WORKFORCE IN ACTION

 

Workforce in Action Business Luncheon Empowers Triangle Businesses to Build Capacity Amid Rising Unemployment

Durham, NC -The Workforce in Action Business Luncheon will take place on Friday, January 9, 2026 from 11:00 AM–1:30 PM at the E. Harvey Estes Center, 1121 Slater Road, Durham, NC 27703. Registration is now open at www.workforceinaction.com.

This timely luncheon is designed for business owners across the Triangle and beyond who are ready to sustain, scale, and strengthen their operations in the face of a shifting economy and a national unemployment rate that recently rose to 4.4% — the highest since 2021.

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Why This Event Matters Now

While more individuals are seeking employment, many Triangle-area businesses still struggle to find and retain qualified workers, manage rising operational costs, and access the right training programs to build long-term capacity. The Workforce in Action Business Luncheon addresses these challenges head-on, connecting employers with the people, programs, and partnerships that help keep North Carolina’s small business ecosystem strong.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Triangle region continues to experience fluctuating job numbers, particularly in professional services, hospitality, and administrative support sectors. Yet local employers remain optimistic, and ready to act. This luncheon provides the direct access and insight business owners need to navigate this economic turning point.

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Goals of the Workforce in Action Business Luncheon

• Connect business owners to workforce and economic development partners that can help fill open roles through local and statewide programs.

• Provide access to training and funding resources designed to help businesses upskill their current employees and strengthen internal systems.

• Create collaboration between employers, agencies, and educators to match skilled workers with businesses that are ready to grow.

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A Call to Action for NC Business Leaders

“With unemployment rising and federal funding disruptions still impacting the flow of capital, now is the time for business owners to reimagine their workforce strategies,” said Chisa Pennix-Brown, Chief Experience Cultivator of Give It To The People®. “The Triangle is full of opportunity, but sustaining and scaling up requires connection, collaboration, and creativity. That’s exactly what Workforce in Action delivers.”

Whether you’re seeking qualified talent, exploring workforce grants, or looking for strategies to stabilize and grow, this event provides actionable solutions for your next phase of business growth.

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Event Details

📅 Date: January 9, 2026
🕚 Time: 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM
📍 Location: E. Harvey Estes Center, 1121 Slater Road, Durham, NC 27703
🔗 Register:www.workforceinaction.com

ZACK HAWKINS 

Representative Zack Hawkins brings the policy muscle our small businesses need. As NC House District 31’s voice, he’s prioritized education, healthcare access, transportation, and workforce equity—because healthy, prepared workers power a stronger economy.

At Workforce In Action, he’ll champion a clear, accessible pipeline from high school to quality jobs, and practical use of NCWorks and work-based learning so owners can hire, grow, and stay in business. His record: spanning education, workforce equity, and pragmatic reforms, reflects a results-first, barrier-busting approach.

Expect straight talk on connecting talent, training, and employers, so Durham and North Carolina companies scale capacity the smart way, with lasting impact. 

 

GLENDA MORROW

Glenda Morrow connects Durham-area employers with the talent, training, and incentives that turn hiring goals into real capacity. As a Business Services Representative, she helps small and mid-sized companies navigate Workforce Development resources, align roles and job descriptions with business needs, and coordinate referrals through NC’s employer network.

 

Glenda is known for practical guidance, clear next steps, and fast follow-through, whether an employer is making their first hire, exploring internships, or preparing for growth in 2026. At Workforce In Action, she’ll demystify where to start, who to contact, and how to move from interest to implementation, so owners leave with an actionable plan.

 

LA-TASHA BEST-GADDY

La-Tasha Best-Gaddy is a funding strategist who helps small businesses translate vision into executable systems. As founder of Infinity Bridges, Inc., she equips entrepreneurs with practical tools for hiring readiness, funding preparedness, and operational clarity. 

 

CHISA PENNIX-BROWN

Chisa Pennix-Brown is a capacity architect for entrepreneurs, known for turning messy operations into repeatable systems that scale. As Chief Experience Cultivator of Give It To The People®, she curates action-oriented trainings, conferences, and membership programs that help small businesses hire confidently, market effectively, and sustain growth.

At Workforce In Action, Chisa will debut the Intern Ready Program and walk owners through preparing their backend, documenting simple SOPs, and learning to delegate so interns and new hires deliver real ROI. Expect straight talk, practical templates, and a 30-day action plan that links NC Workforce tools.