Chamber U

What is Chamber U?

Main Fields of Study

The Current Course Catalog (Upcoming Sessions)

Past Chamber U Classes

 

The Chamber is taking you back to school!

Chamber U is a free, innovative initiative of the Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce designed to address critical topics and to help prepare Chamber members to meet the ever-changing demands of the workplace. These once-a-week (each Wednesday at 8:30 a.m.) educational opportunities provide members with valuable tools and information they can take back to their businesses and utilize to help them achieve the success they desire. The program provides individualized growth and development opportunities for entry level to executive leadership covering the entire gamut from "nuts & bolts" to "visionary thinking."

Who should attend? The program is free and open to any member of the Durham community, however only Durham Chamber members are allowed to attend a Meet The Professors sessions.  Chamber U will replace the previous Lunch & Learn and Breakfast & Business series.  Any members of the Small Business Council, Non Profit Committee, Multicultural Business & Professional Network or the Professional Women's Network should try a Chamber U session!

How do I attend? Just show up at the Durham Chamber from 8:30-9:30  a.m. on any Wednesday morning.  You can attend as many or as few as you'd like.  If you can register to RSVP, it helps us get an idea about how many people are coming that day.

 

The Current Course Catalog:

January 27: A Look at Public Policy with Mayor Bill Bell

Join us on January 27 as Durham Mayor William V. “Bill” Bell, one of Durham’s longest serving public servants, kicks off the Chamber U: Look at Public Policy series!  This session will be an interactive discussion of some of the challenges that Durham faces in the New Year, and what this means for Durham residents.  Additionally, Mayor Bell will provide an a brief outlook of some of the key issues the City of Durham is expecting to encounter in 2010  and why good things are continuing to happen in Durham!

About Chamber U: Look at Public Policy:  As Americans continue to move through some of the toughest times that our country has had to deal with in a number decades, many have been forced to rethink and regroup, both personally and professionally. The Federal Government is also experiencing its own set of challenges which have and will continue to trickle down to both State and Local governments – ultimately affecting social services and usually increasing the tax burden for many.  These obstacles have forced leaders to consider alternative options to solving our current problems.  A Look at Public Policy is an opportunity for you to become more familiar with our elected leaders, the challenges that our community currently faces, and how you can become better positioned as an individual and/or business in this New Year.  Join us for this session, where you’ll learn about the issues that have an impact on your business, have the opportunity to ask questions and hear from those that are affecting your bottom line!

 

February 3: Speed Networking

Join us for this interactive Chamber U session where you'll be able to grab a cup of coffee and try some face to face networking with fellow chamber members!  Unlike traditional networking events where people gravitate towards those they already know, or miss the opportunity to meet some great business contacts, at speed networking you’ll have face time with everybody!  In a facilitated networking environment, you’ll move around the room and have one-on-one meetings with everyone who attends.  The catch- you have just minutes to connect and chat before you’ll have to move on!  This is a high energy, exciting event where you’ll leave with a pile of business cards and hopefully as many business contacts!   Whether you're looking to meet potential clients, seeking employers, searching for employees, or want to learn how to network the right way, you won’t want to miss this event!  

 

February 10: Chamber U: The State of Economic Development in Durham

Check back soon for more information on the specific speaker and topic for this quarterly session!  Durham is an international success story for innovative economic and community development. But what are our opportunities and our obstacles as we enter this new decade? How do we continue to recruit best-in-class employers to locate here? How do we help our existing industries grow and thrive? How do we keep enticing the best and brightest talent to embrace Durham as the place they choose to live, work and play? Join this group of community leaders in discussing how we challenge our community – and our region – to work together in seeking opportunities and solving problems to enhance Durham’s capacity for a successful future.

About Chamber U: The State of Economic Development in Durham:  The Economic Development series showcases current economic development projects in the area and impact they are having on the community, including a end-of-year overview of the 2010 projects. In addition to showcasing an in-depth look at particular economic development initiatives in Durham, these Chamber U sessions will also touch on entrepreneurial incubation, social innovation and responsibility, and green initiatives. Meeting attendees include members of the Economic Development Committee, members of regional economic development interest groups, members of the Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce and its committees, and the general public

 

February 17: A Look at Public Policy with Congressman David Price

 

February 24: Are you LinkedIn for Business?

Join us for Chamber U on February 24 with Michele Langley of HR Partner Advantage as we explore LinkedIn and your business. Learn how to use social media effectively to increase the professional and business networking opportunities that will provide high-value connections that will have a positive effect on your career and business. In this interactive session, you'll learn: ho should you LinkUp with and who should you not, How to use LinkedIn as a branding tool, What information should you include in your profile, and more!

 

For more information about each session and to RSVP, check out the calendar of events HERE.

