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Uptown hotel unveils 'welcome' banner in light of HB2 controversy

By Joe Bruno, wsoctv.com and Alexa Ashwell
By Joe Bruno, wsoctv.com and Alexa Ashwell

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — As North Carolina continues to receive backlash against House Bill 2, Charlotte businesses are taking action to show they are welcoming to all customers.

For more than five hours Thursday, crews were busy installing a 70-foot banner on the side of the Westin that will be hard to miss. It says 'Always Welcome Charlotte' and 'Open for Business, Open for All.'

"We're always going to be inclusive," said Dave Montgomery, director of sales and marketing for the Westin. "We are always going to be welcoming and basically we are going to take care of the needs for all."

The sign is part of a marketing strategy launched by the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority after nationwide response to HB2, which banned individuals from using public restrooms that do not correspond to their biological sex, and stopped cities from passing anti-discrimination ordinances to protect gay and transgender people.

"The CRVA is making use of the Always Welcome campaign to communicate the welcoming, inclusive spirit that has long been a differentiator for our city in helping to attract impactful meetings and conventions as well as millions of visitors annually," CRVA CEO Tom Murray said. “The CRVA's activation of the campaign is intended to speak directly to the individuals making travel decisions to let them know that Charlotte still greatly values their business and encourages them to come."

It's certainly welcomed by the Westin. Hotel officials said several events and conferences have been canceled because of the new law.

The hotel also confirms the American Public Transportation Association tried to cancel its conference scheduled there next month because of HB2 but was unable to do so because of the contract.

A statement on the APTA website said, "While we are unable to nullify our contract with the Charlotte Westin and other hotels in use by the conference, we want to ensure attendees that at the conference we will shine the light on the importance of treating all people with respect. We will spotlight the impact and strength that diversity brings to our industry."

Westin management said the hotel is committed to making accommodations for everyone. A gender-neutral bathroom is being installed in addition to the huge banner.

"We want to make sure our statement is loud," Montgomery said. "We're always welcoming and I think there is no backlash to that."

Small businesses are involved in the marketing campaign, as well. Window decals are being issued to small businesses and restaurants.

The campaign is also on Twitter with the hashtag #AlwaysWelcomeCLT.

Since the law's passing, hundreds of jobs slated for the state have been lost.

Bob Morgan, The CEO of the Charlotte Chamber, told Channel 9 he's worried about North Carolina's perception.

“There is real economic damage resulting and we would like to draw attention to that fact, to scream for a solution,” Morgan said.

He believes McCrory's executive order, which the governor announced on Tuesday, is a good start but more work needs to be done.

Groups coming together to support LGBT community

Several LGBT advocacy groups will begin a series of town hall events Thursday, aimed to repeal HB2. Charlotte Mayor Jennifer Roberts and City Council Member Al Austin are expected to attend.

Organizers hope the meetings will inspire people to continue speaking out against the law until lawmakers begin their next session in two weeks.

The town hall starts at 7 p.m. at Le Meridien Hotel in uptown.

Also happening Thursday night in Hickory, a church hopes their event will help to build a greater public acceptance and understanding of the LGBT community.

Church of the Master United Church of Christ is hosting an event called Anyone Can be an Ally at 6 p.m.

On Thursday, the band Mumford and Sons released a statement regarding the concert in Charlotte.

The band said it would be making a donation to a local LGBTQ organization.

"We do want to take a stand with the people of North Carolina who this week are shouting loudly against intolerance, fear and discrimination," the statement said.

Concerts canceled over HB2

Ringo Starr canceled his upcoming concert in Cary because of House Bill 2. He apologized to his fans but said he needs to take a stand against hatred.

Just last weekend, Bruce Springsteen canceled his concert in Greensboro.

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