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October 2026 Luncheon: Biotech Means Business: The Growth Shaping North Carolina’s Future

October 13, 2026 In Luncheon Summary

October 2026 Luncheon: Biotech Means Business: The Growth Shaping North Carolina’s Future

Submitted by Davina Thorpe, LeChase Construction

Life Sciences is MORE than Lab Coats — and Charlotte is proving it!

CREW Charlotte’s October Luncheon, Biotech Means Business, was a powerful reminder that life sciences extends far beyond traditional laboratories. From research and development to advanced manufacturing and pharmaceutical innovation, understanding the unique needs of this industry is essential for commercial real estate professionals. One of the biggest takeaways? Charlotte is no longer just an emerging market; it’s becoming a destination for global life sciences investment and talent. Eli Lilly’s Concord investment is a prime example, with approximately 65% of its hires not requiring relocation. Even more impressive, teams from five new Lilly sites are coming to North Carolina to learn from its success. And at The Pearl, professionals arriving from California, Boston, and Europe are discovering that Charlotte offers far more than they expected — both professionally and personally.

The biggest takeaway for our CREW community: Know your industry, know your site, and know your resources!Not every life sciences project is the same, and understanding which operations your properties can support is critical. If you’re working with a life sciences client, connect them with the North Carolina Biotechnology Center (NCBiotech) — a tremendous resource and competitive advantage for our state. Between our workforce, global connectivity, international presence, and collaborative partnerships, Charlotte has a compelling story to tell. The opportunity isn’t just to watch this industry grow — it’s to help shape where it grows next!

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August 24, 2026 In Job Posts

Electrical Engineer – GHT

Join GHT and help shape the future of our growing presence in the Carolinas.

GHT is looking for an electrical engineer with 8+ years of electrical design experience. With demonstrated proficiency in electrical design and working knowledge of applicable codes and standards, you’ll work on a diverse portfolio of commercial, multifamily, and institutional projects.

Beyond engineering design, this opportunity offers strong career growth, including mentoring engineers, building client relationships, and playing a key role in expanding our work across the region.

If you’re a motivated professional with strong electrical engineering design expertise, a collaborative mindset, and a desire to make a meaningful impact while growing into leadership, we’d love to hear from you.

North Carolina PE licensure is strongly preferred.

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August 24, 2026 In Job Posts

Mechanical Engineer – GHT

Join GHT and help shape the future of our growing presence in the Carolinas.

GHT is looking for a mechanical engineer with 4-13 years of HVAC design experience. Beyond designing commercial, multifamily, and institutional environments, you’ll have the opportunity to mentor engineers, lead multidisciplinary project teams, build client relationships, and play a key role in expanding our work across the region.

If you’re a motivated professional with strong HVAC design expertise, a collaborative mindset, and a desire to make a meaningful impact while growing into leadership, we’d love to hear from you.

North Carolina PE licensure is strongly preferred.

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August 17, 2026 In Job Posts

Property Manager – Industrial / Flex / Retail – Whiteside Properties

Commercial Property Manager — Industrial Portfolio
Whiteside Properties | Charlotte, NC

About the Role

Whiteside Properties, a boutique commercial real estate brokerage serving the Charlotte MSA, is seeking a Commercial Property Manager to oversee a growing portfolio of industrial properties. This position can be structured as full-time or part-time depending on the experience and availability of the right candidate — we’re prioritizing finding the best fit over a fixed schedule.

What You’ll Do

Manage day-to-day operations for a portfolio of industrial properties, including warehouse, flex, and distribution assets

Serve as primary point of contact for tenants on maintenance requests, lease questions, and renewals

Coordinate and oversee vendors and contractors for repairs, maintenance, and capital projects

Conduct regular property inspections and proactively identify maintenance or capital needs

Track lease expirations, renewal options, and rent escalations; support renewal and re-leasing efforts

Abstracting leases and renewals for input to Yardi

Review and manage CAM reconciliations, operating expense budgets, and tenant billbacks

Oversee Accounts Payable processes

Assist with budgeting and variance reporting for owned/managed properties

Ensure properties remain compliant with applicable codes, safety standards, and lease obligations

Support ownership and brokerage team with reporting, market data, and portfolio updates

Help develop and refine property management processes as the portfolio grows

What We’re Looking For

2+ years of commercial property management experience; industrial property experience strongly preferred

Familiarity with NNN lease structures, CAM reconciliations, and operating expense management

Strong organizational skills and comfort managing multiple properties/vendors simultaneously

Working knowledge of property management or accounting software (Yardi, AppFolio, MRI, or similar) a plus

NC real estate license preferred, or willingness to obtain one

Self-starter who can work independently and communicate clearly with tenants, vendors, and ownership

Local to the Charlotte, NC area, with reliable transportation for property visits

Schedule

This role is available as full-time or part-time. We’re open to discussing a schedule that works for the right candidate during the interview process.

