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Join Melissa in this episode of What's Up, Wake as she takes the show on the road to the debut Wake GPS: Growth + Prosperity Summit to explore the exciting economic developments in Wake County. Interviews feature David Bohm, Executive Director at Apex Chamber of Commerce, Dustin Williams, President of the Fuquay-Varina Chamber of Commerce, Mark Lawson, President of the Cary Chamber of Commerce, and Christie Moser, President of the Morrisville Chamber of Commerce. They discuss recent successes, upcoming projects, and the importance of community collaboration in economic growth. Highlights include new mixed-use developments, expansions in healthcare and retail, and the booming entrepreneurial scene. Tune in for an insightful look into the vibrant business landscape of Wake County!
00:00 Welcome to What's Up, Wake!
00:55 Economic Development in Apex
03:00 Community Collaboration and Chamber Roles
05:02 Exciting Prospects for 2026
10:13 Fuquay-Varina's Booming Growth
22:34 Balancing Support for Small and Large Businesses
24:24 Economic Development Wins in Cary
25:58 The Impact of Downtown Cary Park
27:57 Future Prospects for Cary
33:22 Morrisville's Economic Growth and Announcements
35:55 Morrisville's Community and Future Plans
38:47 The Importance of Regional Collaboration
40:30 Fun Activities in Morrisville
43:48 Conclusion and Closing Remarks
Creators and Guests
Guest
Christie Moser
President Morrisville Chamber of Commerce
Guest
David Bohm
Executive Director at Apex Chamber of Commerce
Guest
Dustin Williams
President at Fuquay-Varina Chamber Of Commerce
Guest
Mark Lawson
President Cary Chamber of Commerce - NC Certified Economic Developer - IOM, US Chamber of Commerce
What is What’s Up, Wake?
What’s Up, Wake covers the people, places, restaurants, and events of Wake County, North Carolina. Through conversations with local personalities from business owners to town staff and influencers to volunteers, we’ll take a closer look at what makes Wake County an outstanding place to live. Presented by Cherokee Media Group, the publishers of local lifestyle magazines Cary Magazine, Wake Living, and Main & Broad, What’s Up, Wake covers news and happenings in Raleigh, Cary, Morrisville, Apex, Holly Springs, Fuquay-Varina, and Wake Forest.
What's Up Wake - Special Chamber Episode
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Hi there and welcome to What's Up Wake Spend Your Day is the only way. Take a break. With what Up Wake. What Up? Wake presented by the publishers of Kerry Magazine, wake Living and Maine, and Broad. What's up? Wake covers the people, places, restaurants, and events. Essentially, all the cool stuff and great news of Wake County.
I'm your host, Melissa Woff. Join me as we find out what's up, wake.
This is the first time I have taken What's up? Wake on the road and thank you so much for being my Guinea pig. But I was telling you, I'm also the Guinea pig, so we're in it together. We're gonna, we're gonna partner up. This is gonna be great. Painless. Yes. I have a feeling it's gonna be fantastic. I am with the Apex Chamber of Commerce President David Bom.
Thank you again for being here. My pleasure. So I was doing a little bit of a deep dive into the purpose of the Chamber of Commerce. Yeah. And you guys are really all about economic development in the town. Can you go over some recent economic development successes that you guys have had, particularly in the last.
Few years. Absolutely. So if you look at what the Apex Chamber of Commerce does is we partner and collaborate with the town. They actually do the official economic development and recruitment for our area. But we help partner and collaborate any and every time we can. Some huge wins for us. You've probably heard about some of our recent developments.
Sweetwater Town Center, there's, which is massive, massive, complex that's out there. Yes. And a great mix of retail and also residential. But you also have things like Veridian that have been announced and the. Thousand acres. A huge thing that's just starting. Yeah. You're seeing the dirt being pushed, um, and the excitement is building up on things like that.
But I feel like, you know, conversations happen about development like that. Yep. For years and years and years. It's not official until you see dirt moving. It's official. Absolutely right. It, it is official, so it's very. Exciting and more than, but it is a huge undertaking. More than exciting because you get that pent up demand.
What are those announcements that are coming out? Is it something like the NC Children's Hospital that's gonna be out there? Wake Tech is relocating their new campus out there where we're thrilled to have that come into be. Uh, and they can't push dirt fast enough. A matter of fact, I volunteer all the time.
I've got my shovel. You got a shovel? Oh, okay. I'll travel. Ready? Go. I'm gonna have to go and see that for myself because I'm not now, I'm not believing you. Uh, no. Put me to the test. Yeah, I, I've got it. I'll show you. It's in the trunk of the car right here today. Okay. Well, you know. I'm kind of picturing that you, you would have a shovel anyway because do you go to a lot of ribbon cuttings and stuff?
So you have this ceremony shovel, I can imagine. That's absolutely right. Yeah. So that's another part of integral part of what we do to welcome businesses into the community through the ribbon cuttings and networking events and things like that. Chambers play a very vital role in that along and they partner with other organizations too.
'cause this is a community thing. It's not just a chamber thing, it's not just a town thing, it is a community. What can we do to help, support and really, um, build together? Well, you're making a good point too, because when you're thinking about the, the role of a chamber, it really trickles down to the entire economy.
