Blog

​March is Women’s History Month and today, March 8, is International Women’s Day! We proudly honor the work that’s been done to advance gender equality and the resolute leadership of the women who continue to advance our community and organization! 

Check our event page for additional content and speaker.
 
Happy International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month! We hope you will continue to celebrate and empower women with us this May at Women’s Leadership Conference: Connect-Challenge-Create!

Share on Social Media! #RaleighWLC22 #IWD2022 #InternationalWomensDay
 

The Raleigh Chamber and The Triangle Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity Alliance are proud partners in this movement to address systemic racism in our community. On Feb. 17, we hosted a Community Success Forum to provide more information about our community-wide initiative, “A Better Wake.”  

In partnership with RTI International, A Better Wake conducted a study to understand how to address systemic racism in the areas of economic mobility, education, criminal justice, and health. The event was attended by business professionals, young professionals, and busy adults who were eager to hear about the results of the blueprint story and the focus for addressing systemic racism going forward.
​
Sara Lawrence, economic development director at RTI International, gave us an overview of the blueprint and insight into why this initiative is so necessary for our community. A Better Wake built on efforts currently in the community to develop a thorough data assessment, the blueprint to reimagine systems, and a vital data dashboard. As Sara said, “Data dashboards can be powerful tools to spark conversations for policy change!”

After Sara discussed how we envision Wake County and the steps we all must take to get our community there, attendees heard from working groups members about their plans for the future and how they will work with the community to create real change.

​Our moderator for Community Success Forum was Danya Perry, director of diversity, equity, and inclusion at Wake County Government.
 
The Education flash panel featured:

• Allison Goff Clark, deputy director of North Carolina programs at The Hunt Institute
• Ashley Gaddy, founder and head consultant at Ashley Gaddy Enterprises
• Cathy Moore, superintendent at Wake County Public School System

“If training, resources, implementation is going to roll out the administrators have to have the buy in, the rapport, the support, the belief that this something their teachers need, that all students need for an equitable environment.” - Ashley Gaddy
 
The Health flash panel featured:

• Dr. Bahby Banks, adjunct faculty at UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health
• Nanette Bowler, human services director at Wake County Health & Human Services
• Dr. Angelo Moore, assistant director of community outreach, engagement, and equity at Duke Cancer Institute

“Instead of services driving the needs, we as a community have to start looking at, listening to the people, and understanding their needs!” - Nanette Bowler
 
The Economic Mobility flash panel featured:

• Verna Best, social economic vitality program manager at Wake County Government
• Lorena McDowell, director of the department of housing affordability and community revitalization at Wake County Government
• Kevin J. Price, president and CEO of National Institute of Minority Economic Development
• Dr. Scott Ralls, president at Wake Technical Community College

“It’s time for us to think boldly, think beyond the traditional pathways,” – Kevin J. Price
 
The Criminal Justice flash panel featured:

• Daryl Atkinson, codirector and cofounder at Forward Justice
• Lorrin Freeman, Wake County 10th Prosecutorial District Attorney
• Donald Pinchback, chief court counselor at NC Department of Public Safety

“What can I do, as a human being, to give back and strengthen my community for its betterment?” - Donald Pinchback

​
In addition, attendees joined breakout sessions to discuss ways to support this important movement. We appreciate the community coming together for the A Better Wake blueprint accessed here. You can now watch the 2022 Community Success Forum recording and learn more about the focus, goals, and action items A Better Wake will use going forward into implementation:

• Sara Lawrence Presentation | 5:16
• Flash Panel #1: Education | 20:30
• Flash Panel #2: Health | 34:30
• Flash Panel #3: Economic Mobility | 50:22
• Flash Panel #4: Criminal Justice | 1:08:10
• Closing | 1:26:45​

This Black History Month, we wanted to take a moment to celebrate some of our Black-Owned business members. The Raleigh Chamber is committed to promoting diversity and equality in the workplace and supporting Black-owned businesses. Our Black-Owned business members are an integral part of our community and we're proud to promote their growth.

We know that when businesses work together, we can all achieve success. We hope you’ll take a moment to check out some of the businesses below, and we look forward to continuing to work with all of you in the future.
​

Featured Professional: Cheryl Parquet, Director of Community Engagement and Marketing Activation at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina

In her position at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of NC, Cheryl manages the development and implementation of all the organization’s charitable activities including community investments, employee volunteerism, sports sponsorships, activation, and marketing events that all help improve the health and wellness of those in our community. In addition to her work responsibilities, Cheryl serves on the Raleigh Chamber 2021/2022 Executive Committee as the vice-chair of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity and she was also honored at our last Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity Conference as our inaugural Phil Freelon Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity award winner. We appreciate all her efforts and passion for DEI and look forward to seeing her and the new Phil Freelon Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity award winner when it is announced at our next Diversity, Equity & Inclusivity Conference on July 26.

