Congresswoman Renee Ellmers: Celebrating Small Business

February 1, 2016 NC Elected Officials

Photo of the Week

     It was a pleasure to help celebrate the growth of family-owned, small business in Sanford this week by participating in the ribbon cutting of the new Walker Auto Parts store.

 

Weekly Update
This week, I had the opportunity to spend some time in Lee County and attend the ribbon cutting ceremony for Walker Automotive’s new store in Sanford. This is a small family-owned business that has been around for generations and continues to thrive across North Carolina. As a former small business owner myself, I hold a special place in my heart for businesses like Walker Automotive. I know the sweat and commitment that is poured into building a brand and a legacy that will last for generations.

While on site, I had the opportunity to discuss what we are doing to provide new opportunities for small business owners. This includes passing legislation to foster a pro-growth climate for business owners and utilizing a formal review process of regulations issued by federal agencies so we can prevent burdensome, expensive regulations from directly impacting businesses.

I also penned an opinion piece in my hometown paper, The Dunn Daily Record, and will soon have an opportunity to present the Congressional Award Bronze Medal to a 15-year-old high school student. Scroll down to learn more!

 

 

Supporting Small Businesses
 
 It was a great turnout in Lee County for the Walker Auto ribbon cutting ceremony Thursday with local officials including Sanford Mayor Chet Mann, Lee County Commissioner Tim Sloan, and the Sanford Chamber in attendance.

 
 In the midst of the excitement, I made sure to enjoy a hot dog with all of the fixings.

 

Creating a Strong Workforce

 I penned an opinion-piece in my hometown paper about the need to foster a pro-business climate at home and how my sponsorship of legislation called the Employee Rights Act (ERA) in Congress. This legislation will defend North Carolinians and all Americans from being subjected to pressure or dictates issued from labor unions. Read a small excerpt below or click here to read the full thing:

 North Carolina has a storied history, steeped in great achievement and economic prosperity and this can be attributed to the hard work and entrepreneurship of many individuals who have both innovated during their time and inspired others after them.

From the Wright Brothers to the entrepreneurship and innovation of Research Triangle Park, North Carolina has always been a state of hardworkers who value the independence of creativity and the free flow of ideas.

Since March of 1947 North Carolina has proudly been a right-to-work state, protecting the rights of individuals who work independently of organized labor. In fact, we are the least unionized state in the nation — outlawing coercion of individuals into union membership and limiting organized labor, as it stunts an economy’s ability to grow and an individual’s ability to work independently.

The type of stability created by these policies has contributed to an outstanding work environment here at home. Since Republicans took office in our state, North Carolina has consistently been ranked as one of the top five states for business. However, we must not stop improving the business climate for owners, entrepreneurs and employees.

As unions continue to push for further influence, we are at risk for becoming less attractive to job creators. Unions will do anything to force their way in and take advantage of our state’s workers. We must take action.
An Outstanding Student

 James Willet is a 15-year-old sophomore at Asheboro High School who will soon be presented with the Congressional Award Bronze Medal. As the Asheboro Courier-Tribune points out, “The Congressional Award was established in 1979 to encourage and inspire youth between the ages of 14 and 24. It challenges them through the areas of voluntary public service, personal development, physical fitness and expedition/exploration. Each individual sets personal goals to fulfill.” Read more about the award James is being presented with here.
 
National School Choice Week
 
CategoriesNC Elected Officials