Morrisville Chamber reports membership growth; council debates multi‑year services agreement

Christy Moser, president of the Morrisville Chamber of Commerce, presented the Chamber’s annual report and highlighted membership and programming metrics: roughly 206 members across sole proprietors and large firms, about 48 events in 2025, creation of a finance committee after sale of the Chamber building, and a new office at Wake Tech’s RTP campus. She noted a life sciences committee and plans for a life sciences summit in coming months.

Town staff recommended moving from annual to a three‑year services agreement (FY27–29) with annual town support of $50,000 plus in‑kind recognition and event support. Staff described modest changes to the draft (removing items tied to the Chamber’s old office location and clarifying Launch Morrisville sponsorship amounts) and recommended an annual March 30 update from the Chamber to council.

Several council members supported continued partnership but asked for clearer, auditable metrics in Exhibit A before committing to a multi‑year term. Suggested additions included trend data showing membership growth over the past three years, breakdowns by industry and company headcount, counts of minority and women‑owned businesses served, event attendance figures, and examples of direct business value the Chamber delivered (referrals, startups assisted, training outcomes). Council members proposed a compromise term of two years or a one‑year extension if the requested metrics are not provided.

Staff agreed to return with edits to Exhibit A, a recommended term length reflecting council feedback, and an additional quarterly report before formal contract approval. The matter will be returned to council for consideration after the next quarterly update.

No endorsement of a contract term was approved at the meeting; discussion concluded with direction to staff and Chamber leadership to provide the requested metrics and a follow‑up packet ahead of final approval.