Close to a thousand business leaders from all over the region converged Thursday for the annual "State of the Research Triangle Region" meeting.

This was the fourth year for the event, which is planned by the Research Triangle Regional Partnership.

The group's goal was to bring 100,000 good jobs to the area within five years.

So far, they say they're on track after the first four years.

The program is aimed at getting people from 13 counties in central North Carolina all on the same page to encourage good, smart growth.

"It's the only event that we know of that really draws in the leadership; the business leadership and political leadership in a lot of cases from all across the region," said Charles Hayes, President & CEO of Research Triangle Regional Partnership. "And we think it's extremely important to get everybody in one room."

Organizers say the research Triangle region is coping fairly well with the downward trends of the national economy, and is bringing in more business while other areas of the country are losing resources.

One group on hand for the report was Cary's Chamber of Commerce.

Their members say the town serves as a microcosm for the entire region, since they're outside of Research Triangle Park, but thriving because of it.

"This is a highlight of the region, and it shows how positive it can be in a world economy that's not doing very well right now," said Chamber President Howard Johnson. "We're the shining star."

Hayes says the region has created 102,000 new jobs over the last four years, and he hopes that economic conditions won't mean they dip below 100,000 by the end of next fiscal year.

Related Links

1. Research Triangle Regional Partnership