2023 Annual Report

GREENSBORO CHAMBER

Annual Report 2023

greensboro.org

We know and grow Greensboro.

Whether you’re looking for ways to connect within your community, needing guidance for your local business, or wanting to get your next big idea off the ground, no one knows the ‘Boro better than us.

And, we’re here to help. www.greensboro.org

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A message from our team

To the 1,300+ members and investors of the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce, we thank you for your support. You are the driving force behind our shared mission.

Your unwavering support propels us toward a future where every member of our community can flourish and contribute to the tapestry of our vibrant city.

In embracing the principles of a more equitable society, we recognize the transformative power it holds.

It’s not just about social justice; it’s about unleashing the boundless talents and potential within each citizen, creating a diverse and inclusive environment that benefits us all. This journey towards economic opportunity for all is not only a noble cause but a strategic investment in our collective human and social capital.

flourishes, and the burdens of economic and social inequality are alleviated. This is not just an aspiration; it’s a shared vision that becomes reality with your steadfast commitment.

We’re not just an organization; we are a community, a support system, and a catalyst for positive change.

So, let’s stride into 2024, knowing that your dedication is the cornerstone upon which our community is constructed. The road ahead is paved with possibilities, and with your continued commitment, we are excited to witness the prosperity and resilience that will define Greensboro and Guilford County.

Imagine the impact we can make together. A thriving and dynamic community where businesses large and small thrive, entrepreneurship

Here’s to a future filled with promise, made possible by each and every one of you. Let’s continue this incredible journey together.

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ADVOCACY AND LEGISLATIVE AGENDA

2023 was an incredibly successful year for the Greensboro-High Point Legislative Agenda.

The five items included in the agenda all received funding, both recurring and non-recurring in the 2023-2024 Budget that was passed later in the year.

BU I LDIN G A WO R K FO RCE TO M E E T CUR R E N T/ FU T U R E N E E DS The Journey to R1 – North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University: • $10M in recurring funding for 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 to support new faculty and professional positions for new and existing programs.

• $5M in non-recurring funding for 2024-2024 to continue to upgrade critical research labs and educational spaces.

Eastern Triad Workforce Long-Term Success • $1M in non-recurring funds for 2023-2024 to continue ETWI’s successful track record of awareness and education about educational and workforce development initiatives that exist in each county and to ensure the program reaches its full potential.

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GTCC’s FAME Partnership • $9M in non-recurring funding for 2023-2024 to kickstart the Federation of Manufacturing Education (FAME) Advance Manufacturing Technician (AMT) program.

“Ready for School, Ready for Life” Integrated Data System • $1M in non-recurring funding for 2023-2024 to help fund the Ages 0-3 expansion, addition of Ages 3-5 strategies, and creating a replicable model for statewide implementation.

G RO W IN G FUTURE J O BS Aircraft Parts Sales & Use Tax Exemption for Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (MRO) • Approved request to amend the sales and use tax exemption on aviation parts so that it applies to parts for aircraft 2,000 pounds take-off weight (TOW) and above.

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GROW DASHBOARD 2 023 DASHBOARD | QUAR T E R 4 | Y E A R 1 O F 5 In September 2023, we completed fundraising for the 2023-2027 GROW Campaign thanks to 200 investors contributing more than $11.9 million to fund our work for the next five years. Below is our Year One progress towards our 5-Year Goals.

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JOBS UPDATE Boom Supersonic Groundbreaking Boom Supersonic kicked off construction on the Overture Superfactory at Piedmont Triad International Airport. This site will house the final assembly line, as well as test facility and customer delivery center for Overture. Site construction took place throughout 2023 led by BE&K Building Group in partnership with design agency BRPH. The building will be LEED certified.

Production is set to begin in 2024.

Impact Data Dream Center Coming to East Greensboro ImpactData chose East Greensboro to develop its flagship product, the Dream Center in partnership with North Carolina A&T State University. The facility will be located at Gateway Research Park South Campus (2901 East Gate City Boulevard), where the company will build out 115,000 square feet of new construction, creating 28 new jobs, and investing more than $130 million over the phases of the project. The mixed-use facility will include three main initiatives: a new data center, an innovation center

for North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, and a flexible co-working space for Guilford County Schools (GCS).

