I’m just a couple months shy of celebrating 3 years since I made North Carolina my home; however, it only took me a few trips on the elevator to discover I’m never alone for the ride.

Visiting multiple states, one may see the little inspection report by the elevator doors, but one really never SEES it … except for here, where below all the annual legalese and signatures, is a picture and signature of Commissioner of Labor Cherie Berry. Once I spotted her at my own workplace, I noticed she was everywhere!

Unless you do some extensive research on the job, it’s hard to pinpoint the duties of the Commissioner of Labor. Thanks to making the decision to place her picture on each elevator inspection placard, not only did she become recognized, she was dubbed “Elevator Queen.” That’s some marketing that money can’t buy.

But, news came down the pipes today … after serving nearly 20 years in the role, Cherie Berry has made the decision to “leave while I’m in love,” and not seek re-election in 2020. She added on Twitter: “Y’all gotta know – I may retire as the Labor Lady but you best believe that the Queen will stay Queen. #hairflip” – YASS QUEEN!

Thank you, Cherie Berry … for lifting us up, and bringing us down lightly. Your successor has some big elevators to fill.

— Lora