Cameron Furr DN From: Cameron Furr Sent: Tuesday, January 3, 2023 4:05 PM T Steve Bagwell; Zach Rutledge c Tom Murray Subject: silver line This wenc article says that the City Council will receive a presentation/recommendation on the location of the Silver Line next Monday 9", for a later vote, Not clear if there is more detail on how this would integrate with BOplex; the article says that the station would be behind Ovens. Didn't know if we should reach out to CATS to confirm what they will present next Monday. The full agenda isn’t yet posted on the City’s website. Cameron https://www_wene.com/article/traffic/cats-proposing-changes-lynx-silver-line/275-51a71612-e5¢6-426b-9e06. 68cbf97ecS7b ‘Cameron Furr General Counsel Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority 501 5, College Street Charlotte, NC 28202 email: cameron.furr@crva.com (0): (704) 414-4013 (cl: (980) 475-9389Karen Brand Karen Brand Wednesday, January 4, 2023 1:53 PM Morabito, Nate RE: Media Request/Public Records Request Hi Nate and happy new year to you too. Throwing Words, LLC has nat identified as an MIVBE: (not being coy: vendors have the option to selFidentif). Doug Bacon/Throwing Words is one of a multitude of vendors ~ both MWBE and non-MWBE — that the CRVA partners with ‘Would you mind givingme a heads up when you're going to file? td appreciate itKaren Brand —_— From: Karen Brand Sent: Thursday, January 5, 2023 9:06 AM To: Tom Murray ce: Gina Sheridan; Cameron Furr Subject: Nate follow up Hi and good morning. Letting you know that Nate responded yesterday with two additional requests: 1) would you be willing to do a sit down interview about this and 2) he asked for alist of our MWBE self-identified vendors. He also noted that he saw the CRVA testimonial on Doug's website ~ although it doesn't identify you specifically (see below), \'m gathering the info for #2 and working on a response. Will share with you as soon as | have something to share, ~Karen Karen K. Brand (she, her, hers) Director of Communications p. 704.414.4172 1m. 704.982.2568 w. crva.com 501 South College Street | Charlotte, NC 28202Karen Brand — From: myCRVA Sent: Friday, January 6, 2023 4:12 PM To: Karen Brand Subject: The CRVA Weekly Wrap - January 6, 2023 THE CRVA WEEKLY WRAP Friday, January 6, 2023 CHARLOTTE A Picasso exhibit opens next month in Charlotte, Here's how to get tickets WENC - Emma Korynta Restaurant operat jarlotte build labor pool with better benefits, streamlined operations Charlotte Business Journal - Jennifer Thomas “Marketing & Communications team facilitated ‘Smart Moves in Las Vegas, Austin and More ‘Smart Meetings - Malik Anderson “Marketing & Communications team facilitated Duke's Mayo Bowl puts spotlight on city's rent-free Bal Charlotte Business Journal - Erik Spanberg “Marketing & Communications team facilitated Queen's Feast: Charlotte Restaurant Week is back, with 87 restaurants offering deals The Charlotte Observer - Melissa Oyler Amateur sports a key part of playbook for building tourism sector in Charlotte Charlotte Business Journal - Erik Spanberg “Marketing & Communications team facilitated nk of America Stadium useNASCAR HALL. OF FAME Fans ‘undeck’ the "ame by choosing gifts in annual tradition MSN - Syndicated from WSOC, Almiya White “Marketing & Communications team facilitated BOPLEX 12 Concerts to Know in Charlotte: January 2023 Charlotte Magazine - Tess Allen “Marketing & Communications team facilitated Silverman has a 20-show coms 1023. Here's what to know, ‘The New York Post - Matt Levy * Gees, Fut CHARLOTTE & ‘CENTER a> If accessing myCRVA from 2 mobile device. use your primary network login, Share this ematt: b= > ‘Manage your preferences | Opt out using TrueRemoved Got tis as a forward? Sign up fo receive our future a View this email online 501 South College St Chariot, NC | 28202 US Tis email was sent to karen brand@crva,com, emma To continue receiving our emails. add us To your address bookchel Nagem. From: Boris Bunich Sent: Monday, January 9, 2023 10:02 PM To: Tom Murray Subject: Quick Cal HiTom. | received an email from Nate Morabito yesterday (by forward from Cameron). Do you have a couple of minutes to chat in the morning about that? You can call me at your convenience. BorisCameron Furr From: Cameron Furr Sent: Monday, January 9, 2023 1:55 PM To: Boris Bunich Subject: CRVA Board Communication Boris, On Friday, Nate Morabito, Investigative Reporter with WCNC emailed a number of CRVA Board members regarding a story he is working on. (See below). This prompted me to confirm board emails were being appropriately forwarded. | understand this was a concern of several board members in the past and we adopted a path to resolve this. Due to a miscommunication between myself and our IT team, | unfortunately discovered emails were in fact not being forwarded immediately to your personal email addresses, as was intended. | apologize for this mistake. We will immediately begin the forwarding of those emails automatically. We will also forward emails you have received from December 1. If you prefer, we can go back further, but we didn’t want to immediately bombard you with spam. Please reach out to Tom or me directly if you have any questions, Again, | apologize for the error on my part. Cameron Furr General Counsel Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority 501 S. College Street Charlotte, NC 28202 email: cameron.furr@crva.com {o): (704) 414-4013 (c): (980) 475-9389 From: Morabito, Nate Sent: Friday, January 6, 2023 5:12 PM To: Boris Bunich (CRVA Board) Cc: Karen Brand ‘Subject: Media Request Good Afternoon Chairman Bunich, My name is Nate Morabito and I'm with WCNC Charlotte, If you've not been made aware yet, | wanted to let you know we will air a story in the coming days/weeks about CRVA’s decision to hire