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The Raleigh Chamber is proud to celebrate Minority Entrepreneur Day and encourage the Triangle community to support their locally owned minority businesses and business owners.

"We are committed to sustaining and developing a thriving economy and quality of life in our region for everyone. We hope the community will join us in celebrating the contributions of minority-owned businesses and supporting the 15% of minority-owned small businesses in Raleigh and beyond." - Adrienne Cole, President and CEO

Not sure how to celebrate and support? We can help!

• Shop at a minority-owned business - locally and online
• Give a shoutout to a minority small business entrepreneur on social media
• Offer your support services at a reduced rate or free for a minority-owned business
• Invest time or funds in a local minority-owned business or startup
• Share our Small Business Resource Guide
• Save the date for Triangle Small Business Week 2023: April 30 – May 6

The Raleigh Chamber has a mission to create a vibrant, diverse, and sustainable business climate that encourages job growth, workforce development, and economic prosperity. By recognizing Minority Entrepreneur Day, we hope everyone will take the time to appreciate the unique challenges in money, management, and market that continue to affect these entrepreneurs in the marketplace.
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Learn more about supporting diversity, equity, and inclusivity in Raleigh, Wake County, and the Triangle region at www.triangledei.org. 

Are you looking to make a meaningful difference at your Chamber and in your community? Do you want to become a part of something larger than yourself and connect with like-minded business professionals? Become a 2023 President’s Circle volunteer with the Raleigh Chamber and join the ranks of our influential network.
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As business developers, networkers, executives, and C-suite professionals, you know how important it is to build professional relationships, invest in your professional development, and lead others. As the Raleigh Chamber's annual total resource development campaign, the President’s Circle is an important part of the Chamber's mission and programming - funding 20% of the Chamber’s operating budget and raising over $37.5 million since 1995 to support the Chamber. 

​The President's Circle is now seeking volunteers to help make this year’s campaign a success. From February through June, more than 80 volunteers from over 60 companies will take part in this campaign by selling memberships, sponsorships for upcoming events, and affiliated memberships to Young Professionals Network, Triangle Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity Alliance, Innovate Raleigh, and Regional Transportation Alliance.
Volunteers will be asked to make connections, utilize their networks, and set up sales presentations with provided resources. This is a great opportunity to get involved with the Chamber, expand your business relationships, and give back to the community!

As a volunteer, you’ll gain knowledge, expertise, and access to resources that will help you make an even bigger impact in your own industry, your local economy, your Chamber, and your local community.
Other Benefits of Volunteering for the 2023 President’s Circle Include:

• Networking at events with local leaders from young professionals to C-level executives, including the Chamber’s Board of Directors and Executive Committee
• Recognition within the Chamber and your company
• Developing community leadership skills
• Expanding your network of business professionals in the Triangle
• Offering your clients, vendors, and business contacts an impactful new marketing venue
• Building a successful Chamber that gives back to the community
• Incentives, prizes, and a surprise destination five-day trip for two for top fundraisers

Learn more and join us in our mission of increasing economic prosperity by becoming a 2023 President’s Circle member today!

If you are interested in volunteering for the Raleigh Chamber's 2023 President’s Circle, please contact Jackie Huitt, Vice President of Membership Engagement, at jhuitt@raleighchamber.org. We are looking forward to working with you!

The Raleigh Chamber is committed to connecting our members with the essential resources presented at this event, whether you were able to join us or not. If you missed it, you can watch the livestream now on WRAL and find all the speakers’ presentations here.

• Ted Abernathy, Managing Partner, Economic Leadership, LLC
• Christopher Chung, Chief Executive Officer, Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina
• Jeronica Goodwin, DHA, Senior Vice President, Human Resources & Chief People Officer, WakeMed Health & Hospitals
• Sarah House, Senior Economist and Director, Wells Fargo
• Brian Leary, Chief Operating Officer, Highwoods Properties, Inc.
• Scot Wingo, CEO and Co-Founder, Spiffy

Attendees at Launch 2023 had an incredible opportunity to network with more than 300 executives, professionals, and elected officials at the post-program reception. We also collected new and gently used winter coats and accessories for the Coats for the Children Campaign, WRAL’s major community campaign benefiting the Salvation Army to support families in need at this year’s event.

