Volume No. 7 | Issue No. 37
                                         Date 10.8.08  
This edition of Business Matters sponsored by:
 


 

chamber calendar

 

Economic Conditions Survey
In these changing economic times, we realize that your expectations of our Chamber may also change. Our singular purpose is to help you be as successful as possible.

In order to deliver the most timely services, programs and initiatives, we need your feedback on what issues are most pressing to your business. Please take 5-10 minutes to complete the survey below; your response is anonymous. Please respond to this survey by Friday, Oct. 10.

Survey link: www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=4xDdxYK_2fyXiJjARUtaCF8A_3d_3d

Thank you for helping us in our endeavor to serve and support you. Your success is our highest priority.

Please Join us in Welcoming 2 New Members
Geico Local Office - Palminteri Enterprises, Inc. and Michael Haynes, Realtor

Register Now
Women's Executive Series Breakfast 7:30-9:30 a.m., Tuesday, Oct. 14 Governors Club

Register online at www.carolinachamber.org/events or call 967.7075
Member tickets - $30
Non-Member Tickets - $40
Table for 8 - $300

The Chamber’s Women’s Executive Series will celebrate its third event with a breakfast meeting from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m., Tuesday, Oct. 14 at Governors Club in Chapel Hill. Professor Bonnie Hancock, executive director of the NC State Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) Initiative, will deliver the keynote address. Click here to learn more about Professor Hancock.

During the event, Hancock will share best practices in working through challenges of managing risk across an enterprise of any size. Governors Club is located at 11000 Governors Drive in Chapel Hill. The breakfast will be held in the clubhouse ballroom.

The Women’s Executive Series breakfast is possible because of the generous support of the following gold sponsors: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of NC, Governors Club, NC Public Radio WUNC, and Robert Half International, as well as the support of four table sponsors: Capitol Coffee Systems, Edible Arrangements, INTERIORS by Decorating Den, and Staybridge Suites, and two ballroom sponsors: AICPA and NC State ERM Initiative.

Non Profit Roundtable - 1 to 2:15 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 15 - Chamber
The Non Profit Roundtable will reconvene from 1 to 2:15 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 15 in the Greater Chapel Hill Association of REALTORS Conference Room at the Chamber. Trudy Smith, executive director of Executive Service Corps, will lead a discussion about the challenges of being an executive director and the resources available to you in the Triangle, including executive coaching. Lunch generously provided by Panera Bread. For more information, click here. RSVP to Whitney Woodyard at 967.7075 or wwoodyard@carolinachamber.org.

Business After Hours - 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 16 - Courtyard by Marriott/AT&T Real Yellow Pages
The Chamber’s premiere monthly networking event will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 16 at Courtyard by Marriott Chapel Hill. The event is sponsored by Courtyard by Marriott and AT&T The Real Yellow Pages. Extraordinary Ventures will be the non profit spotlight. Don't forget your business cards.

Save the Date - Foundation Annual Meeting - 7:30 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 30 - The Carolina Club
The third annual Sustainable Business of the Year Awards will be presented at the Foundation for a Sustainable Community’s Annual Meeting, which will be held at the Carolina Club from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 30. The Foundation will award businesses - one recipient each for small, mid-size and large organizations - that have demonstrated commitment through action to improving the quality of our environment, investing in our diverse community, and growing a successful business with a positive impact on our economy. Register online at www.carolinachamber.org/events.



Latest Member-to-Member Discounts
The Chamber's Member-to-Member discount program allows Chamber members to utilize special discounts offered by and only available to other Chamber members. These discounts can save you and your employees money on valuable goods and services. Here are two of the latest discounts.

Governors Club
918-7276
Members receive a 50% discount on room rentals for events held at the Club.

Marcella Stewart - Mary Kay
Chamber Members who are clients of Marcella Stewart or currently not being serviced by another Mary Kay consultant receive Mary Kay’s Lucky 13% off on product purchases. Call to schedule your complimentary consultations including office lunch & learns. Receive free shipping on net purchases of $40 or more to anywhere in the USA! Office :919-401-2084 or Mobile: 336-681-2692.

OWASA’s monthly rates will increase about 17% on October 1
On October 1st, a combined increase of about 17% in OWASA’s monthly water and sewer rates will go into effect.
With the new rates, the monthly bill for an individually-metered residential customer using 5,000 gallons will increase $10.06, from $58.18 to $68.24. The bills for individual customers will depend on the extent of conservation/water use, type of service, size of the meter serving a customer, etc. For full story, click here.

