The Diversity Movement team is comprised of business strategists, marketing leaders, content experts, and Certified Diversity Executives who work with clients to create stronger company culture and drive growth.

Innovation in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Veteran Entrepreneur Leads Company Creating Workplace Excellence

Public speaker, author, and executive coach are just a few titles held by entrepreneur Donald Thompson. The co-founder and CEO of The Diversity Movement, Donald is an established thought leader on creating stronger company culture and helping drive organizational growth. He is also the author of the new book, Underestimated: A CEO's Unlikely Path to Success.

The Diversity Movement was founded in 2019 by five innovators from within marketing and branding agency Walk West where Donald served as CEO. The company launched by offering a single eLearning course. However, its clients needed additional services, so it quickly grew into a content, product, and data-driven organization, focusing on connecting DEI to real-world business outcomes. "Our clients turned to The Diversity Movement for cutting-edge content, analytics, and initiatives they could use to build stronger, healthier, and ultimately, more profitable workplaces," says Donald. "The real-world focus enabled us to grow exponentially."

Donald brought together a team of business strategists, marketing leaders, content experts, and Certified Diversity Executives to meet client needs. The Diversity Movement enables organizations to build and strengthen culture via a scalable, subscription-based employee experience platform. Its integrated approach helps companies build inclusive culture through the application of data-informed insight, technology, and DEI expertise. The platform is powered by 400 original digital learning lessons, 600-plus micro-learning videos delivered in a "Netflix for DEI" experience, and analytics that track culture-building progress.

"The Diversity Movement's products speed adoption of culture initiatives — proven to immediately benefit the bottom line," says Donald. "Whether an organization needs to improve retention and expand its talent pipeline or create an internal infrastructure for its diversity leader, our platform allows the culture-centric leader to quickly scale knowledge and see real-world financial results."

Released in the fall of 2022, Underestimated: A CEO’s Unlikely Path to Success is part autobiography, part leadership guide. In it, Donald shares life and leadership lessons learned through his unique career path.

The Diversity Movement has won several accolades, including from Inc. and Business North Carolina. Its microlearning platform, "MicroVideos by The Diversity Movement," was named one of Fast Company's "2022 World Changing Ideas." Locally, the company was recognized as a Triangle Business Journal Fire Award winner, which highlighted start-ups "whose products and services are gaining quick acceptance in the marketplace."

When it comes to financial guidance, Donald turns to TowneBank. "With every new business venture, I start with TowneBank," he says. "The team helps me think about the future from the ground up — a true partnership. Any bank can open a checking account, but we all want to feel like the people we are working with have our best interest at heart. That's what I get with the TowneBank team."

In addition to leading The Diversity Movement, Donald hosts the "High Octane Leadership" podcast, pens a weekly leadership column for WRAL TechWire, and serves as a mentor for Black Founders Exchange, hosted by American Underground and Google for Startups. Donald also sits on several boards, including TowneBank Raleigh, Vivant Medical Center, Easterseals UCP, and the Raleigh Chamber, as well as several other organizations in the fields of technology, marketing, sports, and entertainment.

For more information, please visit DonaldThompson.com or TheDiversityMovement.com.

"The team helps me think about the future from the ground up — a true partnership. Any bank can open a checking account, but we all want to feel like the people we are working with have our best interest at heart. That's what I get with the TowneBank team."
Billie Redmond founded TradeMark Properties in 1984. Today, TradeMark is the largest woman-owned boutique commercial real estate company in the Triangle. Billie also serves as chair of the TowneBank Raleigh Board.

Making Their TradeMark

TradeMark Properties was founded in 1984 by Billie Redmond, the first female to own an independent commercial real estate company in the Raleigh area. Since then, TradeMark Properties has grown into the largest, woman-owned, boutique commercial real estate company in the Triangle.

The company now includes 32 experienced real estate professionals and brokers who handle all commercial property types and services, working with their clients to maximize the value of their real estate investments and business objectives.

TradeMark team members incorporate the five core values of the company into life and work: Commitment to Excellence, Character, Capable, Creative, Community.

