Tom Barbitta, senior vice president of marketing for Carolina Beverage Corp.-Cheerwine, will present at Rowan County Chamber of Commerce’s next Power in Partnership (PIP) breakfast, 7:30 a.m. Nov. 19 at Trinity Oaks, 728 Klumac Road.

Tom Barbitta has more than 35 years of global brand sales and marketing experience focused on brand strategy, scaling brands and companies as well as planning and execution. His experience spans a wide range of U.S.-based multinational companies.

In 2005 Barbitta joined Salisbury-based Carolina Beverage Corp. to oversee the marketing of Cheerwine. The iconic brand competes in the U.S. soft drink category with brands from companies such as Coca Cola, Pepsi-Cola and Dr. Pepper/Snapple Group.

Cheerwine recently launched a new docu-series, “The Local Legend Project,” that shines the light on America’s hidden gems across the South. Cheerwine has “popped the top” on an eight-episode docu-series that is now available on multiple video on-demand platforms.

The 98-year-old soft drink has a tradition of celebrating small-town heroes, and “The Local Legend Project” is Cheerwine’s homage to them.

The Chamber’s breakfast series averaged over 150 attendees each month during its last two seasons. The 2015 – 16 program will bring top notch speakers to the community and provide networking opportunities. Each event includes a sponsor profile.  Partner agencies share updates with local business leaders and address issues of concern for the entire region.

Members of the Leadership Rowan Class will start their day at the breakfast and then venture out for each day’s session focused on a different aspect of the community.

The dates for the 2015-16 remaining breakfasts are: Dec. 17 (Bishop Tim Smith); Jan. 21 (Economic Outlook); Feb. 18 (Arts Speaker); March 17 (Agri-business); April 21 (Health Care); and, May 19 (Dr. Jim Johnson, UNC Chapel Hill – Leadership Rowan Graduation).

If you are interested in obtaining a Power Card, please contact the Chamber. The Power Card is the Rowan Chamber’s frequent attender program. You receive a discounted price for the series and do not have to make a reservation each month.

Those who are not Power Card holders are welcome; the reservation deadline is 5 p.m. Nov. 17. The cost is $15 for members and $25 for non-members, which  includes the cost of breakfast and the program.

Contact the chamber for information on reservations or sponsorship opportunities at 704.633.4221 or info@rowanchamber.com