TAT Piedmont Aviation TAT Piedmont Aviation Component Services, a subsidiary of TAT Technologies Ltd., specializing in APU’s, landing gear, machining, plating, and grinding services, is expanding in its current Cessna Drive facility. The company provides component repair and overhaul services to valued clients around the globe. TAT Piedmont will invest over $12.8 million in building, new machinery and equipment, and the project will create 85 new jobs.

Marshall Aerospace Announcement and Groundbreaking Marshall Aerospace, one of the world’s largest independent aerospace and defense companies, announced plans in April to establish a new aircraft maintenance and engineering facility at Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO).

The new facility will support the company’s continued growth and expansion in the United States and is expected to create 240 new jobs. The company plans to invest $50 million in the new facility, which will feature state-of-the-

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By the numbers art technology and equipment for aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul. The new facility will be designed with sustainability in mind, incorporating energy-efficient systems and practices to minimize its environmental impact.

Marshall Aerospace initiated construction on its new facility during the groundbreaking ceremony held in September. This facility marks the initial step for the British-based company in the Triad. Neil McManus, Managing Director of Marshall Aerospace, described the recently commenced six-bay complex at Piedmont Triad International Airport during the ceremony as “the inaugural phase.”

In a post-ceremony interview, he emphasized that the company views these initial operations as just the beginning.

Phase Change Solutions Phase Change Solutions, global leader in temperature control and energy efficient solutions, announced plans to establish its new US Headquarters at 813 Winston Street Greensboro, North Carolina.

The facility is a prime location that offers ample space to accommodate the company’s expanding operations.

The company plans to invest $4 million in the new facility and create 51 new jobs in Greensboro.

Environmental Air Systems Environmental Air Systems chose the Reedy Fork Logistics center for its Industrial Group expansion.

Located off Summit Avenue, the full-service mechanical contractor and custom-built HVAC equipment manufacturer will occupy the buildings 500,000 square feet. This expansion will create 200+ new jobs in the community.

NUMBER OF RFIS 180 160 140 120 100 80 60 40 20 0

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RFIS BY INDUSTRY SECTOR FOR 2023 MANUFACTURING 75% of RFIs

ProKidney ProKidney, a trailblazing leader in advanced biotechnology, announced its decision to establish a cuttingedge biomanufacturing facility in Greensboro.

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SPECIALIZATION BUSINESS 2% of RFIs NA 10% of RFIs

The establishment of this facility will bring about the creation of up to 330 highly skilled jobs, with an average wage of $74,636, to the Greensboro community. ProKidney plans to make staged investments of up to $458 million in the new facility which will leverage the latest technological advancements while adhering to the highest industry standards in producing innovative treatments for kidney disease.

AVIATION 6% of RFIs LIFE SCIENCE 4% of RFIs SUPPLY CHAIN 3% of RFIs

NUMBER OF SITE VISITS 70 60

Honda Aircraft Company Honda Aircraft Company, Greensboro’s own global leader in the aviation industry, announced

50 40 30 20 10 0

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add approximately 3,000 jobs at Toyota Battery Manufacturing North Carolina. This brings total investment to approximately $13.9 billion and job creation to more than 5,000– further supporting Toyota’s multi-pathway approach to global vehicle electrification.

a significant expansion of its operation in Greensboro. With a groundbreaking investment of $55.7 million, Honda Aircraft is set to create 280 high-skilled jobs. With this investment, the company will produce a new light jet.

Toyota Supercharges Battery Plant with New $8 Billion Investment

This investment adds capacity to support battery electric vehicles (BEV’s) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV’s). An additional eight BEV/PHEV battery production lines will be added to the two previously announced, for a total of ten battery lines. Production will be increased in a phased approach, with line launches planned through 2030 to reach a total production of more than 30GWh annually.

Toyota announced a new investment of nearly $8 billion that will

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FEATURE STORY

Building an Inclusive Economy in Greensboro and Guilford County Economic equity is no longer a moral or idealistic viewpoint.

It’s the only way for a community to progress and grow.

Greensboro has long been known for its deep roots in movements that matter. From the tulip poplar in Guilford College Woods that stood watch over enslaved Africans seeking refuge and escape using the Underground Railroad in the 1800s to the vinyl-covered barstools in Woolworth’s that supported the Greensboro Four as they sparked sit-ins at lunch counters across the country in the 1960s, the history of the City of Greensboro has always urged its citizens to do what is just and right and equitable.

