About this episode

Tonya Palumbo discusses the role of the Holly Springs Chamber of Commerce in supporting local businesses amidst growth and rising costs.

Executive Director Tonya Palumbo discusses how the Holly Springs Chamber of Commerce supports local businesses as a 501(c)(6) membership organization, distinct from government and from 501(c)(3) nonprofits. She shares how member needs have shifted through rapid growth and rising costs, highlighting resources like business education, advocacy, networking, and access to small-business health insurance options through partnerships including the NC Chamber and Carolina HealthWorks. Palombo explains initiatives such as joint ribbon cuttings that connect multiple businesses at once and the chamber’s supplier program that helps historically underutilized businesses become HUB certified and connect with large employers like Fujifilm and Amgen to keep spending local. She also covers fundraising efforts that have raised over $100,000 for the Holly Springs Food Cupboard, downtown revitalization, community festivals, and the chamber’s milestone of a female-led executive committee and board. 00:00 Meet Tonya Palumbo 02:20 Photography Roots 03:51 What Chambers Do 04:54 Small Business Needs 08:06 Big Growth Impact 08:44 Supplier Hub Program 10:52 Downtown Boom 12:52 Joint Ribbon Cuttings 16:21…

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