Here's the press release from the campaign of Republican Rep. Tim Moffitt, who is facing a challenge this year from Democrat Jane Whilden to represent District 116, which includes much of western and southern Buncombe County.

RALEIGH - Rep. Tim Moffitt (R-Buncombe) has been endorsed by the North Carolina Chamber of Commerce Political Action Committee, further highlighting Moffitt’s focus on job creation and economic development for the citizens of Buncombe County.

In their news release, the NC Chamber PAC said a select number of candidates were endorsed due to their “professional background and record on key business issues [that] demonstrate a commitment to preserving and enhancing a positive climate for business and job creation in North Carolina.”

“I am honored to have the Chamber’s endorsement,” Moffitt said. “I think folks are recognizing that the hard work we put in during this most recent session has brought Buncombe County unemployment down from its record highs during late 2009 and early 2010 to a point where trends are improving and there’s a little more certainty in local hiring.”

“With the addition of Linamar, New Belgium and Sierra Nevada breweries to Buncombe County [EDITOR'S NOTE: Sierra Nevada's new brewery will be located in Mills River, in Henderson County, near the Buncombe border] since I was seated in early 2011, I’m proud of the progress we’ve been able to make for the local economy and look forward to what we’ll be able to do as we work further,” said Moffitt. “Reports recently showed that employment is up noticeably since the onset of the Great Recession and I hope to improve that trend as we continue our work,” Moffitt said.

See the full list of NC Chamber endorsements here: http://bit.ly/cuOeq8

Moffitt is running for reelection to North Carolina’s 116th District House seat. Election Day 2012 will be Tuesday, November 6. Moffitt was first elected in 2010.