Before you start to feel too harried during this holiday season, we've got a big day planned for you on Thursday, December 6.  We hope you'll join us at one or all of these events!    

Goal setting: At the December meeting of the Economic Development & Public Policy Committee, we'll hear from Mary Jane Nirdlinger, Director of Policy and Strategic Initiatives for the Town of Chapel Hill.  She'll brief us on the implementation of Chapel Hill 2020 and on some other goals for the Town.  We hope you'll join us at 8 a.m., December 6 at the Chamber to help set our goals for 2013 to advocate for a better business climate.   

Go downtown: In addition to great holiday shopping and free - yes, FREE - parking on the weekends, make sure you head downtown on December 6 for two great events.  The Friends of Downtown will hear from Carolina legend Woody Durham and the Chapel Hill Downtown Partnership will host a conversation about downtown being a place for "one-stop living." Join the Friends at 9:30 a.m. at The Franklin Hotel and the Partnership at 6 p.m. at their office located at 308 West Rosemary Street, Suite 202.       

Get moving: On the heels of the passage of the transit referendum and the beginning of "Crawleigh," you can be briefed on what the business community needs to know about transit and transportation at The State of Mobility 2012.  Learn about the future of our freeway system and get an inside view of how certain practices can reduce congestion and delay in our region, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at the Embassy Suites in Cary.    

It'll be packed, but consider taking the time to hear these important briefings and take part in these important conversations-- all on Thursday, December 6!   

No matter what day it is, we appreciate your membership and are committed to advocating for your business interests.   

Kristen Smith 

Director of Public Policy & Member Engagement

p.s. Before we see you on December 6, consider nominating a committed citizen for our annual Salute to Community Heroes.  Nomination forms can be found at carolinachamber.org/salute and are due Friday, Nov. 30.   

DECEMBER 6:

• 8:00 AM: Economic Development & Public Policy Committee (Chamber)
• 9:30 AM: Friends of Downtown (The Franklin Hotel)  
• 11:30 AM: The State of Mobility (Embassy Suites in Cary) 
• 6:00 PM: Dream Up Downtown (Chapel Hill Downtown Partnership)   

FOR CARRBORO BUSINESSES: 

And on December 7th at 6 pm, the Town of Carrboro will host their annual Tree Lighting and Holiday Carols at Town Hall. In conjunction with this year's event, the Town will be publishing a "Carrboro Shop Local Holiday Guide" and hosting a Carrboro Business Showcase. We have spots for up to 12 local businesses to attend the event and offer samples and/or showcase their products. Please note that you cannot sell items at this event, but you can highlight your business on the variety of goods and services available to purchase in Carrboro.   Please contact Annette Stone or Matt Efird by Friday, November 30th  if you would like to participate in the inaugural Carrboro Business Showcase or if you have a special offer during the holiday season that can be included in the holiday guide. 

IMPORTANT LINKS:    

• Chamber's Public Policy Agenda 
• Chamber's Recommendations for Chapel Hill 2020 
• Past Presentations 
• Register for a Chamber event
• 2012 Election Information