About Whiteside Properties

Whiteside Properties is a boutique commercial real estate brokerage based in Charlotte, NC, specializing in industrial, land, and investment sales across the greater Charlotte metro. We’re a small, hands-on team where every team member has real impact and direct access to leadership.

Please send resume to: Brooks Whiteside and Bryn Knudson; brooks@whitesidecre.com ; bryn@whitesidecre.com

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August 11, 2026 In Luncheon Summary

August 2026 Distinguished Leaders Panel

Submitted by Stephanie Jenson, JLL

CREW Charlotte Distinguished Leaders Panel: A Powerful Conversation of Insight and Inspiration

What an incredible August luncheon we had at CREW Charlotte’s Distinguished Leaders Panel. The room was filled with energy and connection as Tonya Brandon and Dionne Nelson shared their leadership journeys, moderated beautifully by Marsha Womack. Their candid reflections on navigating careers, making difficult decisions, and defining success on their own terms left us all inspired and equipped with practical wisdom to carry forward.

 

Foundational Leadership Wisdom

Both panelists emphasized that understanding comes before action. Tonya shared her commitment to the Law of Intuition, seeking first to understand before moving forward. This principle has guided her through decades of leadership decisions. Dionne echoed this sentiment, calling intuition a superpower and stressing the importance of having command of what the work truly requires. Their shared message was clear: technical expertise matters, but so does the wisdom to know when and how to apply it.

 

Redefining Success and Balance

One of the most powerful themes of the day centered on how we define and pursue success. Tonya offered a memorable framework: know the difference between your rubber balls and crystal balls. Some things bounce back when dropped; others shatter. She also challenged us to consider whether our service to others includes service to ourselves, and reminded us not to overstay our welcome in roles that no longer bring us joy.

When discussing work-life balance, Dionne posed a question that resonated throughout the room: Is balance ever really even? Rather than striving for perfect equilibrium, she encouraged us to do what feels right in each moment. The panelists acknowledged that demanding careers and home life may always create tension, but that navigating it with intention and self-awareness makes all the difference.

 

People Make All the Difference

Throughout the evening, both panelists returned to one central truth: people make all the difference in the experience. Whether navigating career transitions, weathering difficult seasons, or celebrating victories, the relationships we build and nurture determine the quality of our professional lives. Dionne’s emphasis on this principle served as a reminder that technical skills open doors, but authentic connections sustain us through the journey.

 

Looking Forward

As our panelists shared their visions for the future of commercial real estate, one theme emerged: the industry needs leaders who combine expertise with empathy, strategy with authenticity, and ambition with self-awareness. We left equipped not just with strategies for advancement, but with permission to define success on our own terms.

 

 

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August 10, 2026 In Crowning Moments

Mecklenburg Paint Named Among Charlotte’s Top Women-Owned Companies

Congratulations to Mecklenburg Paint on being recognized by the Charlotte Business Journal as one of the top-earning women-owned companies in Charlotte!

Owned and led by longtime CREW Charlotte member Liz Etheredge, Mecklenburg Paint’s recognition reflects the company’s continued growth, strong leadership, and commitment to serving the Charlotte community. We’re proud to celebrate this well-deserved achievement and Liz’s leadership in both the commercial real estate industry and the business community.

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June 18, 2026 In Crowning Moments

Kari Pell – Graduate from the LISC Charlotte REDi Program

Congratulations to Kari Pell on graduating from the LISC Charlotte Real Estate Developer Incubator (REDi) Program, a competitive training initiative designed to equip emerging real estate developers with the knowledge, resources, and relationships needed to advance impactful development projects throughout the Charlotte region.

The REDi program, supported by LISC Charlotte in partnership with the City of Charlotte and Wells Fargo, provides a cohort-based curriculum focused on building developer capacity through technical assistance, coaching, mentorship, and access to capital and industry resources. The program’s goal is to accelerate the number of credit-ready developers who are prepared to contribute to Charlotte’s growing affordable housing and commercial development pipeline.

Reflecting on the experience, Kari shared that the program reinforced her belief that addressing today’s housing challenges will require innovation, collaboration, and dedicated professionals working together to create meaningful solutions. She is grateful for the coaches, mentors, and fellow cohort members whose support, feedback, and encouragement made the experience especially valuable.

