2010 - 2011 Accomplishments
Economic Development
Vice Chair: Marty Clayton
Mission: The Economic Development Division will act as the primary agency for the development and expansion of our new and existing business member clients. We will provide the support needed to create a successful business environment, emphasizing quality of life within our community.
Existing Business and Industry Support:
We have made existing industry calls on the following companies: ABB North America, Deutsche Bank Global Technology, MTS Sensors and Cary Town Center. Some general observations:
• ABB moved their North American Headquarters to Cary about 18 months ago. They presently employ around 300 at their offices in Regency Park. They have been very pleased with their decision to locate in Cary and have recently announced expansions at research operations they have on Centennial Campus at NC State and for a manufacturing operation near Charlotte. The company is working with the utility companies, suppliers and competitors to advance “smart grid” technology and they hope to make this area a showcase for advances on power grid technology.
• Deutsche Bank announced one year ago that they would locate their Global Technology Center in Cary. The company leased around 33,000 square feet in CentreGreen in Weston. They announced that they would create over the coming years 300+ jobs. Current employment stands at approximately 100. They plan to add 100 or more jobs during 2011. They have had good success attracting the talent they need from the local universities as well as from the existing labor force. They have also moved individuals here from other Deutsche Bank facilities successfully. Company indicated that they have “never questioned their decision to come to Cary.” They did express some concern about the turmoil in the school system assignment situation.
• MTS Sensors located in Cary in the mid 1980’s. The company makes all types of sensing devices for use in underground tank applications to hydraulic tools. They did reduce their work force during the recession but have been hiring in the past months and are now up to around 80 employees. They are bringing on new engineering talent and are optimistic about the future.
• We met with the management of Cary Towne Center following the Thanksgiving shopping rush. They were very pleased with the volume they experienced over the “Black Friday Weekend” with many of their tenants experiencing 10 – 25 % more sales than projected. They have lost a few tenants during the past two years but presently are fully leased. Sales per square foot are up but still not to prerecession levels. All out parcels at the site are sold or have ground leases. The exterior facelift in the area of Coldwater Creek and Chico’s has been well received. There are no current plans to additional exterior changes.
As noted in the September Report, HCL America is continuing to add employees to their workforce as a result of new clients they have taken on. Wake Tech is providing training that relates to their expansion.
We are also in preliminary discussions with another local firm that had postponed their expansion plans a few years back and are now reviving those proposals.
SciQuest has expanded their Cary presence leasing an additional 13,000 square feet. Their employment is around 175 and they are continuing to hire new employees.
KW Commercial Realty is expanding and leasing 14,500 square feet at Shannon Oaks on Kildare Farm Road. This will be an expansion of around 6,500 square feet.
Biogen IDEC is looking to expand their office operations at their RTP site. We have been working with Wake County and have had contact with the company regarding this expansion. Cary provides water and sewer to the company and several lines will need to be relocated to accommodate their plans. They are seeking expedited permitting from the Town of Cary.
Business Recruitment:
Since September we have had 15 inquiries considering the Triangle area or Cary for operations. They range from office and retail opportunities to production and data facilities. A sampling of the variety of inquiries we are receiving is noted below:
• Spanish construction company looking for temporary office space to establish a presence in this market.
• Medical office – chiropractor considering community.
• Three data center operations considering east coast facilities. These range for a build-to-suit request to 100,000 square feet of available space.
Carolina Pottery opened their new store on North Harrison in October. They have been very pleased with traffic to date.
Research In Motion (developers of the Blackberry) have leased approximately 55,000 square feet in the CentreGreen area of Weston. The company initially indicated its intent to employ 200 and planned potentially to grow in this area. Their lease will fill the CentreGreen IV building, the remainder of which is leased to Deutsche Bank’s Global Technology Group.
Mellow Mushroom Restaurant has signed a lease and will be up-fitting the space for their first facility in Cary. They leased approximately 8,000 square feet (the previous space occupied by Georgio’s) at High House Road and Cary Parkway. They anticipate opening in the second quarter of 2011.
Residentially, Pulte Homes is beginning development of its newest community Davis Village. The company indicated that they have well over 500 homebuyers interested in the project and the waiting list is growing. Pulte plans to do a ribbon cutting for the development in 2011.
Small Business/Entrepreneurial Development:
We are working with Wake Technical Community College to find a location for an apprenticeship training facility for the building trades. They are working with AGC of the Carolinas and need 8,000 to 10,000 square feet.
The SBA continues to meet with individuals interested in starting a business and seeking funding for such startups. During October and November four (4) meetings took place. There will not be a session during December but appointments will be scheduled again following the holidays.
Downtown Development:
We participated in a meeting with the Town staff and several representatives from the Heart of Cary organization concerning the new staff position focused on Downtown Development. We will be assisting with the interview process for the new developer position the Town is establishing and those are scheduled for early January.
