Yi Deng, Ph.D
Dean and Professor, College of Computing and Informatics
UNC Charlotte
By: Sheila Cottringer
    
                          
Dr. Deng spoke to Charlotte Rotarians about the importance of developing the New human capital in Charlotte if we planned to remain competitive in attracting new businesses to our area.
 
He began the program by explaining that UNC Charlotte was ranked within the top ten "up-and-coming national universities" in 2008 by U.S. News and World Report. UNC Charlotte has 25,000 students, 170 bachelor's, master's and doctoral programs. Additionally, it is the only major research university in the greater Charlotte region.
Dr. Deng explained that Charlotte had one of the few colleges of computing and informatics in the U.S. in UNC Charlotte and they were on the cutting edge of research. They recently received $10 million in external research funding.
 
The 21st Century economy will be one that is a knowledge-based innovation-driven economy. There will be fast change, a short lifecycle, differentiation. In order to be competitive, Charlotte must ensure workers have knowledge, are innovative and entrepreneurial. He explained that Charlotte's key industries of banking and financial services, healthcare and energy were currently in a major transition and there will be more national and international competition for talent.
 
Currently Charlotte has an attractive business climate with strong leadership and a highly livable community. But, with a robust technology-driven economy it is more important than ever for Charlotte to develop the New human capital. Dr. Deng challenged us to think about a partnership of Charlotte businesses, economic development organizations and universities or colleges to foster economic development while positioning Charlotte as the hub of intelligent, innovative, tech savvy workers.
 
This can be done by working together to build large-scale education and training programs that are on the cutting edge producing a highly talented pool of employees for Charlotte companies. In doing this, we will be developing a robust innovation infrastructure with the capability to develop business solutions. This will drive more investment and businesses to the region and will develop an opportunity to attract state and federal funding to our region. It is also important to develop a support system for entrepreneurs, he said. In addition, it is important to attract new students to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields of study.
 
No single organization can do this alone and we must work together with business leaders, university leaders and our political leaders to connect the dots and make a move in a big way to maintain Charlotte's momentum to become a world class city and economy. Timing is everything according to Dr. Deng. "If we do it now, we will lead - otherwise, others will, and Charlotte will lose its competitive edge."
   
 
Head Table: Henry Bostic, David Dunn, John Snyder, Ed Kizer, Mary Lynne Calhoun, Byron Bullard;
Invocation: Benton Bragg;
Visitors & Guests: Mike Rash; Health & Happiness: David Erdman; Song: Matt Ryan; Piano: Thomas Moore: Photos: Bert Voswinkel

• Welcome new Rotarians: Brad Crotts introduced by Joey Godbold, is an architect with Perkins Eastman and can be reached at b.crotts@perkinseastman.com; Tony Zeiss introduced Dan Ramirez, president of Nova Digital Systems and former member of the Ballantyne Rotary Club. Contact Dan at dan@danramirez.com.
    
• Did you see Harold Cogdell's story of adoption and finding his birth family in Sunday's Observer? Southern Shows is celebrating their 50th year and you will find photos/press coverage of the Zimmerman family (David, Joan and Robert) everywhere! Congratulations to Bill Stegelmeyer upon his retirement from the Karat Patch; Ed Driggs has been named to the national board for the Association for Public Television Stations.
   
• B. B. "Bill" Parker passed away March 9, 2010. Mr. Parker was a member of Charlotte Rotary from May, 1961 until his resignation in February, 2005. A complete obituary will be published on March 11th. Visitation will be March 12 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at Southminister and funeral services will be March 13th, 1 p.m. at Myers Park Methodist Church.
  
• The 2010 Habitat for Humanity project kicks off Thursday, March 11th. This year's build is a joint effort with Selwyn Avenue Presbyterian Church and the Charlotte Area Rotary clubs. Charlotte Rotary is responsible for providing volunteers on April 16 (drywall day), however, volunteers are welcome any day. The schedule and sign up options are available here.
      
• The next Flight of Honor is scheduled for April 10th. For those not familiar, FOH is a District-wide project to fly WW II Veterans to Washington on a day-trip to visit their memorial. Charlotte Rotary was a generous supporter of two previous flights. Anyone wishing to make a personal donation to this project can make their check payable to Rotary Flight of Honor and send to the Rotary office.
  
• ROTARY DISTRICT CONFERENCE 2010 will be held in Wilmington April 23-25. All Rotarians and their families are invited to attend. Reservations can be booked at the Hilton Riverside, 910-763-5900. Prior to March 22, the rate will be $169 per night. Conference registration rates for Rotarians: $175 (by 2/23), $195 (by 3/22) or $225 (by 4/16). Guest registration: $155 (by 2/23), $175 (by 3/22), $195 (by 4/16). The registration covers 4 meals: Friday dinner, Saturday breakfast & dinner, and Sunday breakfast. Registration can be handled on the District database (www.dacdb.com) 

Should you question the eligibility of any nominee, contact the Rotary office by 3/15/2010.