So it, it is not just the businesses, it's everybody that lives in the community that it affects. If you have a thriving business community, you have a thriving community overall, and everybody wants to be living in a thriving community. Yeah. So whatever you can do to help of support. Uplift complement, partner, collaborate, that is the spirit of what you see in our communities, not only in Apex, but surrounding Apex as well.
Yeah, that's very true because we're all so close together when, when you're thinking about all the communities around, around this area. Um, and if you also think you have folks who live in that one. Community, but work in another community. Mm-hmm. Uh, and so whether you have the business in your community or they're living in community, that's very true.
They're, everybody is impacted. And so we're connected a lot more than what you would commonly think. That is very true. And, and since we've been here today, I see. You interacting with the other town chambers and, uh, you guys know each other well and I'm, I'm assuming you have to work together quite often.
Uh, the good chambers do work with one another. Yeah. And from that, or to have that mindset of whatever you can do to partner and collaborate. And we are blessed in this area of the 12 municipalities. You have at least 12 local chambers just in Wake County alone of how well they get along and. I'll say playing the sandbox together very well.
That's a very positive thing, and I'm happy to hear you say that. What are you most excited about other than the two developments you just talked about? You're not, no, I'm taking those off the table. What are you most excited about in 2026? I can't even believe we're saying 2026. I just got used to saying 2025.
Yes. Uh, so we lived off of a theme of 2025 Thrive in 2025. Right. So looking at what rhymes with six, let's see. Well, um, there's many different ways that can go. We just went with Find Your Community in 2026, so that's got me interested and excited about what's gonna be happening in Apex. It's not necessarily a named project or an item, it's more of what is the potential.
Um, here today, I've had several conversations with folks and just looking at their. Aspirations, what would they like to do? Yeah. And can that happen in Apex? So those are the things that get me excited about 2026, where it might not be officially named yet. It's the planting the seeds that you're gonna see Bloom and Blossom in 2026.
That could be development, a particular business or just, um, a connection that you've helped make within the community, between nonprofits or to help support the community in other ways outside of just. Businesses and commerce. You mentioned being able to talk to so many different people around here today.
So why, in what ways do you think events like this are important? Because we don't have enough opportunities to come together collectively to see so many people that you have a common interest with. Yeah. Like-minded or need to meet with. Yeah, like-minded or cross sectors, cross industries. Um, and. Try to do that on a one-on-one basis.
People have a very aspirational list. I'm gonna reach out to these five people this week. Well, if you can hit them at one luncheon at one time or one program in the week, that saves you a tremendous amount of time, and I think it spurs a lot more collaboration and creative ideas and being face to face.
Too, because we're so much on, um, you know, social media or behind a computer screen, it's really nice to be able to put a face with a name. Even though I, I was joking earlier today. I'm terrible about mixing faces with names, so if I do that again today, sorry about that. That's all quite all right. But it, it's very helpful to be able to speak face to face.
It is, and it's also very helpful to be able to take. One conversation and walk literally across the room to make an introduction to continue the conversation. 'cause it sparked an idea. Yeah. Is it a development, is it a project, is it something you're working on? Or, um, you have a, a need to help the community?
A maybe you're. Wanting to help pets. Well, hey, the person who helps pets is right over here. Let me make you an introduction. Yeah. And see where that goes. So that's what I, I appreciate events like this more than you know, because I get to see so many friends and make new friends too. Make Yeah, exactly that.
I think that's really the key, well, you also get wonderful. Like being on podcasts, you hear these celebrity podcasters who are out there and you don't get this opportunity to do it sitting behind your desk.
I have had the pleasure for meeting so many amazing people and it continues today, so thank you. Thank you. What would be one piece of advice One, have the courage to go out and do it. Uh, whether that's an. P or elsewhere. It does take a lot of courage.
Have the courage to do it. Yeah. Um, and, but build the confidence and courage to do it. How do you do that? One way to do that is by finding your community. Who is your support network that you can reach out to? You're gonna have hit. Guys, you're gonna have bumps along the way. You're gonna run into challenges if you are gonna have a support network to help, uh, reach out to, to have, uh, a way to answer those questions.
It's gonna be a tough journey. Don't put yourself on an isolated island. You got so many people who want to help and support you. And you can do that. You can find that in your community and so many people who have been in your shoes before Yeah. That you can lean on. So what, what makes Apex, apex, um, wonderful question out there and so many ways to answer that. Yeah. But I think it's about. I'll, I'll sum it up as being welcoming. The one thing I hear time and time again for Apex is you are so warm, so welcoming. What can this community be real? Is this a Hallmark movie that's happening here?
Honestly, it does feel like that at times. It really does. I mean, I, I've met you just today, but I feel like we've been friends forever. I interviewed your, your mayor Jock recently, and he is, he is one of my favorite interviews that I've had so far in this process. And everybody is just so warm and I think it's the genuine authenticity of that.
That's what you experience. I used to say we're the biggest small town, you know, but that small town feel, I think we're the smallest big town, you know, as that population keeps growing. Think so. Yeah, I think so. Well, thank you so much for being with us today. I hope you enjoy the rest of the time here and it was very nice meeting you.
Nice to meet you as well. Thank you so much. Thank you. I appreciate this.
