(Gallery) Durham Chamber Hosts Annual Leadership Forum and Holiday Reception
DURHAM, NC – The Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce held its annual Leadership Forum and Holiday Reception on Wednesday, December 15, 2021, at the Washington Duke Inn. While still in accordance with CDC and local guidance, attendance was high for the Chamber’s first major in-person event in two years. Members were also able to attend the Leadership Forum virtually, with an option to pick up food earlier in the day. After the Forum, networking along with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres afforded attendees the opportunity to celebrate the season at the Holiday Reception. (Please scroll down to view the full gallery of event photos.)
North Carolina Secretary of Commerce Machelle Baker Sanders was the Leadership Forum’s keynote speaker. In February 2021, Governor Cooper appointed Secretary Sanders to lead the North Carolina Department of Commerce, enlisting her experience as former Administration Secretary, strong background as a business leader, and extensive knowledge of what it takes to build a globally competitive workforce.
Secretary Sanders’ spoke about her vision for North Carolina’s post-pandemic economic restoration. She is working with partners to attract better-paying jobs, support small businesses, and stimulate the state’s innovation and entrepreneurial economy. Her bold and purposeful leadership aims to ensure North Carolina’s diverse state is an inclusive one that works for all people.
Geoff Durham, Durham Chamber President and CEO, welcomed the members and guests, followed by remarks by Patrick Hannah, Chair of the RDU Airport Authority. Durham Board of County Commissioners Chair Brenda Howerton addressed the Forum audience about the progress being made in Durham County, including but not limited to, more high-paying jobs coming to Durham, affordable housing, Durham Public Schools’ budget increase, and opportunities for Durham County’s youth.
Having started her career at Durham Police Department, then going on to serve as Morrisville (NC) Police Chief, Durham Chief of Police Patrice Andrews stated that coming back to Durham “was a full-circle experience.” She spoke about the increase in gun violence in the City. The Forum was the same week six young people were involved in a shooting, resulting in two deaths. Andrews stated that her heart was heavy, as “they are all our children, whether we birthed them or not.” In January, all officers who are ranked as investigators and above will be required to work four patrol shifts per week from January through March to help combat their shortage of officers. Andrews said she will also be going on patrol during that three-month time frame. She urged Durham’s elected officials to raise the pay for police officers to help in retaining and recruiting officers to fill the current openings. Since the beginning of the year, 36 officers have resigned from the department and 24 of those officers have gone to other law enforcement agencies.
Following with more on the increase in crimes involving guns in Durham, Mayor Elaine O’Neal announced that she had obtained a two-week ceasefire agreement with local gang members that was ending that same day, Dec. 15. (Note: The aforementioned shooting is allegedly not gang-related.) O’Neal stressed that the increase in gun violence is not just a police problem, or her administration’s problem, but a problem for all Durham residents.
“When I’m asked ‘what are you going to do about it [gun violence]?’, I ask them ‘what are you going to do about it?’,” said O’Neal. She is asking all Durham residents to pledge to volunteer 2.5 to five hours per week at a place outside of their normal circle. O’Neal believes if those in marginalized communities know that there is ‘hope’ for them, demonstrated by caring, engaged citizens, that a lot of problems the City is experiencing will be abated.
The 2021 Duke Energy Citizenship and Service Award was presented by Indira Everett, Director- East Region at Duke Energy Corporation, to a deserving individual for their outstanding contribution to Durham. The award was presented to Alice Sharpe, Development Officer at Durham County Library. A Durham-native, Sharpe is a graduate of Duke University and North Carolina Central University. She is a long-time resident of downtown Durham, a licensed Real Estate Agent, and serves on several boards, including the Museum of Durham History and The Forest at Duke.
The Leadership Forum was closed by Angelique Stallings, Vice President of Community Investment at the Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce. Stallings took the opportunity to recognize those in key leadership positions in Durham, including Durham City Manager Wanda Page, Durham County Manager Claudia Hager, Durham County District Attorney Satana Deberry, along with O’Neal, Howerton, and Andrews, all African American women. She also acknowledged Durham Sheriff Clarence Birkhead, who was also in attendance. It was apparent that Stallings was elated with the outcome of the event, which was a hit!
Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce Leadership Forum and Holiday Reception was sponsored by Duke Energy, Dominion Energy, GRAIL, Fidelity Investments, RDU Airport Authority, Biogen, APG Capital, and Samet Corporation.