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Months of horse trading and behind-the-scenes negotiations may finally be coming to a close as House and Senate leadership announced Tuesday night that they’d come to a final* plan to get the state budget passed. *There might still be time for final changes as interest groups and legislators vie to squeeze in final projects and tweaks prior to final votes, but don’t expect anything major to change once voting gets underway. We’ll spare you the details for now, but we’ll be highlighting interesting aspects of the budget in future blog posts.
 
Don’t forget that the General Assembly will be back in October to vote on new district maps for the NC House and Senate and U.S. Congress. Wake County’s Representative Erin Paré, a Republican representing Holly Springs and Fuquay Varina, has already announced her intent to run against incumbent Democrat Wiley Nickel, so expect that district to be of special interest in the redrawing process. 

​Last week the Chamber’s Executive Committee decided that the security situation in downtown had risen to a level of concern that warranted a formal request urging the council to take immediate steps to improve the security situation downtown for our citizens and visitors alike. They sent a letter to all city council members urging immediate action to improve safety downtown, while also recognizing that any actions would need to be paired with efforts to promote equitable options for those who rely on our public transportation.
Below is a section of the letter explaining why this is a city-wide issue, and not just one for residents or businesses in the downtown core:

​Tuesday, September 12 was the Chamber’s annual First Responders Appreciation Breakfast where the business community takes a morning to meet and thank the men and women who put their lives on the line to keep our region safe. We had representatives from eight first responder organizations, with over 100 first responders joining us for breakfast. Newly included this year was Wake County Emergency Management, who help us prepare and respond to the natural disasters that disrupt our lives all too often.
 
While each first responder deserves recognition for their hard work, we specially recognized an officer or unit from each agency for their outstanding service over the past year and recognized Ms. Shelly Pearson of Expressions of Love Florist as the 2023 Friend of First Responders for donating floral wreaths for fallen officer memorials for the last 14 years.
 
The Raleigh Chamber also partnered with WRAL and Chick-fil-A to provide free chicken biscuits for all first responders the morning of the event. To get the word out to all first responders, the promotion was shared via news stories in advance, department liaisons received details to push out to their colleagues, and a live broadcast went out the morning of the event. While we can’t feed every first responder breakfast, the Chamber is excited to be able to demonstrate our appreciation and provide a small benefit to those who help continue our excellent quality of life. Find more coverage of the event on social media here.

To learn more about our GA priorities you can visit our webpage.

Our September workshop from the BRT Business Resource Collaborative was a success as multiple small business owners gathered at Martin Street Baptist Church to learn more about the local financial resources available to them.

Small business owners received professional advice and insight from a variety of financial experts. Members were reminded of the BRT Business Resource Collaborative's  Business Resource Guide and received more information on how this guide can take their business to the next level. They also heard exclusive updates regarding New Bern Avenue’s Bus Rapid Transit system from Het Patel, City of Raleigh’s Senior Transit Planner. Attendees were excited to see pictures of the new bus system and hear about Wake Transit Plan’s four big moves which include providing Wake County residents with frequent and reliable transportation.

Guests at the workshop also enjoyed learning about grants that will help their business be successful. The City of Raleigh’s Small Business Development Coordinator, Ferdinand Rouse, encouraged small business owners to apply for Building Up-fit Grants, which are matching reimbursement grants awarded to owners looking to improve their small business owners, and broke down each process of the application process. Ferdinand ended his presentation by telling our members “The City of Raleigh wants to make sure that you know about this opportunity so you can be successful.” The next round of applications for the Building Up-fit Grant begins this Friday, Sept. 15.

Frank Del Villar of Carolina Impact Community Fund and Scott Wolford of the U.S. Small Business Administration also discussed counseling services available to small businesses and explained how their business's financial opportunities can aid in our leader's future success. Attendees at the workshop were interested to hear Frank discuss Kiva, a small business financial tool, which gives owners 0% interest loans that are community crowdfunded. There was also a panel with all the guest speakers where attendees were able to ask important questions about how to access financial opportunities specific to their industries.

