Raleigh Legislative Visit Recap
April 12, 2017
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 19thAmendment 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!
