(Stanly News & Press)

KANNAPOLIS – Congressman Larry Kissell (NC-08) hosted a delegation from the Israeli Embassy, Monday, to meet with representatives of businesses based in the 8th District.
Each of the businesses met with the delegation and the Congressman to make presentations about their products. This was the first of several reverse trade missions Kissell will host in the coming months in an ongoing effort to bring jobs and capital into the district.
“It is imperative that we get representatives from other countries to realize the potential of businesses here at home, especially in the 8th District,” Kissell said. “This type of reverse trade mission allows our businesses to showcase their products and talents to a new market, hopefully, leading to new economic opportunities for both countries. It’s time our people started benefitting from foreign trade, rather than always being left out of the equation.”
Israeli Deputy Consul General Sharon Kabalo, who handles trade in the Southeastern United States, spoke about the opportunities such events will open up for Israel, and America.
“This initiative of Congressman Kissell's is a great expression of new ways to strengthen both Israel and North Carolina. I have not heard of this type of initiative very often,” Kabalo said. “Congressman Kissell’s continued support of the state of Israel is much appreciated. I hope this will open up new economic, academic and research cooperation between our two nations.”
The delegation heard from several businesses from the Eighth District including Celgard, maker of lithium battery separators, which has announced plans to expand its operation in Charlotte and open a new plant in Concord. SBM Solar, United Protective Technologies, Longworth Industries, and EntoGenetics were also among the companies making presentations to Kabalo and Bitia Puderbeutel, Director of Trade and Investments, Embassy of Israel.
During Kissell's opening remarks at the event, he spoke of the long and proud history of manufacturing in the 8th District and North Carolina. "This part of the world once led the world in manufacturing quality textiles," Kissell told the delegation. "The same innovative spirit and work ethic that made that success possible still exists here, and I want to show it off to the world."
Randy Black, president of Longworth Industries in Candor, was excited for the opportunity to present the products from XGO as part of the trade mission. The company makes innovative base layer apparel including fire retardant clothing for the U.S. military.
“Congressman Kissell is finding new ways to open new markets and opportunities for American business through the reverse trade missions program,” Black said. “The meetings with the Embassy of Israel were an excellent opening dialogue with further discussions that may bring more success.”
United Protective Technologies, based in Locust, demonstrated its protective windshield layers for helicopters and its erosion-resistant coatings.
“This offered us an opportunity to take our ideas and productions to a new international market,” said UPT’s Brent Barbee. “I want to thank Congressman Kissell for offering us this opportunity.”
The delegation also toured the North Carolina Research Campus in Kannapolis, meeting with Dr.  Michael Luther and Clyde Higgs. Congressman Kissell will continue to host reverse trade missions with other nations during the coming months.