Doug Bacon with Throwing Words for employee training and leadership development without seeking proposals/bids from other potential contractors, including Minority and Women Business Enterprises. CVRA records show the agency has paid Throwing Words more than $750,000 over the last decade. In addition, CEO Tom Murray provided a testimonial for the company.We interviewed LaPronda Spann yesterday about the situation. Spann, a small business owner and DEI government contracting expert, voiced concerns about the process that allowed this particular business to receive so much work without others getting an opportunity to even apply for a chance at the job. In addition, she wondered what CRVA was going to change to make sure it never happens again. CRVA has declined our request for an on-camera interview with Tom Murray. | ‘We'd welcome the chance to talk to you about this situation next week. Please let me know. ‘Thank You, Nate NATE MORABITO Investigative Reporter (980) 308-7116 IG: nateinvestigates TW: NateMorabito FB: https://www.facebook.com/Natelnvestigates/ nmorabito@wene.com | wene.com 1001 Wood Ridge Center Dr. | Charlotte, NC 28217Cameron Furr Cameron Furr Monday, January 9, 2023 1:55 PM Mike Evans (External - CRVA Board) CRVA Email Communication Mike, On Friday, Nate Morabito, Investigative Reporter with WCNC emailed a number of CRVA Board members regarding a story he is working on. (See below). This prompted me to confirm board emails were being appropriately forwarded. J understand this was a concern of several board members in the past and we adopted a path to resolve this. Due to a miscommunication between myself and our IT team, | unfortunately discovered emails were in fact not being forwarded immediately to your personal email addresses, as was intended. | apologize for this mistake. ‘We will immediately begin the forwarding of those emails automatically. We will also forward emails you have received from December 1. If you prefer, we can go back further, but we didn’t want to immediately bombard you with spam. Please reach out to Tom or me directly if you have any questions. Again, | apologize for the error on my part. Cameron Furr General Counsel Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority 501 S. College Street Charlotte, NC 28202 email: cameron furr@crva.com {o}: (704) 414-4013 (c): (980) 475-9389 From: Morabito, Nate Sent: Friday, January 6, 2023 5:15 PM To: Mike Evans (CRVA Board) Cc: Karen Brand Subject: Media Request Good Afternoon, My name is Nate Morabito and I’m with WCNC Charlotte. If you've not been made aware yet, | wanted to let you know we will aira story in the coming days/weeks about CRVA’s decision to hire Doug Bacon with Throwing Words for employee training and leadership development without seeking proposals/bids from other potential contractors, including Minority and Women Business Enterprises. CVRA records show the agency has paid Throwing Words more than $750,000 over the last decade. In addition, CEO Tom Murray provided a testimonial for the company.‘We interviewed LaPronda Spann yesterday about the situation. Spann, a small business owner and DEI government contracting expert, voiced concerns about the process that allowed this particular business to receive so much work without others getting an opportunity to even apply for a chance at the job. In addition, she wondered what CRVA was going to change to make sure it never happens again. CRVA has declined our request for an on-camera interview with Tom Murray. Based on your committee chair position, we wanted to reach out to you as well, ‘We'd welcome the chance to talk to you about this situation next week. Please let me know. Thank You, Nate NATE MORABITO Investigative Reporter (980) 308-7116 IG: nateinvestigates TW: NateMorabito FB: https://www_facebook.com/Natelnvestigates/ nmorabito@wenc.com | wenc.com 1001 Wood Ridge Center Dr. | Charlotte, NC 28217Cameron Furr From: Cameron Furr Sent: Monday, January 9, 2023 1:55 PM To: kimberly Edmonds Subject: CRVA Board Communication Kimberly, On Friday, Nate Morabito, Investigative Reporter with WCNC emailed a number of CRVA Board members regarding a story he is working on. (See below). This prompted me to confirm board emails were being appropriately forwarded, | understand this was a concern of several board members in the past and we adopted a path to resolve this. Due toa miscommunication between myself and our IT team, | unfortunately discovered emails were in fact not being forwarded immediately to your personal email addresses, as was intended. | apologize for this mistake. We will immediately begin the forwarding of those emails automatically. We will also forward emails you have received from December 1. If you prefer, we can go back further, but we didn’t want to immediately bombard you with spam. Please reach out to Tom or me directly if you have any questions. Again, | apologize for the error on my part. Cameron Furr General Counsel Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority 501 S. College Street Charlotte, NC 28202 ‘email: cameron.furr@crva.com (0): (704) 414-4013 (ck: (980) 475-9389 From: Morabito, Nate Sent: Friday, January 6, 2023 5:13 PM To: Kimberly Edmonds Nelson (CRVA Board) Ce: Karen Brand Subject: Media Request Good Afternoon, My name is Nate Morabito and I'm with WCNC Charlotte. Ifyou've not been made aware yet, | wanted to let you know we will aira story in the coming days/weeks about CRVA’s decision to hire Doug Bacon with Throwing Words for employee training and leadership development without seeking proposals/bids from other potential contractors, including Minority and Women Business Enterprises. CVRA records show the agency has paid Throwing Words more than $750,000 over the last decade. in addition, CEO Tom Murray provided a testimonial