Join us at our next signature event, the annual Community Success Forum on Wednesday, Feb. 15. You will hear regional leaders and local professionals engage in collaborative discussions around creating a strong, inclusive work culture with best practices in talent recruitment and retention, and hear from keynote speaker Ron Hetrick, Senior Labor Economist and VP of Staffing Product at Emsi Burning Glass. Register now on our website

Written by:
Sloane Heffernan
Leadership Raleigh Class 46

Leadership Raleigh took us to new heights during our December Quality of Life & Place class day sponsored by AECOM, Highwoods Properties, and Wetherill Engineering. Class 46 traveled by bus, train, and elevator to get an exciting glimpse into the future of transit, transportation, and affordability across the Triangle.

First stop, Raleigh Union Station. We boarded Amtrak for a swift and scenic ride to Cary where we strolled through the quaint and decorated downtown to the charming Mayton Inn. If you are looking for a romantic staycation, this is the place!

Rachel Pair, Leadership Raleigh Alumni and the Mayton Inn’s General Manager hosted us for coffee and conversation on how Cary is one of the “Fastest Growing Cities in the South”. Ted Boyd of the Town of Cary, Mark Lawson from the Cary Chamber of Commerce, and Shannon Flaherty of Amtrak shared insights on Cary’s governance culture and how Cary is working to become a multi-use transportation center that will connect western Wake County. Once back on the bus, Christina Coffey from Lee & Associates led us on a driving tour of the vast development and proposed development around downtown Cary’s core.

We were extremely grateful that Crosstown Pub & Grill then opened their space to us for a delicious lunch of sandwiches, burgers, and salads. From Cary, we headed to the future site of Kings Ridge and were welcomed by CASA NC staff, Erin Yates and Alexis Trell, with a tour of a one-bedroom apartment and how CASA NC is working to address homelessness through housing as well as the rising number of those experiencing a homeless or housing crisis in our region.

Next, we traveled to the highest elevation in Raleigh - the rooftop at The Eastern at North Hills. The Eastern is described as Raleigh’s “most luxurious high-rise apartments” and boasts some of the most breathtaking views in the city. We soaked in the phenomenal views while listening to a panel that included several City of Raleigh and Regional Transportation Alliance leaders talking about exciting plans for expanding public transportation. This included micromobility, easing congestion on our roads, buses that run like a commuter rail, and elevated express lanes with no traffic signals on Capital Boulevard!

Our last stop included some holiday cheer at The Haymaker in Downtown Raleigh courtesy of Highwoods Properties. The cocktail bar on Fayetteville Street is decked out with over-the-top Christmas decorations. Here’s a toast to the Raleigh Chamber for the amazing ride!

Leadership Raleigh Class 45 would also like to thank their December Quality of Life & Place class day sponsors AECOM, Parker & Poe Adams & Bernstein LLP, and Wetherill Engineering.

Small Business Saturday is just around the corner on November 26! Here are some resources and advice to help you and your company prepare:
 
For Business Owners:

• Promote your Small Business Saturday deals and events on social media and in your email newsletters. You can use the hashtag #ShopSmall and tag @RaleighChamber for greater exposure on all social platforms.
• Learn more about the shop small movement, add your business to Amex's Shop Small Map, and get free marketing materials from the American Express Shop Small Resource Hub.
• Make sure your website and online ordering system are ready for an influx of traffic.
• Train your employees on how to handle an increase in customers.
• Check out 8 more Tips for Small Business Saturday from SCORE Academy.

 
For Clients:

• Plan ahead and make a list of the small businesses you want to support, look for local directories of deals like this list from Shop Local Raleigh.
• Bring cash or have your credit card ready so you can take advantage of deals and promotions.
• Spread the word to your friends and family about the importance of shopping small! You can use the hashtag #ShopSmall and tag @RaleighChamber for greater exposure on all social platforms.

