Committees & Programs
[CHAPEL HILL-CARRBORO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PROGRAMS AND COMMITTEES]
[CHAMBER ROUNDTABLES]
Roundtables are non-competitive forums of business owners and managers who meet monthly to discuss a variety of business issues and concerns. The forums generally accept new members and new groups may be created throughout the year. If you are interested in starting a new Roundtable or second group of an existing Roundtable, please contact Meg Branson, director of membership services, at mbranson@carolinachamber.org or 919.357.9977.
Small Business Roundtable
Facilitator: Alan Hecht, Multi-Channel Marketing
Meetings: 11:30 a.m., first Wednesday of each month.
Non-Profit Roundtable
Retail Roundtable
Facilitator: Shawn Slome, Twig; Chris Derby, The UPS Store - Fordham Boulevard and Meadowmont
Meetings: 7 a.m., third Tuesday of each month.
The retail roundtable is open to businesses that do not compete with the
businesses of current retail roundtable members. Contact Shawn Slome at
shawn@twigliving.com with questions.
Womens Roundtable
[NETWORKING EVENTS]
Business After Hours
The Chamber’s monthly after-work networking event, which draws an audience of about 100 business and
community leaders. Usually held on the third Thursday of each month from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Young Professionals Network
Young Professionals Network is a group of professionals ages 35 and under that meets quarterly for organized networking and educational opportunities. Events are typically held in February, May, July and November, and the location will rotate based on our sponsor/host. Attendance ranges from 20-80 professionals. There is no fee to join this group, but each event has a small cost associated with it ($5-15) based on what will be provided.
Chamber Orientation
This orientation to the Chamber for new members and newly appointed managers
usually draws an audience of 30 to 50 guests, new members, Chamber Board and staff.
Learn how to make the most of your Chamber membership with networking, referrals,
marketing opportunities and community outreach. Business After Hours, the Chamber’s
monthly networking event, immediately follows the New Member Orientation. Held in March,
July and November.
[EXECUTIVE & COMMUNITY EVENTS]
Leadership Chapel Hill-Carrboro is a 10-week program designed to provide an in-depth look at our community including government, the university, healthcare, crime, economic development, leadership skills, etc. Sessions are held every Wednesday morning, late September through early December. Learn more at www.carolinachamber.org/leadership.
Chamber Annual Meeting
Held in late January, this large, ticketed networking event draws a sell-out audience of more than
450 Chamber members, elected officials and guests. The meeting features a keynote address and
presentation of the Small, Mid-size, Large, and Newcomer Business of the Year Awards.
Women’s Executive Series
Fall and spring networking and professional development events, which each
draw an audience of 100 to 200 local women in business. The Women’s
Executive Series includes ticketed events in the spring and fall and features
a keynote address, table conversation starters, and table displays by local
businesses.
Breakfast Briefings
Breakfast Briefings are offered in conjunction with Business Before Hours
networking events five times a year, and include a presentation or panel
discussion on topics ranging from marketing in a down economy to health
insurance, HSA’s and other HR options. The briefings are held in March, May, July,
September and November and include around-the-room introductions.
Chatham and Orange County Development Briefings
Informational briefings on current and upcoming development projects in Chatham and Orange
counties. Attendees will hear from local elected officials, senior local/county staff, and developers.
The Chatham Briefing is held in the spring, Orange in the Fall. Each attract an audience of about 150
people, many in the real estate business.
Local Elected Officials Reception
The Chamber’s spring ‘thank you’ event for our local elected officials. This evening event is the perfect
opportunity for Chamber members to meet elected officials and senior staff from the Town of Carrboro,
Town of Chapel Hill, Town of Hillsborough, Orange County and Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools, as
well as members of the Chamber Board of Directors and Government Relations Committee.
State Legislative Breakfast
This breakfast, held in the late summer or early fall, offers Chamber members the opportunity to
meet and connect with the N.C. General Assembly delegation and members of the Chamber Board of
Directors and Government Relations Committee.
Breakfast with Congressman David Price
This fall briefing offers members an opportunity to hear from U.S. Representative David Price about
congress’ previous session, current action, and what he expects congress to take up over the next year.
This event includes a question and answer session.
[CHAMBER COMMITTEES]
Currently, the Chamber has four active committees. Committees meet regularly to monitor Chamber programs and
services and offer recommendations for enhancements. If you are interested in volunteering to serve on a Chamber
committee, please contact Meg Branson, director of membership services, at mbranson@carolinachamber.org or
919.357.9977.
Ambassadors
Act as the goodwill arm of the Chamber, volunteering their time to make personal calls and visits to new
members, and explaining and promoting Chamber programs, events and activities. Ambassadors also
represent the Chamber at various events including Business After Hours and New Member Orientations.
Committee Chair: Wendy Tanson, RE/MAX Winning Edge
Economic Development and Public Policy
Identifies issues and devises strategies that will create and sustain a thriving business community.
Monitors and makes recommendations to local government on issues affecting
Chamber members and their interests. The Chamber is also active with regional, state and
national organizations and efforts, and helps leverage its resources to the benefit of members.
Committee Chair: Joel Levy, Joel I. Levy, CPA, P.A.
Marketing
Strategically plans the Chamber's marketing and communication.
Committee Chair: Paige Zinn, Jennings
Membership Services
Strategically plans the growth of the Chamber through building member loyalty and retention, and
is responsible for the oversight and enhancement of the Chamber’s membership programs and services.
Committee Chair: Mariana Fiorentino, Terra Nova Global Properties
Finance
Supervises and oversees the Chamber’s financial information and records.
Committee Chair: Chris Barnes, First Citizens Bank