It’s not the first time that Chairman of the Guilford County Board of  Commissioners Skip Alston has been to the governor’s mansion in Raleigh, but this time Alston was invited for a special occasion – to receive an honor from the governor.

The newly elected Democratic governor had invited Alston to the state capital where Stein held an event to celebrate 40 prominent African-American entrepreneurs around the state who were also leaders in, and had had a widespread positive influence on, their various communities.

The event, which was held in part to honor Black History Month, took place at the Executive Mansion and began at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb.18.

In addition to some good food and non-alcoholic beverages, the honorees got a placard celebrating their accomplishments and a lot of praise from the state’s most powerful political leader.

The email invite stated, “This year we will be honoring Black Entrepreneurs in North Carolina and all their contributions to our great state. We look forward to welcoming you to this wonderful event honoring the historic accomplishments of North Carolina Black entrepreneurs.”

Alston, who focuses on his real estate practice, has started up everything from a hot dog restaurant to a car dealership in his lifetime.

Alston said the Tuesday night event was terrific and he’s glad he was able to go since he missed the invitation the first time around.

“I didn’t see the email,” Alston said. “I’ve been so busy lately.”

Fortunately, Stein had an aide phone Alston and ask why he hadn’t responded and Alston said he would be delighted to come – though Alston had to cancel another commitment to attend.

“This is the first time it’s ever happened,” Alston said of the event, noting that he found it very rewarding.

Alston and Stein know each other well: They’ve met at various Democratic functions across the state over the years, have both been key leaders in the Democratic movement in North Carolina, and Alston helped Stein in his campaign to be governor.

Alston said it’s important that people such as a chairman of a county board of commissioners have direct access to a state governor.

“I told him,” Alston said, “the only thing I ask is that you take my call,” I don’t want to call and have some assistant calling me back.”

Later in the week, Stein met with another well-known politician – President Donald Trump.

Trump rarely has kind words for Democratic leaders, however on Friday, Feb. 21, he had nice things to say about Stein at the White House after they discussed Hurricane Helene disaster recovery for western North Carolina.

“We’re working with a very, very nice person that we’ve had good relationships with — the newly elected Democrat governor,” Trump said publicly. “We’re working well together, very well together. We’re not using FEMA so much, but it doesn’t matter as long as we get the job done, but the people are becoming very happy, so I want to thank you very much. It’s a great job.”

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