Government Matters

December 22, 2015

Today winter begins, but the year's end is coming up quickly. This year has been one for the books and we want to ensure you have time to review what happened, but also have the information you need to make 2016 a banner year! Read this last Government Matters of 2015 and let us know what you're resolving to do to make this a more business-friendly community in 2016.

Year in Review

In 2015, the Chamber helped secure the approval of a development agreement to construct 1.6 million-square-foot mixed-use project; advocated for more business-friendly land use regulations; and offered marketing incentives that helped secure a new international flight at Raleigh Durham Airport. What's the best way to look back at what's happened over the past year?

Check out our SlideShare account and view these key presentations from our signature events:

New Faces

We've got some new faces in office now after a few changes and the 2015 elections. Make sure you get to know these newly elected officials:

Pam Hemminger, elected mayor of the Town of Chapel Hill
Jessica Anderson, Nancy Oates, and former Chamber board member Michael Parker, elected to Chapel Hill Town Council
Rani Dasi, Pat Heinrich, and Margaret Samuels, elected to the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Board of Education.

New Year's Resolutions

As 2015 draws to a close, we know that folks are looking back on this past year and making resolutions for the next. Here are five resolutions we hope you consider making to continue to strengthen our community's business climate:

Attend a local government meeting: Check the schedules for Chapel Hill Town Council, Carrboro Board of Aldermen, and Orange County Board of Commissioners.
Become a member of the Chamber's Economic Development & Public Policy Committee:
The EDPP Committee meets at 8 a.m. the first Thursday of the month. Join us 8 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 7 for the first meeting of 2016.
Join a county or municipal advisory board: Find vacancies for Town of Chapel Hill, Town of Carrboro, and Orange County.
Write a letter to the editor: We need more business voices in local media outlets. Write a letter to the editor or record a commentary.
And...

Get Ready for the March 2016 Primary

With the primary election set for Tuesday, March 15, it means that it's important to ensure you're registered and have a few dates marked, preferably before the new year! Here's your [short] election to-do list:

Ensure you're registered to vote by checking your voter registration.
Familiarize yourself with the new rules for photo ID.
Check to see who has filed for candidacy in Orange County and statewide.
Mark your calendar for Coffee with the Candidates (EDPP) and Cocktails with the Candidates (CHYP).
Learn about the Connect NC bonds and sign up to #VoteYesToInvest!

Register today for the Annual Meeting presented by Bank of North Carolina and Europa Center!

Photo credit: Donn Young

Join us for the Chamber's Annual Meeting presented by Bank of North Carolina and Europa Center, Tuesday, Jan. 26. This is a morning you won't want to miss, featuring our keynote speaker, former UNC system president Tom Ross.

Register at carolinachamber.org/annualmeeting before you leave for the holidays!

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