Description

Jennifer Bennett

Jennifer will discuss Duke Energy's response to Hurricane Helene, current projects in Western North Carolina, and the Carolinas growing energy demand. 

 In 2023 Jennifer Bennett was named Duke Energy District Manager serving Buncombe, Haywood, Madison, Mitchell, Yancey, and Avery Counties.   The District Manager serves the State President’s organization in Government and Community Affairs.  In this role, Jennifer’s primary responsibilities are issue management for government officials and leadership, as well as community leadership organizations.  She works across Duke Energy’s departments, including generation, power grid operations, real estate, etc.  As District Manager, she also manages community relations and philanthropic investments. Jennifer is an alumna from Western Carolina University and holds a master’s degree in Parks, Recreation, & Tourism Management from NC State University. Jennifer is a native of North Carolina and currently resides in Asheville, NC with her husband and two small children.

Corey Atkins

Corey is the Government Relations Manager for HCA Healthcare with an update on healthcare premiums and how it relates to current legislation and its effects on small business.

Lauren Lanoue

Non-Profit Highlight - KARE

Lauren Lanoue serves as the Community Safety Specialist at KARE. She joined the KARE team in February 2024, bringing with her nearly 15 years of distinguished experience in education. Following her graduation from Appalachian State University in 2008, Lauren established her career as an elementary school educator in both Haywood County and Jackson County. Her exceptional dedication to teaching earned her recognition as Teacher of the Year in 2014, an honor bestowed by her colleagues. Her career path later led her to teach English abroad in Czechia, further expanding her educational expertise in international settings. In her current role, Lauren facilitates KARE's school-based personal safety programs to local schools. These programs empower children and equip the community with the knowledge and resources needed to promote safety and well-being. 

Thanks to our sponsor, Duke Energy and our non-profit highlight is KARE House.

Thank you to Lake Junaluska for hosting!