By Kay Whatley, Editor
On January 10, 2018, the Knightdale Chamber of Commerce held its annual Economic Forum & Forecast Breakfast presented by PSNC Energy at Knightdale Town Hall, 950 Steeple Square Court, Knightdale, North Carolina.
Speakers provided an economic outlook for the state, region, and nation. Guest speaker Dr. Michael Walden of NCSU presented “Economic Outlook 2018: Setting a Record” alongside a panel of business and community leaders:
Guest Panelists:
- Randy Young, Mayor Pro Tem, Town of Knightdale
- Representative John Burns, Wake County Board of Commissioners
- Ted Abernathy, Managing Partner, Economic Leadership Inc.
- Tom Snyder, Executive Director, RIoT (Raleigh Internet of Things)
- Kay Ruth, Professor, Wake Tech Community College
Dr. Walden’s outlook presentation highlighted the positive impact of Knightdale’s continued growth, with population growth from 2010-16 reflecting an increase of 20%.
The engaged dialogue from the panelist emphasized the greater focus on managing growth in the Knightdale community through key initiatives of transit/transportation, education and creating a welcoming community that appeals to a growing young population.
Said Patrice Bayyan, Executive Director of the Knightdale Chamber: “The forecast results clearly show evidence of Knightdale being a great place to live and do business. Even so, these types of forum are critical for ongoing conversations on how best to drive economic prosperity that benefits all across a spectrum of business sectors and populations.”
Sponsors of the Economic Forum included:
- PSNC Energy (presenting sponsor)
- Gracie Sturdivant Care Homes of Knightdale
- The Coffee Chamber
The Knightdale Chamber is “a non-profit organization committed to advancing the general welfare of the businesses and citizens of Knightdale and surrounding areas.” Local economic development information, a member directory, and benefits overview are online at www.knightdalechamber.org, with events and updates shared via the Chamber Facebook page. To find out more about upcoming events or to support the Chamber, email Knightdale Chamber or call 919.266.4603.
Meet Chamber members at their upcoming Ribbon Cutting on Friday, January 12, 2018, and see the opening of the latest addition to the town, Knightdale Station Preschool.
With a slogan of “Start Something”, the Town of Knightdale NC is located in Wake County, North Carolina just a few minutes east of Raleigh NC. The town strives to be a Safe, Transparent, Active, Green, and Engaged (STAGE) community.
Population has increased significantly in the past few years, with a jump from 11,401 in 2010 to over 14,000 at the start of 2018.
In 2017, the town was listed in the top 100 of Money Magazine’s “Best Places to Live in America” (list), based on a healthy economy, affordable homes, and high quality of life. Knightdale is also one of the “Top 10 Fastest Growing Cities in North Carolina” (article).
Recent construction speaks to a vibrant, growing community with extensive neighborhood expansions, a new hotel (the town’s second in decades), and — coming soon — a multi-use complex with homes under construction, planned shops, and a proposed cinema.
The town is situated on 6.2 square miles in eastern Wake County with easy access to I-540 and Hwy 64/264 (now I-87).
Ed. Note: Thank you to Patrice Bayyan for her input.
