Working for our Veterans and Military Families
This week, I had the honor of taking part in the Murphy National Guard Armory Naming for Staff Sergeant Bobby Franklin, who passed away at the age of thirty-eight on August 20, 2003 while serving our country in Operation Iraqi Freedom. His service, heroism and bravery were acknowledged with the award of United States Army’s Purple Heart and Bronze Star.
Every American owes a debt of gratitude to our veterans for securing the freedoms we enjoy today. Working on behalf of our veterans and military families is one of the most important things I am able to do in Congress.
On August 27th, I am hosting an event for veterans in Clay, Graham and Cherokee Counties. Local Veterans Service Officers and representatives from the Charles George VA Medical Center will be available to answer questions regarding Tricare, Medicare, benefits, and access to care. Additionally, there will be experts offering employment advice from the Employment Security Commission and Tri-County Community College. For more information, please contact my Murphy office at 835-4981.
Exploring Clean Energy Job Growth Potential
This week, I also had the opportunity to attend the 10th Annual Southern Energy and Environment Expo, the longest-running and largest sustainable technology and green building event in the South. The Expo features businesses developing cutting-edge technology, green building services, and sustainable products. Since 1998, clean energy jobs in North Carolina have grown over 15 percent, while other jobs have increased only 6 percent. Growing momentum for clean energy and energy efficiency can foster tremendous growth in green manufacturing, creating much-needed jobs and fueling our local economy.
Connecting Families with Jobs and Aiding Small Businesses
This coming week, I am excited to host two more events in my series of job fairs, workforce training seminars, and small business information sessions.
On August 25, from 10 am to 12pm at McDowell Technical College, I am hosting a “Business Funding Forum” which will focus on available financial resources for small businesses in McDowell and surrounding counties. It will feature experts from agencies and lending institutions involved in delivering capital to small businesses who will answer questions about financing a startup or existing small business.
On August 26 from 10am to 4pm, I am hosting a job fair with AB Tech. It is also supported by the Asheville Chamber of Commerce, Employment Security Commission, and Advantage West. I have reached out to businesses throughout our mountain region to participate, and the response has been overwhelming. More than 50 businesses will be in attendance. The events are all free and open to the public. RSVP’s are suggested, but not required. Interested parties can visit shuler.house.gov or call my Asheville Office at 828-252-1651 for more information.