Greater Raleigh Chamber Blog

By Bill O'Boyle
CEO, North State Consulting



I was humbled when Citrix nominated me to the Emerging Leaders Program. I must admit that, at first, I saw it as a networking opportunity and a resume builder. I was honored and excited by the opportunity, but I grossly underestimated the impact this program would have. I had the opportunity to learn from some of the most purpose driven leaders in the area, develop long lasting relationships with amazing peers, and learn how I could better serve the community.
 
This format of the program is amazing. The leaders were not selected simply from financial success. The common thread was selfless service and leading a purpose driven life although I doubt that was ever prompted.  We did not hear endless stories of how they worked 15 hour days for 20 years to “achieve.” Instead, we heard countless stories of their people and the platforms they created. I do not recall an exec bragging about a recent stock price but I do remember many stories of how proud of the impact their firm or institution had on the community and the people they served.    
 
Each leader was amazing but one stood out from the moment I met him: Dr. Everett Ward, president of St. Augustine’s University. Dr. Ward is a man who walks with a purpose in every step he takes. Dr. Ward was born on the HBCU he graduated from and now is tasked to resurrect. I saw firsthand what it meant for a leader to selfishly serve a mission and inspire all those around him to do the same. He faced many challenges upon accepting the position and he did address some of them. However, he spent the time helping us understand the generations of pride that surround you as soon as you enter the truly remarkable university. He graciously gave us a tour while he greeted every single student, faculty, and staff member by first name that walked by. I have been back to St. Aug's several times, called on Dr. Ward for advice, and also formed an official partnership with Citrix. I would not have had that opportunity without this program, and I am extremely grateful.

​I also made long lasting friendships with classmates. Allison Warren Barber was the senior vice president of the Greater Triangle United Way. We quickly realized there was an opportunity for us to work together in the community. As with most nonprofits, there is often a shortage of resources. This is true with financial capital and human capital. We decided to address both. At the time, I led a team of nine that structured complex, strategic partnerships with other software companies. That often involved creating joint go-to-market strategies. We decided to use our human capital to develop the go-to-market strategy for Innovate United. We wanted to increase participation and increase donations so we applied the same methodologies in the tech industry. Our team absolutely loved the experience of working with the United Way and the program was a huge success. That model has been taught to other United Way and businesses across the country. Allison is now the CEO of the Seattle-area United Way, and I have served on the Community Engagement Committee for two years. That is all thanks to the Emerging Leaders Program.
 
I was inspired by the program to also attend Leadership North Carolina. I now have my own company and can proudly say we have 14 employees here in Raleigh. I am honored to have graduated from the program and now serve on the Chamber's Small Business Advisory Board. The Chamber is an invaluable part of our community and look forward to sending our first applicant to the program this quarter.

The Chamber is currently recruiting for the 2017 Emerging Leaders program. Two classes will take place this year, and the deadline to apply is March 27. Learn more here.

The following statement has been released by the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce: 

The Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce is encouraged by the bipartisan effort to repeal the Public Facilities Privacy & Security Act, known as HB2. We advocate swift action that builds our economy and enhances the quality of life for all citizens. 
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Joe Milazzo, executive director of the Regional Transportation Alliance, was recently honored by the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Chamber of Commerce with the Chair's Award for Public Private Partnership.

Full citation of the award presentation is below. 

Now 14 years as the executive director of their organization, this individual convenes elected officials, senior government staff, technical experts, and the business leaders to solve problems. He is delightfully impatient and jokes that the mission of his organization is not “Let’s get ready to” nor “Let’s think about doing something,” nor “Why don’t we study this, but not do it.”  Instead, the impactful motto of his organization is “Let’s Get Moving.”   Please join me in recognizing the CEO of one of this region’s most relevant and effective business leadership organization, The Regional Transportation Alliance’s Joe Milazzo, the recipient of the 2017 Chair’s Award for Public Private Partnership. 

