Politics

Meadows gets nod from small-business group

By Bill Moss, Published: October 16, 2012

Mark Meadows announced the endorsement of his candidacy for Congress from the National Federation of Independent Business' (NFIB) political action committee, Save America's Free Enterprise Trust.

"I respect the hard work the NFIB has put into providing resources and assistance for small businesses for the past 70 years," Meadows said in a news release. "I am grateful to have the support of fellow small business owners, because they need an advocate in Washington if we are going to get our economy growing again. President Obama may believe they 'didn't build' their small business, but I know better and am the only candidate in this race willing to fight to overturn his burdensome, job-killing policies like Obamacare."

According to the most recent data from the Small Business Administration in September 2012, small businesses make up 99.7 percent of U.S. employer firms and account for 64 percent of net new private-sector jobs. "Your election is not only critical to the small-business owners in your district, but also to protecting free enterprise across America," said Lisa Goeas, Vice President. "On behalf of all NFIB members, we look forward to standing with you as you work to do big things for small business."

Since 2006, the counties of the 11th district have seen an average increase of 86% in unemployment. Some counties have experienced considerably more than that according to data tracked by the North Carolina Department of Commerce. Buncombe, Cherokee, Graham, Jackson, Transylvania, Clay and Henderson have all seen increases of 100% or greater with Clay and Henderson topping out the list at 148% and 153% respectively. The statewide unemployment rate in North Carolina is currently the fifth highest in the nation.