Foxx, Perdue Meet With Small Business Owners

Local business leaders got some face time with Gov. Bev Perdue and Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx Friday.

Foxx held a job summit at the Charlotte Convention Center. He said he wanted people in the private sector to have a chance to tell the governor and other politicians what they need to do to help businesses create more jobs.

“We just have to believe that there's a bigger pool of water out there and work together with the private sector,” Foxx said.

Business leaders hit on the usual topics, like lower taxes and better transportation. But they also pushed new ones, like the idea that Charlotte needs to rebrand itself in order to prove it’s more than just a banking city.

While no set-in-stone solutions came out of the summit, business owners appreciated being heard by decision-makers.

“I really think our voices are being heard, which is important to me,” said Michelle Fish, Integra Staffing and Executive Search and Bankston Partners founder.

Perdue put her two cents in at the summit, noting that leaders have to expand their focus beyond big corporations. In a state where small businesses make up more than 90 percent of the private sector, she said those small businesses should be given the help they need.

“It’s not all about bringing in the big gorilla from out of state,” she said.