The Greensboro Chamber of Commerce knows building an inclusive economy is the only path toward lasting prosperity and resilience in our communities.

An inclusive economy means everyone contributes and earns with fair access to resources and opportunities. This unlocks the

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LaunchLab Growth – Spring 2023 Cohort

talent and potential of every citizen, garnering more diverse and inclusive participation in every aspect of commerce. It promotes entrepreneurship and new ideas.

It boosts consumer spending and economic growth. And it begins to soothe the economic and social costs of inequality.

More than that, it brings trust, cooperation and collaboration to

the forefront of society, paving the way for thriving and dynamic communities where everyone can work, play and live without fear or retaliation.

Our priorities at the Chamber have always been to drive economic growth, champion entrepreneurs, develop talent and catalyze positive change in our community. That can only happen with an economy where

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A 2023 Leader in Diversity This year, the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce received the Outstanding Diversity in an Organization - Nonprofit award as part of the Triad Business Journal’s 2023 Leaders in Diversity.

This distinction honors companies that work to establish and advance diversity and inclusion efforts in their workplaces and communities. As an organization, the Chamber ensures diversity in boards, committees and staff, and encourages staff at all levels to engage with diversity leadership opportunities.

The Chamber recently revised its diversity, equity and inclusion statement along with identifying key metrics and strategies that impact all levels of our work, including talent. Additionally, the Chamber identified five values in which to run all areas of work, including integrity, community, inclusion, collaboration and innovation.

Our values and the way we prioritize diversity, equity and inclusion at an organizational level help us ensure that our work reflects the vibrant entrepreneurial communities of Greensboro.

everyone can participate.

Here’s how we’re taking tangible measures to move closer to the vision of a more equitable Greensboro and Guilford County.

Entrepreneurship Big business isn’t the only thing keeping our star shining. Our efforts to encourage entrepreneurship, especially in minority-owned businesses, play a vital role in fostering an inclusive economy.

Kaitlin Conover, director of the entrepreneurial arm of the Chamber, says Launch Greensboro strives for economic inclusion for every participant, whether they are a solopreneur wanting to improve

their individual quality of life or someone who wants to be the next stock market darling.

“Applications for our programs have tripled and, in some cases, quadrupled,” she said. “People want to take their businesses to the next level, and they’re coming to Launch Greensboro to do that.”

The reason for that is Launch Greensboro’s commitment to accessibility. It offers three signature business development programs, meeting the needs of entrepreneurs who have just had a great idea, small businesses who are starting to generate revenue, and those who are ready to scale and hire a team.

All of those programs are free, thanks to a partnership with

$842 K

INCREASED REVENUE DIRECTLY ATTRIBUTED TO WORK/KNOWLEDGE GAINED IN SCALE TO EXCEL.

100 %

OF THE 24 SCALE TO EXCEL GRADUATES ARE STILL IN BUSINESS.

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ESTABLISHED CONTRACTS AND RELATIONSHIPS WITH LOCAL BUSINESSES AND EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS AS A DIRECT RESULT OF PARTICIPATION IN SCALE TO EXCEL.

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State of our Community

the City of Greensboro. This free programming eliminates a financial barrier for entrepreneurs who want to work on their businesses but may not have the resources or time to go back to school.

There’s also a commitment to the diversity of industries within the programs, with all kinds of business ideas and experiences welcome.

At the annual State of Our Community Luncheon in August, we asked a panel of industry leaders for their perspectives on the future of Greensboro.

Sean Suggs of Toyota North Carolina, Monte Edwards of MEG, and David Congdon of Old Dominion Freight Line served as panelists while Marvin Price, executive vice president of economic development for the Chamber, served as moderator.

The question we posed: What does Greensboro look like in 2030?

The panel was confident that Greensboro would continue to see significant economic growth, with technology playing an even more prominent role in development.

How do we prepare for that?

The panelists all agreed – by promoting emerging technology in our school systems, continuing to partner with the city’s universities and colleges through jobs and opportunities for growth, and attracting and retaining new talent to the region.

One more way we can prepare for the future: helping organizations tap into the potential of all of Greensboro’s residents.

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In 2023, Launch Greensboro welcomed more than 30 businesses to its 14-week LaunchLab Growth accelerator, including companies like Family Room Triad, Find Your Flow Yoga, My Brother’s Cookies, Riot Golf, Smarter Risk, and GreensboroBLACK, to name a few.

