Greater North Fulton Chamber Visits North Carolina’s Research Triangle for 2nd Annual Strategic Leadership Visit
North Fulton, GA (April 26, 2023) –The Greater North Fulton Chamber (GNFCC) traveled to North Carolina with a group of 30 business and government leaders from North Fulton for the Chamber’s 2nd annual Strategic Leadership Visit. While there, the group met with local leaders in Raleigh, Cary, and Research Triangle Park with the goal of regional visioning for North Fulton.
During the trip, the group discussed important topics for the North Fulton region, including infrastructure and transit, regional marketing, public-private partnerships, workforce and talent development, sports and arts as economic drivers, downtown redevelopment, and cultivating a thriving life science industry. Group members met with local government, business, and industry leaders and visited several key venues, including NCBiotech, WakeMed Soccer Park, Cary’s Downtown Park, Koka Booth Amphitheatre, and Boxyard RTP.
“This trip was a wonderful opportunity to connect with regional leadership in Raleigh, Cary, and Research Triangle Park,” said John Bradberry, Mayor of Johns Creek. “It was fascinating to hear about the vision, strategic partnerships, and key decisions that helped the region become an international leader in the bio and life science industry over the past 50 years. Their regional collaboration has been instrumental in creating a strong and thriving ecosystem for the industry, and our group was inspired by what we learned and are excited to bring those key takeaways back to North Fulton.”
“One of the most impactful discussions during this trip was about transit and transportation, particularly their region’s plans and progress related to Bus Rapid Transit,” said Jim Gilvin, Mayor of Alpharetta. “As North Fulton moves forward into that arena in the coming years, hearing regional leaders from another metro share their successes, challenges and opportunities was incredibly helpful. I believe this experience will significantly impact how we partner together across our region in the years to come.”
“The entire trip experience was excellent, especially the conversations and site visits that focused on regional marketing, downtown redevelopment, and community placemaking,” said Peyton Jamison, Mayor of Milton. “Their region has achieved great success in each of these areas – establishing and growing a strong regional brand that’s nationally known, while at the same time creating a vibrant sense of place and community identity within each of the region’s cities and communities, much of which is tied to downtown districts and community gathering spots. It was exciting to think about ways to incorporate what we learned in our cities and across the region in the future.”
“These trips are an excellent opportunity to experience other regions who provide aspirational goals for our own community while at the same time strengthening the ties between public and private leaders to drive North Fulton forward,” said GNFCC CEO Kali Boatright. The Strategic Leadership Visit would not be possible without the support and commitment of North Fulton Community Improvement District, AT&T, and other sponsors.
About Greater North Fulton Chamber
The Greater North Fulton Chamber (GNFCC) is a private, nonprofit, member-driven organization comprising over 1,300 business enterprises, civic organizations, educational institutions, and small businesses. Its service area includes Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Mountain Park, Roswell, and Sandy Springs. GNFCC grows business, develops talent, and leads regional prosperity through North Fulton. Learn more at gnfcc.com.
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