Washington, DC  -  Talladega County’s economy must improve from its current pace and more new jobs must be created, Congressman Mike Rogers (R-Saks) said today in an address in Talladega.

In a speech before the Talladega Kiwanis Club, Rogers said that while new-generation manufacturers like Honda have helped boost the area’s economy, the benefits created by the auto manufacturer have not been felt throughout the county. The plant’s presence is more than welcomed, he said, but many more new jobs are still needed to bring Talladega’s economy up to speed.

“The county has been hit repeatedly over the years by the loss of good-paying textile jobs,” Rogers said. “We must do what we can to help secure our remaining plants, and continue to attract new and competitive industries to the region.”

Rogers said he has been touring many of the county’s major employers, including Avondale and IEI, Inc., to hear how he can best help improve the county’s economy. The ideas he has heard from workers has helped him create new strategies for bringing jobs to Talladega.

“Working folks have been telling me the economy is still not where it needs to be, and I’m doing whatever I can to improve the situation,” Rogers added.

The Third District representative also told the Kiwanis club that local citizens are invited to drop by his mobile offices in Talladega, Sylacauga and at Talladega College to express their concerns. These offices are typically open once or twice a month, he said, and are staffed by at least one member of his staff.