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​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
​
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.
​
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

Gregory Poole Jr.'s personal mission is clear—to make Raleigh a better place to live for all of its residents. 

Poole is the 2016 recipient of the A.E. Finley Distinguished Service Award, which has been given annually since 1970 in recognition of a person who has contributed time, talent, and service to the benefit of the community. He'll be honored Wednesday, Sept. 7, at the Chamber's 128th Annual Meeting.

Poole will be presented with the A.E. Finley Distinguished Service Award during the Chamber’s 128th Annual Meeting at the Raleigh Convention Center on Sept. 7. Register to attend the event here. 

By Jill Wells Heath
2015/16 Chamber Chair
CALYX Engineers + Consultants




Take a look around. 

From cutting edge companies that employ thousands in RTP to visionary startups that are energizing downtown Raleigh, it's clear that innovation and creativity are flourishing in the Triangle.   

At the Chamber's 128th Annual Meeting on Sept. 7, we'll explore our area's changes and challenges and find out what the Chamber is doing to drive success. 

Our keynote speaker, Josh Linkner, is no stranger to this topic----he's spent his career harnessing the power of creative disruption. He'll share thoughts on Raleigh, and provide insight on how you can tap into your own creativity to find new levels of success (hint: you don't have to invent the next Uber to be considered "creative"). 

We'll also honor standout businessman and community activist Gregory Poole Jr. with the A.E. Finley Distinguished Service Award, celebrate some of our accomplishments from the past year, and take a look at the future. I'm personally excited to pass the gavel to our next board chair, Greg Winkler of Wells Fargo. 

It's going to be a great night, and I'm looking forward to seeing everyone there!   

Join hundreds of business and community leaders at this popular event. Reserve your spot now. Sponsorships are also available. Contact Ginger Baxley to learn more.

By Dawn L. Friedel
Instructional Developer
Citrix



I attended the July Chamber Professional Women’s Luncheon at Embassy Suites Raleigh-Durham/Research Triangle Park to network with other women and learn how to maximize my personal productivity. I arrived early, and the lobby was already buzzing with the sound of voices as women from many local companies gathered and exchanged information. I stopped at several of the vendor booths to say hello and learn about other businesses, some I didn’t know are in the area. As a Citrix employee, I was happy to talk about my company, explain what we do, and describe our unique culture.  

When the lecture opened, I chose a table with several ladies from a variety of businesses. It was a pleasure to speak with Patty Page from Personal Lifestyle Concierge and Ashley McGee from Theo Davis Printing. While enjoying the salad and bread, I filled out the Wheel of Life and questionnaire that would be used to help determine how much of my energy I spend on relationships, the environment, body, mind, and spirit, and work.

The speakers were engaging, and I could relate to the stories they told about needing to set priorities, be more productive, use my energy wisely, and focus on accomplishing tasks (one at a time). We heard from: 

• Becky Jacobs, CEO, Simple Change Wellness
• Kim Brame McGimsey, founder, Breakthrough Health
• Emily Parks, productivity consultant, Organize for Success 

When asked who was a good multi-tasker, my hand went up in the air as I juggle to balance, work, school, volunteering, and my personal life. But by the end of the session, I learned just how unproductive it is to multi-task. When given the statistic that there is a 40 percent loss in productivity due to multi-tasking, it didn't sink in until they had me prove it. Timing a simple task like writing the alphabet and a string of numbers took me only 30 seconds when I was able to do one and then the other. However, when I had to switch between the two, or multi-task, it took me one and a half times as long (45 seconds, for those who don’t want to do the math).  

There are only 1,440 minutes in a day, so making the most of that time requires organization. Using the Eisenhower Box to determine what needs to be done, the order in which to do it, what to delegate to others, and what to remove was very insightful. I came away with insight on how to make myself more productive and with a plan to get started. I’m pleased I was able to attend this session and feel I have tools to be more productive as a result.

The Chamber Professional Women's Luncheon series offers quarterly luncheons featuring noted speakers. Each events provides an opportunity for professional development and valuable networking. Keep an eye on our calendar for upcoming events. 

Jordan Hall is the Chamber's new database manager. In this role he is responsible for database administrative duties, event set up, data verification and integrity, online member directory management, and more. A Greensboro native, Jordan attended college at Appalachian State University where he studied business-psychology. Previously he worked at Greene Resources as a recruiting coordinator on the Professional Services recruiting team. He loves exploring the Raleigh area, going to 'Canes games. and following college and NBA basketball religiously. Reach him at jhall@raleighchamber.org. 

Jackie Huitt, the Chamber’s Annual Campaign manager has over eight years of fundraising experience. A New Jersey native, Jackie has been involved in conducting a wide array of development efforts and has been an integral part of fundraising campaigns. For the past four years, Jackie has focused on helping organizations achieve their fundraising goals through annual campaigns, major donor solicitations, and events. Jackie enjoys working with people and helping organizations reach their goals. Contact Jackie at jhuitt@raleighchamber.org
​

The Triangle’s economy is expected to outpace the growth of the nation’s economy in 2016.
 
That was the consensus of two noted economists at today’s Economic Forecast. Jeffrey Lacker, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, and Jay Bryson, global economist for Wells Fargo Securities, took the stage in front of 700 business, elected, and community leaders for one of the Chamber’s most popular events.

We’ll dive deeper into the economists’ presentations in further blog posts, but here are some of the morning’s highlights.

Jay Bryson, global economist, Wells Fargo Securities
Employment in North Carolina is growing in line with the national rate, while the Triangle has been outpacing it. This is nothing new for our region—the Triangle has generally grown faster than the national economy over the past decade.

Jeffrey Lacker, president, Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond
The broad takeaway is that even though interest rates are likely to be lower than usual for the next few years, monetary policy is still highly accommodative right now. Interest rate increases within the range envisioned by FOMC participants would be relatively slow by historic standards, and would still leave policy in an accommodative stance. Such increases should be viewed as a sign of the strength of the U.S. economy—which is good news.

Learn More
Both economists’ full presentations, along with video of the event, are available here. You can go here to view a social media recap.