Press Release Governor Proposes Vision for Advisory Council on Small & Historically Underutilized Businesses

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Tuesday, January 28, 2014

919-814-2100 govpress@nc.gov

Raleigh, NC - Governor McCrory met with business leaders from throughout the state today for the inaugural meeting and swearing-in of the Governors Advisory Council on Small and Historically Underutilized Businesses.

The governor signed Executive Order No. 24 in September 2013 that ensured businessmen and women would comprise the council.

"My administration is dedicated to making North Carolina a more business-friendly state, especially for businesses that have been historically underutilized," said Governor McCrory. "Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and deserve the same access to opportunities for growth that other companies have."

The governor charged members with using their depth of understanding of the business community in North Carolina to help shape policies that will support and build up small businesses. He reminded members that one of the main goals of the council was to identify and scrutinize barriers that inhibit access to state contract and procurement opportunities. These 13 members represent small, minority-owned, women-owned, and physically disabled businesses, among others.

The council will provide guidance and insight to Governor McCrory, Secretary of the Department of Administration Bill Daughtridge and to the Department of Administration's Office for Historically Underutilized Businesses.