69 %

AVE R AG E M W B E PAR TICIPATIO N I N L AUN CH P RO G R A M M I N G “I’m most proud of the cohorts being the most diverse in a startup community that I’ve ever seen,” said Joey Cheek, the Chamber’s executive vice president of entrepreneurship.

“It’s easy to lean into the tech space in entrepreneurship. But we’re being intentional. We want an entrepreneurial community that reflects Greensboro itself.”

Accelerate Greensboro Another way the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce is inspiring an entrepreneurial community that matches the vibrancy of

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Other Voices Class of 2023

Greensboro’s residents is through Accelerate Greensboro.

Accelerate Greensboro connects minority-owned suppliers with companies in need of their services.

Kate Phillips, director of Accelerate Greensboro, says the priority is to break down barriers so minorityand women-owned businesses (MWBEs) can get bigger contracts and become the companies they are destined to be.

“Data shows that working with MWBEs is better for economic growth because they bring fresh

perspective,” Phillips said. “Our job is to help the economy look more like the people in the community.”

Some of the challenges faced by these firms include a lack of access to capital, marketplace discrimination, network access, and systemic racism.

Accelerate Greensboro works to not only create a space at the table for these firms, but, more importantly, get them a meaningful introduction that can produce results.

Businesses that use diverse suppliers are 36% more likely to exceed their

Accelerate A.C.E.S w/ Toyota NC Pres. Sean Suggs

financial projections than peer businesses with little to no diversity, according to a 2019 study in the Harvard Business Review.

$2.6 M

N EW MIN O RI T Y BUS IN ESS R EVE N U E , 2023 Phillips says her job is to educate industries on the business case for working with a MWBE, which includes creating an inclusive economy, increasing vendor

Meet our new EVP: Joey Cheek Joey Cheek started as Executive Vice President of Entrepreneurship in October 2023. A Greensboro native and a graduate of Dudley High School, Cheek is a World and Olympic Champion in the sport of speedskating. After being named to the TIME 100 Most Influential, an Inaugural Heisman Humanitarian Award winner, and included in the NC Sports Hall of Fame, Cheek has spent the last 10 years in the tech and startup worlds building technology for Fortune 100 companies and launching a venture-backed company.

Cheek returned to Greensboro in 2021 with his wife and son.

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competition that inspires better quality of goods at lower costs, and advocating for the spending power of diverse consumers.

Outside of this education piece, Accelerate Greensboro provides programming through Scale to Excel for entrepreneurs who qualify as MWBEs. In 2023, they graduated a class of eight companies that completed a seven-month curriculum that covers executive leadership, management and business support systems with no previous degree required.

Programs like Scale to Excel empower and enable entrepreneurs to bring their unique and valuable business offerings to a broader audience, which makes a stronger economy for us all.

One such example of this is the

Chamber’s Accelerate Economic Equity Summit and Opportunity Fair held in May. Partnering with East Greensboro NOW and Asheboro-Randolph Chamber of Commerce, this daylong summit provided a chance to hear from community leaders about the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion and why it is essential in the workplace.

Then, participants engaged in a tradeshow where Greensboro-based companies hosted booths and minority-owned businesses could introduce themselves, pitch their work, and leave with a potential contract opportunity in hand.

“The summit and opportunity fair shows how willing companies in Greensboro are about coming to the table with opportunities for

companies who may not meet them in the open market,” Phillips said.

The Accelerate Economic Equity Summit and Opportunity Fair proves that the companies in Greensboro are ready and able to support a more diverse and inclusive economy.

As a chamber of commerce, we aim to eliminate barriers and support growth no matter the starting point.

Economic inclusion is not optional; it’s a cornerstone upon which our communities can continue to thrive.

By the numbers L AU N CHCAMP

4 7 PAR TICIPA N TS 70% MWBE L AU N CHL AB 101

3 8 PAR TICIPA N TS 7 6 % MW B E L AU N CHL AB G ROWTH

2 9 PAR TICIPA N TS 62% MWBE S USTAIN PRO G RAMS

6 8 PAR TICIPA N TS L AU N CH ‘N L E ARNS

1 1 6 PAR TICIPA N TS O N E O N O N ES

1 0 3 PAR TICIPA N TS

=

417 TO TA L

E N TR E P R E N E U R S OV Graduation (top); Scale to Excel Graduation 2023 (bottom).

