Opportunity Chatham

Opportunity Chatham is a broad based advisory group of industry leaders, non-profits, private citizens, and elected officials working in partnership to support the goals of the Economic Development Corporation and to position Chatham County as the strategic, preferred location for emerging growth companies.

This year's Opportunity Chatham event, held May 12th, 2009, at the Joan Fabrics building in Siler City, provided an opportunity to hear from North Carolina’s new Secretary of Commerce Keith Crisco.  Secretary Crisco spoke about the future of job creation efforts and positioning North Carolina for economic recovery. In addition, EDC President Dianne Reid provided a diverse snapshot of the local community and economy and took the opportunity to share local success stories that arose from the EDC's attraction, retention, and entrepreneurship development efforts.

Opportunity Chatham meets semi-annually to update supporters on progress made toward implementing the strategic plan. For more information about joining Opportunity Chatham, please contact EDC staff at 919-542-8274 or info@chathamedc.org.

Praise for the first annual Opportunity Chatham event:

“I thoroughly enjoyed Opportunity Chatham and was very impressed with the attendance, the speakers and the food!  I am so glad that I didn’t miss this event!!  All of the business and community leaders that I need to keep in touch with were there!  Everything was just perfect!  … the time, effort and planning that you put into the event was obvious.  Opportunity Chatham was a great success!!"
Dina Reynolds, Chatham County United Way

“The Opportunity Chatham event in Siler City was terrific. I'm so glad I attended as I felt such a powerful sense of possibility when I left. Chatham County has such incredible treasures to offer in our land, our history, our parks and the talent, passion and creativity of our residents. I'm keeping in mind Secretary Crisco's suggestions that we be nimble and work as a team.”
Lesley Landis, Chatham County Arts Council
 
“Thanks to the EDC staff and board for such a spectacular success [at Opportunity Chatham] in Siler City! I don't know if anyone has been able to bring together so many people and so much good energy toward a brighter future for Chatham County. As Secretary Crisco illustrated it takes a fully operational team to create the right kind of big bang.”
Tim Keim, Integrated Water Strategies

Opportunity Chatham Speakers

Joe Glasson, EDC Board Chairman, introducing Secretary Crisco (video)

J. Keith Crisco, North Carolina Secretary of Commerce, keynote speaker (video)

Dianne Reid, EDC President, providing local success stories (PPT)

 

For more Opportunity Chatham photos, please click below.

Photographs  © 2009 Jessica M. Benton.  Video courtesy of Gene Galin.