Several Rowan County business leaders traveled to the nation's capital for a three-day trip sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce.

The focal point for the annual excursion to Washington was to share with elected officials and regulatory agencies concerns of the local business community.

Duke Energy's Randy Welch, chairman-elect of the Chamber, said, "The trip this year was very productive. We had some positive discussions with our elected officials and feel they listened to our concerns."

Members of the North Carolina Congressional delegation organize the trip, which includes numerous Chambers from across the state. This year's trip included a group briefing with several members of Congress and a Capital Hill working session.

Among participants were Admiral Gary Roughead, chief of Naval operations; Rep. Roy Blunt (R-Missouri), Republican Whip; Barbara Kennelly, former congresswoman (D-CT) and president and CEO of the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare; Gen. George W. Casey, chief of staff, U.S. Army; and Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.), chairman of the U.S. House Committee on Financial Services.

The event included meetings with the offices of U.S. Sens. Elizabeth Dole and Richard Burr, and Reps. Howard Coble and Mel Watt.

Members of the Rowan County delegation were Dr. Judy Grissom (Rowan-Salisbury School System superintendent), Phil Kirk (Catawba College vice president for external relations), Robert Van Geons (Salisbury/Rowan Economic Development Commission executive director), Teresa VonCannon (Piedmont Natural Gas regional executive); