Fayetteville Observer  
by Christine Michaels

Fayetteville has a competitive edge when it comes to recruiting business due to our highly-skilled and disciplined workforce, access to major highways and excellent quality of life. Our goal at the Chamber is to ensure we take advantage of every opportunity to propel our city to even greater heights.

A low-cost, uninterruptible natural gas source is a priority on major manufacturers’ list of requirements when looking to open new operations here. Even our existing members tell us that they have been shut down due to gas shortages — which impacts workers and their families.

In Fayetteville, the Atlantic Coast Pipeline can sharpen our competitive edge to recruit large industries that can provide thousands of high-paying jobs. This transformative project will allow us to compete with other areas in our state — like Charlotte and Raleigh — that have long benefitted from closer proximity to the Transcontinental Pipeline. Currently, even if a large manufacturer wanted to open here, having to transport gas across the state from a supply west of Charlotte would be cost-prohibitive.

Additionally, the ACP will boost our quality of life and will provide Cumberland County with $1.3 million in annual property tax revenue to fund schools, hospitals, and other essential community services.

Fayetteville has so much to offer, and the ACP is another crucial piece. The Chamber initially adopted a resolution of support in 2015. As the new president and CEO, I am pleased to say we are continuing that support.

Christine Michaels, president and CEO, Greater Fayetteville Chamber

Read the full article in the Fayetteville Observer