Dear Neighbor,
I hope you and your family are doing great! I’m excited to share our latest newsletter with you, featuring key highlights on our work in Raleigh and in the district.
Your thoughts and concerns are important to me, so please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or feedback.
Thank you for your support and prayers — your continued engagement helps make a difference in our communities.
At your service,
Chris Humphrey
State Representative
EASTERN NC SEES SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN VISITOR SPENDING
I’m pleased to share the exciting news about the growth in tourism spending across our district! In 2023, Lenoir County saw a 4.2% increase, reaching $114.4 million. Jones County experienced a 1.0% rise with $6.3 million, and Greene County had an impressive 7.9% boost, totaling $11.3 million.
These numbers reflect the hard work of our local businesses and the unique attractions that make our communities so special. Let’s keep this momentum going as we continue to showcase the best of Eastern North Carolina!
ASSESSING TORNADO DAMAGE IN GREENE COUNTY FOLLOWING DEBBY STORM
In the aftermath of Tropical Storm Debby, Senator Buck Newton and I joined U.S. Senator Ted Budd’s office and several local officials to assess the damage caused by the tornado that hit Greene County.
We met with property owners and first responders to learn more about what happened & take stock of the cleanup efforts. Although there was significant destruction to homes and farms, nobody was injured — and for that, we are blessed.
LENOIR COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICES' NEW MOBILE COMMAND UNIT
Recognizing the need to strengthen local emergency management and keep our communities safe, we appropriated funds for the state's Capacity Building Competitive Grant — providing Lenoir County Emergency Services with a command trailer that will enhance response capabilities.
This state-of-the-art equipment will ensure that our emergency services personnel are better equipped to handle any situation with greater efficiency and coordination.
COMMUNITY EVENT IN LA GRANGE
We had a wonderful evening in the La Grange, enjoying the talented Dakota Blue from Snow Hill. A heartfelt thank you to Engage L.A. for their dedication to bringing family-friendly events to our community. It's always a pleasure to spend time with Keith King (Lenoir County Commissioner) and Jonathan Britt (at-large candidate for the Lenoir County Board of Education).
SUPPORTING LOCAL BUSINESSES: BACKROADS SMOKEHOUSE BBQ
If you have not already, you've got to try Backroads Smokehouse BBQ in Pleasant Hill and Trenton! I recently had the opportunity to meet one of the owners, Dennis Picklesimer, along with Frank Emory (Jones County Commission Chairman) and Kyle Smith (Jones County Manager). The food and fellowship was amazing.
STATEWIDE SPOTLIGHT ON GLOBAL TRANSPARK ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Check out Business NC’s recent spotlight on the Global TransPark Economic Development Region. This regional collaboration has strengthened our local economy and provided more good-paying jobs to ENC residents — I’m proud to support their efforts.
IN MEMORY OF OSCAR "ED" HERRING
I was honored to serve when Oscar “Ed” Herring was Chairman of the Lenoir County Board of Commissioners. He broke rank with the Democratic Party at a time when it wasn’t fashionable. He taught me so much as a young politician. You always knew where he stood on issues. Rest in peace, my friend.
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