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RIBBON CUTTINGS

By the numbers: Membership

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N EW MEMBERS

1 , 3 00 +

CUR R EN T MEMBERS

5,5 00

ATTE N DE ES PR ES E N T AT O UR EVE N TS

8%

ME M B E R S HIP G RO W T H

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R IB BO N CUTT I N GS

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Beacon Technologies CULTURE CREATOR

Creating a company culture is not just for large corporations. Beacon Technologies intentionally invests in their employees’ development and well-being. They’re committed to building a positive work environment and providing support for every employee!

PAY IT FORWARD Navigating through the challenges of an ever-changing economy is not an easy task for some small businesses in Greensboro. Through the support of our generous funders and community members our Pay It Forward Fund continues to help Greensboro small businesses maintain their Chamber memberships for one year. 24 businesses were helped in 2023.

This gives them access to valuable, essential benefits including access to resources, connections, promotions, education, and legislative advocacy.

The 2023 Pay It Forward donation gift was a custom made Tervis featuring the unique events, places, and things that make Greensboro, Greensboro.

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African American Art & More All About Awards and Recognition Backpack Beginnings Carolina Cookie Company Carolina Theatre Family Room Foster Care Resource Center Give it to the People Merch Connect Steelhands Brewing Miriam P. Brenner Children’s Museum

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Meet our Award Winners Mae Douglas Thomas Z. Osborne Distinguished Citizen Award

Alejandra O. Thompson ATHENA Leadership Award

GreensboroRandolph Megasite Ownership Group Stanley Frank Economic and Workforce Development Award

Christopher Scott, Principal of Southeast Guilford High School Hubert B. Humphrey Jr. School Improvement Award

Fiber Space

COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTOR This recognition pays tribute to an organization essential to our community.

Fiber Space offers unwavering support, advocacy, and resources for the local small business community. A champion of success, Fiber Space is making a difference in the lives of so many entrepreneurs.

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FEATURE STORY

Advancing Connectivity Ensuring Greensboro remains a hub of innovation and opportunity As the largest business organization in the community, the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce serves over 1,350 member businesses each year and partners with hundreds of community organizations to keep moving the city forward.

Part of that work means advancing connectivity for the residents and businesses living and working here, ensuring Greensboro remains a hub of innovation and opportunity for everyone who calls this community home.

Our initiatives like Leadership Greensboro and Other Voices, along with significant community partnerships with Action Greensboro and others, underscore our holistic approach to community and economic engagement, distinguishing Greensboro amongst our peers.

Leadership Greensboro. Through Leadership Greensboro, we aim to create a community of leaders committed to inclusivity, collaboration and the common good. This program provides our city with an ongoing source of diverse leaders committed to serving as catalysts and sustainers of positive change. This three-part development program looks to education, volunteer leadership and alumni engagement to guide participants’ leadership skills for nine months.

One aspect of Leadership Greensboro that makes it stand out is its partnership with the Center for

Creative Leadership (CCL), a topranked, global, nonprofit provider of leadership development based in Greensboro. This year’s cohort of 45 participants is the seventh to matriculate through a curriculum co-developed with CCL. “Our program is unique because of our partnership with the Center for Creative Leadership,” said Laura Lorenz, director of Leadership Greensboro. “With their help, we can elevate the level of collaboration and trust building within the program, especially when it comes to leadership strengths and weaknesses. This distinction

Creating mindful leaders The Chamber’s commitment to leadership development is exemplified in programs like

synerG Young Professionals Young Educators Academy

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Talent and Workplace Survey Overview More than 600 local businesses and organizations shared invaluable information that will shape Guilford County’s future talent and workforce solutions.

58% of respondents expect business growth despite current labor shortages and inflation.

Our community has invested significantly in institutions, programs, and systems to enhance the cradle-to-career pipeline of talent to fill today’s jobs and those of the future and increased employer engagement will strengthen the talent pipeline.

Problem solving and critical thinking are ranked highest in essential skills needed in the workplace and also high in difficulty to find in candidates.

As we continue to invest in programs to strengthen essential workforce skills, training and upskilling in essential skills will increase internal upward mobility and talent retention.

More than 50% of employers are not recruiting from our local institutions.

empowers our participants to become effective change agents in their workplaces and communities.”

With a new partnership with the Guilford Nonprofit Consortium, Leadership Greensboro participants can put their leadership skills to work in the community more quickly and easily. This partnership includes a formal process to connect Leadership Greensboro alumni to vacant board positions in member organizations within the consortium.

