For us to achieve all that we wish for our community, our great state, and its people, and to prepare for our expected population growth, NC must not only be economically strong but must build an economy and workforce that the rest of the nation will envy. We should be represented in Raleigh by leaders who have been responsible for creating jobs and growing the real economy. Having been involved in economic development from a very early age when I began work, to having represented over 1,000 small businesses as the Chairman of the Henderson County Chamber of Commerce, to owning my own businesses, I have the real-world working experience to help Western North Carolina thrive and achieve our goals.