Annual/Monthly Events

Annual/Monthly Events

The annual kick-off and celebration of the Cabarrus Regional of Commerce is held in January. It attracts 350-450 members & guests to recognize special volunteers in community & chamber service, and to honor the outgoing & incoming chairmen of the board. The event is an energetic business luncheon to enjoy with employees, clients and associates to introduce the new Chamber year.

A spring event, it is an outstanding opportunity for Chamber employers to say "thank you" to members of their support staff. The annual celebration for women has expanded into a service showcase for Chamber members, employees and guests. The event provides an offering of member-to-member promotion of products and services related to a woman's daily schedule in which there is a balance required between career, family, health, finance and school.

Designed for business owners and management, Business Dialogue helps participants learn how to approach challenging business issues.  As one business owner describes the session, "I get an hour's worth of free consultation from a room full of people whose goal is the same as mine, which is to run a successful business."   Sessions are held every other month, beginning in January, from 7:30 - 8:45 a.m. in the chamber Board Room.  A free breakfast is included.  Please check the website calendar for dates.

Cabarrus Business Showcase

The chamber's annual tradeshow "showcases" member businesses and is held every fall.  The 2007 show will be held on Tuesday, September 25, at the new Embassy Suites & Concord Convention Center on Speedway Boulevard.   A "Premier Night" preview for chamber members and invited guests will take place the evening before.  Early, discounted registration will be offered to last year's exhibitors and open registration will follow.  Stay tuned for details~

This dynamic event is conducted in August each year to provide an enjoyable networking opportunity among participants.  The 2007 tournament will be held at Cabarrus Country Club. The event has grown in popularity each year, and there are two options for team playing time - one in the morning and one in the afternoon captain's choice.

The BBQ is one of the Chamber's largest membership gatherings to honor our area's elected officials. Held in October, it ranks as a favorite and is one of those events not to miss! Sponsors are spotlighted on-site and attendees enjoy the fellowship, food and entertainment.

This well-known networking event is held monthly at locations, arranged by our host sponsors, allowing the Chamber to showcase members' facilities throughout the region. Host sponsors have their choice of a morning or evening event. Members attend Business Before Hours and Business After Hours for contacts and contracts!

Quarterly breakfast briefings are held for discussion of leadership and community issues. The Chamber's Chairman of the Board meets with members of the Board of Advisors for input and ideas.

An exclusive by-invitation-only reception is held for members offering a membership investment of $3000/year or more. The Chamber's Chairman of the Board and CEO will provide first-hand updates on the state of the Chamber and honor the organization's top investors.

Chamber Nights have become some of our more popular events - and they are great opportunities for gathering your clients, employees and families at reduced rates. Examples of various Chamber Night activities include Classic Art, Old Courthouse Theatre, Kannapolis Intimidators, Concord Motorsport Park, and Charlotte 49ers.

Leadership Cabarrus

Leadership Cabarrus offers exclusive presentations and networking opportunities. Students learn about the history of Cabarrus County, law enforcement and the courts, local government, health and human services, economic development, education and workforce development, communications and the media, economic impact of professional sports and quality of life.  Behind-the-scenes tours and meetings with community leaders are the norm, with many of the activities being "hands-on."  Have you ever had the chance to play on the Kannapolis Intimidators' field?  Have you ever wondered how story placement on the front page of a newspaper is determined?  How would you design a budget for your city?  These are just a few examples of activities undertaken by students.  The program begins in August with a reception and a mandatory Saturday retreat, then runs from September through May.  One full day per month, usually the second Thursday, is devoted to a specific topic.  A graduation dinner that includes a PowerPoint presentation of class experiences and awarding of certificates of completion is held in May.  Applicants must be in mid- to upper-level management positions and have a demonstrated record of volunteerism.  Class size is limited to 35 students.  The application process begins in April, and the application will be posted online as a pdf file.

Legislative Breakfast 

Held in the spring, the Legislative Breakfast functions as a face-to-face opportunity for constituents to hear, and be heard by, their Federal, State and local legislators.  Past speakers have included Rep. Robin Hayes, representative for Sen. Elizabeth Dole, Sen. Fletcher Hartsell, Rep. Linda Johnson, and Rep. Jeff Barnhart.A highly valued program by its graduates (and there are 400+ in our region),  

Lunch with the CEO

John Cox, President/CEO of the chamber and Cabarrus Economic Development Corporation, meets twice monthly on Fridays with members to give updates on issues and activities.  Invitations are sent via email, fax or phone to small groups.  A complimentary boxed lunch is provided.

Orientations for new AND existing members are held every other month, with 30-50 members attending. The informative session features discussion of Chamber programs and volunteer opportunities. Involvement is encouraged through an outline of activities and committees.

Public Policy Committees 

The chamber is very active in public policy for our region.  Two committees meet in alternating months to address issues that impact business and quality of life.  Together, they produce an annual Legislative Agenda that is approved by the Board of Directors.  Governmental Affairs Committee meets in even months and Transportation & Land Use Committee meets in odd months.  Please check the website calendar for dates.

State of the Region Summit

2007 Summit PowerPoint Presentation for John Silva

2007 Summit PowerPointPresenation for Mac Holladay

Following the November election, State of the Region Summit focuses on the outlook for our region and its leadership.  Updates are presented by experts in the fields of economics, education, travel and tourism, etc.  Local government officials also share plans for their respective locales.  Hosted by AMC Theatres 24 at Concord Mills, the session is often a sold-out event. 

Transportation Summit

Transportation issues directly impact our economy and quality of life.  The annual Transportation Summit brings together experts who are working to maintain and improve roads, create alternatives for efficient transportation, and address policy from a visionary perspective.  The summit is held in late summer.