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The latest episode of In Good Company with the Greater Raleigh Chamber takes listeners deep into one of the most essential components of our region’s economic success: the talent pipeline—the people, systems, and partnerships that power Wake County’s thriving business community.
This episode features two voices at the center of this work:
Sam Rauf, Senior Project Manager for Wake County Economic Development (WCED), and
Haley Waxman, Senior Strategic Marketing Manager for WCED.
Together, they pull back the curtain on how the Chamber attracts talent, supports employers, and ensures Raleigh continues to grow with intention.
Why Talent Matters More Than Ever
As Sam explains, “the talent pipeline means the people who power our economy.” It’s everything from students to senior executives—and the infrastructure behind them.
Continued growth requires continued alignment. That’s where the Chamber steps in—serving as the bridge between business needs and the regional workforce ecosystem.
Work in the Triangle: More Than a Website, It’s a Talent Attraction Engine
Launched in 2012, Work in the Triangle is the Chamber’s flagship national talent attraction initiative. As Haley explains, it’s built to be:
- A one‑stop resourcefor anyone considering a move to the Triangle—covering living, working, and playing in the region.
- A companion tool for employers that complements their recruiting efforts by powerfully answering the question: “Why should talent build their life here?”
Key features include:
- Cost of Living Calculator: Candidates can compare what their salary in, say, Boston or San Diego looks like in Raleigh—where the cost of living remains below the national average.
- Targeted Digital Campaigns: The Chamber markets to metros with similar industries or significantly higher living costs, strategically showcasing the Triangle’s lifestyle and affordability.
- Triangle Tuesdays Weekly Virtual Career Fair: Every Tuesday for the past 13 years, WCED has posted 30+ open jobs from member companies—for free. To date, they’ve highlighted more than 20,000 jobs, amplifying local opportunities and helping employers reach a wider audience.
This initiative is one of the most consistent and quietly powerful tools the Chamber provides to its members.
Regional Skills Analysis: Giving Employers a Voice in Workforce Strategy
Talent attraction is only half the story. The Regional Skills Analysis, launched in 2017 and performed every three years, gathers direct feedback from hundreds of employers across the Triangle. The 2026 survey marks the fourth edition.
What the survey looks at:
- Projected growth by industry
- Hard and soft (or “durable”) skills employers need
- Roles that are hardest to fill
- Barriers to recruitment and retention (child care, remote work, etc.)
- Skills gaps and emerging opportunities
In its most recent cycle, the survey collected nearly 1,000 responses—from small businesses to major employers. That scale gives workforce partners like Wake Tech, Capital Area Workforce Development, the university system, and local policy leaders a reliable, data‑driven foundation for shaping curricula, programs, and investments.
As Sam puts it, “We may not do the training—but we know what businesses need. This is how we make sure the right people have the right information.”
How These Tools Serve Chamber Members
Both initiatives exist for one reason: to help local employers thrive.
Work in the Triangle
- Boosts visibility of job openings
- Supports relocation and recruitment efforts
- Equips employers with high‑quality marketing tools
- Makes the region competitive against peer markets
Regional Skills Analysis
- Gives companies a benchmark against industry peers
- Informs policymakers and educators about real workforce needs
- Helps align training programs with actual business demands
- Improves the overall labor market efficiency in the region
As Haley notes, “Everything we do is in service of our members and their businesses.”
A Clear Call to Action from the Chamber
As Sam encourages listeners: “Engage with us. Use Work in the Triangle. Take the survey. Ask questions. We may not have every answer, but we know who does.”
The Triangle’s biggest competitive advantage is—and always has been—its people. Maintaining that advantage requires participation, communication, and collaboration.
