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The Wilmington NC Chamber of Commerce‘s first show featured Connie Majure-Rhett, Chamber President and CEO, as host. Connie welcomed into the studio Mayor Bill Saffo, Jana Jones Halls, and Rickey Godwin. The conversation was centered on the impact of youth violence on business in Wilmington and what the city is doing about it.

About The Blue Ribbon Commission:

The Blue Ribbon Commission Action Teams continue to work toward developing processes and programs that will reduce youth violence, reduce drop outs, increase graduation rates and increase community participation in the Commission’s efforts.

Mayor Bill Saffo- Blue Ribbon Commission Chair

A native of Wilmington, Saffo graduated from Hoggard High School in 1978 and went on to receive a bachelor of arts degree from UNC-Wilmington.  He is a real estate agent with Seacoast Realty in Wilmington.  Bill’s civic involvement includes the Community Boys and Girls Club and the Rotary West Club in Wilmington.  He is a member of the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church.

Bill’s parents are first generation Greek immigrants.  He loves to spend time with friends and family.  Bill finds it very satisfying to serve as Mayor of his hometown.

Executive Director- Jana Jones Halls

Jana Jones Halls has just been hired as the new Executive Director of the Blue Ribbon Commission. Mrs. Jones Halls received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English from Christopher Newport University in Newport News, Virginia.  She has been an integral part of the Cape Fear community for a number of years where she was an educator at the Friends School of Wilmington, and has taught at DREAMS of Wilmington.  Prior to accepting this position, Jones Halls was an Americorp HandsOnSchools VISTA volunteer and community outreach coordinator at D.C. Virgo Preparatory Academy, Wilmington, where she restructured and created a volunteer, enrichment, mentoring and community outreach program.

As the Executive Director for the BRC, Jones Halls will provide leadership in the ongoing development and implementation of their strategic plan to address youth violence in the Youth Enrichment Zone.  She will serve as the liaison between the BRC and D.C. Virgo Preparatory Academy and will educate and engage the community around the issues of youth violence.

Rickey Godwin

Godwin is a partner at McGladrey LLP, a provider of assurance, tax and consulting services with more than 6,700 employees in 75 cities nationwide. He obtained his Bachelor of Science in Accounting from East Carolina University and has 25 years of experience providing tax compliance and advisory services to corporations, partnerships and LLCs. Godwin was a partner with a large regional firm prior to joining McGladrey and now serves as one of the leaders of tax services for the Wilmington location.

Godwin currently serves on the board of directors for the Landfall Foundation, New Hanover County Community Foundation, and Community Boys and Girls Club. In addition, he serves on the UNCW MSA/Accounting Advisory Board. His Chamber experience includes a term as the First Vice Chairman. He will also serve as a member of the Chamber Education Foundation Board and on the Wilmington Business Development Board of Directors as the Chamber’s representative.