IMC HB2 Letter to Legislators

Dear Legislator,
 
We write to you to share our collective concerns around House Bill 2 (HB2). As members representing every aspect of the $100 billion-dollar furniture industry supply chain –  manufacturing, distribution, associations, craftsmen, property owners, exhibitors – together we stand against House Bill 2. 
 
All of us in this industry come to North Carolina twice a year to do business and network at High Point Market. We stay in hotels, we eat at restaurants, we work. High Point is the epicenter for our industry; home to the world’s largest furniture event for over a century – and we want that to continue.
 
Many of us reside in North Carolina, some of us come from other states and countries, but we all share a vested interest in the business climate of the state. We want North Carolina to be healthy and grow and attract more people – to the state and to High Point Market in particular. We want our businesses to flourish and a healthy economic environment is critical for that to happen. Legislation that discourages growth and alienates large companies is misguided and short-sighted.
 
Our industry and High Point Market are recognized for celebrating diversity, inclusiveness and creativity – we celebrate diversity and view it as a strength and unequivocally denounce any form of discrimination. In fact, these are the qualities that make the furniture industry great.
 
House Bill 2 is bad for business – costing North Carolina jobs, investments and visitor spending, and more importantly – it’s divisive and a major step backward.  But, there is a solution.
 
We urge you to do the right thing for North Carolina and repeal HB2.