State of Economic Development: Clayton, Where Are We Going?

Clayton is growing—and the decisions we make today will shape our community for years to come.
Join the Clayton Chamber of Commerce’s Economic Development Committee for our annual State of Economic Development, where we take a forward-looking approach to the opportunities, challenges, and strategic direction driving our region.
This year’s theme will explore the future of:
Workforce Development & Talent Pipeline – Preparing for the jobs of tomorrow
Healthcare & Community Well-Being – Meeting the needs of a growing population
Infrastructure & Transportation – Planning for mobility and continued growth
Economic Competitiveness – Positioning Clayton for business recruitment and expansion
The program will begin with a keynote from Parker Wyatt, Senior Consultant with Global Location Strategies, offering a national perspective on site selection, business recruitment, and what communities must do to remain competitive.
Following the keynote, an expert panel will dive deeper into these critical topics—sharing insights on future plans, emerging trends, and how organizations are evolving to meet both current and future demands.
The discussion will be moderated by Ben Tobin, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist with the Triangle Business Journal, known for his coverage of economic development, business growth, and regional trends.
Following the program, attendees will have the opportunity to experience Clayton’s growth firsthand through a guided windshield bus tour, highlighting key development sites, growth corridors, and future opportunities across our community. Don’t just hear about Clayton’s future—see it, understand it, and be part of it. Register today to secure your spot. Tour begins at 10:30 and is limited to 25 participants.
Hosted in partnership with the Town of Clayton Economic Development Department.
Thank you to our sponsors:
Series Presenting Sponsor: Duke Energy
Presenting Sponsor: Partners Commercial Realty, LLC
Gold Sponsors: Edward Jones - Mike Mullins, Financial Advisor | Portofino Homes & Equestrian Center | Southeastern Healthcare of NC, Inc.