CS’ Habel Takes Reins at Durham Chamber Board Chair

Capitol Sports Vice President George Habel accepted the chairman’s gavel at the annual meeting of the Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce on February 9, 2017. Actually, he received an engraved baseball bat! Over 800 attended the annual event at the Sheraton Imperial at RTP where the Chamber celebrated its economic development successes of the past year: 4300 new jobs from $876 million dollars invested by new and expanding businesses in Durham County.

“I’ve been on the board for eight years. I’ve seen us lead the Triangle in mass transit, dig into sports development, recruit Moogfest, promote bonds,” said Habel. “We are a communicator, a convener, a connector. That’s what Chambers do. And we are the economic development agency for this community. If that was the only thing we did, I would be happy to pay my dues to support it. A rising tide lifts all boats, and it’s high tide in Durham!!!”

The event paid tribute to Durham’s “Super Heroes.” It honored two retiring leaders, Duke University President Richard Broadhead and Bull City Mayor Bill Bell. Architect Phil Freelon was recognized for leading the design team for the new Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. The Chamber’s annual Civic Honor Award was given posthumously to NCCU Chancellor Deborah Saunders-White.