Local

New NC law pushes prospective businesses from Charlotte, officials say

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Charlotte area is already being affected by the state's new nondiscrimination law, local tourism officials said.

The governor of Georgia just vetoed a similar bill after big companies like Coca-Cola threatened to boycott the state.

Now there is a growing chorus of national voices hoping to pressure North Carolina's leaders to do the same.

Natalie D'Antonio, who moved to the state from the north seven years ago, loves it here.

"North Carolina is beautiful all the time, flowing trees, right now the air," D'Antonio said.

But D'Antonio worries that all the state has to offer is being overshadowed as national media outlets from the Washington Post to The New York Times question, criticize and make fun of the state for its new nondiscrimination law.

State lawmakers last Wednesday overturned Charlotte's newly passed LGBT nondiscrimination ordinance, which would have allowed transgender people to choose the bathroom they use, and implemented a nondiscrimination ordinance that excludes LGBT people.

"I think that it's a deterrent for tourism," D'Antonio said.

Local tourism officials said the area is already feeling small ripple effects.

Thomas Murray, the CEO of the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority sent Channel 9 the following statement:

"We are extremely concerned about the state legislation in place as we continue to hear negative feedback and potential event cancelations from our customers.

"Our city has worked incredibly hard to build a thriving visitor economy over the last 20 years, which has welcomed major events and conventions that greatly give back to the city and the state of North Carolina's economy and overall quality of life. This issue is in danger of setting us back from the progress we've made in positioning Charlotte as an attractive, inclusive destination.

"Our city has long had a track record of creating an environment that not only values diversity, but strongly embraces it. On behalf of the visitor economy that represents one in nine jobs across the Charlotte region, we strongly urge that state and local leaders find a resolution that represents the best interests of our city and state."

In response to a question on lost business, Murray responded: "To date, we have no contracted business booked via the CRVA that has been canceled. We have had prospective customers withdraw interest in Charlotte as a host destination as a result of recent legislation."

Officials said it's a huge concern in a region where one in nine jobs is connected to tourism.

Some argue that lawmakers should not bend to big business.

"Trying to have that kind of influence, I think, is wrong," North Carolina resident Ben Wittreich said.

Wittreich supports the new law even if it means that the state loses money.

"Outside influences, I think, frankly, should go somewhere else," Wittreich said.

Some business leaders are concerned that the new law will deter companies of all kinds from making North Carolina home.

Ronnie Bryant, head of the Charlotte Regional Partnership, expressed similar concerns in a statement about the new state law:

"We at the Charlotte Regional Partnership are passionate about the 16-county Charlotte region and the people who live and work here, so we are disappointed in the North Carolina General Assembly’s actions yesterday. The discriminatory legislation lawmakers passed is contrary to our community’s inclusive and welcoming spirit. The bill hurts both Charlotte USA businesses and families.

"Even as Charlotte USA strengthens its position in the global economy, this regressive bill impedes our ability to attract multi-national companies and puts into jeopardy potential capital investments and new jobs. Moreover, the law prohibits local governments from setting new employment standards, including raising the minimum wage.

"Charlotte USA and North Carolina are better than this. The Charlotte Regional Partnership stands firmly with the many voices who have spoken out against this law, including Charlotte Mayor Jennifer Roberts and North Carolina Attorney General Roy Cooper. We must find a way to reverse this discriminatory legislation and implement progressive laws that truly reflect the people and business owners of North Carolina."

Read more top trending stories from wsoctv.com: