“In these challenging times for all North Carolinians, our state Chamber’s focus is on job creation, strengthening North Carolina’s economy and positioning our state for long-term growth. Our advocacy work will center on opportunities to improve competitiveness to attract, retain and grow good jobs.  It’s about moving North Carolina through the current economic crisis and putting the state in a position to lead in job creation of the other side of economic recovery.”  Lew Ebert, President & CEO

Shaping North Carolina’s Future
Member-Driven Agenda: Job Creation & Economic Growth

 In this time of economic crisis and unprecedented job loss in our state, the North Carolina Chamber is focused on economic development and job creation.  With direct input from our members – employers of all sizes and sectors from all parts of the state – our Chamber is well prepared to be a proactive, positive force for growth.  Our agenda for the 2009 legislative session includes objectives in three policy areas that are critical to a thriving economy and North Carolina’s ability to keep and grow jobs: 1) Education and workforce development, 2) Competitiveness, and 3) Infrastructure. 

Since the end of the 2008 short session of the NC General Assembly, our state Chamber has been busy gathering input from our members, conducting research and collecting data to develop our 2009 legislative agenda.  We have traveled across the state meeting with CEOs and top executives of North Carolina companies.  We have hosted regional listening meetings to hear from employers about major competitiveness challenges and barriers to growth.  We have completed a comprehensive manufacturing study, our second Annual Competitiveness Index (ACI), and are nearing completion of a major tax policy project.  And our Chamber’s policy committees, working groups and local Chamber partners have met to consider pressing issues vital to North Carolina’s economic future, such as transportation infrastructure, healthcare costs and the state’s dropout rate.

Challenging times create unique opportunities, and this year, with state leaders also clearly focused on job creation, the North Carolina Chamber will surface opportunities to meet this challenge.  Together, we will position North Carolina to lead in job creation on the other side of economic recovery.  Together, we are shaping North Carolina’s future.

Click here to view the North Carolina Chamber’s 2009 Agenda: