CHARLOTTE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The Charlotte Chamber is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization driven by and for its members. Members range from solopreneur micro businesses to Fortune 500 global corporations. Whatever their size, member organizations are united in making Charlotte the best place to run a business and to live.

the

The chambers mission is to create competitive advantage by growing the economy, advocating pro-business public policies, and delivering innovative programs and services.
As a volunteer-led organization, the chamber is governed by its board of directors with most responsibilities vested in the board chair and his or her executive committee. The chair and members of the executive committee serve a one-year term. Chairs are selected two years in advance by a nominating committee comprised of several past chairs, giving each incoming chair time to become acquainted with the position and its responsibilities before taking on the role. The chambers full-time staff provides continuity and includes a president and his team of professionals dedicated to Charlottes future and the success of chamber members.

Whatever their size, member organizations are united in making Charlotte the best place to run a business and to live.
With its mission pillars in mind growing the economy, advocating pro-business public policies, and delivering innovative programs and services the chamber develops a Program of Work each year. The Program of Work is essentially a list of specific, strategic goals. It is developed using input from members through an annual survey and the annual Board of Advisors Retreat. The executive committee ultimately determines priorities. The mission and Program of Work are supported primarily by membership dues. Other sources of revenue include event registration fees, sponsorships and advertising. The chamber is not supported by tax dollars. The chambers history goes back as far as 1876 when a group of civic-minded Charlotteans organized themselves around the idea of helping Charlotte grow. Historical successes of the chamber include paving Charlotte streets, building a city auditorium, bringing the Norfolk-Southern Railway to the area, leading the push to integrate local businesses, campaigning successfully for liquor-by-the-drink, advocating continued expansion of Charlotte Douglas International Airport and other transportation infrastructure, the development of the Convention Center, attraction of sports teams and endorsing continued growth and expansion at UNC Charlotte and Central Piedmont Community College. In addition, the chamber has brought thousands of new companies, new jobs and new investment to the Charlotte market. In the last decade alone, the economic development in Charlotte-Mecklenburg totals more than $9 billion in announced new businesses. This investment by 7,043 firms created jobs for 57,691 people and absorbed 94.9 million square feet of floor area. All of these initiatives have positively impacted Charlottes economy.

I am powered up to lead the Charlotte Chamber in 2013!

LEADERSHIP
I am powered up to lead the Charlotte Chamber in 2013! You may hear that phrase a lot this year. It sums up how the chamber staff, leadership and I feel after such a successful year in 2012 and rallies us around the strong Program of Work we have in store. As always, job creation is at the top of our list. We will focus our efforts where we believe we can have the greatest impact: recruiting businesses from industry sectors that already have a strong presence in Charlotte and supporting the organic growth of existing small and minority-owned businesses.

As always, job creation is at the top of our list.

New this year is the development of a Legacy Club to recognize and reward those members who maintain their commitment to the chamber year after year. Without their support, our work would be impossible. We also expanded the Power Up Challenge that we launched at my planning retreat last fall to include entrepreneurial, startup and small business ventures from each of the Charlotte Chamber Chapters. Finally, we will launch a process to develop an economic strategic plans. I am also proud to note the results of our leadership diversity efforts. While factors such as gender, race, ethnicity, company size and industry have long been considerations as our board nominating committee puts together the new slate of leaders each year, until recently we had no formal mechanism to measure those factors and ensure diversity of thought among the board. Last fall, we launched a board diversity survey and provided benchmark diversity data to our nominating committee. The result is a more quantifiably and intentionally diverse leadership group. We will continue this survey each year to ensure that our leadership accurately reflects our constituents. The executive committee, the chamber staff and I not to mention the hundreds of member volunteers who help us will be hard at work through the year to meet our Program of Work objectives. We wish you great success in your ventures as well. Warm regards,

Brett Carter 2013 Charlotte Chamber Chair Chief Distribution Officer & Senior Vice President, Duke Energy

