News from the chamber

One of the most significant challenges for organizations today is finding passionate, engaged, qualified team members. Finding the right person for the right position takes a lot of intentional work, most of which is done before you start interviewing.

On May 12 from 12 to 1:15 p.m., meet at the Wake Forest Chamber for a free workshop on how to attract the talent needed for your organization’s needs, how to recruit to find these team members, creating a job description to enable you to effectively evaluate resumes, an how to develop a solid on boarding game plan to bring this new talent into the organization.

This workshop is provided by the Wake Tech Small Business Center and presented by Ann Close, owner and president of Close HR Connections. Lunch will be provided by the chamber.

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Help shape tomorrow’s workforce! Get an extra pair of hands to help with a project! We are looking for businesses to provide internships as part of the Wake Forest Chamber Foundation’s Career Readiness Academy this fall. While all types of businesses are encouraged to offer an internship, top categories needed include law, engineering, physical therapy, medical fields, and graphic design. Internships can be unpaid or paid.

Info sessions will be held at the Chamber office on Tuesday, May 14, from 9:00 to  10:30 am, as well as at Wake Electric Membership Corp., 100 S. Franklin Street, on Tuesday, June 4 and Tuesday, June 18 from 9:00 to 10:30 am. Register for an information session by emailing wfcareerreadinessacademy@gmail.com or visit them online at wfcra.org.

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A group of local investors has announced the second year of a program intended to stimulate the entrepreneurial spirit brought on by shows like Shark Tank. Called Accelerate Wake Forest, the initiative was inspired by similar programs in other towns.

Area inventors, entrepreneurs, and business owners hoping to start or expand will have an opportunity to pitch their ideas to a panel of investors in front of an audience. If an idea appeals to one or more of the investors, they will offer advice and mentorship for free, or financial backing in exchange for a percentage of the business. After the event, any further details and negotiations between the investor and the entrepreneur to complete the deal will be confidential.The 2018 program resulted in investments ranging from $2,000 to $600,000 in a variety of businesses. Accelerate Wake Forest follows up on a Wake Forest Rotary Club-sponsored program, Launch Wake Forest, which provides training and mentorships to current and aspiring entrepreneurs.

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The Chamber’s 2019 Community Raffle was launched on May 4 and will run through the summer. Our presenting sponsor is Edward Jones, and our Community Partner is the Alzheimer’s Association of Eastern North Carolina.

We are currently seeking sponsors for our prizes. Sponsor a cash prize or a lottery ticket basket for $1,000, and in return you can choose one of our $500 opportunities at no cost:

  • Meet in the Street Booth (Taylor Street location)
  • Senior Expo Premium Booth
  • Golf Tournament Twosome plus a Tee Sponsorship
  • Sporting Clays Twosome plus a Station Sponsorship, OR a Foursome

Additional benefits include your company name on 1,5000 tickets; recognized as a prize sponsor on marketing for more than three months; and the ability to sell tickets and promote community support of the Chamber and Alzheimer’s Association.

Contact Ann Welton if interested!

(919) 556-1519 or ann@wakeforestchamber.org.

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