for the company.We interviewed LaPronda Spann yesterday about the situation. Spann, a small business owner and DEI government contracting expert, voiced concerns about the process that allowed this particular business to receive so much work without others getting an opportunity to even apply for a chance at the job. In addition, she wondered what CRVA was going to change to make sure it never happens again. CRVA has declined our request for an on-camera interview with Tom Murray. Based on your committee chair position, we wanted to reach out to you as well. We'd welcome the chance to talk to you about this situation next week, Please let me know. Thank You, Nate NATE MORABITO Investigative Reporter (980) 308-7116 IG: nateinvestigates TW: NateMorabito FB: https://www.facebook.com/Natelnvestigates/ nmorabito@wene.com | wene.com 1001 Wood Ridge Center Dr, | Charlotte, NC 28217Cameron Furr From: ‘Cameron Furr Sent: Monday, January 9, 2023 1:55 PM To: Vinay Patel Subject: CRVA Board Communication Vinay, On Friday, Nate Morabito, investigative Reporter with WCNC emailed a number of CRVA Board members regarding a story he is working on. (See below). This prompted me to confirm board emails were being appropriately forwarded, understand this was a concern of several board members in the past and we adopted a path to resolve this. Due to a miscommunication between myself and our IT team, | unfortunately discovered emails were in fact not being forwarded immediately to your personal email addresses, as was intended. | apologize for this mistake. ‘We will immediately begin the forwarding of those emails automatically. We will also forward emails you have received from December 1. If you prefer, we can go back further, but we didn’t want to immediately bombard you with spam. Please reach out to Tom or me directly if you have any questions. Again, | apologize for the error on my part. Cameron Furr General Counsel Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority 501 S. College Street Charlotte, NC 28202 email: cameron.furr@crva.com (o}: (704) 414-4013 (c): (980) 475-9389 From: Morabito, Nate Sent: Friday, January 6, 2023 5:14 PM To: Vinay Patel (CRVA Board) Ce: Karen Brand Subject: Media Request Good Afternoon, My name is Nate Morabito and I'm with WCNC Charlotte, fyou've not been made aware yet, | wanted to let you know we will aira story in the coming days/weeks about CRVA’s decision to hire Doug Bacon with Throwing Words for employee training and leadership development without seeking proposals/bids from other potential contractors, including Minority and Women Business Enterprises. CVRA records show the agency has paid Throwing Words more than $750,000 over the last decade. In addition, CEO ‘Tom Murray provided a testimonial for the company. We interviewed LaPronda Spann yesterday about the situation. Spann, a small business owner and DEI government contracting expert, voiced concerns about the process that allowed this particular business to receive so much workwithout others getting an opportunity to even apply for a chance at the job. In addition, she wondered what CRVA was going to change to make sure it never happens again. CRVA has declined our request for an on-camera interview with Tom Murray. Based on your committee chair position, we wanted to reach out to you as well. ‘We'd welcome the chance to talk to you about this situation next week. Please let me know. ThankYou, Nate NATE MORABITO Investigative Reporter (980) 308-7116 IG: nateinvestigates TW: NateMorabito FB: https://www.facebook.com/Natelnvestigates/ nmorabito@wenc.com | wenc.com 1001 Wood Ridge Center Dr, | Charlotte, NC 28217 Cameron Furr General Counsel Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority 501 S. College Street Charlotte, NC28202 email: cameron.furr@erva.com (0): (704) 414-4013 (qk: (980) 475-9389Cameron Furr From: Cameron Furr Sen Monday, January 9, 2023 1:56 PM To: Lorie Spratley Subject: CRVA Board Communication Lorie, On Friday, Nate Morabito, Investigative Reporter with WCNC emailed a number of CRVA Board members regarding a story he is working on. (See below). This prompted me to confirm board emails were being appropriately forwarded, | understand this was a concern of several board members in the past and we adopted a path to resolve this. Due to a miscommunication between myself and our IT team, | unfortunately discovered emails were in fact not being forwarded immediately to your personal email addresses, as was intended, | apologize for this mistake. We will immediately begin the forwarding of those emails automatically. We will also forward emails you have received from December 1. If you prefer, we can go back further, but we didn’t want to immediately bombard you with spam. Please reach out to Tom or me directly if you have any questions. Again, | apologize for the error on my part. Cameron Furr General Counsel Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority 501 S. College Street Charlotte, NC 28202 email: cameron.furr@crva.com (0): (704) 414-4013 {c): (980) 475-9389 From: Morabito, Nate Sent: Friday, January 6, 2023 5:15 PM To: Lorie Spratley (CRVA Board) Cc: Karen Brand ‘Subject: Media Request Good Afternoon, My name is Nate Morabito and I'm with WCNC Charlotte. If you've not been made aware yet, | wanted to let you know we will ar a story in the coming days/weeks about CRVA’s decision to hire Doug Bacon with Throwing Words for employee training and leadership development without seeking proposals/bids from other potential contractors, including Minority and Women Business Enterprises. CVRA records show the agency has paid Throwing Words more than $750,000 over the last decade. In addition, CEO Tom Murray provided a testimonial for the company. \We interviewed LaPronda Spann yesterday about the