THE STATE OF MOBILITY 2008- Presented by the Regional Transportation Alliance - December 9, 2008 - 11:30 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. - Embassy Suites, Cary
Reasonable commutes for workers and timely delivery of products and services are important factors in maintaining our status as the No. 1 Place for Buisness and Careers. Mark your calendar for Tuesday, December 9, and join business, elected and transportation leaders from across the region and state for The State of Mobility 2008.

The State of Mobility 2008 event and presentation will offer insight into key indicators and trends that impact our mobility, economy and quality of life. Celebrate the region’s transportation successes from the past year, and hear the highlights of our mobility priorities for 2009.
o Click here for the 2007 State of Mobility presentation slides from November 2007
o Click here for the 2007 Regional Mobility awards video (3 mins)
o Click here for the 2007 business leadership video honoring all past chairs of the RTA (4 mins)
For more information, or to register for the event, click here or call Stephanie at 919.664-7062.

Transfer Station Public Comment Process
The Orange County Board of Commissioners held a scheduled work session on September 16, 2008 on the topic of siting a Solid Waste Transfer Station. Included in the materials for that meeting were documents related to soliciting public comment as part of the ongoing siting process. Neither the future steps in the process nor the “Community-Specific Criteria-Public Input Form” suggested by the consultant, Olver, Inc.,were approved by the Board. No deadline for submitting public comment was established by the Board either.

Olver, Inc.was instead directed by the Board to suspend the proposed public meetings and to report its independent professional findings under the Community-Specific criteria at the next Transfer Station siting meeting. County management and Olver, Inc. will provide a recommended strategy to the Board at the next Transfer Station siting meeting on how best to incorporate public comment into the overall siting process.

The next Transfer Station siting meeting will be held at the Southern Human Services Center on Homestead Road in Chapel Hill on Tuesday, October 21 starting at 5:30 PM. Each Transfer Station siting meeting agenda includes a period reserved for public comment. The Board of Commissioners values public comment, has built opportunities for residents to speak into every step of the process, and will continue to do this in keeping with Orange County traditions of openness and participatory government.

Touch Downtown Chapel Hill Campaign Focuses on Seven UNC Football Weekends in 2008
As Butch Davis prepares his second Tar Heel football team for the upcoming season, eight Chapel Hill area organizations have united to produce the “Touch Downtown Chapel Hill” campaign with the shared goal of bolstering the community, hometown spirit and economic activity during football weekends. For full story, click here. Visit www.TouchDowntown.com for more information.


2008 Franklin Wine Dinner Series
The Franklin Hotel is pleased to host the next wine dinner in the 2008 Franklin Wine Dinner Series on Thursday evening,
October 9th, with an aperitif reception at 6:15pm and four-course dinner with wine pairings at 7:00pm. We hope that you will join us for this lovely culinary evening.
For full story, click here. For series information, click here.

Dispute Settlement Center of Orange County
FALL 2008 TRAININGS –
COMMUNICATION AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION SKILLS
When: October 10: 9:30-4:30pm
Where: OWASA meeting room, Carrboro
Fee: $135; $125 (Early bird by 10/3/08)
For complete list of fall trainings, click here.

Vintage Faire, An Upmarket Tag Sale, 7th annual fundraiser - Saturday, Oct. 11, Sunday, Oct. 12
Vintage Faire, an Upmarket Tag Sale and 7th annual fundraiser to benefit the Mental Health Association in Orange County will be held at University Mall 201 S. Estes Drive
in Chapel Hill in the former Storehouse space.
Saturday October 11th 8am-5pm
(#’s given out at 7am)
Sunday Oct 12th, 12-5pm
We are still taking quality donations: furniture, glassware, crystal, silver, fabric, rugs, artwork, lamps, new items, designer bags, accessories and crafts.
Receipts will be given for charitable donations. Please call the Mental Health Association in Orange County 919.942.8083 for more information.

Banner Specials at Accent Imaging
For more information, click here.

Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Middle School Career Fair
Job Opportunities for Carrboro High School Students: If you are in need of students to work part time, please contact Sandy Tudor, Career Development Coordinator, at 919.918.2200 ext. 25044 or studor@chccs.k12.nc.us It is so beneficial to keep an alliance going between our schools and community.
Middle School Career Fair will be held on November 13, and we are in need of a number of careers so our 6th through 8th graders and their parents can learn more about their occupational goals. If you are interested in participating in this event, please respond by e-mail to studor@chccs.k12.nc.us by October 15, 2008. For full story, click here.

Cornucopia House Cancer Support Center
Click here for a list of groups and classes that meet regularly every month.
Cornucopia House services are free of charge to all cancer patients, their family, friends, and caregivers.

