Dr. Ellen Burts-Cooper to Headline Regional Event Focused on Leadership and Workplace Strategy
For Immediate Release
July 28, 2025
Linda M. Parsons, IOM, CCEC
President, and CEO
910.692.3926
lparsons@moorecountychamber.com
Moore County Chamber of Commerce
Jennifer Pearce
Director of Marketing and Communications
910.695.3701
pearcej@sandhills.edu
Sandhills Community College
Registration Now Open for 2025 Talent Symposium on October 24
Dr. Ellen Burts-Cooper to Headline Regional Event Focused on Leadership and Workplace Strategy
SOUTHERN PINES, NC— The Moore County Chamber of Commerce and Sandhills Community College are pleased to announce that registration is now open for the 2025 Talent Symposium, scheduled for Friday, October 24, 2025. This year’s theme, “Mastering the Workplace: The Art & Science of Managing and Leading Others,” promises a day of insight, learning, and strategy for today’s business leaders.
Headlining the event is the nationally recognized speaker and leadership expert Dr. Ellen Burts-Cooper, Senior Managing Partner of Improve Consulting and Training Group. Dr. Burts-Cooper brings a wealth of experience in guiding teams, improving workplace culture, and advancing talent development. Her engaging style and practical tools will equip attendees to lead with clarity and confidence in today’s ever-changing workforce landscape.
The symposium will provide opportunities for professional development, networking, and real-world strategies that organizations can implement immediately to improve workplace performance and employee engagement.
The Talent Symposium is Presented by Sandhills Community College and the Moore County Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Moore County Schools, Moore County Economic Development Partnership, Mid Carolina Regional Development Partnership, and NC Works – Moore County. This is the 3rd year the Workforce Development Collaborative Partnership has hosted this symposium to ensure our business community continues to have direct access to training opportunities for their employee base.
“Strong communities are built by strong leaders, and that begins in the workplace. This event is about equipping employers, of all sizes and industries, with tools to lead effectively, support their teams, and drive meaningful growth., said Linda Parsons, President and CEO of the Moore County Chamber of Commerce. We are proud to partner with Sandhills Community College to bring this level of professional development to our region.”
Here is what you need to know to plan your day and join us for this exciting professional development opportunity:
Event Details
Date: Friday, October 24, 2025
Location: Sandhills Community College
Bradshaw Performing Arts Center
Pinehurst, NC 28374
Time: 8:00 – 9:00 a.m. – Networking and Continental Breakfast
9:00 a.m. – Program Begins
12:00 p.m. – Program Concludes
Fees: $55 Chamber Members $70 Non-Chamber Members
Register Link: www.moorecountychamber.com
This event is ideal for a broad range of professionals who play a critical role in shaping and supporting today’s workforce. Business owners looking to strengthen their teams and drive organizational success will gain valuable insights into leadership and retention strategies. HR professionals can expect tools and tactics to better engage employees and foster productive, resilient workplace cultures. Managers and team leaders will benefit from practical guidance on how to effectively lead others, navigate conflicts, and build high-performing teams. For senior leadership, the symposium offers a timely opportunity to align talent strategies with regional growth efforts. And educators and training providers will find value in understanding the skills and leadership qualities needed to prepare students and job seekers for long-term success in today’s evolving job market. Small businesses will discover scalable practices they can adopt immediately to create strong workplace cultures and retain quality employees. Nonprofits will benefit from leadership strategies that help them manage lean teams, navigate change, and increase mission-driven impact.
“We recognize that developing leadership and workplace skills is essential to the long-term success of our region," said Dr. Alexander "Sandy" Stewart, President of Sandhills Community College. "The Talent Symposium brings together voices from education, business, and workforce development to spark real, lasting progress in how we train, retain, and support talent across all sectors. We're on board to see North Carolina and our region businesses succeed and meet the talent needs for all types of employers.”
Do not miss this opportunity to invest in your team and your organization’s future. Seats are limited—register today!
Visit www.moorecountychamber.com for more information and to reserve your spot.
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ABOUT THE MOORE COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.moorecountychamber.com
The mission of the Moore County Chamber of Commerce is to foster a vibrant business community. For over 58 years the Chamber has provided quality, value-added services, and programs to members to unite Moore County area businesses in a committed effort to strengthen the economic environment and thus improve the quality of life for all of Moore County.
ABOUT SANDHILLS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
www.sandhills.edu
Established in 1963, Sandhills Community College is the 18th largest community college in the 58-member community college system in North Carolina. More than 1,000 students graduate each year with associate degrees, certificates and certifications to enter the job market and enhance the regional economy of Moore and Hoke Counties as well as the state of North Carolina. Others move on to pursue their journey in higher education to earn a bachelor's degree and additional degree attainment. The 300-acre campus is also home to the Bradshaw Performing Arts Center, Horticultural Gardens as well as NJCAA athletics in golf, basketball and volleyball. It is home to one of eight collision repair automotive apprenticeship programs in the United States; a USGA apprenticeship program for turf management; and offers workforce training and development for companies and small businesses in the region. Students and employers have access to internships, pre-apprenticeships and apprenticeships to build the employee and economic pipeline.