Those who joined us left the workshop prepared to take advantage of the variety of financial resources discussed. Find more takeaways, quotes, and images of the event using our social hashtag #WakeBRT, and if you are a small business owner looking to prepare for your future success, then join us at our next workshop on Oct. 5 to learn about small business lending!​

The Raleigh Planning Commission is looking at a rezoning plan that covers more than 700 properties along the much anticipated New Bern Avenue BRT Corridor. They are systematically reviewing requests from property owners to join or leave a planned Transit Oriented Development (TOD) zoning overlay which will dictate how dense and/or high buildings will grow along the transit line. While the city is interested in incentivizing more development along the corridor, the decision is complicated by several factors like historic property designations covering several neighborhoods along the planned lines and property owners who are requesting even higher rezonings to try and maximize land value while they have the chance. ​
Though they still have many more meetings before they’ve gotten through the whole line, the Planning Commission so far has proved reluctant to upzone properties higher than what the TOD will allow. Should they choose not to allow properties to exceed the currently proposed heights, property owners will need to undertake individual upzoning requests, which will almost certainly take longer and bring increased scrutiny than if they can get an upzoning now. 

Wake County has launched its first organization-wide strategic planning process to assess our current state, develop a shared vision for our future, and define its direction and priorities. This process will enable the County to focus its collective efforts on the most important issues and work together to design innovative solutions. To get them there, the County is specifically requesting Chamber members’ help.
Wake County asks for your input on our community’s vision, what they do well, where they can improve, and what should be their top priorities. Your insight will help define our County’s vision, goals, and initiatives—and your participation will result in a better plan.
​Please use this link and complete the seven-question survey to make your voice heard. All responses are anonymous, so please be candid. The survey takes just a few minutes but can significantly impact Wake County’s future.

To learn more about our GA priorities you can visit our webpage.

​The Raleigh Chamber Foundation received a grant from the City of Raleigh Public Project Community Support Fund to provide support to business owners and managers as construction of the new bus rapid transit (BRT) route begins on New Bern Avenue. At a recent workshop, business owners had the opportunity to ask questions about the project:
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​10--My business is located downtown where there are dedicated BRT lanes. Can delivery trucks park in the BRT lane in front of my business to unload?
          Yes, delivery trucks can temporarily park in the BRT lane. BRT buses will go around them.

9—What is the city’s plan for security at BRT stops?
          BRT stops will be equipped with security cameras and 24-hour lighting both under a stop’s shelter and around
          the stop.

8—What is the plan to keep the stops, and areas around the stops, clean?
          The Wake Transit Plan includes ongoing funding for cleaning maintenance at and near BRT stops.

7—How do I find out more about the Transit Overlay District zoning changes?
          Detailed information is available here, and a map is available here.

6—Are there fewer BRT stops on New Bern Avenue compared to the current #15 bus route?
          Yes, but the addition of new sidewalks and multi-purpose paths on both sides of New Bern Avenue will make
          traveling between stops much easier.

5—Why is so much utility work needed for the BRT route?
          About a dozen utility companies will move elements of their infrastructure to accommodate the new BRT stops
          and for improvements to curbs and gutters. The City of Raleigh is taking this opportunity to upgrade many of its
          public water, sewer, and communication systems in the area.

4—Many cars travel well above the speed limit on New Bern Avenue; what is the plan to slow traffic down to make the route safer for drivers and pedestrians?
          Major intersections will be upgraded with new signals and crossing features to improve safety for pedestrians
          using the corridor and accessing the BRT stations. New sidewalks and wide multiuse paths on either side of New
          Bern Avenue will separate pedestrian and cyclist traffic from car traffic, making it safer for everyone.

3—How will the City notify me if the entrance to my business will be blocked by construction, or if there will be impacts to parking for my customers?
          Businesses on the corridor that are anticipated to experience impacts to their entrance and parking spaces on
          their property have already been contacted during the real estate acquisition phase of the project, which is now
          complete. Some on-street parking may be impacted temporarily during construction or permanently following
          completion of construction. You can find out more at the pre-construction meeting. You can register to attend the
          pre-construction meeting for business owners and managers at wakebrt.com.