Womancraft Fine Handcrafted Gifts "Spotlight Gallery" presents
October 1st - October 15th: "Coiled Pine Needles and Hand Turned Wood - A Collaboration by Douglas Odom and Pat Lloyd 2008"

Gallery hours are Monday-Saturday, 10am-7pm and Sunday, 12pm - 5pm.
The Shops at Eastgate, 1800 E. Franklin St. Chapel Hill, NC
919-929-8362, www.womancraftgifts.com.

Join Computer Service Partners for an Overview of Cisco WebEx
When: Wednesday October 15th 11:00am EST
Where: Your web browser
Cisco WebEx provides a variety of solutions to facilitate communication and collaboration inside an organization as well as outside with customers, business partners, and others. During this one hour webinar we'll provide an overview of different WebEx offerings which can significantly save time and travel, reduce cost, and increase productivity!
For all registered webinar attendees we'll have a random drawing for a $50 cash prize, and WebEx will also provide a free webcam for registered attendees who agree to a follow up meeting to discuss in more detail how these tools can be of benefit.
Click here to sign up.

V.I.T. (Voter-In-Training) Curriculum and “Super Monday” Mock Election for area Children
The ArtsCenter’s AfterSchool Arts Immersion (AAI) program will implement a V.I.T. (Voter-In-Training) Curriculum designed to provide AAI enrollees with a basic education about electoral politics and responsible citizenship. AAI participants will engage in a new V.I.T. activity each Monday leading up to Super Monday, November 3rd when The ArtsCenter will host a mock election open to area youth. Voting booths will be set up at The ArtsCenter on Super Monday where elementary school-aged children in the Orange County area will be able to cast their vote for the offices of President, Senate, Governor, and Lieutenant Governor. For full story, click here.

Club Nova's Transitional Employment (TE) Program
Club Nova provides opportunities for people with mental illness to lead meaningful and productive lives of their choice in the community. Club Nova’s Transitional Employment (TE) Program places clubhouse members in real jobs for real pay in local businesses. Through their TE experiences, members gain the confidence, skills, and job references to transition into independent, competitive employment. For information, click here.

Edward Jones Financial Advisor to Host Financial Workshop
Edward Jones Financial Advisor Eddie Williamson of Chapel Hill will host a "Financial Workshop for Individual Investors." The 4-week workshop will assist individuals in setting financial and investment goals.
The workshop will begin Monday, October 13th, and continue through Monday, November 3rd. Classes will meet once a week from 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm and will be held at Chapel Hill Chamber of Commerce, 104 S. Estes Drive, Chapel Hill. The enrollment fee for the workshop is $10.00 per person, which includes all course materials.
For more information or to reserve a seat, contact Tamra Ellis by October 1st at (919) 968-2176.

Cornucopia House Cancer Support Center
Get REAL & HEEL™ Workshop - Wednesday, October 22nd, 5-8 pm

UNC's Get REAL & Heel™ Program
Cornucopia House Cancer Support Center
Class size limited to 20, Registration required, 962-1222

Come join other breast cancer patients survivors for a free seminar presented by members of UNC-Chapel Hill's Get REAL (Recreation, Exercise, Active & Living) & Heel program. Learn how to use recreation and exercise to succssfully manage the side effects of breast cancer treatment.

Mark N. Mead, MSc, Nutrition Educator- Monday, October 27, 2008 - 1:00-3:00 pm
Reservations required, call 401-9333

Come join nutrition educator Mark N. Mead as he discusses which nutritional and botanical supplements you can use as a prevention strategy after cancer treatment to “stay in the clear.”

A Tasteful Affair - November 2
Please join us for the 18th Annual A Tasteful Affair to benefit the Ronald McDonald House of Chapel Hill. It will be held on Sunday, November 2, 2008 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at The Carolina Club on the campus of UNC-Chapel Hill. Individual tickets are $50 or for $125 you can purchase a “Patron Package” which includes two tickets, a wine and hors d’oeuvres preview at 5:00 p.m., your name listed in the program, a free souvenir champagne glass and one FREE raffle ticket ($10 value). Event and raffle tickets may be purchased in advance from the Ronald McDonald House, or online at www.chapelhillrmh.net. The event will feature delights from over two-dozen restaurants, catering companies, breweries and coffee roasters. For a full list of participants and more information, click here.

