Michael Gallis Does Charlotte Need a Vision?

Tony Zeiss introduced Michael Gallis, a friend of 22 years. When they first met, Michael was the acting Dean of Architecture at UNC Charlotte, but the demands on him to do consulting work were such that in 1997 Michael left

UNCC and focused on his consulting firm, Michael Gallis & Associates, which he had formed in 1988. Tony asked Michael about preparing a master plan for CPCC, especially the main campus on Elizabeth Avenue. Michael asked Tony to get together with Presbyterian Hospital, and Tony and Paul Betzold hired Michael to work on a joint plan for the East End, which has worked out extremely well. While Michael has a substantial list of accomplishments and a wide variety of consulting work that he does, he asked that he be introduced as being “all about the strategic thinking business.” Michael believes that every metropolitan area needs to view itself as a product in the global market, and that the question is how to define and market that product to potential citizens, businesses, and customers in the most effective way. To that end, the question is how to position the Charlotte metro area in the global marketplace, and how to develop an identity that makes a positive impact. In conversations with a former mayor, Michael was asked if Charlotte really needed a vision. He responded by noting that Charlotte had been shown to have clusters of finance, energy, aerospace, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing companies. He then asked the mayor, “Would you prefer to describe Charlotte as a place with these capabilities, or as a developing ‘Global City of Tomorrow’?” While Michael sees that Charlotte does indeed have the infrastructure to develop into a global city of tomorrow, that infrastructure is not situated in a way that creates the synergies leading to such development. It is not enough to have a vision—the vision must be implemented. As examples, he noted that Charlotte Douglas International Airport had been built by Jerry Orr into the best airport in the world; and that the Intermodal facility adjacent is probably the best, most reliable, integrated and cost efficient trade hub in the eastern half of the country. So the next question is where does the leadership and energy come from to define and implement a vision for Charlotte? He compared the situations of New York, where the leadership was pretty much resting on its laurels, with that of Shanghai, China, which in 2001 had the vision “to become the world center of finance, trade, and culture in the 21st century.” He then noted that in 2014 it was widely reported that the Chinese economy had surpassed that of the US, a demonstration that those who are vision-driven will overtake those who are not. Tony Zeiss and Chase Saunders had conversations with Michael about a vision based on Charlotte’s history, and the fact that we already had the capability to “Make It” and to “Move It,” to which was added the need to also “Create It,” as the path to the future is defined by the ability to innovate and be creative as well as to manufacture and distribute. He noted that people are much more interested and excited about what you are going to be as opposed to simply hearing about what you are. Michael then presented a map of the metro area that showed the locations of key infrastructure, and where money is being spent to further develop our “product.” A key is the airport, which provides access to the world. Unfortunately, we don’t provide adequate

REPORTER January 6, 2015

access to the airport in the form of light rail. Looking at public transit in general, we have, or are working on, commuter rail, light rail, a streetcar line and bus service, but none of these are connected to each other! UNCC is spending $500 million for new infrastructure between 2014 and 2020, but 70% of the money is going for dormitory space instead of academic or research facilities, which is the primary purpose of the university. In investing in infrastructure, we need to focus less on what it costs, and more on what benefits it provides. So how does the process move forward? For a long time, Charlotte was led by a group of strong leaders who worked with government and directed growth. This devolved into one strong leader, and that era came to an end about ten years ago. We are now progressing toward a team approach, as seen in organizations such as the Global Vision Leaders Group and Envision Charlotte, both of which are growing in membership and influence with the help of Tony Zeiss and others, including many in the Charlotte Rotary Club. These organizations are partnering with government to drive the vision of the Charlotte metro area. We have the resources to make Charlotte a Global City of Tomorrow, but do we have the will? Written by: Rick Handford Head Table: Claire Fallon, Karen Bentley, Tony Zeiss, Natalie English, Chase Saunders, Dumont Clarke; Invocation: Angela Broome; Visitors & Guests: Denise Hallett; Health, Happiness & History: Edwin Peacock; Song: Gray Langley; AV: Jessica Dupree & Nikki Keith

Club News Ben Dobson and his wife Sarah welcomed their second daughter, Kathryn “Kate” Grace Dobson on December 21.

In case you missed it, check out the story on John and Henry Cantrell in the December 2014 issue of Greater Charlotte Biz magazine. Effective January 12, Marie Jaffe will be the new executive director of Arthritis Foundation in Charlotte. Herb Harriss, Marilynn Bowler Ken Poe and will receive gift cards from Jesse Brown’s

Bill BarteeOutfitters, compliments of , as recognition for raising the most money during their bell ringing shift at the square. Thanks to these Rotarians and all who contributed time or money to support the Salvation Army this holiday season. UPCOMING BIRTHDAYS (1/7/15 – 1/13/15) 1/08 Bob Finley and Cindy Wolfe 1/12 David Auger 1/13 Penny Hefner and Angela Mauldin UPCOMING ANNIVERSARIES (1/7/15 – 1/13/15) 1/07 Cindy & Gary Wolfe 1/13 Kay & Bobby Lancaster ATTENDANCE Visitors & Guests 26 Club Members 187 Total Attendance 213 Percentage 64.5% MEMBERSHIP 01/06/2015 324 07/01/2014 317 Net Increase: +6 New Members: Resignations: Wes Sugg

VISITORS ON 1/6/14 Al Lewis, Fred Wagner, Dale Halton, Berhan Galles, Norma Abbene, Greg Walsh, Bradley Thompson, Jessica Whitaker, Hala El Akkad, Mary Jean Davidson, Street Brewer, Tom Carlson, Doug Banez, Sean Jones, Darin Thomas, Joan Wright, Jack Burke, Ernesto Argueta, John Burns, Ben Wilhelm, Lauren Deese, Stephani Tucker, Andrew Savant, Jana Heinrichs, Raul Santana

UPCOMING LUNCHEONS (www.charlotterotary.org and click on the events tab) 1/13 – Joel Curran, Vice Chancellor for Community & Public Affairs, UNC-Chapel Hill 1/20 – Colonel Bill Grey, Commander of the N.C. Highway Patrol 1/27 – Bethany Bradsher, Author; Bones McKinney: Basketball’s Unforgettable Showman Photos from this week’s luncheon

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