The Wilderman Group Hires Local Residents in Management Roles at LeGrand Center

Aug. 20, 2012 - PRLog -- Consistent with their commitment to strengthening the local community’s economic growth and development, Fred Julius, Chief Operating Officer for The Wilderman Group, announced the appointment of two area residents to leading management positions at LeGrand Center, the new multi-use, 44,000 square-foot conference center in Shelby, NC.  

In making these announcements, Mr. Julius commented that “these two newest members of the team at LeGrand Center are key to the success of the Center and show such great promise for hospitality success as demonstrated in how they interact with people and how they consistently exhibit a commitment to customer satisfaction.”

Carver Hopper, Director of Operations
Born and raised in Shelby, NC, Carver has had 17 years of honing his commitment to customer service in the region, starting in the food and beverage segment and for the past six years as Guest Services/Housekeeping Manager at Hampton Inn Charlotte-Gastonia where he managed numerous departments.  Carver was recognized by Hilton Hotels for ensuring consistency in daily operations and Hilton standards and for implementing procedures that improved guest service scores to its highest rating of “Outstanding.”

Carver also gained valuable experience as co-owner and operator of a successful entertainment company that provided a wide range of services from audio, lighting, special effects and full-service wedding and events programs throughout North and South Carolina.  

As Director of Operations at LeGrand Center, Carver is responsible for all day-to-day aspects of the center to make sure that it operates smoothly and meets financial objectives.  His primary charge is to provide outstanding customer service and a positive guest experience by working closely with all the departments on property to provide outstanding and successful events.

Kristen Clanton,  Planning Manager
Also a native of North Carolina, Kristen was born in Gastonia, and now lives in Belmont.  She brings years of experience in non-profit development and event planning to her new role having served as Recruitment & Event Specialist at the America Cancer Society in Charlotte, and Special Events Coordinator for Holy Angels Foundation in Belmont, NC.

Kristen is active in the Gaston County community including the Junior League of Gaston County, Loray Girls Home Volunteer, American Cancer Society, and El Centro Communitario Hispano Americano.  She received her BA from Elon University and French Language Certificate from Université Paris Sorbonne.  She is currently working on Master of Public Administration from University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

As Planning Manager, Kristen works closely with clients to provide a successful and productive event and to ensure that their needs and demands are met.  She coordinates communication among departments to manage logistics, food and beverage, A/V and any other details required to provide an exceptional experience.  

Mr. Julius commented, “Both Carver and Kristen contributed greatly to the successful inaugural events at LeGrand Center as we hosted the American Legion World Series events and celebrations.  They will play a major role in next month’s ribbon cutting ceremonies and community open house to officially introduce themselves and this spectacular facility to the public.”

More About LeGrand Center
A collaboration among the Cleveland County, North Carolina Board of Education, County Board of Commissioners and the Cleveland Community College Foundation Board, LeGrand Center is the new, $19-million, 44,000 square–foot conference center set within the new 89,000 square foot building on the campus of Cleveland Community College in Shelby, NC.  The Center was designed by Holland and Hamrick Architects of Shelby, NC who have provided design services in Cleveland and Rutherford Counties for almost 80 years.  

Designed to meet the strict criteria established by the US Green Building Council (USGBC) for LEED Silver certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), LeGrand Center will be one of the largest LEED-certified projects in Cleveland County and will utilize modern, energy-efficient materials, utilize natural lighting and feature cutting-edge conference technology for both the education and conference spaces. The new conference center will also feature advanced conference technology and audio/visual capabilities to enhance the meeting experience and add efficiencies and convenience to other events such as banquets and social gatherings.

The LeGrand Center is part of Cisco’s Smart+Connected Communities which helps transform physical communities into connected communities that can help realize sustainable economic growth, enable environmental sustainability, and enhance the quality of life. Environmental/sustainable features will be implemented throughout the Center. The sustainable design will follow the rigorous standards for sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection, indoor environmental quality and innovative design.

Nestled in the rolling piedmont of the southwest region of North Carolina, Cleveland County is a gateway between Asheville and Charlotte, and is at the center of two of the largest metropolitan areas of the Carolinas – Charlotte and Greenville/Spartanburg.  Shelby epitomizes small town charm and is only 30 minutes from Charlotte.  The County boasts a comprehensive economic development strategy, known as Focus Cleveland, which has explored six areas of development including economic development, entrepreneurial efforts, government, infrastructure, marketing, and work force.


THE WILDERMAN GROUP is a woman-owned hospitality management company that specializes in operating meeting and event venues, and civic and community developments throughout the Southeast. Based in Charleston, South Carolina, The Wilderman Group is a full-service management firm with a team of industry experts in all areas of hospitality including, operations, sales and marketing management, food and beverage, environmental programs and an emphasis on supporting local economies and strengthening communities. Their “sleeves-rolled-up” style of management focuses on success – from the owner’s perspective. For details on the capabilities and services offered by The Wilderman Group, visit the website at www.TheWildermanGroup.com or call 843.670.5056.

THE WILDERMAN GROUP is committed to environmental stewardship and is a proud and active member of the US Green Building Council’s South Carolina Chapter, Georgia Chapter, Charlotte Regional Chapter, and the International Association of Conference Centers.