As a REDi graduate, Kari looks forward to continuing to learn, strengthen industry relationships, and explore opportunities to make a lasting impact in the communities she serves.

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June 9, 2026 In Luncheon Summary

June 2026 Luncheon: Charlotte by Design | A Conversation with Monica Holmes on Growth, Development & the Future of the City

Submitted by Stephanie Jenson, JLL

 

CREW Charlotte had the honor of hosting Monica Holmes, Director of Planning, Design & Development for the City of Charlotte at our June luncheon. She presented the city’s strategic approach to managing rapid growth while preserving neighborhood character and promoting equity.

 

Charlotte stands at a critical juncture, with major mobility investments on the horizon and a strong planning foundation established through frameworks like the 1994 Centers, Corridors & Wedges strategy, the 2021 Charlotte Future 2040 plan, and the 2022 Mobility Investment plan targeting 50% of trips via non-car modes by 2040.

 

The Planning, Design & Development department emphasizes a shift from “deal-making” to “plan-making,” prioritizing coordinated investment and community-driven outcomes over reactive development. Their strategy focuses on creating complete, connected, walkable places along transit corridors including the Blue, Silver, Red, and Gold Lines.

 

The Transit+ Community approach centers on reducing displacement, expanding housing affordability, supporting legacy businesses, and strengthening neighborhood stability. Success will be measured through inclusive communities, transit-supported neighborhoods, vibrant walkable places, and expanded access to opportunity. This approach demonstrates that growth can create great places while maintaining Charlotte’s unique identity and charm.

 

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March 10, 2026 In Announcements & News, Press Releases

CREW Charlotte Donates $75,000 to The Anne Vulcano Scholarship Fund with CREW Network Foundation

March 10, 2026

For immediate release

 

CREW Charlotte Makes $75,000 Gift to CREW Network Foundation

 

Charlotte, North Carolina – Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) Charlotte has made a $75,000 donation to The Anne Vulcano Scholarship Fund held with the CREW Network Foundation to endow scholarships for women pursuing careers in the industry. The announcement was made at the chapter’s March 10 luncheon event with special guest Cathy Bessant, CEO of the Foundation For The Carolinas.

 

“It is an honor to receive this generous and transformational gift on behalf of CREW Network Foundation,” said Marie McLucas, CFO, Primax Properties LLC and 2026 CREW Network Foundation President. “I am inspired and so proud of my fellow CREW Charlotte members for making this commitment. In addition to providing financial support, the Foundation is providing opportunities for women to connect with mentors, develop critical leadership skills, and gain knowledge and training that will open doors in the industry. I would like to thank CREW Charlotte and all of our generous supporters for helping us build a legacy for the next generation of women leaders in commercial real estate.”

 

CREW Network Foundation’s scholarship program supports female students as they pursue university-level education that will lead to careers in commercial real estate. In 2026, the U.S.-based foundation will grant a total of $300,000 USD—28 $5,000 undergraduate scholarships and 16 $10,000 graduate scholarships. Scholarship recipients will also receive a two-year CREW membership, 2026 CREW Network Convention registration and travel stipend, and a six-month mentorship with a senior executive in commercial real estate. Interested students are encourage to apply by April 1, 2026.

 

To date, CREW Network Foundation has awarded 336 scholarships totaling $1.8 million across 144 universities in the U.S. and Canada. Scholarship funds are supported by the Linda Hollemon Scholarship Endowment and Hall of Fame giving program, as well as personal and corporate contributions.

 

“This gift means so much to our chapter because it reflects what CREW Charlotte is all about, supporting women and opening doors for those coming behind us. Through the Anne Vulcano Scholarship Fund with the CREW Network Foundation, we’re proud to help create opportunities for future leaders in commercial real estate,” said CREW Charlotte President, Sherri Commander with Lincoln Properties Company.

 

About CREW Charlotte

Founded in 1990, CREW Charlotte has grown its membership to over 400 real estate professionals! We strive to build our membership to form a diverse organization consisting of commercial real estate professionals in the Greater Charlotte Region who are leaders in all real estate disciplines, including brokers, attorneys, engineers, lenders, developers, appraisers, accountants, property managers, and title professionals. CREW Charlotte is a Chapter of CREW Network, a global organization with over 15,000 members in over 80 major markets, focused on promoting business, providing educational opportunities, and sharing information among members at local, regional, and national levels.

 

About CREW Network Foundation

Established in 1998, CREW Network Foundation is the only organization dedicating its resources solely to accelerating success for all women in the global commercial real estate industry. We are committed to bringing more women into commercial real estate with programs that educate women and girls about the career opportunities available to them and providing mentoring for those new to the industry.

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