2 min read August 2023 — In an interview with Invest:, Liz Simpers, president of the Wake Forest Area Chamber of Commerce, discussed the growth Wake Forest has experienced in the past few decades. Simpers emphasized the collaborative nature of the chamber and how it works closely with regional organizations and local chambers to foster business growth.
How would you describe the current economic landscape in Wake Forest?
Our Chamber recently celebrated our 75th anniversary. Our journey began in 1948 and we were honored to have Governor Cooper address our enthusiastic crowd. The event garnered significant attention, with multiple news agencies covering it, including the ongoing series “Boomtowns in the Triangle.” Wake Forest is prominently featured as one of the booming towns. Business is thriving in Wake Forest, as evidenced by the influx of out-of-state developers who are undertaking large-scale commercial projects. One notable example is Merit Properties, hailing from Maryland. Many individuals from the Northeast are flocking here, establishing businesses and embarking on ambitious commercial ventures. Another exciting development is the emergence of extensive industrial parks, attracting professionals who choose to reside in the area. They find Wake Forest not only appealing for business opportunities but also for raising families, accessing quality education and pursuing personal growth.
Currently, we are witnessing a significant surge in the life sciences and technology sectors. Blue Force Technologies recently made its presence felt in Wake Forest. The company specializes in cutting-edge endeavors involving flight simulation and related technologies for the Federal Aviation Administration, AirForce and Navy. These ventures epitomize the exciting projects that are transforming our town.
What are some unique strengths and advantages that Wake Forest offers to businesses?
Our housing prices continue to remain relatively low, considering our status as a Raleigh suburb. Another aspect that residents appreciate is our proximity to Durham. It’s quite convenient to reach Durham via 98W and, even though Capital Boulevard poses some challenges, commuting to the Triangle area is still fairly straightforward. This accessibility allows people to seize the opportunity of owning an affordable home while maintaining a manageable commute to job prospects.
What factors contribute to the business-friendly atmosphere in town and how does the Chamber support local businesses?
The town established a nonprofit called the Wake Forest Business and Industry Partnership a couple of years ago, with Jason Cannon at its helm. This group serves as the town’s economic development arm. Working in close collaboration with them as a Chamber, our goal is to assist small businesses in relocating to Wake Forest and provide them with essential business training. Whether it’s through organizations like the Small Business Administration or Wake Tech, we equip aspiring entrepreneurs with the necessary tools to launch and expand their ventures.
We often encounter individuals who come to start businesses but face failure as they find themselves overwhelmed by tasks outside their expertise. To address this, we strive to offer resources and connect them with skilled professionals who can support them in areas where they may be lacking proficiency. Our objective is to empower entrepreneurs to focus on their strengths while receiving assistance in areas where they require additional support. The Wake Forest Business and Industry Partnership (WFBIP), excels at identifying promising businesses and providing them with strategic partners who can assist them in achieving their desired growth. Through WFBIP’s diligent efforts, businesses receive valuable guidance tailored to their specific needs, fostering their development and success.
What partnerships does the Chamber have in place to support workforce development?
One of the Chamber’s most significant endeavors is the Wake Forest Chamber Foundation. Through this foundation, we have formed partnerships with entities such as the North Carolina Triangle Apprenticeship Program (NCTAP), to cater to high school students who may not have an inclination toward pursuing a four-year degree or attending a liberal arts college. Instead, they aspire to develop practical skills and enter the workforce directly. To fulfill this objective, we have implemented an apprenticeship program. Our Chamber Foundation runs the Career Readiness Academy, a program aimed at identifying and assisting these students in finding suitable career paths after high school. We emphasize that while college may not be the immediate choice for these individuals, they still need to pursue a meaningful career. Through our program, we strive to provide the necessary training and guidance to equip them for their chosen paths beyond high school.
What are the current challenges that businesses in Wake Forest are facing?
The current challenge we face in Wake Forest revolves around the Capital Boulevard corridor. The availability of land along this route presents a significant opportunity, but the uncertainty surrounding the plans of the North Carolina Department of Transportation has created a hurdle. Prospective buyers are hesitant to purchase land due to the potential for a frontage road or highway development. As a result, we are unable to sell these larger land parcels as the transportation plans remain on hold. The transportation situation impacts businesses in the area. Depending on the outcome of the plans, some businesses may struggle to attract customers and employees, leading to the departure of larger employers. This ongoing issue poses a challenge for us. Additionally, the uncertainty hampers land sales and affects the ability of businesses to thrive in the area, making it crucial to address this challenge and find a viable solution.
We look forward to connecting with all of our local state and federal partners, to find a good solution for our business community
What is your vision for the future of the Wake Forest business community and how does the Chamber align with that vision?
We aspire to attract more significant employers to our community. Having larger employers within the town helps alleviate traffic concerns by reducing the need for extensive commuting, brings opportunities to locals and retains dollars within our economy, contributing to the growth of our tax base. Our focus lies in finding strategic partners who can facilitate these objectives. We are committed to advancing our foundation, ensuring that individuals feel a sense of significance in contributing to a cause that holds meaning for them. We aim to invest in and nurture the next generation of business leaders, allowing them to build upon the successes we have achieved.
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