When I moved to Winston-Salem in 2021, technology was already changing rapidly, but the pace of change over the past few years has been remarkable.
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated trends that were already underway: remote work became mainstream, cloud computing became essential for businesses of all sizes, and digital collaboration tools transformed how teams operate.
Since then, artificial intelligence has moved from something mostly discussed by researchers and technology companies into something everyday people are experimenting with.
Tools like ChatGPT have introduced millions of people to AI assistants, while companies are exploring AI-powered customer service, software development, data analysis, marketing, and automation.
The question is no longer whether AI will impact our communities — it is how quickly and thoughtfully we will adapt.
Last week that crazy thunderstorm that downed trees in Sherwood Forest also knocked out my internet. So I decided to spend the day at Flywheel Coworking. They have a "community bookshelf" where I stumbled upon a book by Frank Elliot titled "From Tobacco to Technology: Reshaping Winston-Salem for the 21st Century".
After reading From Tobacco to Technology: Reshaping Winston-Salem for the 21st Century, I was reminded that Winston-Salem has reinvented itself before. I am about half through the book and highly recommend it if you are new to town and don't know much about the historic rise (and decline) of RJ Reynolds Tobacco. It details how some community members banded together and reshaped Winston-Salem in the "the City of Arts and Innovation" through the 90s and 2000s.
Cities like Winston-Salem have a unique opportunity in this new technology era. AI does not just belong to Silicon Valley or large technology companies; it has the potential to transform local businesses, hospitals, universities, and public schools.
A small business owner could use AI to improve marketing, automate administrative tasks, or better serve customers. Healthcare organizations could use AI to reduce paperwork, improve research, and help doctors focus more time on patients.
Universities can prepare students for an AI-powered workforce, and schools can teach students how to use technology responsibly and creatively.
The same community mindset that helped Winston-Salem transition from a tobacco-centered economy into a city focused on arts, healthcare, education, and innovation will be critical as we enter the AI economy.
The city has a history of people seeing change coming and working together to create something new.
I believe Winston-Salem has what it takes to become a leader in the AI economy — not by trying to become the next Silicon Valley, but by using technology to strengthen the businesses, institutions, and people that already make this city special.