With early voting now underway, it’s more important than ever to recognize the lasting impact our choices at the polls will have on our business climate, workforce, and community. For those of us in Catawba County, it’s not just about choosing candidates who understand the present; we need leaders who are invested in shaping our future—leaders who recognize the importance of fostering a robust economy through smart policy decisions.
The Chamber’s Legislative Agenda centers around a core belief: when our businesses thrive, so does our community. To make that vision a reality, we must advocate for strategic investments in workforce development, infrastructure, and tax policies that ensure businesses can innovate and grow. We need to elect candidates who understand the intricacies of these issues and are ready to work alongside us to promote a strong business environment.
Workforce Development Initiatives: Building the Talent Pipeline
As we cast our ballots for leadership roles in the county, let us consider the importance of a strong workforce to the future of our community. A healthy workforce is the backbone of a thriving business environment, and the Chamber strongly supports policies that promote affordable educational opportunities and initiatives that encourage educational attainment for all, from early learning through higher education.
It is essential that our local school boards and educational leaders remain focused on their primary mission: preparing the next generation with the skills and knowledge necessary to compete in today’s job market. We must ensure that our efforts remain centered on building a strong foundation for student success, both academically and in their future careers.
The condition of our school facilities is closely tied to this mission. Current, well-maintained schools reflect the value we place on education and help create environments where students can excel. Families and businesses notice these conditions when deciding where to invest or relocate. By keeping our schools updated and well-equipped, we not only support student achievement but also strengthen Catawba County’s attractiveness as a destination for both residents and businesses. We encourage our elected leadership to support initiatives that prioritize these necessary capital improvements.
Finally, we cannot overlook the importance of accessible child care. By investing in high-quality early learning and affordable child care, we are not only supporting today’s workforce but also ensuring that tomorrow’s workers are prepared to thrive. Elected officials who recognize the value of these investments are key to our community’s long-term success.
Infrastructure Investment: Laying the Foundation for a Prosperous Future
Catawba County businesses depend on reliable infrastructure—whether it’s roads, broadband, utilities, energy generation or income-aligned housing. Our Legislative Agenda prioritizes forward-thinking policy that encourage investments in these areas, ensuring that we are ready to meet future demands.
Candidates must advocate for comprehensive transportation improvements, including road projects like NC-150 and Startown Road, as well as continued improvements at the Hickory Regional Airport.
Equally important is a commitment to updating our transportation finance structure to ensure all users equitably contribute to our roads and highways’ maintenance. The future of our economy depends on strong, modern infrastructure that allows businesses to operate efficiently and grow.
Smart Taxation and Sensible Regulations: Creating a Business-Friendly Environment
Businesses need a fair and stable tax environment to invest and expand confidently. We support tax policies that reduce rates for business owners and return tax revenues to local communities.
Additionally, The Chamber believes that regulations should meet government objectives while being as least restrictive as possible, minimizing burdens on businesses. We need elected officials that will take a pragmatic approach to taxation and regulations, ensuring that our business owners can innovate, invest, and remain competitive.
Healthcare Access: Strengthening the Foundation of Our Workforce
The health of our workforce is critical to the success of our business community. Access to affordable, high-quality healthcare options, especially for small businesses, is a priority for The Chamber.
Local and state leaders need to focus on creating a healthcare environment where all employees can access the care they need without placing excessive financial burdens on employers. As candidates, understanding the link between healthy employees and a strong economy is key to ensuring Catawba County’s future success.
The Role of Candidates: Partnering for a Brighter Future
As we prepare for the 2024 election, it’s crucial that local and state candidates prioritize these legislative goals that directly impact our businesses. We need elected officials who will champion policies that foster growth, create opportunities, and support the businesses that are the heart of our community.
The Chamber of Catawba County will continue to advocate for policies that benefit business, but we can only succeed with the support of elected leaders who share our vision. To learn more about The Chamber’s Advocacy@Work program, including our 2024 Legislative Agenda and Guiding Principles, click here.
To see Sample Ballots, learn about local and state offices up for election, and to see a list of November candidates, visit the Catawba County Board of Elections Page here.
For a schedule of Early Voting locations, click here.
