Greater Winston-Salem, Inc. will relocate its offices to the Innovation Quarter as it continues to drive economic and workforce efforts benefiting local businesses. The organization will occupy about 7,000 square feet of space within 525@Vine, activating it to serve as a centralized welcome point for businesses, startups, and workforce resources. 

The move builds upon Greater Winston-Salem, Inc.’s expanded role as the chamber of commerce and a leader for economic development, business growth, and recruitment for Winston-Salem and Forsyth County.

“Our move to the Innovation Quarter will further enhance our existing partnerships and amplify our efforts to help businesses grow,” says Mark Owens, President and CEO of Greater Winston-Salem, Inc. “We envision an active community space that engages all – business members, students, entrepreneurs, job seekers, and more – and serves as a welcome point to Winston-Salem.” 

“Greater Winston-Salem, Inc. has a proven ability to bring its members, stakeholders, and partners together to quickly and efficiently move ideas forward that enhance our community, economy, and workforce. This new location will facilitate those connections and maximize their impact,” says Cathy Pace, Greater Winston-Salem, Inc. Board Chair. 

“Welcoming Greater Winston-Salem, Inc. as a tenant aligns with the Innovation Quarter’s purpose to serve as an inclusive and collaborative district that moves our community forward,” says Terry Hales, Executive Vice Chief Academic Officer, Administration, for Advocate Health and Wake Forest University School of Medicine. “We are excited to continue our collaboration with Greater Winston-Salem, Inc. as it leads the community’s efforts to develop the workforce and attract and retain talent.” 

One aspect of the relocation will include the development of a workforce hub developed collaboratively with Forsyth Tech, Goodwill Industries of Northwest NC, Forsyth County, Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools, and other partners. The hub will provide equitable career pathways in a variety of industries with the aim of upskilling the workforce and creating a pipeline for in-demand roles. As we continue to seek projects that add new jobs, it is vital to have a clear and collaborative plan to increase workforce participation and supply talent to new and existing employers. 

“Being co-located within this hub will increase Forsyth Tech’s capacity to act as a catalyst of economic mobility and opportunity,” says Dr. Janet Spriggs, President of Forsyth Tech. “We have had a presence in the Innovation Quarter for several years through the Small Business Center and other programs, and we know that this collaborative environment fosters successful partnerships.” 

The workforce hub is supported in part by American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding distributed through Forsyth County in order to build a stronger, more equitable economy as the country recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The office upfit at 525@Vine is expected to be completed by this Fall. Workforce programming is currently being developed.