situation. Spann, a small business owner and DEI government contracting expert, voiced concerns about the process that allowed this particular business to receive so much work 1without others getting an opportunity to even apply for a chance at the job. In addition, she wondered what CRVA was going to change to make sure it never happens again. CRVA has declined our request for an on-camera interview with Tom Murray. Based on your committee chair position, we wanted to reach out to you as well We'd welcome the chance to talk to you about this situation next week Please let me know. Thank You, Nate NATE MORABITO Investigative Reporter (980) 308-7116 IG: nateinvestigates TW: NateMorabito FB: https://www facebook.com/Natelnvestigates/ nmorabito@wene.com | wene.com 1001 Wood Ridge Center Dr. | Charlotte, NC 28217Cameron Furr Se From: Cameron Furr Sent: Monday, January 9, 2023 1:56 PM To: Larken Egleston Subject: CRVA Board Communication Larken, On Friday, Nate Morabito, Investigative Reporter with WCNC emailed a number of CRVA Board members regarding a story he is working on, He emailed you this morning. (See below.) This prompted me to confirm board emails were being appropriately forwarded understand this was a concern of several board members in the past and we adopted a path to resolve this, Due toa miscommunication between myself and our IT team, | unfortunately discovered emails were in fact not being forwarded immediately to your personal email addresses, as was intended. | apologize for this mistake. ‘We will immediately begin the forwarding of those emails automatically. We will also forward emails you have received from December 1. If you prefer, we can go back further, but we didn’t want to immediately bombard you with spam. Please reach out to Tom or me directly if you have any questions. Again, | apologize for the error on my part. Cameron Furr General Counsel Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority 501 S. College Street Charlotte, NC 28202 email: cameron-furr@crva.com (0): (704) 414-4013 (c): (980) 475-9389 From: Morabito, Nate Sent: Monday, January 9, 2023 10:42 AM To: Larken Egleston (CRVA Board) Cc: Karen Brand Subject: Media Request Good Morning Larken, Hope you are well If you've not been made aware yet, | wanted to let you know we will air a story in the coming days/weeks about CRVA’s decision to hire Doug Bacon with Throwing Words for employee training and leadership development without seeking proposals/bids from other potential contractors, including Minority and Women Business Enterprises. CVRA records show the agency has paid Throwing Words more than $750,000 over the last decade. In addition, CEO ‘Tom Murray provided a testimonial for the company.‘We interviewed LaPronda Spann about the situation last week. Spann, a small business owner and DEI government contracting expert, voiced concerns about the process that allowed this particular business to receive so much work without others getting an opportunity to even apply for a chance at the job. in addition, she wondered what CRVA was going to change to make sure it never happens again. CRVA has declined our request for an on-camera interview with Tom Murray. Based on the fact you served on CLTCC during a good portion of this time and remain on the CRVA board, we wanted to reach out to you as well. We'd welcome the chance to talk to you about this situation on-camera this week Please let me know. Thank You, Nate NATE MORABITO Investigative Reporter (980) 308-7116 IG: nateinvestigates TW: NateMorabito FB: https://www.facebook.com/Natelnvestigates/ nmorabito@wenc.com | wene.com 1001 Wood Ridge Center Dr. | Charlotte, NC 28217Karen Brand From: Karen Brand Sent: ‘Tuesday, January 10, 2023 12:07 PM Te Tom Murray; Gina Sheridan; Cameron Furr Subject: FW: Media Request Edward "Ned" Hibberd copied on the email is WCNC’s Executive Producer of Investigations and Special Projects. From: Morabito, Nate Sent: Tuesday, January 10, 2023 11:52 AM To: Karen Brand Cc: Hibberd, Edward ‘Subject: Media Request Karen, Good Morning. | wanted to consolidate all of my pending questions/requests into one email to help both of us, including clarification questions. | expect a story to air next week with promotion starting as soon as this week. My deadline for all pending records requests is this Friday at noon, My deadline for all pending questions is tomorrow (Wednesday) at 2 pm. ‘QUESTIONS: ‘Why has Tom declined an on-camera interview? ‘To be clear, at the time of initial hiring or In the time since, did CRVA bid out/send requests for proposals/quotes or formally consider any other businesses for the Throwing Words work, specifically MWBEs? Your previous emalls suggest no, but | want to be crystal clear. ‘What is CRVA going to change to make sure this kind of contracting issue never happens again? Have you all filled the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Director role yet? Did Tom and Doug share a friendship outside of their working relationship prior to his hiring? ‘When Is CRVA’s next board meeting? REQUESTS: Can you also provide electronic copies of any actual Throwing Words contracts? Can you provide an electronic copy of your MWBE list? Can you please provide a yearly breakdown of the number and dollar amount CRVA has awarded during the same time frame in question (2013-2022) in new, unrepeated MWBE business? Thank you for your attention to this.Nate NATE MORABITO Investigative Reporter (980) 308-7116 IG: nateinvestigates TW: NateMorabito FB: https://ww facebook com/Natelnvestigates/ Amorabito@wenc.com | wenc.com_ ARNE i200 coven 1001 Wood Ridge Center Dr. | Charlotte, NC 28217Karen Brand Karen Brand Wednesday, January 11, 2023 1:29 PM Morabito, Nate Hibberd, Edward media inquiry HiNate, In lou of an interview, we're providing the