I've got Dustin Williams here. Dustin is the president of the Fuqua Barina Chamber of Commerce, and I was just talking before we started recording about how Fuqua Barina is booming in almost an unnatural way. Yes. Yeah, it it is at supersonic speed. Yeah. So can you tell us a little bit about the economic development wins?
Maybe even in the past year that you can talk about with people Play Marina. Yeah. So really it's some of the biggest wins right now. It's been commercial mixed use, so we don't really have a lot of retail, a lot of shopping, a lot of things. So we're getting, uh, a new development called Goalie Crossing, so we're actually getting a target.
Oh, that's the target. Yeah. Yeah. We're getting, we're getting a target there now. Now you're talking my language. Yes. Yeah. So we actually have more shopping and retail resources in place. Um, also getting Lowe's Foods is coming in, so we actually finally getting another grocery store in place there in Fuqua Arena, which is, I will say that's one thing you definitely have needed is another grocery store.
Yeah. I mean, we, we live there and it's like, you, you're out, you're out doing the, the one or two grocery stores. Yeah, we do. We do have, mm-hmm. But yeah, commercial mixed use has really been booming from that. We actually had CCL label. So outside of commercial mixed use. Oh, also Bengal Town Center. So we had our first, uh, what we have residential up top three stories.
Up top, yeah. Condos, things like that. And underneath we have restaurants and retail. First time ever in Fuqua Arena. And it's called Bengal Town Center. Oh, it is the first, first one because I feel like that. Kind of where Raleigh has been going for several years now, is everything has apartments or condos on top of it.
Yes. 'cause we're gonna have to stack at this point for sure. So like, really the, the all, it's so popular, all the, uh, retail restaurants underneath, they're also. So the whole thing is now the struggle for Fuqua and people understand is there's condos there. The affordability can they, can they live? There are people, the people even know that's there.
So that is a huge culture shift for Fuqua is that we have housing, but we also have. Condos apartments and then a hub where people can hang out, get coffee, ice cream, eat or whatever, right under there too. And so that's a huge win for us right there. Yeah. And there's so many pockets in people arena that are still the old school walkable type of environment, which is is so, yeah.
So welcoming to people. Yeah. People really strive to have that type of neighborhood for sure. We're, we're blessed. We have two downtowns, so we have a downtown Fuqua, a downtown Barina, that used to confuse me to no end. Yeah. When I, when I first started, I was like, I'm the president of the Fuqua Chamber.
They're like, Fuqua Barina Mar Chamber. Yes, because it, because on all Sears, I mean. The amount of small business owners we have in downtown Fuqua and downtown Marina, it is gotta be over 140 different entities that are there. And they come, they come and go. But mm-hmm That is a huge plus for our area.
'cause you can park, you have a family, you don't have a family, you stroll through, you can a cup of coffee, go down, you can shop, you can eat. So we all have all that. Well, it's kind of building out. That's been big wins for us with the outskirts of, like I said, that commercial mixed use, uh, a factory called CCL label.
Uh, it's a, it is a million $18 million, uh, label making plant that's based outta Canada. Oh, wow. That Oh, wow. Opened, that opened, uh, a year ago. Uh, with 160 jobs about to put a hundred more jobs in their town. So we're getting more workforce development opportunities too. So you got your fund, you know, target your Lowe's food.
Mm-hmm. We had a place called Mc Wally's had opened. That's not franchised. I have not been there yet. Have you heard of that? And I have heard of it. Yeah. And I am, I'm gonna try to get my youngest, who's 12 to have a laser tag party. Yeah. Yeah. There. So it's, I'm so excited to go to that place. Yeah. Just like I mentioned, we have a six and 11-year-old, it. I, I don't mind going to Mooresville. To a trampoline park. Yeah. Yeah. But it's nice to go five minutes up the street and go bowl, go play laser tag. Have a nice stretch. Stretch. And I say, if you play a barina resident business owner that has started that. 'cause he's what? A dentist. Oh yeah. Is that that right?
Dentist investors put that whole thing together. Mm-hmm. They did a market research and basically took the best things all over the country and said, some people would doubted and said, why y'all have laser tag? That's something the eighties and nineties. You go look at the number. It is hot now though. It is popping.
That's like one of the hottest places. Mm-hmm. So we have people coming from Morrisville, Carey, other places to Fuqua, which is a huge win for us because all that money, that tax money's coming into us not going out. So that's pretty huge. Definitely. I mean, I, I live in Raleigh, but, um, I, I spend a lot of time in for kids' sports and things like that, and I, I drive by McNally.
Oh yeah. So I, I definitely am looking forward to going there. So, yeah, we got some fun. We got fun entertainment options that are there. And like I said. Uh, growth on the horizon is in my job. Since I'm not the economic development director, my job is to continue to work with the town. To continue to make the relationship and then welcome them and then keep them involved with the chamber.
So when they do come, they're excited about their business and they're staying with us, which has been really, really fun. So what are you looking forward to the most in 2026? For Fuqua Rena? Yeah, like right now, I mean for us, so I do a lot of partnerships with our local high schools in Wake Tech. So the example with CCL label, they're about to add a hundred new jobs.
