Greater Raleigh Chamber Blog

As we celebrate International Women's Day (IWD) on March 8, 2025, the global theme, Accelerate Action, calls on individuals, organizations, and communities to take steps toward closing the gender gap. According to the World Economic Forum, at the current rate of progress, it could take another 135 years to reach full gender parity. Now, more than ever, we must focus on accelerating the momentum for change.

One of the most impactful actions we can take is to actively support and empower the women who are leading the charge—whether through mentorship, access to resources, or, most importantly, by stepping into leadership roles ourselves.

That's where the Greater Raleigh Chamber's Women's Leadership Conference presented by PNC comes in.
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This year’s conference, taking place on March 25 and just a few weeks after International Women’s Day, is the perfect platform to Accelerate Action for gender equality in your own life and career. The theme for this year’s conference, Champions of Change, aligns perfectly with the global IWD call to action for 2025. The conference will empower you to be an agent of transformation, whether in your personal development, your workplace, or your community. Register now here.

 Meet Jess Ekstrom: A True Champion of Change

Breakout Sessions Focused on Women’s Advancement
The conference offers a variety of breakout sessions that will expand your professional toolkit and forge meaningful connections. These sessions include:

• Success in Succession: Build a pipeline of capable leaders and foster a culture of growth with insights from Katherine Peele of LS3P Associates, Matt Chambers of Clancy & Theys Construction, and Laura Goode of Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein LLP, and Amy Carroll of Trademark Properties on leadership development strategies.
• Demystifying AI: Practical Tools for the Professional Toolbox: Explore the essential artificial intelligence (AI) tools to enhance productivity as Angela Doughty of Ward and Smith, P.A., Dirk Nicol or My AI Transformation, and Ada Lopez of Lenovo, and Rod Ellis of MetLife discuss how industries leverage generative AI for innovation.
• The Talent Spectrum: Building a Team Beyond the Checklist: Join a dynamic panel discussion focused on building teams that excel, empowering leaders to identify and leverage a wide range of skills within their teams to drive organizational success with Lindsay Wrege of 321 Coffee, Becca Egger-Alley of UBS, Allison Manning of Dean Dorton, and Cristina Colón of Habitat for Humanity.
• Frustration to Freedom: Dismantling Workplace Barriers: Empower women in leadership roles as Creighton Blackwell of Coastal Credit Union, Kristen Englehart of Brasco Marketing, and Rebecca Troyer of Triangle Business Journal share strategies for overcoming challenges and fostering resilience.​
• Building Financial Confidence: Foster financial confidence and independence by learning key tools and strategies for women to take control of their financial futures with Che-Che McCrimmon of PNC Bank, Sandra Stowe of White Owl Financial Advisors, and Jessica Wisniewski of RTP.
• Mastering Difficult Conversations: Master the essential skills for handling difficult conversations as Nicole Blake-Crigler of North Carolina Football Club, Erica DeLong of iHeartMedia, and Josh Stimpson of Hitachi Energy provide strategies for effective communication and relationship-building.
• Community Engagement: A Catalyst for Change: Harness the power of community engagement to foster personal and professional growth with Sarah Crawford of TLC, Wake County Commissioner Shinica Thomas, Gary Greene of Greene Resources, and Lori O'Keefe of Triangle Community Foundation.
• Networking With Purpose: Refine your networking skills and make meaningful connections as Meredith Pasekoff-Dinitz, Founder of Your Career Happiness Professional Coaching, leads an interactive session designed to enhance your relationships.

Register Today
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By attending the Women's Leadership Conference 2025, you will not only be contributing to the momentum of accelerating action for gender equality, but you will also leave with practical knowledge and inspiration that will make you a catalyst for change in your organization and beyond.
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Register Now for the 2025 Women's Leadership Conference

As we step into a new year, there’s no better way to get the momentum rolling for your business than Economic Forecast: Launch 2025, the Triangle area’s premier economic forecast event, presented by Wells Fargo. Whether you are attending in person or watching via the WRAL livestream (see below), this event is designed to provide the insights, trends, and predictions you need to make informed decisions in 2025. Access the livestream here on January 7 at 8 a.m.

​This year’s Economic Forecast offers unparalleled value for business leaders and professionals in the Triangle area, featuring expert insights into local commercial real estate and the national business economy landscape. Scheduled for January 7, 2025, the event will be held at the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts from 7 to 10 a.m. Presenters sharing their insights will include:

• Tom Barkin, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond
• Jay H. Bryson, Ph.D., Chief Economist at Wells Fargo & Company

These experts will be joined by local industry leaders Calvin J. Crosslin from the Lenovo Foundation and Billie Redmond of TradeMark Properties as part of a dynamic panel discussion and Q&A session. Together, they will provide an in-depth look at the economic landscape of 2025, and help you understand how macroeconomic factors may impact your business, investment strategies, and the regional economy.

