Hillsborough Orange Chamber Focus Groups

Chamber Holds Focus Groups as Part of Growth Initiatives
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​As part of the 2026 Chamber Growth Initiatives, the Hillsborough-Orange County Chamber of Commerce held focus groups with several business and organization leaders at the Whitted Building.

Board Chairperson Carl Johnson (Carl Johnson Real Estate at Coldwell Banker HPW) spearheaded the effort to receive feedback on business, community and Chamber issues.

Attendees discussed their biggest business challenges, what is holding them back from growth, the local business climate, level of support from local government and the community, their impression of the Chamber, and other services they'd like to see the Chamber offer.

A few of the thoughts shared included:
-difficulty in hiring (both finding qualified candidates and issues with job seekers reliability during the interviewing process);
-the need to fill empty storefronts downtown;
-affordability issues with workers not being able to live in Orange County, which are compounded by higher gas prices;
-need for a more streamlined process to start a local business and other permitting needs;
-increasing difficulty finding and paying for child and elder care; and
-businesses are not aware that the Chamber is here to help them navigate issues.

The discussions were enlightening, and attendees appreciated the new connections to fellow business and organization leaders. Chamber leadership will use the feedback to help determine where the Chamber can have a positive influence on business climate and address challenges, as well as hone programs and services to meet the needs of businesses.

Special thanks to Chamber Chairperson Carl Johnson, Vice Chair Kelly Davis (Herring & Bickers Insurance Agency, Inc. - Kelly Davis), and Secretary Jaclyn Krohn (Durham Technical Community College) for serving as moderators.