My, my biggest thing I'm excited about is we have them, and Ox Leviton is another one. They make fiber optic cables. Is a lot of high school students are sitting at their desk right now and they're like, I don't know what I want to do with my life. And I'm like, well, if you graduate, you have a nice job right here in our town to work.
And maybe you get your degree later. So we're still not promoting like don't get your degree. But not everybody has a workforce plan to go get their degree. They might want to go to the workforce now and be able to stay in their hometown. Right? Yeah. And some, and honestly, some of these jobs, once you get your certification.
You can work for six months to a year and make six figures at 18, 19 years old. But you do have to work for it in all those things too. So we're excited about keeping talent within our town. I'm just excited as being a resident there and having kids that like I mentioned, we actually have places to go that we don't have to travel 30 minutes.
50 minutes, an hour two, we actually can stay in our area and do things there too. So that's been nice. And one thing that you were just bragging just a little bit. Hell yeah. On your Chamber of Commerce, the Fuqua bring a Chamber of Commerce, you told me, is the fastest growing chamber of commerce in the state.
Yep. What do you attribute that to? It's all me. Is it? I I knew you were gonna say that. Yes, I saw me. It's all me. No, I mean, take off the mic, throw it. It's all you. Yeah. All records don't mean nothing. No, like, I mean, honestly, my, my skillset is collaboration and teamwork. I mentioned I worked for the YMC at the Triangle for over 21 years.
The way we and I was trained was if you work together, people were respond. But also like with the chamber, you have to show value. So when I started, you can see my personality. I literally did the old school eighties and nineties. I pounded the pavement. I went door to door to businesses and I'm like, really?
Somebody's so shy and quiet. Oh, yeah, yeah. Okay. And I, I literally went up to a business and said, why are you not a member of the chamber? And they're like, oh, we, we don't get value out of that. And I said, well, I'm I'm the new president and let me show you what I bring to the table and I'm still winning people over.
But it's not just winning them over is really showing value. how do you show value as a Chamber of Commerce? I think first is just having, from my, from my background of fundraising is to show actual stats. So when I started at the Chamber, we had 210 active members. We have 540 right now.
In two and a half years. Wow. So if I meet with someone, they go, well, why should I be a ball of that chamber? We have consistent opportunities for you. Mm-hmm. We have a lot of people for you to meet, and that's how you grow your career. That's how you grow your business. And so really what I do is try to give them avenues to do things consistently.
And then they go back to their supervisors. Or if they are the supervisor, they'll go, holy cow, look at who I just met. My business is growing. So I'm just trying to show them that there is value here and understand what a chamber is. The, the craziest thing, honestly. Yeah. They don't know what a Chamber of commerce is.
I would, I would think a lot of people don't really, they've heard of it, but they don't really know what it is and what you guys do. Right. The number one thing they go is Chamber of Commerce. Golfie, I mean coffee, golf tournament. Mm-hmm. And old people. Oh yeah. And I'm like, that is kind of insulting.
'cause it's like saying to a teacher, all you do as a kindergarten teacher is color. Right? Oh yeah, yeah. You know, so, so, but to their defense, they don't know. They just don't know yet. So I have to show them what that is too. Okay. Yeah. So it's kind of like, I get it. I mean, I don't know what if like some of these jobs people do.
I don't know what they do unless I get to know them. Yeah. So it's relationships. It's all relationships really. So let's say you have friends or family coming in from out of town. They're coming to Fuqua Barina for the first time. They've only got one day, 24 hours. Yeah. What are you gonna put on their itinerary to do for that 24 hours in Fuqua Barina?
Because I saw this question you sent me and I was like, oh man, I got some favorite, I don't wanna do share. Favorite this one. I know. Don't get me in trouble with this. No, I do. I gonna throw you right under that bus. But here's, you've gotta, it's like a parent. You've gotta name your favorite children at this point.
Yeah. Here's, here's how we're gonna lay this one out. So my wife. Loves this black coffee. Oh, you're just gonna blame your wife. I'm gonna blame my wife too. Oh, it's her fault. Yeah. Okay. She loves black coffee. I love hot chocolate, so I'm not a coffee drinker. Mm-hmm. I'm probably like a little 12-year-old.
Yeah. Where I don't drink. I just don't like coffee. But, uh, cultivate coffee is, uh, and that's the other thing to promote for this too. We have a lot of non-chain. Places in our town, you really do way that need, need support, and no knock on Starbucks or any of these places, but we, or Target, like you mentioned, right?
Yeah. We've gotta continue to support the, the small business owners, right? So we had Cultivate Coffee as one of the best coffee shops in Fuqua Marino. Um, he's so popular right now. He's been selling his beans and sub in Walmart. So he has scaled opera. Wow. I didn't know that. I didn't either. And I've been going there a lot.
Yeah. Like I just kind of, he, he's not very humble about it. Amazing. Doesn't brag. That's about it, but Okay. But, but we would get coffee there in the morning and then I blame my kids, so, oh no. My son loves butter, noodles, and pasta. We have a awesome place called Gios for lunch. So we hit as I'm doing all the food things.
So we hit Gios for lunch, and then we finally got a sit down restaurant in Fuqua Arena. That is a steak restaurant. So we have a place called the Library Steakhouse. I've, I've been hearing about the library. So many of my guests have been mentioning the library so Good. And I haven't been yet. Okay. So good.
