Chamber Board Chair Elect Speaks at State Workforce Conference
Scott Nunn, facilities engineer at Novo Nordisk and incoming board chair at the Triangle East Chamber of Commerce was one of the featured speakers at the North Carolina Chamber of Commerce's 2025 Education and Workforce Conference on Skills. More than 260 people attended the event. According to Stuart Andreason, executive director of programs at Burning Glass Institute, skills are what determines the future readiness of a workforce. Technologies will continue to intersect existing job roles, shifting the
JOCO WORKS Featured at NC Chamber Workforce Development Conference
Scott Nunn, facilities engineer at Novo Nordisk and incoming board chair at the Triangle East Chamber of Commerce, presented at the North Carolina Chamber of Commerce's Education and Workforce Conference on August 21. Scott was one of three panelists that presented how businesses can help shape training to meet their specific needs ensuring a pipeline of skilled workers. He focused on JOCO WORKS. Scott has been part of the JOCO WORKS steering committee since its inception. Scott said his true passion is
2025 ATHENA Finalists Named
Triangle East Chamber of Commerce Announces Finalists for 38th Annual ATHENA International Leadership Award The Triangle East Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the finalists for the 38th Annual Triangle East ATHENA International Leadership Award. This prestigious award will be presented on October 9, 2025, to an exceptional individual who has achieved excellence in her business or profession, served the community in a meaningful way, and assisted women in reaching their professional goals and
Microtransit Offers Macro Benefits
North Carolinians rely heavily on their vehicles to get to and from work. In fact, 80% of workers in the state commute by car or truck, according to AutoInsurance.com. Yet car ownership carries significant costs—monthly payments, fuel, insurance, and regular maintenance. More cars on the road also mean more traffic. For many, especially those in lower-wage positions, the expense of owning a vehicle can be a major barrier to employment. Municipalities across the country are embracing microtransit, a
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Triangle East Chamber Names First Talent and Leadership Development Manager
Smithfield, NC – The Triangle East Chamber of Commerce has taken a major step forward in its five-year Triangle East Prospers initiative, appointing BriAnna Walker as the region’s first-ever Talent and Leadership Development Manager. The new role marks a significant investment in tackling one of Johnston County’s most pressing challenges: building a skilled workforce. Currently, 63 percent of area employers report difficulty finding workers with essential skills. Walker will lead the charge in developing,
Triangle East Chamber of Commerce Names Lauren Prince as Office and Events Manager
Smithfield, NC — The Triangle East Chamber of Commerce has announced the appointment of Lauren Prince as its new Office and Events Manager, a key position supporting the Chamber’s mission to promote economic vitality and business growth across Johnston County and the surrounding region. Prince joins the Chamber with a strong background in operations and healthcare, paired with a long-standing passion for community engagement and creative leadership. In her new role, she will oversee day-to-day office
Rail Access: The Hidden Engine Behind Johnston County’s Supply Chain Strength
As Johnston County grows into a regional logistics hub, Rail is emerging as one of the most valuable—and often overlooked—assets fueling that momentum. Strategically positioned along the North Carolina Railroad (NCRR) line, Johnston County has direct access to a 317-mile freight corridor that stretches from Charlotte to Morehead City. That connection opens the door to deepwater ports, inland distribution centers, and faster freight movement across the Southeast. For businesses in manufacturing,
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Chamber Foundations Are a National Best Practice
More than a local initiative, Chamber foundations have become a national best practice—empowering chambers across the country to tackle big-picture challenges like workforce readiness, small business resilience, and inclusive economic growth. By establishing our Foundation 14 years ago, we positioned ourselves ahead of the curve, recognizing early on that a 501(c)(3) arm would allow us to access new funding, support community-focused programs, and deepen our long-term impact. Today, with nearly 90% of
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 Announces Legacy Awards Celebration
Award Recipients to Be Honored on June 14th, 2022 SMITHFIELD, NORTH CAROLINA, May 5, 2022— The Triangle East Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce their first annual Legacy Awards celebration, an evening dedicated to honoring leaders who are investing their time, talent, and resources to impact our community. Four distinguished awards will be presented: the Lifetime Achievement Award, the Citizen of the Year Award, the Jimmy Creech Small Businessperson of the Year Award, and the Emerging Leader
LEADERSHIP JOHNSTON LAUNCHES CLASS OF 2022
SMITHFIELD, NORTH CAROLINA, January 15, 2022— A fully engaged Leadership Johnston program returns to Johnston County this year! The eleven-month program is designed for those who want to learn more about the county while developing and refining leadership skills. Through a variety of personal growth opportunities, individuals will gain a more in-depth understanding of the many facets of Johnston County, build crisis leadership and change management skills, and learn the skills necessary for effectively
Kelly Wallace Selected for U.S. Chamber Foundation Education and Workforce Fellowship Program
Fellowship Provides State and Local Business Leaders with Opportunities toEngage Nationally on Critical Education and Workforce Issues WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation today announced Kelly Wallace, Vice President & COO of the Triangle East Chamber of Commerce was selected to participate in the fifth cohort of its premiere business leadership program. The Business Leads Fellowship Program trains and equips leaders from state and local chambers of commerce, economic development
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Smithfield-Selma Chamber honors distinguished citizens at Annual Meeting
SMITHFIELD, North Carolina — The Greater Smithfield-Selma Area Chamber of Commerce culminated its 2016 year at its 47th Annual Meeting with a farewell bid to its President of 30 years, Rick Childrey; recognitions of members who earned special honors; and, a passing of the gavel from 2016 Board Chair Dr. Dwight Morris, Executive Director of the Johnston County Partnership for Children, to 2017 Board Chair Corina Knott, Senior Account Executive with Interstate Outdoor, Inc. Knott expressed excitement
