Several dozen businesses were in attendance at Tuesday evenings Business and Jobs Summit and heard a panel of government and state business experts offer vital information and demographic statistics. This first ever meeting was hosted by myself and members of my Job Opportunities and Business Support (J. O. B. S.) team in the historic downtown’s Heritage Center. Each panel member offered pertinent matter to the assembled business operators on a number of topics including, branding, marketing, employment, grants and loans, and how to cut through government red tape. Following the panels input members of the audience were able to network by using the “open mike” session for one on one questions and conversation.

Several new business operators took the opportunity to thank the town for the positive recieption with which their business has been received thus far. Don Spry, Regional Director of the U.S. Small Business Administration, shared how other communities had rebuilt their business community and offered contact information for further conversations with those concerned. N. C. Senator Michael Walters was present to offer the state’s assistance for interested businesses. The city executives of the Fairmont branches of B B &T, Lumbee, and First Banks were present as well.

The J.O.B.S. team meets monthly with me and it is our plan to stay focused on business improvement and the marketing of Fairmont to entice more businesses and industry. It is made up of Bob Moore of RCC, Beth Wilkerson and Johnny Marshburn of the SBTDC, Michael Ramey and Jan Maynor of LRCOG, Greg Cummings Robeson County Economic Development Director, Town Manager Linda Vause, and myself.