When you are on the road—whether in your car, on the bus, on the sidewalk, or even the shoulder—you should think of and thank Joe Milazzo. RTA is a chamber of commerce-based regional business leadership and advocacy group focused on advancing transportation policy, priority, and funding solutions in our entire region. Under Joe’s leadership, RTA has successfully advocated for the construction, enhancement, and advancement of more than 250 miles of freeway and improvements at seven existing or proposed interchanges. He also spearheaded the Multimodal 54 initiative, which ensures that Chapel Hill and Carrboro are not cut off from the rest of the Triangle region. Joe launched the Air Service Advancement Project (ASAP) private sector marketing initiative as well, culminating in a Paris flight in 2016, making RDU the only non-hub U.S. airport with two nonstop transatlantic flights. Additionally, Joe coordinated the creation of our state’s first “Bus on Shoulder System” or “BOSS” to reduce transit travel times between Durham, Chapel Hill, and Raleigh, now including 60 shoulder miles as one of the largest BOSS systems in the United States. 

Congratulations, Joe—what a BOSS you are! We’re grateful for your leadership in the region and in our Chamber.

(Thanks to the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Chamber for the citation. See a full list of winners and more here.)

A program of the Greater Raleigh Chamber, the Regional Transportation Alliance is a membership group of nearly 100 companies across the Triangle and 23 member chambers of commerce in central North Carolina. It is the regional business voice for transportation initiatives and policies including strategic funding, transit, freeways, streets, air service, and rail.
 
Learn more at www.letsgetmoving.org. Follow RTA on Twitter at @RTATriangle. 

 By Aolani Donegan
 Social Media Specialist
 The News & Observer Publishing Co.



The Young Professionals Network programs committee is a brave group. They continue to push the envelope with program ideas that make YPN exciting, but the vision needed to execute this idea that included more than a hundred people, moving and meeting each other in a speed-dating type of way, was outside of most conventional boxes, and it was fabulous.

Keynote speaker Phillip Frye spoke about the importance of networking to build relationships. His tips included suggestions for tomorrow's leaders. How do you become a super-connector? Well, if you follow Phillip's tips and arrive early, do your homework, and look for connections, you will be well on the path to building lasting relationships.

His presentation pumped up the audience. We had our stack of business cards; but, wait, what? You're telling me we have to move two seats to the right every two minutes? Whose crazy idea was this?

As the noise level rose and people leaned in to learn about the person sitting across from them, a beautiful thing occurred. People were connecting and sharing an experience that was unique and memorable. As we took notes and collected business cards, it was easy to see that we are more alike than we are different. We all have these interesting stories about how we got to the table and where we hope to go. One of Phillip's tips to keep your business cards in one pocket and the ones you collect in another suddenly made perfect sense. Who wants to shuffle through a deck of business cards? Oh, these tips were like liquid gold. I saw people engaging in a way that was so exciting! The experiment worked! Hats off to the programs team!

One of Phillip's tips is to follow up. My hope is that everyone follows up with an email or invitation for coffee after each program, but especially after networking roulette. Your network grows as you water each connection. You never know who your connection knows and how that relationship will impact your future growth.

My hope is the programs committee will do a "Networking Roulette" workshop every quarter. Despite losing my voice, I couldn't help but look around to recognize that the room was filled with leaders that are making a meaningful impact on their community at work and by attending YPN events.

The Raleigh YPN Facebook page is a great place to connect and share your stories after each program.

                  By:  Angie Coole
                         Marketing Specialist 
                         Greene Resources 




Greene Resources had the wonderful opportunity to not only sponsor the Chamber's December C-Suite Perspectives breakfast, but also to hear from our own president and founder, Gary Greene. Gary provided us with insight on how leaders (and anyone!) can truly make an impact in the lives of those around them. 

To make an impact, you must do five things:
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1.Show You Care
Success comes down to individual moments with individual people and ensuring the people in your life know that they matter. 

2.Change Your Point of View
Whether you work in sales, management, or another field, you will have greater success with effective communication if you approach a conversation from the perspective of the other person. 
 
3.Be Present
When you engage with others, providing your full attention and being present will make all the difference because “people will forget about what you said, people will forget about what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
 
4.Create Memorable Moments
Find a way to be different, not only in the way you do business but also in the way you develop relationships.  You can create a more memorable and positive experience by taking the time to get to know your coworkers, customers, and employees.
 
5.Find and Follow Your Passion
Greene Resources was founded on the idea that you must love what you do and you must love the people you are serving.  When you are passionate about what you do and you surround yourself with people who share that passion, anything is possible.