2013 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Brett Carter, Duke Energy Chair Frank Emory, Hunton & Williams LLP Past Chair Michael Tarwater, Carolinas HealthCare System 1st Vice Chair Tom Skains, Piedmont Natural Gas Company 2nd Vice Chair Mike McGuire, Grant Thornton, LLP Advantage Carolina Chair Ned Curran, Bissell Campaign Co-Chair

Andrea Smith, Bank of America Campaign Co-Chair

Michael Barnes, unique Background Solutions Chamber Chapters Chair

Harvey Gantt, Gantt Huberman Architects Charlotte Center City Partners Chair

Alan Dexter, Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein LLP Charlotte Regional Partnership Chair

Phil Dubois, UNC Charlotte, Chancellors Office Economic Development Chair

Wes Jones, ai Design Group, Inc Education Chair

Gregory Kilpatrick, McGuireWoods General Counsel

Pamela Davies, Queens University of Charlotte Member Engagement Co-Chair

Sonya Dukes, Wells Fargo Member Engagement Co-Chair

Stacey McCray, Jeff Merrifield, Luquire George Andrews The Shaw Group, Inc. Operations/ Public Policy Co-Chair Communications Chair

Stoney Sellars, Technology Project Management Public Policy Co-Chair

Ophelia Garmon-Brown, Presbyterian Healthcare Strategic Partnerships & Diversity Chair

John Switzer, KPMG LLP Treasurer

Kendall Alley, Wells Fargo At Large

Susan DeVore, Premier At Large

Lucia Zapata Griffith, METRO Landmarks Construction At Large

Bob Morgan, Charlotte Chamber of Commerce President

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
diversity factors
Percent (%)
49% 10% 31% 10%

Organization Size
Large (500 or more employees) Medium (100-499 employees) Small (6-99 employees) Micro (1-5 employees)

Political Affiliation
Democrat Republican Independent Unaffiliated I dont know / prefer not to answer

Percent (%)
26% 23% 26% 2% 23%

Gender
Male Female

Percent (%)
62% 38%

Race
Black or African American Hispanic/Latino White Asian Two or more races

Percent (%)
25% 6% 64% 2% 3%

Age
22-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65+ I dont know / prefer not to answer

Percent (%)
3% 26% 44% 23% 2% 2%

MEMBERSHIP
Two-thirds of consumers believe that companies involved in their local chambers use good business practices, are reputable, care about their customers and are involved in the community.

A national survey of 2,000 adults conducted by Atlanta-based research firm The Schapiro group reveals that being active in a local chamber of commerce is an effective business strategy. Two-thirds of consumers believe that companies involved in their local chambers use good business practices, are reputable, care about their customers and are involved in the community. If a company shows that it is highly involved in its local chamber (e.g., is a chamber board member), consumers are 10 percent more likely to think that its products stack up better against its competition. The study also indicates that chamber membership has consistent and powerful benefits for small business members. If respondents know that a small business is a member of its local chamber, the business enjoys: a 49 percent increase in its consumer favorability rating a 73 percent increase in consumer awareness a 68 percent increase in its local reputation  an 80 percent increase in the likelihood that consumers will patronize the business in the future For many Charlotte Chamber members, simply supporting the community is reason enough to join and renew their memberships. For those who need a more direct return on their investments, chamber members enjoy ample exposure opportunities, access to market data and the abundant opportunities to develop professional relationships.

Relationship Marketing 101

The Charlotte Chamber Chapters are sometimes called the front door of the chamber and offer the easiest way for members to get involved. All seven chapters host monthly luncheons and annual signature events in their geographic footprints. While the chamber offices are centrally located in uptown Charlotte, chapter events bring the Charlotte Chamber to all the business districts in the city. The chapter events themselves offer fantastic networking and relationshipbuilding opportunities. And those who want more face-time can volunteer on a chapter committee or board. The chamber hosts a variety of other networking, educational and issue-specific events throughout the year. Each offers opportunities to make and strengthen contacts. Many of them are also associated with committees that bring volunteers into close working relationships. Download a complete list of current volunteer opportunities at charlottechamber.com/volunteer. Note that only members may volunteer for any Charlotte Chamber committee or board.

