GREENSBORO, N.C. — The holiday shopping season is in full swing and this year, you won't have to travel far to do it.
Thousands of new businesses have opened since the pandemic started - that includes right here in the Triad.
Here in Greensboro, the Chamber of Commerce is a vital resource for old and new businesses. They just received some pretty big national recognition for their work.
The Chamber of Commerce was awarded 5-star recognition, the highest level of distinction in the chamber industry. Of the more than 7,000 Chambers nationwide, only 141 Chambers receive the designation, and Greensboro is one of them.
Greensboro among less than 2%
Greensboro Chamber members said it takes dedication and teamwork to make sure local businesses succeed.
Marvin Price is the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce executive vice president of economic development.
"Beyond excited to know that we are best in class, crème de la crème," Price said. "Less than 2% of all U.S. Chambers have this accreditation."
Price said during the pandemic, the Chamber made weekly calls to businesses to help them survive.
"To make sure that we were plugged in, giving member businesses all of the latest and greatest information to deal with it," he said.
Greensboro Chamber's resources for businesses
But it's not just in hard times that the Chamber helps.
The Chamber also offers resources all the time to help Greensboro businesses thrive.
The Launch Greensboro program is one of those resources, helping educate and mentor business owners.
Savor the Moment, a bakery business in Greensboro, is part of that program.
"It's exceptional. It's extraordinary," said owner Tanya Dickens. "It's introduced me to people that can help me with branding and marketing and investing in my business and helping me move forward. I'm very excited about that opportunity."
One of two NC cities with 5 stars
Price said as a part of the Chamber's member engagement, it's important to continue building relationships with businesses to help with the city's growth.
"Businesses are the backbone of this community," he said.
As far as this national honor, Price said there's only one other Chamber in North Carolina with this 5-star recognition. That Chamber is in Greenville (Pitt County).