following statement for your use: ur commitment o divesity, equity and inclusion is rooted in our Core Values and viewed as a responsibilty of everyone at the CRVA. We value building trusted relationships with al of our partners and vendors, and continuously seek to expand the supply chain so that it reflects the diversity of Charotte's quests, customers and the broader community. Strengthening engagement in the MINBE program is vitally important to the CRVA's goal of ensuring those we do business with reflect the community's diversity, and aligns directly with the organizational mission of elevating community prosperity. ‘Tom and Doug had not met prior to the initial Throwing Words engagement with the CRVA in 2013, We have filed the Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion position and our Board meetings are posted online. You can expect another follow up email from me later this week. Karen Karen K. Brand (she, her, hers) Director of Communications CRVAK pe ‘501 South College Street | Charlotte, NC 28202Karen Brand Fro myCRVA Friday, January 13, 2023 8:45 AM Karen Brand The CRVA Weekly Wrap - January 13, 2023 THE CRVA WEEKLY WRAP Friday, January 13, 2023 CHARLOTTE MLK breakfast returns with all-women panel Q City Metro - Dalja Peeler Venues: Conventional Wisdom EXHIBITOR Magazine - Ben Barclay “Marketing & Communications team facilitated Bryan Miller to Take Reins of Charlotte Convention Center USAEXtra - Jonathan Trager “Marketing & Communications team facilitated MLF Releases Updates to Competition Schedule Sports Destination Management First of its kind Picasso exhibit heads to Charlotte in February ‘Axios Charlotte - Ashley Mahoney AFCA National Convention brings coaches, conversation to Charlotte Convention Center BTV - Cam Gaskins CRVA Appoints Bryan Miller to General Manager for the Charlotte Convention Center IAVM Industry Blog - R.V. Baugus “Marketing & Communications team factitatedBOPLEX Bootleagers Drop PBLA Opener, Win over New Fans ‘OurSportsCentral - Fran Stuchbury “Marketing & Communications team facilitated 5 Takeawa jets’ New Year's Eve Shi Queen City Nerve - Ryan Pitkin “Marketing & Communications team facilitated Charlotte Checkers hostin " 1.01’ Tuesday ni WONG ~ Siegee Dowah tte, IM into hs iS Boengles Guser, 2 Spectrum» at CHARLOTTE & CENTER eI accessing myCRVA from a mobile device, use your primary network login Share this email: ‘Manage your preferences | Opt out using TrueRemovet? Got this as a forward? Sign up to receive our future ems View this email ontne. 501 South College St Charlotte, NC | 28202 US This ema was sent o karen frand@orvecom, a To continue recohing our emai ada Us fo your eciress book emmaKaren Brand Friday, January 13, 2023 9:46 AM Morabito, Nate Hibberd, Edward" Subject: RE: media inquiry Attachments: ' CRVA MWBE FY22 vendors pdf Good moming Nate. Attached isa lst of MWBE sel-identiied vendors the CRVA did business with in FY22. We do not have a document responsive to your request for a yearly breakdown of the number and dollar amount CRVA has awarded during 2013-2022 in new, unrepeated MBE business, Regarding your request for actual Throwing Words contracts, we are not under contract with Throwing Words. In 2013 the CRVA ‘engaged with Doug Bacon/Throwing Words to consult on a fee and time basis. Since that intial engagement, from time to time when Doug's skils have aligned with our needs, we have continued to work with him, KarenKaren Brand From: Karen Brand Sent: Friday, January 13, 2023 4:28 PM To: Tom Murray; Gina Sheridan; Cameron Furr Subject: WCNC story promo on Twitter {2).Nate Morabito (@NateMorabito) / Twitter Here's the text if you can’t access. There is a video that accompanies. « Nate Morabito @ 11.5K Tweets Show this thread Nate Morabito @ @NateMorabito - 47m fy New investigation dropping soon. Got this tip after we exposed a similar practice at ied to immediate changes. Anoreciate @laprandasnann lending her voice. Karen K. Brand (she, her, hers) Director of Communications \x | p. 704.414.4172 A | m.7ohgu2 2509 Niwot w. crva.com| 501 South College Street | Charlotte, NC 26202Karen Brand —— From: Gina Sheridan Sent Wednesday, January 18, 2023 11:35 AM To: Karen Brand; Tom Murray; Cameron Furr Subject: RE: FYI Thanks. Tom, please see draft talking points for ELT/Directors here for review. L\CC-NAS Shared DrivesICRVA-Public\Gina Sheridan\Media Requests\2022\WCNC Nate Morabito ''m available if you want to talk From: Karen Brand Sent: Wednesday, January 18, 2023 11:33 AM To: Tom Murray ; Cameron Furr ; Gina Sheridan Subject: FW: FYI From: Morabito, Nate Sent: Wednesday, January 18, 2023 11:10 AM To: Karen Brand Subject: FYI Good Morning Karen, |! wanted to let you know our story just published: httos://www.wenc.com/article/news/investigations/minority-and- women-owned-small-businesses-ctva/275-346 160 1e-4dbf-48c9-98f0-ecfaabb340ac Our television story is scheduled to air tomorrow at 6 pm, Thanks, Nate NATE MORABITO Investigative Reporter (980) 308-7116 IG: natelnvestigates TW: NateMorabito FB: httos://www_facebook.com/Nateinvestizates/ ‘morabito@wenc.com | wenc.com, ABNTENG a re00e comm chaptorre 1001 Wood Ridge Center Dr. | Charlotte, NC 28217ELT & Director Talking Points Nate Morabito, Investigative Reporter with WCNC made a public records request in late October regarding expenses the CRVA incurred over the past decade with one of our professional service providers Doug Bacon. Doug is the owner and Managing Director of Throwing Words, LLC. We understand the story may air in the coming days, so we wanted to ensure our leaders were aware and felt confident fielding any questions from our valued team members. Throwing Words, LLC was originally engaged by the CRVA in 2013 for Executive Leadership Team development work, following my hiring in 2012. | was