And I'm, I grew up in the triangle and I'm an Angus barn snob. Like, okay, I grew up going there, birthdays, all that stuff. Yep. But the state will compare to that atmosphere. It's hard to eat Angus barn, especially right now, and especially during Christmas. Yeah. But Library Steakhouse is an unbelievable restaurant.
Um, non-chain, just straight up great restaurant. Mm-hmm. Um, so we have that. And then we have a lot of, we have the gym scene pretty cool too. So we have a place called Club Work. Okay. Uh, not A-Y-M-C-A, but very similar to A-Y-M-C-A where I used to work, but, but on the, like the fancier end of of gyms. Yes.
Yeah. Yeah. So we, you know, we have like, you know, your CrossFit and things like that. Mm-hmm. But we do have a lot of fitness activities mm-hmm. To help with all the food towards that. And McNally's. Yeah. Yeah. Yes. Another shout out for them. That would be a fun way to end the day. Yeah. And then ice cream, we have lots of ice cream options that are there.
We actually had a place called Fat Cat. Ice Cream that has expanded really good homemade ice cream. I haven't been there either. Yeah, you need to put that one up. But it's a lot of great places. That's why it's tough to put me under the foot 'cause I don't wanna be like I had to put you on the spot.
Yeah. But I mean, honestly, like probably where I have the most fun when my job honestly is. The pride that a small business owner takes. Mm-hmm. Like if you're opening an ice cream shop in 2025, the risk you're taking, but how much enjoyment they get outta serving their customers and making those relationships is unbelievable and really humbling for me.
'cause I don't know if I could take that risk to be honest with you. It's just you. You have to have, you have to, you have to really want. You have to yeah. Be quite brave to do something like that. And I, I would think that one of the biggest challenges for a town like Fuqua Marina is to try to keep it.
Feeling small throughout the massive growth that you are experiencing. Right. And I don't know how to do that. Yeah. But I, I hope that we're able to, and by, by we, I mean you. Yeah. I mean, the hardest thing is, like, I always tell people with a chamber, you wanna support your small businesses. Mm-hmm. But you also can't knock your larger businesses because at the end of the day, if you have a family or if you don't have a family, you still have to get things from certain places.
You can't. Go all small all the time. Yeah. But those, those folks that work at the larger companies, they're supporting their families too. And they're also going to those small businesses to shop too. So I, the, the, what I do with our chamber is to make sure people understand, really as cheesy as this is, you should be supporting all business.
From Target all the way to Fat Cat ice cream. Mm-hmm. Because everybody's a human being and everybody's gotta put food on the table. So it's not, we're all small businesses, or we're all big businesses. It's really a mesh of the two. Yeah. And that's what grows our chamber too, is you can, people can benefit from a big business and they can benefit from the small business too.
Yeah. As long as it all balances out. Yep. In the end, they gotta support each other. Yeah, for sure. Well, thank you so much for being here today. I feel like I could talk to you all day because there's so much to talk about with people. Brandon, we got a lot going on. Yeah, we got a lot going on for sure. All right, well I look forward to talking to you again in the future.
Yeah, yeah. Thank you. Alright. Thank you. Appreciate it.
this is Mark Lawson. You are the president of the Kerry Chamber of Commerce. I've spoken to David with Apex. I've spoken to Dustin with Fuqua and we've, I've really gotten a better understanding about the purpose of Chambers and it's really to bring the. Economy up the local economy up.
Is that right? It is. And those are two great chamber executives. It is. It's really, it's, it's the way to bring the economy up. It's the way to get people, bring people together. Mm-hmm. Bring local government, the community and the business community together to not only raise up the economy, but also the quality of life in the community.
So it's really multifaceted. Because it really does trickle down throughout the entire community. So what are some economic development wins, I should say, I guess for the town of C that you've experienced in the last year or two? I'm gonna talk about a couple, and I'm gonna start off with our entrepreneurs.
So. In 2024, we had over 3,200 new businesses file a license with the Secretary of State. So the entrepreneurial scene is as strong as I've ever seen it in C, which is really, again, you think about the entrepreneurs and small business that's really the backbone of our economy. That's been really exciting.
The other. Uh, and we were just listening to in a prior, uh, prior panel how healthcare continues to grow. So when you think of the development of Duke's campus in West Carey, you're talking hundreds of jobs in very specialized healthcare fields. Expansion of Wake Med in caries. They continue to. And UNC Health.
So there are thousands of jobs that have come out of just those three organizations on top of the entrepreneurial scene. From an existing industry standpoint, you see MetLife continue to add personnel or global tech campus in care. Deutsche Bank is another area that has added several hundred jobs. In view an environmental company that's also in West Kerry.
Those from an existing industry standpoint, that's really where we've seen tremendous growth. We're talking several thousand jobs in the private sector, a little bit in the nonprofit, but then also in the healthcare sector. Yeah. And it seems to me the, the downtown Kerry Park area has, has really created kind of a Hubb for the area.
Yes. And it's, it's, everybody wants to go there now. It is very popular. So they have seen over almost a million visitors in the two years that it's been operational. And that is mind blowing. Think about that. In a community of 192,000 people in a seven acre park. Over just a span of 24 months. It's almost unbelievable.
