CLAYTON, NC – The Clayton Chamber of Commerce (CCOC)’s mission is to be a champion for education in Johnston County, so CCOC strives to be an advocate for all students, teachers, and principals in Johnston County. CCOC supports the Johnston County Public School System during its rebuilding process because of the demonstrable effects a school system has on business, economic development and workforce development in a county growing as quickly as Johnston County. The CCOC Education and Legislative/Governmental affairs Committees express support to Johnston County Public Schools, the Interim Superintendent, Dr. Ben Williams, and most importantly the school system’s teachers, principals, and students.  
 
At this pivotal time in our county, the Clayton Chamber of Commerce supports unity and leadership between the JCPS Board of Education and the County Commissioners. This is an opportunity to set a path forward to provide sound educational institutions to our students, which will subsequently promote businesses, economic development, and workforce development in Johnston County and the Town of Clayton. For these reasons, the Clayton Chamber of Commerce asks that the Johnston County Commissioners and the Johnston County Board of Education work together for the greater good of this county, the students and the teachers. The County Commissioners and the Board of Education working together to address the current budget for the rest of the 2020 school year was a great first step. Moving forward, CCOC advocates for a collaborative plan to address long term challenges.  
 
The Clayton Chamber of Commerce Board Chairman, Edwin Jackson, said “On behalf of the Clayton Chamber of Commerce, we feel as though the Interim Superintendent, Dr. Ben Williams, is both competent and committed to making the crucial improvements Johnston County Public Schools need. Especially during this decisive election year, it is important that the superintendent, Board of Education and Johnston County Commissioners continue to elevate the sense of unity they have started to curate, for the betterment of Johnston County.” 

It is critical for businesses, industries and citizens of Johnston County that the County Commissioners and the Board of Education continue to work together to find solutions that are in the best interest of students and teachers.  
 
For more information on CCOC’s mission and initiative-based committees, visit www.claytonchamber.com/committees. In an effort to help voters stay informed leading up to the Board of Education election, CCOC hosted a candidate forum which can be viewed in full on the CCOC YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/DIcEbWuW3gg. 
 
About the Clayton Chamber of Commerce
The Clayton Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit civically engaged economic advancement organization led by the businesses that invest in our mission. The Clayton Chamber of Commerce (CCOC)'s mission is to champion business, economic development, and education in Clayton, North Carolina. CCOC achieves this mission by Collaborating with various organizations through forums, task forces, committees, and even one-on-one conversations; advocating within the community, various organizations, and governments; and providing innovative solutions, community pride, business marketing opportunities, networking, and professional development through various signature events and other initiatives. The Clayton Chamber of Commerce is a 501(c)(6) non-profit organization governed by a board of directors. 

CLAYTON, NC – The Clayton Chamber of Commerce will host its “Platforms at the Podium: Johnston County Board of Education Candidate Forum” at The Church @ Clayton Crossings on Wednesday, February 12 from 6p.m to 8p.m. This free, public event is a chance for Johnston county residents and constituents to listen and learn more about the candidates for the Johnston County Board of Education primary election in March. The event will be moderated. Each candidate at the forum will have an equal chance to introduce themselves and present their platform to attendees.  
 
Clayton Chamber of Commerce President/CEO, Dana Wooten, said “The Clayton Chamber of Commerce is hosting this event in order to continue its mission of championing education in Clayton, NC and Johnston County as a whole. 2020 has the potential to be a transformational year. It is important for all citizens to be informed because of the huge effect the Johnston County school system has on business, economic development, and workforce development in this county.” 
 
By attending, the audience can learn more about each candidate, their platforms, and the impact they may have on the education of our Johnston County youth. This event is free and open to the public. 
 
About the Clayton Chamber of Commerce
The Clayton Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit civically engaged economic advancement organization led by the businesses that invest in its mission. The Clayton Chamber of Commerce (CCOC)'s mission is to champion business, economic development, and education in Clayton, North Carolina. CCOC achieves this mission by collaborating with various organizations through forums, task forces, committees, and even oneon-one conversations; advocating within the community, various organizations, and governments; and providing innovative solutions, community pride, business marketing opportunities, networking, and professional development through various signature events and other initiatives. Learn more and view all events at https://www.claytonchamber.com/. Please refer to the Clayton Chamber of Commerce in full, or as “Clayton Chamber” or “CCOC.”  

CLAYTON, NC -- The Clayton Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting & Community Awards Ceremony, presented by Yellow House: The Community Place, was held on Wednesday, January 29, 2020 at The Clayton Center. The Clayton Chamber Commerce presented its annual awards along with Clayton Rotary Club, The Woman's Club of Clayton, Clayton Women in Networking and the Clayton Downtown Development Association. All award recipients are listed below. Congratulations! 

Excerpt from CCOC President/CEO Dana Wooten's Speech:
“Since the Clayton Chamber of Commerce produced its first strategic plan three years ago, it has never strayed away from its mission: to champion business, economic development and education in the great town of Clayton, North Carolina. At the Clayton Chamber, we have set our mission in motion by investing in our community and actively building Clayton’s future every single day. CCOC remains inspired, dedicated and motivated to continue building upon the foundation we have so strongly put in place and I can confidently say that the future of CCOC is so bright.”

Thank you to all of the nights sponsors and attendees.