keenly focusediar collaboration and employing a strengths-based approach to performance management, understanding strengths-based leadership can be 2 powerful tool for increasing motivation and performance. Doug is a Gallup-Certfed Strengths coach and was one’ofthe frst seven independent coaches in the world to achieve this qualification just prior to our engagement. Throwing Words was chosen based on Doug's specialized knowledge, experience, expertise, and professional quaifcalians in addition to the CRVA's working knowledge of Doug in leadership positions with The:Lee Institute and-as Board President of Leadership Charlotte in 2011 In general, the CRVA seeks service providers based on experience and proven success in a specified subject matter or topic, qualifications and reputation, cast efficiency and technical skills, Our staff confirms a consuitant's collaboration and problem-solving abilties; checks refererices of work and compares capabilities with the CRVA’sittission.and goals todeterminevalignment. TheCRVA is a public entity and complies with North Carolina General Statutes for public-contracting:ingluding service contracts for professional services. Since our initial engagement with:Doug in 2013, the CRVA has continued to work with Doug on a fee and time basso provide Chiten Strengths assessments (also known as StrenghtsFinder), new employealttianager Strerigth:reviews, 360 assessments, Strengths coaching and leadership coaching, Our commitment to diversity, equilyrand inclusion is rooted in our Core Values and viewed as a responsibilty oF everyone at the CRVA. We value building rusted relationships with all of our partners and vendors, and continuously seek to expand the supply chain so that it reflects the diversity of Charlotte's guests, customers and'the broader. community. Strengthening engagement in our MWBE program is vitally important to the CRVA's goal.of ensuring those we do business with reflect the community's diversity and aligns directly with the organizational mission of elevating community prosperityTom Murray Gina Sheridan ‘Wednesday, January 18, 2023 4:10 PM Tom Murray WCNC News Story ‘This is ready to send to #Directors and CC #€xecutives Hello Directors — Nate Morabito, Investigative Reporter with WCNC made a public records request in late October regarding expenses the CRVA has incurred over the past decade with one of our professional service providers Doug Bacon. Doug is the owner and Managing Director of Throwing Words, LLC. The story published on WCNC.com today and is scheduled to ar tomorrow at 6 pm, so we wanted to ensure our leaders were aware and felt confident fielding any questions from team members. Throwing Words, LLC was originally engaged by the CRVA in 2013 for Executive Leadership Team development work, following my hiring in 2012. | was keenly focused on collaboration and employing a strengths-based approach to performance management, understanding strengths-based leadership can be a powerful tool for increasing motivation and performance. Doug is @ Gallup-Certiied Strengths coach and was one ofthe first seven independent coaches in the world to achieve this ualtfcation just prior to our engagement, Throwing Words was chosen based on Doug's specialized knowledge, experience, expertise, and professional qualifications in addition to the CRVA's working knowledge of Doug in leadership postions with The Lee Institute and as Board President of Leadership Charlotte in 2011. In general, the CRVA seeks service providers based on experience and proven success in a specified subject matter or topic, qualifications and reputation, cost efficiency and technical skills. Our staff confirms a consultant's collaboration and problem-solving abies, checks references of work and compares capablities with the CRVA's mission and goals to determine alignment. The CRVA is a public entity and complies with North Carolina General Statutes for public contracting, including service contracts for professional services. Since our intial engagement with Doug in 2013, the CRVA has continued to work with Doug on a fee and time basis to provide CiftonStrengths assessments (also known as StrenghtsFinder), new employee/manager Strengths reviews, 360 assessments, Strengths coaching and leadership coaching Our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion is rooted in our Core Values and viewed as a responsiblity of everyone at the CRVA. We value building trusted relationships with all of our partners and vendors, and continuously seek to expand the supply chain so that it reflects the diversity of Chariotte's quests, customers and the broader community, Strengthening ‘engagement in our MWBE program is vitally important to the CRVA's goal of ensuring those we do business with reflect the community's diversity and aligns directly with the organizational mission of elevating community prosperity, Please reach out to your Executive team member if you have questions. Tom Murray Chief Executive OfficerKaren Brand ee a From: Tom Murray Sent: Wednesday, January 18, 2023 4:27 PM To: #Executives; #Directors Subject: WCNC News Story Hello Directors ~ Nate Morabito, Investigative Reporter with WCNC made a public records request in late October regarding expenses the CRVA has incurred over the past decade with one of our professional service providers Doug Bacon. Doug is the owner and Managing Director of Throwing Words, LLC. The story published on WCNC.com today and is scheduled to air tomorrow at 6 pm, so we wanted to ensure our leaders were aware and felt confident fielding any questions from team members. Throwing Words, LLC was orginally engaged by the CRVA in 2013 for Executive Leadership Team development work, following my hiring in 2012. | was keenly focused on collaboration and employing a