It's been almost seventeen years since Gary started Greene Resources and the foundation behind the business is still the same. Greene Resources is committed to putting people first and exceeding expectations through purposeful talent solutions. By valuing people above all else, we make a lasting impact in the careers, businesses, and lives of those we serve. 

​It’s amazing how quickly the world is transforming around us as a result of new technology.
Open Source, The Cloud, the Internet of Things—all are making an impact on the things we do every day.
 
Transportation is no exception. Transportation could, in fact, be the industry where we see the most evolution over the next 5 – 10 years through the convergence with technology.
 
I am pleased to serve as the RTA’s 2016/17 Emerging Technology and Paradigms chair—the first chair of this new focus area for the regional business community’s voice on mobility solutions.
 
I hope you’ll join me to learn about the innovations that are changing the possibilities for our transportation future at the RTA’s 15th annual meeting on Dec. 15.
 
Executives from Cisco, IBM, and Meridian Autonomous will discuss advancements and emerging concepts in connected transportation, intelligent systems, automation and more.
 
In the Research Triangle, we are perfectly positioned to become a leader in applying transportation innovation due to the strength of our technology employment cluster, the research and ideas from leading universities, and the living laboratory of our dispersed, rapidly-growing region.
 
We have the opportunity to use new technology to make better decisions and smarter investments in our transportation system, both now and as we grow.


Sign-up here to join me at this special 15th anniversary event. You can still become a sponsor for $999.
 
I look forward to seeing you there!
 
Let’s get moving,
Matt
 
Matt Parson
RTA Emerging Technology and Paradigms chair
Red Hat

A message from Chamber President and CEO, Tim Giuliani

With the leadership and support of many Chamber members, local business, and elected partners, the Wake County half-cent sales tax referendum to fund a modern public transportation system has passed. Thanks to everyone who took part in this important community initiative. From posting yard signs to offering a donation, each contribution was significant to moving us forward.
 
It has been a pleasure seeing the community come together to develop the Wake Transit plan and support the referendum. The combination of a solid, bipartisan plan and broad, community support yielded its success.

We look forward to everyone’s continued engagement as we plan for our community’s future growth.
 
Onward,
Tim Giuliani
President and CEO
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See Press Release Below: 

The Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce applauds the successful passage of the Wake County half-cent sales tax referendum to fund a modern public transportation system.
 
“Our region is growing quickly—Wake County’s population adds 64 people every day. This referendum gives our community the resources to be prepared for the future and to build a modern public transportation system that provides transportation options for everyone,” said Chamber President and CEO Tim Giuliani.
 
Successful passage of the referendum secures the dedicated, locally-controlled funding source to implement the approved, bipartisan Wake Transit plan. All three Triangle counties—Wake, Durham, and Orange—now have voter-approved referenda for enhanced regional transit.
 
Giuliani added, “With more than a million people already living in Wake County, we can plan for the continued growth that brings traffic and congestion and maintain our excellent quality of life.”
 
The Moving Wake County Forward referendum campaign was led by a diverse, broad-based committee co-chaired by Mayor Mark Stohlman of Morrisville, Mayor James Roberson of Knightdale, Dr. Tashni-Ann Dubroy of Shaw University, and John Kane of Kane Realty.

More information about the Wake County Transit can be found at www.waketransit.com. 

 

​Thanks to members of the Chamber’s 2015/16 Board of Directors and Executive Committee! These leaders were honored today at a joint meeting of the Chamber’s Board of Directors and Board of Advisors.
 
Elected Members of the Board of Directors, Completing Three-year Terms:

• Sheila Ahler, Cherry Bekaert
• Karen Albritton, Capstrat
• Amy Baker, Ernst & Young LLP
• Jennifer Dunleavy, Accuro
• Jake Fehling, KFA Search
• Martha Frye, Nationwide Insurance
• Gary Greene, Greene Resources – will serve as 2016/17 vice chair of Communications
• Ravila Gupta, Umicore USA, Inc.
• Terrence Holt, Holt Brothers Construction, LLC
• David Liberatore, BSA LifeStructures, Inc
• Jason Smith, 18 Seaboard Restaurant
• Marirose Steigerwald, NC Community Foundation
• Greg Winkler, Wells Fargo – will serve as 2016/17 chair of the Board of Directors
• Terry Yeargan, DPR Construction, Inc. – will serve as 2016/17 vice chair of Government Affairs

 
Appointed Members of the Board of Directors, Completing One-year Terms:

• Melanie Dubis, Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein LLP
• Virginia Parker, Bank of America
• Brian Reid, Paragon Bank
• Will Salmon, Marsh & McLennan Agency

 
Also Serving on the Board of Directors this Year:

• Chair of Leadership Raleigh, Jon Mize, Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice, LLP
• Chair of the Regional Transportation Alliance, Steve Brechbiel, Quintiles
• Chair of the Young Professionals Network, Blair Reynolds, WakeMed Foundation

 
2015/16 Executive Committee:

• Sheila Ahler, Cherry Bekaert  – vice chair of Government Affairs for two years; concludes service on Executive Committee
• Karen Albritton, Capstrat – vice chair of Small Business and Member Services; concludes service on Executive Committee
• Ginny Allen, Adept Digital – immediate past chair of the Young Professionals Network; concludes service on Executive Committee
• Jim Captain, Credit Suisse – past chair of the Board of Directors and this year’s Nominating Committee chair; concludes service on Executive Committee
• Leon Cox, Sheraton Raleigh Hotel – served at large and will continue to do so in 2016/17
• Bo Dempster, Poyner Spruill – served as general counsel and will continue to do so in 2016/17
• Martha Frye, Nationwide Insurance – served at large/concludes service on Executive Committee
• Jimmy Goodmon, Capitol Broadcasting Co. – served as treasurer and will continue as chair-elect in 2016/17
• Jim Hansen, PNC – served at large and will continue as treasurer in 2016/17
• Terrence Holt, Holt Brothers Construction, LLC – served at large; concludes service on Executive Committee
• Mike Hughes, Duke Energy – vice chair of Communications for two years; concludes service on Executive Committee
• O’Hara Macken, Ipreo – vice chair of Economic Development and will continue that role in 2016/17
• Steven McCarthy, Fidelity Investments - vice chair of Education and will continue that role in 2016/17
• Doug Riddle, Fifth Third Bank – vice chair of Membership Development; concludes service on executive committee
• Richard Urquhart, Investors Management Corporation – past chair and will continue that role in 2016/17
• Caroline Welch, ABC-11 Eyewitness News (WTVD) – served at large; concludes service on executive committee
• Ed Willingham, First Citizens Bank – past chair; will continue that role in 2016/17
• Greg Winkler, Wells Fargo – this year’s chair-elect and 2016/17 chair of the Board of Directors

 
Board Chair:

• Chair of the Board, Jill Heath of CALYX Engineers + Consultants

 

Leadership Raleigh participants get a behind-the-scenes view into all aspects of our community—from the education system and the role of the media to law enforcement and economic development.
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Last week, the two newest Leadership Raleigh classes got their years started at retreats at the Graylyn International Conference Center in Winston-Salem. 

Allen Wooten, Personify
Allison Crabtree, Brasfield & Gorrie LLC
Ashley Whittington, The Umstead Hotel and Spa
Awamary Khan, Support Center
Brian Wallace, York Properties
Cara Phillips, Phillips Architecture, PA
Cara Williams, Smith Debnam Narron Drake Saintsing & Myers, LLP
Carlton Midyette, CBRE | Raleigh
Chris Turner, CMS Controls
Christina Leliever, Duke Energy
David Ferrell, Vandeventer Black LLP
Devon D. Williams,  Ward and Smith, P.A.
Emily Hodges, Hodges Insurance Agency
Felicia Woodard, Bank of America
Jack Magee, Wyrick Robbins Yates & Ponton LLP
Jackie Wilson, Wells Fargo
Jeff Cooke, North State Bank Mortgage
Jennifer Ammirati, Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice, LLP
Jennifer Champion, First Citizens Bank
Jennifer Holland, IBM Corporation
John Gabbard, Ernst & Young LLP
Joseph Watson, Raymond James & Associates
Josh Swindell, Coldwell Banker Howard Perry and Walston
Joshua Horne, Duke Raleigh Hospital
Kelly Harvell, Wake County Public School System
Laurent de Comarmond, JDavis Architects, PLLC
Liane Barber, Capital Area Soccer League
Lisa Youngquist, Campbell University School of Business
Mike Ferguson, Barnhill Contracting Co., Inc.
Molly Stuart, Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP
Morgan High, Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce
Morgan Southerland, Fidelity Bank
Nadine Kapitaniak, KPMG LLP
Nate McGaha, Carolina Ballet
Nicholas Hofer, Alfred Williams & Company
Noushi Haeussler, Excellase, Laser Skin Care
Paul A. Kane, Home Builders Association of Raleigh - Wake County
Paul Fogleman, Poyner Spruill LLP
Peter Jones, MetLife
Susan Pettengill, YMCA of the Triangle Area, Inc.
Tarik Dalton, State of North Carolina
Theresa Garrett, Carroll's Kitchen
Tia N. Jones, Delta Dental of North Carolina
Todd Benner, Little
Uel Whitsett, Williams Mullen
Warner Kuppin, Kane Realty Corporation
Zack Anderton, Summit Hospitality Group, LTD
Zack Medford, Isaac Hunter's Hospitality
Zareen Beck, LORD Corporation