 

The courses are focused on four main fields of study:

Meet the Professors (Community Leaders): A Look at Public Policy is an opportunity for regional businesspeople to become more familiar with our elected leaders, the challenges that our community currently faces, and how to become better positioned as an individual and business in 2010. 

This series will explore how the Federal Government is experiencing its own set of challenges which have and will continue to trickle down to both State and Local governments – ultimately affecting social services and usually increasing the tax burden for many.  These obstacles have forced leaders to consider alternative options to solving our current problems. Chamber U: A Look at Public Policy will explore these problems, issues and topics through meetings with local, state and federal officials as well as community leaders. 

Business 101 (Business Basics): Taking it back to the basics. Fundamentals are necessary! Topics range from marketing to accounting and more! Learn techniques and tools for operating your business efficiently and effectively.

Study Abroad (Business Technology Trend/Social Media): There’s a whole new (digital) world out there. Study Abroad will expose you to all there is to know about incorporating technology and social media into your business operations the right way –what to use, how to use it and when to use it.

21st Century Business (Economic Development in Durham): Today’s trends…why just survive when you can thrive? Stay ahead of the game while getting the latest information on the economy, economic development, and a number of other current happenings that can impact your business.

The Economic Development series showcases current economic development projects in the area and impact they are having on the community, including a end-of-year overview of the 2010 projects. In addition to showcasing an in-depth look at particular economic development initiatives in Durham, these Chamber U sessions will also touch on entrepreneurial incubation, social innovation and responsibility, and green initiatives. Meeting attendees include members of the Economic Development Committee, members of regional economic development interest groups, members of the Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce and its committees, and the general public

 

Did you miss class?  You can still check out the presentations here!

Social Media is…a Tool for Business. (Lee White, Decision 3D LLC)

 A Bold Approach to Online Marketing (Adam Schultz, Bold Interactive)

Practical Business Continuity Planning (Ginny Schwartzer, All Clear Emergency Management Group)

Webinars 101 (Laura Dorner, WX Events)

Check back soon for more sessions avaliable online!

 

Previous sessions:

On August 26, Ivan Hankins from the Small Business Administration will give you the inside scoop on the new Recovery act and changes or programs that can benefit your business today.  Learn about resources you didn’t even know you had access to and personalize the advice in the Q& A session.  Join us for Starting, Expanding and Helping Your Business During Tough Times on August 26 at 8:30 a.m.

On September 2, you’ll have the chance to get in front of one of American Venture Magazine’s Top 40 CEOs under 40, Henry Kaestner, co-founder of Bandwidth.com and Durham Cares.  An energetic speaker, with a clear passion for philanthropic ventures, Kaestner, will share his insight and views on business, and on giving back.  You won’t want to miss this exciting opportunity to hear a highly sought after trailblazer in our community. RSVP to hear Henry Kaestner at the September 2 session today!

On September 9, learn how it’s Great to Be Green, with Chris Carmody from Green Plus. Not only will you learn how your business can become more sustainable, but you’ll also have the chance to win a free Green Plus Certification program for your business, courtesy of the Chamber, a value of $450.00. Learn about sustainable practices you can implement today, and have the chance to win a prize worth lots of ‘green’ for your business- Register today!

On September 16, you can actually meet the man behind Bull City Rising, rated one of the top 5 best blogs in Durham!  Learn how, when and why to blog from one of Durham's best known bloggers, Kevin Davis, editor of Bull City Rising! Get advice from a man whose blog draws a weekly online readership one-fifth the size of heraldsun.com and 27% larger than the N&O's The Durham News web site.  Mark September 16, 8:30 a.m. in your calendar…you can’t afford to miss this.

Want to know what’s going on with economic development in Durham?  On September 23, you have access to the information everyone wants to get their hands on…and you’ll have Ted Conner, the Chamber's Director of Economic Development & Community Sustainability, there to explain what it all means!  Instead of trying to make sense of what today’s headlines might mean for your organization and your community, here’s your chance to ask someone who knows.  Bring your questions about Economic Development in Durham, and your notebooks on September 23! 

September 30- Business 101: The Power of Customer Relations (Jennifer Elkin, Send Out Cards & Doug Stevenson, Abundance Business Solutions)

October 7- Meet The Professors: Kevin Sowers (CEO, Duke University Hospital)

Join us on October 14 for Invigorating Destination Marketing Strategies for the Hospitality Industry, a case study based educational session that’s packed with solid marketing strategies, presented with enthusiasm and backed by years of experience. If you’re in the hospitality industry, you won’t want to miss this! Billy Warden and Greg Behr will focus on strategies and tactics for the hospitality industry to revamp their marketing, advertising and sales, and will show you how to reinvigorate your location with destination appeal!

On October 21, you’ll learn why online video marketing can be the key business differentiator for companies wanting to effectively communicate their product, business and benefits within the average attention span. At All About Online Video Marketing,  Damon Butler, CEO of Triangleblvd.tv will show you why there is nothing else that comes close to the effectiveness and persuasion power of a well designed video message.