Sports Development:
In the past few weeks Cary has been home to the ACC Men’s and Women’s Soccer Championships and the NCAA Women’s College Cup. These events continue to bring athletes, their families, visitors and fans into our community. We have also received national television coverage in the case of the College Cup matches. We co-hosted a reception for the NCAA Selection Committee at the Matthews House, as has been the case in past years. That event took place on December 1st.
Next year’s men’s and women’s College Cup events will be going to other locations. Our desire is to have them return to Cary in 2012. For 2012 and beyond, both championships will be held at the same location. The NCAA has indicated that additional seating and improved locker facilities are needed at WakeMed Park if the Cup is to return.
GRCVB estimates the economic impact of the ACC tournaments and the NCAA College Cup at approximately $700,000. That does not include the youth tournaments held in the area in conjunction with the College Cup. That event filled hotel rooms throughout the area (an estimated 15,000 room nights).
In addition to the soccer activity, two large cross country events were held at the WakeMed facility during November.
Business Park Development:
In late September we met with John McConnell and Bill Harrison. Mr. Harrison is out of Durham and owns a parcel of property in the Crossroads area. The land is zoned for office use and approved for approximately 400,000 square feet of space. He is interested primarily in doing a build to suit project on the site. The development will have excellent visibility from US 1and should be of interest to clients with lead times sufficient to have their facilities constructed.
Recent Accolades
October, 2010 #3 Best State for Business Forbes
November, 2010 #3 Metro Area for Job Growth over the Newsweek Past Decade
Existing Business and Industry Support:
SAS announced on December 21, 2010 that they would be adding 100 new jobs in their governmental services group to work with clients in the areas of criminal and fraud detection.
CARY, N.C. -- Healthcare Trust of America has purchased The Medical Park of Cary, a nine-building medical office park in Cary. The 151,000-square-foot park is situated on the WakeMed hospital campus. The property sold for $28 million. Paul Zeman of Bull Realty brokered the transaction. The seller was not disclosed.
Existing Industry Calls
Lord Corporation – John Gardner
Business Recruitment:
Announcements
Sokal Media Group moved its headquarters from Raleigh to Cary (Regency Park) and doubled their space leasing 7,000 square feet. The firm currently employs 17 individuals and is looking to add several new employees over the coming months.
Sports Development:
The Triangle area hosted the NHL All-Star Game the weekend of January 28-30. The Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau estimated the economic impact on the area at $11.4 million. The Umstead Hotel served as the host facility for the NHL Board of Governors and the Embassy Suites in Cary as the press headquarters.
Product Development/Availability:
On December 21st we met with the owners and brokers representing the facility previously occupied by Lucent Technologies and Siemens Medical. This 125,000 square foot office is located in MacGregor Park and is one of the few buildings of this size available in the Triangle market. It along with RDU Center (approximately 115,000 square feet) are excellent product for our Cary clients.
Existing Business and Industry Support:
We worked with Ed Gawf on problems related to MMi Public Relations’ move to Cary.
Business Recruitment:
We are working with Cassidy Turley on a project for the Pleasant Grove Business Park. The company is in the IT business and is looking to lease approximately 60,000 square feet and employ 150 individuals.
Downtown Development:
Ed Gawf began his job as Director of Downtown Development on Monday, March 21st.
Product Development/Availability:
Working with Highwoods Properties on the development of the fifth building in the CentreGreen portion of the Weston development.
Recent Accolades
March, 2011 Raleigh/Cary Metro #3 Cleanest Metropolitan Area
Forbes
March, 2011 Raleigh/Cary Metro #1 Water Quality
Forbes.com
Educational Division
Vice Chair: Don McCorquodale
Mission: The Education Division will facilitate and champion business community involvement by promoting partnerships and innovative programs for the positive influence of our students and schools.
Recognition:
• Honored 27 teachers for the Honor a Teacher Awards program, raising $27,000. Held awards ceremony at the Koka Booth Amphitheatre at Regency Park and honored 2011 Honor a Teacher winner’s in the Cary News.
• Recognize 24 area teachers with a Teacher of the Month presentation
• Awarded Cary High School with the Entrepreneurial Award in Education for best business practices
• Hosted Western Area Principals’ Luncheon
• Hosted Western Area Assistant Principals’ Luncheon
• Sponsor annual Wake County Teacher of the Year Ceremony
• Honored Western Wake Area First Year Teachers with a plaque
Recruitment:
• Worked to plan/lobby government to avoid further teacher/leadership shortage
• Offered chamber facilities for training sessions for area schools and counselors
• Worked with local Business Alliance to mentor/tutor students
Development:
• Organized Leadership Cary 2010-2011
• Organized Youth Leadership Cary 2010-2011
• Served on the Cary area Business Alliances and helped coordinate career fair
Communications and Building Relationships:
• Hosted fifteenth annual Education Golf Tournament to support local education initiatives.
