Skip to Content

Building NC

  1. home Home
  2. Events & Webinars
  3. Events
  4. Building NC

April 21, 2026

From our 2025 Event:

As the demands on our infrastructure intensify, our Building NC conference is designed to provide invaluable insights into building the bedrock for a thriving, adaptable, and interconnected North Carolina.

Venture into the dynamic terrain of our state’s infrastructure and chart the path forward as we steer our networks through the challenges posed by our surging population and unparalleled growth. We will discuss the advances that are reshaping the energy and water, sewer, and solid waste landscapes, explore the critical need for statewide broadband and workforce housing access, and dive into the strategies, innovations, and policies required to ensure that our state remains competitive on the national and global stage.

Join us and network with industry trailblazers, policy makers, and visionaries driving innovation who are forging the infrastructure future of North Carolina!

Agenda

Tuesday, April 21
8:00 amRegistration and Networking
8:30 amWelcome and Opening Remarks
8:45 amMorning Keynote: A National Perspective on Infrastructure, Logistics, and Competitiveness

Building NC will kick off with a national outlook on the forces reshaping infrastructure investment, logistics networks, and economic competitiveness.

9:15 amNetworking Break
9:45 amFuture of Supply Chain Competitiveness in North Carolina

North Carolina’s economy depends on strong, resilient supply chains. This panel discussion will highlight the state’s strengths while benchmarking North Carolina against peer states and regions. Panelists will examine factors shaping North Carolina’s competitive position in logistics, manufacturing, and distribution.

  • Dr. Rob Handfield, Executive Director of Supply Chain Resource Cooperative and Bank of America University Distinguished Professor of Operations and Supply Chain Management, NC State University
  • Glenn D. Johnson, Distinguished Engineer and PCBA Execution Director, Lenovo
  • Matthew Key, Vice President of Technical Operations Strategy and Sourcing, PSA Airlines/American Airlines
  • Moderator: Dana Magliola, Senior Director of Infrastructure Competitiveness, NC Chamber Foundation
10:30 amModernizing Infrastructure Funding for a Growing Economy

As North Carolina grows, so do the demands on its transportation and infrastructure systems. This session will explore innovative funding strategies to support long-term economic growth.

  • Dr. Daniel Findley, Associate Director, Education and Training and Director, Economic and Policy Assessment, Aviation, Institute for Transportation Research and Education, NC State University
  • Senator Michael A. Lazarra, North Carolina Senate
  • Joe Milazzo II, PE, Executive Director, Regional Transportation Alliance (RTA)
11:30 amQuick Hit: North Carolina’s Freight Strategy

Freight movement is a critical backbone of North Carolina’s economy. This fast-paced “Quick Hit” session will provide an overview of the state’s freight planning priorities and engagement opportunities.

Joseph Bryan, Senior Proposal Manager – Renewables, WSP

11:45 amLunch Keynote: Innovation and Infrastructure for Economic Growth

During lunch, this keynote will examine the powerful connection between innovation and infrastructure in driving economic growth.

Peter Voorhoeve, President and CEO, Volvo Trucks North America

1:00 pmBreakout Sessions

Breakout Session 1: Infrastructure for Competitiveness — Energy and Water Strategies for North Carolina’s Growth
Reliable energy and water systems are essential to economic growth and community resilience. This session will focus on strategies to support growth through energy reliability, grid modernization, water systems, and resilience.

  • Erik Hall, Director – Plant EPC, DER Fleet & JOR, NC Electric Cooperatives
  • Meghan Claire (“MC”) Hammond, Counsel, Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP
  • David Lambert, Director of Strategic Projects, NC Department of Commerce
  • Dana Martinez, Head of Corporate Affairs, Amgen
  • Moderator: Zack Daniel, PE, President, LDA Engineering

Breakout Session 2: International Supply Chains, Geopolitics, and North Carolina’s Role in a Fragmenting World
Global uncertainty is reshaping supply chains and trade relationships. This session will explore international risks and uncertainty shaping global supply chains. Panelists will discuss how state-level leadership, ports, and international partnerships can mitigate risk and create new trade and investment opportunities for North Carolina.

  • Brian E. Clark, Executive Director, North Carolina State Ports Authority
  • Juan de la Maza, Senior Director Global Indirect Category Management, Veolia Water Technologies
  • Danny “Dayne” Hamrick, Ph.D., Research Affiliate and Adjunct Instructor, Duke Center for International Development, and Political Science Professor, Guilford Technical Community College
  • Moderator: Jake Cashion, Vice President of Government Affairs, NC Chamber
1:45 pmNetworking Break
2:15 pmQuick Hit: Circular Economy and Industrial Infrastructure

The circular economy is emerging as both a sustainability strategy and a competitiveness tool. This “Quick Hit” session will highlight how solid waste management, recycling systems, and industrial symbiosis can support North Carolina’s environmental goals.

  • Jeremy Keltner, Lead – Industrial Symbiosis, Novo Nordisk
2:40 pmClosing Session: Strategic Infrastructure Planning: What's Next for North Carolina?

Building NC will conclude with a forward-looking discussion on the state’s infrastructure future. This closing session will provide a policy outlook, highlight upcoming priorities, and explore emerging opportunities to align infrastructure planning with economic growth. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of how to stay engaged in shaping North Carolina’s infrastructure strategy.

  • Representative Jeffrey C. McNeely
  • Secretary Daniel Johnson, NC Department of Transportation
  • Moderator: Jake Cashion, Vice President of Government Affairs, NC Chamber
3:15 pmClosing Remarks and Event Concludes