This week, Congressman Patrick McHenry (R-NC-10) welcomed representatives from the Tenth District Chambers of Commerce to Washington, D.C. for a series of meetings with White House officials, members of Congress, and economic development experts.

Representatives from all ten Tenth District Chambers of Commerce were invited to the Second Annual Chamber fly-in, which provides local business, government, education, and healthcare leaders with an opportunity to discuss and generate economic development strategies for Western North Carolina.

“Given the economic challenges we’re facing, it is critical we have a coordinated strategy in place to drive economic growth and create good-paying jobs,” said Congressman McHenry.  “By bringing together local leaders in business, government, education, and healthcare to discuss these issues with national leaders and economic development experts, we’re able to determine the best ways to build the Western North Carolina economy.”

According to Shirley Hise of the Mitchell County Chamber of Commerce, “This event is a great opportunity to network with other chambers as well as to learn what resources might be available at the federal level.”

On April 9, 2008 Congressman McHenry was presented the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Spirit of Enterprise Award, a prestigious award honoring lawmakers who are dedicated to economic growth and job creation.  Congressman McHenry has received the award every year of his public service.

Speakers at the Chamber event (in order of appearance) include:

Tuesday, April 22

•    House Republican Whip Roy Blunt (R-MO)
•    Mr. Steven Tuminaro, Director of Legislative Affairs for NeighborWorks America
•    House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH)
•    Senator Richard Burr (R-NC)
•    Mr. David Spooner, U.S. Department of Commerce
•    Mr.  Jonathan Felts, Deputy Assistant to the President and White House Director of Political Affairs
•    Ms. Missy Branson, Deputy Associate Administrator of Congressional Affairs at the Environmental           Protection Agency

Wednesday, April 23

•    Ms. Kelly Hunt, U.S. Chamber of Commerce
•    Rep. Pete Hoekstra (R-MI), Ranking Member of the House Select Committee on Intelligence
•    House Republican Chief Deputy Whip Eric Cantor (R-VA)
•    Gov. Randall Kroszner, Federal Reserve Board
•    Rep. John Mica (R-FL), Ranking Member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee
•    Under Secretary Robert Steel, U.S. Department of Treasury
•    Rep. Heath Shuler (D-NC)

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