What: The 2023 Critical Issues Series.

Why: To connect Chamber members with influential guest speakers who address timely topics for Greater Chapel Hill-Carrboro and share critical insights related to the economy; economic, workforce, and community development; local elections; and policy and legislative matters that matter to the local business community.

How: The forums are coordinated by The Chamber's Government Affairs Committee.

When: Quarterly, in-person, and usually on the last Thursday morning of the month.

• (Q1) The Economic Outlook Forum, which is on Thursday, February 23, 2023, from 8:00am-10am at the Lumina Theater in Southern Village (Chapel Hill).
• (Q2) The Economic Development Forum, which is on Thursday, April 27, 2023, from 8:00am-10am at the Lumina Theater in Southern Village (Chapel Hill).
• (Q3) Coffee with the Candidates Breakfast, which is on Tuesday, October 3, 2023, from 8:00am-10:00am at The Carolina Inn.
• (Q4) The State Legislative Forum, which is on Thursday, November 30, 2023, from 8:00am-10:00am at the Lumina Theater in Southern Village (Chapel Hill).
• (Q4) The Local Government Appreciation Reception, which is on Thursday, December 14, 2023, from 5:00pm-7:00pm at a location TBD.

Who: The 2023 Critical Issues Series was presented by Chapel Hill Media Group and Servpro of South Durham and Orange Counties with support from the Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC), which provides free and confidential business counseling.

Contact: For more information about the 2023 Critical Issues Series contact Chamber Vice President for Membership Rebecca Dickenson.

2022 Critical Issues Series

What: The 2022 Critical Issues Series (formerly known as the Policy Series).

Why: To connect Chamber members with influential guest speakers who address timely topics for Greater Chapel Hill-Carrboro and share critical insights related to economic and workforce development, public policy, the economy, and local elections.

How: The forums are coordinated by The Chamber's Government Affairs Committee and conducted over Zoom.

When: Quarterly and usually on the last Thursday morning of the month from 8:30-10am.

• (Q1, February 24, 2022) The Economic Outlook Forum
• (Q2, April 28, 2022) The Candidates and Elected Officials Forum
• (Q3, September 29, 2022) The Economic Development Forum
• (Q4, December 8, 2022) The Legislative Forum

Who: The 2022 Critical Issues Series is presented by Chapel Hill Media Group, Durham Tech, Glen Lennox, and Servpro of South Durham and Orange Counties with support from the Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC), which provides free and confidential business counseling.

Sponsorship: To sponsor these critical conversations, contact Chamber Vice President for Membership Rebecca Dickenson, and learn more about sponsorship opportunities.

Contact: For more information about the 2022 Critical Issues Series, contact Chamber Vice President for External Affairs, Katie Loovis, at (919) 696-0781 (cell).

2021 Critical Issues Series

The 2021 Critical Issues Series (formerly known as the Policy Series) is 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.

About: The Critical Issues Series features nearly a dozen forums with influential guest speakers who address timely topics for Greater Chapel Hill-Carrboro related to economic and workforce development, public policy, the economy, and elections.

When:

• February 25: THE COVID FORUM |  Vaccines, testing, and the road to recovery
• March 25: THE ECONOMIC OUTLOOK FORUM | Featuring Dr. Michael Walden
• April 22: THE REGIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FORUM | Our region and counties
• May 27: THE LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FORUM | Our towns and downtowns
• June 24: THE RISK & RESILIENCE FORUM | Ensuring modern and resilient utilities and services for business continuity in challenging times
• July 22: THE WORKFORCE FORUM | Recruiting, training, and retaining top talent
• October 14: THE REAL ESTATE FORUM | Commercial and residential real estate updates presented by Servpro of South Durham & Orange County
• December 9: THE LEGISLATIVE FORUM | Federal and state legislative updates presented by Servpro of South Durham & Orange County

Sponsorship: The 2021 Critical Issues Series is presented by 97.9 The Hill & Chapelboro.com, Duke Energy, and Durham Technical Community College. Learn more about sponsorship opportunities.

Contact: For more information about the 2021 Critical Issues Series, contact The Chamber Vice President for External Affairs, Katie Loovis, at (919) 967-7075 (office) or (919) 696-0781 (cell).

What: The 2020 Policy Series

About: Coordinated by the Chamber's Government Affairs Committee, the series included five policy forums featuring influential guest speakers who address timely topics related to the economy, economic development, public policy, and local elections.

When:

• Friday, February 14, 2020: "Eggs with Elected Officials + Candidates"
• Wednesday, March 25, 2020: "Economic Outlook Forum" with Dr. Michael Walden of NC State
• Wednesday, June 24, 2020: "Regional Economic Development Forum" presented by RTP Foundation
• Wednesday, September 23, 2020: "Real Estate Forum" with Amanda Hoyle of MetroStudy
• Friday, December 4, 2020: "State Legislative Forum" with the Greater Chapel Hill-Carrboro delegation to the NC General Assembly

Sponsors: The 2020 Chamber Policy Series is sponsored by Durham Tech, Duke Energy, and Silverspot Cinema

Questions: For more information about the Policy Series, the Chamber's Government Affairs Committee, and/or the Chamber's public policy portfolio, contact Chamber Vice President for External Affairs Katie Loovis at (919) 696-0781 (cell).

What: 2019 Policy Series 

About: Coordinated by the Chamber's Government Affairs Committee, the series includes six policy forums and features influential guest speaker(s) who address timely topics related to the economy, economic development, public policy, and local elections.

When: Every-other-month, usually the second Wednesday morning (*dates, topics, and locations subject to change).

• Wednesday, Feb 13, 2019: Economic Outlook Forum at Silverspot Cinema from 8:30-10am
• *New Date - Friday, April 12, 2019: Eggs with Elected Officials at K&W Cafeteria in Chapel Hill from 8-10am
• Wednesday, June 12 2019: Economic Development Forum at Silverspot Cinema from 8:30-10am
• Wednesday, September 4, 2019: Coffee with the Candidates at Siena Hotel from 8-10am
• *Cancelled* Wednesday, October 23, 2019: State Legislative Forum at Silverspot Cinema from 8:30-10am
• Wednesday, Dec 11, 2019: Real Estate Forum featuring Amanda Hoyle of Metrostudy at Silverspot Cinema from 8:30-10am

Sponsors: The 2019 Chamber Policy Series is sponsored by Cardinal Innovations Healthcare, Durham Tech, Haugh Realty Advisors, and Silverspot Cinema

Questions: For more information about the Policy Series, the Chamber's Government Affairs Committee, and/or the Chamber's public policy portfolio, contact Chamber Vice President for External Affairs, Katie Loovis, at (919) 696-0781 (cell).