Amy Carroll, president of TradeMark Properties, shares that a successful TradeMark employee understands the importance of these core values and will "roll up their sleeves to get to work and pitch in, while also being service-minded."

This distinctive combination of excellent work and community impact is evident in the continued achievements of the company.

TradeMark Properties team members (l. to r.) Jim Harris, Allison Jordan, Billie Redmond, Vijay Shah, Amy Carroll, Meagan Fuller, Jeremy Hornfeldt, and Cynthia Qayyum.

The TradeMark team has been central to some major deals throughout the Triangle, such as the site selection for Downtown South, a massive sports and entertainment district that will have hotels, housing, office and retail spaces, while being anchored by an open-air sports and entertainment stadium. This unique vision is what has set the company apart and continues to make TradeMark a leader in the region's real estate market.

TradeMark Properties' commitment to serving the community cannot be overstated. The team supports numerous nonprofits such as A Place at the Table, a nonprofit café where everyone is invited to eat, regardless of means; Band Together, which uses live music as a platform for social change; Raleigh Rescue Mission; and EndCAN, The National Foundation to End Child Abuse and Neglect.

TradeMark Properties and TowneBank have a close working relationship. Billie chairs the TowneBank Raleigh board and has been essential to the company's growth in the Triangle region. TradeMark Properties assists TowneBank with site selection, property management for offices, as well as project management for new TowneBank site construction and renovation.

The TradeMark Properties team is dedicated to making a difference in the Triangle area and frequently assists nonprofits like the Inter-Faith Food Shuttle and A Place at the Table to help feed the hungry.

Amy sincerely enjoys working with TowneBank colleagues regularly. "Everyone at TowneBank sets such high expectations for member service, delivered with integrity. The quality of their work, along with their attention to detail, truly sets them apart."

For any commercial real estate needs or to learn more about TradeMark Properties, please visit TradeMarkProperties.com.

"Everyone at TowneBank sets such high expectations for member service, delivered with integrity. The quality of their work, along with their attention to detail, truly sets them apart."
FirstPoint Management Resources (FPMR) employees sit on a variety of professional organizations. Here, team members visit a conference for the National Board of Echocardiography.

First Point Management Resources

Helping Organizations Remain Mission Focused

FirstPoint Management Resources (FPMR) provides support to nonprofit and volunteer led organizations throughout North Carolina and beyond. A national leader among association management companies (AMCs), FirstPoint offers a range of administrative and strategic services, eliminating time-consuming overhead expenses so that organizations can remain mission focused.

FPMR is a division of FirstPoint, a for-profit company whose roots date back to 1949. Located in Raleigh, FPMR works with small and large tax-exempt organizations, professional societies, and trade associations, providing association management services that range from event planning to membership management, administrative support, and graphic design, as well as leadership enhancement and fundraising campaign guidance. In addition, FirstPoint offers special project services like strategic planning, board orientation, and marketing campaign planning and execution.

"We work with clients both in our region and across the nation and are well versed in a variety of industries, from healthcare to technology and science, and everything in between," says Shayla Taylor, director of finance at FPMR. "We are a one-stop shop for our clients, helping them remain successful and economically sound."

FPMR strives to align the company culture with its strategic direction, marketing strategy, competency, and job growth strategy – all while having fun! Jim Booth, general manager, brings lots of laughs to the office on a rainy day.

FPMR has a staff of 40 professionals, including the executive team, account managers, information support experts, graphic design artists, and administrative specialists. "We are a well-established team of professionals who creates a support network for our clients," says Shayla. "Most nonprofits would need to hire several key professionals and pay them top salaries to obtain the same knowledge and skill base that is available at FPMR."

The TowneBank team works alongside FirstPoint to streamline and manage their banking needs, allowing the company to stay focused on helping their partner organizations thrive. Brandi Gerew, vice president and private banking officer at Towne, has over a decade of nonprofit management experience and understands the unique needs these organizations face day-to-day and long term. In fact, FPMR has been so pleased with their experience that TowneBank has become one of the preferred banks they recommend to their clients.

