Winston-Salem Chamber of Commerce 
All You Need to Grow

We know that growing your business isn't easy. That's why we're here. Our single-minded goal is to help your business grow and prosper. By promoting a strong local economy, advancing the interests of the business community and serving our members, we can make our community an even better place to live, work and play. If your organization isn't currently a Chamber member we invite you to join now.
 
 
Set Sail on the July 2009 Chamber Cruise!
Come on board with us this summer and let your Chamber navigate you and your business to SUCCESS! If your company is not yet a Chamber member, July may be the very best time for you to join. Click here to find out why.
 
 
LATEST NEWS 
Business Before Hours at Old Salem
Join us in beautiful Old Salem at the Augustus T. Zevely/Bed & Breakfast Inn, 803 S. Main Street, for Business Before Hours from 8:00 to 9:00 a.m. on Friday, July 10.  If you’ve never visited this historic B&B you are certainly in for a treat.  RSVP here.

Winston-Salem Named One of the Top 10 Places to Start Over
BusinessWeek has named Winston-Salem as one of the Top 10 places in the country to start over because “companies are hiring and the quality of life is high.” This ranking is based on a recent Manpower survey that indicated about 22% of local companies were planning to hire in the next quarter. BusinessWeek also cited Winston-Salem’s affordable housing stock and its diversifying, high-tech economy as additional assets in our local economy. You may read the full article here.

$ and Cents of Energy – Where’s the Payback?
The Environment and Energy Committee for the Council of Government Affairs held a program called $ and Cents of Energy – Where’s the Payback? Working Buildings presented this important information which helped explain how and why saving energy in buildings will save you money! Additionally, you can find some very helpful information that was shared with the group concerning Duke Energy’s incentive programs for businesses and how to Save Energy & Money.
 
Read Two New Publications about Winston-Salem from the Chamber
The Chamber has recently produced two documents that you may download to help you and your business better understand our community. Winston-Salem: By the Numbers provides a brief overview of Winston-Salem’s and Forsyth County’s demographic and economic characteristics. And How Winston-Salem Attracts and Retains Talent demonstrates that our community has the assets needed to attract high-quality talent from across the world.
 
Get the Latest Demographic Data from the Chamber’s Research Center
Demographic estimates for 2009 and projections for 2014 are now available from the Chamber’s Research Center. Use this data for your long-term business planning and to learn how Winston-Salem is changing. Please contact Bret Marchant at 336-728-9227 to request this or any additional data for your business.

View the New and Improved Chamber Events Calendar
With our new interactive events calendar you can stay up-to-date on all the Chamber’s key gatherings and goings-on, whether it’s our next luncheon with an internationally renowned speaker or a Business Before Hours coffee klatch. Please check out the new Chamber events calendar here!

Update Your Membership Data Online 
You can now correct, add and/or delete company information with ease through our website. Contact Kathy Judkins at 336-728-9256 to get started.

Connect Online Now with Our Member Businesses
The Chamber’s website provides several ways for you to buy local and connect with our member businesses.

  • Browse through our Business Directory and search for local businesses providing your needed products and services.
  • Contact our Buy Local Desk and let our staff connect you with our members who can help you.
  • Contact members directly by downloading our full member mailing list here (for members only).
  • See the newest Chamber members here. 
  • Post a job, search through resumes or look for a job through Triad JobNet. It's free and easy to use!
Harris Teeter Supermarkets, Inc. Receives Chamber’s Salute to Business Award
Learn more about Harris Teeter Supermarkets, Inc. and our other past award winners here.
 

INFORMATION YOU CAN USE  
The SBA’s New Loan Program May Help Your Business  
If your small business is stressed meeting expenses during these economic times, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has a new loan program designed just for you. The SBA’s America’s Recovery Capital Loan Program (ARC) can provide up to $35,000 in short-term relief for viable small businesses facing immediate financial hardship to help ride out the current uncertain economic times. For more information, to learn of your eligibility, and to find out how to apply, please click here.

YOU May Be a Chamber Member!
Did you know that if a company is a member of the Chamber, ALL that company’s employees are members as well, and can attend networking events, serve on the Tech Council or other committees, and attend free seminars like the Small Business Programs by Sandler Training. If you aren’t sure if your company is a member, visit our Business Directory and if your company’s name appears there, YOU are a member and are welcome to attend all events listed on our Calendar. And if you would like to receive our email invitations and alerts for upcoming events, just send a note to Kelly Bright at kbright@winstonsalem.com.
 Special Thanks to Graphic Visual Solutions
for Sponsoring the July Edition of the Catalyst