The Rowan Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the launch of the 2025-26 Power in Partnership (PIP) season. The season will kick off at Trinity Oaks, located at 728 Klumac Road, on Thursday, September 18, at 7:30 a.m. The theme for the first program is “Back to School.”
 
Dr. Lauren Fox, Senior Director of Policy and Research at the Public School Forum of North Carolina, will be the featured speaker. Global Contact Services is the sponsor for the September PIP breakfast.
 
Fox has more than fifteen years of education research and policy experience at the local, state, and national levels. Her work at the Forum involves guiding research, policy analysis, and advocacy efforts to support strong public schools across North Carolina. Lauren earned her Ph.D. in Sociology and Education with a concentration in Education Policy from Columbia University and her undergraduate degree from UNC Asheville. She grew up in Charlotte, NC and is a proud graduate of the Charlotte Mecklenburg School System.
 
“The Chamber is very excited about our PIP kick-off. We encourage Chamber members to secure their Power Cards now so they can take full advantage of the outstanding speakers and premier networking opportunities this series offers,” said Steve Fisher, Chair of the Board and CEO of F&M Bank.
 
The Power in Partnership breakfast series offers attendees a unique opportunity to enjoy a delicious breakfast while engaging in valuable networking, learning from industry leaders, and discussing the latest trends and challenges facing the community. The 2025-26 PIP season will feature a stellar lineup of speakers, including top North Carolina elected officials and business leaders. The upcoming PIP breakfast dates are as follows: September 18, October 16, November 20, December 18, January 15, February 19, March 19, April 16, and May 21.

Chamber members are encouraged to purchase a Power Card, which offers a discounted price for the entire series and the convenience of not having to make reservations each month. Non-Power Card holders are welcome to make individual reservations, but the deadline is Tuesday, September 16, by 5 p.m.
 
The cost to attend is $30 for Chamber members and $55 for non-members, which includes breakfast, networking opportunities, and the program. To make reservations or inquire about sponsorship opportunities, please contact the Rowan Chamber at 704.633.4221 or info@rowanchamber.com.