Express Employment Professionals takes its commitment to matching employers with qualified candidates seriously, but there is much more to this organization and its commitment to the community it serves. 

“We want to help local businesses and organizations grow and improve and consistently do well,” said Brad Loase, owner of Fayetteville’s Express Employment Professionals. 

For Loase, that means not only finding and providing qualified candidates to fill local and regional employment positions but also identifying and developing good leadership candidates for their clients. The Refresh Leadership Live Simulcast is all about that: building better leaders — leaders that will help businesses grow and prosper while moving communities forward through strong economic development and civic involvement. Scheduled for April 15, that is the purpose of the annual Refresh Leadership Live Simulcast. This is the event’s sixth year, however, this year, Loase has partnered up with Up & Coming Weekly, the Fayetteville Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Fayetteville I-95 Holiday Inn and local sponsors to take it to another level. This year, they have added an all-day Shop Local Business Expo showcasing local businesses and organizations, a Leadership Keynote Luncheon featuring the notable Denise Ryan, a Leadership workshop  and a networking Leadership Reception co-sponsored by the Holiday Inn and Chamber of Commerce. And, with the exception of the Leadership luncheon, Express Employment Professionals and sponsors are hosting the entire event free of charge to the local community. Voluntary Donations of $10.00 will be accepted for the Kidsville News! Literacy and Education Foundation, a local nonprofit (501 c3) organization that provides free reading and educational resources to all K-6 grade students and teachers in Cumberland and Hoke Counties. 

 “Leadership is very important in motivating employees and growing communities. It is an ongoing process that we all have to nurture, constantly encourage and develop,” said Loase. “There are several things that people always bring up when asked about their jobs. One of them is what leadership qualities and capabilities does their supervisor or boss have; this has always been the key to of what makes a company or organization successful.” Any  business owner, manager, community leader looking to gain insights and a better understanding about leadership can gain from The Refresh Leadership Live Simulcast. 

This year’s Celebrity Guest Speakers are Liz Murray, Dan Aykroyd and Daymond John. They bring a variety of humor, valuable insights, fresh perspectives on leadership and management strategies all from very different life experiences and points of view.  “I am very excited about the line-up,” said Loase. “I have heard all three speak; they are all great speakers and each has a great message to communicate.” 

Liz Murray known for her memoir about her life, Breaking Night: A Memoir of Forgiveness and her book My Journey from Homeless to Harvard which was a feature movie on the Lifetime Channel titled: Homeless to Harvard: The Liz Murray Story. Murray has taken that difficult experience in her life and now uses it to help others.”

Dan Aykroyd is an actor, comedian, screenwriter, musician and businessman. From Saturday Night Live to The Blues Brothers and Ghost Busters, Aykroyd has entertained America for the past four decades, but he is a keen businessman, as well. Aykroyd also co-founded a night club called the House of Blues in 1992. 

Daymond John is the co-star of ABC’s Shark Tank. He got his start in fashion and has since become a master of branding. “Daymond John embodies the American dream. He had an idea and went for it, and grew one of the biggest most successful enterprises in the world. He is amazing,” said Loase. “I think that each speaker will have something unique and valuable to offer attendees. This program has been very successful in the past and I think this will be our best Refresh Leadership Simulcast yet,” he added.

There is seating for 300, however, Loase noted that they expect a full house. Although the doors open at 7:30 a.m. for check in and the Continental Breakfast, the program will begin promptly at 8:30.  There will be breaks in between the speakers for networking and visiting the Shop Local vendors and sponsors. The Leadership Luncheon with Denise Ryan will follow.  “Denise always has a great message,” he said. “We are also going to recognize Kim Robertson for her leadership as Principal of  Elizabeth Cashwell Elementary School and for being not only Cumberland County’s Principal of the Year but also the Regional Principal of the Year. She is currently competing for the North Carolina title.”

Ryan is excited to be back in Fayetteville and is looking forward to the event. “I started my business in Fayetteville. It is a terrific place not only to start a business but to do business. In a lot of places it is hard to break in but you can do that pretty easily in Fayetteville because there are so many resources and incredibly friendly and supportive people here,” she said.

 Following the luncheon keynote address, Denise will also conduct a seminar titled Survival Tips for Leaders. This will be followed by a distinguished panel of experts and the business reception. There will be prizes and surprises all day long. Important: If you go remember:  You must pre -register at www.refreshleadership/live or https://www.cvent.com/events/2015-refresh-leadership-simulcast-us-/registration-bc3b4af633454e7db955f1e815d1e258.aspx?r=d6b5fbce-250d-469a-8ed6-63328b130ccc&refid=NC-North%20

This event is free all day with the exception of the luncheon. Tickets for the luncheon are $45 for nonchamber members and $35 for chamber members. Luncheon tickets (if available) will be $45 the day of the event. To register for the luncheon, visit the chamber site at  http://business.fayettevillencchamber.org/events/details/2015-refresh-leadership-live-keynote-luncheon-with-denise-ryan-5551.