WASHINGTON, DC – Rep. Larry Kissell welcomed Congressman-elect Richard Hudson to his Washington office today. The two met to discuss issues important to North Carolina’s 8th District, and to update Hudson on the ongoing work of Kissell’s office.

Earlier in the day, Hudson was Kissell’s guest at the weekly Congressional Prayer Breakfast that Kissell co-chairs with Rep. Louie Gohmert, of Texas.

“I had a great meeting with Richard today,” said Kissell. “For me, being a member of Congress has always been about serving the people back home. My number one concern is making sure they continue to get the absolute best representation and service from their government. I’m glad Richard and I got to talk about the issues our people care about, and I appreciate his effort in working with me for a seamless transition. The people of the 8th District deserve the support they have come to expect, and I look forward to continuing to work with Richard in the coming weeks to ensure that happens.”

Hudson thanked Kissell for his effort in ensuring an effective transition for constituents of the 8th District, and for taking time to meet with him today.

“I appreciate Congressman Kissell going out of his way to make this a smooth transition,” said Hudson. “The real winner in all of this is the people of this district.”

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Photo Attached: Rep. Larry Kissell (NC-08) speaks with Congressman-elect Richard Hudson during a meeting in Kissell’s Washington office on Thursday. Kissell hosted Hudson as his guest during a weekly prayer breakfast earlier in the day.

DENTON, NC – Rep. Larry Kissell (NC-08) was in Denton on Wednesday, meeting with folks from Montgomery Insurance. Kissell met with agents and clients of the company at the event, part of their regular planned picnic.

Montgomery Insurance is based in Kissell’s home county of Montgomery, but also serves Davidson County and parts of Stanly and Harnett Counties.

“I had a great time meeting with these folks and hearing from people who truly understand our local needs and concerns,” said Kissell. “Their business is dedicated to protecting what is most important to us—our businesses, homes and family. That is what’s important to all of us, and it was great to catch up with friends in Davidson County.”

Montgomery Insurance President and CEO Bill Hudson thanked Kissell for his support and for his record of standing up for issues important to their clients throughout the region.

“I always appreciate Congressman Kissell’s common sense approach to all issues,” said Hudson. “He votes to improve America and not just to support a party. His vote is always the best vote for the citizens and is not just for a political platform.”

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Photo Attached: Rep. Larry Kissell (NC-08) stands with Montgomery Insurance President and CEO Bill Hudson during his visit to their Davidson County office on Wednesday.

SALISBURY, NC – Rep. Larry Kissell (NC-08) recently visited with senior residents of the Laurels of Salisbury Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Kissell toured the Rowan County facility and discussed with guests and staff the importance of senior care and ensuring the promises made to seniors in their later years.

The Laurels of Salisbury is a skilled nursing unit for seniors who are recovering from short-term respite, rehabilitation, or are there for extended stays.

“Our seniors have worked hard all their lives and deserve the highest level of care as they recover from surgery or illness,” said Kissell. “The skilled nurses, therapists and staff at the Laurels of Salisbury ensure that their guests get that kind of care. Our older friends deserve the best, and I will always fight to protect Social Security and Medicare and protect any program that helps support that great generation.”

Laurels of Salisbury Administrator Casey Baucom thanked Kissell for his visit. Baucom introduced Kissell to guests and staff during his tour.

“We really appreciate the Congressman taking the time to visit and listen to the challenges we face, but, more importantly, taking the opportunity to hear of the life and success stories of our guests and staff,” said Baucom. “The Congressman actually knew some of the same people that guest Charlotte Dillon did. Everyone really enjoyed the Congressman’s visit.”

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Photo Attached: Rep. Larry Kissell speaks with guest Judy Hill during his visit to the Laurels of Salisbury Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Salisbury.

AQUADALE, NC – Tuesday, Rep. Larry Kissell (NC-08) presented an American flag that had flown over the united States Capitol to Aquadale Elementary School 5th grader Benjamin Smith.

Smith, who is the Student Council President, approached Kissell during a South Stanly High School football game at the beginning of October and told him that his school needed a US Flag and a NC Flag. The two talked for a while and Kissell promised to have a US flag flown over the Capitol for the elementary school.

“Each day here begins with a pledge to our flag,” said Kissell. “I was honored to have a flag flown over the Capitol for Aquadale Elementary at the request of Ben. I was so impressed with his initiative to take charge and make it happen.”

Aquadale Elementary School Principal Steve Coats thanked Smith and Kissell for making this happen.

“Ben has done an outstanding job as President of our Student Council,” said Coats. “He’s the kind of guy to step up and take the reins and show some leadership for our school. We really appreciated Congressman Kissell taking the time to stop by during this crunch time. It was special of him to make it special for Ben and we just really appreciate it.”

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Photo Attached: Rep. Larry Kissell (NC-08) stands with Benjamin Smith, 5th grader and President of the Student at Aquadale Elementary School, his father David Smith of Albemarle and his mother Julie Smith of Aquadale. Kissell had an American flag flown over the Capitol building in honor of the school.