“We are successful because of our diversity within each cohort,” Lorenz said. “We have 45 people reaching all of these different areas within Greensboro and continuing leadership connection. We’re reaching for a better community, a better Greensboro, a better Guilford County, and we all have to be in a servant leadership role.”

Leadership Greensboro isn’t the only initiative creating mindful and diverse leaders. Our signature diversity, equity and inclusion

Strengthening awareness and connection between businesses and our local education resources will open doors to less-connected college students, create a more accessible pathway to local employment and deepen our workforce base.

Respondents indicated that low pay and family reasons are among the top drivers of employee turnover.

Competitive benefits, employee support, and flexibility, can increase employee retention and help with talent attraction. Our workforce will invest more in their jobs and community if they are provided the support needed to thrive.

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Lead Your City Grows

Bryan YMCA Free Fitness class at Carin’s Course

program Other Voices celebrated its 30th year in 2023.

This program, and its adjacent offering for executives, features a curriculum that brings together individuals from all life experiences to engage in frank and open dialogue to build insight and understanding of the roots of prejudice.

“The point is affecting change, not forcing it,” said Joyce GorhamWorsley, Vice President, Other Voices Diversity Engagement. “This program is designed to make sure people know their perspectives count. To be a city that values connection and inclusivity, we must listen to each other’s voices.”

One of the biggest takeaways from Other Voices is a deep appreciation for respect and understanding.

While each cohort consists of 25 to 30 participants, the impact reaches Greensboro and Guilford County because of their willingness to hear from other people and make space for each other, whether at a picnic or conference table.

Encouraging active and engaged communities Another opportunity for making space for each other is the Downtown Greenway. This four-mile loop around downtown Greensboro serves as an economic generator as it has driven more than $700 million in private economic development since its inception in 2001. In addition, the Downtown Greenway connects more than 100 miles of greenways and trails throughout the community, and provides a greenspace in an urban environment where people can connect with local history, nature, art, and each other.

In 2023, the contract was authorized for construction of the final mile, the Western Branch, which will go under construction in early 2024. The Freedom Cornerstone by artist Radcliffe Bailey with its centerpiece, Ascension was installed and dedicated. Artist Sharon Dowell created a second set of nine murals as a part of Modern Love:

In September, synerG Young Professionals hosted Lead Your City at Guilford College’s campus. This day-long leadership summit attracted more than 180 attendees, with speakers and sponsors sharing content informed by the results of the 2023 Guilford County Talent & Workforce Survey.

Director of synerG Sarah McGuire considers the event the biggest success to date. “Young professionals who attended the event have told us they walked away with actionable takeaways they can apply to their current jobs and make them more appealing candidates for promotions and employment.”

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Action Greensboro supported more than 50 Boomerangs in 2023 through relocation support and professional connections.

Celebrating Greensboro’s African American Modernist Architects that were installed on the west side of the Summit Avenue underpass along Murrow Boulevard. Commissions for neighborhood benches in College Hill and Westerwood were executed, and design work was approved for a “stream walk” – a series of public art works to be installed along the College Branch stream educating viewers about water quality and its importance. High Grove, a sidepath with dense pollinator plantings and inventive use of recycled materials designed by David Mudd and Justin Vettel provides an alternate route along Smith Street between Prescott and Spring Streets.

Project Manager Dabney Sanders says one of the goals of the Downtown Greenway is to provide opportunities for connection within the community. In partnership

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with the City of Greensboro’s Parks and Recreation department, the Downtown Greenway serves thousands of visitors through free fitness classes every Tuesday from April to October, signature events like Wheels on the Greenway and

Run 4 the Greenway, storytime events for children, bird-watching programs, painting workshops, a community picnic, and more.

Action Greensboro’s influence extends beyond landmark projects

Launch Lab Growth – Spring 2023 (top); 2023 Annual Celebration (left).

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Downtown Greenway: By the Numbers 117,949 trail users 200+ program offerings 2,509 participations in programs and special events including 380 participating in free fitness classes with the YMCA of Greensboro

138 different community partners/agencies/businesses supported DG programs last year 205 volunteers with 633 volunteer hours contributed

14th Annual Run for the Greenway (left); Canvas Painting Class with Darlene McClinton (right).

like the Downtown Greenway.

