At its January board meeting, the Board of Directors for the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce passed a resolution in support of the Connect NC Bond Act.
“The Connect NC Bond Act benefits our core support structures that impact the region’s ability to grow our economy including infrastructure, education and tourism,” said Suzanne DeFerie, President of Asheville Savings Bank and Chair of the Asheville Chamber Board of Directors. “We encourage voters to vote yes for the Connect NC Bond Act on March 15th.”
At its January board meeting, the Board of Directors for the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce passed a resolution in support of the Connect NC Bond Act.
“The Connect NC Bond Act benefits our core support structures that impact the region’s ability to grow our economy including infrastructure, education and tourism,” said Suzanne DeFerie, President of Asheville Savings Bank and Chair of the Asheville Chamber Board of Directors. “We encourage voters to vote yes for the Connect NC Bond Act on March 15th.”
“A-B Tech, UNC Asheville and Western Carolina University are vital to the economic growth of our region,” said Kit Cramer, President and CEO for the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce. “The Connect NC Bond Act would enable these institutions to make much-needed infrastructure improvements so they can continue to prepare graduates to meet the region’s workforce needs. Strong education institutions support our ability to attract and retain companies in high-growth industries like health care, advanced manufacturing and technology.”
The Connect NC Bond Act would generate $2 billion through sale of bonds to be used for:
At the presentation to the Asheville Chamber board, David Belcher, Chancellor of Western Carolina University, said, “This is an incredible opportunity to increase our capacity to serve this region of the state. It will enable us to respond to the growing population and the resulting demands for education in our state.”
“Investments in our campuses pay dividends in our community,” said Chancellor Mary Grant of the University of North Carolina at Asheville. “This is a transformational moment for us to invest in the future of our state, our students and our economy.”
“North Carolina’s population has increased by 2 million since the last bond referendum in 2000,” said President Dennis King of Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College. “As a result, the state’s 58 community colleges are serving more students with less funding. We’re fortunate to have generous support from Buncombe County, but community colleges in smaller counties are counting on this bond money.”
The Asheville Chamber’s resolution states, “The Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce strongly supports the Connect NC Bond Act as it will enable North Carolina’s systems of higher education to prepare a highly qualified workforce for the 21st century, and will support our state parks, National Guard, and community infrastructure and agricultural resources. Furthermore, the Chamber pledges to educate and inform area citizenry about the importance of the bond while also encouraging the approval of the provisions of the Connect NC Bond Act.”
Information about Connect NC, including a state-wide list of projects and frequently asked questions, can be found at connect.nc.gov. The Connect NC Committee, a bi-partisan coalition supporting the bond, provides additional information and advocacy resources at voteyestoinvest.org.
About the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce
The Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce is a member association of businesses and organizations. The Chamber and its members collaborate with community organizations and coalitions to support the community and each other with the mission of building community through business. The Chamber is home to the Asheville Visitor Center which welcomes over 200,000 visitors per year. www.ashevillechamber.org.
Media Inquiries:
Erin Leonard, Director of Communications
Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce
828-258-6131
editor@ashevillechamber.org