Your Membership at Work
YOUR Chamber kicked off 2025 in high gear. Along with introducing several new programs, we worked with strategic partners to bolster efforts to champion business growth and business prosperity throughout Union County.
Our vision that everyone wo lives and works in Union County enjoy a thriving local economy is strong.
Read on to see what we’ve been up to this quarter.
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
Big Ideas, Bold Action Shared at What's Next? Vision Collaboration Action
The Annual State of YOUR Union County Chamber got a refresh this year. What’s Next: Vision, Collaboration, Action brought together nearly 100 of the most influential business leaders in Union County for an evening of powerful networking and high-impact discussions.
Several Chamber Board members updated attendees on our efforts in Workforce Development, Business-Friendly Advocacy, and Creating Opportunities for all.
Groundhog Day Economic Summit
We partnered with the City of Monroe to host the 15th Annual Groundhog Day Economic Forum on February 4 at the historic Dowd Center Theatre. The event brought together over 200 business and community leaders. Mayor Robert Burns announced the creation of Monroe’s Economic Development Department, with Walter “Buddy” Sprouse named interim director.
The event included presentations and a panel with Ian Wyatt, Director of Economics and Commercial Market Strategist – Commercial Bank for Huntington National Bank, and Ben Kinney, Publisher of Business North Carolina and SouthPark magazines. Wyatt provided a regional economic outlook, highlighting the fact that Union County and Monroe are seeing significant job and population growth. Kinney shared that consumer spending remains strong.
ADVOCATING FOR A THRIVING ECONOMY
2025 Legislative Agenda Released
Each year, YOUR Chamber updates its Legislative Agenda to advocate for business-friendly policies that support business growth and prosperity in Union County. The Agenda is unveiled at our Annual Legislative Agenda Breakfast, where members engage in meaningful discussions with policymakers.
At the 2025 breakfast, attendees joined us to review the three core pillars of the Legislative Agenda, which focus on infrastructure, workforce, and opposing taxes and regulations that hurt business.
During the event, Public Policy Consultant Briand Francis shared key updates on the Agenda before attendees participated in roundtable discussions. State, county, and municipal elected officials were seated at each table, providing a direct opportunity for members to share their perspectives. 
CREATING OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL
As part of our process of continuous improvement, we made some changes to the Small Business Program and added the Small Business Alliance. Chamber member business owners who employ 25 or fewer people are eligible to apply for the Alliance.
Members meet throughout the year as a way to empower small business owners in Union County to achieve growth and success through collaboration, education, and shared experiences. This trusted network of peers provides a supportive environment where members can regularly exchange knowledge, tackle challenges, and develop actionable strategies to enhance their businesses.
Topics covered include time management, scaling, marketing, and using AI in small business. Applications for the 2026 cohort will open in November.
Inclusive Hiring: Look Beyond the Disability
The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee partnered with the Union County Human Resources Association on their annual spring conference. The focus this year was on recruiting, hiring, and retaining individuals with developmental disabilities.
Nearly 80% of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are unemployed despite their ability and willingness to work. Here in North Carolina, a CDC report from 2023 estimates that about 29% of adults have a functional disability including mobility, cognitive, independent living, hearing, vision, and self-care. These numbers represent a vast, largely untapped talent pool—one filled with capable, motivated individuals eager to contribute to the workforce.
The presentations covered the following topics:
Education: Understanding the Talent Pool
Interviews: Unveiling the Potential of the Talent Pool
Accommodations: Unleashing the Power of the Talent Pool
Panel Discussion: Unfolding the Stories and Questions
CHAMBER NEWS
Chamber President/CEO Pat Kahle Announces Retirement
In January, Chamber President/CEO Pat Kahle announced her retirement after serving in the role for 11 years. Pat has been an impactful leader and has led incredible growth for the Chamber.
Highlights of her tenure include:
Creating the Women in Business and Emerging Leaders Program, Public Policy Committee (which then created the Chamber’s Legislative Agenda), Workforce Development Task Force (that spearheads the Middle School Speakers Bureau), Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, Environmental Health and Safety and Manufacturing CEO Roundtables
Collaborating in 2020 with Union County to encourage the Commissioners to sign a resolution in support of Union County Business.
Kahle also asked the County to provide financial support for Union County Small Businesses. The Board of County Commissioners and the staff set aside $1 million of CARES funding for grants for small businesses called Union County Back to Business.
Expanding Make It In Union County to the entire month of October.
Rebranding the Chamber logo, mission, and vision statements
Pioneering the Annual Leadership Summit as well as the inaugural Women in Business Awards
Initiating a regular 3-year Strategic Plan for the Chamber in consultation with the Board of Directors
Introducing a Tiered Benefits structure that provides greater choice and transparency for members
Updating all of the Chamber’s policies and by-laws to ensure the Chamber is a world-class organization for years to come
You can read more about her retirement and watch the announcement video here.
The Board of Directors is working with YGM LLC, an executive search firm that specializes in Chambers and Associations, to find the next President and CEO. The application deadline is April 15, 2025.
Director of Business Development Phillip Faust Accepts Sales Awards
In March, Phillip Faust attended the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives Membership and Revenue Development Conference in Georgia to accept 2 Sales awards.
He won 1st place in the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives Sales Contest for Membership Sales and 2nd place for Sponsorship Sales.
His efforts help fuel YOUR Chamber’s efforts to champion business growth and prosperity throughout Union County.
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.
