NCCBI's Commitment to Education Reaffirmed

NCCBI is looking for opportunities to strengthen the involvement of members in developing positions on public policy issues as a result of some constructive criticism voiced recently by a few leading business executives. The internal review mainly seeks to ensure that the association’s strong leadership in education reform is not diluting its traditional concentration on basic business issues. Also to be examined are ways that the association can more effectively serve all of its members.

The constructive criticism was voiced by leaders of the state’s major electric utilities and some other prominent member companies, who said they were concerned about the heavy demands placed on Phil Kirk in his dual role as president of NCCBI and chairman of the State Board of Education. The group said that leading the State Board of Education is such a major responsibility that it could cause NCCBI to focus on that key public policy issue to the detriment of other vital business topics. The issue briefly spilled over into the news pages of the Raleigh News & Observer.

NCCBI Chairman Gordon Myers of Asheville referred the concerns to the Executive Committee, which discussed the issue at length during a telephone conference call last month. Myers reported on the results of the Executive Committee meeting in a memo to the Board of Directors that is reprinted below:

“I wanted to let you know that the NCCBI Executive Committee met on Feb. 5 by conference call. Twenty-three members participated, and we gave a unanimous vote to allow our president to continue in the dual roles as president of NCCBI and as chairman of the State Board of Education. We also reaffirmed our commitment to public education.

“At the same time, we listened to the concerns of some of the members of the executive committee and agreed to appoint a small group, consisting of the officers (Jim Hyler, Sue Cole, Bill Coley, Horace Johnson and myself) to study the mission of NCCBI, legislative priorities, and legislative strategy for the short session. I have added former chairs Mac Everett and Smedes York to the committee.

“If you have any concerns or comments to be shared with the committee, please forward them to me or feel free to communicate with any or all of the members. This is a short-term project so any communication should be done as promptly as possible.

“Phil has assured me that he and the staff are willing to address any specific concerns in a serious, thoughtful manner and will respond accordingly. Thank you for your continued support as we work to enhance NCCBI’s reputation as the strongest voice for business, industry and the professions and education in North Carolina.”

Kirk said he takes seriously the opinions expressed by the group and pledged to take steps to ensure that NCCBI continues to address a broad range of political and business issues. He said he plans to arrange his schedule to spend more time in Raleigh when the General Assembly is in session.

Kirk also said he did not believe that raising the issue was a sign that any of the companies in the complaining group are backing off of their support for education reform. He noted that both utilities recently have announced major donations or initiated other programs to support the public schools.

He noted that the NCCBI staff would explore how the association can better serve all members during an intensive two-day retreat that was to be held in Asheville at the end of February.

Membership Campaign Update: Through 10 months of NCCBI’s annual membership campaign, 188 new members have joined NCCBI, an achievement considered remarkable considering the weak economy. Board member David Huskins of Linville Falls continues to lead the campaign, having recruited 14 new members. Dr. Jim Causby of Smithfield, the superintendent of Johnston County Schools, is second with 11 new members.

Among other board members, Kelly King has recruited six new members while John Forlines and R.V. Owens have recruited four each. Recruiting three each are Bruce Biggs, Don Brady, Linwood Davis, Mac Everett, Jim Hyler, Bob Lowe, Louise McColl and Gene Miller. Meeting their goal of recruiting two new members are Tom Beard, Molly Broad, Sue Cole, Phyllis Crain, Charlie Greene, Steve Miller, Gordon Myers, Pope Shuford, Will Spence, Steve Stroud, Julianne Still Thrift and Jordy Whichard.

NCCBI also wishes to thank the many board members who have worked to retain existing members.

NCCBI board members will be feted at a reception the evening of March 19 – the night before the Annual Meeting – at which several prizes will be awarded for membership recruitment. All board members are invited to the event at the N.C. Museum of Art from 6 to 7:30 p.m..

Membership News: New members from Jan. 1 through Jan. 31, 2002 include: American Management Systems, Charlotte; Ammons Inc., Raleigh; Carneal Downey Construction, Raleigh; Change by Leake, Raleigh; Children’s Education Centers, Greensboro; Fred Beck & Associates, Charlotte; Fuquay-Varina Chamber of Commerce, Fuquay-Varina; J.L. Powell & Co. Inc., Whiteville; James Insurance Agency, Greenville; Jim Brown Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep, Franklin; Lenoir County Economic Development Department, Kinston; Microtel Inn & Suites of Robbinsville, Robbinsville; N.C. A&T State University, Greensboro; N.C. Retired Governmental Employees Association, Raleigh; Office of Larry Seigler, Greenville; Office of Paul Smith, Salisbury; Salem Leasing Corp., Winston-Salem; Southern Building Material Association Inc., Charlotte; TIAA-CREF, Charlotte; Tuggle, Duggins & Meschan, PA, Greensboro; West Insurance Agency, Wilson; and Whitt Motor Sales Inc., Candler.

Return to magazine index