Raeford-Hoke Chamber of Commerce serves to represent Hoke County businesses. Through this organization, business interests are promoted while quality of life in Hoke County is enhanced.
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Business Directory
Raeford-Hoke Chamber of Commerce provides an online business directory. Users can search by category, location and name to quickly find businesses within Hoke County. In addition, the site features information on recent and upcoming county and department events as well as an orientation guide for new residents of Hoke County with thumbnail and full-sized images of local parks – both thumbnails and full size images included! Furthermore, information regarding civic stewardship initiatives as well as longleaf pine renewal is also provided here.
On Thursday, August 18th at 6:30 pm Logan’s Roadhouse will cater a catered dinner and Hoke County Sheriff Roderick Virgil will deliver his keynote speech – tickets can be purchased for $10 per person at Robert A. Wright Hoke County Agricultural Center.
On Saturday, May 14, businesses and job seekers will come together at the Chamber’s Expo event. Although put on hiatus due to pandemic concerns, this annual event will return with full force next year. Chamber members can attend for free while non-members must pay a $25 exhibit setup fee in order to setup an exhibit space.
Events
The chamber offers various events throughout the year, such as networking luncheons, educational workshops and procurement/trade show events for its members and businesses in general. These events provide value to chamber members while helping promote their businesses further while providing opportunities for non-dues revenue generation. These events may only be limited to chamber members or open to the community at large.
The Annual Gala is the chamber’s flagship event of the year, hosting an all-inclusive Captain’s Choice Golf Tournament, sponsorship opportunities, and dinner for an average of 550 attendees and members. In addition, volunteers of the year are recognized and Excellence in Business Award recipients are honored at this gala.
As well as hosting its signature annual gala event, the chamber hosts quarterly public policy luncheons that explore local, state, or national issues. At these luncheons a regional nonprofit leader presents on their field before attendees have an opportunity to pose any queries they might have.
Economic Outlook Dinner is another key event. Each year, this annual gathering features a keynote speaker and provides Hoke County residents with an excellent opportunity to learn more about business in Hoke County.
Raeford-Hoke Chamber of Commerce Expo was postponed due to pandemic concerns; however, its return is scheduled for May 14th. Chamber members can utilize this expo as an opportunity to set up booths and interact with job seekers as well as local government agencies.
Economic Development
Communities across the nation rely on people of various backgrounds and occupations working quietly behind-the-scenes to foster economic development. Without seeking any recognition or having a prestigious title, these people form the backbone of local chambers of commerce by advocating for business interests, promoting tourism events, supporting entrepreneurs and encouraging workforce development. They’re known as chamber members.
Chamber members can connect with business owners and industry experts through networking events, while often getting involved with local government affairs. Membership to the organization offers access to discounts and opportunities; members also find each other online via our member directory.
Hoke County is an ideal community to both reside and conduct business in. Boasting beautiful pinewoods while accommodating population growth and expanding infrastructure and services, this centrally-located county offers workforce training programs, an affordable cost of living, quality schools, and offers wide ranging home options – providing something suitable for everyone!
Brad Calloway is the third generation owner of Raeford Hardware store. His grandfather and father opened it up in 1973, before selling it to him in 2012. Since then he has expanded three times while keeping its old-fashioned charm intact. Brad serves on both Raeford/Hoke Economic Development Board as well as Bethel Presbyterian Church where he serves as Elder. Furthermore he works with WJ Wright Realty at Oakwood Avenue as a Realtor.
Membership
Chamber members can benefit from numerous marketing and savings opportunities offered through membership directories, new member spotlights, promotional packages and listings on their chamber website. Furthermore, chambers often host networking events which help businesses connect with potential customers or vendors; plus they play an essential role in lobbying local municipalities for policies supportive of business growth.
Membership benefits differ between chambers, but all provide a return on investment. According to one chamber survey, 59% of consumers were more likely to purchase from companies involved with the chamber and 12% said their products and services outshone those offered by non-member competitors.
Key benefits of chamber membership for businesses include keeping abreast of legislative issues that could have an effect on them. From municipal to state and federal levels, business owners often struggle to stay abreast of new legislation affecting them – so chambers provide invaluable representation when faced with new regulations, fees, taxes or assessments that affect them.
Chambers typically publish quality of life publications and business directories that are distributed to their members, businesses, residents and potential business customers. Many also provide discounted meeting spaces available exclusively to members as well as “How-To’s” on topics like workplace safety or taxation for their members.
