The Wake Forest Area Chamber of Commerce has over 700 members and is the voice for business advocacy, reaching to the Wake Forest Town Hall, the Wake County Board of Commissioners, state officials in Raleigh and the state delegation in Washington, D.C.
It is working to support its policy priorities to promote, stimulate and improve the business community in Wake Forest. The priorities are listed below.
Economic development
Economic development thrives when public-private partnerships are active, infrastructure is strong and regulatory burdens are few. The Wake Forest Area Chamber of Commerce strongly supports economic development efforts that improve the economy and quality of life in Wake Forest, demographically located in one of the fastest growing areas of Wake County. This includes:
- Supporting efforts to develop viable industrial sites, spurring new tax base growth and job creation.
- Supporting the accessibility and affordability of fiber optic networks to serve the growth and development needs of the Wake Forest business community.
- Supporting town, county, state and federal leadership representing Wake Forest in showcasing the current value and development potential of Wake Forest as a business destination through data, marketing and leadership.
- Supporting area hospitals as they contribute to the economy by providing jobs and improving the health and well-being of the area workforce and the community at large.
- Supporting access to parks and recreation for all, contributing to an active and vibrant community through local policies and planning.
Transportation
Efficient transportation that maintains the character of Wake Forest while connecting to the larger region is important for economic growth and quality of life. The Wake Forest Area Chamber of Commerce supports funding to meet the growing transportation needs of Wake Forest. This includes:
- Supporting funding for more timely improvements to U.S. 2/Capital Boulevard and the Wake County Transit Plan.
- Pursuing funding and the activation of a commuter rail system connecting Wake Forest to Raleigh and other surrounding areas.
- Working with elected officials at all levels of government to support and further Wake Forest’s updated Transportation Plan.
Education
Having educated, trained and qualified local workers is critical to the economic strength of Wake Forest. Additionally, educating individuals to their greatest capacity reduces dependency on public services and creates a more vibrant consumer economy. The Wake Forest Area Chamber of Commerce strongly supports innovative ways to further enhance education at all levels. This includes:
- Leading beneficial collaborations between the business and education communities in the Wake Forest area to foster mentoring and internship programs.
- Addressing gaps in skills needed by local business and serve as labor recruitment and training pathways.
- Developing skills of existing business owners and their employees through continuing education opportunities.
- Supporting innovative ways to improve early childhood education and expand access to eligible young children because they are the workforce of the future.
- Working with local and state officials to encourage policy and budget measures that support recruitment and retention of high quality educators for the Wake Forest area.
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The Senior Lifestyle Expo will be held at Richland Creek Community Church in Wake Forest on Tuesday, March 20, 2018 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This year’s event will include 75 booth displays, food samples, door prizes and giveaways and more. Call the chamber or go to the website to learn how to become an exhibitor.
Being an exhibitor is a great way to build your name recognition, develop sales opportunities and grow your database. The event is geared toward both seniors and their adult children who are, or will eventually be, their caregivers.
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Alert! Business After Hours has been rescheduled because of the snow and now will be Thursday, January 25, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at My Place Restaurant & Tavern. The event is co-hosted by Bright Funeral Home. Our host has asked that chamber members RSVP so they can get a headcount for the champagne toast to ring in the new year. Please RSVP online and let us know if you plan to attend!
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Vendors can now apply for the 38th Meet in the Street arts and crafts festival which will be held in downtown Wake Forest from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 5. There are four types of applications based on the vendor participating: handmade arts/crafts, non-profit, food and downtown Wake Forest merchant. Others may qualify as a sponsor. Go to the chamber’s website, www.wakeforestchamber.org, to see how to apply or contact Corey Hutcherson, corey@wfchamber.org or (919) 556-1519 option 2.
