In February, when Governor Roy Cooper nominated Machelle Sanders, former Secretary of the NC Department of Administration, to serve as the next Secretary of the NC Department of Commerce, the NC Chamber applauded the selection as a smart choice to lead this important department whose operations impact job creators throughout North Carolina.

With members of the N.C. Senate’s Commerce and Insurance Committee preparing to hold a confirmation hearing for Secretary Sanders tomorrow, Wednesday, March 31, we are reiterating our support for this strong choice of leadership.

“We applaud Governor Cooper’s naming of Machelle Sanders to lead the NC Department of Commerce,” said NC Chamber President and CEO Gary Salamido in February, after the announcement of the Governor’s nomination. “With experience in North Carolina’s private sector, Secretary Sanders is a proven leader known for her motivating approach and we look forward to working with her in this new role.”

At this critical juncture for our state, North Carolina needs steady, thoughtful, motivating leadership more than ever. Secretary Sanders has shown that she can provide this direction at the highest levels of state government. As state leaders and job creators work together to support our economic relaunch from COVID-19, we are confident that the Department of Commerce will function as a key engine of North Carolina’s continued success in Secretary Sanders’ capable, experienced hands.