Advertising&

SPONSORSHIPS
Good, old-fashioned relationship marketing is the most effective way to use a chamber membership. Members with a little more budget may also choose to advertise in the chambers print or digital publications or sponsor programs and events to gain extra exposure for their businesses. Advertising and sponsorship opportunities start as low as $50, and again only Charlotte Chamber members can take advantage of them. Contact the advertising department at 704.378.1312 or sponsorship sales at 704.378.4117 to learn more. If you arent a member but may be ready to join, call 704.378.1300.

JOBBORTUNITY
While growing the economy is one of three mission pillars, its really the heart of everything at the Charlotte Chamber. Business recruitment and retention efforts, public policy advocacy, networking and educational events, diversity initiatives - they are all funnels into the ultimate concept of jobbortunity, a combination of jobs and opportunity. One new job in the local economy does more than simply provide a livelihood for an individual. It supports the communitys infrastructure with additional tax revenue and supports local businesses as the individual sets up a home, buys groceries and clothing, frequents a favorite caf and more.

Heres how 8,850* new jobs impact Charlotte.

The original 8,850 new jobs will bring 12,567 new people to Charlotte. This will create: $477,973,278 5,045 $1,014,171,503 $12,713,654 Total new personal income Residential home sales Residential home sales Property tax dollars

New retail stores will be needed to fill the retail needs of these new jobs: $173,933,293 $9,316,208 $9,674,716 $4,706,001 $24,227,145 $19,463,649 $4,256,575 $15,855,001 $26,018,766 $31,251,165 $4,121,309 Total Retail Sales New Sales Tax Dollars for State Clothing & Clothing Accessories Electronics & Appliances Food & Beverage Stores Foodservice & Drinking Places Furniture & Home Furnishings Gasoline Stations General Merchandise Motor Vehicle & Parts Dealers Sporting Goods, Hobby, Books, Music

PLUS! $344,959 Philanthropic Contributions

* In 2011, 8,850 jobs and $700 million in capital investment were announced by 1,089 new or expanding firms. In 2012, 9, 595 new jobs and $1.3 billion in capital investment were announced by 1,180 new or expanding firms. Figures for how the 2012 jobs impact the community will be available in July 2013.

new jobs =

BOTTOM LINE:

new opportunities for the whole community as new dollars move through the economy

To help attract new jobs and help existing businesses grow, Charlotte must maintain a strong quality of life that attracts a skilled workforce. It must also have an environment that helps businesses operate efficiently. Thats where the chambers public policy advocacy comes in. The annual legislative agenda tackles items such as transportation funding to keep workforce and goods moving through the area; education funding and reform to make sure the workforce is prepared; corporate and personal income taxes; other issues that help or hinder businesses ability to grow; and even advocacy for parks, arts and entertainment facilities that improve quality of life and attract and retain the workforce. The chambers programs and services are focused on existing businesses, particularly representatives of micro-, small- and medium-sized businesses who need help building professional relationships, learning new skills and information, and promoting their businesses. And when they grow and prosper, so does Charlotte.

2013 PROGRAM OF WORK

Growing the Economy Recruit 5,100 new jobs and $415 million in new capital investment Use Charlottes international business assets to recruit companies from Europe and Asia P  roactively target companies in the energy, life sciences, manufacturing, financial services, logistics and distribution, technology, and research and development for relocations to and expansions in Charlotte Implement a proactive recruitment strategy for minority firms

2012 ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Growing the Economy Recruited 4,732 new jobs and $318 million in capital investment  Conducted investment missions to Europe and Asia and two health care industry recruitment events with a total of 180 firms in attendance  Developed a minority-owned firm recruitment database and marketing piece for distribution in December  Hosted an economic development field trip to Charleston, S.C., for investor-level members to examine how that port city impacts the Charlotte region

