The Lake Norman Chamber has added two former Republican elected officials to its board: Karen Bentley, a former Mecklenburg County commissioner, and Jeff Tarte, the former mayor of Cornelius and three-term state senator representing NC District 41.

Bentley is now an executive coach and consultant, while Tarte is involved in a new company that

BENTLEY

manufactures water valves.

Bill Russell, CEO of the chamber, said the two will provide “greater resources” when it comes to advocacy around business issues.

“The chamber is not a partisan organization. We do not represent the interest of either political party. However, we take our charge of being the voice of business very seriously. Both former Sen. Tarte and Commissioner Bentley have a deep background into healthcare, education, transportation, and taxes and with issues such as the Mecklenburg County Reval and current challenges to our transportation infrastructure, we need their critical insight and relationships into county and state government on our team. These additions to our Board will

TARTE

strengthen our ability to advocate for the businesses of Huntersville, Davidson, Cornelius and the greater Lake Norman region,” Russell said.

Bentley is chair of the Huntersville Educational Options Study Commission, as well as chair of the budget oversight committee for the Charlotte Regional Visitor’s Authority board of directors.

Tarte co-authored a book published by Wiley & Sons, “Information Technology for Integrated Health Systems.” He was selected by CIO Magazine as one of the top 100 Information technology executives in the United States.