Your Membership at Work
The first quarter of 2026 kicked off an exciting new chapter for YOUR Union County Chamber. With the arrival of our new president, we welcomed fresh leadership and renewed energy, while keeping our unwavering commitment to championing business growth and prosperity front and center.
Read on to see what we’ve been up to this quarter.
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
2025-2026 Middle School Speakers Bureau Wraps Up
Nearly 1,100 students learned about incredible career opportunities right here in Union County during the 2025-2026 Middle School Speakers Bureau.
This initiative, led by the Workforce Development Task Force in partnership with Union County Public Schools (UCPS), sends professionals from local employers into middle schools across the county. This year, speakers presented at Cuthbertson, Monroe, Marvin Ridge, Piedmont, and Weddington Middle Schools. Along with information on careers and the company, presenters also share a hands-on activity to further engage students.
We are grateful for the following organizations who participated this year:
- Homeward Bound Guesthouse
- Allegacy Federal Credit Union
- Black’s Tire
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites – Monroe
- ATI
- City of Monroe
- UCPS
- McGee Brick
- State Utility
- Charlotte Pipe
- Builders1st Source
- Turner Construction
- Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Inc USA
- CIRCOR
BUILDING A THRIVING COMMUNITY
16TH Annual Groundhog Day Economic Development Summit
The wintry weather on February 2 may have pushed the date of the 16th Annual Groundhog Day Summit, but it couldn’t chill the momentum our local economy is experiencing.
YOUR Chamber cohosts the summit with the City of Monroe each year. It brings together business leaders, elected officials, and community stakeholders for a look at economic trends and outlook. This year, Dr. Michael Walden, Reynolds Distinguished Professor Emeritus at North Carolina State University, provided an overview of national, state, and local economic conditions, including growth trends, inflation, housing, workforce shifts, and projections for 2026.
You can watch a recording of the summit below.
ADVOCATING FOR BUSINESSES
2026 Legislative Agenda Input
With 2026 being a short session for the NC General Assembly, the Chamber’s Public Policy Committee is working on updating the Chamber’s Legislative Agenda.
The Legislative Agenda Breakfast in March focused on a brief review of the current agenda, and then we gave the business and community leaders an opportunity to share about the issues facing their organizations.
Survey respondents identified infrastructure challenges, particularly sewer, roads, and wastewater, alongside funding, workforce availability, and affordable housing as the most pressing issues facing their businesses today.
Workforce development concerns center on soft skills and generational differences, with childcare and housing also seen as significant barriers to attracting and retaining talent. To strengthen Union County’s appeal to current and future employees, participants emphasized the need for more affordable housing and expanded entertainment options, while also noting access to healthcare as an additional workforce-related concern.
From an infrastructure and investment standpoint, road expansion and connectivity emerged as the top priority at both the local and state levels. Looking ahead, respondents expressed strong support for downtown development as a strategic investment area to enhance quality of life, support economic growth, and help Union County remain competitive in attracting business and talent.
CHAMBER NEWS
Clayton Whitson Begins Tenure as Union County Chamber President & CEO
The new year brought new leadership for the Chamber. Clayton Whitson, IOM began his tenure on January 5, 2026. Clayton previously served as President and CEO of the Madison County Alliance in Indiana.
The Chamber hosted a reception for members to meet him in late January. Clayton shared that he is eager to build on the great momentum the Chamber already has.
“I want to take an already excelling chamber to the next level and find ways to enhance services to help the business community, municipalities, and the county as a whole,” Clayton shared.
Staff Attends CACCE Professional Development Conference
Professional development is an important value of YOUR Union County Chamber. In March, President/CEO Clayton Whitson, IOM, Programs and Events Manager Sydney Baker, and Member Engagement Administrator Sarah Cole attended the Carolinas Association of Chamber Executives Annual Staff Leadership Development Conference.
Hosted in Columbia South Carolina, the conference gives Chamber executives the opportunity to network and learn from each other. There were also valuable presentations on workforce development strategies, Leadership programs, events, and AI.
Events like these help YOUR Chamber to continuously improve and offer the best opportunities to champion business growth and prosperity.
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.
