Based in Raleigh, NC, the W. Trent Ragland Jr. Foundation supports organizations with values of self-reliance, patriotism, independence, and respect for God, country, and family. The organization provides grants for initiatives primarily located in Wake County that demonstrate conservation, knowledge, compassion, and community. The Foundation’s principal intent is to support efforts that allow individuals to pursue and achieve self-improvement and self-reliance. In the past, grants have been given to programs in areas of arts, culture, humanities, education, health, and religion. For more information, visit www.wtrentraglandjrfoundation.org.

The Cemala Foundation is a family foundation that seeks to enhance the quality of life in Greensboro. The foundation was chartered in 1986 by Martha and Caesar Cone II who envisioned the Foundation as a way of continuing the family’s history of personal and business commitment to Greensboro. With an understanding that tomorrow’s issues and problems might differ from today’s, the Foundation charter places no limitation on the charitable projects to be undertaken but entrusts the board to respond to changing times and needs. The Cemala Foundation envisions a vibrant and innovative Greensboro that is nationally known as a magnet for individuals, families, and businesses. For more information, visit https://cemala.org/.

Hummingbird Creative Group, based in Cary, NC, is an award- winning, full-service branding, marketing, and advertising agency that approaches each challenge in a thoughtful and clever manner. Hummingbird Creative Group works with leaders of manufacturing/distribution, B2B and service businesses to define brand strategy, develop sustainable brand messaging and implement marketing tactics through advertising, graphic design, sales enablement, public relations, and online marketing services. Hummingbird can serve as a fully outsourced marketing department, offer strategic branding and coaching services, or work on a project basis to fulfill the tactical needs of client marketing plans. Hummingbird is known for insightful big ideas, intuitive innovation and inspiring creative, which brings to life each client’s brand story and translates their strategic positioning into reality. Hummingbird Creative served as the Design Agency for the North Carolina USA bid for the World University Games, winning several international design and marketing awards in the process. The agency continues to support the Games effort through its design, website, social media, and technology services. For more information on Hummingbird Creative Group, visit www.hummingbird-creative.com.

Celebrating its 23th Anniversary during 2024, the Triangle Sports Commission based in Cary, NC is the sports commission for the Triangle region of North Carolina consisting of Wake, Durham, and Orange Counties. A long-time Community Olympic Partner of the U.S. Olympic Committee, the TSC focuses on the hosting of Olympic and amateur sports events and activities that help develop athletes, promote the region, and foster positive branding and economic impacts for the Raleigh-Durham market. The TSC recruited, and secured over $13 million in funding commitments for the relocation of USA Baseball’s headquarters and national training complex to the Triangle. TSC leadership secured over $20 million for expansions of other destination facilities such as WakeMed Soccer Park and the Cary Tennis Park. The TSC has served as host organization for the U.S. Olympic Trials – Table Tennis, Collegiate Rugby National Championships, ACC Baseball Championships, and the world’s first-ever Rugby 7’s Olympic Qualification Tournament, among others. Importantly, the TSC successfully led North Carolina’s bid for the 2029 FISU World University Games and continues to be actively involved in the Games planning and development today. For more information on the TSC, visit www.trianglesportscommission.com.

The Stuart Law Firm in Raleigh, NC, is a boutique law firm established in 1995. The firm brings together over 60 years of combined experience with its principals to deliver a unique blend of services while focusing on the people that matter most – their clients. Stuart Law Firm focuses on the areas of business law, housing finance, insurance litigation, and intellectual property. The firm has developed a trusted practice emphasizing personal attention, clear communication, and the commitment to go the extra mile. Firm attorneys are licensed in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, and the District of Columbia. For more information on Stuart Law Firm, visit www.stuartlawfirm.com

Located in Cary, NC, SPI is a leading sports tourism and economic development firm focused on four key areas of the sports tourism industry: sports & entertainment facilities, major events, sports tourism consulting, and major sponsorships, including naming rights. SPI recent projects include the Southern Africa Youth Games, the Raleigh Durham market’s Major League Soccer Application, the USA Masters Games, Greater Hickory (NC) sports tourism, St. Pete Pier naming rights, and the Boombah Sports Complex. Major event projects include the U.S. Masters Swimming National Championships, National Collegiate Table Tennis Championships, Major League Cricket, U.S. Figure Skating Championships, and the American Cup International Gymnastics competition. SPI clients include the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee, the City of St. Petersburg, Capitol Broadcasting Company, the North Carolina Football Club, and the Greensboro Coliseum Complex, among others. For more information on Sports & Properties, Inc., visit www.sportsproperties.com.

Hannah Sheridan & Cochran, LLP is a law firm which serves business, construction, and individual clients throughout North Carolina. Our experienced attorneys regularly counsel clients through legal issues, such as construction liens, civil litigation, business transactions, and commercial collections. Whether representing a corporation or an individual, we keep the client’s goals as well as the economics of the case in focus while assisting clients in making informed, educated decisions. HSC began with a shared vision focusing on experience, integrity and ingenuity. We believe in offering professional, attentive service to you, our client, and work every day to reach logical, viable and economic outcomes to your challenges. We are passionate about being relatable in our dealings with you and your opposition, and we promise to be the legal partner you can trust. For more information, visit www.hscattorneys.com/.

