2025 State Meeting
2025 NCACAA State Meeting and Professional Improvement Conference
June 10-12, 2025
The 2025 North Carolina Association of County Agricultural Agents state meeting will be hosted by the South Central District in Concord, NC. The meeting will be June 10-12. The Conference hotel will be the Embassy Suites by Hilton Charlotte Concord Golf Course Resort & Spa.
The South Central District is excited to host the 2025 meeting, and has planned an exciting and fun meeting. The State Board meeting will be held Tuesday, June 10 from 3:00-4:30pm. Later that evening, attendees will be treated to a taco bar from 6:00-8:00pm. The annual meeting will officially kick off on Wednesday, June 11 at 10:00am with the Annual Business Meeting, followed by the Opening Lunch and Communications Award presentations at 12 noon. Professional Improvement Sessions will be offered Wednesday afternoon, and the Awards Banquet will be held at 6:00pm Wedensday evening. The meeting will conclude on Thursday, June 12, with a variety of Professional Development Tours before attendees gather at Frank Liske Park for a cookout and cornhole tournament. The South Central District looks forward to hosting you in Concord, NC.
Lodging Information
Embassy Suites by Hilton Charlotte Concord Golf Course Resort & Spa
Direct Link for Group Rate (Edit dates if stay will be fewer than 3 days)
5400 John Q. Hammons Drive NW
Concord, NC 28027
(704) 455-8200
Room rate: $169/night + $4 parking fee
If calling to make reservation use “NC Association of County Agricultural Agents” to get group rate.
Last day to book with group rate is Sunday, May 11, 2025
Early Bird Activities
Top Golf Charlotte - University
9110 Drivers Way
Charlotte, NC 28262
Time: 12:00 - 2:00 PM **Arrive 15 minutes early to check in**
Price: $65 per person (includes lunch and 2 hours of game play)
Description: Come join the fun in TopGolf’s all weather hitting bays with cooling fans, food, beverages, and loads of entertainment no matter your skill level.
4001 Dearborn Place NW
Concord, NC 28027
Time: 12:00 - 2:00 p.m.
Price: $8 per person (Lunch on your own)
Description: The Mustang World now has a dedicated Museum located in Concord, North Carolina. The Museum will showcase over 25 Mustangs. These Mustangs will include classics, modified, racing, and a few unique versions. The goal is to show the automotive world the many reasons why the Mustang is the most popular "pony car" in the world.
329 McGill Ave. NW
Concord, NC 28027
Time: 1:00 - 1:30 p.m. (Arrive 15 minutes early to check in)
Price: Free (Lunch on your own)
Description: The national movement to get closer to where your food comes from and a desire to interact with those that grow, produce, prepare, and serve it is such a large part of what is driving the craft beer movement. The four main beer philosophies of Cabarrus Brewing Company are sourcing high quality, local ingredients from growers and suppliers, being creative, keeping it fresh, and including the community. Join in on an educational tour of this farm to table craft brew business. Plan to visit other downtown venues in walking distance at the https://gibsonmillconcordnc.com/
Professional Improvement Sessions
Session 1: Concord C
Accelerate Your Career With The Plant Sciences Initiative
Dr. Rachel Vann, Platform Director for Extension Outreach and Engagement
Session 2: Concord B
Writing Communications Awards: The Ins and Outs of Being Concise
Blake Szilvay, Extension Agent, Randolph County
Session 3: Concord B
Becoming a Relationship Building Specialist
Gena Moore, Wingate University; & Mary Beth Miller, CFSA Education Coordinator
Professional Development Tours
Tour 1 – Horticulture
Join us for an exclusive tour of Metrolina Greenhouse, where you'll witness their incredible journey from a rented 20,000-square-foot space to becoming one of the largest greenhouses in the world.
Afterward, savor a delicious box lunch and enjoy a guided tour of UNC Charlotte's Greenhouse and Gardens, where innovation and nature thrive. We'll conclude the day with a relaxing visit to Dover Farm and Vineyard, the perfect spot to unwind and learn more about local food and wine.
Don't miss this unique opportunity to explore some of the most remarkable spaces in the region!
Time: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Tour Capacity: 40 people
Tour 2 – Porter Farms
Porter farms is a 4th generation family farm that has grown from just 5 brood cows in 1972 to multi species multifaceted farm operation including, Beef, Swine, Broiler breeders and Agri-tourism, with event venue, corn maze and store front. A box lunch will be served at the event center and you will have a chance to shop in the store. You will be required to wear closed toe shoes and additional PPE (shoe covers, disposable coveralls, etc.).
Time: 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Tour Capacity: 40 people
Tour 3 – Poultry Tour
This poultry focused tour will feature stops at the Tyson-Monroe complex including the hatchery, processing plant and a growout farm. Participants must not have contact with any avian species (including pet birds) for at least 72 hours. You will be required to wear closed toe shoes and additional PPE (hard hat, ear plugs, safety glasses, boots or shoe covers, disposable coveralls, lab coats, etc.). A box lunch will be served at the Union County Ag Center.
***No children allowed on this tour***
Time: 8:00 am - 2:30 pm
Tour Capacity: 40 people
Spouse & Life Members Information
Tour of Downtown Kannapolis
Come explore the charm and excitement of downtown Kannapolis! Stroll through beautifully revitalized streets lined with unique shops, mouthwatering dining, and vibrant entertainment. Visit the new Kannapolis Cannon Ballers’ stadium or enjoy a scenic walk along the Loop at Atrium Health Ballpark.
Race fans won’t want to miss the Dale Earnhardt Tribute Plaza, a heartfelt homage to the legendary NASCAR champion. Whether you're here for history, sports, or simply a relaxing day out, downtown Kannapolis offers something for everyone!
Youth Activities (Youth under 9 must be accompanied by an adult)
Wednesday, June 11
12:00pm Opening Lunch at the Hotel (Youth attending the youth activity will go through line first)
12:30 - 3:30 pm Sea Life Aquarium + Beyond The Surface Tour
3:30 - 4:00 pm Snack at a park/playground if time permits
4:30 pm Return to hotel
6:00 - 9:00 pm Pool Party & Pizza
Thursday, June 12
8:00 am - 4:00 pm Tours with Parents ***Note youth restrictions on poultry tour***
Cornhole Tournament
Tournament will be held after dinner at Frank Liske Park - Phillip Morris Shelter (4001 Stough Road, Concord, NC 28027)
Open to all registered meeting attendees
Single elimination team tournament (2 players per team) with cancellation scoring of bag in hole (3) and bag on board (1). Each game decided by first to 21 points or over.