Notable businesswoman Dr. Shanté Williams is officially the new general director of Opera Carolina, which took effect on July 1.

Dr. Shante Williams makes history

Williams, a distinguished venture capitalist, business owner and private investor, succeeds James Meena, who served as general director and principal conductor.

This new appointment makes Williams the first woman and first person of color to lead Opera Carolina in its 75 year history.

“Opera Carolina’s remarkable 75-year history of excellence in opera, education and community leadership make it one of the premier arts organizations in North Carolina,” Williams said.

“Having been fortunate enough to serve on the board of directors, I am especially honored to carry the organization’s remarkable reputation forward. I look forward to leading the business operations as Maestro Meena continues to serve as Artistic Director. With a dynamic staff and passionate board, we will embrace and expand the company’s role as a leader in Charlotte’s artistic community and an agent for healing, inspiration and joy.”

Career

Before Opera Carolina, Williams served as CEO of Black Pearl Vision and global CEO of its parent company, Black Pearl Global Investments, a $25 million venture capital fund. She has used her wealth of scientific knowledge as well as her passion for innovation to solve complex problems across the industries of health, finance and real estate.

Opera Carolina finds an innovative new general director

The organization initiated a multi-year succession-planning process to identify a new general director. Following an interview process with the board of directors, the group approved Williams’ appointment. The announcement advances the succession plan and brings dynamic new leadership to the acclaimed organization.

“On behalf of the entire board of directors, I am thrilled Dr. Williams is joining us as our next general director,” said Board Chair Carol Kendrick.

“As a Charlotte native, she brings to the role a track record of success in fundraising and business, and we were collectively impressed by her extensive credentials and past support of Opera Carolina. We are confident we have found the right person to lead and inspire our community as we emerge from the pandemic and raise Opera Carolina to the next level of excellence.”

Opera Carolina will launch its 75th season on Oct. 30 with a benefit concert featuring renowned Italian singer Andrea Bocelli.

For more information about the upcoming season, visit operacarolina.org/75years.

The Franchise Game, the US’s first and only African American Franchise Symposium and Trade Show, is coming to Plano, Texas for a second year on Friday, August 16, 2024.

About The Franchise Game

The Franchise Game, spearheaded by Tarji Carter/The Franchise Player, Marketing Expert, Dessie Brown, Jr. and Brand Consultant, Daylon Goff, will take place at Yum! Restaurants International Corporate Campus from 8am-5pm CST.

Own Your Future

The symposium aims to bring together experts and industry leaders to discuss the secrets to success, challenges, and opportunities in franchising. The theme for this year’s event is Own Your Future: Franchising as a Path to True Independence.

Tarji Carter with Shannon Sharpe

The Franchise Game Schedule of Events

The day will kick off with a welcome from James Fripp (Chief Equity, Inclusion & Belonging Officer, Yum! Brands).

Discussions with industry heavyweights to include:

• Rachel Proctor (Mayor of DeSoto, TX and Multi-Unit Franchisee, Salata Salads)
• Andre Walters (Retired NFL Player, Multi-Unit Franchisee, Duck Donuts),
• Aicha Bascaro (Founder/CEO, American Franchise Academy) Tanya Nebo (Owner of Nebo Law Firm)
• Dominique Maddox (Founder of EATS Brokers)
• Shawn Caric (VP of Franchise Development, Smoothie King)
• Pam Gore (Director of Development Marketing, Dine Brands)
• Maureen DeStefano (VP of Franchise Development, Potbelly Sandwiches)
• Tarji Carter herself, on behalf of The Franchise Player.

Roland Parrish (CEO of Parrish Restaurants, Ltd, which owns and operates 24 McDonald’s restaurants in Dallas and the surrounding areas) will serve as the Guest of Honor for this year’s Fireside Chat.

“As we go into our second year of organizing this expo, we are still looking to attract multi-unit franchisees, owner/operators, potential investors, athletes, entertainers, and industry influencers,” says Carter, who has worked with some of the world’s most delicious brands, including Cinnabon, Carvel, Baskin Robbins, Dunkin, Wingstop, Edible Arrangements, Fuddruckers, and Bojangles’.

“We are looking to increase franchise ownership and wealth across the African American community by providing education, resources, and opportunities to aspiring franchisees and small business owners.”

Sessions

With the expo happening during Black Business Month (August), The Franchise Game also consists of sessions from franchisees, lawyers, business development officers, and operation managers.

Sessions include:

• A Day in the Life of a Franchisee (where attendees will learn from some of the industry’s best multi-unit franchisees)
• Talk to My Attorney! (where attendees will learn about the legal rights and responsibilities from franchise attorneys)
• Recipe for Success – Identifying The Ideal Franchisee (where top representatives from leading franchise brands will share insight on what makes an ideal franchise candidate)
• From One to Many: Mastering Multi-unit Ownership (where franchise veterans will provide detailed insight into the transition from the brand’s franchisee training to the essential skills you must acquire independently to achieve exponential growth)
• Taste of Ownership: Acquiring a Restaurant Franchise (an in-depth session on evaluating potential purchases)
• Franchise Freedom: Seizing Opportunities Amidst DEI Challenges (where Carter, The Franchise Player, will explore the urgent need for marginalized groups to enter franchising now amidst increasing threats to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) laws).

“This event is for all individuals who want to know more about franchising,” Carter adds. “Whether it be a novice, who just wants to get their foot in the door, or a current franchise who’s looking to expand into multi-unit franchising or diversifying their portfolio.”

Sponsors include Inspire Brands, American Franchise Academy, NeboLaw, GoTo Foods and Ben & Jerry’s.

Before the symposium and trade show, The Franchise Game will also hold a VIP Reception on Thursday, August 15, 2024 at On the Marquee in Frisco, TX.

To purchase tickets or for more information, please visit: www.thefranchiseplayer.com/tfg.

Higher Collective, the cannabis retail brand committed to fostering a new business model that champions social equity, opened its third location in Connecticut on Thursday, November 2, 2023.

Higher Collective New London

The new store, located at 595 Bank Street, New London, CT 06320, promises to bring a fresh and inclusive cannabis experience to the heart of the Whaling City.

A Revolutionary Retail Concept

Higher Collective New London states that they are not just another retail shop; but a beacon of community, diversity, and innovation within the cannabis industry.

With a strong commitment to social equity, Higher Collective aims to redefine the cannabis retail experience by offering a wide range of high-quality products and services, bringing a new level of inclusivity to the local cannabis community.

“We’re thrilled to continue our journey of transforming the cannabis industry with the opening of Higher Collective New London,” said Patrik Jonsson, Founder of Higher Collective. “From our partnership with Angie Lewis, Dispensary Owner in Killingly, to collaborating with Yanira Wolfgang-Pinto, Dispensary Owner in Willington, and now Tori Garrett, the owner of Higher Collective New London, we’ve had the privilege of kicking off the Higher Collective brand with a remarkable group of women. Each of them brings a unique and compelling perspective on the power of cannabis and is uniquely committed to enriching the communities they serve.”

Offerings

The Higher Collective Group is proud to offer a variety of cannabis products, including flowers, edibles, pre-rolls, and vape cartridges, all with varying levels of THC and onset times, ensuring that every customer can find the right product for their individual preferences.

Higher Collective New London will be open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays.

For more information, visit their website.