These amazing businesses and professionals are making an impact in our community, and we're excited to help them grow and succeed. If you're looking for a way to support minority-owned businesses, be sure to check out our Member Directory.  Your company’s purchasing can support Black-Owned businesses. Organizations can search for vendors using this searchable directory of historically underutilized businesses or Black Dollar NC’s Black Business list.

​Triangle Business Journal revealed the 28 powerful professionals who won its 2022 Women in Business Awards out of more than 200 nominees. Each of these exemplary women has established strong, positive reputations in business and community service with outstanding leadership and noteworthy accomplishments. 

We will have another opportunity to celebrate women in our community at the next Chamber Professional Women’s Luncheon to celebrate International Women’s Day.

We would love to have you join us on March 4 as we celebrate and learn from female advocates within our community who will share how they have helped change the climate of inequality in their communities. You will hear from courageous and determined women who are inspiring and engaging in their roles as committed advocates and leaders.
​
Register now to save your seat at our next Chamber Professional Women’s Luncheon!

In 1936 the world was trying to recover from the Great Depression. It was a chaotic time when businesses and consumers alike were filled with both daily struggles and optimistic hope for the future. The Raleigh Chamber was a pillar of the community and member businesses relied on the support and advocacy for economic success.

Now in 2022, the world is trying to recover from the effects of COVID-19 and, just like in 1936, businesses and consumers alike face difficult issues and hold on to hope for a better future. The Raleigh Chamber has a new logo but still aims to build a thriving regional economy, enhance the community’s quality of life, and strengthen member businesses.

One other thing 1936 and 2022 have in common – family working at the Raleigh Chamber.
​
I am excited to introduce myself, Mary Kubeny, the new marketing copywriter at Raleigh Chamber. In 1936, my great-grandmother, Martha Pugh Ray, wanted to make a difference in the community she loved and became a secretary for the Chamber. It is a privilege to honor her legacy as a Raleigh Chamber employee working to support our business community. I hope to meet you all soon!

On January 4, business leaders from around the Triangle region gathered for Launch 2022 presented by Wells Fargo. Prior to the event, Adrienne Cole, president and CEO of the Chamber shared the following comments about Launch 2022:
 
We have a fantastic group of speakers who will share an inside look at new trends and forecasts for 2022. Our expert speakers will cover the forces affecting our economy and what to expect in the Triangle Region and North Carolina as well as trends in commercial real estate, talent, economic development, entrepreneurship, and demographic shifts. Our Launch 2022 event gives us a strong starting point for the year ahead.
 
If you were unable to attend Launch 2022, we have included links to the presentations below. Due to technical difficulties, the livestream option provided by our media partner WRAL Channel 5 picked up the program partway through the presentations – you can watch it here.

See below for speaker presentations: 
​

• Ted Abernathy, Managing Partner, Economic Leadership, LLC View the presentation | Watch Ted's Live Presentation Here

• Cindy Eckert, Chief Executive Officer, The Pink Ceiling View the presentation

• Sarah House, Senior Economist and Director, Wells Fargo View the presentation | Watch Sarah's Live Presentation Here

• Brian Leary, Chief Operating Officer, Highwoods Properties, Inc. View the presentation
• Todd Olson, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Pendo View the presentation

• Secretary of Commerce Machelle Baker Sanders, North Carolina Department of Commerce. (Presentation not available.)

 
Join us for our next signature event, our annual Community Success Forum on Feb. 17. You will hear regional leaders and local professionals engage in collaborative discussions around strategy implementation to create true race equity. You can register on our website. Please note this is a virtual event. 

Join us on Tuesday, Jan. 4 at the Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts for Launch 2022, presented by Wells Fargo. We will examine trends and predictions for the new year that will shape business locally and nationally.
This year, speakers will discuss topics vital to our region such as economic development, growth, demographics, entrepreneurship, commercial real estate, talent, and funding. Speakers are as follows:
​

• Ted Abernathy, Managing Partner, Economic Leadership, LLC
  • Topic: Regional Demographics and Growth Patterns

• Cindy Eckert, Chief Executive Officer, The Pink Ceiling
  • Topic: Entrepreneurship & Venture Capitalism

• Sarah House, Senior Economist and Director, Wells Fargo
  • Topic: National Economy

• Brian Leary, Chief Operating Officer, Highwoods Properties, Inc.
  • Topic: Commercial Real Estate

• Todd Olson, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Pendo
  • Topic: Talent and Culture
    
• Secretary of Commerce Machelle Baker Sanders, North Carolina Department of Commerce
  • Topic: Economic Development
    
    

This event will be in person at the Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts – A.J. Fletcher Opera Theater at 2 E. South St., downtown Raleigh. Registration opens at 2 p.m. and the program begins at 2:30 p.m.
 
