Co-hosts BIG Council and Local Tech Wire announced Wednesday that Grant Thornton, Peak 10, Got Share Point, SanDirect, and RBC Centura will sponsor The TechExec, a premiere entrepreneurial and technology networking event that started in the Research Triangle region last year.

BIG Council will co-host the event at The Tower Club in Uptown Charlotte from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 27, 2004.

“We are thrilled to play a leading role in continuing to promote a first class executive networking event in Charlotte,” said Terry Thorson, president and CEO of BIG Council (Business Innovation and Growth Council).

The first TechExec was held at Peak 10’s Charlotte data center last November where more than 200 professionals attended.

“This is an excellent opportunity for the technology, business and entrepreneurial leaders of our community to have an open exchange of ideas and discuss the trends that affect us all,” said SANDirect president Jim Stikeleather.

LocalTechWire and PR firm ClearImage, who developed and manage the TechExec, have also formed an executive steering committee with more than a dozen area executives.

Members include:

  • Andy Agrawal, Vision Quest Corp.

  • Win Bear, RBC Centura – Knowledge Based Industries

  • Anthony Calderone, Bank of America

  • Doug Ellis, Decision Point International

  • Dave Jones, Peak 10

  • Mike McGuire, Grant Thornton

  • Dee Means, Charlotte Chamber iTC

  • Corey Miller, E-dreamz

  • Jill Purdy, IT Concious

  • Francis Queen, Women in Technology International

  • Scott Sawyer, Cisco Systems

  • Jim Stikeleather, SANdirect

  • Rick Smith, Local Tech Wire

  • Chad Solomonson, GotSharePoints

  • Terry Thorson, BIG Council

    • “We are excited to support a high-end networking event that provides a relaxed environment where Charlotte executives can meet regularly and develop lasting business relationships,” said Mike McGuire, Carolinas managing partner for Grant Thornton Carolinas. “As a long standing supporter of the technology and entrepreneurial communities, Grant Thornton is pleased to see programs like the Tech Exec flourish in the Charlotte area.”

    TechExec is a free event and will be held quarterly at different locations in and around Charlotte. To register, visit www.localtechwire.com and click on the TechExec link.