Chamber Programs

Durham Young Professionals (DYP) is a dynamic group of individuals under age 40 who are dedicated to civic participation, professional and personal growth, and have a shared interest in Durham as a place to live, work and play. DYP aims to engage talented young professionals in Durham through monthly programs and events that connect young professionals to the community and to each other.

Participation in DYP offers:

• Opportunities to build a network with other young professionals in Durham
• Educational and professional advancement opportunities
• Collective voice for young professionals
• Access to community volunteer opportunities
• Leadership opportunities through committee and Advisory Board involvement

DYP Committees

DYP Ambassadors Committee
The DYP Ambassadors are an outgoing and engaging group of DYP members who serve as the goodwill arm of DYP by connecting with new members, facilitating networking and introductions, and assisting members in finding ways to get involved in DYP and the Durham community. From the development of new business relationships, personal friendships, and making a lasting impact on the community; the Ambassador program offers numerous benefits to its participants and the organizations we serve

Professional & Personal Development
The Professional and Personal Development Committee identifies and coordinates opportunities for DYP’s to connect on professional and personal areas leading to a well balanced career.

Community/Civic Involvement
The Community/Civic Involvement Committee works with organizations to connect DYP’s with meaningful projects and encourages its members to give back to the Durham Community.

Social
The Social Committee is responsible for coordinating the many social activities that DYP has throughout the year. The goal of the committee is to organize events that appeal to a wide range of interests both within, and external to, our membership.

How to Join

As a benefit of membership in the Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce, all young professionals within Chamber member firms are receive a complimentary DYP membership! DYP Memberships for non-chamber members are $50 per year, per person.

Developing Community Leaders…….Building a Better Durham

Leadership Durham, a program of the Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce, opens doors for local business men and women and community leaders with the desire and ability to shape its future. Through face-to-face meetings with local and state leaders and on-site visits to local institutions, agencies and organizations, participants explore major issues and unique challenges facing the Durham community. Interactive sessions include in-depth discussions on Durham’s history, the role of the Durham Chamber of Commerce, economic development, community development, education, workforce development, social services, human needs, local government, judicial system, media, healthcare, marketing Durham, parks and recreation, culture and arts, and of course, leadership development.

Selection & Participation

Selection is based upon demonstrated leadership ability, evidence of community involvement, willingness to assume greater community responsibilities and professional/personal recommendations. Up to 30 participants will be accepted in to the 2012 program.

Leadership Durham requires a substantial commitment of time and attendance is critical for successful completion of the program. Participants are expected to attend all sessions to fully appreciate the insight and scope of each topic.

The opportunity to grow your network by directly engaging in dialogue and debate with over 100 movers and shaker who drive business and lifestyle improvements while addressing critical issues within our community. Additionally you will establish life-long relationships with fellow classmates and hundreds of Leadership Durham Alumni who will be joining you throughout this leadership development experience.

If you have questions or need further information, please contact the Chamber at (919) 328-8700.

Stay Connected with Leadership Durham

In the spirit of online networking with fellow alum please join us on LinkedIn by adding our group to your profile. Simply click on groups and look for Leadership Durham Alumni (a subgroup of the Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce). You must be a graduate of Leadership Durham to be accepted in to this group.

Leadership Durham Alumni

Since 1972, Leadership Durham has helped cultivate a diverse network of over 1,000 emerging and experienced leaders committed to improving the community. Leadership Durham graduate include current civic, business and professional leaders. 

If you are an alumnus of the Leadership Durham program and would like to update your information on the Leadership Durham Alumni roster, please send your contact information to LeadershipDurham AT durhamchamber DOT org

Chamber U is a free, innovative initiative of the Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce designed to address critical topics and to help prepare Chamber members to meet the ever-changing demands of the workplace. These once-a-week (each Wednesday at 8:30 a.m.) educational opportunities provide members with valuable tools and information they can take back to their businesses and utilize to help them achieve the success they desire. The program provides individualized growth and development opportunities for entry level to executive leadership covering the entire gamut from "nuts & bolts" to "visionary thinking."

Who should attend? The program is free and open to any member of the Durham community!

How do I attend? Just show up at the Durham Chamber from 8:30-9:30 a.m. on any Wednesday morning.  Click here for our events calendar to view and register for upcoming Chamber U sessions.

Want to present at an upcoming Chamber U? Fill out the form below!

The Small Business Council (SBC) aims to serve, represent and promote the Chamber’s small business members and to enhance the economic health of Durham's small business community. The Small Business Council provides educational, networking and promotional opportunities tailored to the needs of small business owners and managers.

Business Roundtables

Business Roundtables allow business owners, managers and key staff team members the opportunity to share and discuss ideas, issues and concerns about a number of business topics in a confidential setting. In order to better serve participants and provide a greater return on the investment of time, Business Roundtables will now meet throughout the year on an ongoing basis. Consider it your own personal board of advisors! The roundtables provide an invaluable learning experience and create lasting business relationships. Applications are being accepted for the 2012 Business Roundtables. Application deadline is December 16. Click here for the application form.

Small Business Council Executive Lunch Series

The SBC Executive Lunch Series provides small business members the opportunity to meet and network with area c-level executives. These monthly lunches also provide small business members the opportunity to discuss various business related topics and learn more about the executive’s career path in an informal setting. The lunches are hosted monthly at the executive’s place of business. Seating is limited. Click here to view upcoming SBC Executive Lunch dates and locations.