Join us for How to Utilize the TBJ to Grow Your Business on October 28for an in-depth and interactive look at the Triangle Business Journal as Bryan Hamilton shows you how to use, read and submit to the TBJ to grow your business. Workshop topics include: How each section of the paper can help you grow your business, How to recognize sales leads in news stories and features, Specific examples of how current companies and individuals use the Business Journal and Book of Lists, How to submit press releases and How the TBJ news staff selects stories.  You won't want to miss this October 28 session where you'll learn how to find the news and information you need to grow your business or climb that corporate ladder, gain quality leads and contacts and get connected with your business community.

On November 4, you’ll have the chance to meet Lisa Pineiro and hear her incredible story! Pineiro is a North Carolina native who in 2009 was named the SBA Small Business Person Of The Year, introduced President Obama in the East Room at the White House and continued to head WOmen @ Work, a nonprofit that encourages young women to get involved in traditionally male-dominated construction careers.  You won’t want to miss your opportunity to listen to Lisa’s story, gain some insight and ask questions of one of Durham’s most active and successful female businesswomen. 

This session will involve participants through discussion about various elements that could cause a business interruption and how to be ready if an interruption were to occur.  The session will also include takeaway lessons for implementing pandemic planning and business continuity planning in your business.  A discussion and update will be offered on the responsibilities of business owners/managers, public health, and healthcare providers with regard to H1N1. 

Have you ever considered buying a business or selling your business? Prepare yourself to go through a buy or sell by better understanding the essential elements that exist when a business changes hands. Join us for this session with Mark Richie, a Certified Business Intermediary, and owner of the Sunbelt Business Brokers office in the Triangle.  In this interactive and informative session, you’ll learn:  How are business enterprises valued?  How might your business be evaluated? What parts do accountants and attorneys play in a transaction? What is the role of a business intermediary/broker?  And you’ll have the opportunity to ask Mark Richie questions about your business!
 
Join us for this hand on session where you will actually experience a webinar as you learn about this effective and cost efficient tool for your business. At Webinars: 101, Laura Dorner, Owner and Executive Online Producer of WXevents will explain what webinars are, why you would use webinars and how webinars can impact your company’s bottom line. This session will also be offered as a hybrid webinar session, so even if you can't leave the office, you can still attend. For more information about the webinar, please visit the event listing.

 
 
Join us for an event that’s short on theory and long on real world situations!  First you’ll be able to examine your current networking practices while learning how to network effectively with Whitney Wilkerson, founder of NEXt for Women, a leading professional development company.  Following the short presentation, you’ll be able to refill your cup of coffee and try some face to face networking with fellow chamber members!  Unlike traditional networking events where people gravitate towards those they already know, or miss the opportunity to meet some great business contacts, at speed networking you’ll have face time with everybody

 

Join us for the “Get on Board” seminar where you will hear from Trudy Smith (Executive Director, Executive Service Corps of the Greater Triangle) and Ed Rose,(Volunteer Director, Triangle BoardConnect). This seminar is great for businesspeople interested in getting involved, non-profits seeking volunteers and current board members to learn more about board membership from both sides of the organization!  Workshop topics include: Benefits to board participation (networking, visibility, etc.), how to select which non-profit to become involved with, how to get appointed/volunteer for the board, roles, responsibilities, and expectations, risks/liabilities for board members.
 

January 13: Communication Skills for Business Success

Businesses across the country report poor communication as the single biggest daily obstacle to smooth efficient operations…Join Teri Beckman from the Center for Skillful Means for this interactive seminar as we explore effective communication practices for the workplace!  Skillful Means methods can help you and your team improve communication patterns immediately, creating a culture of caring to communicate well, making the work place lighter and inviting efficiency and effectiveness. You’ll learn to communicate effectively with yourself and others, discover how to avoid creating unnecessary confusion and dissention at work, and learn how good clear communication today lays the foundation for all future success for the individual, the team and the organization.  Learning Activities include: Presentation of theory, dialogue, and individual participant exercises.

 

January 20: The Business Case for Workplace Flexibility

Globalization, technology, changing demographics and transportation issues—these are just a few of the trends transforming today’s workplace. In the face of fierce competition, increasingly complicated jobs and an aging workforce, it can be more challenging than ever for employers to manage effectively, recruit top talent, engage and retain workers and maximize productivity. It’s not just businesses that are experiencing a crunch. Employees are also impacted, often feeling stretched thin between their responsibilities at home and at work. Here’s one solution to enhance your bottom line in these changing times … implement flexibility as a strategic tool!  To start the conversation at your company or organization, join us at Chamber U on Wednesday January 20th from 8:30-9:30am for a Q & A session and sharing of best practices with past winners of the prestigious Alfred P. Sloan Award.