NCCBI News for September 2004

Now's the Time to Join a Policy Committee

NCCBI relies on our policy committees to develop legislative positions that provide a framework for NCCBI’s work with the N.C. General Assembly. The committee structure provides our members with an opportunity to hear firsthand from state policymakers on a variety of issues and a real chance to make an impact on the laws and regulations that govern the state’s business community.

We are in the process of updating our committee membership lists and adding new members. There is no additional charge for serving on a committee, and most meetings are held at NCCBI headquarters in Raleigh. If you are interested in serving on a committee, contact Debbie Mueller, legislative assistant, at dmueller@nccbi.org.

Following are the NCCBI policy committees and a brief description of each:

Economic Development: Works to sustain a strong business climate through support of workforce development programs, the state ports, improved water and sewer service, business growth and recruitment incentives, the seven regional partnerships and travel and tourism.

Education: Supports continued high accountability standards for public schools and a strong system of community colleges and public and independent colleges and universities. NCCBI advocates strong teacher training programs and funding for information technology.

Environmental Concerns: Examines legislative and regulatory issues related to the environment with subcommittees looking specifically at air, water and solid waste issues.

Health Care: Works to control the rising cost of health care coverage for employers. Health care mandates are opposed as they drive-up costs of premiums and can limit business’ ability to provide coverage for their employees. Medical malpractice insurance reform is strongly supported.

Legal Issues and Workplace Policies: Explores issues related to the courts and how state laws impact employment and business operations. Legal reform continues to be a major focus, and the committee continues to support changes to limit punitive and non-economic damages.

Taxation & Fiscal Policy: Researches tax issues that affect business and industry and advocates changes in tax policy to keep North Carolina business-friendly and competitive with other states.

Transportation: Supports dedicated funding for all modes of transportation to meet current and anticipated needs. The committee also supports legislation requiring state and federal agencies to better coordinate their decision-making processes regarding transportation and economic development to prevent delays of much-needed projects. Opposes diversion of transportation monies to the General Fund.

New Board Members: NCCBI wishes to thank the following individuals who have accepted appointments to the Board of Directors to fill vacancies or to complete unexpired terms. Serving four-year terms will be James P. Cain of Raleigh, with Kilpatrick Stockton; Randall Fraser of Raleigh, with Time Warner Cable; and Richard E. Shore Jr. of Winston-Salem, with Aladdin Travel and Meeting Planners. Serving a three-year term will be William J. Donelan of Durham, with Duke University Health Systems. Serving a two-year term will be Krista S. Tillman of Charlotte, with BellSouth. Serving one-year terms will be John A. Forlines of Granite Falls, with Bank of Granite; Charles C. Cornelio of Greensboro, with Jefferson Pilot Financial; and J. Craig Madison of Asheville, with The Grove Park Inn Resort.

New members: Companies that joined or rejoined NCCBI in July, along with the name of the key executive at each company, include: Cape Fear Commercial LLC, Henry E. Miller III, Wilmington; Countrywide Home Loans, Jon C. McBride, Durham; Cree Research Inc., Cynthia B. Merrell, Durham; Durham Bulls Baseball Club, Jon Bishop, Durham; Fetzer Stephens, Tom Fetzer, Raleigh; Glover Realty, Jeff Smith, Salisbury; Lake Norman Regional EDC, Mark Heath, Huntersville; Morris, York, Williams, Surles & Barringer L.L.P., Tom Koch, Charlotte; Motorola, Bob Haynes, Mooresville; Office of Ben W. Kilgore III, Ben W. Kilgore III, Raleigh; Office of Justice Sarah Parker - North Carolina Supreme Court, the Hon. Sarah Parker, Raleigh; One Source of NC LLC, Ms. Kristine Gibson, Raleigh; Sanofi-Synthelabo Inc., Thomas F. Yeargin, Marietta, Ga.; and TRC Environmental, William Meyer, Raleigh.