“Now is a pivotal time for our state. Without the right strong leadership, we run the risk of slipping behind or getting off course.”
North Carolina Chamber Chairman Bill Johnson, Progress Energy
An Election of Extraordinary Importance
North Carolina Chamber on the Political Pulse
The 2008 elections that are fast approaching could be some of the most important that North Carolina has witnessed in decades on the state and federal level. In addition to the heavily spotlighted elections for President and North Carolina Governor, every seat in the state legislature is up for election this November. It is vitally important that North Carolina’s business community becomes involved this political season as election results will map the future of our state.
“Now is a pivotal time for our state,” said North Carolina Chamber Chairman Bill Johnson at the Chamber’s 66th Annual Meeting on March 26. “Without the right strong leadership, we run the risk of slipping behind or getting off course.”
National attention has turned to North Carolina because of our May 6 primary elections and the highly contested race for the Democratic presidential nomination. Recent visits from the candidates as well as a potential debate between the two in Raleigh evidence the importance of North Carolina in the upcoming election. While the race for President is getting a lot of media attention in our state and is certainly important for North Carolina businesses, it is equally important that Chamber members are informed about the positions of those vying for state elections on critical business issues.
“There are so many issues at the forefront of the public dialogue critical to our state’s business climate and quality of life that North Carolina businesses must be engaged in shaping our state’s future,” said Chamber President and CEO Lew Ebert. “The North Carolina Chamber is transforming itself to be the enabler for an organized business community to proactively drive positive change to ensure a prosperous future for all North Carolinians,” he added.
Click here to find voter resources for the upcoming elections.
Candidates for Governor Answer
Chamber’s Questions on Business Issues
Our Chamber asked six questions to the six major candidates for North Carolina Governor in the April issue of NC Magazine. Questions were posed concerning critically important issues for businesses and North Carolina’s future, which reflect top priorities for our Chamber.
Infrastructure Needs
North Carolina is one of the fastest growing states in the country. Given this, how would you address the challenges associated with meeting our state’s infrastructure needs (such as transportation, energy supply and water resources) to support current and future growth?
Click here to view responses (to download the April 2008 issue of NC Magazine, pages 41-49).
Tax System
In light of our changing state economy, how would you restructure North Carolina’s tax system to continue to grow the economy and attract, retain and create good jobs for North Carolina residents?
Click here to view responses (to download the April 2008 issue of NC Magazine, pages 41-49).
Health Care Costs
Rising health care costs continue to be an urgent economic concern for North Carolina businesses of all sizes. What would you proposed be done at the state level to effectively control rising health care costs for employers and their employees?
Click here to view responses (to download the April 2008 issue of NC Magazine, pages 41-49).
Education System
What are your priorities for ensuring that North Carolina education systems produce a globally competitive, 21st century workforce?
Click here to view responses (to download the April 2008 issue of NC Magazine, pages 41-49).
Workers’ Compensation Costs
Workers’ compensation costs are beginning to rise again in North Carolina. How would you suggest the state address these rising costs, which impact our state’s ability to compete nationally with other states for jobs and commerce?
Click here to view responses (to download the April 2008 issue of NC Magazine, pages 41-49).
Organized Labor
North Carolina’s right to work law and low unionization rates and ranking are competitive advantages our state has over others when it comes to attracting business investment and jobs. Do you support North Carolina’s right-to-work law?
Click here to view responses (to download the April 2008 issue of NC Magazine, pages 41-49).
Government Affairs Conference: Sold Out!
Our Chamber’s highly anticipated Government Affairs Conference has SOLD OUT of individual tickets and there are only limited sponsorship opportunities left. While registration is sold out, we will still offer our members the opportunity to be put on a waiting list in the event tickets become available later due to cancellations.
Click here for more information on this event. You can find more information on this event at:
http://www.ncchamber.net/08govaffairs (GA)
Second Annual Manufacturing Summit
Registration Begins This Week!
Our Chamber proudly presents its 2nd annual Manufacturing Summit, which will be held at the Grandover Resort and Conference Center in Greensboro on June 10. The theme for the Summit is “What North Carolina Makes, Makes North Carolina.” The event will serve as a forum for manufacturing issues and ideas to be discussed, including legislative, regulatory, and legal issues confronting a vital sector of our state’s economy.
Last year’s Manufacturing Summit was a highly successful event with over 350 attendees where our Chamber launched its Manufacturing Council. During this year’s Summit, our Chamber will present the results of a study called, “What North Carolina Makes, Makes North Carolina.” The study will highlight the economic impact of manufacturing in our state, as well as the benefits and potential of modern manufacturing here.
Tickets for this event will go on sale Tuesday, April 22. Click here to find more information on this expected sell-out event.
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