Greater Raleigh Chamber Blog

This year’s Greater Raleigh Chamber Golf Tournament was a tremendous success! On a brisk fall morning this October, hundreds of business professionals, Triangle leaders, and community partners teed up to connect and show their support for the Chamber while enjoying a perfect day on the green. The event provided a valuable opportunity for networking, connecting, team building, and friendly competition - all while raising essential funds for the Chamber's initiatives.
We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended and made this event possible. Your presence added to the day’s excitement and fostered a spirit of collaboration we are proud our region is known for. Golfers had the chance to showcase their skills on the course and we are very excited to announce the winners here.

​Congratulations to all our champions and thank you again to everyone who sponsored and made this year’s Greater Raleigh Chamber Golf Tournament such a memorable event. ​Your continued support ensures that we can continue to serve, building a thriving regional economy, enhancing the community’s quality of life, and strengthening our member businesses.

 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.

The 32nd class of Leadership Raleigh is officially kicking off the start of the program year at an opening retreat at The Graylyn Estate in Winston-Salem this week.
 
Following the retreat, class members will participate in monthly educational sessions designed to give them an insider’s view of community issues. During the nine-month program, they’ll develop leadership skills necessary to assume leadership roles and be exposed to community involvement opportunities. 
 
Leadership Raleigh has been described as “life-altering” and “eye-opening.” But don’t take our word for it. Hear what some program alumni have to say about their experiences:
 
Lasting Relationships
Leadership Raleigh provided me an exceptional opportunity to interact and build lasting relationships with business and nonprofit leaders. In Leadership Raleigh, I gained an in-depth understanding of issues facing our community though dynamic presentations and tours.  Leadership Raleigh has put me in a great position to contribute to Raleigh's future.
~Ashley Perkinson, LR 29, Perkinson Law Firm, PA
 
Continued Benefits
I entered Leadership Raleigh almost 10 years ago not knowing what to expect. The program provided a full year of truly learning what makes Raleigh such a great place to live and work as you experience areas you may never otherwise visit and hear from leaders that make a difference in our community every day.  Today, I continue to benefit from my year in Leadership Raleigh through the ongoing connections and friendships that came from our time together. 
~Jim Hansen, LR 21, PNC
 
 Unique Access and Insight
Leadership Raleigh offered me a unique opportunity to gain access and insight into critical social, economic, and governmental issues impacting our community and how we do business. The experience afforded me the opportunity to enhance how I think about and solve challenges in my business, to develop new relationships, and to identify ways to collaborate with members of different organizations to positively impact the community in which we live and work. 
~O’Hara Macken, LR 29, Ipreo
 
 A Life-altering Experience
Participating in the Leadership Raleigh program was and continues to be a life altering experience for me.  I was inspired monthly by the themes that were covered and moved to do my part to make a difference as well as inform those around me of what I had learned.  Another gem of this program was the connections made among the other professionals in my Leadership 29 class. There were professional relationships developed that otherwise would not have been possible and most importantly, friendships that I will carry with me for a lifetime. 
~Kim Battle, LR 29, Wake County Medical Society - Community Health Foundation
 
Deeply Connected
When I think back on my Leadership Raleigh experience, it is with true appreciation. Leadership Raleigh was able to open my eyes to so many amazing things happening in our city. I was also able to connect to 53 other community leaders who will forever be deeply connected through this fantastic program. Bottom line, Leadership Raleigh will allow you to deepen your roots and develop a better understanding of our community.
~Matt Strickland, LR 29, Band Together
 
Behind-the-scenes Perspective
Leadership Raleigh was an eye opening experience for me. As a participant, we had the opportunity to get the behind the scenes perspective of Raleigh and Wake County. I now have a better understanding of the issues our community faces and the opportunities it presents. I also gained new professional contacts and friendships that will last a life time.
~Rob Wright, LR 29, Newcomb and Company
 
Undoubtedly Worthwhile
Leadership Raleigh is undoubtedly one of the most worthwhile things I have done since I moved back to the area. I learned a lot about the city and expanded my network while making great friends. It’s well your time and resources!
~Charles Phaneuf, LR 28, Raleigh Little Theatre
 
 
Learn more about Leadership Raleigh here, and be on the lookout for information about the 33rd class, which will kick off next fall. It could be the professional development opportunity you’ve been waiting for!