gREENSBORO CHAMBER ANNUAL REPORT
2018
>>> A message from the team We are a city of makers. Always looking forward to ways to continually improve our community while maintaining a deep respect for our past. A past that was built on entrepreneurship and innovation. To the 1,100+ members and investors of the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce, we thank you for your support. We know a strong, connected business environment creates opportunities for all. With your unwavering commitment to our organization, we will create a future bright with possibilities. As we continue to bring our community together across sectors and perspectives, we know one thing: 2018 was a great year! We saw more than 5,000 of you at our events, including two brand-new Summits and the first ever Guilford County Manufacturing Summit. Our annual State of Our Community luncheon was the highest attended as we announced 1,000 jobs coming to Greensboro through a Publix Distribution Center in East Greensboro. We saw 50 companies get their start through Launch Greensboro and look forward to seeing their successes in the years to come. We cannot wait to see what 2019 has in store. We hope you’ll join us!
The Greensboro Chamber Team
>>> ADVOCACY
2018 Manufacturing Summit held at GTCC’s new Center for Advanced Manufacturing.
Legislative AGENDA The 2018 legislative short legislative session was used to introduce the North Carolina General Assembly to items important to our community.
Eastern Triad Workforce Development Initiative (ETWDI) continued to support a 300% increase in youth pre-apprenticeships, and a 400% increase in adult-worker retraining towards a bright new future in 21st century advanced manufacturing. First Launch Capital Fund was established as a Triad early-stage seed fund to invest in innovative entrepreneurs and job growth. In 2019, we will ask for matching funds from the state.
Greensboro’s Intermodal Rail facility
is in desperate need of modernization and repair. A comprehensive assessment of needs and solutions is underway.
Thanks to bold action during the Toyota-Mazda recruitment process, the Greensboro-Randolph Megasite is a serious contender for transformational projects. The North Carolina General Assembly is aware and prepared for other needs that might arise as we continue the recruitment process.
Annual Report 2018
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>>> CREATE QUALITY JOBS Publix invests $400 million
Publix Super Markets, Inc., announced plans to invest $400 million in a major new logistics campus in eastern Guilford County. Publix is the largest employee-owned company in the United States and will offer 1000 new jobs. The operation is expected to be online by 2022.
HAECO opens new hangAr
HAECO Americas opened its $60 million, 250,000-square foot hangar at Piedmont Triad International Airport. The expansion will add 500 jobs when at full capacity. HAECO is a global MRO service provider, and manufacturer of aircraft interior products, employing more than 1,700 at locations at PTI, High Point, and Wallburg.
Annual Report 2018
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Core Technology Molding Expands
Core Technology Molding Corporation expanded to a 70,000-square foot facility at Greensboro’s Gateway University Research Park. The company manufactures plastic injection molded products for the automotive, biological, pharmaceutical, medical device, outdoor lawn equipment, and consumer goods markets.
FedEx Expanding in Guilford County
FedEx Express Mid-Atlantic Air Hub and FedEx Ground are expanding in Guilford County. The Air Hub located at PTI is adding 400 employees, bringing their facility employment total to more than 800 workers. A 270,000-square foot FedEx Ground distribution center is being constructed in Whitsett the second facility in the county.
Coca-Cola Facility Open
Coca-Cola Bottling Company is operating in a new 135,300-square foot sales and distribution facility at McConnell Center in Greensboro. The company invested $4 million for this expansion and will be adding 15-20 jobs.
Annual Report 2018
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>>> Starting and growing our own
1319
entrepre neurs
73%
in ongoing programs are M/WBE
LaunchLab TestimonialS: LaunchLab Growth was a great experience for our company. Bringing in local experts for advice on finance, legal matters and strategy helped us get traction quickly with our GPS tracking startup. We added 6 employees and several thousand more customers since our Growth cohort last year. It's a great resource."
-Matt Hannam, Logistimatics, LaunchLab Growth Participating in LaunchLab was by far one of the best things that I have done for my business. From basic business lessons to personalized strategy development, the program exposed me to valuable information that will undoubtedly propel my business to new heights. I have felt supported as I grow as a business leader and the connections I’ve made through the program are priceless. I highly recommend LaunchLab to anyone who is a new business owner who wants to take their business to the next level.�
-Dr. Karen Pollard, Brain Power Advisors, LaunchLab Growth Annual Report 2018
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LaunchLab 50 companies/ 65 individuals | 76% M/WBE 101 5-week accelerator program providing basic business knowledge in a cohort model to very early stage companies. GROWTH 12-week accelerator program for startup companies and founders looking to grow their businesses to sustainability. Paired with mentors. Culminates in Demo Day Event.
