Congressman Larry Kissell (NC-08) and Congressman Mike McIntyre (NC-07) welcomed leaders from seven North Carolina counties to an economic development summit Monday morning at the Laurinburg-Maxton Airport.

More than 200 elected officials and stakeholders from Anson, Bladen, Columbus, Montgomery, Richmond, Robeson and Scotland counties joined the congressmen for the Kissell-McIntyre Federal Resources Summit. Federal and state agencies were on hand to discuss resource options available for the counties, which represent some of the highest unemployment rates in the state.

“This summit was important, not only because it gave our counties a chance to come together and hear what opportunities are available for them, but it gave the federal agencies a chance to hear from our community leaders as well,” Kissell said. “This summit was just the start as we look for solutions to the double-digit unemployment and persistent poverty that are plaguing our region. I hope that it will lead to more collaboration in pooling our resources to market this region to businesses looking to expand.”

“Today’s summit was an opportunity to help create jobs, jobs, jobs for southeastern and south central North Carolina,” said McIntyre. “Participants heard from a variety of federal agencies about securing and leveraging federal dollars to help small businesses and create a stronger business environment.  We must do all we can to help citizens and families provide for their future.”

Judith Canales, administrator for USDA's Rural Business-Cooperatives Service, was the keynote speaker. She spoke about the importance of utilizing the programs offered through USDA, and what county leaders could do to access federal resources. 

"President Obama and Secretary Vilsack are committed to using funds from more than 40 USDA Rural Development programs to improve economic opportunity for all rural citizens," said Canales. "This Federal Resources Summit organized by Congressmen Kissell and McIntyre will be instrumental in supporting the president's initiatives to accelerate job creation."

Federal agencies attending were Department of Education, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Small Business Administration as well as the Small Business Programs Mission & Installation Contracting Command Center-Fort Bragg.