The Joseph M. Bryan Foundation is a charitable foundation located in Greensboro, North Carolina. The foundation was established by Joe Bryan, a long-time Greensboro business and community leader, and noted philanthropist. The Bryan Foundation supports numerous community causes in greater Greensboro including education, health services, parks, events, and facilities. Major projects undertaken by the Bryan Foundation have included Downtown Greensboro redevelopment and leading the assembly of the megasite that landed Toyota's new battery plant for electric vehicles. In sports-related tourism and economic development projects, the Bryan Foundation has supported the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, USA Gymnastics Championships, major aquatics competitions, and more.

Galloway Ridge is a non-profit Life Plan Community located just eight miles south of Chapel Hill in Pittsboro, North Carolina. Galloway Ridge is a remarkable choice for inspiring, satisfying senior living. Located in Fearrington Village, Galloway Ridge has all the features, amenities, and security one could want including on site health care providers, delicious culinary options, a fitness and wellness center, climate-controlled storage, and beautiful walking trails among others. Their team of over 350 caring, professional staff members is dedicated to providing their residents and their guests with the highest quality of support, services, and activities imaginable. For more information on Galloway Ridge at Fearrington, visit www.gallowayridge.com.

The Team is a partner to the world’s most iconic brands, properties, and talent in their endeavors across sports, entertainment, and culture. The company has a central purpose to transform the businesses and careers of clients. Founded in 2002 and headquartered in Los Angeles, The Team operates across six continents with offices in more than 20 cities worldwide. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. The Team Music can be followed on Twitter and Instagram. For more information on The Team visit https://the.team

Durham County, with a population approaching 350,000, is located in the fast-growing Triangle region in central North Carolina. Measuring almost 300 square miles, Durham County is known for its vibrant, diverse, and entrepreneurial community. The county was founded in 1881 and the county seat resides in the City of Durham, the largest municipality in Durham County. Durham County, which is governed by a five-member Board of Directors, is home to three colleges and universities. The county is an economic powerhouse as the majority of Research Triangle Park, the largest research park in the United States with over 55,000 employees and 300 businesses, is located in Durham County. For more information on Durham County, visit www.dconc.gov.

Priam Properties is a private real estate investment firm founded in 2014 and headquartered in Nashville, TN. Priam focuses on multi-tenant office properties across high-growth markets in the United States. Priam’s portfolio of more than 2 million square feet in 31 office buildings spans six states and seven cities, including Birmingham, AL; Columbus, OH; Indianapolis, IN; Louisville, KY; Memphis, TN; Raleigh, NC; and Tampa, FL. Priam targets markets that are experiencing rapid growth from knowledge-economy industries including technology, life sciences, and advanced manufacturing. For more information on Priam Properties, visit www.priamproperties.com.

Research Triangle Park, with more than 60,000 employees and over 375 companies, is the major employment center for the Raleigh-Durham area of North Carolina and one of the world's largest research parks. The Park, covering more than 7,000 acres lying in Wake and Durham Counties, is owned and managed by the Research Triangle Foundation. Research Triangle Park was established in 1959 with a mission of promoting collaboration among academia, industry, and government to generate high-quality jobs and drive economic growth in North Carolina. Today the Park features such corporate giants as IBM, Bayer, and Cisco and is known as a high-tech, research, and life sciences hub. For more information on Research Triangle Park, please visit www.rtp.org.

The Temple Sloan Foundation, based in Raleigh, NC, is a private philanthropic organization committed to supporting initiatives that strengthen communities, expand educational opportunities, and promote innovative solutions to social and economic challenges. Established by North Carolina business leader Temple Sloan, the foundation focuses its giving on areas such as education, health care, workforce development, and civic engagement, with a particular emphasis on improving quality of life across the state. Through strategic grants and partnerships, the Temple Sloan Foundation empowers nonprofit organizations and public institutions to drive meaningful, lasting change. For more information on the Temple Sloan Foundation, please visit www.templesloanfoundation.org.

The Carolina Region Volleyball Association (CRVA), headquartered in Clemmons, NC, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and developing the sport of volleyball throughout North Carolina. As one of 40 Regional Volleyball Associations under USA Volleyball—the national governing body for the sport—CRVA offers a wide range of programs and services for players, coaches, officials, and clubs across the state. CRVA organizes indoor and outdoor volleyball competitions for both junior and adult athletes, including seasonal tournaments and opportunities to qualify for national events. The association supports the growth of the sport through coaching education, officiating clinics, and certification programs, certifying over 10,000 officials annually to ensure high-quality play. Committed to fostering talent from grassroots to elite levels, CRVA participates in USA Volleyball’s National Team Development Program (NTDP), providing regional and national training opportunities for junior players.  The organization also collaborates with a network of affiliated clubs, offering resources and support to enhance the volleyball experience for all participants. For more information on the Carolina Regional Volleyball Association, please visit www.carolinaregionvb.org.

