The Arrowood Business Association was privileged to have the North Carolina House Speaker Thom Tillis speak at our February 7^th meeting.  Thom, who represents the 98^th district in Northern Mecklenburg County, had many good things to say about the Southwestern area of Charlotte and its importance to the North Carolina Economy. Thom who has served in the NC General Assembly since 2006 said that he was proud to be working with his colleagues both Democrat and Republican to find solutions to propel North Carolina forward.  Keeping North Carolina’s fiscal budget on sound footing and creating a business climate that would attract new businesses is one of Thom’s top priorities.  After a question from the audience Thom commented on the importance of addressing the $2.7 billion federal unemployment insurance debt.  The speaker said that the 2011 long session was very productive and was very optimistic about the 2012 short session.  The 2012 short session convenes February 16^th.

Tim Garrett