"TowneBank helps safeguard our partner organizations' most valuable asset: the funds that allow them to do what they do," says Shayla. "Brandi and the TowneBank team understand small businesses and nonprofits and provide beneficial services and guidance not only to us, but also to the clients we serve."

For more information, visit FirstPointResources.com.

"TowneBank helps safeguard our partner organizations' most valuable asset: the funds that allow them to do what they do. Brandi and the TowneBank team understand small businesses and nonprofits and provide beneficial services and guidance not only to us, but also to the clients we serve."
North Carolina State University’s Carter-Finley Stadium dates to 1966 and has undergone several renovations. It has hosted hundreds of special events including commencements, concerts, and the Special Olympics.

NC State Wolfpack Athletics Gets a Boost

Carter-Finley Stadium, home of the North Carolina State University Wolfpack, will see some major improvements and upgrades thanks to a $5 million commitment from TowneBank.

The 117,000 square-foot west side tower that stretches from endzone to endzone will be renamed TowneBank Center for a 10-year period with the option to extend the commitment after that time.

"I can't thank Bob Aston and TowneBank enough for this incredible investment in NC State Athletics," said Boo Corrigan, NC State director of athletics. "This gift will have a major impact on our continued efforts to improve Carter-Finley Stadium by modernizing it and enhancing the fan experience and gameday atmosphere."

"Carter Finley Stadium is a special place electrified by the passion of the Wolfpack family. Our Towne family is extremely excited and proud to join hands with NC State Athletics in enhancing the fan and student athlete experience over the decade ahead," said Bob Aston, TowneBank executive chairman.

The TowneBank Center is a 117,000-square-foot tower on the west side of Carter-Finley stadium that stretches from one endzone to the other.

The NC State stadium opened in 1966 and has hosted thousands of games and some notable events like concerts by the Rolling Stones, U2, and Beyoncé, as well as the 1987 Olympic Festival, the 1999 World Special Olympics Summer Games opening ceremonies, and a Billy Graham Crusade. Thousands of NC State graduates have attended spring commencement ceremonies at the stadium. Since the 1960s, the stadium has undergone several renovations. TowneBank is honored to help Carter-Finley Stadium continue to shine. Go Pack!

"Carter Finley Stadium is a special place electrified by the passion of the Wolfpack family. Our Towne family is extremely excited and proud to join hands with NC State Athletics in enhancing the fan and student athlete experience over the decade ahead."
Mark Bolash, Brian McLaughlin, and Scot McAlexander (l. to r.) from the TowneBank Raleigh team, snap a selfie on the construction site while volunteering with Habitat for Humanity of Wake County.

Habitat for Humanity — On Site with the TowneBank Team

Habitat for Humanity of Wake County's vision is a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Since 1985, the organization has built more than 850 safe, affordable, energy-efficient homes throughout Wake and Johnston counties. With the help of volunteers, corporate support, and other partnerships, Habitat has touched 2,000 families through new construction, home preservation, and global building.

The TowneBank team participated in a build through Habitat as part of their Day of Caring efforts.

In October, the TowneBank team gathered for a day of construction at Maybrook Townhomes in Raleigh. Volunteers worked side by side with future homeowners to help hammer, nail, and saw their dream home into reality. Habitat experts were on hand to help provide instruction and guidance, making sure the experience was fulfilling, fun, and safe for all. Interested in volunteering? Visit HabitatWake.org to learn more.

Howie Shareff, founder and executive director of You Call This Yoga, demonstrates the importance of taking standing breaks, no matter where your office is.

Lunch and Learn Series Brings Insight to Nonprofits

As part of our commitment to our community partners, TowneBank holds a monthly lunch and learn at its Glenwood office that is free to anyone who works or volunteers with a local nonprofit. Private banker Brandi Gerew, who specializes in banking for nonprofits, organizes the series and hosts each session. The November session featured Howie Shareff, founder of You Call This Yoga, who spoke on "Deskside Yoga for Physical and Mental Health."

