Managing AI Notetaking Bots in Meetings
By now, you’ve probably seen an AI notetaking bot pop up in one of your online meetings. Maybe it was Otter.ai, Fireflies.ai, or some other bot quietly capturing every word. These tools promise to make meetings for Chambers, associations, and other organizations run more smoothly, improve accessibility, and help keep records straight. Sounds great, right? Not so fast. They also come with a laundry list of challenges, especially when it comes to privacy, compliance, and meeting
Grant information and workshops from JCC's Small Business Center
We've partnered with Verizon to bring you additional learning resources and funding opportunities! Verizon Small Business Digital Ready is a free program with resources and learning that can really impact your business. The grant applications are currently closed, but there will be another grant opportunity this fall. Applications will open in October, but you don't have to wait to become eligible to apply. Tap into learning now and be ready to apply for a $10,000 grant this fall. Here’s what
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Johnston County Environmental Health to Hold Free Food Safety Training for Community Organizations a
Johnston County Environmental Health, a division of Johnston County Public Health, invites local nonprofits and community organizations to attend a free food safety training class on Thursday, July 24, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Johnston County Land Use Center, 309 East Market Street in Smithfield. This training is designed for any group that prepares and serves food to the public or its members. Examples include religious organizations (for meals around services, homecomings, vacation bible
Flowers Plantation National Night Out Event
Flowers Plantation is excited for our upcoming National Night Out event on August 5th! Mark your calendars for August 5th as we bring the community together for National Night Out at Concert Park (Harris Teeter Complex) from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM! This fun-filled evening will feature emergency vehicles from North Side Fire Department, Johnston County Sheriff’s Office, NC Highway Patrol, Johnston County EMS, and more. It’s a great opportunity to meet and engage with our local first responders! Enjoy live
Back to School Supply Drive at Flowers Plantation
· 23h · Summer Bookbag Drive Showdown! Apple Law and Flowers Plantation are going head-to-head in a friendly (and icy ) competition to collect school supplies for local students!Drop off boxes are located at each site, and items can be dropped off anytime https://flowersplantation.com/summer-book-bag-drive/Now through August 5, drop off your donations at either location — the team with the MOST items in their box wins bragging rights… and the chance to DUMP a bucket of ICE WATER on the other! Final
Small Business Center to Offer 3 Part Google Workshop
Google Tools for Business - August 2 Supercharge your small business with the power of Google! This webinar will explore essential Google tools designed to streamline operations, boost visibility, and connect with customers effectively.Google Business Profile - August 16 Whether your business is online or offline, it is important to make sure your customers can find you online and learn more information about your business. Learn how to set up, verify, and manage your Business Profile. Discover tips and
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Johnston County EMS Community Paramedic Program Celebrates 10 Year Anniversary
Launched on July 1, 2015, this program was created as an innovative approach to provide preventive care to the most vulnerable in Johnston County and to lower ambulance use by focusing on frequent callers. By working with these patients prior to the 911 call, the community paramedics have been able to help the patient understand their medical condition, better adhere to prescribed medications, and connect with primary care physicians. In addition, this program highlights a unique partnership between the
Child Care Reforms On the Way to the Governor's Desk
This week H412 Child Care Regulatory Reforms passed both chambers with bipartisan support. Access to quality child care is a workforce issue. When families have access to quality childcare both parents are able to participate in the workforce. H412 passed thanks to the business community's leadership. Included in the reform are opportunities for childcare professionals to receive credentials based on work experience. The bill formally recognizes on the job experience as an equivalent to formal educational
Nominations Open For Triangle East ATHENA International Leadership Award
The Triangle East Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce nominations are now being accepted for the 37th annual Triangle East ATHENA International Leadership Award. This is the highest recognition bestowed by the Chamber.The award will be presented on October 9, 2025 to an exceptional individual who has achieved excellence in her business or profession, has served the community in a meaningful way and has assisted women in their attainment of professional goals and leadership skills. The
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Triangle East Economic Development Foundation Receives $20,000 Grant from Duke Energy Foundation
The Triangle East Economic Development Foundation has been awarded a $20,000 grant from the Duke Energy Foundation as part of its 2025 Storm Preparedness grant program. This funding will empower local efforts to help Johnston County’s small business community become more resilient in the face of natural disasters and severe weather events. The initiative will be launched in partnership with the Triangle East Chamber of Commerce and will focus on a structured six-month program aimed at equipping small