MONROE, NC – Rep. Larry Kissell (NC-08) joined with Union County Community Action (UCCA) and members of the community to celebrate and help raise awareness of the Head Start program.

October is National Head Start Awareness month, which seeks to raise awareness about the program that offers a comprehensive effort to help place children and families on a path to success. UCCA’s Head Start program serves children in Union, Anson, and Richmond counties.

“The Head Start program is instrumental in preparing our young people for success,” said Kissell. “The importance of education cannot be overstated. As a former school teacher, I know that by educating a young mind, you are helping them for life. Raising awareness for a program like Head Start is vital in helping our children, and I’ll always advocate for the programs that support our area’s future.”

UCCA Deputy Director Lillie Seels discussed the Head Start program and thanked Kissell for being there.

“This was our annual event in conjunction with National Head Start Awareness month,” said Seels. “We serve approximately 629 children from birth through five years old in Union, Anson, and Richmond counties. The Head Start program is a program with a rich history and a lasting effect on the children by removing barriers to growth and learning. It was great to see Congressman Kissell there. We appreciate his continued support of the Head Start program and the children it helps and thank him for being there.”

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Photo Attached: Rep. Larry Kissell speaks with P.E. Bazemore, Pre-K Administrator Suzanne Walter of Alliance for Children and UCCA Deputy Director Lillie Seels during his tour of the UCCA facility during the Head Start Awareness event.

CONCORD, NC – Rep. Larry Kissell (NC-08) joined local Habitat for Humanity volunteers and officials for the 2012 Annual Breakfast Program at Cabarrus County’s Habitat for Humanity headquarters on Tuesday.

Habitat for Humanity was founded on the principle that everyone should have a decent, safe, and affordable place to live. Those in need help to build their own homes with other volunteers on a national and international level.

“It was amazing to hear the accomplishments that Habitat has made in the last year in Cabarrus,” said Kissell. “They not only worked within their budget, but made strides to get the biggest bang for their buck with great success. Everyone deserves a roof over their head, and I was proud to gather with these folks who help make that happen.”

Resource Development Director Martha Seger highlighted the event and thanked Kissell for his support.

“This was our annual fundraising breakfast were we have the chance to tell the community what we’ve done and who we’ve served in the past year,” said Seger. “This past fiscal year we more than tripled the amount of families we were able to serve due to internal financial accountability and our increased housing solutions. We took steps to reduce expenses and increase income as well as focus on critical home repairs rather than building a new home from the ground up. All of our improvements were made possible by the generous support of the cities of Concord and Kannapolis and individuals in the community. It was great to see Congressman Kissell there as well. He has always been supportive of us in other events and we’re appreciative of his support.”

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Photo Attached: Rep. Larry Kissell (NC-08) stands with future Habitat for Humanity homeowner Dwanice Simpson at the annual fundraising breakfast on Tuesday. Within the last fiscal year, Habitat for Humanity was able to more than triple the amount of families they serve, including Simpson’s family.

ROCKINGHAM, NC – Rep. Larry Kissell (NC-08) gathered with Lions club members and their families from across Richmond County for their Roar in the Park event in Rockingham on Saturday.

One of the main highlights of the event was the first annual Golf Ball Drop where golf balls were hoisted in a bucket 60 feet in the air and then released. Participants could pay $10 for one golf ball or $25 for three with the hopes of having their golf ball either fall the closest to a hole and win $1,000, or fall the furthest away and win $100. Proceeds from the event went to the Lions Club and support for the visually impaired.

“I always enjoy gathering with fellow Lions, and Roar in the Park was truly a great event,” said Kissell. “Bringing our friends from the community together for a day of fun was a great way to spread awareness and raise money for this important cause. The outstanding service the Lions provide to the community is not possible without funding, and I was so proud to be there.”

Rockingham Lions Club President Trey McNair highlighted the event and thanked Kissell for being there.

“The event went really well,” said McNair. “We raised some money for the Lions Club and everybody was having a great time. It was so good to see Congressman Kissell out there supporting the community and we appreciate him being there.”

Rockingham Lions Club is a local chapter of the broader Lions Club International, the world’s largest service club organization, providing various services to those in need.

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Photo Attached: Rep. Larry Kissell (NC-08) chats with Rockingham Lions Club Chaplain Harvey Auman (right) at Roar in the Park on Saturday. Proceeds from the event went to the Lions Club and support for the visually impaired.

MONROE, NC – Rep. Larry Kissell (NC-08) joined Charlotte Pipe and Foundry President Roddey Dowd for a tour of the company’s Monroe facility. Kissell spoke with employees as he viewed production at the facility, updating them on current legislative proposals that would rein in many reckless regulations currently being proposed by government agencies that often hinder industries like Charlotte Pipe’s.

Charlotte Pipe and Foundry was founded in 1901 to produce cast iron soil pipe and fittings and has since expanded to become the largest manufacturer of drain, waste and vent pipe and fittings in the United States. The pipe and fittings are used for plumbing and industrial needs.