Checkmate Government Relations, headquartered in Winston-Salem, NC, is a premier bipartisan government relations and public affairs firm specializing in strategic advocacy at the state and federal levels. Founded in late 2023 by Managing Partner Ches McDowell, a top-ranked North Carolina lobbyist, Checkmate has quickly established itself as a trusted advisor to corporations, nonprofits, municipalities, and trade associations across a wide range of industries. The firm offers a comprehensive suite of services, including state and federal lobbying, national advocacy, public affairs, strategic consulting, economic development consulting, and political intelligence . Its team of seasoned professionals brings diverse expertise in law, policy, and communications, enabling clients to navigate complex legislative and regulatory landscapes effectively. In 2024, Checkmate expanded its federal practice by opening a Washington, D.C., office, enhancing its capacity to serve clients on national issues. Checkmate's client portfolio encompasses sectors such as healthcare, technology, pharmaceuticals, transportation, and education. Notable clients include Eli Lilly & Co., GSK plc, Novo Nordisk, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Sanofi, SAS Institute, and the University of North Carolina. For more information on Checkmate Government Relations, please visit www.checkmategr.com.

Duke University, located in Durham, NC, is a private research institution renowned for its commitment to academic excellence, groundbreaking research, and community engagement. Established in 1838 as Brown's Schoolhouse in Randolph County, it evolved into Trinity College before relocating to Durham in 1892. In 1924, the institution was renamed Duke University following a transformative $40 million endowment from James B. Duke, honoring his father, Washington Duke. Spanning over 8,600 acres, Duke's campus features the iconic Gothic-style West Campus, the Georgian-style East Campus for first-year students, and the Duke University Medical Center. The university comprises 12 schools and institutes, including the Trinity College of Arts and Sciences, Pratt School of Engineering, Fuqua School of Business, and Duke Law School. It also operates international programs such as Duke Kunshan University in China and Duke-NUS Medical School in Singapore. Duke is a member of the Association of American Universities and is consistently ranked among the top universities globally. With an endowment of $11.9 billion as of 2024, the university supports extensive research initiatives, spending over $1.2 billion annually on research . Its athletic teams, known as the Blue Devils, compete in the NCAA Division I Atlantic Coast Conference, boasting multiple national championships. For more information on Duke University, please visit www.duke.edu.

Maynard Nexsen is a nationally recognized, full-service law firm with nearly 600 attorneys across 31 offices, delivering sophisticated legal counsel in more than 100 practice areas. Formed in 2023 through the strategic merger of Maynard Cooper & Gale and Nexsen Pruet, the firm blends deep-rooted regional experience with expansive national capabilities to serve clients ranging from high-growth startups to Fortune 500 corporations. With a client-first philosophy, Maynard Nexsen is committed to building lasting partnerships through collaboration, precision, and innovative thinking. Beyond legal services, the firm enhances client support through NP Strategy, its strategic communications arm, and Nextra Solutions, which provides cutting-edge eDiscovery and IT security services. Consistently ranked among the nation’s top-performing firms, Maynard Nexsen is proud to support organizations and events that drive excellence, community, and progress. For more information on Maynard Nexson visit: https://www.maynardnexsen.com/

The Smedes York Family has been a pillar of leadership, service, and civic impact in North Carolina for generations. Rooted in Raleigh, their legacy spans decades of public service, business leadership, and philanthropic investment in the state’s growth and wellbeing. Smedes York, former Mayor of Raleigh and longtime advocate for sustainable development, has helped shape the region’s landscape, both physically and culturally, through a lifetime of dedication to urban planning, infrastructure, and community enrichment. A former basketball athlete at NC State University, Smedes has remained active in sports and has been a long-time leader in several sports non-profit organizations. Guided by values of integrity, stewardship, and collaboration, the York family has championed causes ranging from education and affordable housing to economic development and cultural preservation. Their influence is visible across North Carolina in transformative civic projects, public-private partnerships, and generous support of organizations that strengthen the fabric of community life.

Callaway Transportation is one of the most respected transportation management services in the United States. Since they were founded in 2004, they have relied on providing quality service that is timely, efficient, and budget-friendly transportation. They ensure that they provide safety, reliability, and strict on-budget execution. Callaway Transportation has a wide range of vehicles in their fleet from Motorcoaches to Sedans to be the company consumers rely on whether it’s for a sports team, class field trip, or just a quick tour around the city. Callaway has a variety of vehicle and transportation options not only Nationwide but in the Canadian Travel Service to provide VIP service in group or event transportation. For more information on Callaway Transportation, visit https://www.callawaytransportation.com/

DLA Piper is one of the top law firms in North America. They provide a wide array of services to match every stage of the business lifecycle. They combine practice area knowledge with modern industry insights and an expansive geographic footprint in a way that no other firm can. DLA Piper is committed to excellence in how they represent their clients, develop their people, and serve their communities. They are known for its sheer scale and market-leading deal volume, the firm provides a wide array of services matched to every stage of the business lifecycle. Their bold, collaborative culture is heavily reflected in their industry-leading pro bono initiatives, providing vital legal support to underserved populations, nonprofits, and social enterprises globally. For more information on DLA Piper, visit https://www.dlapiper.com/en-us