LaunchCamp TECH 12 companies | 17 individuals | 83% M/WBE An intense 3-Day program built specifically to engage and educate digital entrepreneurs. CREATIVE 16 companies | 18 individuals | 78% M/WBE Concentrated business-building workshop to support artists and makers.
IdeaLaunch 35 entrepreneurs | 71% M/WBE Monthly opportunity to pitch to a local audience of business and community leaders and receive immediate feedback.
Average of 33 members/month in 2018 Average membership length of 15 months 34 day passes Co-working space located downtown at 229 N. Greene St.
Capital Connects 145 attendees 13 presenting companies Annual Pitch “Competition� for companies to present to an audience of potential investors.
Annual Report 2018
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“Being a member of the Co//ab has significantly contributed to my growth and development as an entrepreneur. In this environment I have sat in on very informative workshops and made valuable connections. Also, the staff here are the best and has helped me gain a more business-oriented perspective regarding my ideas. I recommend this place to anyone thinking about validating or developing a business idea.”
-Lionel Spooner, co//ab member
First Launch Capital Fund: First Launch Capital Fund is a planned $2.5 million North Carolina Piedmont Triad-based traditional early-stage seed venture fund. The fund has an economic development and job creation focus through funding Triad-based companies with high-growth and future-funding potential at their earliest stages.
Triad Navigator: Online platform used by entrepreneurs to “navigate” the Triad’s
entrepreneurial resources. The platform connects entrepreneurs to networks, connections, support and events in our region. Our partners have pooled their calendars, information and resources to provide entrepreneurs one place to learn about the tools and resources they need to start, build and grow their businesses.
Testimonial: I participated in IdeaLaunch with a big picture vegan restaurant concept for the city of Greensboro. Prior to pitching, I worked with Co//ab staff in 3 separate sessions to refine my idea & pitch. The work done was eye opening and beneficial- setting me up for success when sharing my idea in front of the community. Since then, the feedback from that experience has given me the knowledge & confidence to make my big picture idea a realistic viable business!”
-Matthew Mullens, IdeaLaunch Annual Report 2018
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2018 LAUNCHLAB 101 & GROWTH SERIES
Annual Report 2018
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Good Health Greensboro
PetSuites
165
New Membe rs
41
1,077
CURREN T MEMBE RS
Ribbon Cutting s
Top Left: Title Boxing Club Left: Way to Go Travel Bottom: Taco Mama Annual Report 2018
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The Minority Business Accelerator Program is proving to be a game changer as it relates to developing a strong business network within the Triad, increasing our visibility and generating record level revenue. I am grateful for the Chamber’s continued support of the program.”
-Antonio Wallace, CEO GP Supply Company
Minority Business Accelerator: The purpose of the Minority Business Accelerator (MBA)
is to focus on growing the local, ethnic and minority-owned businesses and expanding the region’s minority entrepreneurial community. The vision for the program is to make Greensboro the nation’s #1 destination for minority entrepreneurs to design and enhance their businesses. HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: The Minority Business Accelerator intentionally establishes relationships between majority- and minority-owned businesses. The MBA program fosters the growth of local, ethnic and minority-owned businesses and to expand the region’s minority entrepreneurial business sector. In 2018, the MBA program experienced exciting new partnerships. Currently, eight Goal Setter organizations and 10 Portfolio companies participate in the MBA. 2018 represents the first year toward a 5-year goal of aggressively generating $10M in new revenues for MBA Portfolio companies. Results have proven fruitful, with new revenues totaling in excess of $2.0M. Greensboro Chamber joined the Carolinas-Virginia Minority Supplier Diversity Council to leverage relationships and position the MBA to be more recognizable.
Annual Report 2018
2018 = First year toward a 5-year goal of generating
$10M in revenues for MBA portfolio companies.