2—I understand there will be a Park and Ride lot for commuters at the New Hope Road BRT stop. How many parking spaces will be in the lot?
          There will be about 100 parking spaces.
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1 – When will construction begin?
          The City of Raleigh is waiting for final approval of the BRT project by the NC Dept. of Transportation. 
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After a hiatus, the Raleigh Chamber Government Affairs Department is back on the blog. We’ll be posting regular updates on what is going on in various halls of power that impact the business community. We will also be previewing upcoming Chamber events, sharing opportunities you may want to take advantage of, or sharing interesting ideas or concepts that may come into play in our region. ​

Want more information on what your Raleigh Chamber is up to? You can sign up for a variety of communications from us here. 

The Raleigh City Council took off for a summer recess but are now back in full swing. Here are a few things they discussed in their latest meeting on August 15:

• The council unanimously approved a spending plan that would see hundreds of millions of dollars spent to renovate PNC Arena, expand the Raleigh Convention Center, relocate Red Hat Amphitheater, begin the Cary Indoor Sports Facility, and other regional tourism projects. This was one of three votes from several elected bodies necessary for the projects to move forward, and a unanimous vote from the council shows they realize how important the projects are to keeping our region competitive and our quality of life high.
• The council heard an update on development plans for the future S-Line passenger rail service to Richmond, VA. The S-Line is part of a federal plan to improve connectivity between Raleigh and Richmond, but also to connect our city by rail to Washington, D.C. As the line gets up and running, the city wants to make sure that development around the rail stations that are going in is robust and equitable. Keep an eye on this project as it's going to further energize regions of the city that are already seeing a lot of attention like the Blue Ridge Corridor where PNC Arena’s renovation will spur lots of changes.

The Wake County Commissioners were also out for a summer break, returning mid-August. Top on their agenda was also a vote on allocating tax dollars towards the sports, conference, and tourism projects addressed by the city. After hearing an update from staff, the commission members similarly voted unanimously to approve the projects and move our region forward. In addition to the Raleigh City Council and Centennial Authority votes, our elected officials have shown a strong commitment to these projects and our region’s intent to chase larger events and opportunities for more people from out of town to experience our area. ​

It’s been all over the news, so we won’t repeat the details, but the General Assembly returned briefly after being out for many weeks to override several vetoes from Governor Cooper and advance a few select pieces of legislation. Rumors abound about when the General Assembly will finally debate a conference budget, but the current belief is it will be the week of September 11. Whether it will pass that same week or draw out longer is to be determined. ​

Don’t be surprised if a LOT of policy is packed into what would be considered a financial document. Legislators often find ways to pack in policy priorities that didn’t survive as independent bills. While there’s no guarantee what will be in there as the Senate leadership negotiates with House leadership, there will be plenty to digest when the bill language drops. Also of note is the tenuous start date for Medicaid expansion in NC - leadership has declined to split its start date out from the budget, which was the original deal that was made to get it passed.

​Staff have been hard at work preparing for the Chamber’s annual First Responders Appreciation Breakfast on September 12. This is an opportunity for the business community to show appreciation for those who risk their lives to save others in our community. Benefiting The 200 Club of Wake County, this year’s breakfast includes a keynote presentation by N.C. Department of Public Safety Secretary Eddie M. Buffaloe, Jr., and awards to heroes from each department for outstanding service in the previous year.
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Chamber staff work with representatives from all of Raleigh’s first responder agencies as well as members of the business to curate event content that is relevant to our members and first responder attendees. We hope you are able to join us in recognizing the members of our community who keep us safe!

If you want to read more about the 2022 Annual Leadership Conference, then check out last year’s blog and look at our previous social media coverage using the hashtag #RaleighALC22!  

