Greater Raleigh Chamber Blog

At the Chamber’s 2016 Annual Meeting, Gregory Poole Jr. issued a challenge to attendees.

“Be people who represent leadership that is kind, ethical, disciplined, determined, competent, humble, and most importantly, full of integrity,” he told 700 business and community leaders who had gathered at the Raleigh Convention Center. Read the full text of his remarks here.

Poole was named the winner of the A.E. Finley Distinguished Service Award, presented annually to a person who has, through leadership, dedication, support, and involvement, made significant contributions to the betterment and improvement of our community.

Poole certainly fit the bill. As a business leader, he set the bar for business excellence in Raleigh and beyond through his leadership of the Gregory Poole Equipment Company and Waste Industries. His passion and commitment to community service significantly impacted the social well-being of Raleigh's residents. Most recently, he worked tirelessly to build community support, raise funds, engage national experts, negotiate with officials, and support the master planning of the future Dix Park.
​
“His great energy, strength of character, and belief that everyone should contribute to ‘making a better world’ make him the obvious choice for this year’s award,” said Jill Wells Heath, 2015/16 Chamber Board Chair.

When he accepted the award on Sept. 7, 2016, Poole joined a distinguished group of honorees. Past winners make up a who’s-who of community leaders who have built businesses, guided organizations, and left their unforgettable marks on our region. The time has come to add another name to the list.

​The Chamber is now accepting nominations for the 2017 award, which will be presented at the Annual Meeting on Sept. 14. Criteria can be found here, and the nomination form can be downloaded here. The deadline to nominate an individual is Tuesday, June 20. 

By Adrienne Cole
President and CEO
​Greater Raleigh Chamber





Did you know there are more than 60,000 businesses in Wake County with 50 employees or less? According to the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, small businesses make up 98 percent of our state’s business landscape. In Wake County, 87 percent of the companies have 10 or fewer employees.

In celebration of Small Business Week, we invite you to stop by the Chamber office to watch webinars created by the Small Business Administration to support your business. You can also check out all the resources available online here.

​I sincerely appreciate your engagement with the Chamber. Small businesses make up more than 85 percent of our membership, and your entrepreneurship is a vital fabric in our community. National Small Business Week recognizes the critical contributions of America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners that create two out of three jobs in the U.S.

Please join us at 800 S. Salisbury St. to gain great insight to support and grow your business. Enjoy a cup of coffee or tea, and hear experts explore the following: 

• May 3 at 2 p.m.: 5 Fabulous Habits of Local Business Champions Presented by YP
• May 3 at 4 p.m.: Grow Your Business Online Presented by Google
• May 4 at 2:30 p.m.: The Future of Small Business Innovation Presented by Salesforce
• May 4 at 3:30 p.m.: How to Write Your Email Content in 15 Minutes or Less Presented by Constant Contact

Thank you for all that you do for our community—you are an integral part of what makes Raleigh and Wake County innovative and special.