Adam Cato, SunTrust Bank
Alicia Barfield, Duke Raleigh Hospital
Alyssa Gutierrez, Better Business Bureau/BBB
Amanda Sherin, Poyner Spruill LLP
Angie Thomas, Accountants One
Anna Short, Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice, LLP
Aolani Donegan, The News & Observer Publishing Co.
Armand Perry, Smith Anderson
Blake Hall, Timmons Group
Brandon Yopp, Campbell Law School
C. Brian O'Haver, Stewart
Cameron Henley, Moore & Van Allen, PLLC
Caroline Baillargeon, Red Hat, Inc.
Caroline Williams, Centerline Digital
Collier Marsh, Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein LLP
David Booth, Wells Fargo
Dr. Shelby Palmer, Shaw University
Emily Fausch, Empire Properties
Eric Dunlap, Local Government Federal Credit Union
Hilary Allen, Meredith College
Jarvis Jones, Passage Home
Jason Brodmerkel, Elliott Davis Decosimo
Jeff Moncrief, JPMorgan Chase
Jennifer Miller, Summit Hospitality Group, LTD
Jesse Green, RATIO
Jim Herriott, K&L Gates LLP
John Johnston, Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce
Kathryn West, Junior League of Raleigh, Inc.
Katye Jobe, Smith Moore Leatherwood LLP
Kelly Huffstetler, Realty World Signature Properties
Kevin White, NNE Pharmaplan, Inc.
Kirk Mader, PNC
Lindsay Schuster, Dixon Hughes Goodman LLP
Martha Browning, WakeMed Foundation
Melody Henderson, Wake Technical Community College
Michael Neumann, American Cancer Society
Modolu Fatukasi, Deloitte
Leigh Bleecker, Duke Raleigh Hospital
Paul Forster, Capital Area Soccer League
Pierre Marcella, WingSwept
Randy Allen, Danis Construction Company
Rhonda Lowe, UNC REX Healthcare
Sarah Willis, First Citizens Bank
Seth Crawford, Angel Oak Creative
Steve Meyer, Rockridge Realty, Inc.
Sunil Yerkola, MetLife
Todd Rowe, RSM US LLP
Tom Planishek, Balfour Beatty Construction

​What does this really mean in the practical sense? Well, here goes my attempt:

• It means LISTENING twice as much as SPEAKING, so as, to hear what the other person is really saying.    
• It means, QUIETLY, doing things in the community, UNOTICED, like buying a meal for a stranger, or befriending someone at the Healing Place, the Soup Kitchen, or Salvation Army.    
• It means SCHEDULING TIME in your day for the UNEXPECTED. Seeing a homeless person on the street can be construed as “I do not have time.” Yet, let us all try, hard, to learn to stop, to get to know the other person and see him or her AS A GIFT.  
• It means treating the custodian in your building with the same respect as you would the CEO.  
• It means tipping, APPROPRIATELY, all the time – no questions asked, no thanks needed.    
• It means putting FAMILY FIRST. Life is too short to be concerned with accomplishments. It is much richer in the moments where love is extended, people are blessed, and community is shared. That is what I have tried to be for Mary Ann, my children, Gregory Poole employees, my friends, and this community. I have not always succeeded, but I keep trying to be a man who reflects the love that has been bestowed on me.  

Thank you for this honor. And I want to thank all of you in this room, who have played important roles in my life. You have allowed me to share this special evening with all of you. Thank you.

Video by Thomas Babb Photography