GOLDSBORO, N.C. — It was another “Wayne Chamber Wednesday” as Todd Walker joined a local morning radio host, Jeff Farrow, on WGBR 98.3 to spotlight a packed March calendar for the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce.
Walker highlighted several major initiatives, including the Chamber’s Education Summit, Forward Summit, and a weeklong celebration honoring the county’s agricultural community.
Forward Summit to Feature National and Local Leaders
The Chamber’s Forward Summit is scheduled for March 12 at the Maxwell Center and will focus on innovation in business.
Among the featured speakers:
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Carol Aebersold, co-creator of The Elf on the Shelf, who will share the story behind the global brand and the innovative thinking that launched it.
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Bobby Frye, President and CEO of Mt. Olive Pickle Company, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary and has grown into the world’s leading pickle company.
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Michael Langley, Vice President at PepsiCo and Assistant Dean at the Tillman School of Business at the University of Mount Olive, who will offer practical, innovative strategies for business success.
Walker said the summit aims to provide actionable insights for local business owners and leaders seeking to stay competitive.
Ag Week to Spotlight Farmers’ Impact
From March 23–28, the Chamber will host Ag Week, a countywide celebration of farmers and the agricultural industry. The week will conclude with a ribbon cutting at 10 a.m. March 28 at the Wayne County Farmers Market near the Maxwell Center, marking the market’s seasonal reopening.
Walker emphasized agriculture’s critical role in the local economy, noting it generates more than $2 billion in economic impact in Wayne County alone and remains one of North Carolina’s leading industries.
“There’s plenty of folks who farm,” Walker said, stressing the need to educate younger generations about the importance of preserving farmland and supporting farm families.
He also pointed to the dedication of local farmers, describing their work as a 24/7 commitment rooted in science, environmental stewardship and family legacy.
Education Summit to Highlight Workforce and Youth Development
The Chamber’s upcoming Education Summit will focus on the current state of education in Wayne County, workforce development and early childhood education.
Walker praised local leaders and organizations working to strengthen quality of life, including community partners like Valerie Wallace of the Partnership for Children.
“We want folks in Wayne County to know you live in an amazing place,” Walker said. “People should be very excited about the future of Wayne County.”
In addition to event planning, Walker also promoted the Chamber’s “For the Record” podcast, which highlights community leaders and their stories. The show is available online and on Apple Podcasts.
For more information on Chamber events, visit WayneCountyChamber.com.
