, Here's A Special Holiday Announcement for Zebulon

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Special

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October 04, 2022 | Stay In The Know

These 5 Facts Show How Badly Inflation

Is Hurting Small Business:

This quarter, the MetLife and U.S. Chamber Small Business Index found that small businesses’ concern about inflation has reached the highest level since Q3 of last year. Here are five data points from this quarter’s report that show how inflation is hurting small business owners.

1. Inflation is the top challenge facing the small business community

Half (50%) of small businesses now say inflation is the top challenge facing the small business community. This marks the fifth consecutive quarter of increasing concern over inflation and represents a dramatic 31-point increase since this time last year (when only 19% said inflation was a top challenge).

Inflation is the top concern for small businesses regardless of their location, number of employees, or sector.

2. Most believe inflation will get worse

According to the report, most small businesses anticipate inflation will get worse. Seven in ten (71%) believe the worst is still to come with regards to inflation.

Karen Olson Beenken, president and CEO of Blue Rock Companies, in Sidney, Montana, says she finds inflation everywhere she turns.

“Payroll is up because we have to pay more to retain and attract employees,” Beenken says. “The cost of fuel is up. The cost of freight is up significantly—and it’s gotten more and more difficult for us to get freight companies to come to our rural markets as frequently as they used to. Our health insurance was up this year. Those are all big cost inputs, and they are all up significantly. These are very challenging times for our business.”

3. Higher costs for goods/supplies hurting the most

The cost of goods and fuel/utility bills are where small businesses most often report feeling inflation. Among small business owners that say rising prices have had a significant impact on their business (83% of respondents), most cite the cost of goods and supplies (65%) and utilities or fuel (50%) as where they have seen the most impact. More Info

Source: US Chamber

Chamber | News & Events

Yes, Virginia!

There will be a 2022 Zebulon Christmas Parade!

The Zebulon Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the return of the Zebulon Christmas Parade presented by GSK.

This long-held tradition brings the community together to spread holiday cheer. Gather your family & friends, pull up a chair, and celebrate the season. Afterwards, enjoy dinner at one of the area restaurants and meander through town to find the perfect gifts for your loved ones at one of Zebulon's growing selection of retailers.

December 3, 2022

2 o'clock in the afternoon

Downtown Zebulon

MORE INFO

Zebulon Chamber Thanks You

Thanks to everyone who joined us Thursday, September 15th for ZebulonNext: Workforce Development Solutions sponsored by Vinventions USA and Wake Technical Community College. Moderator Sam Rauf (Wake County Economic Development) led a substantive discussion on current trends in the labor market. A special thanks to Sam and our panelists: Keith Poston of WakeEd Partnership, Darryl Blevins of Eastern Regional Center, Courtland Gingles of NCWorks, and John Wojcik of Wake Technical Community College.

Plans are underway for follow-up workforce support for our members and for the Fall 2023 ZebulonNext with an economic development emphasis.

Money, Market, & Management

Small Business Seminar Series Kick-Off

Regional Business Think-Tanks Join Zebulon Chamber in Supporting Local Businesses

Pictured above: Byron Hicks (right), Asst. Vice Chancellor of NC State University and State Director of the SBTDC, and Gene Holland (left), Business Counselor for the SBTDC, lead a discussion on management practices for small businesses.

Thanks to Byron Hicks and Gene Holland of NC Small Business Technology & Development Center (SBTDC) for kicking off Money, Market, and Management -- Zebulon Chamber's newest series to support Zebulon's growing business community. Informative presentation on practical aspects of small business management and substantive Q&A with Chamber members. Thanks to Kyle Williams and his team at Benchmark Community Bank for sponsoring this series and East Wake Collective for hosting.

Join us at the next Money, Market, & Management seminary on Wednesday, November 16th from 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM at The Rustic Phoenix in Zebulon. Patrick Rodgriguez, Sr. Area Mngr, of SBA, will lead a seminar on small business funding.

Stay Connected | Upcoming Events

October

Wednesday

Coffee Connections: A Monthly Conversation with Mayor York

Join Mayor Glenn York for the first Coffee Connections of the season to be updated on the latest businesses coming to Zebulon and learn how to use the Town's interactive map to stay up-to-speed in real-time. Register Here

October

Wednesday

Functional Fitness:

Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting

Come celebrate with us!

Functional Fitness 360 -- Zebulon's only Downtown gym specializing in personal training and fitness programs -- is hosting its official ribbon cutting and grand opening. 1:00 PM More Info

October

Friday

POSTPONED: Narron Merritt Client & Chamber Member Appreciation Pig Picking

Due to anticipated inclement weather, Narron Merritt is postponing the Appreciation Day for its clients and Zebulon Chamber members to Friday, October 21st. We will be serving BBQ cooked on site with all the sides and will have a DJ with karaoke. Everyone is welcome. RSVP by email to Craig Narron.

October

Tuesday

Steel Magnolias Garden Club Dirty Hands Plant Exchange

Bring a plant, bulbs or other garden items to share, and you can take home a new plant for your garden. If you bring a guest, please also bring a plant for them so they can participate in the fun. Guests always welcome! More Info

October

Thursday

Carolina Mudcats to Host

October Business After Hours

Take me out to the ballpark! Join fellow Chamber members for the Zebulon Chamber of Commerce October Business After Hours with the Carolina Mudcats. Drop in to connect with others and take the opportunity to discuss and share ideas while learning about other local businesses and developments in Zebulon. 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM @ Five County Stadium, Zebulon. More Info

October

Friday

Narron Merritt Client & Chamber Member Appreciation Pig Picking

Join Robin & Craig Narron at the Narron Merritt Client Appreciation Day. All Narron Merritt clients and Zebulon Chamber members are invited for the festivities. They will be serving BBQ cooked on site with all the sides and will have a DJ with karaoke. Everyone is welcome. RSVP by email to Craig Narron.