Questions about Launch 2022?
For questions on content and logistics, call 919.664.7090 or email Alicia Miller
For sponsorship opportunities and inquiries, email sales@raleighchamber.org

Adrienne Cole, Raleigh Chamber president and CEO shined on the Chamber Chat podcast with host, Brandon Burton.

Adrienne and Brandon discussed the Raleigh Chamber’s philosophy of using the “team sport” model when it comes to economic development and why regional collaboration is important.

Listen to Adrienne’s Podcast Interview.

On Monday, Nov. 8, regional leaders gathered in Wilmington, NC, for our Annual Leadership Conference presented by Townebank. The annual conference is an event centered on making connections with other leaders and discussing topics important to our growth.  Attendees heard from a wide range of speakers while enjoying the comforts of the Hotel Ballast in Wilmington.

Here are a few key takeaways from the conference:

Economic Development

• Regionalism is a best practice in the world of economic development.
• Not only are we recruiting new companies, we are helping our existing companies grow and expand in the market. Recruitment AND expansion are important for growth.
  
  

Innovation and Entrepreneurship

• Access = opportunities. Opportunities lead to full participation. Jump in and participate.
• We have the ingredients in this market for our startups and entrepreneurs: connectivity and accessibility.
  
  

Talent and Workforce Development

• Have a people first mentality. Fit the job around the person through support, training, and education.
• There is no other place in the U.S. that has the depth and variety of systems to train and prepare our workforce than right here.
  ​
  

Regional Transit

• The Regional Transportation Alliance has an active legacy of regional business leadership on transportation (540 Triangle Expressway, Dynamic Left Turn, RDU Capital Infrastructure, etc.)
• Number one priority for the accelerated metropolitan mobility strategy – sustainable funding for Raleigh-Durham Airport.

 
See below for a few highlights from our interactive leadership discussion:

• Employees need and want to be part of something bigger now. Employment decisions go beyond the pay scale – it is about mission, vision, and values.
• We truly need to develop meaningful relationships in underserved communities.
• The new world of hybrid work brings about challenges such as device overload, burnout, and lost connections. How can we keep people connected and creative?
• We must move transit forward – especially with new companies moving in such as Apple.
• Our community is starting to look more like the world – we have global citizens moving here and that is exciting.  
• With new demands on the workforce and workplace, Human Resources is a critical pillar in the c-suite discussion.

 
To see photos and comments from event attendees, you can search the hashtag #RaleighALC21 on Twitter.
Be sure to register for upcoming signature events – our annual Elected Officials Holiday Reception and Launch 2022.  

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this year’s Raleigh Chamber Golf Tournament, presented by Blue Ridge Surgery Center, an affiliate of SCA! 
 
Winners from this year’s tournament are listed below.

FIRST, SECOND, THIRD PLACE
Fairways First:
Raynor Smith
Matt Smith
Jeff Stocks
Chris Wilson

Fairways Second:
Billy Johnson
Mark Blaha
William Patterson
Mike Pomaville

Fairways Third:
Jeff Smith
Josh Dipaulo
Drew Walsh
Ed Boyle

Meadows First:
Andrew Soriano
Kyler Bender
Robert Doreauk
Robert Hillman

Meadows Second:
Daniel Wright
Mark Sams
Nic Jones
Carmen Lozaw

Meadows Third:
Hal Bowen
Betty Parker
Chris Merrill
 
Highlands First:
Greg Winkler
Gary Greene
Jeff Hendrick
Michael Mesnard

Highlands Second:
Will Pridgen
Lucas Carpenter
Jim Byrd
Tom McSwain

Highlands Third:
Eric Perkinson
Kyle Nelson
Greg Kuruc
Zach Evans

Royal Caribbean Cruise Winner ($2,000 value)
Nicholas B. Tribble

COURSE GAMES
Fairways:
Longest drive – Marley Shields
Closest to the pin – Jake Yount

Meadows:
Longest Drive – Harrison Kaylor
Closest to the pin – Blake Hall

Highlands:
Longest drive – Lee Simmons
Closest to the pin – Jim Byrd
 
Additionally, thank you to each of our sponsors who graciously donated a raffle prize for our reception:
 
Prestonwood Country Club
Merz Aesthetics
Triangle Shooting Academy
Barnes & Thornburg
Dewberry
 
Congratulations to all our winners!

Thank you once again to our sponsors for your support in ensuring this year’s tournament was a success! To view a list of our sponsors and their website, please visit our Golf Tournament event page.

If you would like to secure your sponsorship for next year’s tournament, or have general sponsorship questions, please email sales@raleighchamber.org.