CARY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Chamber Of Commerce

Rising To The Challenge

A community of excellence demands great things. And the Cary Chamber of Commerce continually rises to the challenge. As Cary and the Research Triangle Region consistently captured the attention of national media in the 1990s as a great place to live and work, the Cary Chamber was there to project a first-class image of a world-class community. At the forefront of economic development and industrial recruitment in the Triangle area, the Cary Chamber's successes are a Who's Who of American business: American Airlines, SAS Institute, Inc., MCI, IBM, and MTS Sensors.

Cary has long been known as a hot bed of business activity. From technology to pharmaceuticals, it is one of the most sought after communities in the nation to expand or relocate business and industry. The stimulus behind that growth is none other than the Cary Chamber of Commerce. Though the Chamber struggled in the early years, after it was reestablished in the 1960’s Cary has yet to look back. Driven by dedicated professionals, leaders and volunteers actively involved with the community, the Cary Chamber of Commerce is now the sixth largest Chamber in the state. The spirit and community pride needed to hold such a status is still evident today in the many programs the Chamber offers.

Small Business

In order to maintain the quality of life we have all come to enjoy, the Cary Chamber understands the necessity of keeping the business community varied and diverse. This awareness drives much of the Chamber’s efforts towards helping those businesses here at home. The Chamber has numerous programs to aid in the growth and development of its members. Small business is the staple of the Chamber membership and we actively support them by providing them with tools for growth. Those tools include a free member-to-member advisory network to answer small business owners’ questions, monthly seminars, an annual Small Business Awards luncheon, and more. Each fall, the Chamber also holds its Business Expo that gives member companies a chance to highlight their products and services to a wide audience, gain valuable contacts and attract potential customers.

The benefits do not stop there. The membership is crucial to the Chamber’s success so many of our services are exclusive to member businesses. Publications like the annual Membership Directory and Buyer’s Guide and a monthly list of Cary newcomers provide members with visibility and credibility in a highly competitive market. Hundreds of members businesses are referred weekly by the Chamber staff and by fellow members. This only adds to the success of Chamber members. A discounted and easily implemented Drug-Free Workplace Program is provided by Health Services of North America and the Chamber provides meeting spaces for its members at affordable rates.

Enhancing the Quality of Life

The vision of Cary Town planners over the years helped shape what Cary is today, and that strong leadership continues to ensure the quality of life here only gets better. In the community, then, the Chamber administers an Education Foundation that funnels local support to schools. It works to make sure voters are informed on candidates and issues through activities such as candidate forums and voter education brochures. It vigorously encourages patronage of Cary and Chamber member businesses.

Governmental Affairs

Public officials at all levels are constantly passing legislation that affects every business and it’s important that Cary professionals stay informed. Cary voters are informed on candidates and issues through candidate forums, voter education brochures and a legislative grassroots campaign network. As the voice of the Cary business community, the Chamber tracks legislation and protects member business’ interest at local, state and national levels. Leadership Cary identifies emerging community leaders, educates them on issues surrounding the Cary and Wake County communities, and encourages their participation in Cary’s future success. The Chamber recently began its Youth Leadership Program. Similar to Leadership Cary, hopes are to provide the community’s future leaders with the leadership skills they need before they enter the business world.

Education

Needs arise throughout the year so the Chamber tries to help the overall community as well. Recognizing the importance of a highly skilled workforce, the Chamber administers ongoing educational opportunities to further both employee and consumer satisfaction and compatibility. The growing number of Hispanics in the work force and in the community spawned an Occupational Spanish for the Workplace class. Members are now able to learn the basics of Spanish so they may better communicate with fellow employees and equally cater to the needs of Hispanic consumers. The Chamber further partners with Communities in Schools of Wake County. Chamber members have shown a great deal of support as volunteer mentors who assist at-risk students throughout Cary. Seminars are also held throughout the year to assist with the education of students and parents alike.

Economic Development

The Chamber stays on the cutting edge in economic development. In 1995, it undertook a study on housing, retail, industry, and entertainment. It developed computer and marketing data, as well as a resource guide contacts. And it routinely visits and studies other communities experiencing similar growth to glean useful information. The Cary Chamber of Commerce has deep interest, too, in regional associations, including the Triangle Transit Authority, the RDU Airport Authority and the Research Triangle Regional Partnership. A strong Triangle region, the Chamber believes, benefits everyone. Cary included.