strengths-based approach to performance management, understanding strengths-based leadership can be a powerful tool for increasing motivation and performance. Doug is a Gallup-Cerified Strengths coach and was one of the first seven independent coaches in the world to achieve this Qualification just prior to our engagement. Throwing Words was chosen based on Doug's specialized knowledge, experience, expertise, and professional qualifications in addition to the CRVA’s working knowledge of Doug in leadership positions with The Lee Institute and as Board President of Leadership Charlotte in 2011 In general, the CRVA seeks service providers based on experience and proven success in a specified subject matter or topic, qualifications and reputation, cost ficiency and technical skill. Our staff confirms a consultant's collaboration and problem-solving abilities, checks references of work and compares capabilties with the CRVA’s mission and goals to determine alignment. The CRVA is a public entity and complies with North Carolina General Statutes for public contracting, including service contracts for professional services. Since our inital engagement with Doug in 2013, the CRVA has continued to work with Doug on a fee and time basis to provide CliffonStrengths assessments (also known as StrenghtsFinder), new employee/manager Strengths reviews, 360 assessments, Strengths coaching and leadership coaching Our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion is rooted in our Core Values and viewed as a responsibilty of everyone at the CRVA. We value building trusted relationships with all of our partners and vendors, and continuously seek to expand the supply chain so that it efiecs the diversity of Charlotte's guests, customers and the broader community. Strengthening engagement in our MWBE program is vitally important to the CRVA's goal of ensuring those we do business with reflect the community's diversity and aligns directly with the organizational mission of elevating community prosperity. Please reach out to your Executive team member if you have questions. Tom Murray Chief Executive OfficerKaren Brand Gina Sheridan Thursday, January 19, 2023 1:39 PM ‘Tom Murrey; Cameron Furr; Karen Brand Update FY the headline was updated this morning and Nate has now included retweets from both LaWana Mayfeld and Christine Edwards @MissEdwardsCLT Additionally, Nate has posted on his Twitter page @NateMorabito multiple times in the last could of hoursNMatewlevabite » Sh QO Nate Mtorabite ey Se TT: is) paid a leadership coaching coripar considering 8 minority/woman-owned business fo yet to change its policy to ensure it never happe filmed & testimonial for the compary. were wer GRVA overlooked qual In responee to WCNC Charice Charlotte Regional Visitors 2 ne cam QO 2 ta wd aha 4 rabito - 4h You can't help but wonder how rampant this kind ¢ overnment. This is now the second #clt agency t committ ec to DESI, but overlooked MWBEs with t know about either if it weren't for people tipping u Oe th O14 ila 2 teWlorabito - 54m business doesn't align Ls stamp of approval. One t MMWIBE would've benefited. tutay‘It bothers me’ | CRVA overlooked qualified minority and women-owned small businesses for $750K job In response to WCNC Charlotte's investigation, the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority said the leadership consulting work did not legally require bids. Author: Nate Morabito (WCNC) Published: 11:06 AM EST January 18, 2023, Updated: 11:31 AM EST January 19, 2023 CHARLOTTE, N.C. — As the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority publicly commits to diversity, equity and inclusion, public records show the agency paid one small business more than $750,000 over the last decade for leadership consulting work without ever giving minority and women-owned businesses an equal shot at the same job “It does make you raise your eyebrows," government contracting expert LaPronda Spann said, "What is this agency going to do about this now that this has come to light?” Atter WCNC Charlotte exposed a similar practice at the City of Charlotte last year, a viewer shared a tip about the CRVA's longtime reliance on leadership coach Doug Bacon and his company Throwing Words. The taxpayer-funded agency, which manages Spectrum Center, Bojangles Coliseum, the NASCAR Hall of Fame and Charlotte Convention Center, initially hired Throwing Words in 2013, noting Bacon "was one of the first independent coaches in the world to become a Gallup-Certified Strengths coach.” Records show CRVA paid Throwing Words around six figures or more in consulting fees some years for its work, with payments tailing off during the pandemic. Since the jobs only involved services, not goods, a CRVA spokesperson said the agency wasn't required to bid out the work and never entered a formal contract with the company. 3“Maybe they're doing great work, but it speaks volumes to poor judgment on the parts of those in the agency, laziness maybe, because it's easy to continue to hire the same persons over and over again," Spann said. "If anyone was paying attention to the process year-by-year or if they even had an evaluation of their services at the end of every year, this should have been addressed." Spann is a former federal program manager who helps diverse small business owners get certified, so they not only have a seat at the table but a shot at wealth for future generations. She said, historically, small business owners like her have had to look outside of Charlotte to find government work. "The more you bring in other businesses to support your process, the better you look in this community. We want to brag about you. We want to know that we have relationships with you that it's going to be fair and equitable and that there's integrity with those within," she