This year we are proud to host a two-day conference that allows members to step away from the Triangle to network at the Hotel Ballast Wilmington. Our guests will have the opportunity to truly get to know each other and come back to the region with a new perspective on important local issues.  

We have gathered some of the Triangle’s top leaders to speak during our daily sessions, including the Triangle’s EV Future, where guests will hear from top leaders at NC State University, Wolfspeed Inc., and the North Carolina Department of Commerce. Attendees will also hear from the Interim Superintendent of the Wake County Public School System and leaders at Saint Augustine’s University, NC State University, Wake Technical Community College, and BASF Agriculture Solutions North America during the Talent session.   ​

We have so much in store for our members at the Annual Leadership Conference in Wilmington and we can’t wait for our guests to join us and make new connections! Register now to join #RaleighALC23 at Hotel Ballast Wilmington from Aug. 22-23!  

​We are thrilled to announce the success of our President's Circle volunteers in raising over $901,000 in just five months. This achievement is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and commitment to supporting Chamber events and programs. Their efforts exceeded their original, a truly remarkable feat by the 50 volunteers representing more than 40 companies who participated.

​The funds raised through this total resource development campaign will be instrumental in helping us to continue delivering high-quality events and programs in the coming year. This includes everything from networking opportunities and educational workshops to advocacy initiatives and small business outreach.
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We are deeply grateful to our President's Circle volunteers for their unwavering support and for going above and beyond in their efforts to raise funds. Their contributions will make a meaningful difference in the lives of countless individuals and businesses in our community. Our top fundraising team for 2023 is Greene Resources & Friends who raised over $250,000.
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We would also like to recognize and celebrate the hard work and efforts of our 2023 President's Circle Chair, Pat Wilkins of Gallagher. Every volunteer benefitted from her industrious, determined, and persevering efforts and expertise. Thank you, Pat, for all you do for the Raleigh Chamber!

The campaign represents a significant portion of the Chamber’s annual operating budget, making it one of the Chamber’s most important initiatives each year. We look forward to continuing our work together and building on this success in the future. Together, we can make a lasting impact and help our community thrive. Learn more and get involved here.

The Raleigh Chamber welcomes our Summer 2023 Emerging Leaders Class Cohort. Our selected Emerging Leaders are high performers, exhibit the willingness to learn and grow, demonstrate people-building skills, are centered by their core values, and work to unite others and help them to see possibilities that benefit their organizations, communities, and region.

Emerging Leaders, with Consultant Jennifer Grote at the introductory class discovering their Strengths Finders Assessments top traits and how they use these to thrive in the workplace.
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In order of picture: Jennifer Fox, City of Raleigh; Casandra McLaurin, Wake Technical Community College; Gabe Cunningham,  APG Advisors; John Hillenbrand, Messer Construction; Rochelle Whitaker, Wake County Government; Andrew Holland, Clancy & Theys Construction; Joseph Henderson, NC Biotechnology Center; Tobias Morgan, Shaw University; Jennifer Grote, Consultant; Kellie Renzi, McDonald & York; Alex Rouse, Stewart; Sandra Kamholz, Wake Technical Community College; Tierra Bethel, RTI International; Carlie Wallin, Barringer Construction; Abbey Defoe, Special Olympics; Monique Merriweather-Yarborough, Wake County Government; Angela Williams, Wake County Government; Brianna Reeder, Wolfspeed.

Emerging Leaders connects promising professionals with the area’s most successful executives for a unique and interactive mentoring program. Guest speakers for the second cohort include:

• Virginia Parker, Senior Vice President and Triangle Market Executive at Bank of America
• Marchell Adams-David, Raleigh City Manager
• Scott Duckworth, Regional President for Brasfield & Gorrie
• Brian Reid, President at TowneBank Triangle
• Abha Bowers, CEO of Walk West along with Matt Chambers, Vice President of Project Development at Clancy & Theys Construction Company
• Danny Rosin, President and Co-Owner of Brandfuel and Co-Founder of Band Together

​The Raleigh Chamber is honored to provide leadership programs and resources in the Triangle region to sustain and further develop a thriving economy and enhance our community's quality of life.
While applications are no longer being accepted for Emerging Leaders there are several opportunities to get involved and connect with leadership through the Raleigh Chamber. Young professionals can find new opportunities through our Young Professionals Network and seasoned executives who are members of the Chamber can register to attend our two-day Annual Leadership Conference, presented by Towne Bank, in Wilmington this August! You can also keep an eye out for the next Emerging Leaders application cycle later this summer.

