"Out and About with Dana Wooten: A Month of Engagement and Impact"

May 6th: Legislative Visit to Raleigh Dana, alongside Valerie, Anthony, the CCOC Legislative and Governmental Affairs Committee, and CCOC investors, visited Johnston County Legislators in Raleigh. They presented their Legislative agenda and key talking points, advocating for the interests and development of the Clayton community.

May 8th: NC Federation Luncheon: Dana attended the NC Chamber Federation Luncheon, a prestigious event featuring a fireside chat with NC Chamber President and CEO Gary Salamido, Secretary Machelle Sanders, and Representative Jason Saine. During the luncheon, the trio shared their vision for economic development in North Carolina, offering reflections on the state's current status and future prospects. Additionally, Bent Christensen, a fellow chamber president, facilitated an engaging discussion with leading economic development experts from across the state. The event provided an invaluable opportunity for Dana to network with local chamber colleagues and gain insights into the strategies and initiatives shaping North Carolina's economic landscape.

May 16th: Groundbreaking of the Complete 540 Project President CEO Dana Wooten, alongside Chair Kyle McDermott of UNC Health Johnston, proudly represented the Clayton Chamber of Commerce at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Complete 540 Project. This significant project aims to complete the outer loop of 540 around the Raleigh area. The event saw participation from key stakeholders and elected officials, including representatives from NCDOT and the North Carolina Turnpike Authority, marking an important milestone in enhancing connectivity for Wake and Johnston Counties. This project is crucial for supporting growth, economic development, and connectivity in the region. Additionally, Dana attended the ribbon cutting with the Garner Chamber of 42 Crossing, leased by Merritt Properties.
May 16th: Harbor Strategic Planning Session Dana, serving as a director for Harbor, contributed her insights at their strategic planning session, furthering efforts to support the community and address critical issues.

May 22nd: Team Building Exercise with Novo Nordisk Dana, along with other CCOC investors, assisted Melissa Overton with an Illuminated Training Session in a team-building exercise for CCOC Investor, Novo Nordisk. This event focused on enhancing collaboration and teamwork among participants.

May 28th: Clayton High School Awards Ceremony At the Clayton High School Awards Ceremony, Dana celebrated the achievements of three of CCOC's STEP (Student to Entrepreneur Program) students, RJ McClure, Katie Mason, and Sabrina Coffaro, who were awarded college scholarships for their outstanding accomplishments. The STEP initiative, a significant part of our Education Committee’s efforts, aims to cultivate the entrepreneurial spirit among students by providing mentorship, resources, and real-world business experiences. These scholarships underscore the success and impact of the program in preparing our youth for future entrepreneurial endeavors.

May 29th: Johnston County Industry HR Association Meeting Dana attended a meeting of the Johnston County Industry HR Association, established by the Johnston County Workforce Alliance and led by Joy Callahan. This group, comprising educators, Chambers, and workforce support organizations, focuses on addressing the future workforce needs of Johnston County. This meeting aligns with CCOC's workforce development initiatives, highlighting our commitment to preparing a skilled workforce that meets the evolving needs of our local businesses and industries.

May 29th: Duke Energy Stakeholder Information Session Following the HR Association meeting, Dana attended an informative session hosted by CCOC's Investor, Duke Energy, at JCC. The session featured a power line safety demonstration for area first responders, providing valuable education on handling accidents, storms, and other events that affect power lines and equipment. With the busy hurricane season approaching, this session highlighted the crucial and hazardous work of line workers in restoring power safely and efficiently. Additionally, the session emphasized the importance of keeping up with growth and infrastructure, as well as the need to support the lineman CTE (Career and Technical Education) program in Johnston County to ensure a steady supply of skilled workers for the future.
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May 28th: Visit to Dunn Area Chamber Dana, accompanied by Maria, visited the Dunn Area Chamber to meet with their new Executive Director. They discussed the programs, operations, and initiatives of CCOC, and as an added bonus, they attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new business in Dunn, celebrating local entrepreneurial success. These visits foster relationships between Chambers, enhancing collaboration and support for mutual goals. Building strong relationships is essential for driving economic development and creating a supportive network for businesses across the region.