said. "| would be doing my family a disservice if | didn't work hard to move the needle in where we are." CRVA CEO Tom Murray gave a glowing review of Throwing Words in a testimonial on the company's website. After he took over as the new CRVA CEO, Murray said Bacon helped change the agency's culture. "They solve the problems with you," Murray said in the video. “Our employees are happier, our customers are feeling the happiness in our employees and we're getting more business." While a spokesperson said Murray and Bacon had never met prior to his work with the agency, Murray was already familiar with Bacon "| knew Doug. | knew one of his specialties was he was an expert on strength finders,” Murray also said in the testimonial. Murray refused to talk to WCNC Charlotte on-camera. Instead, a spokesperson would only respond to certain questions over email “Throwing Words, LLC was originally engaged by the CRVA in 2013 following the 2012 hiring of Tom Murray as new CEO. Tom was keenly focused on collaboration and employing a strengths-based approach to performance management, understanding strengths-based leadership can be a powerful tool for increasing motivation and performance," CRVA Director of Communications Karen Brand said in an email. "As mentioned, Doug Bacon, Managing Director of Throwing Words, LLC was one of the first seven independent coaches in the world to achieve Gallup's Certified Strengths Coach accreditation just prior to the CRVA's initial engagement in 2013. Throwing Words, LLC was chosen based on Doug's specialized knowledge, experience, expertise, and professional qualifications in addition to the CRVA's working knowledge of Doug in 4leadership positions with The Lee Institute and as Board President of Leadership Charlotte in 2011." According to the CRVA, Throwing Words provided CliftonStrengths assessments, new employee/manager CliftonStrengths reviews, hundreds of assessments, strengths coaching and leadership coaching from 2013 to 2022, consulting "on a fee and time basis." Brand said, generally, the agency "seeks service providers based on experience and proven success in a specified subject matter or topic, qualifications and reputation, cost efficiency and technical skills." Bacon declined to comment when contacted “As a policy, we don't comment on details of our work with clients," he told WCNC. Charlotte. Spann said whichever process led to repeat business for one small business owner needs changing. “Of course, it bothers me," Spann said. "They need to reexamine and enhance their programs. There has to be something that is put into place so that this does not happen again." Brand refused to reveal if the CRVA intends to change its policy to be more inclusive in the future. The agency reaffirmed its commitment to minority and women-owned business enterprises (MWBEs) last year, hosting a vendor forum and creating a new diversity, equity and inclusion director position. Spann said CRVA executives also recently told her they're training employees. "I like where they're going with it," she said. "But it's going to take more than this training. There has to be consistent evaluation." She believes the only way for the agency to distance itself from the past is by measuring how many new, unduplicated minority and women-owned businesses the CRVA welcomes in the future. When pressed by WCNC Charlotte for MWBE metrics, the agency spokesperson said the CRVA does not have "a document responsive to your request for a yearly breakdown of the number and dollar amount CRVA has awarded during 2013-2022 in new, unrepeated MWBE business.” The CRVA provided a list of 111 self-identified MWBE vendors the agency said it did business with during the last fiscal year."Our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion is rooted in our Core Values and viewed as a responsibility of everyone at the CRVA," the CRVA said in a statement. "We value building trusted relationships with all of our partners and vendors, and continuously seek to expand the supply chain so that it reflects the diversity of Charlotte's guests, customers and the broader community. Strengthening engagement in the MWBE program is vitally important to the CRVA's goal of ensuring those we do business with reflect the community's diversity and aligns directly with the organizational mission of elevating community prosperity." Spann said she’s just one more example of a small business owner who's had to "unnecessarily" seek contracting work outside of Charlotte to sustain operations, recently winning contracts in California and Texas. She calls it "unfortunate, but necessary to stay in business." She said she notices incremental improvements, but keeps waiting for the floodgates to open. Spann suggests agencies should attach performance bonuses tied to DEI metrics to drive new partnerships. “When | first started, it was maybe a drip. Now, it's a trickle. What we're waiting for is for the faucets to open, so that we know that this process will not only be equitable and fair but that we will continue to grow our companies because we've been given the opportunity to do great work in this community," Spann said. "We pay taxes here, we live here, we reside here, we've built our families here and we want that same opportunity." Mecklenburg County created the Business LaunchPad program to help more MWBEs secure work. The City of Charlotte, meanwhile, changed its contracting rules last year to be more inclusive after a WCNC Charlotte investigation prompted Mayor Vi Lyles to admit, "We made a mistake."Karen Brand Ae From: Karen Brand Sent: Thursday, January 19, 2023 7:46 PM To: Tom Murray; Gina Sheridan > https://www.wene.com/video/news/local/minority-female-owned-small-businesses-not-given-equal-chance- funds/275-dbd3ee20-1d58-420f-99f4-00741587ddd0