Advocating Pro-Business Public Policies M  onitor and advocate at all levels of government on issues that affect the cost of doing business, the ease of doing business and the quality of life in Charlotte D  evelop and implement a strategy for addressing Charlottes blue city in a red state challenge by educating new elected officials about the Charlotte Chamber P  lan and implement policy summits on transportation, health care, energy and information technology Continue the efforts of GreenWorks and the Manufacturers Council Reach out to at least 300 local companies through the BusinessFirst Charlotte program Encourage state and business support of the big data hub at UNC Charlotte Continue supporting public school reform and business involvement in our schools

2012 ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Advocating Pro-Business Public Policies  Navigated the current challenging political landscape with frequent contact with elected officials and candidates to keep them informed of issues in the business community Contacted 272 local businesses through the BusinessFirst Charlotte business retention program  Presented four successful summits on important policy issues: transportation, health care, workplace issues and energy  Monitored and reported on discussion on how to fund the citys infrastructure needs and facilitated discussion among elected officials and business leaders  Enhanced public policy communications to keep members informed and to present opportunities to engage in policy issues Continued to advocate for school reform

2013 PROGRAM OF WORK

Delivering Innovative Programs and Services Expand the Power Up Entrepreneurship Challenge through the chamber chapters. Advance the Charlotte Minority Economic Development Initiative (CMEDI) Present the inaugural Charlotte Chamber Young Professionals Awards Grow the Office Depot discount program Provide exclusive programming and value for our investor-level members Expand the use of the research department beyond economic development Launch a custom mobile application Develop a Legacy Club to recognize long-term members

2012 ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Delivering Innovative Programs & Services  Provided a variety of programming focused on helping small businesses and entrepreneurs grow and thrive, including the monthly Survive & Thrive! Breakfast, the Access to Capital series with events on micro-entrepreneurs and high-growth entrepreneurs, and Innovation Exchange connecting entrepreneurs with corporations.  Continued growing the Charlotte Minority Economic Development Initiative (CMEDI) with 67 referrals, 295 net new jobs and more than $10.8 million in contracts awarded as of December.  Expanded the MWBE Connect series to provide structured activities to boost participation from minority- and women-owned businesses.  Launched the Perspectives in Leadership series to provide our members access to diverse leaders in our community in an intimate setting.  Conducted two Inter City Visits and the annual planning retreat, which included the launch of the Power Up Entrepreneurship Challenge.  Conducted the 11th annual Economic Outlook Conference

2013 PROGRAM OF WORK

Running the Chamber Effectively C  onduct a successful Total Revenue Campaign E  nsure strong fiscal and operational management C  ommunicate our accomplishments and issues through ongoing public relations efforts I mplement an economic strategic planning process

2012 ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Running the Chamber Effectively  Met and exceeded goals for membership renewals, advertising and the Total Revenue Campaign  Supported efforts of the Charlotte in 2012 Democratic National Convention Host Committee to present Charlotte positively in the international spotlight  Launched a new website design

MEMBER BENEFITS
As the number one advocate for Charlotte business, the Charlotte Chamber is working every day to create the nations best economy and quality of life for all Charlotteans.

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP
$400 (company of 1-5 employees)
($10 per additional employee over 5)

The Regions Largest Business Network  Membership includes you in the regions largest business network and brings opportunities to develop strategic relationships. Who you know and what they know may be your most valuable asset.

Online Membership Directory Listing  Listing and a link to your website in our online directory at charlottechamber.com, which has 1.3 million unique visitors per year. Your company is also listed in our online PDF membership directory, which is downloadable and updated twice a year. Contact us at changes@charlottechamber.com to update your contact information.

At the Charlotte Chamber  You and your employees receive unlimited subscriptions to our weekly newsletter, At the Charlotte Chamber, which contains our latest headlines and events for the coming week. Make sure we have your employees emails. Contact us at changes@ charlottechamber.com to provide this information.

Recognition as a New Member on our Home Page  Your company will be recognized for one month on our home page, which receives 85,000 unique visitors per month.

