More than 120 participants gathered at the Clayton Center today to hear experts discuss a federal program that could bring new jobs, companies and investment into designated properties in Johnston County. Known as Opportunity Zones, the national initiative offers deferments and exceptions on capital gains taxes derived from investments made in low-wealth communities. The Town of Clayton and the Clayton Chamber of Commerce (CCOC) joined the Johnston County Office of Economic Development in organizing and hosting the program, which was sponsored by KS Bank.

"The Clayton Chamber of Commerce champions economic development and we are very proud to produce collaborative and educational initiatives like this for our business community. Below you will the summit press release, program, and presentation from the event. We appreciate your dedication to the Johnston County community." ~Dana Wooten, CCOC President/CEO

The Clayton Chamber of Commerce (CCOC) Economic Development Committee's vision and action plan rollout with the Town of Clayton at our quarterly Eggs & Issues event was packed with people and important information and initiatives.

Working collaboratively with the Town of Clayton on its place branding expansion efforts (including a call for district sub-branding) and supporting the Johnston Community College goal of establishing a Clayton Campus (to foster a pipeline of talent across all sectors for the emerging workforce needs in the area) were just a few highlights from the action plan shared during the event.

Town of Clayton Economic and Community Development Director Dave DeYoung also provided the following eye-opening stats during the event:

• With 32.1% growth (2010-2017), Clayton is in top 10 fastest growing municipalities (for populations greater than 10k and less than 100k) in North Carolina.
• Currently at 21,405 (US Census, 2017), Clayton is forecasting its population to exceed 44,328 (the current exponential growth calculation) by 2040.

Learn more and read CCOC's Economic Development Committee's entire vision and action plan inside our Impact Agenda here.

The CCOC Economic Development Committee includes: Jim Perricone; Ruth Anderson; Dana Wooten, Bobby Bunn; Dave DeYoung; Kaitlin Russo; Kyle McDermott; Tara Abernathy; Edwin Jackson; Greg Kennedy; Charlie Bell; and Beth Watson.

Note: This collaborative presentation included some very exciting goals and action items that made everyone “Think Clayton.” And that included the local news.

Here is a news clip that aired the same evening (we spy a few CCOC investors and our board chair) > https://www.wral.com/business/video/17660261/