Revenues totaling in excess of
$2.0M
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We were happy to present well-deserved awards to three outstanding alumni:
Kimberly Gatling, Smith Moore Leatherwood 2018 Leadership Greensboro Medal
Maria Gonzalez, The Clubs of Greensboro 2018 Leadership Greensboro Medal
Reid Phillips, Brooks Pierce
2018 Denise E. Maleska Leadership Service Award
Leadership Greensboro
We continue to connect the leaders in Greensboro to one another, serve the community, and create lasting impact on the quality of life in our city. Connect: The Leadership Greensboro (LG) 2018 Class of 45 leaders graduated in May 2018 and included leaders from companies: Berico Fuels, The Carroll Companies, Lincoln Financial Group, and Qualicaps. They continue to be involved in Part II of the program, planning excellent content for the 2019 class. Leadership Greensboro also hosted its first Information Session for prospective applicants of the 2019 Class. The session was well attended by an engaged group of leaders with great questions. In August, we welcomed the LG 2019 Class - a diverse group of 45 more leaders representing multiple industries and backgrounds. They are fully engaged and halfway through this unique experience. The 2019 Class is also the third LG class to experience superior leadership development curriculum through our continued partnership with the Center for Creative Leadership (CCL). Serve: Alumni pitched in and dedicated their time to 4 excellent nonprofit organizations during our first ever 2018 Summer of Service! Over 35 alumni volunteered all summer long to support: Mobile Oasis Farmers Market, Downtown Greenway, the Teacher Supply Warehouse, and the Salvation Army Center of Hope. Our alumni also donated generously to our 2018 scholarship fund that provided awards for two 2019 class members. Impact: We care about the quality of life in our community and are helping to alleviate poverty - one of our greatest challenges. Beginning with our 2018 Class, we partnered with 5 nonprofit organizations on projects addressing this critical issue. One team developed an integrative, multi-use, financial tool that can be used to assist agencies and residents living below the Self-Sufficiency Standard. We look forward to continuing to impact the quality of life in Greensboro through this important work.
Testimonial: Leadership Greensboro is one of the most enlightening and rewarding experiences I have had in my professional career. Giving me the opportunity to expand my network with remarkable local leaders and learn more about Greensboro and the amazing things it has to offer.�
- Jose Sandoval, American National Bank, LG 2018 Class Annual Report 2018
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Other Voices celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2018! Throughout the year, Other Voices partnered with organizations across Greensboro to bring a diverse set of events, from book discussions, lectures, and live theatre, OV alumni celebrated 25 years of connecting our community with 25 curated events. The 25th Anniversary Gala featured keynote speaker Whitney Way Thore and was attended by more than 150 OV alum, graduating class members, and supporters.
2018 Change Agent Awards were presented to all founding members:
Thomas Berry Richard Bowling Liz Reinecke Hughlene Frank Margaret Arbuckle Charles Byrd Kenneth Alston Lynn Black Clyde Cook Ralph Mitchell Charles Saunders Mary Mims John Shaw Carl Ashby Marian Phillips
No matter what the other voice or opinion may be, the Circle offers an opportunity for growth. Chairing the Alumni Engagement Committee as we celebrated 25 Years gave me the opportunity to witness relationships that were built over the years. I’ve heard countless stories of how Other Voices has helped shaped the diversity and inclusion strategy for dozens of organizations across the Triad.�
- Jada Monica Drew, MS
Annual Report 2018
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I was working in the Pittsburgh area after graduation and while looking for a new job, I got an offer here in Greensboro. I’d visited North Carolina several times before, but I really didn’t know anything about Greensboro. The position sounded like a great opportunity, plus I’ve always enjoyed traveling and seeing new places. I decided to give it a try, thinking I’d just move on to something else if I didn’t like it. Almost two years later, I’m hooked.”
-Nick Scarci
synerG
synerG Young Professionals had an action-packed 2018 continuing many of its long standing programs including a variety of Lunch & Learns and monthly On Taps presented in partnership with the Greensboro Jaycees. Other ongoing projects and programs from the year included: Lead Your City Summit, Making Connections, Young Professional Ecosystem, and Young Professional Educators Academy. New to the synerG calendar this year was the synerG Wellness Series offering young professionals the opportunity to try different exercise classes in the community. Another new program, FOMO GSO, focused on retention of new nurses in partnership with Cone Health and will continue into next year.
Annual Report 2018
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CAMPUS GREENBSORO
Campus Greensboro is dedicated to preparing college students to be emerging professionals in Greensboro. Through our Summer Fellows Program and other year-round events, our mission is to better prepare local talent for the workforce, motivate students to explore all that our city has to offer, and help students discover career options post-graduation.
