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With the House out of session, I spent the week at home in western North Carolina. On Tuesday, I participated in the LanXess Corporation's celebration for the fifth anniversary of their manufacturing site opening in Gastonia. This facility is a highly specialized manufacturer of high performance materials and engineered plastics. To read more about their celebration check out this great article from the Gaston Gazette here.
Next I stopped by the Gastonia Regional Chamber of Commerce for a lunch with small business owners where I heard the need for comprehensive, pro-growth tax reform that will reduce rates and help create jobs.
After lunch, I visited TechWorks in Belmont to learn more about their mission to promote innovation and entrepreneurship in Gaston County.
On Wednesday I began my day at the Blue Ridge Community Health Center in Columbus to hear how they meet the healthcare needs of families all over western North Carolina.
In the afternoon I visited the Columbus Fire Department to tour the station’s new expansion.
I ended the day in Lake Lure at the Foothills Conservancy to hear about recent land conservation projects in Chimney Rock State Park.
Thursday morning I started my day at Owen Middle School where I had the opportunity to address a social studies class.
After my visit at Owen Middle, I stayed in Swannanoa to tour Warren Wilson College and visit classes including the college’s forestry program.
Later on Thursday, I visited Nonwovens of America which is currently producing blankets for the American Red Cross that are used to help those affected by the recent hurricanes. It is wonderful to see this western North Carolina company helping out those in need.
Next I headed west to Asheville to visit Green Opportunities and learn about their mission connecting young people and adults from low-income neighborhoods to sustained employment opportunities.
My last stop of the day was in Black Mountain where I sampled some of Lookout Brewing Company’s delicious locally crafted beers.
Friday, I was in Iredell County where I began the day in Mooresville with a tour of Lowes' corporate headquarters.
Later, I toured Iredell Career Academy and Technical School in Troutman. There I learned about the many academic programs they offer.
In the afternoon I had the chance to check out Bill Rhyne's impressive stock car collection in Denver.
I ended my busy week at the Lincolnton Fire Department where they demonstrated how to use their Naloxone Opioid- Reversal Kits that were donated to the department by Pathways Behavioral Health Management.
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