​We are pleased to announce that Economic Forecast: Launch 2025 will be livestreamed for free thanks to our media partner WRAL-TV Channel 5. You can catch the event at 8 a.m. on January 7 via www.wral.com or on the WRAL News app. You can also follow along on social media using the hashtag #RCLaunch2025 for real-time updates and discussions.

To help you stay informed throughout the year, we encourage you to visit the digital Economy & Business Publication from Wake County Economic Development and the Jay H. Bryson presentation. These online resources provide updates and data that will complement the insights shared at this year’s event, helping you stay ahead of economic and industry-specific trends in our region.

This year’s Greater Raleigh Chamber Golf Tournament was a tremendous success! On a brisk fall morning this October, hundreds of business professionals, Triangle leaders, and community partners teed up to connect and show their support for the Chamber while enjoying a perfect day on the green. The event provided a valuable opportunity for networking, connecting, team building, and friendly competition - all while raising essential funds for the Chamber's initiatives.
We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended and made this event possible. Your presence added to the day’s excitement and fostered a spirit of collaboration we are proud our region is known for. Golfers had the chance to showcase their skills on the course and we are very excited to announce the winners here.

​Congratulations to all our champions and thank you again to everyone who sponsored and made this year’s Greater Raleigh Chamber Golf Tournament such a memorable event. ​Your continued support ensures that we can continue to serve, building a thriving regional economy, enhancing the community’s quality of life, and strengthening our member businesses.

​As Raleigh plans for its future, Transit Oriented Development has emerged as a key strategy for sustainable equitable development. Over the past five months, the Raleigh City Council has been developing a vision aimed at supporting growth and development alongside sustainable transit solutions. Central to this vision is the Transit Overlay District, a zoning innovation focused on bolstering transit lines such as the upcoming Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system by providing them with the density they need to ensure ridership. On July 2, the council completed rezoning over 600 individual property parcels along the New Bern Avenue corridor to complement the BRT system, aligning future development with the new mass transit system.

​A Transit Overlay District is a specialized zoning tool designed to maximize the effectiveness of transit systems by promoting compact, mixed-use developments around transit hubs and stations. These districts encourage the density necessary to sustain and enhance transit ridership, aligning with Raleigh’s commitment to sustainable urban planning and improved accessibility.
Raleigh’s initiative to establish Transit Overlay Districts is part of a broader strategy to integrate transit planning with urban development goals. Transit systems need density to be able to function. By concentrating jobs, retail spaces, and multifamily housing near transit hubs, the city aims to create vibrant, walkable communities that reduce car dependence and enhance the urban environment.

​With the recent groundbreaking of the Bus Rapid Transit system on the New Bern Avenue corridor, there is a high level of interest from both city council and local citizens to get the development around this first BRT installment right. By dividing zoning decisions into 6 zones along New Bern Avenue, instead of rezoning the whole line at once, the City Council was able to better tailor zoning decisions to diverse community needs—from historic residential areas to bustling business zones and healthcare facilities.
The success of the New Bern Avenue Transit Overlay District is not only about immediate impacts but also about laying the groundwork for the three remaining legs of this system: North up Capitol Blvd., South down Wilmington Ave., and West along Western Blvd. A thriving transit corridor here could strengthen public support and attract additional funding for further transit developments, benefiting the entire city.

​As Raleigh continues to evolve, initiatives like the Transit Overlay District demonstrate the city’s proactive approach to urban planning. By integrating transit infrastructure with thoughtful zoning policies, Raleigh is paving the way for a more sustainable and connected future.
Stay informed about developments like the Transit Overlay District and other legislative updates by visiting our webpage or following us on all social media platforms at @raleighchamber.
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For more information on Raleigh’s Transit Overlay District and related projects, please visit the City of Raleigh’s official webpage.

​As we approach the upcoming November elections, Wake County voters will have the opportunity to vote on a $142 million bond referendum aimed at enhancing and expanding our local library facilities across Wake County.

