We are the champions.

The Clayton Chamber of Commerce's mission is to ADVANCE business development, ELEVATE opportunities, and INFLUENCE the future of the Clayton, NC area.​ We accomplish this mission by:
Elevating Clayton's future through community forums, task forces, committees, and even one-on-one conversations; Influencing business development within the community, various organizations, and governments; and providing advancement opportunities, marketing solutions, networking, and professional development training  through various signature events and other initiatives.

The Clayton Chamber of Commerce is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization governed by a board of directors.

MORE ABOUT OUR HISTORY >

The CCOC team.

The Clayton Chamber of Commerce team is made up of the staff members below. The CCOC team works alongside valuable volunteers almost everyday to achieve the CCOC mission and vision.

Dana Wooten
President / CEO
​[email protected]

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Maria Smith
Director of Events and Operations
​[email protected]

Ann Buskirk
Program Management Specialist
​[email protected]

Anthony Mitchell
Marketing Communications Specialist
​[email protected]

Valerie Mullins
Investor Relations and Business  Development Specialist 
​[email protected]

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The CCOC Board of Directors.

The following board of directors govern the Clayton Chamber of Commerce, a 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization, by generously volunteering time over a three-year term. The CCOC board of directors, as well as all CCOC staff and volunteers, conduct all business in an ethical manner with integrity, transparency, and excellence.

Kyle McDermott
Chair
UNC Health Johnston​

Evelyn Sanders
Vice Chair
Southeastern Healthcare of NC Inc.

Lori Denham
​Treasurer
High Point Bookkeeping, LLC

Angelina Corroo
Past Chair
HomeTowne Realty

Tara Abernathy
Director
Kids 'R' Kids Learning Academy

Melissa Overton
Director
MedicalTraining.me

Michael Strauss
Director
The Design Haus

​Rich Cappola
Director
Town of Clayton

Michael Pagliocca
​Director
Elite Travel Planners, LLC

Brian Stoker
Director
Grifols

Carrie Hobrough
Director
CBIZ Payroll & HR Technology

Brad Palmer
Director
Destination Wealth Advisors

Gabriella Terry
Director
Chefella's Catering & Event Planning

Douglas McClentic
Director
Douglas McClentic Architect

Bernice Reynolds
​Director
Carolina Restoration 

2023 Accolades.

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

• LaunchJoCo Program: Graduated 15 students and accepted 19 for the next class.
• Program Revamp: Divided Launch into three components: LaunchNow, LaunchNext, LaunchBEYOND.
• Professional Development: Presented at the CACCE Staff Development Conference and held the ElevateHer Women’s Empowerment Summit.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

• Local Economy Support: Infused funds into the local economy and achieved record attendance at the 2023 Harvest Festival.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Continued the Clayton Developers Stakeholder’s Group and participated in town planning.

1. Community Contributions: Participated in groundbreakings, new business openings, and served on the TOC Social District steering committee.

EVENTS
87 events were held throughout the year that include relationship building (B2B), business development, education, advocacy, economic development, and more.
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AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

• Harvest Festival - 2022 Best of Johnston County by The  Johnstonian News
• Harvest Festival grant from Johnston County Visitor's Bureau
• Innovation grant from CACCE for Launch JOCO
• Dana Wooten, President CEO: ATHENA Leadership Award Recipient
• Dana Wooten, President CEO: Triangle Business Journal 2022 Faces to Watch

EDUCATION

• Leadership and Participation: The President CEO served on various educational councils and committees.
• Teacher Recognition: Recognized 10 Super Star Teachers from local schools.
• Student Programs: Supported 6 STEP students with mentors and held the STEP Student Showcase.
• Mentorship Programs: Arranged mentorship for at-risk teenagers and hosted educational panels.
• Community Engagement: Orchestrated the Town of Clayton Proclamation for "The Week of the Child" and attended educational conferences.
• Professional Development: Celebrated Maria's graduation from Leadership Johnston and Valerie's acceptance into the Class of 2024.

LEGISLATIVE AND GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS

• Roundtable Discussions: Organized a roundtable with Senator Budd and facilitated monthly meetings with local and state officials.
• Elected Officials Engagement: Hosted the first Elected Officials Reception and videoed candidates for Clayton Mayor and Town Council.
• Legislative Advocacy: Presented the 2023 Legislative Agenda to State Representatives and the Lt. Governor.
• Voter Resources: Updated the CCOC Voter Resource page.

CLAYTON CHAMBER FOUNDATION

• Website and Grants: Launched a new website and received multiple grants.
• Legacy and Scholarships: Established a Legacy Giving Society and awarded scholarships to First Responders.

TOTAL RESOURCE CAMPAIGN (TRC)
A total of 33 volunteers participated with 24 of those having made at least one sale
Total value of inventory $429,070
Campaign total - $215,244 + $22,378/11.60% increase over last year
Campaign goal - $ 250,00

• 286 sales
• 13 memberships totaling $3900
• Sold to 126 companies - 9 over last year

CCOC has big goals.

Business 

The Clayton Chamber of Commerce will continue to research and implement grant opportunites that benefit the businesses in our community and encourage new businesses to lay roots in Clayton.

Advocacy

The Clayton Chamber of Commerce will continue to facilite renovations that respect our historic building as we advocate for the advancement of Clayton's education, transit, and digital connectivity. 

Community

The Clayton Chamber of Commerce will leverage its resources to help create a community that is inclusive, equitable, and diverse, making Clayton an attractive destination for dynamic new talent in its workforce.

Clayton Chamber Foundation.

Separate from the Clayton Chamber of Commerce, the Clayton Chamber Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established in 2019. Its mission is to raise funds to support and advance CCOC initiatives for the betterment of the Clayton community. Contact us for more information on how to make a charitable donation to this foundation.

Board of Directors: Ruth Anderson (Chair),  Melissa Oliver (Secretary), Jim Perricone, Joy Garretson, Brent George (Directors)

DONATE TO THE FOUNDATION >