It is. And when you, but I believe it because I've been to the park and, um it's odd though because every time I'm out the park I hear about numbers like that and it never feels crowded. It doesn't, it's, you know, the seven That's unique though. It is so well designed and laid out that you can have thousands of people there at a time and you don't feel like you're gonna be run over.
Yes, there's really room for everybody. Uh, and the park has been a tremendous economic development driver, not only just for in the downtown corridor in the business district, but it, it's what it's brought into carry in general, into the 64 square miles of carry. So many new businesses, so many new opportunities.
You're talking hundreds of millions of dollars of investment just from that parked loan. That's, that's truly incredible. It's, it's been. To me, the biggest thing that's happened to Kerry from an economic development standpoint, both just from what it's done into the transformation of downtown, but what it's done throughout c Yeah, because like I said, it, it trickles out.
It's the, the, the, the great news of that area. It spreads to other areas of Kerry. I can imagine. It does. It's added to the quality of life. Mm-hmm. It's brought in people from all over the country just to experience the park. And then experience what Carey's been known for, which is the highest quality of life in the nation, the safest place in the nation.
It's really brought everyone in to explore what Carey has to offer. So what are you looking forward to the most in 2026 in here? I think several things. I think the continued development and expansion of downtown as we continue to do a lot of infill redevelopment. Uh, go to more mid-rise development. I'm looking forward to that.
Continuing to see our food and beverage and entertainment opportunities, not only in downtown, but around Kerry. Well, Kerry is becoming a foodie capital. Yes, it is. Yeah. And we are grateful for that. Yeah, I'm sure. We certainly are. I think the other areas that I'm excited about is, is to continue to see the work of our healthcare partners, duke, wakened and UNC, as they continue to grow and expand in our area, new medical technologies, uh, the mental health hospital, all the focus that's coming around, it's gonna benefit care in one shape, form or another.
And I'm really excited. About, uh, the tech industry. We have so many startups that have come to carry that are now advancing in year three and four to go in line with continued growth of SaaS and MetLife. So I'm really excited about the tech sector. And then finally, advanced manufacturing. It is really taken over.
Carrie. There are so many new companies that have come in to set up shop. And many that are looking in our area and it's very clean. It's not the old, dirty, advanced manufacturing. This is very high tech, all computerized manufacturing and carries an attractive place for them to locate their business. Is there one thing that you can, you can pinpoint that is an initiative that you are most proud of as your, in your time as president of the Chamber?
That's a great question. I would say that, how long have you been with the chamber? Chamber six and a half years. Okay. And there's been a lot of change in in the last four years as president. Okay. Lot of change in the last six and a half years. Yes. I would say our events and our programming worked really hard with our staff and our board to continue to find ways to improve our events and programming, gather more engagement, get more community involvement.
So that's something I'm really proud of. I think we're certainly not finished, but I think we've really gotten off to a good start of. Kind of the next evolution of what are our events and programming and what people should expect at a carry chamber event. Speaking of events, why are events like the Wake Chief GPS event that we're having here today, why are these events important?
This opportunity to bring everybody together from the nonprofit sector, from the healthcare sector. From the for-profit sector. There is so much talent in these rooms today and certainly the triangle. It's great for people to share ideas, not only to network, but to learn from each other and learn about what each organization is doing.
And to me there's power numbers and it's certainly here today. It's very evident. Yeah. We have a, a great showing today and, and so many just really smart people. Yes. All together in one room. Yes. That doesn't happen very often. It is very difficult to pull together the talent that you all pull together today.
You have the top people in real estate, healthcare development, local, state, federal government, and hospitality is, is hospitality. We have a little bit of everything today, and I know you've got some of the best chefs around that. We do are here with us today. So to pull all those people together is just an amazing feat.
Okay, so let's say you have one ideal. Perfect. The weather's beautiful. Everything is just laid out, perfectly weakened and carried. What are you gonna do with your time if Mother Nature is cooperating? I'm going to take my time and go through our expansive Greenway system. I live downtown. You do have a great.
Greenway. Yeah, so I love the new greenways that we've opened up in downtown Cary. So I'm gonna take a nice stroll through those and then I'll follow that up with the, a great cup of coffee, a brew, or the main or steamed coffee or the Williams house. We have so many great choices. And then I will go find a great brunch.
I will go to the Mayon and have a wonderful brunch and then I'll stroll through the park. One of my favorite things to do is sit by the fountain. I love the sound of that fountain. It's so relaxing. It is relaxing. Yeah. So I try to take advantage because of where I live in the great assets in downtown.
That's really what a perfect weekend day looks like for me. Thank you so much for being here today. Thank you for taking your time out of the, the event that we're having and coming to chat with me. It's a pleasure and it's an honor to be with you today. You too. Thank you. Thank you. I am here with Christie Moser. You are the Morrisville Chamber of Commerce president. That's correct. Thank you so much for being here today. Thank you for having me. You are my last guest of the day. Okay. So I'm catching you, you're probably tired from being here all day. Oh, no, no. It's been great. It's been a great event.
So bright eyed and bushy too. Thank Exactly. Thank you for joining me. Of course. So I, I've, I've spoken to the other Chamber of Commerce. Presidents, we've gotten into how it business is really at the heart of the Chamber of Commerce. Yes. Mm-hmm. And the economy. Mm-hmm. So tell us what's been going on in Morrisville that has been exciting with businesses and economy this year?
