Description

Focus Friday is a public policy program of the Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce that examines community and legislative issues from multiple perspectives. Held monthly, these events feature discussions led by local leaders, policymakers, and experts on topics such as economic development, public safety, and community planning. Focus Friday provides a platform for members and guests to engage in meaningful dialogue, gain insights into regional initiatives, and stay informed about matters affecting the Lake Norman area. The program is presented by Novant Health - Huntersville Medical Center and sponsored by Business Today and WSIC 105.9 FM. While intended for Lake Norman Chamber members and community leaders, guests are welcome to attend.

Friday, August 15th 8:30 am at the Chamber - Marion Board Room

This month’s Focus Friday will feature a discussion around the PAVE Act (Projects for Advancing Vehicle-infrastructure Enhancements), a potential funding mechanism for transportation needs around bus & rail services, and most importantly additional roads in our region. Larry Shaheen, Jr. an attorney with The McIntosh Law Firm who has been instrumental in crafting the PAVE Act will be joined by former Cornelius mayor and state Senator Jeff Tarte. Senator Tarte will facilitate the discussion of the plan and its potential impact on our businesses, citizens and communities.

The program will be held Friday, August 15th beginning promptly at 8:30 AM at the Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce offices, on the 2nd floor, in the Randy Marion Conference room located at 19900 W. Catawba Ave. in Cornelius.

The purpose of this Focus Friday will be to help everyone better understand the pros and cons associated with the PAVE Act as well as the contents of the 27-pages of legislation. For example, this legislation would authorize a permanent one cent tax increase on Mecklenburg County citizens, create a new legal Authority that prioritizes and funds transportation infrastructure projects under the predominate control of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County. It will generate significant dedicated monies for road projects to be controlled by each individual municipality.

The Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors have not taken a position to support or oppose this plan. Instead they encourage voters to examine the issue carefully and vote on the measure as deemed appropriate.

The additional tax does not become law unless the voters of Mecklenburg County approve it through a ballot referendum. Come hear the information needed to make an informed decision on how you will vote on this matter if put forward on November 4.

This is an in-person meeting and is LIMITED to the first 35 Chamber Members who register. It will also be available via Zoom by calling Brett Hicks at 704-892-1922 or emailing Russell@lakenormanchamber.org

Focus Friday is a public policy program of the Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce which examines community and legislative issues from multiple perspectives. While intended for Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce members and community leaders, guests are welcome but MUST RSVP with the Chamber in advance.

The program is presented by Novant Health - Huntersville Medical Center and sponsored by Business Today and WSIC 105.9 FM. The Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce, with approximately 850 business members, represents the Huntersville, Davidson, Cornelius, and greater Lake Norman regional business community.

About our Speaker - LAWRENCE (LARRY) J. SHAHEEN, JR.

Larry Shaheen, Jr. has worked in politics, property, and development his entire life. From 2012 to 2018 Larry served as contract Chief of Staff to NC State legislators while also founding Carolina Political Consulting to consult elected officials across the region as a private attorney. During his time working within politics Larry assisted in numerous campaigns and advocated successfully for several real estate legislative issues.