Ch@t: Annual ‘Development Briefing’ won’t be business as usual

Event to be held online Sept. 24

Cindy Poindexter, the president of the Chatham Chamber of Commerce.
Cindy Poindexter, the president of the Chatham Chamber of Commerce.
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The Chatham Chamber of Commerce’s annual Development Briefing, like many other public events this year, is going from in-person to virtual. This week, we speak with Chamber President Cindy Poindexter about the event and detail what you need to know to attend.

Traditionally, the Chamber’s Development Briefing has been a wonderful in-person forum to network, socialize and hear presentations from the Chamber and others about goings-on in Chatham. With COVID, of course, that’s not possible. So let’s start with this year’s event, which is set for Sept. 24. What can attendees expect?

The latest in development news for Chatham County, plus an update on the current state of the economy and a Q&A session.

How are you feeling about not being able to gather in person, and what’s your goal for this very different briefing — particularly since we are all pretty Zoom-weary?

Ideally, we would meet in person in 2020, but that is not possible for this year’s Chatham Development Briefing. The safety of guests is the most important issue at hand currently. We must continue with the venues that are available to us. That currently happens to be Zoom and other virtual platforms. We are excited to have the opportunity to continue with an event that provides attendees with valued information on Chatham County.

Michael Walden (who writes a column for the News + Record) will be speaking. He’s the William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professor and Extension Economist at North Carolina State University What particularly will he be talking about?

The current state of the economy.

It’s been a difficult year for many businesses, and that’s translated to business support organizations and membership-driven entities like the Chamber. You’ll be giving a “state of the Chamber” briefing on the 24th, but for now, talk about what 2020 has been like for you and your team and how you’ve had to pivot and change the way you do business?

The Chamber has suffered a loss like most other businesses, but we continue to move forward and know that we will come out stronger on the other end. Even though, COVID-19 has put a halt as to how we have done business in the past, businesses are still our priority and we continue to exist to serve them.

We’re all talking about “normal,” “back to normal” and the “new normal.” What encouraging words do you have for Chatham business owners and Chamber members about the rest of 2020 and an outlook for next year and beyond?

I don’t know that normal is the word to describe our future in any fashion right now. We really have no choice but to improvise and move ahead in ways that we can right now. Anything that is worthwhile is typically not easy. With perseverance, the end result can be rewarding and drives you toward success. Success not only benefits you, but also those around you. We are survivors!

IF YOU’RE GOING

The Chatham Chamber of Commerce will host the Chatham Development Briefing from 9 to 10:15 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 24. This year’s theme is “Strengthening & Moving Forward Together.” The briefing will take place through a virtual meeting platform.

The ticket price is $20 per person. Those interested in attending the event can register at ccucc.net/event-registration or by contacting the Chatham Chamber of Commerce at 919-742-3333 or info@ccucc.net.

The briefing will offer the latest in development news for Chatham County. Dr. Michael Walden will provide an update on the current state of the economy, and representatives from Chatham will speak about plans going forward.

Panelists will include representatives from Chatham Park, Mosaic, Chatham County, the Chatham Economic Development Corporation, UNC and Siler City. Time has been allocated for a Q&A near the end of the briefing.

Contact the Chatham Chamber of Commerce at info@ccucc.net or 919-742-3333 with questions.

Mountaire Farms is sponsoring the Chatham Development Briefing as the presenting sponsor.

Gold sponsors include Samet Corporation, The Chatham News + Record, CenturyLink, Edward Jones – Chatham County Financial Advisors, Cambridge Hills Assisted Living and Twin Rivers Senior Independent Living, Chatham Park - The Mosaic & Eco CP Partners LLC, and Carolina Meadows.

Silver sponsor are First Bank, Carolina Tiger Rescue, Hobbs Architects, Summit Design and Engineering Services, Central Electric Membership Corporation, WithersRavenel and Sanford Contractors.