 
The Raleigh Chamber is excited to celebrate Small Business Saturday and proud to support the organizations that are important economic drivers for our region by offering events and resources that help them grow and thrive. We encourage businesses in the Triangle to explore the benefits and invest in their future today by joining the Chamber as a member. For current Raleigh Chamber members, this is a great time to update your organization’s information in our Membership Directory before the busy holiday season.
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We look forward to seeing you soon at one of our upcoming events

Written by:
Sloane Heffernan
Leadership Raleigh Class 46

Downtown Raleigh is growing and changing in a big way, and we are too, thanks to Leadership Raleigh. The program is opening our eyes to a brand new, broader world built around community, connection, and charity.
 
Our first monthly session, a “This is Raleigh” day-long class, sponsored by Bobbitt Construction and JDAVIS Architects began at Devereux Meadows, the site of what will become one of Raleigh’s newest parks, officially named by the Raleigh City Council on November 15, Smoky Hollow Park. After more than two years of planning, the concept that includes walking trails and a wetland area just received approval from the city. Our group was one of the first to step on the property with the new plans officially in place. The area, which most recently served as a maintenance yard for the city, will become a beautiful gateway for travelers heading southbound into Raleigh on Capital Boulevard.
 
From there, our Leadership Raleigh group traveled to the new Seaboard Station for a private tour with the Senior Project Manager, Trevor Kelly, LR45 from Clancy & Theys Construction Company. It was amazing to see the site transformation. There will be apartments, townhomes, shops, restaurants, and even a new hotel. We were most excited to learn about a cool rooftop bar overlooking the Raleigh skyline and a pedestrian area that will be lined with cozy outdoor dining options.
 
As our group continued to travel it was invaluable to have the time to pick each other’s brains about strategy and fundraising for non-profits as many Leadership Raleigh participants have experience in the industry. With all the talking and walking, we built up an appetite. Our next stop was The Factory for lunch from Union Special and two panel discussions featuring some of the biggest movers and shakers in the Triangle.
 
The first panel talked about how the local food and beverage scene provides community. There was more talk about charity work as Chris Powers, co-owner of Trophy Brewing talked about the upcoming Trophy Trot 5K and how similar events provide extra opportunities to connect. Our second panel discussed the rich music scene in Raleigh and how it helps fuel the economy. It was inspiring to hear from Danny Rosin, the co-founder of Band Together NC, along with all the panelists who in the words of Dave Rose with Deep South Entertainment are dedicated to making Raleigh a “Music City.”
 
“This is Raleigh” day wrapped up with a fun scavenger hunt and networking reception at Young Hearts Distilling. The Raleigh Chamber’s Leadership Raleigh program is designed to prepare the future leaders of our community and after our first monthly session, we already feel better equipped and more energized than ever before! Learn more about Leadership Raleigh today.

The Raleigh Chamber and Wake County Government encourage all cities, towns, businesses, and organizations to light their buildings in green Nov. 7 – 13 to show support for our veterans through Operation Greenlight. By shining a green light in our businesses and homes, we let our veterans know that they are seen, appreciated, and supported.
 
As a member of the Chamber, your organization can get involved for FREE when you collect a green lightbulb from any of the below Westlake Ace Hardware locations and tell the cashier, “I’m a member of the Raleigh Chamber!”
 
Westlake Ace Hardware Raleigh Seaboard Station
802 Semart Dr. #112
Raleigh, NC 27604
919-834-8600
 
Westlake Ace Hardware Raleigh North Ridge
6196 Falls of Neuse Rd. #100
Raleigh, NC 27609
919-790-8832
 
Westlake Ace Hardware Raleigh Falls River
10930 Raven Ridge Rd.
Raleigh, NC 27614
919-870-5240
 
Westlake Ace Hardware Cary
2976 Kildaire Farm Rd.
Cary, NC 27518
984-465-1605
 
What is Operation Greenlight?
Operation Greenlight is a new, national collaborative initiative to support military veterans, as well as raise awareness about the unique challenges they may face.
 