Phil Crisp Agency, Inc. - Nationwide Insurance & Financial Services Has Moved!
We have moved from Timberlyne Shopping Center over to 112 Perkins Drive Suite 200 Chapel Hill. We have been in business for over 25 yrs in Chapel Hill, mostly at Timberlyne and have just relocated. We are just across the street from our old office. Take right off Weaver Dairy onto Perkins and our office bld is on right.
919-967-8399 fax 919-967-0113 Cell 928-3408
www.crispagency.com

Support Christmas House with an Evening of Family Fun!
Christmas House is an annual tradition for our community and support for it begins with the Wish Tree Kick-Off at University Mall Wednesday November 5, from 7 – 9 p.m. Join UNC Women’s Basketball Coach and Christmas House Honorary Chair Sylvia Hatchell, along with several members of her team, as they unveil this year’s Wish Tree! The Wish Tree will be decorated with dozens of bear ornaments for you to select so that you may purchase a gift for a disadvantaged child in our area. WCHL radio personality Ron Stutts will host the event and entertainment will include performances by the Triangle Youth Ballet and the Bouncing Bulldogs. The Wish Trees will be displayed at both University Mall and Carr Mill Mall through December 24, 2008. For full story, click here.

Triangle Business Journal - Fast 50 Gala
Announcing Triangle Business Journal's 16th Annual Fast 50 gala recognizing the fastest growing private companies in the Triangle and presenting awards to each of their top officers.
When: November 6, 2008 - 6:00 PM to 9:30 PM
Where: The magnificent NEW Raleigh Convention Center
To register: http://triangle.bizjournals.com/triangle/event/4113 or call (919) 327-1004.

Orange County Artists Guild Annual Open Studio Tour
The 14th annual Orange County Open Studio Tour will be held November 1-2 and November 8-9, 2008. Hours: 10-5 Saturday and 12-5 Sunday. An opening reception will be held from 5-7 p.m., Friday, October 24 at the ArtsCenter in Carrboro. For more information, click here.

Chapel Hill Office Park Renamed “Chapel Hill 40”
Northern Chapel Hill’s premiere office park is revamping its image with a new name -- Chapel Hill 40 -- emphasizing its close proximity to Interstate 40 and premier location in one of North Carolina’s most notable towns. New signage in a contemporary design has been installed throughout the 20-acre site, near the intersection of Weaver Dairy Road and Martin Luther King Boulevard. For full story, click here.

RSVVP DAY - (Restaurants Sharing V/5 & V/5 Percent)
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Enjoy breakfast, lunch and/or dinner at your favorite
RSVVP participating restaurant and
10% of your tab will be donated to the hunger-relief programs -
The Community Kitchen & The Emergency Food Pantry of
Inter-Faith Council in Chapel Hill-Carrboro (929-6380)
See your local newspaper for the complete list of participating restaurants or visit online at www.ifcweb.org or www.rsvvp.org. For full story, click here.

Leadership Seminar for Women Offered by UNC Kenan-Flagler
You are invited to join UNC Executive Development and Dr. Debra Condren, author of Ambition is Not a Dirty Word, on Tuesday, October 14th at 12noon for a free Women in Business teleconference. UNC Executive Development and Dr. Debra Condren are teaming up this November for the Women in Business: Transitioning to Leadership seminar which will take place November 12 – 14th. The teleconference will be a great opportunity to learn more about the agenda as well as the key takeaways of the seminar.

If you would like to register for the teleconference or would like to find out more about the Women in Business: Transitioning to Leadership, please visit:
http://www.kenan-flagler.unc.edu/execdev/women-in-business.aspx

Building women’s leadership skills is the focus of a new seminar offered by the University of North Carolina’s Kenan-Flagler Business School Nov. 12-14.
UNC Executive Development will present its first “Women in Business: Transitioning to Leadership” seminar at its Paul J. Rizzo Conference Center in Chapel Hill.
The seminar is aimed at mid- and senior-level managers and executives who are moving into strategic roles. The intensive three-day seminar will provide practical strategies and skills for:
• managing power and politics in a business environment
• problem-solving and decision-making
• fostering teamwork
• creating alliances and building professional networks
• coaching and managing
For full story, click here.

2008 Hillsborough Gingerbread House Competition
The competition is open to anyone who wishes to participate. There will be first and second place prizes awarded in three categories (Adult professional, adult amateur and youth (ages 5 to 15). Prizes include cash, tickets to the 22nd annual Historic Hillsborough Candlelight Tour on December 7, Gift Cards and riding in the Hillsborough Christmas Parade on Dec. 6.
The entries will be judged in four categories (overall appearance, originality/creativity, difficulty and precision.) For full story, click here.

Submit your member news to mbranson@carolinachamber.org.


Do you have feedback that you would like to share with the Chamber? Click here

 


Get full community contact information including Chapel Hill Town Council, Carrboro Board of Aldermen, Orange County Commissioners, and Chamber Staff.