Howie, a dentist by trade, founded You Call This Yoga in 2007 to share what he had learned about adapting yoga for physical ailments that hindered him as a recreational athlete. Today, as an educational nonprofit, the organization focuses on bringing yoga to people who may not usually have access to classes and the benefits of the practice. With an emphasis on providing free and accessible yoga in Wake, Durham, and Mecklenburg counties, their virtual options bring their mission to a wider audience.

At the lunch and learn, Howie talked with participants about bringing wellness to the workday. He discussed the importance of standing breaks, demonstrated some simple chair yoga principles and practices, and shared tips on introducing meditation into the workday. Visit YouCallThisYoga.org for information on how yoga supports both physical and mental well-being.

Note in the Pocket partners with agencies like the YMCA and the Boys & Girls Club to host Pocket Pop Ups where individuals can “shop” for clothing items.

Note in the Pocket — Clothing Children in Dignity and Love

In 2005, a recent college graduate began her teaching career at a Title I elementary school. Excited to start her dream job, she couldn't wait to see the bright and happy faces of her students on the first day of school. As the day went on, however, the young teacher realized the students weren't excited or happy, and she quickly began to understand why: many had not had breakfast, lacked proper school supplies, and were often in the same ill-fitting clothes day after day.

The Towne family served others and enriched lives through a volunteer project with Note in the Pocket.

With the winter months approaching, the teacher turned to her mom for help. "Together, they began to collect coats, ask for donations from church members and neighbors, and purchase items from thrift stores," says Liz Magnuson, volunteer leader at Note in the Pocket. The coats were sent home with students, but surprisingly, many of them were returned. "Parents thought their children brought the coats home on accident or were unsure where the coats had come from, so the following day, the coats were once again sent home, but this time with a note slipped into each pocket explaining that it was a gift from the community." From there, Note in the Pocket (NITP) was born.

Since those early years, NITP has grown tremendously to meet the evolving needs of the community. Partnering with Wake County Public Schools, the largest public school district in North Carolina, and other human service agencies, the organization plans to clothe over 8,000 individuals in 2022. "We work with referral partners, including social workers within the school and organizations like the Boys & Girls Club and Salvation Army, to help identify children that need our resources," says Liz. "Beyond outfitting children with the pants, shirts, and coats that they need to succeed, we also strive to clothe them with dignity and love."

NITP operates a 29,000 square foot warehouse where they processed 240,000 pounds of clothing donations in 2021. Through their referral partner program, NITP provides mini-wardrobes that include two weeks' worth of clothing, including a variety of tops and bottoms, appropriate outerwear for the season, shoes, and new socks and underwear. The clothing is then delivered to the school or agency that made the request. "Our model for getting the clothes to the children strives to remove some of the stigma that goes along with needing help," says Liz. "The families do not have to repeat their story one more time. They do not have to go to a location to pick through the leftovers of donated clothing."

A note is included with each clothing donation, reminding the recipient that they are loved and cared for by the community.

The organization also partners with organizations like Interfaith Food Shuttle, YMCA of the Triangle, and the Boys & Girls Clubs to host Pocket Pop-Ups. "The pop-ups allow us to reach people we may not touch through the referral system," notes Liz. "People are able to browse and hand select the clothing items they need."

The TowneBank family in Raleigh partnered with Note in the Pocket in support of "Socktober," an annual event to collect new, in-package socks and underwear. Towne volunteers also helped sort and package clothing donations to be distributed to those in need. "Volunteers sorted an estimated 1,123 pounds of clothes — enough for 37 students who other might have limited resources. And, we had a great time!" says Paula Tannery, assistant vice president. "We are community run and led," says Liz. "There is no way we could do what we do without the support of community members who donate and volunteer."

In April, NITP will host the 10th annual Socks and Undie 5K "Rundie." Visit their website to register, or to learn about other ways to get involved: NoteInThePocket.org.

"We are community run and led. There is no way we could do what we do without the support of community members who donate and volunteer."

