Photo Mary Lahr Cain

Nicole Key will serve as the President of the Greater Cleveland Chamber of Commerce. The GCCC plays a unique role in the Cleveland School area - they promote business and community.

slideshow

Nicole Key, the Great Cleveland Chamber of Commerce President for 2012, feels that the Cleveland Chamber plays a unique role in our area. Where other area chambers may be focused mainly on economic and business development, the Greater Cleveland Chamber of Commerce has tried to focus on community needs as well. The Greater Cleveland Chamber of Commerce is the only chamber in our area that operates outside a township.

For example, PeakFest in Apex is organized by the Apex Festival Commission. Community events in Fuquay-Varina, such as Celebrate Fuquay-Varina or the Chili Cook-Off, are organized by the Fuquay-Varina Parks & Recreation Department or the Fuquay-Varina Downtown Revitalization Association.

Showcasing the talents of businesses in the Cleveland is a top priority for the Chamber in 2012. In an effort to keep spending local, the Chamber has planned two events in 2012 that will spotlight local talent and resources.

The Taste of Cleveland will return on September 27 and will showcase restaurants and caterers that are in the area. The Chamber has also planned a new event for 2012, a Bridal Show, which scheduled for July 14. Both events will be held at the Landmark.

A community park is high on the list of priorities for the 2012 GCCC Board of Directors. They want to make sure families have access to park facilities in our own area.

The Chamber also wants to expand their efforts in local schools by adding a scholarship for a high school senior at both Cleveland and West Johnston. Last year they hosted a community school supply drive and donations were used to stock supply closets for teachers and students in area elementary schools.

“Meeting the community’s needs, as well as those of the Chamber, is a win/win,” says Key. That’s why the Chamber focuses much of its efforts on the community as well. When people stay in the area and spend in the area, it translates to jobs and tax revenue, which then leads to community services.

The Chamber has often been approached when it comes to questions of incorporation of our area. Key says that the Chamber is actively educating themselves about the pros and cons of incorporation. “We’re not at a point to share an opinion,” says Key.

Key feels like the Chamber is at a great place to grow. Chamber programs and events are running consistently and are ready for new input. A goal for 2012 is to have more Chamber members serve on committees. The best way for people in the Cleveland School area to become involved with Chamber and community happenings is to join, come to events, and identify individual areas of interest.

A membership to the GCCC starts at $50 for an individual, $100 for a non-profit, and varies for businesses depending on the number of employees. For more information, contact the Chamber at 919-773-8448 or visit their website, www.greaterclevelandchamber.com.

Key is married and has four children. She is the owner of Nicole’s Closet, a high end consignment and resale store for teen and Misses clothing in the Cleveland School area.

Contact Mary Lahr Cain at mcain@heartlandpublications.com or 919-552-5675.