During a two-stop trip to Columbus and Bladen Counties yesterday, Senator Kay Hagan learned a few things about the efforts of her constituents to support small business, grow the local economy, and promote local food.
WHQR’s Rachel Lewis Hilburn reports that the Senator visited what was once an old grocery store – until federal funds helped convert it into a booming local Farmers Market.
The Cape Fear Farmers Market operates six days a week in Elizabethtown, a small town in Bladen County. And the resident bakery, which is making a killing on its fried croissants, is one example of a local business helped by the effort.
But while the signs of economic growth are evident, Senator Hagan says constituents’ concerns are loud and clear.
“It’s all about jobs, jobs, jobs, and the economy. Some of the farmers in the area are concerned that the House hasn’t taken up the Farm Bill.”
Hagan says she hopes the lame-duck session on Capitol Hill between now and the end of the year will be a productive one.
But in the meantime, the Senator says people can take comfort in knowing that North Carolina is one of the 10th largest states – and growing.
“Businesses like the work ethic that they see in North Carolina in particular, and businesses outside of our state not only like the work ethic, they also like the climate. And I see good things happening in North Carolina.”
The Senator says she’s hoping to visit all 100 counties before the end of this year. As of this week, she’s been to 77.
