Liz Simpers is no stranger to the citizens of Wake Forest. She has served the community in a variety of ways, in both a civic and professional capacity, and as a volunteer. Her passion for the Town grew exponentially in 2017 when she was elected Town Commissioner, but Simpers has been actively engaged in the community since she moved to Wake Forest nearly a decade ago.
After graduating from NC State’s School of Design, she went to work for several design agencies, the longest tenure being at Kimley-Horn and Associates. That was her first foray into the civil engineering world, and she loved to attend town meetings and talk with planners about their vision and goals. Simpers briefly worked for her parents running some of their businesses before embarking on a non-profit career at the YMCA of the Triangle. She had volunteered with teens and adults since high school, so the Y was a natural path to continue that work.
Her introduction to the Wake Forest Chamber came when she served as a volunteer parking attendant for the annual Meet in the Street festival in 2014. In 2016, she joined the Chamber’s Government Affairs Committee, and the President at the time suggested that she run for Wake Forest Town Commissioner. Never one to pass up an opportunity, Simpers said, “Sure! Why not?” and dove in headfirst.
After being elected Town Commissioner in 2017, her enthusiasm for the town expanded. “Wake Forest has such a rich history, and at the same time, we are experiencing progressive growth,” says Simpers. “While that can be a tension, it is also a world of opportunity for our business community.” Throughout this period, Simpers maintained her relationship with the Chamber and in 2020 was hired as the Director of Development for the Chamber’s Foundation.
Her non-profit experience served the organization well. In this development role, she helped grow the foundation in size, assets, and scope. “Serving as an elected official and working with the Chamber simultaneously kept me very busy, but it provided invaluable insight into our business climate,” says Simpers. Although she came short in her bid for reelection, she describes that as a blessing. “Even though I didn’t win re-election in 2021, it allowed me to take the role as President of the Wake Forest Area Chamber in May of this year, and that is an incredible honor and privilege.”
Simpers is quick to share about the Chamber: “Our mission is three-fold, but singularly minded: Represent business. Serve community. Enhance the quality of life. If we as the Chamber represent our businesses well, we will naturally serve our community, and, in turn, enhance the quality of life in the Wake Forest area. Each one depends on the other,” says Simpers “And if you need further proof of how a growing business community keeps towns healthy, drive to the eastern part of the state where downtowns are struggling. Windows of their main street corridors are boarded up, and the communities are struggling to keep talent, provide adequate housing, and keep their schools safe.”
Jason Cannon, President of Wake Forest Business and Industry Partnership (WFBIP) says Simpers’ vision is clear. “She demonstrates a keen understanding of how business and community are inextricably linked.” Simpers says, “The partnership with the Town and the WFBIP will continue to be the bedrock for our shared success. Being a part of this community has been a great blessing, and here at the Chamber, we can’t wait to see what the future holds!”
Simpers’ leadership is already proving beneficial for Wake Forest. Twelve months ago, the Chamber had 591 member businesses. As of today, it has 675, a 14% increase in the last fiscal year. The Chamber mirrors the Town; it grows as the Town grows.
“When the business community succeeds, the community succeeds,” says Simpers. “So, what is the state of our business community? Well I can tell you, from the Chamber’s perspective: Wake Forest is open for business!”
