Your Membership at Work
Workforce development and advocacy were a big focus during the 3rd quarter of 2026.
YOUR Chamber brought together business and community leaders to advance our work creating and sustaining a well-trained workforce. We also got an update on a powerful Chamber benefit that can save money and help small businesses keep employees.
Read on to see what we’ve been up to this quarter.
BUILDING A THRIVING COMMUNITY
NC Chamber Hosts Carolina Healthworks Update
Chamber President and CEO Clayton Whitson travelled to the Triad in September for an update on Carolina Healthworks. Currently, more than 1.300 small businesses are enrolled, covering more than 11,000 employees and family members. One of those businesses is Oakview Public House, a family owned restaurant in Holly Springs. Read more of their story here.
The update also included a roundtable discussion sharing lessons learned as the NC Chamber and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of NC works to improve offerings.
Carolina Healthworks offers affordable, customized health plans for small businesses. To qualify, the business must have 2 to 50 employees, be a member of a chamber of commerce, and be headquartered in North Carolina. Carolina Healthworks offers potential savings of 20% for qualifying groups.
ADVOCATING FOR BUSINESS
Chamber Hosts Annual State of the County Luncheon
At the State of Union County Luncheon, County Manager Brian Matthews shared an update on Union County’s priorities, investments and challenges as one of North Carolina’s fastest-growing counties. Economic development remains a major focus, with the county working to attract higher-paying industries, support existing businesses and strengthen its agricultural economy. Matthews highlighted the planned Food Innovation Center near Wingate, which will support agriculture-related businesses, as well as more than $700 million in planned water and wastewater infrastructure investments over the next five-plus years. He also outlined investments in education, public safety and emergency medical services to meet the needs of a growing population.
Matthews also emphasized the importance of preserving Union County’s rural character as development pressures continue to increase. The county is working to protect farmland through its rural land use plan and farmland preservation program, with nearly 600 acres targeted for protection through the next round of purchases.
Looking ahead, Matthews identified population growth, traffic congestion, infrastructure demands and state and federal funding decisions as key challenges. He stressed the importance of balancing growth with the cost of providing services while protecting the qualities that make Union County a desirable place to live, work and do business.
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
Leadership Summit Focuses on Workforce Development
Union County’s labor market is regional, complex, and changing quickly. At the Annual Leadership Summit on educational attainment and workforce development, leaders from K–12 education, colleges, employers, workforce organizations, and nonprofits agreed on one central point: keeping pace will require sustained, cross-sector collaboration.
The Summit included a presentation from MyFutureNC and Our Future in UNiSON, as well as 2 panels focused on workforce development solutions. Representatives from ApprenticeshipNC, Union County Public Schools’ Work-Based Learning Department, and South Piedmont Community College shared how they are helping to train future and current workforce members.
Union County Commissioner Melissa Merrell, UCPS Superintendent Dr. Andrew. Houlihan and SPCC President Dr. Sstacy Waters-Bailey shared about investments being made at the state, regional, and local level for workforce development.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL
Economic Opportunity & Engagement Coalition Expands Chamber's Efforts to Create a Thriving Community
In September, Chamber President and CEO Clayton Whitson shared the formation of the Economic Opportunity & Engagement Coalition, bringing the work of the DEAI Committee into a much broader initiative focused on bringing together businesses, community leaders, educators, government partners, nonprofits, and residents to expand economic opportunity and strengthen meaningful engagement throughout Union County.
The Coalition’s goal is focused on moving from conversation to connection and action by identifying barriers, increasing access to resources and networks, strengthening relationships across communities, and creating pathways for individuals and businesses to participate and thrive.
The coalition is designed for everyone who cares about Union County’s continued growth and success, including:
- • Business owners and employers
- • Educators, nonprofit leaders, and community advocates
- • Young professionals and entrepreneurs
- • Residents invested in local opportunity
CHAMBER NEWS
Annual Chamber 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 4.8 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.
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.