While studies show most Americans support our veterans, too often that support is not seen or felt by service men and women. Operation Greenlight is changing that.
 
How Can I Spread the Word?
You can announce your participation ahead of time via press releases and social media posts. Use the hashtag #OperationGreenlight in your posts so others can easily find them. Share images of the green light in your business and tag @raleighchamber for increased exposure.

Highlands Second:
Jim Harris
Smith Andrews
Mark West
Chris Wilson

Highlands Third:
Billy Johnson
Mark Blaha
Mike Scharf

Royal Caribbean Cruise Winner ($2,000 value)
Emile Hartman

COURSE GAMES
Fairways:
Longest Drive – Josh DiPaulo
Closest to the Pin – Carrie Buttles

Meadows:
Longest Drive – Chris Williams
Closest to the Pin – Jason Moore

Highlands:
Longest Drive – Smith Andrews
Closest to the Pin – Tony Herring
 
Additionally, thank you to each of our sponsors who graciously donated a raffle prize for our reception:
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​Barnes & Thornburg
celito.net
CliftonLarsonAllen, LLP
Hotel Ballast
Lonnie Poole
Marbles Kids Museum
Maupin Travel
Raleigh Founded
TrialCard+
Wildwood Greens
 
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 websites, 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.

​The Raleigh Chamber is proud to serve as a connector for our business community. We provide the resources businesses need to start, grow, and succeed in the Triangle region. Our members have access to our membership directory, small business resources, events calendar, job board, sponsorship opportunities, and much more. In addition, we offer a variety of programs and services to help businesses succeed.

​The Chamber and its staff are grateful for the dedication and commitment of its 2021/22 Executive Committee and Board of Directors. We are fortunate to have such an engaged and dedicated group of business leaders who volunteer their time and expertise to help us achieve our mission.

​We owe a great deal of our success to their support and leadership and are excited to continue working with the 2022/23 Executive Committee and Board of Directors, led by Board Chair, Dan Cahill of Poyner Spruill LLP, to make our region the best place to live and work as we begin a new fiscal year on Oct. 1. 

​The Executive Committee and Board of Directors represent a variety of industries across our membership and will work closely with Chamber staff and volunteers over the next year to further our mission of building a thriving regional economy, enhancing the community’s quality of life, and strengthening member businesses.

​Dan Cahill, Poyner Spruill LLP 
Chair of the Board

Gary Greene, Greene Resources
Chair-Elect
 
Ernie Bovio, UNC Rex Healthcare
Treasurer
 
Kevin Howell, NC State University
Immediate Past Chair
 
Adrienne Cole, Raleigh Chamber
President and CEO
O’Hara Macken, S&P Global
Past Chair, 2020/21
 
DeLisa Alexander, Board Director & Executive Advisor
Past Chair, 2019/20
 
Russell Killen, Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein LLP
General Counsel
 
Katherine Thomas, Alfred Williams & Company
Vice Chair, Membership Engagement
 
Joel Davis, Capitol Broadcasting Company/WRAL
Vice Chair, Communications


John Ward, Wells Fargo
Vice Chair, Wake County Economic Development
 
Latrinda Riley, TrialCard
Vice Chair, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity
 
Charles Royal, Bank of America
Vice Chair, Raleigh Chamber Foundation
 
Kevin McLaughlin, Duke Energy
Vice Chair, Government Affairs
 
Tia McLaurin, Google
Vice Chair, Entrepreneurship & Innovation 
 
Pat Wilkins, Gallagher
Vice Chair, President’s Circle
 
Roy Fralin, Fidelity Investments
Member At-Large
 
Tim Humphrey, IBM Corporation
Member At-Large


Lee Anne Nance, Stewart
Member At-Large


Brian Reid, TowneBank
Member At-Large

Your Chamber works best when you work with the Chamber! Get involved. Spread the word.
There are opportunities for organizations in any industry and of every size. From development for young professionals to networking opportunities for businesses and resources for regional leaders — there is always a chance to grow, connect, and thrive with the Raleigh Chamber.

