LAURINBURG — Local merchants and business leaders will have a chance to discuss upcoming legislation with members of Congress during a two-day summit next month.
North Carolina Business and Economic Development Summit will be held in Washington, D.C on September 8-9.
Organizers say the event hosted by U.S. Rep. Richard Hudson of the 8th District and other members of the North Carolina congressional delegation allows business leaders from across the state the opportunity to network, collaborate and discuss shared legislative and business concerns.
The event is free, but participants will have to pay for meals and lodging. To attend, you must register at the hudson.house.gov website online.
“Last year, nearly 300 business leaders attended the summit to discuss ways to spur economic growth and bring jobs home to North Carolina,” Hudson said in a statement. “On top of the invaluable collaboration, attendees heard from special guests, including business leaders from North Carolina, officials from the administration and Capitol Hill, as well as political commentators.”
Attendees typically include representatives from multiple Chambers of Commerce and leaders from the transportation, manufacturing, healthcare, education, hospitality, motion picture, education, energy, and financial industries.
About 14 people from Scotland County have already signed up to attend, according to Janet Smith, executive director of the Laurinburg-Scotland County Chamber of Commerce.
“We feel North Carolina businesses are a vital part of our community. It will be a great opportunity for them (attendees) to hear speakers and to see our own representatives,” Smith said.
The summit is in its 19th year.
Also serving as hosts this year are U.S. Reps. G.K. Butterfield, Renee Ellmers, Walter Jones, David Price, Virginia Foxx, Mark Walker, David Rouzer, Robert Pittenger, Patrick McHenry, Mark Meadows, Alma Adams, and George Holding, and U.S. Sens. Richard Burr and Thom Tillis.
“To me, the most valuable part of the summit is hearing firsthand from attendees about what I can do to support our workers and job creators at home,” Hudson said. “I look forward to continuing this important conversation with folks from our district.”