Washington, Sep 16, 2005 - Western North Carolina Representative Charles Taylor announced today the formation of an advisory council to assist existing manufacturing plants and other companies in North Carolina’s Eleventh Congressional District. The Advisory Council will be made up of representatives from companies that are currently operating in Western North Carolina, and many of which are currently doing business with the Federal Government. The Council will advise companies and small business owners on how to market their products and services, and give advice on how to take advantage of business opportunities with the U.S. government, which is the largest purchaser of goods and services in the world.

“There are many ways that the federal government can be of economic benefit to companies here in the Mountains,” said Rep. Taylor. “I want local business owners to know that I stand ready to assist them in any way I can to remain competitive. My goal is not only to make sure our local companies retain their stability, but hopefully to offer advice that could lead to expansions and more jobs for the region.”

Rep. Taylor pointed to the success of three Mountain industries that are already filling contracts with the federal government:

-- Diamond Brand is an outdoor supply company in Fletcher that is under a five-year contract to provide tents for the United States Army. Diamond Brand executives say they are hoping to create additional jobs because of a new contract they recently finalized to manufacture tents for the US Marine Corp.

-- Through facilities like the Hatch Plant in Columbus, NC, Milliken & Company is leading the textile industry in the manufacture of advanced fabrics and textiles. Milliken & Company has been awarded millions of dollars worth of government contracts, mainly through the Department of Defense for garment production.

-- Transylvania Vocational Services in Brevard packages dry milk under a contract with the US Department of Agriculture. The contract has allowed the organization to continue job training for dozens of people with developmental disabilities and other barriers to employment.

“I hope business development managers, sales and marketing managers, sales executives and company managers in our region will take advantage of this opportunity to better understand the U.S. Government markets and how to access these markets more effectively,” said Rep. Taylor. “Several local companies have been very successful by doing business with the government. I encourage other companies to take advantage of the many opportunities for economic success.”

In addition to the Advisory Council for Existing Industry, Rep. Taylor is also planning for “Opportunities 2006, Making Dollars and Sense Selling to Government Agencies.” Opportunities 2006 is a regional “reverse” trade show that allows small businesses the opportunity to meet contracting officers from more than 60 federal, state and local government agencies and prime contractors. The one-day seminar will be held in March of 2006 in Asheville.