Our special guest on this edition of ‘In the Loop’ is Robin Ciordia, a founder and the Principal Partner of the award-winning Charlotte business, The Secret Chocolatier.

The Secret Chocolatier was named Small Business of the Year at the 2026 Partners in Tourism Awards by the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority.

This started as a family table at farmers markets and grew into the little chocolate shop they run today - built on craft, hospitality, and the kind of experiences they love sharing with both visitors and locals.

Have a listen to this inspiring conversation about passion, perseverance, and persistence for success.

#CharlotteNC, #CLTChamber, #CharlotteBusiness, #CharlotteCommunity, #CharlotteNetworking, #CharlottePodcast, #CharlotteAreaChamber

What a year it’s been! From inspiring conversations to empowering local businesses, the Charlotte Area Chamber Podcast has been your go-to for growth and connection. As we close out 2025, we’re grateful for every listener, every story, and every moment shared. Here’s to an even bigger, bolder 2026—packed with fresh insights, local voices, and opportunities to thrive. Stay tuned, because the best is yet to come! #CharlotteAreaChamber #YearInReview

Today on the show, we’re joined by a visionary entrepreneur whose journey spans from the decks of luxury yachts to the skyline of New York—and now, to the forefront of outdoor innovation. Ryan Dickerson is the CEO and founder of Alizé Umbrellas, a company redefining outdoor comfort with its revolutionary umbrellas that feature built-in fans, USB charging, and marine-grade craftsmanship.Originally from Athens, Georgia, Ryan’s career has been anything but conventional—professional sailing in the West Indies, cooling system engineering in skyscrapers, and even immunology research in China.Alizé Umbrellas began as a Kickstarter dream and has grown into a global brand with showrooms from Mooresville, NC to Sydney, catching the attention of luxury resorts, Michelin-starred restaurants, and design professionals worldwide.

In this special episode of In the Loop, we’re celebrating five incredible years of growth, connection, and community with The Charlotte Area Chamber of Commerce. Over the past half-decade, our chamber has been a driving force for local businesses and nonprofits—sparking collaboration, championing innovation, and creating opportunities for organizations across our area.

Please tune in to our conversation with Chamber founders, Jessica Helms and Michael Orzech, as we take a look back at the milestones that shaped the journey and get a glimpse of the exciting future ahead.

Our guest for this edition of In the Loop is the President and CEO of SouthPark Community Partners. Adam Rhew.

Adam is a dynamic leader with a mission to drive economic vitality, create memorable experiences, and ensure an extraordinary quality of life in Charlotte's SouthPark commercial district.

Adam shares his vision for the future of SouthPark and his goals for one of Charlotte’s most vibrant communities.

Have a listen and let us know what you think.

#CharlotteNC, #CLTChamber, #CharlotteBusiness, #CharlotteCommunity, #CharlotteNetworking, #CharlottePodcast, #CharlotteAreaChamber

Dr. Sergei Shirman is a highly respected dentist in Charlotte, North Carolina. With over 15 years of experience in the dental

His practice is known for its modern, welcoming environment

RobotLAB Charlotte offers a wide range of robots, services, products, and training programs tailored to meet the local demands of restaurants, hotels, assisted living facilities, educational entities, schools, businesses, and governmental organizations.

Our very special guest for this edition of In the Loop is the President and CEO of University City Partners, Keith Stanley. 

       University City Partners (UCP) is a nonprofit organization that invests resources to shape public spaces and plans for a better-built environment that influences he way we live, work, play and learn in University City.

Keith is an inspiring leader with a great story. Have a listen!

Our guest on this episode of In the Loop is expert hypnotist, Kathy Lindert.  motto is " When you change your thoughts and language, you do change your life and outcomes."

Kathy has a fascinating story of how she went from a corporate career to her passion for hypnotism. Kathy is highly trained in helping you change your thinking to help solve issues that hold you back - fears, procrastination, lack of confidence, weight, and old habits.

She even has a trick for remembering names!

Please have a listen and let us know what you think.

Kate Garofalo is the Executive Director at American Lung

Kate is leading the organization to make a greater impact in