RALEIGH, N.C. – Today, the future-focused NC Chamber Foundation announced a capital campaign to fund its five-year NC Leads strategic plan. The NC Leads plan, developed with input and significant financial commitments from the private sector, will secure a thriving future for our state.

NC Leads defines a critical policy research agenda and data-driven engagement on key economic growth issues in the state. The plan prioritizes education and workforce development, strengthening North Carolina’s competitive business climate, and investing in infrastructure systems to support our state’s rapid growth.

74 percent of funds are secured toward a $7.5 million goal to support the five-year plan.

“The NC Chamber Foundation has been focused on securing our state’s future since the launch of North Carolina Vision 2030 a decade ago. NC Leads is the next step in that effort as we work to identify initiatives and policy innovations to enhance the quality of life and creation of wealth for all North Carolinians,” says NC Chamber Foundation President Meredith Archie. “The engagement and investment from our state’s business leaders is critical to our continued success.”

Duke Energy State President Kendal Bowman and Glen Raven Senior Vice President and General Counsel Derek Steed serve as co-chairs for the NC Leads campaign. Cabinet members include Joe Brannan, NC Electric Cooperatives; Donald Gintzig, WakeMed Health and Hospitals; Jim Hansen, PNC Bank; Brad Jones, First National Bank; Trey Rabon, AT&T; Charmaine Riggins, Loparex; and David Weaver, Truist.

The campaign also includes an honorary council including Allen Gant, Jr., Glen Raven; Frank Holding, Jr., First Citizens; Stan Kelly, Piedmont Triad Partnership; and Ward Nye, Martin Marietta.

“As North Carolina continues to experience unprecedented growth, it’s critical to bring leaders together to help tackle the complex issues in front of us,” says Bowman. “Supporting job growth will enhance the quality of life for all and I applaud the Foundation for paving the way to a more prosperous state.”

The NC Leads effort will result in policy recommendations that achieve measurable improvement across all areas of competitiveness in North Carolina.

“The Foundation’s long-term planning and data-driven research has been a game changer for the NC Chamber and North Carolina over the last ten years and is essential to our continued success,” says Steed. “We can’t afford to leave our future up to chance.”

While the Foundation’s nonpartisan research, community engagement, and policy development are closely aligned with the work of the NC Chamber and its affiliates, they remain different entities with separate, but connected bodies of work. In addition to the NC Chamber, the Foundation’s NC Leads plan is leveraged by a wide range of organizations that advocate for change and hold policymakers accountable to data-driven solutions.

Flagship investors include: (Investors as of 12/11)

• AT&T North Carolina
• Biltmore Companies
• Biogen
• Butterball
• Charter Communications
• Coca-Cola Consolidated
• Comerica Bank
• Delta Dental
• Dominion Energy
• Duke Energy
• First Citizens Bank
• First Horizon Bank
• First National Bank
• Glen Raven
• Grady White Boats
• Hendrick Automotive and Hendrick Motorsports
• IBM
• Labcorp
• Lowe’s
• M&F Bank
• Martin Marietta
• Mt. Olive Pickle
• NC Electric Cooperatives
• North Carolina Railroad Company
• PNC
• Reynolds American
• Shurtape
• Smith Anderson
• Truist Charitable Fund
• Verizon
• Vulcan
• WakeMed Health and Hospitals
• Wells Fargo

Additional information about the campaign and the five-year NC Leads plan is available at ncchamber.com/nc-leads/.

About the NC Chamber Foundation
The NC Chamber Foundation is creating a strong, sustainable future for business and communities across North Carolina. Through nonpartisan research and thoughtful collaboration, the NC Chamber Foundation serves as a convener and works to disseminate information related to complex challenges, craft sound policy recommendations, track progress, and drive a future-focused vision to expand economic growth and prosperity for all North Carolinians. The work of the NC Chamber Foundation is leveraged by the NC Chamber and aligned business organizations to advocate for change that positions North Carolina as a top-10 state to live, work, and do business. For more information, visit ncchamber.com/foundation.

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