NC’s Manufacturing Momentum and Future Resilience
With the recent announcement of JetZero’s plans to build a new generation of airplanes in Greensboro, North Carolina adds to a string of manufacturing jobs and capital investment announcements. This marks a reversal of the trend of the last thirty years as manufacturing jobs have fallen by 42 percent from 1990 to 2023.i While total state employment grew by 1.75 million during that period, the number of manufacturing jobs fell by almost 375,000.ii Moreover, the areas of the state that had the heaviest
Community Leaders Honored at Legacy Awards
The Triangle East Chamber of Commerce celebrated outstanding individuals and organizations at the annual Legacy Awards, held on May 29th at The Farm at 95. Presented by Brightspeed, the evening recognized excellence in leadership, service, and impact across the region. The Legacy Awards continue the Chamber’s tradition of honoring those who exemplify dedication to the growth and vitality of the Triangle East region. With community members, business leaders, and local officials in attendance, the night
Cracking the Code: How to Turn Local Intel into Business Strategy
You’re sitting on a goldmine and don’t even know it. Right outside your storefront, in the coffee shops and laundromats and food trucks humming a block away, are patterns, habits, and whispers that—if read right—can tell you exactly what your next move should be. Strategy isn’t just spreadsheets and quarterly forecasts, it’s how well you can read the room, especially when the room is your zip code. It’s not glamorous, but that’s the point. What works in Midtown won’t fly in Midtown South, and your biggest
Triangle East Chamber Names Sarah Moore as New Marketing and Communications Coordinator
The Triangle East Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the appointment of Sarah Moore as the new Marketing and Communications Coordinator, effective immediately. In her new role, Sarah will lead the Chamber’s strategic marketing initiatives, oversee digital and print communications, and elevate the Chamber’s visibility throughout the region. She brings a unique blend of creative vision and strategic insight, with of experience in promotions, event planning, and community engagement. Sarah previously
The Big Tariff Burden on Small Businesses
Of the 242,515 total importers in the U.S., 97%—or 236,045—are small businesses, according to a Commerce Department report released this year. Small businesses were responsible for a third of the total value of goods imported, highlighting the significant role they play in U.S. international trade. Why it matters: For many of these companies, even a small increase in tariffs can have a profound effect on their bottom line. ‌ These businesses typically operate with tight profit margins and limited
Signs of Stability in Smithfield Real Estate Market
The housing market in Smithfield and Johnston County is displaying encouraging signs of consistent growth as we progress through 2025. While the year began with less momentum than anticipated, April's data suggests that the market is stabilizing and, in several aspects, becoming stronger. According to the year over year home sales data in Smithfield, NC: Closed sales rose by 31.7% year-over-year, totaling 54 transactions for April. This is a solid indicator of improving buyer confidence. New listings
Calculate How Your Business Would Be Impacted If Tax Cuts Expire
This year, lawmakers have the opportunity to advance smart, pro-growth tax policies and avoid the largest tax increase in American history, which will otherwise occur when key provisions of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) expire at the end of 2025. In 2017, Congress permanently lowered the corporate income tax rate by 14 percentage points—from 35% to 21%—as part of the TCJA. To ensure that pass-through businesses like sole proprietorships, partnerships, and S corporations would not be placed at a
US Chamber Releases The State of Housing in America
US Chamber Releases Report on Housing in America Housing has long been a cornerstone of the American dream and a vital component of the nation’s economy. Yet, the U.S. housing market is in crisis, driven by a fundamental imbalance between supply and demand. A severe shortage of over 4.5 million homes has created cascading economic and social challenges, from skyrocketing prices to reduced workforce mobility. This deficit, rooted in a decade of underbuilding following the Great Recession and
Smithfield, NC Businesses: News Regarding the CTA, BOI and FinCEN
The Corporate Transparency Act may require certain U.S. companies to disclose beneficial ownership information to FinCEN to combat financial crimes. While a Texas federal district court’s preliminary injunction puts this requirement on hold, many experts expect that to be overturned. In that event, failure to file could lead to fines of $500 per day, up to a maximum of $10,000, and possible criminal penalties. However, filing your Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) report will help you avoid fines
Duke Energy Secures Offshore Wind Lease for Carolina Long Bay
Duke Energy Renewables Wind, LLC, a nonregulated subsidiary of Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), has been named a provisional winner of OCS-A 0546 lease area in the Carolina Long Bay offshore wind auction. The lease was one of two awarded as part of an Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf renewable energy auction held by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM). “Securing this lease creates optionality for future offshore wind if the North Carolina Utilities Commission determines it’s part of the least cost path
