Business leaders meet to discuss ways to improve Charlotte's image

Some very candid conversation among Charlotte business leaders and others in the community on ways to move forward and what should be done to improve Charlotte's image.

"Let's talks about race," Charles Bowman, from Bank of America, said.

It was unlike any Charlotte Chamber retreat in the past, as business leaders and others discussed the recent violent protests in the Queen City and problems like HB2.

"We would not have moved because of HB2.  Not have come? Not have come if we were not so far along," Luke Kissam, the CEO of a specialty chemicals company that moved here just five months ago, said.

The bill prevented Charlotte's anti-discrimination ordinance from going into effect.

Margaret Spellings, president of the University of North Carolina system, was also questioned about it today.

"This is really unenforceable for us.  We have 225,000 students across 17 campuses and we find ourselves trapped in the middle between state law and federal law," Spelling said.

Part of the chambers’ discussion today also focused on the recent unrest in Charlotte and what can be done to help those struggling to get by.

"They want opportunity. They want opportunity like everyone else in our community," Larita Barber, of Goodwill Industries said.

"What can I do individually to make a difference in our community?  We all want this to be the best possible place that we can live," Wells Fargo’s Brian Collier said.

Interim city manager, Ron Kimble, believes the chamber helped bring business leaders together with those working to find a path forward.

"To make sure we are gaining the trust that we need for all citizens of our community and creating opportunities for all citizens in Charlotte," city manager Ron Kimble said.

Spellings told Channel 9 that she is anxious to have HB2 resolved, saying Wednesday that the state has already spent hundreds of thousands of dollars in court.

Cox Media Group