This bond referendum, if approved, will fund a series of projects designed to meet the growing needs of our county by implementing a $131 tax increase on the median home price in Wake County (.25-cent tax increase per $100 of assessed valuation).
Projects include:

• Construction of 2 new libraries in fast-growing areas, including Rolesville’s first local library ($51.9 million)
• Renovation and expansion of 9 existing libraries to improve accessibility and enhance services ($55.6 million)
• Replacements of the Wendell Community Library and the Athens Drive Community Library ($34.5 million)

These investments mark the first bond funding dedicated to Wake County libraries since 2007. This investment ensures our libraries remain vibrant community spaces by providing access to educational resources, cultural enrichment, and services for all residents.
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Our libraries are more than just buildings—they are catalysts for economic development and essential contributors to a high quality of life. They support lifelong learning, workforce development, and innovation, making our region more attractive to businesses and families. A well-funded library system enhances property values, supports workforce readiness, and fosters a culture of innovation—all critical elements for Wake County to remain one of the fastest-growing counties in the country. By investing in our libraries, we invest in the future competitiveness and attractiveness of our community for businesses and residents alike.
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For detailed information on the proposed projects and how you can get involved, please visit the official Wake County Government website.

​The Raleigh City Council has been considering numerous ways to enhance our downtown’s vibrancy and security. Previous initiatives have included private security to patrol hot spots, up-fit grants for building facades, and improved lighting. They have now put more resources into the effort, including $765,000 in infrastructure improvements, and $585,000 in homelessness diversion resources. The money comes from unspent capital reserve funds: unallocated and unspent dollars available to the council to either put in the city’s reserves or to allocate for non-recurring projects.
 
The new infrastructure improvements include new intersection and sidewalk murals, wayfinding signs, improved restaurant and business waste collection systems to reduce the number of trash cans on sidewalks, and replacing urban tree grates with flexible covers to reduce tripping hazards and improve the look of our sidewalks. These smaller individual projects will all work collectively along with previous initiatives (like improved lighting) to reduce visual clutter in our downtown and brighten our primary tourism and employment center.
 
Equally exciting, the city’s new homelessness diversion pilot is getting a financial boost: $585,000 has been allocated to keep people in their homes and prevent them from becoming homeless in the first place, and to getting the unhoused directly back into housing, reducing the number of people waiting to get into shelters and/or experiencing emergencies while homeless. These diversion programs are often initiated by Downtown Raleigh Alliance ambassadors who experience transient and homeless individuals as part of their important roles in our city’s core. By providing more direct funding for housing and case management, less people will feel compelled to congregate downtown seeking shelter and services, and the City saves funds by minimizing the number of emergencies they must respond to.
 
There is still a lot of work being done to improve Downtown Raleigh’s attractiveness to our residents and visitors, but these are two great steps. The Raleigh Chamber continues to advocate for more resources and focus on our downtown - we look forward to more announcements to come. 

​Diversity, equity, and inclusivity (DEI) are essential values that shape our society.  As the voice of DEI in our business community, we are proud to initiate and support efforts across the Triangle that promote DEI among our businesses. Every year, we recognize an individual who embodies these values and has significantly contributed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusivity in our region.

The Phil Freelon Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity Award is one of the most prestigious honors in the business community. Named in honor of Phil Freelon, a renowned architect who advanced architecture and construction as a vehicle for social justice, diversity, and inclusion through his work and efforts, the award recognizes individuals who have worked tirelessly to create a more just and equitable society.
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As we open nominations for the 4th Annual Phil Freelon Diversity, Equity & Inclusivity Award, we invite you to join us in celebrating those who have made a difference in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusivity in their workplace or community. This includes having made significant contributions to promoting DEI in the Triangle through a wide variety of professional projects and service initiatives, and their efforts continue to have a positive impact on their workplaces and communities.  Previous winners of the Phil Freelon Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity Award include Donald Thompson of The Diversity Movement (2023), Courtney White from BASF (2022), and Cheryl Parquet of Blue Cross NC (2021). ​

​Nominations are officially open for this year’s Phil Freelon Diversity, Equity & Inclusivity Award. This is your chance to nominate someone who has made a difference in promoting DEI in your workplace and community.

The recipient of the 4th Annual Phil Freelon Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity Award will join an esteemed group of honorees and be recognized at a special ceremony during the 2024 Diversity, Equity, & Inclusivity Conference in partnership with Bank of America.

​The 2024 Diversity, Equity & Inclusivity Conference, in partnership with Bank of America, is not only an opportunity to honor and recognize the contributions of those who have made a difference in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusivity, but it is also a great opportunity to network with other business leaders who share your commitment to creating change. This year, The Focus is the Future and we are preparing to learn from industry leaders who will share their insights and best practices on inclusive leadership, organizational culture, generational diversity, and more!
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Your nomination, attendance, and engagement at the conference is vital to help us recognize and celebrate those who are working to create a more just and equitable society for all. Join us in celebrating and learning more about promoting diversity, equity, and inclusivity in our community. Submit your nomination on our website and register here! Nominations are due by June 21 at 5 p.m. 

