Your Membership at Work
The last quarter of the year was full of efforts to champion business growth and business prosperity throughout Union County. From workforce development efforts, to the naming of a new President/CEO, and new programs to save members money, YOUR Chamber has not slowed down.
Read on to see what we’ve been up to this quarter.
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
Middle School Speakers Bureau Expands to all Middle Schools
This schoolyear, Make It In Union County was re-vamped with a new, modern logo and website and had 1,393 students participate this October. While Make It In Union County focuses on local manufacturing opportunities, the Middle School Speakers Bureau exists to teach students about local careers through hands-on presentations. This year it was expanded to include 5 middle schools reaching even more students. Now, over the course of 2 years, speakers will visit all UCPS middle schools.
Both of these programs are part of our efforts to ensure there is an available, well-trained workforce in our community.
UNiSON Collaborative Focuses on High-Quality Jobs
YOUR Chamber is a member of the collective Our Future in UNiSON, a collective of over 30 education, business, and community partners that exists to close the educational attainment gap in Anson and Union Counties by ensuring that by 2030, 4,869 (9%) more residents have a high-quality credential or a postsecondary degree.
UNiSON has secured a grant to attend training with CivicLab focused on enhancing partnerships, improving workforce alignment, addressing skills gaps, and establishing clear career pathways in rural areas.
In November, Director of Communications and Special Projects Jessica Rielly traveled to Indianapolis for the latest training session, which focused on improving hiring practices, enhancing employee engagement, and defining high-quality jobs.
First Spirit of Union County Award Recipient Named
Our workforce development efforts include celebrating the incredibel work done by employees across the County. One way we do that is through The Spirit of Union County Award. Champion-level members can choose an individual or organization that exemplifies the values that make Union County strong, including commitment, partnership, community investment, and a dedication to helping others succeed.
Amcor is one of 14 Champion investors, and the first to take advantage of this special opportunity.
CREATING OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL
Carolina Healthworks Offers Affordable Healthcare for Small Businesses
In November. YOUR Chamber announced an exciting new opportunity for Small Business Chamber Members. Carolina Healthworks is a partnership between The North Carolina Chamber and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBS).
Organizations that are headquartered in North Carolina, have 2-50 eligible employees, and are Chamber members can take part in the program that offers affordable healthcare options.
2025 Excellence in Business Awards Celebrated
On December 4, 2025, YOUR Union County Chamber gathered with over 500 business and community leaders at the Union County Agricultural Center for the Annual Excellence in Business Awards Gala.
This signature event celebrates the businesses, organizations, and individuals whose leadership, innovation, and service are strengthening Union County and shaping its future.
ADVOCATING FOR BUSINESSES
2025 Public Policy Luncheon: State of the State
North Carolina’s fiscal outlook remains strong, according to a recent State of the State budget presentation at the November Public Policy luncheon. Representatives Dean Arp and Mark Brody from the NC General Assembly highlighted a AAA bond rating, disciplined debt reduction (down 62% over 13 years with plans to reach 84% in five), and robust reserves, including a $3.6B rainy-day fund.
They shared that priorities for the GA include sustaining education and workforce investments, tackling rising Medicaid costs (projected +$800M), and funding critical infrastructure, especially water/wastewater and roads, while balancing differing House/Senate tax approaches and keeping budgets realistic amid inflation and population growth.
CHAMBER NEWS
Clayton Whitson, IOM Hired as new Chamber President/CEO
After an extensive nationwide search, the Union County Chamber announced in November that Clayton Whitson, IOM, has been selected as its next President and CEO. Clayton has served as President and CEO of the Madison County Alliance for the past 5 years guiding strategic initiatives that helped expand economic development, strengthen advocacy efforts, and foster collaboration across the county.
Chamber members and attendees of the Annual Excellence in Business Awards had the opportunity to meet Clayton.
New Floors for Chamber Building
For decades, the floors in the Chamber building supported the work of connection, leadership, and progress in our community. Recently, we made the decision to replace them as part of our ongoing commitment to continuous improvement and responsible stewardship of member investment. Caring for our shared space is one of the many ways we honor the trust our members place in us and ensure the Chamber remains a strong, professional home for the business community we serve. We’re grateful for the team at Flooring Clearance Center for their excellent work.
THE WORK CONTINUES
It is YOUR partnership and YOUR investment that makes all of this work to champion business growth and business prosperity throughout Union County possible.