Member News  Promote your new hires, awards, new product offerings, new locations and other news in our online member news room.Email your news releases to news@charlottechamber.com.

Original photo by PATRICKSCHNEIDERPHOTO.COM

 Member to Member Events Calendar  Post your events and view information on business events throughout the Charlotte region hosted by fellow chamber members at charlottechamber.com/ membercalendar.

the country to offer our members steep discounts on commonly purchased office products. Contact us at info@ charlottechamber.com for benefit specifics. Certificates of Origin  Discounted Certificates of Origin, documents required for international shipping. For additional information, contact us at info@charlottechamber.com.

Member Discounts  The member discount program allows our members to offer discounts to and take advantage of offers from fellow member companies. View current discounts through the member portal at charlottechamber.com/ members.

Networking  (your first home chapter luncheon is free!)  More than 120 information and networking opportunities each year through our seven geographical chapters. The fee will be waived for your first chapter luncheon in your geographical location. Contact us at chapters@ charlottechamber.com for details.

Online Networking  Access our members-only group on LinkedIn to network online with fellow Charlotte Chamber members. Visit charlottechamber.com/getsocial for more information on promoting your business through social media.

Involvement  An opportunity to engage and network at a high level with members involved in our chapter-focused committees, GreenWorks, health services, inclusion, manufacturers, public policy and young professionals, among others.

Career Center  Find talent by accessing our free searchable resume bank and take advantage of job postings through our partner, Charlotte Works.

Advertising Discount  Receive a 20 percent discount off all our advertising products for the first 60 days of membership. To learn more, contact us at info@charlottechamber.com.

In addition to the above benefits, your membership in the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce also supports:  The work of our economic development team, which focuses on the recruitment, relocation and retention of businesses to Charlotte.
 The

Mailing Labels  Exclusive opportunity to purchase mailing labels of Charlotte Chamber members. Contact us at changes@ charlottechamber.com for pricing specifics.

work of our full-time lobbyist who is in Raleigh during the legislative session and monitors all of the local governing bodies including city council, county commission and the school board. work of our member engagement team in the areas of diversity, strategic partnerships and inclusion groups.

 The

Office Depot  The Charlotte Chambers partnership with Office Depot combines the purchasing power of chambers across

PREMIUM AND BOARD OF ADVISORS MEMBERSHIP LEVELS ALSO INCLUDE ALL OF THE GENERAL LEVEL BENEFITS: PREMIUM MEMBERSHIP
$2,500 Investment

Board of Advisors Welcome  Invitation for you to join our Board of Advisor level members at their quarterly high-level cocktail reception. This reception will begin at 5:30 p.m. at Georges Brasserie located at Piedmont Town Center. The 2013 schedule is: - Monday, March 18 - Monday, June 10 - Monday, September 16 - Monday, November 11

Advertising Credit  $250 advertising credit on an ad valued at $500 or greater within 60 days of joining. Contact us at info@charlottechamber.com for more information.

Economic Development Research  Our award-winning economic development research team will provide one targeted data pull per your request. The list will be comprised of companies within a preferred geography, industry, employee range and/or other detailed criteria to serve as helpful leads in expanding your business. Please contact us at news@charlottechamber.com to obtain.

Legislative Trips  Invitations to legislative trips to Raleigh and Washington, D.C., that provide networking with investor level members and bring you in contact with elected officials. Please contact us at info@ charlottechamber.com for more information. - March 13 -14, 2013 Annual Trip to Capitol Hill - May 8, 2013 Raleigh Advocacy Trip

BOARD OF ADVISORS MEMBERSHIP

$5,000 Investment

Board of Advisors Meeting  Invitation to four Board of Advisors meetings, each of which deals with current business and community issues and attracts more than 200 of the chambers top business leaders. Contact us at info@charlottechamber.com to secure your invitation. Meetings begin at 3:45 p.m. Receptions follow from 5 to 6 p.m. The 2013 schedule is: - Monday, April 22  Johnson & Wales University - Monday, August 26  Blumenthal Performing Arts Center - Booth Playhouse at Founders Hall - Monday, November 25  UNC Charlotte - Uptown Campus - Monday, Jan. 27, 2014 Location TBD

