Hosting a Job Fair for Cherokee, Graham and Clay Counties
On Saturday, August 14th, with the tremendous assistance of Tri-County Community College, the Southwestern Commission Workforce Development Board, local Chambers of Commerce, the Economic Development Commissions of Graham and Cherokee, and the ESC, I hosted a job fair to help make sure Western North Carolinians are aware of and prepared for available job opportunities. The response from businesses throughout our mountain region was overwhelming, with more than 50 businesses in attendance and taking applications.
High levels of unemployment in Western North Carolina contradict the tremendous skills, knowledge and know-how possessed by our local communities. Consistently, businesses that move to our mountain region say that they remain here because of the high-quality of our available workers. We have a number of strong, American companies in our district who, with recent upticks in the economy, have available positions. Additionally, we can utilize the information we received about the talent of our workforce to recruit companies to come back to America and specifically to Western North Carolina. I am confident that the coming months will bring improvement to our economy and our local unemployment rate.
Taking Part in Ensuring Dental Care for those in Need
This week, as an Honorary Chair of North Carolina Dental Society's Mission of Mercy free dental clinic, I was able to attend and show my support free dental clinic that took place at A-B Tech. For two days, the NC Dental Society, Asheville-Buncombe Community Christian Ministries, Eblen Charities, A-B Tech, worked together to set up a mobile dental clinic, including sterilization, digital x-rays, and supplies. Jack Teague, who organized the event, as well as the numerous dentists, oral surgeons, dental hygienists, and assistants, reminded me of enormous power we have when we work together to help out our neighbors and work towards to the good of the community. Their service truly exemplifies what it means to be an American. Over the course of two days, as many as 1000 people were treated. With only $30,000 of expenses, more than $500,000 worth of dental treatment was donated.
Continuing to Fight for America's Seniors, on Social Security's 75th Anniversary
This week, as we celebrated the 75th anniversary of Social Security, I am reminded of the more than 50 million Americans and the 1,698,677 North Carolinians who depend on the program. For 75 years, throughout 13 previous recessions, Social Security has protected our Seniors, the severely disabled, and those who have seen the death of the primary income-earner in their household. Our Seniors have paid into Social Security for years, and I am wholeheartedly committed to making sure they see a return on that investment.
My office can help residents of Western North Carolina work to resolve issues with the Social Security Administration. Since 2006, we have helped more than 2,000 individuals with their Social Security claims. Almost half have already seen resolution to their cases. Prior to 2008, many claims were delayed due to a backlog of cases in the Greenville Social Security Administration office. In 2008, I took action to have the backlog of cases moved from Greenville to the Kingsport hearing office. Since then, the entire backlog has been cleared by Kingsport, giving hundreds of individuals access to Social Security benefits. Now, as we continue to deal with a struggling economy and elevated unemployment rates, I am committed to fighting for and strengthening this essential program.