IMC Condemns HB2, Supports Diversity

Bob Maricich

International Market Centers has issued a statement from CEO Bob Maricich outlining its policy regarding HB2, the bill recently passed by North Carolina that restricts access to public restroom facilities by birth gender and limits which groups may be considered for anti-discrimination legislation. The new law states that gender orientation and sexual preference cannot be the basis of any anti-discrimination legislation in North Carolina.

In the statement submitted to HomeWorld Business, Maricich said he is "appalled by the law and bewildered as to why elected state officials would take an enormous step backwards. Many of our tenants and buyers have expressed outrage in response to the legislation and prominent businesses in North Carolina, including Pepsi, American Airlines, Facebook, Dow Chemical, Paypal, Lowe’s Home Improvement, software maker Red Hat and the largest corporate employer in our state, Bank of America, who join 90 other national companies, including IMC, seeking to repeal the law. I share their frustration and disappointment. Collectively, we continue to urge the legislature to reconsider their decision based on the potential economic ramifications for the April event— the largest economic driver in North Carolina. I am still hopeful that this legislation will indeed be reconsidered."

Maricich added that he was speaking publicly in opposition and will continue making the point that he is expressing as a reiteration of IMC policy.

He noted that the company has expressed that policy as a value statement:

“At IMC, a guiding principle of our commitment to excellence as a company is to treat all people with dignity and to act with integrity. Inclusiveness is a core value of our organization. We celebrate diversity and view it as a strength and unequivocally denounce any form of discrimination.  In order to build relationships and exceed expectations internally and with our customers, we continue to work together to better understand one another, and to evolve together to achieve success today and well into the future. We believe through kindness and fundamental fairness that we cannot only build an exceptional company but we can positively influence our industry and community.”

Maricich asserted that the High Point Market should not be the focus of disdain as regards HB2 and the protests against it, in that the market has been a source of "creativity, leadership, camaraderie and commerce" for more than 100 years. He pointed out that more than 70% of the exhibitors are small businesses, mostly from outside of North Carolina, that depend on the market to drive revenues, so any anger directed toward the market is misplaced.

"In the meantime," Maricich added, "as I walk throughout our campus in High Point, I have good reason to believe that rational minds and common sense will prevail. I see busy streets, our parking lots are full, our docks are bustling with activity, our tenant relations managers are as busy as ever and showrooms are getting ready. It feels like market. Like me, many of you have seen and experienced first-hand external challenges to our industry in the past. We weathered 911, a major recession and more."