Yeah. So, um, 2025 has been, uh, a great year for Morrisville as, as the surrounding communities as well. Mm-hmm. So we've had a number of announcements, which have been fantastic. Um, this year it was actually. The fall of 2024, the town of Morrisville hired their first economic development director, Tiffany McNeil.
Oh, okay. So this was her first full year in the role, which has also been, I think, really beneficial to the town of Morrisville. Mm-hmm. To have her, um, leading the charge in economic development. But we had, um, a number of great announcements this year, including Novartis that was very recently, mm-hmm.
Announced, uh, Corey Olis. Census surgical and then also even with RDU, having, um, other announcements, like the new direct flight to Dublin for Air Lingus. I heard that. Yes. And I've never been to Dublin and it makes me wanna go even more. I have not either. It is on my list. Yeah. So, yeah. And I think that one kicks off in April of next year.
Anything that's a direct flight, especially when you have kids. Amazing. Sign me up. Exactly. Agreed. Ireland, it just opens up another gateway for. The European market, which is fantastic. So yeah. You know, RDU U is technically in Morrisville and so of those, yeah, Morrisville is really a unique spot because you have R-T-P-R-D-U, you're right on the edge of care.
Yes. Apex. I mean, you're, you're really in a hot spot. We really are. And it opens up more opportunities I would think. It does. And I think that's what's really desirable for a lot of our companies that are looking in more. Full is the, the easy access to RDU is a huge, huge benefit. Definitely. And RTP. , So those things have been great.
And then, you know, the, the final thing for Morrisville this year was that they finally had the groundbreaking for our Town Center, which will be coming online in 2027. , Morris will really haven't had a downtown per se up until now. You know what, I never even thought about that. Yep. And so this is gonna be adjacent to town campus.
, And where the library is, and it's gonna be a mixed use park, amphitheater, all of that great stuff. So it's just gonna be a really communal space for Yeah. Just a central spot. Yeah. That's great. Yeah. I've never thought about that. Mm-hmm. That it's been in the works been amazing edition. It is, yeah. Okay, good.
So they finally broke ground on that, I think in September. , And it is already already underway. So, yeah, I was talking to another of the, the Chamber of Commerce presidents and, , it's like, you, you, you dream about something for so many years. You talk about it, you plan it, but it's not official until it the, the ground is broken.
Exactly. So good. Yes. That means that it is really going to happen. It is really going to happen. So yes. So we're very excited about that for Morrisville. So what does success look like in In Morrisville? Say in 2026? Yes. What, what are you guys looking forward to? So we're looking forward to a number of things.
The first is something we haven't really talked about yet, but we're moving. Okay. . So we actually sold our building to Oh, you're physically moving? We're physically moving our space. Oh. So we sold our building to the town of Morrisville. Okay. , They have been really needing it for years. We're on campus with them, with their, , everything that they have going on, and we, it's.
It's a lot for us as a small chamber. , So we have partnered and we've secured space with Wake Tech, the Morrisville campus. So we're gonna be moving there for at least all of next year. Okay. We'll see what the foreseeable future holds for us. Yeah. But, , we're really excited 'cause that really puts us even more into the community.
Wake Tech is such a great partner and, so entrenched in the community. We're just really excited to, to be there. In that space. And it really says a lot about Wake Tech too, because I, I feel like at least three out of four of you guys have mentioned Wake Tech. That's amazing in some part of the conversation because they are, they've grown.
Yes. So much. Gosh, it's, it's truly remarkable how much they've grown. It really is. Yeah. We are so lucky as a. Definitely as a community, , as a county to have them. 'cause they're such a big presence here. So. Well, and they're lucky too that they have so many options for incredible towns to go to. Yes. You know, we'll look at it on both sides.
Yes. You're both very lucky. Exactly. But we also, . You know, obviously announcements that we have, like I mentioned earlier, are fantastic for our region, but we really also, , heavily support small businesses. Yeah. So any of those big announcements that come in also help support small businesses because we're able to bring more awareness to them
for our chamber for next year really growth would look like, , even more members, of course, more events. Than maybe a little bit more staff for us, which would be helpful. Yeah. You're a very small staff two, because I Yes. You're you are one of two. Yes. Which I, I saw that online when I was looking up, you know, research for, for today.
Yes. And I was really surprised to see that. I'm not sure how you do as much as you do with just two people. That's a lot. It really means a lot to take on it. It is. We, uh, our mayor calls us a small but mighty chamber. We agree. Yes. , We. Say we divide and conquer all the time between the two of us. Mm-hmm.
But likely we will, we'll look at probably bringing on a third person two three of next year. And it really be helpful, like if you work super well with just two of you. Mm-hmm. And then you bring on a third that doesn't mold. Oh yes. You know, it can throw you off. Whereas you work just fine with two.
Uh, so the dynamic. Are very important. Absolutely. Yes. With all the, the teamwork involved. Absolutely. I would say that that is gonna be a very important decision that you make, so good luck with that. Thank you. Thank you. Why do you think that events like this GPS event that we're having today, why, why, , why are those events important?
