The Owner's Table - October 2026 10/13/2026 5:00 PM - 10/13/2026 7:00 PM

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 15:15:57 GMT

This event is open to owners and founders of small businesses with 50 or fewer full-time employees in the Triangle region.

Built for Owners Carrying Real Decisions

Running a small business means constant decisions: when to grow, what to fix, where to invest, who to hire, what to stop doing, and how to keep moving when the path isn't always clear.

The Owner’s Table: A Speed-Strategy Exchange is built for owners and founders who want honest conversation with people who understand that reality firsthand.

This is not a panel.
Not a pitch session.
Not a room where practitioners talk at business owners.

It is a focused, owner-only exchange where small business owners sit with other owners, talk through real challenges, share what they are learning, and leave with ideas they can put to work.

What to Expect

Attendees will rotate through table conversations focused on the issues owners are navigating right now: growth, leadership, AI, profitability, culture, and the day-to-day hurdles that come with building a business.

Each table will be guided by a featured conversation lead, but the real value comes from the owners in the conversation.

Table Topic Sessions

Growth & Business Strategy
Led by Jessie Hathcock, President of The Loading Dock
Talk through growth decisions, business direction, and what it takes to build with focus.

Leadership & Culture
Led by Joanna Roses, Founder/CEO of Joanna Roses Coaching and Communications
Discuss the people side of ownership, from team dynamics and communication to culture and leadership pressure.

Integrating AI
Led by Mohamed Elayouty, Owner of HumaineDev
Explore how owners are approaching AI, where it can help, and how to move forward without getting overwhelmed.

Your Top Three Hurdles
Led by David Baxter, Chief Pixel of Big Pixel
Bring the real issues on your mind and hear how other owners are thinking through similar challenges.

Maximizing Profit
Led by Hamid Lalani, Mercury Signs
Dig into margins, cost pressures, pricing, profitability, and the decisions that affect your bottom line.

Key Takeaways

You will leave with:

* Honest conversation with fellow owners
* Practical ideas around growth, operations, leadership, and profitability
* Fresh perspective from peers facing similar decisions
* Stronger connections with people who understand the weight of ownership
* Clear next steps you can take back into your business

The Bottom Line

No presentations.
No sales pitches.
No fluff.

Just owners, real conversations, and practical insight from people doing the work every day.

Space is limited to keep the conversations focused and useful. Register today to reserve your seat at The Owner’s Table.

Questions?
For questions, call 919.664.7090 or email Mimi Miller.

Emerging Leaders Fall 2026 10/13/2026 8:30 AM - 10/13/2026 10:30 AM

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 16:35:44 GMT

Emerging Leaders

Celebrating over a decade of leadership impact, Emerging Leaders, established in 2011, is a dynamic 8-week program designed to expand the capacity of tomorrow’s leaders. Limited to 20 participants each session, this exclusive cohort experience immerses professionals in leadership strategies, emerging local trends, and peer-driven learning in an intimate, high-impact environment.

Through a curated blend of personal evaluation, small-group interactions, and engagement with Raleigh-area executives and business leaders, participants acquire actionable skills, sharpen self-awareness, and broaden their networks. Since its launch, the program has empowered over 400 participants to elevate their leadership and make meaningful community impact.

Meet this program's speaker:
Matt Chambers, Vice President of Project Development, Clancy & Theys Construction Company

As Vice President of Project Development, Matt Chambers leads market positioning and growth efforts for Clancy & Theys, with a focus on the Triangle market. He works across all divisions to strengthen client relationships, guide long-term planning, and position the company for sustained growth.

With more than 30 years of construction industry experience, Matt brings a well-rounded perspective shaped by roles as both a subcontractor and construction manager. Throughout his career, he has led operations, business development, safety, marketing, and diversity initiatives, always prioritizing collaboration and client success.

Matt is actively involved in advancing the construction industry and serving his community. He served as the 2025 Chair of the Carolinas AGC Building Division and is Co-Chair of the NC AIA/Carolinas AGC Joint Committee. He also serves on the WakeMed Foundation Board of Directors and the Wake County Economic Development Board. That’s not all, however: Matt’s complete list of organizational memberships and community involvement initiatives is simply too long to list here.

Outside of work, Matt enjoys spending time with his family and cheering on the NC State Wolfpack.

Schedule:

All classes are held on Tuesday mornings from 8:30 - 10:30 a.m., except the first class which will be held from 8:30 - 11:30 a.m.
October 6 - Welcome - Kickoff - Class Coach
October 13 - Matt Chambers, Vice President of Project Development, Clancy & Theys Construction Company
October 20 - Creighton Blackwell, Chief Community and Public Affairs Officer, Coastal Credit Union
October 27 - Don Mial, Chair, Wake County Board of Commissioners
November 3 - Patricia Burch, CEO, Habitat for Humanity Greater Raleigh
November 10 - Rick Guirlinger, Owner and President, Bourke Services, LLC
November 17 - Kristen M. Hess, Founder and CEO, HH Architecture
December 1 - Danny Rosin, Co-Founder, Brand Fuel

Register for the Emerging Leaders Fall 2026 Cohort here.

For questions, email Devin Brown.

Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce Events Newswire

The Owner's Table - October 2026 10/13/2026 5:00 PM - 10/13/2026 7:00 PM

Emerging Leaders Fall 2026 10/13/2026 8:30 AM - 10/13/2026 10:30 AM