We’re proud to report that the Chamber started the effort to transform our economy from a traditional manufacturing-based past to a knowledge-based future – one that focuses on a trio of rapidly growing industries: biotechnology, nanotechnology, and digital design. And one that sustains our community’s excellence in health care, financial services, and high tech manufacturing.

So, while the Chamber remains focused on helping small businesses start up, grow, and thrive, we’re also assisting businesses of all types and sizes. We’re helping local retailers decide where to locate a business or find new customers. And we’re working to expand local health care, high-tech manufacturing, information technology, and transportation/logistics. Because we need everyone to succeed if our community is to thrive.

Much of the work of economic development is done quietly, behind-the-scenes. And much of it takes months and years of work before the “big” announcement can be made. For nearly 125 years, the Chamber has been there, advancing the interests of business and assuring the community’s economic vitality. Through corporate mergers and downsizings, industry consolidations and out-sourcing, your Chamber has stood firm – speaking out for the local business community’s current needs and building an economic base that can sustain our rich quality of life and economic prosperity.

YOUR MEMBERSHIP HELPS MAKE THE DIFFERENCE
It’s a fact of business. There is real strength in numbers. And the combined strength of the Chamber’s impressive membership – more than 1,800 proactive businesses – is having a direct and powerful impact on our community’s bottom line.

Here’s some of what your Chamber has accomplished:

GETTING “BRAGGING RIGHTS” FOR WINSTON-SALEM:

• One of the Smart21 Communities of 2008 by Intelligent Community Forum
• One of “America’s 10 most Livable Cities” by Partners for Livable Communities-- an award given only once a decade
• One of the Top 10 Places to Retire by TopRetirements.com and one of the Top 10 “Value” towns for retirees
• One of only 14 cities I the U.S. that is gaining more young, professional workers than losing, as cited in the New York Times

ATTRACTING REALLY SMART PEOPLE

• Created high-tech, low-cost lab space for entrepreneurs that serves as a magnet for new companies that want to grow here
• Helping companies at the Piedmont Triad Research Park find cures for Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and other diseases
• Building an economy based on science – biotechnology, nanotechnology – and design

CREATING JOBS AND KEEPING TAXES LOW
By building a vibrant economy and favorable business climate that added:

• More than 3200 jobs;
• Nearly $100 million to local payrolls;
• More than $800 million to our tax base; and 
• Directly helped more than 250 local businesses plan expansions or relocations and increase sales

BUILDING THE FUTURE WORKFORCE

• Raised more than $110,000 for classroom teacher grants
• Created more than 1,100 business-school partnerships, connecting the business community directly with schools to produce better-trained potential employees
• Tutored more than 3,500 Kindergarten kids to get them to first-grade level
• Exposed more than 4,000 students to career options in 5 growing industry sectors: construction/transportation; Biotech/Pharmaceutical/Healthcare; Finance/Business; Technology/Design; and Public Services
• Raised more than $15 million for computers in classrooms

HELPING YOUR BUSINESS THRIVE

• Directly helped more than 8,300 grow their businesses through forums, seminars, and meeting new prospects
• Passed more than 1250 solid business leads to members via our leads groups.
• There were more than 1.2 million visits to our website resulting in more than 883,000 inquiries for services or products, all referred to our member companies.
• Working at the table and behind the scenes to streamline government and eliminate dis-incentives to growth
• Striving to grow entire Piedmont Triad region to create more business opportunities