​As we enter the second quarter of the year, it's time for business owners to go beyond mere reflection and take action to elevate their business.

The most successful companies will be those with leaders who are keenly versed in knowing costs structures, focused on core competencies and understand the market. These fundamental skillsets can equate to successful bottom lines, regardless of your specific industry or economic conditions.

 Given this, here are a few steps business leaders can take to leaders to assess their business's current status and determine the critical factors that will help achieve success in the rest of 2024.

Regularly reviewing and adapting your business plan is critical to ensure you’re operating in a realistic and nimble manner. When updating a business plan, there are a few best practices to keep in mind.

• Compare last year’s business performance to prior years by checking sales results and marketing tactics to spot trends. This will help you determine the best strategies in 2024.
• Keep your budget in mind and ensure you are updating salaries, your projections, any fixed costs or money you’ve used to grow your business over the past year.
• Source feedback from others when updating your business plan. Speak with your employees, your customers and fellow business owners to get a sense of what’s working well and what needs to be changed to perform better this year.
• Evaluate your customer service offerings. At the end of the day, you want to make sure you’re keeping the customer happy, so look at your strategies, such as loyalty programs, to ensure you’re creating repeat customers. 

​Despite demand, many entrepreneurs face difficulties accessing capital. Traditional bank loans may feel like the strongest capital source, but it’s important to consider that it might not be the best fit for your business. This is where business grants that do not need to be repaid can help bolster your small business finances. Also, Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) can be helpful sources of capital for underserved entrepreneurs. In the Triangle, Carolina Small Business Development Fund is a great resource. If you’re looking for somewhere to start, ask your banker or visit Bank of America’s Access to Capital Directory, which offers a variety of free and low-cost capital resources to consider.

​It’s important to evaluate your hiring or retention processes, as nearly half of small business owners are impacted by labor shortages, according to Bank of America’s 2023 Women & Minority Business Owner Spotlight, often leading to entrepreneurs working more hours and raising wages. Whether it’s sourcing candidates, setting a clear employee growth timeline, or creating an internship program, businesses can explore various ways to bring candidates to the interview table. As talent acquisition grows increasingly competitive, our bankers have also been working with more businesses to offer benefits packages as additional ways to recruit and retain top talent.
 
The new year is also a great time to recognize your current team to set a positive tone for the year ahead. Take time in the new year to set S.M.A.R.T. expectations and goals for your team – meaning goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound. If you didn’t already, it’s also important to acknowledge the great work your team did in the prior year, which can serve as a motivating factor for growth in 2024.
 
As the nation’s top small business lender that has served the Triangle for more than 100 years, Bank of America is proud to offer these steps that can help put your business on the path to a strong and successful 2024.

Don’t forget to also celebrate and promote your small business during the upcoming Triangle Small Business Week from April 28 – May 4! The Raleigh Chamber and our partners are celebrating by offering events and resources to support the organizations that are important economic drivers for our region. List your special deals or events happening that week on the official site www.trianglesmallbusinessweek.com and record a Small Business Spotlight to promote your brand today!

The 2024 Inter-City Visit & Leadership Conference presented by Pinnacle Financial Partners was an eye-opening experience for more than 175 regional leaders who traveled to Atlanta to learn about the city's success in attracting businesses and talent.

Attendees were inspired by the city's commitment to diversity and inclusion, corporate philanthropy, regional collaboration and the role they all play in driving economic growth and promoting quality of life. Through numerous panels, tours, and group discussions, attendees saw firsthand how Atlanta is leading the way in innovation, infrastructure, and community development. The event was also a reminder that other major metropolitan areas have numerous lessons for our business and civic leaders to learn and apply to our own region and create a more prosperous and inclusive community.

Attendees explored The Battery, the incredible live-work-play development surrounding the Atlanta Braves stadium, and what lessons we can bring back to PNC Arena’s upcoming redevelopment. We learned about Piedmont Park and how large urban greenspaces like Dorothea Dix Park provide critical physical and mental health infrastructure.  We also visited the National Center For Civil and Human Rights to discuss how diverse relationships and a mindfulness of cultural differences build a stronger community and benefit the economy. Find more images and takeaways from the 3-day trip using the event hashtag #ICVLC24.

The Raleigh Chamber would like to thank all our speakers, venues, attendees, and sponsors for their support in making the 2024 Inter-City Visit & Leadership Conference a truly inspiring and valuable experience.