Charlotte Area Chamber Celebrates CLT Airport as a Powerful Economic Engine and Platform for Small Business Growth
Charlotte Area Chamber Celebrates CLT Airport as a Powerful Economic Engine and Platform for Small Business Growth
Charlotte Area Chamber Celebrates CLT Airport as a Powerful Economic Engine and Platform for Small Business Growth
Airport’s impact supports jobs, regional prosperity, and a thriving ecosystem of local entrepreneurs
August 26, 2026 (CHARLOTTE, N.C.) - The Charlotte Area Chamber of Commerce is celebrating Charlotte Douglas International Airport as one of the Southeast’s most significant economic drivers and a powerful platform for small business success.
The CLT Airport represents scale and economic strength and reflects the spirit of a city redefining itself. Charlotte is the New South: defined by tradition, forward momentum, openness, and opportunity. From the moment travelers arrive, they experience a uniquely Southern welcome at the CLT Airport - one that’s authentic, inclusive, and rooted in connection.
A recent report showed CLT served 53.45 million passengers in 2023 while supporting 184,400 jobs and $39.7 billion in economic output - with over 90% of jobs and 92% of output occurring within North Carolina. The remainder came from the South Carolina counties within the Charlotte region. These figures underscore the Airport’s role not only as a major transportation hub, but also as a cornerstone of regional prosperity.
For the Chamber and its members, the Airport represents the spirit of a city defined by momentum, opportunity, and connection. As one of the nation’s busiest airports, creating exceptional visibility for the local businesses that help define the traveler experience.
“The CLT Airport is an asset for our community and has historically been friendly to small and locally owned businesses. These businesses showcase the character, culture, and entrepreneurial energy of Charlotte,” said Jessica Helms, CEO of the Charlotte Area Chamber of Commerce. “From locally inspired dining to specialty retail, these businesses help transform the airport into a destination while contributing meaningfully to our region’s economy.”
The Airport is home to many distinctive and diverse businesses and products that call Charlotte home. To show its support, the Airport launched the CLT Local campaign in 2020 to showcase the local businesses and products that were born in North and South Carolina. Popular local examples include:
- Marketplace, located on Concourse A2
- Olde Mecklenburg Brewery, located on Concourse D
- Taproom, located on Concourse A
“As CLT continues to evolve, so does the opportunity for Charlotte’s business community,” said Helms. “The Chamber remains committed to supporting both the airport and the entrepreneurs whose innovation and excellence help welcome the world to Charlotte every day.”
About the Charlotte Area Chamber of Commerce
The Charlotte Area Chamber of Commerce supports regional economic growth by championing business success, fostering innovation, and strengthening connections across the Charlotte business community. For more information, please visit https://www.charlotteareachamber.com/. To learn more about local businesses at CLT, please visit https://www.cltairport.com/airport-info/clt-local/.
Media Contact:
Michael Orzech, COO | Charlotte Area Chamber of Commerce