The Apex Chamber of Commerce’s primary purpose is to promote the common interests of the business community.

In so doing, they often take a position for or against a topic or issue or in this case, a development.

The Chamber Board of Directors recently gave unanimous support and endorsement for Veridea, the sustainable, mixed-use, transit-oriented 1,000-acre development planned in Apex. The Chamber Board agreed that Veridea would help improve the town’s current commercial tax base. Currently, the town is 80 percent residential and 20 percent commercial/retail.

The population of Apex grew more than 64 percent since 2000 (according to the U.S. Censes Bureau), but the commercial growth rate has lagged. Increased commercial tax base will help pay for infrastructure. The developers of Veridea have continued to work closely with town staff and elected leaders of Apex to create a Sustainable Development Plan that will provide standards for, and guide development of, the $6 billion community.

Dozens of meetings have been held by the developer,Tom Hendrickson: with Apex staff, the town’s Technical Review Committee, the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Commission, Planning Board and Town Council, with neighbors, the Apex Chamber and the general public.

A work session was held with the Planning Board and Town Council in October, and other work sessions are anticipated early this year.

The Town requested Veridea to create a new zoning category for the development since current zoning will not work. This detailed planning among the Town and the developer continue to move forward. When fully built out, in about 10-15 years, Veridea is projected to create new jobs for about 30,000 people, residences for about 12-15,000 people and a wide range of retail shopping for workers, residents and the Triangle regional market.

Importantly for the future financial viability and stability of Apex, the improved mix of non-residential to residential development at Veridea will make Apex much less reliant on property tax revenues from residential properties than it is currently.

At the current Apex tax rate, Veridea is projected to produce more than $20 million in property tax revenues annually.

The developer has already committed to contributing land, structures and additional fees for parks, athletic facilities, greenways and other open, public spaces.

The developer continues to work with Apex legal and planning officials to determine other financial benefits that will be provided to the town by Veridea.

The Chamber Board voted 100 percent unanimously in favor of this project. The Apex Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors feel that this project is harmonious with their ever present goal of improving the quality of life in Apex.

They feel it will significantly expand economic development opportunities as well as provide a cutting edge sustainable project that will bring a diverse mix of businesses and citizens from all over the world. For more information regarding positions and projects the Chamber supports, contact the Chamber. THE GUIDE 2010

The Chamber’s annual publication, the Guide 2010, is a 72-page publication produced by the Apex Chamber of Commerce.

Sporting a new look this year with a vibrant, magazine type appearance, the Guide 2010 will showcase the best of Apex through its people, places and progressive business climate.

With new original photography and editorial features, the 2010 publication will focus on education, the arts, sports and recreation, health care, commerce and quality of life.

With the help of Springboard Eydo, the Apex Chamber is offering a magazine perfect for promoting the community to prospective residents, new businesses and visitors.

Stop by the Chamber office to pick up your copy or visit any of these locations: Eva Perry Regional Library, Anna’s Pizzeria, Apex Auto Works, Apex Community Center, BB&T, Fidelity Bank, Crescent State Bank, Realty World on Salem, The Rusty Bucket and Scruffy Duck. Speed Networking

Speed Networking, the latest trend in networking!

Date: Thursday, February 4, 2010. Time: 8:00 -9:30 a.m.

Location: Avalon Peaks Club House; 2000 Kiftsgate Lane in Apex (Off 1010 Road). Connect with 20 business leaders in less than 90 minutes. Space is limited to the first 20 members and the

fee is $10 in advance. Register online or call. Notary Public Training Class

This class is offered by the Apex Chamber of Commerce and Wake Technical Community College Date: Wednesday, February 3, 2010 Time: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm Location: Wake Tech’s Western Wake Campus at Millpond Village , 3434 Kildaire Farm Road

Fee: $125 (includes book)

Register online or call. Welcome New Members

Devils Ridge

Raymond Reyes

5107 Linksland Drive

Holly Springs, NC 27540

www.devilsridgecc.com

Illustrate

Bekki Bennett

101 S. Hughes Street

Apex, NC 27502

www.illustrate-designs.com

The Meat House

Derek Wilkins

1225 Kildaire Farm Road

Cary, NC 27511



Renewing Members Access Health Care P.A.

Blue Tiger

Cary Cardiology PA

Crooked Creek Golf Club

Crosswinds Marina Inc.

Juice Plus+

MacGregor Draft House

Marty Allen Photography

Nationwide Insurance

Petronella Computer Consultants

Roscoe & Roscoe P.A.

Scruffy Duck, Inc.

Special & Creative, LLC

The Plant Pros

Education Initiatives by the Apex Chamber

Education is a key factor in economic development and the Apex Chamber of Commerce is actively involved with a variety of aspects of education.

The Reuben McNeill Golden Apple Teacher of the Year Luncheon is set for February 2, 2010 at Carrabbas.

At this event, the education committee honors the teacher and teacher assistant from each Apex school for achieving the highly esteemed teacher of the year award.

In addition, we are developing a separate Apex Chamber Education Foundation with a tax status of 501c3. This will allow the committee to secure more donations from businesses looking for a tax write-off. The proceeds from fundraising will go directly back into education initiatives benefitting Apex’ schools. Apex Youth Leadership met recently and spent the day with town directors. The students, all juniors at Apex High School, heard from numerous department heads from within the town. The focus of the 6 hour program was to educate the students on why being a strong leader is important when leading a town the size of Apex. The students met many key players, including Town Manager Bruce Radford, Chief of Police, Jack Lewis and Fire Chief, Mark Haraway.

This program is a partnership between Apex High School and the Apex Chamber of Commerce. For more information contact Brenda Steen brenda@apexchamber.com. 2010 Happenings at the Chamber

Upcoming Events – all members are welcome to attend

JANUARY

26th: Board Meeting, 7:30 a.m.

FEBRUARY

3rd: Notary Public Class, 9:00 a.m.—4:30 p.m.

4th: Speed Networking, 8:00—9:30 a.m., Avalon Peaks Apartments

9th: Business After Hours, 5:30 —7:30 p.m.

23rd: Professional Women’s Networking Luncheon, 11:30 a.m.—1:30 p.m.,

25th: AM Networking, 8:00-9:00 a.m.



MARCH

9th: Business After Hours, 5:30—7:00 p.m.

25th: AM Networking , 8:00—9:00 a.m.



APRIL

1st: Speed Networking, 8:00—9:00 a.m., Avalon Peaks Apartments

13th: Business After Hours, 5:30—7:00 P.M.

20th: Annual Golf Tournament , Crooked Creek CC, 11:30 a.m.

28th: Professional Women’s Networking Luncheon, 11:30 a.m.—1:00 p.m.

29th: AM Networking, 8:00-9:00 a.m.

Visit www.apexchamber. com for more inforamtion on events.