Charlotte Business Leaders Fail to Save NBA All-Star Game

Unless you’ve been hiding out under a rock, you’ve heard about the controversial House Bill 2 in North Carolina, famously referred to “The Bathroom Bill” which has led to boycotts from entertainers and corporations, however, none with a bigger sting than the 2017 NBA All-Star Game which was scheduled to be played in Charlotte and bring in a projection $100 million in revenue.

It was pulled by the NBA due to anti-LGBT discrimination.

However, HB2 was not about bathroom use, that is what Governor Pat McCrory used as a smoke screen to get put into law that you could no longer sue your employer over a firing due to discrimination. It was a classic “bait and switch” to push the real agenda over a policy which was really a “non issue” in North Carolina.

The move has completely backfired on McCrory. Charlotte and Raleigh have both been negatively impacted with lost revenues, but despite many major corporations drafting letters and their respective CEOs showing up at the Capital steps, lawmakers refused to make major changes to HB2, and thus, the loss of the All-Star game.

This is a clear example of poor leadership top to bottom.

Why?

The legislature restored the right of employees in North Carolina to be able to sue their employers, but did not remove the controversial part of the bill which was used to protect McCrory’s original intent. Instead of owning up to the actual intent, stubbornness took over and now North Carolina business’ across the state are being negatively affected.

You will have small business owners who are struggling, who will soon have to close up their shops in the Charlotte area due to the high number of employers leaving the state and events refusing to come due to the legislation.

Sometimes it’s okay to punt when you have poor field position and own up to your mistake when your “greater good” isn’t for the people you represent.