Board of Advisors Welcome  Invitation to our quarterly Board of Advisors Welcome events where current board members welcome new Board of Advisors members in a high-level cocktail reception. This reception will begin at 5:30 p.m. at Georges Brasserie located at Piedmont Town Center. The 2013 schedule is: - Monday, March 18 - Monday, June 10 - Monday, September 16 - Monday, November 11

BOARD OF ADVISORS MEMBERSHIP (cont.)

$5,000 Investment

Inter City Visit  Invitation to join more than 130 executives, government and media at this high-level annual event. We travel to another city to learn best practices on economic development, education, energy, health care, transportation, the arts and more. The Charlotte Chamber has been conducting these two-day trips for more than 56 years. The 2013 Inter City Visit will be to Houston, Texas, from June 26-28, 2013.

Investor Spotlight  Your bio and headshot will appear in the Investor Spotlight page of our website for three months.

Fall Planning Retreat  Invitation to join more than 150 executives and chamber staff as we develop the chambers Program of Work for the upcoming year. This 24-hour retreat offers unparalleled high-level networking and opportunities to get more deeply involved. The 2013 Fall Planning Retreat will be in Pinehurst, N.C., from September 25-26, 2013.

Economic Development Breakfast  Invitations to quarterly Economic Development breakfasts, in the Charlotte Chamber Belk Action Center, where recent economic development activities are discussed. 2013 breakfasts are scheduled for: - Tuesday, March 5 - Tuesday, June 4 - Tuesday, September 3 or Tuesday, September 10 - TBD

Economic Development News  An invitation to major economic development news conferences where company relocations and large expansions are announced. These announcements are frequently attended by the mayor and the governor.

Economic Outlook Conference  Invitation to this annual luncheon held in December featuring Charlottes best economic thinkers who provide a recap of the current year and give their economic forecasts for the coming year. It typically draws more than 600 attendees. The 2013 Economic Outlook Conference will be December 9, 2013, at the Charlotte Convention Center.

Legislative Trips  Invitations to legislative trips to Raleigh and Washington, D.C., that provide networking with investor level members and bring you in contact with elected officials. Please contact us at info@charlottechamber.com for more information. - March 13 -14, 2013 Annual Trip to Capitol Hill - May 8, 2013 Raleigh Advocacy Trip

Economic Development Research  Our award-winning economic development research team will provide one targeted data pull per your request. The list will be comprised of companies within a preferred geography, industry, employee range and/or other detailed criteria to serve as helpful leads in expanding your business. Please contact us at news@charlottechamber. com to obtain. You also receive a disc containing the following research publications in Excel format: Major Employers Directory, Manufacturers Directory and International Review Directory. Also included in Excel format are the last four quarters of the New & Expanded Business Report as well as other valuable market research published by our research team.

Public Policy Email Briefing  A report from our full-time lobbyist in Raleigh to let you know the latest on legislation impacting Charlotte and the business community.

Advertising Credit  $500 advertising credit on an ad valued at $1,000 or greater within 60 days of joining. Contact us at info@ charlottechamber.com for more information.

Recognition on our Home Page  For one month, your company will be highlighted as a new Board of Advisors member. Our home page receives about 85,000 unique visitors a month.

New & Expanded Business Report  An advance, electronic copy of our quarterly New & Expanded Business Report that includes market data and a contact list of companies that have announced relocations or expansions.

Golf Privileges  Receive golf privileges at NorthStone Club. Members $50, Tuesday through Friday (includes cart) Guests - $58, Tuesday through Friday (includes cart). Book tee times three days in advance by contacting the Golf Shop at 704.948.4286, ext. 232.

2012 ANNUAL REPORT & 2013 PROGRAM OF WORK

330 South Tryon Street | Charlotte, NC 28202 | 704.378.1300 charlottechamber.com