Your Membership at Work
YOUR Chamber was busy with our work championing business growth and business prosperity throughout Union County. We made progress on our efforts to advocate for a thriving economy, supported some incredible Women in Business, and made strides in strengthening a safe and strong workforce.
Read on to see what we’ve been up to this quarter.
ADVOCATING FOR A THRIVING COMMUNITY
Chamber Takes Action Regarding Transportation Funding for Union County
YOUR Chamber successfully advocated for changes to proposed transportation sales tax legislation. House Bill 948 authorized a sales tax referendum in Mecklenburg County. The Chamber voiced concerns about its broader regional impact. The Board of Directors signed a resolution urging lawmakers to consider how the influx of local funding could give Mecklenburg County a competitive edge in state funding decisions, at the expense of projects in Union County. The bill passed, but the language was altered in a way that addressed the Chamber’s concerns.
Chamber Hosts State of Union County Public Policy Luncheon
August brought the annual State of Union County Public Policy Luncheon. County Manager Brian Matthews joined us again to share an update on growth, investment, and the road ahead for the county.
Matthews broke down some of where residents’ property taxes go, noting that 70% supports education, with the government itself receiving less than 13 cents per dollar.
He also shared how the county is privatizing public safety, infrastructure, and economic development.
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
Keeping Employees Safe with the 2025 OSHA Update
Union County has an incredible workforce across a diverse set of industries. Ensuring workers stay safe on the job is an important part of workforce development. That’s why YOUR Chamber hosts an annual OSHA update as part of our Environmental Health and Safety Program.
As in year’s past, we are privileged to have Travis Vance, Partner at Fisher Phillips to share an important information on OSHA requirements and expectations.
Having spoken on three continents (including Europe and Africa) on workplace safety issues, and defended employers in over 55 trials and appellate oral arguments in 19 states, Travis Vance is a go to lawyer when defending an OSHA inspection or responding to a catastrophic event. His active workplace safety practice includes defending over 800 OSHA and MSHA inspections in 48 states, as well as arguing appellate matters in the 2nd, 4th, 5th, and D.C. Circuit Courts of Appeals. Travis is the regional managing partner of Fisher Phillips’ Charlotte office and co-chair of the firm’s Workplace Safety and Catastrophe Management Practice Group.
CREATING OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL
2025 WOMEN IN BUSINESS HONOREES ANNOUNCED
Nominations for the 2025 Women in Business Awards opened in July. With nearly 2 dozen nominees, the decision was a tough one for the Selection Committee.
This year’s committee included the inaugural Women in Business recipients, along with current WIB Chair Tara McAlister and Ambassador CoChair Theresa Donaldson.
In September, we announced the recipients:
Women to Watch
- • Jordan Griffin – Leitner, Bragg, and Griffin, PLLC
- • Mary Moose – Amcor
- • Ashley Nowell – Town of Waxhaw
Women of Influence
- • Sheila Crunkleton – American Red Cross, Southern Piedmont Chapter
- • Kamella Emmanuel – Keep Evolving Consulting
- • Tahira Stalberte – Union County Public Schools
CHAMBER NEWS
Member Survey Results
The Annual Chamber Member Survey showed our efforts to champion business growth and business prosperity remain in line with the needs of our business community.
Members who took the survey in August rated YOUR Chamber an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars for satisfaction. The survey identified the top 3 challenges facing businesses as:
1. Workforce Pipeline
2. Marketing/Growing Customer Base
3. The Economy
98% of those who responded felt the Chamber’s advocacy is somewhat or very important for their organization. They also felt the Chamber’s advocacy efforts closely or somewhat aligned to their business concerns.
YOUR Chamber uses the results of this annual survey to review our efforts and make plans for the upcoming year.
Director of Business Development Phillip Faust Shares Sales Expertise
In July, Business Development Director Phillip Faust, co-presented at the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives Annual Convention in Philadelphia. He and Heather Eyster with the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC shared their expertise in sales with Chamber executives from around the country.
Phillip was asked to speak following his win last year in the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives Sales Contest for Membership Sales. Phillip also took 2nd place for Sponsorship Sales.
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.
