Asheville Chamber welcomes new VP of Public Policy

December 14, 2016

(December 14, 2016) — The Asheville Chamber is pleased to announce Corey Atkins joins the organization at the first of the year as Vice President of Public Policy.

In this role, Corey will execute the Chamber’s advocacy initiatives and work closely with the organization’s Advocacy & Policy Committee.

Corey joins the Chamber from Brazil & Burke, P.A. where he served as a partner representing clients in business litigation and local government and advised local government agencies on public policy.

(December 14, 2016) — The Asheville Chamber is pleased to announce Corey Atkins joins the organization at the first of the year as Vice President of Public Policy.

In this role, Corey will execute the Chamber’s advocacy initiatives and work closely with the organization’s Advocacy & Policy Committee.

Corey joins the Chamber from Brazil & Burke, P.A. where he served as a partner representing clients in business litigation and local government and advised local government agencies on public policy.

“We’re excited to have Corey joining us,” said Kit Cramer, President and CEO of the Asheville Chamber.  “We hope he will build on the great work of Toby Weas and Jeff Joyce.” Former public policy staff, Toby and Jeff left the Chamber in September in coincidental timing. A beer enthusiast, Weas moved on to serve as general counsel for Wicked Weed Brewing. Meanwhile, Joyce accepted a position as director of alumni affairs at Brevard College.

"I am excited to get started promoting policies that benefit Chamber members and the Asheville area business community,” Corey said. “My goal is to continue the strong relationship between local job creators and policy makers."

A graduate of UNC Chapel Hill School of Law, Corey’s previous experience includes serving as partner at Barnett & Atkins, P.A. in Asheville and Assistant District Attorney at Mecklenburg County DA’s office. Corey is a native of Mount Airy, North Carolina and has lived his entire professional life in Western North Carolina.  He is also a member of the Civic Center Commission and a charity board member for the Asheville Tourists Children’s Fund.

The Chamber will hold its annual Legislative Luncheon on Jan. 5th at Lioncrest. The event precedes the NC General Assembly session giving Asheville/Buncombe business community an opportunity to meet and hear from the WNC delegation. During the event, the Asheville Chamber will also present its top legislative priorities for 2017, drafted with input from the Chamber membership and approved by the Chamber board.

The Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce is a member organization with over 1,700 member businesses and organizations. Chamber members collaborate with community organizations and coalitions to support the community and each other with the mission of building community through business.

###

Media Contact: Erin Leonard, 828-258-6131, editor@ashevillechamber.org