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Small Business Saturday is just around the corner on November 26! Here are some resources and advice to help you and your company prepare:
 
For Business Owners:

• Promote your Small Business Saturday deals and events on social media and in your email newsletters. You can use the hashtag #ShopSmall and tag @RaleighChamber for greater exposure on all social platforms.
• Learn more about the shop small movement, add your business to Amex's Shop Small Map, and get free marketing materials from the American Express Shop Small Resource Hub.
• Make sure your website and online ordering system are ready for an influx of traffic.
• Train your employees on how to handle an increase in customers.
• Check out 8 more Tips for Small Business Saturday from SCORE Academy.

 
For Clients:

• Plan ahead and make a list of the small businesses you want to support, look for local directories of deals like this list from Shop Local Raleigh.
• Bring cash or have your credit card ready so you can take advantage of deals and promotions.
• Spread the word to your friends and family about the importance of shopping small! You can use the hashtag #ShopSmall and tag @RaleighChamber for greater exposure on all social platforms.

 
The Raleigh Chamber is excited to celebrate Small Business Saturday and proud to support the organizations that are important economic drivers for our region by offering events and resources that help them grow and thrive. We encourage businesses in the Triangle to explore the benefits and invest in their future today by joining the Chamber as a member. For current Raleigh Chamber members, this is a great time to update your organization’s information in our Membership Directory before the busy holiday season.
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We look forward to seeing you soon at one of our upcoming events

Written by:
Sloane Heffernan
Leadership Raleigh Class 46

Downtown Raleigh is growing and changing in a big way, and we are too, thanks to Leadership Raleigh. The program is opening our eyes to a brand new, broader world built around community, connection, and charity.
 
Our first monthly session, a “This is Raleigh” day-long class, sponsored by Bobbitt Construction and JDAVIS Architects began at Devereux Meadows, the site of what will become one of Raleigh’s newest parks, officially named by the Raleigh City Council on November 15, Smoky Hollow Park. After more than two years of planning, the concept that includes walking trails and a wetland area just received approval from the city. Our group was one of the first to step on the property with the new plans officially in place. The area, which most recently served as a maintenance yard for the city, will become a beautiful gateway for travelers heading southbound into Raleigh on Capital Boulevard.
 
From there, our Leadership Raleigh group traveled to the new Seaboard Station for a private tour with the Senior Project Manager, Trevor Kelly, LR45 from Clancy & Theys Construction Company. It was amazing to see the site transformation. There will be apartments, townhomes, shops, restaurants, and even a new hotel. We were most excited to learn about a cool rooftop bar overlooking the Raleigh skyline and a pedestrian area that will be lined with cozy outdoor dining options.
 
As our group continued to travel it was invaluable to have the time to pick each other’s brains about strategy and fundraising for non-profits as many Leadership Raleigh participants have experience in the industry. With all the talking and walking, we built up an appetite. Our next stop was The Factory for lunch from Union Special and two panel discussions featuring some of the biggest movers and shakers in the Triangle.
 
The first panel talked about how the local food and beverage scene provides community. There was more talk about charity work as Chris Powers, co-owner of Trophy Brewing talked about the upcoming Trophy Trot 5K and how similar events provide extra opportunities to connect. Our second panel discussed the rich music scene in Raleigh and how it helps fuel the economy. It was inspiring to hear from Danny Rosin, the co-founder of Band Together NC, along with all the panelists who in the words of Dave Rose with Deep South Entertainment are dedicated to making Raleigh a “Music City.”
 
“This is Raleigh” day wrapped up with a fun scavenger hunt and networking reception at Young Hearts Distilling. The Raleigh Chamber’s Leadership Raleigh program is designed to prepare the future leaders of our community and after our first monthly session, we already feel better equipped and more energized than ever before! Learn more about Leadership Raleigh today.

The Raleigh Chamber and Wake County Government encourage all cities, towns, businesses, and organizations to light their buildings in green Nov. 7 – 13 to show support for our veterans through Operation Greenlight. By shining a green light in our businesses and homes, we let our veterans know that they are seen, appreciated, and supported.
 
As a member of the Chamber, your organization can get involved for FREE when you collect a green lightbulb from any of the below Westlake Ace Hardware locations and tell the cashier, “I’m a member of the Raleigh Chamber!”
 
Westlake Ace Hardware Raleigh Seaboard Station
802 Semart Dr. #112
Raleigh, NC 27604
919-834-8600
 
Westlake Ace Hardware Raleigh North Ridge
6196 Falls of Neuse Rd. #100
Raleigh, NC 27609
919-790-8832
 
Westlake Ace Hardware Raleigh Falls River
10930 Raven Ridge Rd.
Raleigh, NC 27614
919-870-5240
 
Westlake Ace Hardware Cary
2976 Kildaire Farm Rd.
Cary, NC 27518
984-465-1605
 
What is Operation Greenlight?
Operation Greenlight is a new, national collaborative initiative to support military veterans, as well as raise awareness about the unique challenges they may face.
 
While studies show most Americans support our veterans, too often that support is not seen or felt by service men and women. Operation Greenlight is changing that.
 
How Can I Spread the Word?
You can announce your participation ahead of time via press releases and social media posts. Use the hashtag #OperationGreenlight in your posts so others can easily find them. Share images of the green light in your business and tag @raleighchamber for increased exposure.