“I had a great visit and really enjoyed meeting with and talking to those on the factory floor,” said Kissell. “Charlotte Pipe and Foundry has provided our region with good, consistent jobs for more than one hundred years and I was glad to meet with the folks that make it all happen.  Their rich history is an inspiration, given the ups and downs of American manufacturing over the last century. It’s important that we remain steadfast in keeping burdensome government regulations under control and out of the way of manufacturers that are putting folks to work and helping to keep our economy moving. I’ll always fight to protect our domestic manufacturers like Charlotte Pipe.”

Vice President of Marketing Brad Muller thanked Kissell for the visit and for his continued support of the industry on matters pertaining to international trade and many other areas.

“The tour went very well,” said Muller. “Congressman Kissell met with a number of our associates and they were so pleased and excited to meet him. We appreciate his viewpoints on trade and all that he does to support industries like ours.”

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Photo Attached: Rep. Larry Kissell (NC-08) speaks with Chuck Williams (left) and Charlotte Pipe and Foundry President Roddey Dowd (right) during his tour of the facility. Charlotte Pipe and Foundry produces cast iron pipe and fittings for plumbing and industrial needs.

TROY, NC - Rep. Larry Kissell (NC-08) received the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Friend of the Farm Bureau award for the second consecutive congressional term. The award was presented to Kissell in Troy this week.

Kissell, recognized nationally for his continued support of farmers and agriculture in the 8th District and his leadership on rural issues in Congress, was presented the award by Montgomery County Farm Bureau President Todd King, during the group’s annual event at the James Garner Center on Tuesday.

“The Farm Bureau does so much for farmers across America. I’m honored by this recognition,” said Kissell. “Farming and agriculture in North Carolina are so important and are such a large part of our economy. Farmers work hard to ensure that we have clothes on our backs and food on our tables. I will always advocate for our farmers and remind folks in Washington how important North Carolina agriculture is, not only to the region but also to our nation as a whole.”

Kissell was nominated for the award by the North Carolina Farm Bureau, and approved by the American Farm Bureau Federation Board of Directors. The award was given based on Kissell's leadership on issues of importance to the Farm Bureau, as well as his accessibility and responsiveness to all North Carolina Farm Bureau members.

Vice Chairman of Montgomery County Farm Bureau Don Thompson thanked Kissell for being there and for all he does for the people of the 8^th District.

“We had a wonderful meeting and enjoyed having Congressman Kissell there,” said Thompson. “He has been so good to the farmers of the 8^th District and we presented with him an award for all he has done for us in Washington on behalf of the American Farm Bureau Federation.”

This is Kissell’s second consecutive honor received from the Farm Bureau, having also been named a Friend of the Farm Bureau during the 111th Congress in 2010.

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Photo Attached: Rep. Larry Kissell (NC-08) receives the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Friend of the Farm Bureau award from Farm Bureau President Todd King, during the group’s annual event at the James Garner Center on Tuesday. Kissell was recognized for his continued support of farmers and agriculture in the 8th District.

ALBEMARLE, NC – Rep. Larry Kissell (NC-08) joined third graders from around Stanly County during a visit at the Stanly County Agri-Civic Center for one of three Agriculture Awareness Days this week.

Agriculture Awareness Days seeks to increase agricultural awareness in the community and demonstrate the importance of agriculture in everyday life. The event targets school children, however, church groups, senior citizen organizations, and daycare centers also take part in the event. The event showcases North Carolina’s major field and horticultural crops, aquaculture, livestock, poultry, farm equipment, pesticide use, and other agricultural enterprises.

“Educating the next generation about the importance of agriculture is critical,” said Kissell. “Our farmers work tirelessly to make sure that we have clothes on our back, food on our tables, and a roof over our head. Getting our children involved with the agricultural practices of the region allows them to truly understand how important farming is. Events like Agriculture Awareness Days allows our young people to learn outside of the classroom and I was honored to be there with them as they explored all that North Carolina farming has to offer.”

Lori Ivey, Director of North Carolina Corporative Extension, highlighted the event and thanked Kissell for coming.

“This was our 8th Annual Agriculture Awareness Days event and we do it to educate our children, who are usually one to two generations removed from farming,” said Ivey. “We are in a rural community and agriculture is so important to our county as well as the state of North Carolina and it is our hope that we not only educate the children, but that they will go home and talk to their parents and siblings about how important agriculture is. They visit twelve rotating stations that each have to do with the type of farming done in the region including cotton, soy beans, corn, beef cattle, sheep, and goats. There is also a station that goes over the importance of knowing the different types of soil as well as a beekeeping station that shows how bees are an important player in crop growth. We really enjoyed having Congressman Kissell here and we appreciate him taking the time to stop by.”

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Photo Attached: Rep. Larry Kissell (NC-08) helps share the value of agriculture with Stanly County third graders as they visit the Stanly County Agri-Civic Center for Agriculture Awareness Days.