Erin Watkins serves as the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce’s Research Director within Economic Development. She is responsible for compiling and analyzing statistics on the Charlotte, Mecklenburg County and Metro Region to assist in the recruitment and retention of business. Erin also develops and analyzes survey results; constructs and maintains Charlotte-area databases such as Major Employers, Manufacturers, Foreign-Owned Firms,Green Industry, Biotech and Power; and utilizes Geographic Information Software to build demographic and thematic maps. Erin also develops monthly economic indicators, a quarterly new and expanded business report and radial demographics.

Erin joined the Charlotte Chamber in November 2006 as Research Director. She is a native of Buffalo, and while there, worked with Cornell University in Workforce Development, the Buffalo Niagara Partnership within Business Development and the Buffalo Economic Renaissance Corporation within Business Retention.

Erin received a B.A. in Political Science and Urban Studies from Canisius College in 2001, and a Master’s Degree in Urban Planning and Economic Development from the State University of New York at Buffalo in 2006. Erin is currently enrolled in the PhD program at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte within the Geography and Urban Regional Analysis Program. She also is a graduate of the Basic Economic Development Course from the Georgia Institute of Technology.

Beginning this week, she will regularly contribute interesting tidbits of information your research department is gathering and answer member questions. We encourage you to email her at ewatkins@charlottechamber.com with yours!

Erin Watkins

Chamber: Do you think it is fair to say that few people (members and non-members) have any idea of the wealth of information that is housed on the second floor of the chamber building?

Erin: Absolutely. We are chock full of resources that could be extremely helpful in making member businesses more successful. That's really the impetus behind my new "Ask Erin" segment. I'm hoping others will do what chamber member, GrayHawk Films did this week - pick up the phone and ask for my help. Here's how our department provided ROI to them:

GrayHawk Films (formerly Emersion Arts), called to inquire about how to utilize research materials in their marketing efforts.   After narrowing down their target market, we were able to compile a list of companies drawn from a number of our directories that would fit their need. Companies were taken from directories such as Major Employer’s, Manufacturer’s, Foreign Firms, New and Expanded as well as our new Minority and Women owned business Database. GrayHawk Films now has a number of new companies to market their services to. This is a prime example of how chamber research material can help grow your business. Take Advantage!!