NC Business and Community Leaders Launch Alliance to Promote Economic Growth and Development

RALEIGH, N.C., Dec. 14, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The NC Communities and Business Alliance (NCCBA) is proud to announce its formation as part of a collaborative effort to promote economic growth and development in North Carolina's cities and towns. The Alliance is made up of community and business leaders from across the state and will serve as a voice for public policy issues affecting the economic viability of North Carolina's cities and towns, the success of its businesses and the quality of life of its residents.

The organization will work in partnership with the state to assist with the development of strategies that allow all businesses and communities to prosper. Its initial focus will be to share information and engage in discussion with various stakeholders on the issues challenging cities and towns, therefore impacting businesses and residents.

The Alliance will be governed by a board of directors made up of former NC governors; civic and business leaders; current and former municipal leaders; and current and former members of the General Assembly. The board held its first meeting on Friday, December 7.

"The formation of the Alliance stems from the need to establish long-term policies that allow for continued economic growth in North Carolina's cities and towns," said former Gov. James B. Hunt Jr., Alliance founding member.

The key issues the Alliance will address are balanced growth, transportation infrastructure, water and wastewater infrastructure, education and tax fairness.

"We recognize that our communities are major economic engines for our state," said Alliance founding member Louis Bissette Jr., former mayor of Asheville and former president of the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce. "If they are thriving, North Carolina's economy is also strong and healthy."

Members of the Board of Directors include Mr. Latimer Alexander, former mayor pro tem of High Point; the Honorable Louis Bissette Jr., former mayor of Asheville; Mr. Robert Brown, CEO of B&C Associates in High Point; the Honorable Pearl Burris-Floyd, former member of the NC House of Representatives; the Honorable J. Keith Crisco, state commerce secretary; the Honorable Lyons Gray, former member of the NC House of Representatives; the Honorable James Holshouser Jr., former governor of North Carolina; the Honorable James B. Hunt Jr., former governor of North Carolina; Mr. Philip R. Isley, former Raleigh City Council member; the Honorable Susan W. Kluttz, former mayor of Salisbury; Mr. Leroy Lail, owner of Hickory Furniture; the Honorable Daniel F. McComas, member of the NC House of Representatives; Mr. Roger Perry, chairman and president of East West Partners Management Company, Inc. in Chapel Hill; the Honorable Michael Philbeck, former mayor of Shelby; Mr. James Speed Jr., CEO, president and director of North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company in Durham; the Honorable Nicholas Tennyson, former mayor of Durham; the Honorable Richard A. Vinroot, former mayor of Charlotte; and Mr. Michael Youngblood, former Wilmington City Council member.

More information about NCCBA can be found at www.thenccba.com or contact Robyn Mooring, Public Relations and Communications Specialist, at 919-302-0259.

About NC Communities and Business Alliance  
NCCBA will operate as a 501(c)(4) non-profit corporation. Its Board of Directors meets once every quarter. Members will meet with state lawmakers between meetings and with other Alliance members and business and civic leaders across North Carolina to gather input on key issues and possible solutions being discussed.

Media Contact:  
Robyn Mooring  
Public Relations/Communications Specialist  
919-302-0259  

SOURCE NC Communities and Business Alliance