Groups
Chamber Ambassadors serve as a proactive liaison and promoter for the Chamber in the community and region. Ambassadors actively participate and represent the Chamber in fundraising activities and events. This includes: Operation Thank You, Surprise Patrol visits, Ribbon Cuttings, New Member Receptions, Annual Gala, Total Resource Campaign, Trade Show, Dragon Boat, Women in Business or Men in Business, Power in Partnership breakfast series, and Business After Hours mixers. Most importantly, Ambassadors seek out the value and fun of the Chamber and communicate it to others!
Membership Committee/Ambassador meetings are held on the Second Monday of each month at 4 p.m. (prior to the Business After Hours Mixer).
If you are interested in becoming a Chamber Ambassador, please email info@rowanchamber.com for more information.
The Chamber of Commerce is a liaison between your business and the local, state, and federal government. Our objective is to enhance communication and discussion with government agencies on important issues relating to Rowan County, its municipalities, businesses and citizens.
The Government Affairs committee will review relevant state and national regulatory and legislative issues, make necessary policy recommendations to the Board of Directors and make these recommendations known to Chamber members, the general public and elected officials. Particular areas of interest include improving Rowan County's economy, land-use and infrastructure/transportation system.
Meetings are organized with elected officials and agencies both in Rowan County and Raleigh as needed. Committee members are able to participate in the annual Washington, D.C. trip sponsored by representatives of Congress. While in D.C, meetings will be scheduled with our congressional delegation.
Government Affairs also conducts Candidate Forums as needed for County Commission, Municipal and School Board Elections.
If you are interested in being involved with the Government Affairs Committee please email info@rowanchamber.com for more information.
Leadership Rowan is a leadership development program sponsored by the Rowan County Chamber of Commerce. The program is designed to prepare leaders to expand their leadership roles. Persons completing the program are expected to volunteer their time and talents for community service. Leadership Rowan provides insight into how Rowan County functions as a community politically, socially, economically, and culturally.
Participants are required to attend a two day, out of town, retreat followed by 9 individual program sessions held on the third Thursday of each month, September – May. Daily sessions are from 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Each session is led by experienced community leaders focusing on History and Power, Public Education, Criminal Justice, Human Needs, Government, Business and the Economy, Communications, and Quality of Life. Participants are encouraged to speak openly about their experiences in political, social, and economic facets of the community. Class members will develop a broadened understanding and appreciation of community organizations and needs. A commencement ceremony will follow in May.
Tuitions for Leadership Rowan is $800 for Chamber members and $1,200 for non-members. Limited financial assistance may be available upon request. Companies are encouraged to sponsor individual employees who have demonstrated potential as community leaders.
Participant Requirements:
- Attend overnight retreat
- Attend class day each month, 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., on the 3rd Thursday of each month
- Participants are only allowed one absence in order to graduate
Click here for a Leadership Rowan application.
Women in Business (WIB) events are held at various Chamber member locations. This program is designed to empower and inspire professional women through motivating messages, mixers, and networking opportunities. Events are held from 12:00-1:00 p.m. or 5:00-7:00 p.m. Meetings begin September- April; however, WIB does not meet in January. Beverages and appetizers are provided by the sponsor. Admission is free for members and $20 for nonmembers.
Through educational breakfast events and other social events throughout the year, professional women can build lasting relationships and gain valuable knowledge on important topics such as:
- Increasing sales
- New marketing strategies
- Effective networking
- Personal development
WIB events address the challenging business needs that women in business face through:
- Dynamic Speakers
- Engaging Dialogue
- Online Communication
Men in Business (MIB) events are held at various Chamber member locations. This program is designed to network with in a casual atmosphere with no agendas other than to get to know other and ultimately build networking relationships. Meetings are held intermittently. If you are interested in becoming involved with MIB, email info@rowanchamber.com.
Young Professionals (YP) serves members ages 40 and under. Networking events are held intermittently. YP nurtures our youngest members to enhance their professional development and become active community members. If you are interested in becoming involved with YP, email info@rowanchamber.com for more information.
The Rowan Chamber’s Minority Business Council was organized in 2016 by a great group of local minority business leaders. Elia Gegorek (Gegorek & Associates Realty) is the chair of the Council. Over 40 attendees usually attend the various functions.
The goal of the Council is to help minority businesses grow and prosper. The Rowan Chamber coordinates meetings, seminar and networking events. The City of Salisbury serves as a co-sponsor of the program. Rowan-Cabarrus Community College’s Small Business Center and Livingstone College also provide support.
The Minority Business Council Action Plan includes:
- Monthly meetings on the Third Tuesday of Each Month at 9 a.m.
- Two Minutes to Promote Your Business
- Profile of a Successful Minority Business
- Expert Speakers: CPA, Attorney, Marketing exec’s
- Promote the RCCC Small Business Center’s free counseling and seminars
- Work with the new Rowan IDEA Center at West End Plaza to encourage entrepreneurial development in our community
- Work with the City of Salisbury on an Angel Investment Fund for minority businesses
- Mentor minority students at Livingstone, Catawba & RCCC who are interested in starting businesses
- Host an Annual Meet and Greet
- Assist interested persons with Minority Supplier Development Certifications
- Promote City of Salisbury bid opportunities for minority business contracts
- Encourage major employees to increase their minority business vendors
- Produce a Minority Business Directory in conjunction with the Chamber’s Annual Membership Directory
For more information on the Minority Business Council, please contact Elaine Spalding at 704.633.4221 or espalding@rowanchamber.com
The Education & Workforce area strives for excellence in our education system and mentoring opportunities for students, promotes life-long learning, encourages a strong work ethic and bridges the gap between education and business. Areas of responsibility include:
- Workforce Development Alliance
- New Teacher/Employee Welcome Reception
- Student Mentors
- Teacher of the Year
- Groundhog Day Job Shadow
- National Manufacturing Day Plant Tours
- Healthy Rowan/Corporate Health Cup
- Rowan Partners for Education
Meetings held: Oct - May on Second Tuesday @ 8:30 a.m.
The Rowan Chamber has an active Agriculture Committee that works closely with our agri-business sector to highlight their economic impact in our community. There are a number of activities held during the year, including the Power in Partnership “Salute to Agri-business” in March of every year; a Fall Farm Tour; and, the new Arts & Ag. Tours of Rowan County.
The Arts & Ag Farm Tours match local artists with local farms. Visitors from all over the region come to experience our “Rowan Originals”. The Arts and Ag Farm Tours are a partnership with the Rowan Extension Office and Rowan Tourism Authority. For more information: http://rowanartsandag.com/
