By NICOLE CARTRETTE

Upscale bistros, colorful museums and grand monuments are just a few of the things Washington, D.C., has to offer.

But in September local officials and business leaders are encouraged to ask Washington officials what they can offer Columbus County here at home.

Whiteville Chamber Of Commerce director Janice Young says the 2006 business and economic summit in Washington D.C. is an opportunity for local officials and business leaders around the state to meet their national leaders.

Every year the chamber organizes a group to represent Whiteville and Columbus County at a conference co-hosted by the state’s U.S. House of Representatives.

The summit is also an opportunity for local officials to present their wish lists to lawmakers.

“Our purpose is multifaceted,” Young says. “Our biggest reason for attending is to bring our story and express our needs to federal officials.”

Young said the wish list would be created once the group going is formed.

“We typically have the group come together to decide what they want to say,” Young said.
Suggestions of how to boost the local economy may be top priorities for the group. Young says the local economy has been a popular topic in the past.

Last year, officials from the field of education and business attended.

Attendees hear from government officials firsthand about federal government affairs, current legislation, and issues impacting the district.

“We hear from a variety of prominent government leaders, Young says.

In the past, Young said guest speakers have been future presidential candidates, the Secretary of the Treasury and private media representatives.

Officials are impressed with seeing constituents that put forth effort to make the trip, she says.

“It does make an impact,” Young points out.

This year’s event is entitled “the Washington Perspective” and co-hosted by Congressman Mike McIntyre will be held on Monday, Sept. 25, and Tuesday, Sept. 26 on Capitol Hill.

Individuals pay their own way and travel by bus with Lumberton chamber members.

Young hopes to attract a diversified group to this year’s event. She encourages chamber members and public officials from throughout the county to contact the chamber at 642-3171 for additional information by Friday, Aug. 4.