MCEDP

SOUTHERN PINES, NC—  The Moore County Chamber of Commerce and Sandhills Community College are pleased to announce that registration is now open for the 2026 Talent Symposium, scheduled for Friday, October 9, 2026, at the Bradshaw Performing Arts Center on the campus of Sandhills Community College.

This year’s theme, “Leading with Employee Mental Health in Mind: Practical Strategies for Workplace Well-Being,” will provide business leaders, managers, human resource professionals, nonprofit executives, educators, employer teams, and workforce stakeholders with actionable strategies to support well-being while strengthening workplace culture, engagement, and retention.

Headlining the event is nationally recognized workplace leadership expert Dr. Marie-Line Germain, Professor of Human Resources and Leadership at Western Carolina University. Dr. Germain is an award-winning author, researcher, workplace consultant, and host of the Dear Human Resources podcast. Her expertise includes employee mental health and well-being, psychosocial risks in the workplace, leadership, workplace relationships, and human resource development.

Participants will gain current insights into employee mental health, develop a clearer understanding of leadership’s role in supporting workplace well-being, and learn practical, low-cost strategies that can be implemented immediately within their organizations. Attendees will also explore the unique challenges facing today’s workforce while developing a personalized workplace well-being action plan.

The Talent Symposium is presented by Sandhills Community College and the Moore County Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Moore County Schools and the Moore County Economic Development Partnership. The event is hosted through the region’s Workforce Development Collaborative Partnership, which works to ensure employers have access to training, resources, and solutions that strengthen the local workforce.

“Today’s workforce challenges extend far beyond recruitment and retention,” said Linda Parsons, President and CEO of the Moore County Chamber of Commerce. “Employers are increasingly recognizing that employee well-being directly impacts engagement, productivity, retention, and organizational success. This symposium is designed to provide practical tools and strategies that leaders can immediately apply within their organizations, regardless of size or industry. We are excited to bring Dr. Germain’s expertise to Moore County and continue providing professional development opportunities that strengthen both our workforce and our community.”

Who Should Attend?

The Talent Symposium is designed for a broad range of professionals who influence workplace culture and employee success, including:

• Business owners and entrepreneurs
• Human resource professionals
• Managers and supervisors
• Executive and senior leadership teams
• Nonprofit leaders and administrators
• Healthcare leaders and professionals
• Educators and workforce development practitioners

Attendees will leave with a greater understanding of workplace well-being, leadership responsibility, employee engagement, and practical approaches to creating healthier and more productive workplace environments.

“We know that thriving businesses require thriving employees,” said Dr. Alexander ‘Sandy’ Stewart, President of Sandhills Community College. “As workforce expectations continue to evolve, leaders must be equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to support employee well-being while maintaining organizational excellence. The Talent Symposium provides an opportunity for employers across all sectors to learn from a nationally recognized expert and return to their organizations with practical strategies that can make an immediate impact.”

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 9, 2026
Location:  Sandhills Community College, Bradshaw Performing Arts Center
Time:  8:00 – 9:00 a.m. – Networking and Continental Breakfast
9:00 a.m. – Program Begins
11:30 a.m. – Program Concludes
Fees:   $45 Chamber Members, $65 Non-Chamber Members
Register Link:    www.moorecountychamber.com

The Moore County Chamber encourages employers, managers, and community leaders to take advantage of this opportunity to invest in their teams and their organization’s future.

Seating is limited, and early registration is encouraged.

For additional information or to register, visit the Chamber’s website or contact the Moore County Chamber of Commerce at info@moorecountychamber.com or 910.692.3926.

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