RECAP: Delivering a Strong 2026 with strategic budgeting & affordable health coverage for small businesses

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Greater Statesville Chamber of Commerce Hosts “Uncertainty to Strategy – Delivering a Strong 2026” and Announces New Health Coverage Option for Small Businesses

Statesville, NC – November 12, 2025 — The Greater Statesville Chamber of Commerce successfully hosted Uncertainty to Strategy – Delivering a Strong 2026, a dynamic roundtable program designed to help local business leaders navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead. More than 30 business owners and key decision-makers representing companies with 2–50 employees participated in the interactive session, which combined facilitated peer discussions with expert insights on budgeting, workforce planning, and operational efficiency.

The event focused on identifying the biggest challenges anticipated for 2026 and equipping attendees with strategic tools to prepare for the year ahead. Conversation centered on practical budgeting strategies, opportunities for growth, and commonly overlooked blind spots—while strengthening collaboration across the local business community.

Carolina HealthWorks Introduces New Health Coverage Option for Small Businesses

The Chamber is also excited to share significant news unveiled during the event: Carolina HealthWorks has introduced a new health coverage solution designed specifically for North Carolina employers with 2–50 employees. As a proud member of the Greater Statesville Chamber, Carolina HealthWorks is offering small businesses expanded access to affordable, high-quality benefits.

This program has already sparked meaningful conversation across the state, marking a major milestone for small businesses seeking greater flexibility and cost stability when providing employee healthcare.

As a self-funded, non-plan Multiple Employer Welfare Arrangement (MEWA), Carolina HealthWorks enables participating employers to band together and leverage collective strength. This model provides access to regulated, high-quality health plans tailored to small business needs, with potential cost advantages tied to each organization’s risk profile and workforce health characteristics.

Businesses may work with their current health insurance agent or contact a Blue Cross NC–appointed group agent. A list of local appointed agents is included below.

Event Highlights: Building a Smart 2026 Budget

The program covered critical topics to help businesses prepare for the coming year, including:

• Budgeting Approaches: Top-down vs. bottom-up—how to determine the right fit for your business.

• Cash Flow Management: Planning for seasonal shifts, expansions, or large one-time expenses.

• Rising Operating Costs: Managing increases in labor, compliance, insurance, rent, energy, and technology.

• Driving Efficiency Through the P&L:

  • COGS: Importance of tracking billable vs. non-billable hours in service-based businesses.

  • OpEx: Reducing wasted administrative time and workflow inefficiencies.

• Top Questions Answered:

  • How to interpret and revise a P&L

  • Selecting the right budgeting method

  • Understanding how team, time, and money shape future performance

  • Actionable insights to build a clear plan for 2026

The second half of the session featured Carolina HealthWorks: Putting Affordable Health Care Back in the Hands of Small Business, offering clarity on the program’s structure, benefits, and upcoming availability.

Understanding Carolina HealthWorks: Key Details

• A MEWA designed specifically for North Carolina employers with 2–50 employees

• Employers can band together for stronger, more affordable health plan options

• Approximately 38 plan choices, including medical, dental, and vision

• Risk-based pricing rewards groups with strong health outcomes

• Predictable costs and simplified administration

• Eligibility includes NC-based employers who are members of the NC Chamber or participating local chambers

• Plans offered through Blue Cross NC appointed agents, or direct enrollment for businesses without an agent

• Enrollment details will be provided once the health plan receives final approval from the Department of Insurance

Local Blue Cross NC–Appointed Agents

Mooresville

• Steven L. Harwell – [email protected]

• Janice Griffin Blackley – [email protected]

• Josh D. Burger (Ebenconcepts Company) – [email protected]

• Drew E. Partridge (Partridge Wealth Builders LLC) – [email protected]

• Brian Puckett (Foundation Risk Partners Corp) – [email protected]

• Randall Schroeder (The VantagePoint Group) – [email protected]

Statesville

• Christopher P. Blount (First National Insurance Agency) – [email protected]

• Matthew R. Waters (Skyla Insurance Services LLC) – [email protected]

Expert Speakers

Matt Morris

Certified Business Coach with ActionCOACH, Matt Morris brings more than 25 years of experience across nonprofit leadership, corporate strategy, and successful entrepreneurship. He is known for helping business owners build scalable, profitable, and sellable businesses, drawing on his firsthand experience owning and growing multiple franchise operations.

Steve (Steven) Garris

A seasoned Strategic Operations Executive with more than two decades of experience, Steve has led cross-functional global teams across revenue, product, marketing, and finance. His leadership includes serving as CRO and building operational infrastructure at organizations such as Red Hat, CloudBees, and FLYR.

Looking Ahead

The Greater Statesville Chamber of Commerce remains committed to supporting local businesses through practical programming, strategic resources, and advocacy. The Chamber looks forward to offering additional business-focused initiatives and engaging speakers throughout its 2026 programming calendar.

Businesses with topic ideas, questions, or requests for assistance are encouraged to contact the Chamber by phone 704-873-2892 or email [email protected] or [email protected].