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October 18, 2005 |
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 CATHY
BESSANTGLOBAL CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER, BANK OF AMERICA By Marilynn Bowler The vibrant, classy and very smart Global Chief Marketing Officer for Bank of America wow-ed the uptown Charlotte Rotary members and guests with her knowledge of the business of Charlotte, her quick wit and her appealing peeks into what makes her tick. As is typical, Cathy Bessant played to a packed house … in this case, just over two hundred of us enjoyed hearing her update on the CMS Task Force, the NASCAR Hall of Fame, and her year as Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce. Add to the mix, her "real job" which translates to being responsible for world-wide marketing for BofA, including customer analytics and research, brand, advertising, electronic marketing, sponsorships, and event-marketing. And, by the way, she assured us that her most important role is that of wife and mother to two really great kids, ages five and nine. Typically, perceived as "all business," Cathy talked first about her retired Navy pilot husband and the fact that he has flown in every conflict in which our country has been involved in recent years, except Iraq. As a result, she said, her household prides itself on their patriotism. She then commended Hunter Widener of BofA for his work with the City Committee, which Cathy perceives as vitally important in the development of young creative professionals who will someday take the lead in Charlotte's growth. Thirdly, our speaker begged forgiveness of Tim Newman. She kidded that she had promised Tim the next time she sang in the same room with him she would call on him to sing a solo but she gave him a hall pass this time. Those of us seated near him saw Tim's broad grin in response. Cathy then set about the business of talking about her current role in Charlotte. Having had the opportunity to work for Bank of America in Washington, three times in Charlotte, and in Tampa and Dallas, she spoke poignantly about our city, describing it as "one of America's most effective and attractive communities, something we locals fail to see, sometimes." She shared her perception that, as an employee of BofA, she is privy to the inner-workings of cities from coast-to-coast. The power structure in Charlotte today is far different than it was a mere decade or two ago. It's much less concentrated within a small handful of influential leaders … and that is a healthy, good thing. We need to look to new perspectives, take a hard look at what we should be "becoming." And, yes, there is still quite a bit to do as a community in order to assure Charlotte's continued growth. In fact, she said, taking our growth for granted may be one of the city's greatest risks. After providing a brief update on the new Charlotte Chamber executive director and the timeline for a final decision on the NASCAR Hall of Fame, Cathy offered several observations concerning Charlotte's future, a time when power will be much more broadly distributed. We should ask "Do we have the right people at the table … to make a decision?" For example, the NASCAR Hall of Fame. NASCAR is big business … in fact, a $4- billion industry. We need to work inclusively to protect and grow that $4-billion industry right here in the Charlotte region, where it is the fifth-largest employer. The total economic impact of the Hall of Fame will be between $60 and $80 million a year. CMS Task Force: The greatest challenge to our schools can be summed up in one word - "growth." We need be aware of the high quality of work that happens everyday in our schools and, at the same time, engage in a constructive and deliberate dialogue about how we will govern ourselves. We must commit to find a way to manage our public school system effectively, efficiently and equitably. Charlotte Chamber of Commerce: As a city we compete to attract and retain "destination assets," such as the NASCAR Hall of Fame. More important, though, is ensuring that we consistently invest over the long term in the core infrastructure of the community. A sustainable investment plan strengthens Charlotte's ability to attract business and industry, and retain a population that is attractive to business and industry. We must win that battle and then sustain over the long term. Vision, a plan, inclusiveness, and community assets - all add up to our ability to maximize our strengths. After taking questions, Cathy closed her remarks with a tribute to Rotary, commenting on the importance of demonstrating community, fellowship and relationship-building. Head Table: Bob Weeks, David Lewis, Herb Harriss, John Tabor, Hunter Widener, Steve Meckler; Invocation: Carol Hughes Visitors & Guests: Todd Owens; Health & Happiness: Worth Williamson, Song: Richard Early
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Revised: January 24, 2008.