Initiatives
State of Our Workforce: NC
The State of Our Workforce is a regional initiative with statewide ramifications. launched first as a local study in the Triangle, today’s expanded program aims to help stakeholders like local businesses, educators, and community leaders better understand their workforce challenges through area-specific data. While the North Carolina Chamber Foundation will use the aggregate regional data to guide statewide decision-making, The State of Our Workforce: Western NC is solely focused on us and guided by a regional steering committee.
Programs
Business and Economic Development Committee
The Business and Economic Development Committee provides awards, recognition, education, communication opportunities, and resources to assist Chamber members in operating successful businesses in Haywood County. The Committee’s overall goal is to enhance business opportunities for small businesses dealing with growth and competing businesses in Haywood County. The Committee sponsors the annual Business Start-Up Competition and selects and recognizes Business of the Month recipients, Business of the Year, and Entrepreneur of the Year. Committee members also work diligently to provide quality speakers and programming for monthly Issues and Eggs breakfast meetings focusing on issues or topics concerning HCC Chamber members.
Governmental Relations Committee
The Governmental Relations Committee establishes and enhances relationships with government officials, provides information and obtains input from our members on governmental issues relevant to them, recommends advocacy positions, and communicates the Chamber’s viewpoint to our membership and elected officials. The Committee continues to build relations and improve communication between Chamber leadership and public officials, conducting an annual survey to the membership requesting input about governmental policies and how they impact their business to develop a legislative agenda for Haywood County that communicates strong and consistent positions for companies. The Committee also hosts roundtable session(s) with Elected Officials to discuss issues of importance to area businesses, the Annual Elected Officials Reception, the Annual Candidates Forum or Meet and Greets inviting candidates seeking elected office to participate, and the Annual Chamber delegation visit to NC Representatives in Raleigh, NC.
Women in Business
The Chamber’s Women in Business Committee aims to prepare women (and men) to be professional leaders in our community and to provide mentoring and support at all levels of business. The Committee coordinates and schedules Quarterly Luncheons on topics ranging from Personal Image and Branding to becoming a Financially Savvy Woman.
Young Professionals of Haywood
The Young Professionals of Haywood (YPH) host monthly Professional Development, Networking, and Community Service events to make Haywood County a better place to live, work, and play.
Leadership Haywood
Leadership Haywood has become one of the most prestigious organizations in Haywood County. Each year, a select group of local leaders learn not only what is going on in our business community but how they can make a difference. The program builds community relations through an in-depth view of cultural, economic, historical, social, educational, environmental, and government resources. The result is that the alums have made countless contributions to the community and its quality of life. Leadership Haywood connects participants with prominent civic, business, and government leaders.
Chamber Golf Tournament
The Chamber hosts an annual golf tournament in support of its initiatives. Golfers enjoy an afternoon of golf, lunch, a goody bag, and an opportunity to network with local business community members. The Golf Committee is responsible for pre-event and day-of coordination, sponsorship generation, and post-event follow-up.
Please get in touch with the chamber for more information at or 828.456.3021 about any of our programs or initiatives.