Testimonials
Here are a few testimonials that show how the Chamber helps local businesses and our economy grow. Please
let us know how the Chamber has helped you and your businesss.
What a joy it has been to participate alongside of the Winston-Salem Chamber of Commerce over the past 7 years. The Chamber has proven to be a valuable asset to the business community by acting as a voice and advocate for improved relations between local government and businesses. The Chamber has also been a tremendous catalyst for putting together some lasting partnerships for community outreach by acting as a liaison and facilitator among businesses, the WSFC School system, FTCC, state and local governments as well as many community service agencies. By being an active member of the WS Chamber, I can honestly say that I feel like I am making a positive difference within our community. Thank You WS Chamber for making community involvement such a positive experience for your members.
- Michael H. Sears, Windsor Commercial
If data is the currency for the new economy, networking must be the line of credit that supports executives and entrepreneurs through career change and economic fluctuations.
I have been a member of the Chamber of Commerce for nearly two decades. The networking opportunities offered by the Chamber have provided my sponsors’ a many fold return on investment. We recognized increased sales, more brand awareness and loyalty, and a greater impact on legislative issues by participating in the many Chamber activities.
In 2010, I established my own business as an associate with Vincent J. Gallo and Associates, a leading business resilience planning firm in the Triad. Nearly all of my new business’ sales have grown out of relationships formed at LIONs, the premier business to business referral group of the Triad.
- Christopher Maginnis, Vincent J. Gallo and Associates
The Senior Academy Program is a truly rewarding experience. Sir. Winston Churchill said, "We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give." This program is actively changing lives one student at a time by giving something so simple - - time. Time in leading and nurturing students through a pivotal moment in their lives and making a mark in their individual history. Thank you Senior Academy for recognizing and acting upon an important need. I have been blessed to have had an opportunity to serve.
- Jonathan Russell, Internet Marketing, Smokin’ Harley Davidson
It has been an eye opening experience for me to see how much has changed in the High School student today. Prior to getting involved with the program, I assumed that the majority of High School Students all planned on the 3 basics of post graduation. College, Military or just finding a job. I found however that many students are at risk of not graduating at all, and even worse had little to no idea what they were going to do after graduation. This program is a very positive way to help fill the gap that either the parents, teachers or guidance counselor were unable to fill. At their age, all of the information they are bombarded with is, to say the least overwhelming. Being a mentor to my student allowed me to help him sort through some of the decisions he needed to make. The Chamber of Commerce Senior Academy program has been an incredibly positive experience for me and I’m proud to be one of the people making a difference.
- Greg Stimmell, Business Development Manager, EPES
The Winston Salem Chamber of Commerce has been and still remains an integral part of who we are and what we do. In addition to providing access to key decision makers and industry leaders, the chamber also host informational/educational forums that help to further business growth and help to create jobs within our region. Our organization has benefitted greatly from our chamber affiliation and we will continue to support the Winston Salem Chamber of Commerce in all of it's efforts.
- Darryl Little, Chief Executive, Micro Enterprise Loan Program of Winston Salem, Forsyth County Inc.
Thanks so much for the work the Chamber of Commerce is doing with the Senior Academy Program. I have really enjoyed being a mentor. It is very rewarding to see how a young person's life can be influenced by a little extra encouragement from a concerned adult. I think it will become obvious in the years to come that each mentor has made a lasting impact on Winston-Salem through our investment in the students of our community.
- Harold Linder, Senior Pastor, Heavenview
The Chamber is to be commended for taking our children's success in life to heart! The Senior Academy program is an essential tool in the community arsenal of volunteerism for it provides needed support to students who can succeed but need our support, guidance and encouragement at a critical juncture in young adulthood. I have found the program to be thoroughly enriching and there's no better reward than seeing improving performance and graduation!
- Mark Leach, Executive Director, SECCA
With our Chamber, there is a genuine interest and concern about the education of our young people, the development of our small businesses, and the health of our large companies. The future of all three components are our shared future as a community, and we should all get actively involved in Chamber activities of our choice to help produce that greater result.
-Milton Kern, SunTrust
The Chamber of Commerce has helped us develop relationships with businesses that help our students. It has been instrumental in creating opportunities such as internships, which allow our students to learn what skills and traits they need to develop for their post-graduate lives.
-Dr. Don Martin, Superintendent, Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools
I have been a member of the Chamber now for about four years. If not for the Chamber, I truly believe my business would be almost non-existent. All the resources and services that are available are great and most are free. I appreciate all the Chamber offers and what they do to help stimulate and build business in this area.
-Doris S. Peay, All About You
I believe that I should be committed and involved in the community where I live and work and one way that I have chosen to do this is my active participation with the Chamber.
Joining the Chamber was one of my first commitments when I started my small business in 2002 and I have benefited tremendously by being involved with the Local Issues committee and several of the other events sponsored by the Chamber. The information gained by attending these meetings and events has been very valuable to me and my company and I have met many business owners and leaders through the Chamber.
-Perry G. Hudspeth, CLU, CRPC
Cook Medical is the largest private medical device manufacturer in the world. Our division, which manufacturers Gastrointestinal Endoscopy devices, has been in Winston-Salem for over 25 years employing over 550 people. At the same time hardly anybody from our community had ever heard of us.
The Winston-Salem Chamber of Commerce has helped strategically guide us down a pathway which will enable our company to become more visible in the community.
Our company is very fortunate to be located in such a terrific city and county that enables a company like Cook Medical to thrive. With the help of the Chamber many new alliances were made possible this past year. Cook Medical is looking forward to working closely with the Chamber for many years to come. Our relationship with the Chamber will continue to grow along with Winston - Salem.
-Scott J Sewell, Vice President, Technology Acquisition & Development: Endoscopy
Using Comp Carolina saved Knight Services, Inc. almost 60% versus the rate quoted to us from our current insurance company (as well as other companies that provided quotes). Being a member of the WSCC has substantially benefited our company financially. Enough so to pay for our Chamber membership forever; because, every year we will be renewing our Worker's Comp insurance and we will be realizing the same savings as a result of our membership. I wonder what that savings equals when compounded annually! Food for thought. Thank you WSCC!
-Denise Knight, Knight Services, Inc.
Chamber membership is the most cost-effective method available to grow any business. The resources made available to Chamber members make the cost for a small business a "no brainer" decision. The important thing is to utilize the Chamber by attending all available and applicable functions and volunteering your time to promote the Chamber. I find the Chamber to be very small business oriented. As long as I am in business for myself, I will be a Chamber member.
-John Pesenti, AFLAC