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Tuesday, 23 April 2024
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Written by Tracey Morrison
The Greater Fayetteville Chamber is hosting its President's Speaker Series, Friday, May 3rd, from 8:50 a.m. to noon at Fayetteville Technical Community College’s Cumberland Hall Auditorium.
The GFC, which celebrates its 125th anniversary this year, is proud to establish itself as a key component to promote and maintain a healthy, business-friendly environment.
"The Chambers are able to communicate with the government and convince them to use business-friendly public policy," Greater Fayetteville Chamber CEO and President Nat Robertson stated in describing its role as a catalyst in shaping organizations in the right direction.
Through their events and programs, the Chamber supports their members as well as the business community. GFC is a continuous presence at ribbon cuttings, giving new establishments a warm welcome in the community. The Chamber carries the title as being the largest independent Chamber in southeastern North Carolina.
The Chamber operates under their three pillars: education, advocacy, and networking. In addition, the Chamber is very involved with the business community through their consumer protection, government relations, military affairs council, chamber ambassadors, and Leadership Fayetteville programs.
Since their inception, GFC's three pillars and programs have established the Chamber as a recognizable force in the community, hosting over 100 events on average per year to foster and promote a strong business community. They are known for their signature events, such as the Chairman's Coffee Club, Business After Hours, Annual Awards Gala, and Business Networking Breakfast, which attract a large number of attendees.
The President's Speaker Series is one of the Chamber's many signature events, kicking off its first series for the year. The president series, which will replace the Homegrown Regional Speakers series, is part of the education pillar that will provide an array of educational topics for members and guests.
"The speaker series came about as a way to communicate with our members on important issues that matter to them," Robertson shared.
Next month's president series will provide just that. Attendees from various sectors will have the chance to network with each other and acquire vital knowledge at the upcoming speaker series. The series will include two sessions that are essential for members and guests. Session One, held from 9 a.m. to 10:20 a.m., has a core focus in time-tested strategies to avoid HR-related complications and friction on your team, while Session Two, from 10:40 to noon, will center on not wasting the organization's most valuable resources by ineffectively using information technology, according to the Chambers' monthly newsletter.
Peter Marksteiner will be the guest speaker for the event, an honor for the Chamber. Marksteiner is a well-known former Circuit Executive and Clerk of Court for the Federal Circuit's US Court of Appeals. He also served as Director of Civil Law and Litigation for the Judge Advocate General's Corps. His career has earned him many accolades and recognitions, including the Military Service Award, the Air Force Association's Outstanding Career Military Attorney Award, and the Legion of Merit.
"Marksteiner’s specialization is a natural fit for the business community because it goes together," Robertson stated.
Marksteiner's strong background and experience in legal practice and managing business operations through the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in the areas of human resources, budgeting, procurement, physical plant and security, information technology, and the Circuit Library and the Office of General Counsel will bring a wealth of knowledge for guests to utilize in their every business practice.
"It's great to hear from someone who specializes in that field on a legal practice side, which brings a great interest to our business population,” Robertson added, noting the speaker's enriching and valuable insight into his field of expertise.
The day prior, May 2nd, Marksteiner will grace his presence at the Fayetteville Arts Council, located at 301 Hay Street in the heart of downtown, at 6:30 p.m. through the chamber's Military Affairs Council social. This event is open to the chamber’s Military Affairs Council members.
The series is just one example of how the Chamber continues to uphold its 125-year legacy in the community, paving the way for businesses to prosper.
"It's about building a healthy business community; we are so thankful for our members who have decided to join us in that mission," Robertson stated.
Any members interested in attending this profound event must pre-register at www.faybiz.com under events. The series is free of charge and open to Chamber, Military Affairs, or Consumer Protection Division members and their guests.
Readers can also visit the site or call the Chamber at 910-483-8133 to learn more about their membership packages, and how to join, as well as other upcoming events hosted by the Greater Fayetteville Chamber.
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Tuesday, 23 April 2024
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Written by Staff Report
The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners and the Fayetteville Public Works Commission (PWC) announced a partnership to provide safe drinking water to the Gray’s Creek Water and Sewer District. The announcement was made last week during a press conference held at Gray’s Creek Elementary School, one of the locations that will benefit from the extension of water in the district.
The Board of Commissioners, acting as the governing board for the district, and PWC entered into a Memorandum of Understanding to expand public water to address widespread GENX contamination of private drinking water wells.
The collaboration underscores a commitment from both organizations to safeguarding public health and strengthening community well-being.
“Today is truly a monumental day in the history of Cumberland County,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Glenn Adams. “While this problem was not created by the County, the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners and the Cumberland County Legislative Delegation has been committed since the beginning to addressing this issue for our citizens – who deserve access to regulated, reliable, safe drinking water.”
Cumberland County’s efforts to address the GenX contamination have focused on developing deep wells, treatment facilities, and distribution lines in Gray’s Creek. However, the commissioners have determined it is in the best interest of residents to change the scope of the project and partner with PWC to expand the utility’s current water system to provide source water and service to the Gray’s Creek District.
Timothy Bryant, PWC CEO stated “Since forever chemicals were first discovered in the Cape Fear River, PWC has been at the forefront of treatment options and continued advocacy to prevent contaminants like GenX from being discharged into our source water. That commitment has not changed. All citizens deserve high-quality water to drink, and we are proud to partner with the County to provide that valuable resource to Gray’s Creek as quickly and cost-effectively as possible.”
Donald Porter, PWC Commission Chair added, “My fellow PWC Commissioners and I are proud to be able to help PWC and the County form this partnership for the benefit of our citizens. Our Gray’s Creek community deserves access to high-quality drinking water and together we can get the job done.”
According to sources under the agreement, PWC will provide funding for water to Gray’s Creek and Alderman Road elementary schools and oversee the design and construction of the water mains for the schools. In addition to serving the schools, the utility will provide drinking water that meets PWC standards to the whole district and assume responsibility for the ownership and operation of all water distribution facilities within the district.
The County will engage district residents to discuss early sign-ups and work to secure funds to assist with tap fees. The Board has also agreed to use a portion of the County’s ARPA funding, as well as other funding already secured for the project, to fund the extension of PWC water into the district.
As Cumberland County and PWC embark on this collaborative endeavor, the shared goal remains steadfast: to safeguard public health, foster community resilience, and pave the way for a brighter, healthier future for all residents of Gray’s Creek and beyond.
More information about this collaboration can be found by visiting www.cumberlandcounty.gov/grayscreekwater.
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