2021 Critical Issues Series: Regional Economic Development Forum

Description

Read the Top Takeaways | Watch the Video | Review the Presentations | Listen to the 97.9 The Hill Interview

What: The Regional Economic Development Forum coordinated by The Chamber For a Greater Chapel Hill-Carrboro and presented by 97.9 The Hill & Chapelboro.com, Duke Energy, and Durham Technical Community College 

When: Thursday, April 22, 2021 from 8:30am-10:00am 

Where: Zoom (Register to get the link) 

About the Forum: This forum will discuss the Research Triangle Region and what it means and why it matters for us to be part of this globally renowned, multicounty region. Leaders in economic development from Orange, Durham, and Wake Counties will share hallmarks of their county, points of progress, and key drivers for success as well as reflections on the interconnectedness of the region and areas of opportunity going forward. 

About the Region: Orange, Durham, and Wake Counties make up the core of the Research Triangle Region, which is anchored by several research universities, including UNC in Chapel Hill, Duke University and NC Central in Durham, and NC State in Raleigh, and strong community colleges, including Durham Tech and Wake Tech. Home to some of the fastest growing companies and connected globally with an international airport (RDU) and locally with convenient interstates (I-40 and I-85), the Triangle features vibrant communities with high quality of life and world class health care for residents, who represent one of the best educated work forces in America.

Agenda: 

8:30am - 8:45am: Welcome 

• Sponsors and Orange County Commissioner Earl McKee

8:45am - 9:00am (Segment 1): Framing the Regional Discussion

• Aaron Nelson, President & CEO, The Chamber For a Greater Chapel Hill-Carrboro

9:00am - 9:15am (Segment 2): The Vision for the Research Triangle Park

• Ray Trapp, Vice President of Strategic Engagement, Research Triangle Park Foundation

9:15am - 9:45am (Segment 3): County-by-County Progress & Perspectives

• John B. Morris III, CCIM, Vice Chair, Orange County Economic Development Advisory Board, and President & Broker In Charge, Morris Commercial 
• Ryan Regan, Vice President of Economic Development, Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce
• Michael Haley, Executive Director, Wake County Economic Development and SVP, Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce

9:45am - 9:55am (Segment 4): Transportation - Connective Tissue for the Region

• Joe Milazzo II, PE, Executive Director, Regional Transportation Alliance (RTA)

10:00am: Adjourn

About the Critical Issues Series: Coordinated by the Chamber's Government Affairs Committee, the 2021 Critical Issues Series (formerly known as the Policy Series) includes ten forums and features influential guest speakers who address timely topics for Greater Chapel Hill-Carrboro related to the economy, economic development, public policy, and elections.

Contact: For questions, contact The Chamber's Vice President of External Affairs, Katie Loovis, at (919) 696-0781 (cell) or KLoovis@carolinachamber.org.