Tell Council to approve the Central West plan

Government Matters

November 26, 2013

You may be working on brining, basting, or frying your turkey, but nearly 20 people have been working for more than a year to put together a thoughtful small area plan for the Estes Drive/MLK Jr. Blvd area, coined Central West. Before you leave for the Thanksgiving holiday, take a moment to tell Chapel Hill Town Council to approve the Central West plan, which provides real benefits for the existing neighbors, while planning for future growth in the area. Read on for simple ways we can advocate for the business community, even during this busy holiday season.

Plan for the Future

Chapel Hill Town Council will have a second public hearing 6 p.m. TONIGHT (Nov. 26) on the Central West small area plan. Please consider attending to encourage Council to endorse a well-thought-out plan that will improve the Town and the surrounding neighborhoods. Can't make it? You can always email mayorandcouncil@townofchapelhill.org to let Council know that well-planned development along transit and transportation corridors makes sense.

Shop Small

The holiday shopping season is here and your fellow Chamber member retailers are getting ready. Make sure that you check out our Business Directory online and keep updated on specials and events by connecting on Facebook and Twitter.Are you a retailer and want to make the most of Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday? Check out resources from Chamber board member Margot Lester, the North Carolina Retail Merchants Association, and the Small Business Administration. For Chamber member nonprofits, don't forget #GivingTuesday. And for you shoppers out there, thank you for buying local!

Get on Board

Made a resolution to get more involved in 2014? Get a head start and apply to serve on a municipal or county advisory board. The Chamber wants more business representation on advisory boards and board service is a great opportunity to learn more about your community and contribute your perspective on important issues. Carrboro and Orange County have announced recent vacancies and Chapel Hill is in the process of restructuring their advisory boards. Find vacancies here and here and apply today - we need YOU.

Recognize Contributions of Others

The Thanksgiving holiday is often when we pause and give thanks for the contributions others have made. We're grateful for your contributions to the business community and to the community as a whole. We hope you'll join us Thursday, Dec. 12 for our annual Salute to Community Heroes, where we recognize individuals and first responders for their service. We also hope you'll join us on Thursday, Jan. 30 for our Annual Meeting, where we'll announce Businesses of the Year. Know a business that should be recognized? Nominate them before Jan. 8!

Save the Date to Advocate