• Hosted a roundtable forum with local principals to gather ideas on how the Cary community can best serve our schools
• Participated in the Wake Education Partnership through: serving on the Wake Roundtable Committee, sponsoring their Annual Campaign for Public Education
• Invited local leaders & university professionals to speak at meetings, Eye Openers, & forums to inform the membership on various education issues
Government Relations
Vice Chair: Frank Shell
Mission: The Governmental Relations Division will establish and enhance relationships with governmental officials that affect Cary and its business community; provide information to and obtain input from our members on government issues relevant to them; recommend advocacy positions to the Chamber's Board of Directors, and communicate the Chamber's viewpoint to our membership, elected officials and the community at large.
• Held candidates’ forums for Wake County Commissioners, NC Senate & Congressional races, US Congressional Districts 04 and 13.
• Produced a Voter’s Guide for the November 2010 races.
• Encouraged and invited the Town of Cary elected officials, staff, and Wake County’s Leaders to attend Cary Chamber events and monthly meetings.
• Hosted Annual Elected Officials Reception and will host Leadership Dinner for our elected officials.
• Created a concentrated local legislative agenda, including issues from a survey to members sent to gather governmental issues of interest.
• Created a regional legislative agenda in conjunction with the Triangle Chambers of Commerce and the Research Triangle Regional Partnership (RTRP).
• Presented a federal legislative agenda at the annual Triangle Chambers DC Trip, planned in partnership with the Triangle Chambers.
• Maintained a leadership role in the Regional Transportation Alliance (RTA) and educate members on transportation issues.
• Disseminated accurate and pertinent information on sustainability and environmental stewardship to the membership.
• Continued to support the Green Plus program and offer it to members, as an opportunity to increase awareness, offer certification, and access to a national on-line directory of like minded businesses.
• Reached out to the Town of Cary’s Sustainability Office to understand how the Chamber can assist in their efforts.
• Monitored legislation related to local, state and federal issues, such as healthcare, tax reform, transit etc. and present updates to the membership.
• Continued to support Reality Check and their efforts.
• Met quarterly with legislative issues forums beginning in September 2010.
Membership Business Services
Vice Chair: Brian Reid
Mission: The Membership Business Services communicated with the members and to the community the role, benefits and services of the Chamber with emphasis on recruitment, retention, and services. It also provided educational opportunities and delivered resources and solutions that provided quantifiable value for Chamber Members.
Membership Development
• Conducted Total Resource Campaign to increase membership base and promote sponsorship opportunities. Reviewed and modified sponsor costs as needed to ensure involvement for all members.
• Conducted bi-monthly Chamber 101 sessions that educated new members and/or new employees of experienced members about the Chamber and its Program of Work.
• Involved Board of Directors, Leadership Cary Graduates and Ambassadors to grow and retain membership base.
• Maintained member contact and communication through Member Retention Plan with special focus on new members.
• Held quarterly meetings of “Membership Business Services” advocates to review year to date activities.
Ambassador Program
• Maintained volunteer group that worked with Board of Directors and staff on all Chamber events with focus on member retention through involvement.
• Each new member was assigned an Ambassador for follow up and guidance through the first year of membership.
• Ambassadors were called upon to work at Chamber events including Golf Tournaments, Eye Opener Breakfasts, Business Expo and attended ribbon cuttings. Ambassadors continued to be considered a vitally important extension of staff.
Membership Services
• Promoted the “Member to Member” benefits program increasing discount opportunities for members by members.
• Coordinated monthly Business After Hours.
• Organized, promoted and presented Car Raffle and Auction.
• Organized and promoted annual Member Guest Golf Tournament.
• Hosted “A Taste of Cary” Member Appreciation party.
• Organized, publicized and promoted monthly Eye Opener Breakfast.
• Continued the monthly Business of Women luncheons featuring speakers with topics specific to working women.
• Organized, promoted and presented “Fore Ladies” Golf Tournament.
• Organized, promoted and presented the Annual Tennis Classic.
Educational Services
• Continued to expand the relationship with Wake Tech’s Business & Industry Center with accent on offering Ed2go alliance.
• Offered monthly Notary Classes.
• Provided additional seminars and training to meet member needs.
• Continued to facilitate monthly private meetings between small business owners and a representative from the Small Business Administration.
Marketing Showcase
• Sponsored and presented the Excellence Awards (Small Business Awards) Luncheon in spring to recognize achievements of both for profit, nonprofit and “green” ventures.
• Presented and promoted the Business Expo offering members a day of networking and presentation of their goods/services in a business to business format.