TechVoice Hosts Second Gathering Of North Carolina Chapter; Calls For Policies To Support Building Blocks Of Innovation

U.S. Congressman Patrick McHenry (NC-10) shares insights on immigration reform, tax reform, cybersecurity, JOBS Act, career and technical training

Dozens of technology executives met for a tech policy roundtable discussion here Monday, hosted by the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA), the North Carolina Technology Association (NCTA) and the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce.

This was the second gathering of the North Carolina TechVoice chapter. The roundtable discussion featured insights from Congressman Patrick McHenry. Panelists included Natalie English, senior vice president of public policy, Charlotte Chamber of Commerce; Alan Fitzpatrick, North Carolina Technology Association; and Lamar Whitman, CompTIA.  Moderators were Melanie Chernoff, public policy manager, Red Hat, and Ron Culler, chief technology officer, Secure Designs Inc. Their participation in the event highlighted the mission of the TechVoice Chapter – to empower and mobilize the grassroots tech community to impact legislative and regulatory issues important to growth, innovation and job creation.

“North Carolina is a magnet for high-tech and biotech job creation, making it vital for TechVoice to mobilize and activate on policy issues that advance the industry in the state and the nation," said Elizabeth Hyman, vice president, public advocacy, CompTIA.

“Events such as this bring to light policy at the federal and state level impacting small and medium-sized technology firms. The policy issues discussed – immigration, tax reform, cybersecurity, JOBS Act, career and technical training – are truly the building blocks of innovation,” said Congressman McHenry. “I appreciate the opportunity to share my insights and efforts to bring meaningful reform to one of the most prominent high tech research and development centers in the United States. Together, we can achieve a fully vitalized economy that brings new innovations, products, businesses and jobs.”

"The tech sector really encompasses everyone since all organizations use technology to optimize their performance," said Brooks Raiford, president and chief executive officer of the NCTA. "We're grateful that Congressman McHenry participated in this TechVoice initiative and engaged with constituents."

“Influencing economic policy, as well as maintaining a high quality of life for our citizens is a fundamental mission of the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce,” said English. “We truly appreciate networking events and regional chapter meetings, such as the one today, to discuss issues with national and local policy makers and build networks to advance our mission.”

About Rep. Patrick McHenry
Congressman Patrick McHenry is serving his fifth term in the United States Congress where he represents the citizens of North Carolina’s 10th District, which comprises seven counties in western North Carolina, from the suburbs of Charlotte to Asheville in the Blue Ridge Mountains. McHenry serves as Deputy Republican Whip, helping manage the legislative priorities of Congressional Republicans on the House floor. He is a member of the House Financial Services Committee, serving as chairman of the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee. In this role, he provides oversight of the Federal Reserve, Treasury, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Securities and Exchange Commission, National Credit Union Administration, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, Department of Housing and Urban Development, Federal Housing Finance Agency, and Export-Import Bank. He is also a member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

About TechVoice
TechVoice is a partnership of the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA), the Technology Councils of North America (TECNA), and participating regional technology associations. Collectively, TechVoice represents thousands of technology companies across the country employing millions of workers. TechVoice is dedicated to empowering and mobilizing the grassroots tech community to impact legislative and regulatory issues important to growth, innovation and job creation. For more information, visit www.techvoice.org.

About CompTIA
CompTIA is the voice of the world’s information technology (IT) industry. Its members are the companies at the forefront of innovation; and the professionals responsible for maximizing the benefits organizations receive from their investments in technology. CompTIA is dedicated to advancing industry growth through its educational programs, market research, networking events, professional certifications, and public policy advocacy. For more information, visit  www.comptia.org.

About the North Carolina Technology Association
The North Carolina Technology Association (NCTA) is the statewide membership association for the tech sector. Because technology is integral to any enterprise regardless of size or function, NCTA membership is open to all companies, organizations and institutions. NCTA serves organizations and their people through events, advocacy, virtual networks and resources. For more information, visit www.nctechnology.org.