Through its signature programs Boomerang Greensboro, Campus Greensboro, and synerG Young Professionals, Action Greensboro consistently fosters environments where talent and opportunity meet.

These programs enrich Greensboro today and lay the foundation for a thriving, interconnected community for tomorrow.

exemplify the spirit of community partnership and connectivity that drives our city’s progress. Through the 2023 Talent & Workforce Survey, Action Greensboro tapped into the collective insights of over 600 local businesses and organizations. This collaboration provided a panoramic view of Guilford County’s evolving post-pandemic workplace, revealing key challenges in hiring, growth, training, and retention.

Fostering Collaborative Growth in Greensboro and Beyond

Leveraging this data, Action Greensboro strategically aligns its signature programs to address these challenges, demonstrating a commitment to responsive and collaborative community

Action Greensboro’s initiatives

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Leadership Greensboro 2023 Graduation

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Leadership Greensboro Class of 2023 (top); Campus Greensboro (bottom).

engagement.

“Our programming’s responsiveness allows us to not only meet the needs of our community partners but also to involve them in creating solutions to the challenges local employers face,” said Cecelia Thompson, executive director of Action Greensboro.

Programs like Boomerang Greensboro, Campus Greensboro, and synerG Young Professionals are at the heart of Action Greensboro’s efforts. These initiatives are more than just platforms for skill enhancement and networking; they represent a connection between diverse talents and opportunities, crucial for Greensboro’s thriving community.

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Boomerang Greensboro, for instance, draws skilled professionals back to Greensboro, growing our city’s talent pool and driving innovation. Campus Greensboro bridges academia and industry, offering college students valuable paid internships that shape their future while injecting fresh perspectives into local businesses.

Meanwhile, synerG Young Professionals engages the vibrant Gen Z and Millennial workforce, fostering a dynamic community where young professionals can explore new careers and actively shape Greensboro’s future.

These programs fill in-demand job vacancies and check professional growth boxes; they also weave a tapestry of interconnected

experiences, skills and ideas, vital for a community as diverse and dynamic as ours. As we saw through the results of the Talent & Workplace Survey, it’s through these multifaceted collaborations, with an emphasis on growing the workforce pipeline, which are essential to our work in economic development. This ensures that Greensboro not only grows but thrives as a connected and engaged community.

The impact of our work reaches beyond Guilford County’s lines, too.

In March 2023, we hosted the Eastern Triad Workforce Development Summit and Breakfast alongside collaborators in Alamance, Randolph, and Rockingham counties. This event brought

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together more than 400 people representing large-scale employers from the Eastern Triad region to network and connect over shared workplace experiences and learn from award-winning author Chris Czarnik about winning and retaining top talent.

The summit kicked off the Chamber’s three-pronged approach to workforce development in our area, showing members and nonmembers alike that we have the ability to connect them to resources and people who can help solve problems right now.

We quickly followed it with the launch of the Guilford Talent & Workforce Guide, an online database designed to support our labor market at all stages of employee development. And by September, we announced a dedicated position on the Chamber staff focused on workforce solutions. Now, employers have a connection point within the Chamber to help find ways to attract and retain talent, upskill or retrain talent, and anticipate workforce needs as our region continues to evolve.

“The Chamber exists to lift up all employers in Greensboro,” said Brent Christensen, President & CEO. “Whether you are big or small business, whether you need industry support or access to education, we have the resources to connect the business community to the support they need.”

Xtern Software

SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR Xtern Software’s dedication to community involvement truly makes them a role model for other companies. Their community efforts, flexible office space, great culture, and willingness to support other small businesses is what made them the Small Business of the Year.

Remote Coworkers Club In 2023, synerG Young Professionals and Boomerang Greensboro launched Remote Co-Worker Club which invited young professionals in remote and hybrid roles to a co-working day at transformGSO once a month. This program supported “club members” as they experienced job changes, new entrepreneurial journeys, and navigating professional life as remote workers.

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Gold Level

Silver Level CT Wilson Construction Co. FORVIS Kelly Office Solutions Ralph Lauren Simply Southern Staunton Capital, Inc.

Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro Cone Health Foundation Joseph M. Bryan Foundation of Greater Greensboro Phillips Foundation Tannenbaum-Sternberger Foundation The Cemala Foundation The Edward M. Armfield Sr. Foundation The Stanley & Dorothy Frank Family Foundation