The Phil Freelon Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity Award is a prestigious honor that recognizes an individual in the business community who has made significant contributions to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusivity in our region. Honorees are champions of change and positive impact in their workplace and in their community.

Nominations for the 3rd Annual Phil Freelon Diversity, Equity & Inclusivity Award are now open, and we encourage members of the community to submit nominations for individuals who have made a difference in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusivity in their workplace or community. Nominees should demonstrate a commitment to creating a more equitable and inclusive society and have a track record of promoting diversity in their work and/or community activities.
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The award was established in 2021 to celebrate the legacy of Phil Freelon, a renowned architect who was passionate about creating spaces that reflected the diversity of their communities. Phil founded his practice, The Freelon Group, in Durham, North Carolina, in 1990 and went on to design civic and cultural projects throughout the United States. His work includes libraries, schools, museums, parks, and academic buildings, many of which were for historically African American colleges. His leadership and efforts in the community have advanced architecture and construction as a vehicle for social justice, diversity, and inclusion.

The recipient of the 3rd Annual Phil Freelon Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity Award will be recognized at a special ceremony during the 2023 Diversity, Equity, & Inclusivity Conference in partnership with Bank of America. By recognizing and celebrating the contributions of individuals who are working to create a more just and equitable society, we hope to inspire others to join the effort and make our region a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive place for all.

You can now submit your nomination for individuals on our website. Nominations are due by July 6 at 5 p.m.

You can also register for the 2023 Diversity, Equity & Inclusivity Conference in partnership with Bank of America on our website. This year’s theme is Equity: Prioritizing People, Practice, and Policy.

May was Justice & Public Safety Day for Leadership Raleigh! We started out at the Legal Aid of North Carolina, which is actually the third largest law firm in North Carolina. They offer free civil legal services to vulnerable North Carolinians in all 100 counties. Last year they received nearly 400,000 calls and served over 55,000 individuals. Thank you to Ashley H. Campbell, Scheree Gilchrist, and all the employees that educated us and toured us around their facility.
 
Next, we put on our safety vests and hard hats as Barnhill Contracting Company toured the class through 400H, a 20-story, mixed-used tower in downtown Raleigh. The space includes office space, ground-floor retail, and 242 apartments. We were able to walk out on the ninth-floor sky hub, where the pool, fitness center, and lounge will be. 
 
We stopped for a delicious lunch at Centro before heading to Moore Square, where Ambassadors from the Downtown Raleigh Alliance gave us an overview of what they do and how they can help. If you ever forget where you parked, need help finding your way around downtown, want to report suspicious activity, or need dining recommendations, just call them at 919.368.7962.
 
Captain Baker greeted us at the North Carolina Department of Public Safety for an informative session that ended with a high-speed chase and PIT maneuver demonstration, followed by two helicopter take-offs! Then we headed to Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein LLP where Chief Stella Patterson, Chief of Raleigh Police Department told us about the priorities of the Raleigh Police Department and their 800 officers, including community engagement, violent crime reduction, and employee wellness and morale.
 
We finished the day with a refreshing drink and plenty of time for networking at Tap Yard Raleigh. Many of us felt so lucky to live in such a gorgeous place where justice and public safety are priorities. Thank you to our class sponsors Wake County Bar Association/Tenth Judicial District Bar and Brady Services.
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Those interested in the Leadership Raleigh program can now apply! Applications are due by June 9, 2023 at 5 p.m. for the Leadership Raleigh Class 47/48.