Henderson County Chamber Advocates for Business and Engaged Voters
The Henderson County Chamber of Commerce, through its Public Policy Division, continues to connect local business leaders with decisionmakers through the Chamber’s D.C. Fly-In and candidate forums.
In September, eleven Chamber members and community leaders from our region traveled to Washington, D.C. Held from September 14th- 16th, this trip provided opportunities to discuss federal issues impacting Henderson County and Western North Carolina as a whole, with elected officials, agency leaders and policy experts.
During the three-day visit, participants met with members of NC’s congressional delegation, including Congressman Chuck Edwards, Congressman Tim Moore, Senator Ted Budd, and Senator Thom Tillis. The group also received briefings from representatives of the U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, U.S. Department of Interior’s National Park Service, and the U.S. Forest Service.
Public Policy initiatives like the D.C. Fly-In help ensure that the priorities and perspectives of Henderson County’s business community are represented in conversations taking places at the federal level, while also providing participants with valuable insights into issues shaping the nation’s economy, workforce, infrastructure, and public lands.
Closer to home, the Chamber provided the opportunity for civic engagement through a series of candidate forums ahead of municipal elections this Fall.
GROW Mills River and the Henderson County Chamber of Commerce hosted a Town of Mills River Council Candidates Forum at the Mills River Fire Station. Invited candidates were James Cantrell, Jerry Frady, Sandra Goode, Katrina McGuire and Jennie Sealey. The event gave members an opportunity to hear directly from candidates about the issues facing Mills River and their vision for the community's future.
The Chamber also hosted the City of Hendersonville Mayoral Candidates Forum on Thursday, September 24th at the Chamber office. In place of the regular monthly Public Policy meeting, the forum provided members and other leaders with the opportunity to learn more about the candidates and their priorities for the City of Hendersonville before casting their votes. Invited candidates were Jennifer Hensley and Jerry Smith.
"Our Public Policy Division is focused on creating opportunities for meaningful dialogue and informed decision-making. The D.C. Fly-In has allowed us to advocate for issues that impact our businesses and quality of life, while our candidate forums give members and other leaders the opportunity to hear directly from those seeking public office,” said Public Policy Chair, Craig DeBrew, Local Government and Community Relations Manager of Duke Energy.
The Public Policy Division of the Henderson County Chamber of Commerce plays a critical role in advocating for favorable legislative and regulatory environments that support business growth. This division serves as a bridge between the business community and policymakers, ensuring that the interests and concerns of local businesses are heard and addressed effectively. Its efforts contribute to a thriving business ecosystem and a stronger local economy, benefiting both businesses and the overall community.