114 fellows
43
InterNship sites (employers)
31
Universities represented
After completing the Fellows Program: 89% of Fellows indicated they are interested in staying in Greensboro post-graduation 72% of Fellows reported that they built relationships with key leaders in the community 86% of Fellows stated that they understand the leading industries in Greensboro 96% of Fellows said the Leonard Kaplan Leadership Institute through the Center for Creative Leadership was an impactful part of their summer development
Annual Report 2018
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DOWNTOWN GREENWAY
Downtown greenway
4 MILE MULTI-USE PAVED TRAIL
CONNECTS TO OVER 100 MILES
ENVISIONED AND INSPIRED
is the first and only greenway encircling a downtown city in North Carolina.
of existing and 460 miles of planned greenways throughout the area. Serving as the hub of the greenway system.
by the Greensboro Bicentennial Commission as the signature project to commemorate the City’s 200th birthday.
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Significant progress was made in 2018 with design completed for the western section and construction completed for the entire southern leg. Economic development announcements continued to be strong. WASHINGTON Blandwood With construction beginning in early 2019 Mansion along the eastern leg – the goal of completing the project by the endMof 2020 seems likely. Depot CG EE
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• 300+ volunteers were engaged with Downtown Greenway activities • A volunteer appreciation event was held with 40 people attending
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TAKE PART IN DOWNTOWN GREENWAY EVENTS. Planning Participation Visit www.downtowngreenway.org for listings.
The Downtown Greenway has participated in the following planning processes: • Piedmont Legacy • ribbon cuttings • fitnessTrails classes To learn about all Greensboro Trails, visit: • groundbreakings • Plan2Play • biking events www.greensborotrails.org • and much more! • running/walking events • Downtown Streetscape Masterplan • PLANIT GSO • Greensboro Cultural Arts Master Plan • Public Art GSO website
www.downtowngreenway.org
Annual Report 2018
Community engagement
Page 17
4 MILE MULTI-USE PAVED TRAIL
CONNECTS TO OVER 100 MILES
ENVISIONED AND INSPIRED
in North Carolina.
of existing and 460 miles of planned greenways throughout the area. Serving as the hub of the greenway system.
by the Greensboro Bicentennial Commission as the signature project to commemorate the City’s 200th birthday.
is the first and only greenway Downtown greenway encircling a downtown city
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FRIENDLY
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Blandwood Mansion
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TAKE PART IN DOWNTOWN GREENWAY EVENTS. Visit www.downtowngreenway.org for listings. • fitness classes • biking events • running/walking events
Annual Report 2018
• ribbon cuttings • groundbreakings • and much more!
To learn about all Greensboro Trails, visit: www.greensborotrails.org
www.downtowngreenway.org
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Photo by GDPI
Spark Grant recipients
Action Greensboro and Downtown Greensboro Inc. are helping to pioneer an innovative method of community development by supporting unexpected, fun and exciting projects in downtown Greensboro that create buzz, community involvement and vitality. Community Portrait Exhibition, “ONE by ONE” April 2018 ONE by ONE, is a unique multi-day event that will connect the museum to our community via a lasting exhibition of a Community Portrait held at the Greensboro History Museum. Free Range Playground and Documentary Viewing of Reuse August 2018 A free range playground experience outfitted with recycled and reusable materials for participants of all ages. Faces of Diversity October 2018 A community building and character development public art project formed into a large-format piece of artwork using upcycled glass containing the fingerprints of community members. Permanent art piece is housed in the atrium of the Greensboro Cultural Center. CMYK Festival Oct. 2018 An organic Greensboro urban experience featuring murals and cultural collaborations to engage with tourists and locals while adding to Greensboro’s mural art landscape and promoting year-round tourism. Artist United to End Poverty Release Party October 2018 Music release party with 10 local artists from the Culture Pushers Collective performing music from the Artists United to End Poverty benefit album. Annual Report 2018
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In 2018, we wanted to continue highlighting new individuals through Made in Greensboro as well as utilizing content from past profiles. We moved to highlighting one new profile each month and began a new partnership with a new photography team, Odyssey Images, while continuing collaborative marketing efforts with the City of Greensboro and the Greensboro Chamber. 2018 SUCCESSES: • Ryan Pratt named Entrepreneur of the Year. • Sculpture artist, Felix Semper, featured in New York Post article and was on Live with Kelly and Ryan. • Greensboro Chamber of Commerce awarded Nick Wilson of 1618 Concepts as Small Business Person of the Year and Camilia Majette with Nailah's Shea, LLC as Minority Small Business Person of the Year. • Dame's Chicken and Waffles was listed as one of the best waffles in the country by Food Network.
Annual Report 2018
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CI RCL E OF C HA M P I ON S
S I LV ER
Ralph Lauren Staunton Capital, Inc.
G RE E N SBO RO C HA M B E R OF COM M E RC E 111 W. February One Place | Greensboro, NC 27401 336.387.8300 greensboro.org