocate resources so its mission is progressed. In addition to serving as the chief strategic and executive officer for the organization, Bush serves as the lead representative on behalf of ASC to the broader community, as well as its various constituencies
Bill Russell, president of the Lake Norman Chamber is excited about bringing these two arts leaders together to share their insight with the business community at large. “Arts and Culture is a critical component of what makes our Lake Norman region and the Charlotte area such an attractive place to live, work and visit. This Focus Friday will be extremely informative as we discuss how to harness the wave of arts awareness sweeping the Lake Norman region!”
Focus Friday is a public policy program of the Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce which examines community and legislative issues from multiple perspectives. While intended for Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce members and community leaders, guests are welcome by RSVP to the Chamber at 704-892-1922. Focus Friday is presented by Novant Health – Huntersville Medical Center and sponsored by Business Today and WSIC 100.7 FM. The program is emceed by Public Policy Chairman Joshua Dobi.
The Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce, with approximately 1,000 business members, represents the Huntersville, Davidson, Cornelius, and greater Lake Norman regional business community.
