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Wireless Connections
The Wireless Research Center’s first show featured Ann Revell-Pechar, as host and Gerry Hayes, President/Founder and Larry Steffann, General Manager, of the Wireless Research Center of North Carolina, as co-hosts. Ann welcomed into the studio Mayor Vivian Jones, and Marla Akridge. The conversation was centered on economic development and the positive impact the Wireless Center is making on the area.
Mayor Vivian Jones, Town of Wake Forest
Vivian Jones is the four-term Mayor of the Town of Wake Forest, NC. Prior to serving her first term, Jones found great success in the catering and restaurant industry. She grew up in Red Cross (Randolf County), NC, and attended the Woman’s College of the University of North Carolina (now UNC-Greensboro).
Marla Akridge, Wake Forest Chamber of Commerce
Marla is President of the Wake Forest Chamber of Commerce. She attended Ohio State University and Auburn University, where she received a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree, respectively. Upon graduation, Akridge moved to Jackson, Tenn., where she spent several years working at a research facility at the University of Tennessee. Over the next few years, Akridge taught continuing education computer courses at various community colleges in Tennessee. After serving on the board of directors at the Dyersburg/Dyer County Chamber of Commerce in Tennessee, Akridge went to Prattville, Ala., where she served as president of the Prattville Area Chamber of Commerce for five years. Akridge then moved north to assume the president’s role at the Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce in Ohio.
