WHAT: Social media is changing the way individuals and businesses shape their identities, communicate and share information. Social media channels on the Internet, such as blogs, wikis, podcasts and online videos connect groups of people who share similar tastes, interests and agendas. As social media gains momentum, how will it impact the more traditional communication channels and what can we, as users, anticipate in the years ahead?

Central Piedmont Community College’s (CPCC) Business & Accounting Division is pleased to host Jeff Elder, social media columnist for The Charlotte Observer, as he discusses “Social Media: The Truth Behind the Hype” and offers a lively and unique perspective on this latest technology trend and its impact on society.

Elder is well versed on the subject of social media. He spent the last year at Stanford University in Palo Alto, Calif., on a prestigious Knight Fellowship with 21 other journalists from around the world. He studied social media from the best in the business – social media guru Howard Rheingold, Facebook and Twitter. During this time, he met with the company’s CEOs, toured their campuses and conducted case studies.

Elder is renowned for his “Glad You Asked” syndicated column, which has appeared in more than 100 newspapers around the world including Israel, Germany, Canada and New Zealand. Local readers know him best for this piece and his “Insider” column, which allowed him to mention thousands of Charlotteans in the pages of the Observer.

WHEN: Wednesday, October 14; 6:15 p.m.

WHERE: Halton Theater, CPCC Central Campus, 1206 Elizabeth Ave., Charlotte

CONTACT: The event is FREE and open to the public. Free parking is available in the faculty/staff parking deck, accessible from East Fourth Street.

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Central Piedmont Community College is the largest community college in North Carolina, offering close to 300 degree and certification programs, customized corporate training, market-focused continuing education, and special interest classes. CPCC is academically, financially and geographically accessible to all citizens of Mecklenburg County. In 2002, the National Alliance of Business named CPCC the Community College of the Year for its response to the workforce and technology needs of local employers and job seekers through innovative educational and training strategies.

This release prepared by Mallory Benz, 704.330.6613. An archive of CPCC news releases is at http://www.cpcc.edu/college-news.