During last week’s annual Legislative Visit to Raleigh,
Western North Carolina business and community leaders had valuable face-time
with the WNC legislative delegation and met with Governor Cooper, Secretary of Commerce
Copeland and Secretary of Transportation Trogdon.
The Asheville Chamber organizes the annual trip in
partnership with other WNC Chambers of Commerce to share our legislative agenda
and make connections with legislative influencers in Raleigh.
This year’s trip
included an update from the NC Chamber of Commerce on their legislative efforts
working for state businesses.
Joe
Stewart of the NC Free Enterprise Institute led a panel discussion with Democrat and
Republican representatives on the current political environment.
Governor Cooper, in his comments to the group, talked about
all the great things Western North Carolina has to offer such as incentives,
way of life and people and highlighted workforce development through education
and training as well as high-wage job and employer recruitment.
In a highlight of the trip, Governor Cooper spoke to the
group in the old house chamber where Lillian Clement from Buncombe County
served as the first woman in state legislative office in the South. This
trailblazer was elected in November 1920, just after the 19th
Amendment was ratified.
Secretary of Commerce Copeland talked about the importance
of talent development and need for North Carolina companies to utilize apprenticeships.
He also shared his focus on helping distressed parts of the state.
Secretary of Transportation Trogdon gave updates on the I-26
connector and Balfor Parkway and discussed his intent to work more closely with
local and regional groups to help meet target completion dates sooner.
Thanks to our sponsors for supporting this trip!
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