Together we will enhance The Triangle Experience
Join Us Today and Subscribe to Keep Up with the Raleigh Chamber

​On August 23 - 24, regional leaders came together for our Annual Leadership Conference presented by TowneBank. The annual two-day conference at the Pinehurst Resort focused on making connections with top leaders and discussing topics important to our region’s growth including new developments, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG), transportation infrastructure and innovations, trends in the national and local labor force, and upcoming bond campaigns. 

​Attendees heard from a wide range of speakers during this important event. View the recap and a few highlights from each session:

New Developments
Leading Triangle developers provided insight on planned growth and shared the impact of their new projects in this lightning-style session. Developments discussed ranged from global life science centers to local projects like Centennial Campus, Smoky Hollow, and other mixed-use spaces.

• Greg Capps, North Carolina Managing Director, Longfellow Real Estate Partners, LLC
• David Connor, Senior Vice President, Lincoln Harris
• John Kane, Chairman and CEO, Kane Realty Corporation

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG)
This panel discussed the prevailing trends in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and explained how businesses are aligning company values with operations in supporting environmental and social movements. Panelists also highlighted the Triangle’s unique assets aiding industry ESG goals such as the commitment of local organizations to prioritize partnerships.
“We have a chance to be a real exemplar across our region in sustainability!” – Leah Burton

• Leah Burton, Director, Office of Partnerships, North Carolina State University
• Sarah Gaskill, Head of Sustainability and ESG, FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies
• Jerry Williams, Chief Environmental Officer, SAS Institute
• Albert Alwang, Economic Development Director, Wake County Economic Development (moderator)

Transportation Infrastructure and Innovations 
Regional leaders in transportation took the stage to give an overview of imminent transportation projects and current plans to improve mobility for our region moving forward. Attendees received updates on RDU’s recovery, plans for a regional commuter rail, the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) program, and highway projects.

• Brandon Jones, Division Engineer, North Carolina Department of Transportation
• Michael Landguth, President and Chief Executive Officer, Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority
• Chuck Lattuca, President & Chief Executive Officer, GoTriangle
• Michael Moore, Director of Transportation, City of Raleigh Municipal Government
• Joe Milazzo, Executive Director, Regional Transportation Alliance (moderator)

Bridging the Gap in our Labor Force 
As lead author of The Demographic Drought and its follow-up report released in February of 2022, Ron answers pressing economic questions by analyzing past, present, and future workforces. Attendees gained insight into the rise and fall of America’s population and labor force participation rate and how employers and higher education institutions can survive the sansdemic (sans-without; demic-people).
“The way we consume labor as a society has to change…the U.S. needs 3 to 5 million workers to meet the economy’s needs!” – Ron Hetrick

• Ron Hetrick, Senior Labor Economist and VP of Staffing Product, Emsi Burning Glass

Upcoming Bond Campaigns 
Speakers urged the public to vote “yes” in November on upcoming Raleigh Parks, Wake County Public School System, and Wake Technical Community College bonds to continue supporting the growth and innovation of our region in the coming years. Attendees received updates on the use of previous funds and heard about specific projects that will require funding.

• Dr. Scott Ralls, President, Wake Technical Community College
• Mitchell Silver, Principal, McAdams & Co-Chair of Citizens Supporting Raleigh Bond Campaign Committee
• Andrew Blackburn, Vice President of Government Affairs, Raleigh Chamber

Attendees at this year’s Annual Leadership Conference were also the first to hear about the chosen location for the 2023 Inter-City Visit & Leadership Conference: Tampa, Florida!

We are proud to support our region’s growth through events like the Annual Leadership Conference, presented by TowneBank. The Chamber sincerely appreciate each of our speakers, our sponsors, and our regional leaders for joining us for an engaging and invigorating two-day conference! We look forward to seeing what progress our discussions lead to and hope to see you soon at another Raleigh Chamber event.

For more quotes, comments, and images of the event check out #RaleighALC22 on Twitter and LinkedIn.