Towne Wealth Management

As part of an ongoing series in TowneToday, the professionals located at Towne Wealth Management are pleased to provide informative articles on a variety of wealth strategy topics. In this issue, Doug and Austin of The Bray-Harris Group encourage you to consider a broader historical perspective before changing your financial course.

Doug Bray, CFP®, CIMA®
Senior Managing Partner,
Towne Wealth Management
Financial Advisor, RJFS
919-264-6872

Austin Harris
Managing Partner,
Towne Wealth Management
Financial Advisor, RJFS
919-500-6842

Over time, markets have proved positive and resilient

Market volatility can often trigger emotional responses in investors, responses that can impact judgment and potentially affect long-term plans. These periods of volatility are an opportunity to connect with your advisor, enabling them to act as a sounding board for your concerns. By talking about current events in light of your overall financial plan, your advisor can provide reassuring perspective to help you stay the course or readjust if needed.

Pullbacks throughout history

Pullbacks can make you want to pull up stakes and run — a reaction that's often a mistake, especially for long-term investors. The right knowledge and historical perspective can help us avoid making investment decisions based on emotion rather than strategy.

By looking at the market over a long period of time, we're provided with a true testament of resiliency. Each decline along the way felt terrible and declines today feel just as uncomfortable. But when we track the overall growth the market has achieved, it's clear that there are benefits to persistence, patience and commitment.

Remember:

  • The stock market is cyclical.
  • You will likely encounter numerous pullbacks and/or corrections as a long-term investor.
  • A study of the stock market shows its resilience.
  • In the long run, the upturns have always been stronger than the downturns.

Stocks overcome bumps in the road: Growth of $10,000 in the S&P 500 from 1/31/40 to 12/31/21:

Source: Morningstar. This chart is for illustrative purposes only. This analysis does not include transaction costs, which could reduce an investor's return. Growth of $10,000 in the S&P 500 1/31/40 - 12/31/21.

Staying invested through volatile times

Timing the market is a near-impossible task. By staying invested, even through periods of volatility, investors can increase their chances of achieving higher returns.

Over the past 20 years, the S&P 500 has grown at an annualized rate of 7.3%. However, removing only the five best trading days over that 20-year period would bring the index's total growth down to 4.9%, and missing the 20 best trading days pulls its return to only 0.6%.

Don't inadvertently miss out on important recovery days by trying to time the market's every movement. Instead, speak with your advisor about how your long-term plan is positioned to weather short-term volatility — and discuss whether temporary pullbacks are an opportunity to strategically add to your portfolio.

Remember:

  • Generally, returns have been less volatile over longer holding periods.
  • Returns over time have been positive in most cases.
  • Even a few strong market days can significantly impact total returns.
  • Dollar-cost averaging can help take advantage of volatility.

The Raymond James financial advisors at Towne Wealth Management can help you understand these periods of volatility, especially during declines, your advisor can act as a sounding board for your concerns. By talking about current events in light of your overall financial plan, your advisor can help provide reassuring perspective to help you stay the course and take advantage of any opportunities that tumultuous markets can present. Please contact any of our financial advisors with questions at 757-638-6850.

Read the full Weathering Market Volatility brochure.

Towne Wealth Management, TowneBank and The Bray-Harris Group are not registered broker/dealers and are independent of Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Investment advisory services are offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC, and are not insured by bank insurance, the FDIC or any other government agency, are not deposits or obligations of TowneBank, are not guaranteed by TowneBank, and are subject to risks, including the possible loss of principal.

Past performance may not be indicative of future results. There is no assurance these trends will continue. The market value of securities fluctuates, and you may incur a profit or a loss. Investing involves risk including the possible loss of capital. The S&P is a weighted, unmanaged index composed of 500 stocks believed to be a broad indicator of stock price movements. Investors cannot buy or invest directly in market indexes or averages. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Dollar-cost averaging does not assure a profit and does not protect against loss. It involves continuous investment regardless of fluctuating price levels of such securities. Investors should consider their financial ability to continue purchases through periods of low-price levels.