Um, you know, I think events like this are fantastic for a number of reasons. They're immensely important because we really do operate as a region. We are. You know, individual municipalities and individual chambers and things and towns and things like that. But really we collaborate so well. I heard a lot of, uh, chat earlier about synergy and things like that, and so it is really important for us to be able to, to work well as one, to be able to showcase us as a region.
That's what people are attracted to a lot of times is, is the hospital system. And how we collaborate and work within. So I think events like this are able to showcase and highlight really us as a region. , But the things that we've heard about today with healthcare, with finance, , we're about to hear about tourism, you know, all of those things are just, , important to our region for growth.
The way that we're able to, , to highlight and benefit for our citizens. So. Well, and I think you touched on it too, that the, the chambers, I didn't realize until today you guys really do all communicate and work together, but that's because our region is so unique. Yes. We're not a standalone city. We have so many amazing.
Smaller town surrounding Raleigh that you really do kind of have to talk. Oh, yes. Mm-hmm. Yeah. And work together. And work together. Mm-hmm. Yes. But, uh, you know, um, we are just lucky again as a, as a county, as a, as a state, honestly. Yeah. Truly, uh, to have everything that we have. But, , wake County is really, , a very, , it's a region that people are wanting to come to, obviously.
Mm-hmm. And. So the, the more that we work together, the more that we are all informed and can, can highlight those things. We're just gonna catapult us further, , down the road. Definitely. So, yeah. Okay. So I feel like, and maybe I'm wrong, but I feel like we talk about Morrisville and we do focus on the business side of Morrisville.
Uh, 'cause it is such a, a hot spot for businesses, but I wanna talk about the fun. Okay. You have 24 hours. Mm-hmm. I'll even give you one weekend if you need the whole weekend. Oh gosh. What are you going to do in Wardsville? Best fun? So that's a great question. , Morrisville does have a lot to offer and , so I think some of the things that I would start off with is if, if it's in cricket season, we would definitely go see a cricket game.
I have never done that. I haven't yet. Okay. , I'll join you because I really would like to see that. Yes. So we can, because Cricket is, is British, right? Is that a British, an Indian? Indian, very, very Indian. Yes. Yes. I love anything that is like a different country culture. Yes. And I would, I feel like I would love that.
And I know they've hosted, , like a world championship there. Mm-hmm. So there were news crews in from all over the globe covering it. I think it was last year. Okay. So it's big business for more so the cricket, , I need to learn more about and yeah. I, yeah. And taking the game. Okay. So that is. That would be number one on my list.
So I do feel like it's something that you have to like go see, experience it, and then you learn more about the, like rules and stuff, you know? Agreed. Because I need to see something same. Mm-hmm. Yes. Kinda like hockey, if you're going to True, very true. Yes. You have to go experience it. It's not the same on tv, but, , so the cricket would be the first thing that I would go see.
And then I do have two, two boys, so, , bringing them with me, of course. Mm-hmm. And we would, , they love. Parks and greenways and things like that. So we, we've got some grapes. Spaces there? Yes you do. , A new dog park in, , Morrisville as well. That is, the town has just launched a couple months back, so maybe gotta have a dog park, maybe bring the dog and take her to the dog park would be.
Mm-hmm. , But then if they're lucky, we've got two indoor facilities that are amazing for. Not just children, grown adults that wanna have fun. So rush hour carting. Oh, love rush And Urban air. Yeah. Are two, , that they would just die to go to. So we would, we could all have, I have fun, been to Urban Air.
I interviewed the owner of Rush Hour recently, and my family are big, big fans of rush Hour. Oh yes. Mm-hmm. Yes. And they are. Such big community partners. They're amazing. Yeah. Yeah. Great people. Great people. Mm-hmm. Yes. And Urban Air is super fun. So they would, I need to meet that. They would have a blast at both of those.
Okay. And then I'm a huge foodie. I sell Shop Crawford walking around earlier. Yep. Yeah. But, um, so, uh, if you haven't, if you're a little bit adventurous with food, I would say you don't have to be, but Morse will has so many amazing ethnic restaurants. I've heard that to highlight. Um, so. Indian food. It's ob, it's a huge there.
Amazing restaurants. We've got Vietnamese, Puerto Rican, , I just heard all sorts of, just a few minutes ago about an amazing Chinese restaurant and more so G 58. Okay. G 58. Very yes. Fantastic. So, and actually in that whole little shopping center, there's just a number of really amazing restaurants.
Mm-hmm. So, , would definitely check those out. And then we've got all local eateries, so local cupcake place. , Like Andy's frozen custard, I was just at this morning, they have a location. It's amazing. Yeah. The milkshakes. Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. So spoil them with some of the, the sweet treats. Okay. So we've got a lot to offer really.
So. Well great. Well thank you so much for being Of course today. Thank, thank you for taking part and this event. Yes. We're excited. It seems like it's been an amazing day. It has been an amazing day. So thank You'all. Thank you y'all so much. We appreciate it. Yes, thanks. Bye.
Thanks for listening to What's Up. Wake with Melissa Wister Huff, presented by the publishers of Carry Magazine. Wake Living and Main and Broad. Follow them on social media at Care Magazine, NC at MB magazine, nc and at Wake Living Magazine. Visit each magazine's website@caremagazine.com. Main and broad mag.com.
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