The Apex Chamber is pleased to announce Wendy Allen as our new office manager. Wendy is an Apex native and she and her husband, Gene, reside in the historic downtown district along with their two young sons.

Wendy knows Apex well. Her education began at A.V. Baucom Elementary and she then continued to walk the halls of Apex Elementary, Apex Middle, and Apex High School.

She then attended Peace College where she earned her Associate of Arts degree. In 1998, Wendy became Mrs. Allen when she married Gene Allen, son of Marty and Gail Allen.

Wendy is already a natural fit for our high energy office climate. We are sure you will find her to be professional, friendly and very helpful. Please introduce yourself when you call or better yet, stop by and meet her personally.

Other Staff Updates

Sue Mooney, Director of Member Relations, has been on staff for close to five years and has established numerous positive relationships with all our members. Sue is responsible for many of our events, the newsletter and advertising in our publications.

She is not only a people person but is also an idea person. She came up with the Egram sponsorship this year to allow members added exposure and also to bring in a non-member dues revenue stream for the Chamber.

Sue is an asset to the organization and our members tell us time and time again how much they appreciate the time she spends with them. Her motto is “I am never too busy for a member.”

Jim Stella, Director of Economic Development, will arrive at his two year anniversary on September 4. Jim was our first full-time economic development person and has entered into unchartered territory.

Being an avid hunter however, Jim welcomed the challenge. He has developed healthy relationships with Mayor Keith Weatherly, all the town council members and Apex town manager Bruce Radford. Jim spends a great deal of time answering questions from businesses needing council on signage, property usage, real estate trends and viability questions. He serves as the governmental affairs contact as well as the transportation expert for the Chamber.

So if you hear about legislation that may impact you or wonder about road plans and patterns, contact Jim. He would be happy to assist you.

Brenda Steen, Executive Director, has been with us since early 2007 and is enjoying the position. With a background in sales, public relations and sports marketing, Brenda has brought progressive trends to the Apex Chamber.

The position is much harder than she anticipated and according to Steen, “I hesitated accepting the job because I was not sure it would be challenging enough – I was very wrong, it is incredibly challenging.”

The challenge, she says, is what keeps her coming back and managing a not for profit in this economy is more challenge than most would bargain for.

“The Chamber offers its business partners services that help them survive and as long as businesses see benefit in what we are doing, we will keep at it. We have been here for 50 years and plan to be here for a very long time.”

In keeping with the support of our schools, every year the Chamber hires a student in the AOIT program. AOIT program is part of Apex High’s curriculum to enable students to learn real life employment skills, allowing them to partner with businesses and universities.

Matt Christopherson joined us in May and has been a huge asset. Things that we have not had a chance to do are getting done and are being done well.

If you need extra help around the office, consider contacting Julie Oster at Apex High to learn more about this great opportunity. Julie Oster, Academy Director, joster@wcpss.net

Annual Awards, Business Nominations

The awards ceremony will take place September 29th and we look forward to seeing many of you there. We will honor our outgoing Board members and Ambassadors who have served the Chamber for the past three years, and the highlight of the event is the business awards. The following awards will be presented:

· Large Business of the Year—2008 winner Bland Landscaping

· Small Business of the Year—2008 winner Pure Expressions Photography

· Employer of the Year– 2008 winner Kraft Family YMCA

· Innovation Award—2008 winner My Girlfriend’s Closet

· Citizen of the Year—2008 winner Dudley Moorhous

· Small Town Hero– 2008 winner John Rodgers

· Louis C. Smith Hall of Fame – 2008 winners: Larry Jordan and Harvey Montague

 

We hope you will help us recognize the 2009 Chamber winners at our annual awards reception. To nominate a business or individual, visit our website for nomination forms.

  

AM Networking

Sponsored by Holiday Inn Express, Thursday, July 30, 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. at 1006 Marco Drive, Apex NC 27502. Please join us for this great networking opportunity.

Groundbreaking scheduled

Villages of Apex Amenities/Pool Facility, Wednesday, July 15 at 4:00 p.m. Ambergate Station Boulevard (next to Thales Academy). Please join Apex First Development as they celebrate the groundbreaking of this new building in the Villages of Apex.

Upcoming Ribbon Cuttings

· Green Pea Nursery, Friday, July 31 at noon, 106 N. Salem Street in downtown Apex (previously Laura Kelly’s)

Join Green Pea Nursery as they celebrate the opening of their new location.

 

· WolfBridge Financial, Tuesday, August 4, 1011 Pemberton Hill Road, Suite 203

Join Michael Kothakota and his staff for his introduction to Apex

The Apex Chamber of Commerce is working to build and sustain a vibrant economy and a superior quality of life in our community. Founded in 1958, the Chamber has an engaged operating group, motivated volunteers and a dedicated professional staff poised to implement progressive programs that aid in the profitability of its members, build a better community, develop future leaders and enhance small business development and growth.

Located at 220 North Salem Street, home of the old train depot, the Apex Chamber of Commerce currently boasts a membership of over 600 area businesses. Continue reading to see what’s new at your Chamber of Commerce.