HB2 talks continue with business leader forum

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Since House Bill 2 was passed almost two weeks ago a number of companies have openly opposed the law.

Paypal recently cancelled plans to bring 400 jobs to North Carolina.

Earlier this week Governor Pat McCrory said regarding Paypal, “For those who disagree with that basic norm, they have that decision to make. I anticipate Paypal will still provide their services and accept our consumer money in the state of North Carolina.”

The potential of more companies turning away from North Carolina has a number of Wilmington business leaders concerned.

Thursday, a panel made up of company leaders, attorneys and educators talked about some of the possible economic impacts of House Bill 2. Their biggest concerns were companies turning away from North Carolina, losing job opportunities to other states, and having fair and positive work environments for employees.

Brett Martin, CEO of TekMountain a Wilmington based technological company, said he thinks North Carolina’s tech industry will be hurt.

“We will fall off the list; we will never be on the list of cities to move to if you are considering moving your technology company,” said Martin. “I invested millions of dollars, in this facility, in order to put Wilmington on the technological start-up map. The course that has been plotted by our current governor will wipe us off that map.”

There’s another forum scheduled for Friday May 13.