Archived Front Page News
New One-Stop Certification Process for HUB Businesses
The Office for Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUB Office) launched its new Statewide Uniform Certification (SWUC) program on July 1, 2009. SWUC was developed to streamline the certification process and reduce the redundancy in certifying minority- and women-owned businesses and create a centralized HUB and minority/women business database. The HUB Office will take the lead in certifying HUB/MWBE firms, which previously had to apply for certification through the HUB Office as well as the local M/WBE program offices. Click here to learn more.
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.
Chamber Healthcare Policy Forum Provides Insight on Proposed Government Healthcare Plan
In an effort to help its members better understand the proposed national healthcare legislation, the Chamber assembled local, state and national healthcare experts and corporate business leaders for a panel discussion on August 26 at the Marriott. More than two hundred local executives and entrepreneurs attended the breakfast meeting. Moderated by Kenneth P. Carlson, Jr., a partner with Constangy Brooks & Smith, LLP, the event was sponsored by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina. The panelists were William B. Applegate, MD, MPH, MACP, President and Dean, Wake Forest University Health Sciences; John M. Davenport, Jr., PE, President, John Davenport Engineering, Inc.; Robert J. Greczyn, Jr., President and CEO, BlueCross and BlueShield of North Carolina; Steve Reeder, Senior VP and Benefits Manager, BB&T; Robert W. Seligson, Executive Vice President/CEO, North Carolina Medical Society and Gregory J. Beier, President, Acute Care Services, Novant Health. Jimmy Broughton, Senior Government Relations Advisor with Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice, PLLC provided a brief legislative update at the beginning of the program. Click here to see photos from this event.
Get a Free Website Through the Chamber!Did you know that your company can have a free "mini-website" through the Chamber's online
Business Directory? In fact, you already have one--but you may not be taking advantage of all its features. On your site with us, you may provide a detailed description of your products or services, your logo and a picture, links to your own website, your contact information, and even any special offers you are currently promoting. Don't waste this free and easy opportunity to market your business, help with your own website's search engine optimization, and attract new customers. Search for your company's website in the Chamber's Business Directory
here. If you would like to make any additions or changes, you may submit them using this
online form. Please contact
Ashley Darr at 336-728-9223 for further assistance.
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.
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!
It is time to Re-Link Your VIC Card to Together In Education
It is quick and easy, there are several ways to links your VIC card. Remember you only have to link 1 time between August 1st and May 31 every year!
1) At the checkout the next time you visit your local Harris Teeter.
2) Online at www.harristeeter.com
3) Contact Customer Relations at 1-800-432-6111
The Together In Education Program runs from August to May every school year. For more information on this program, click 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.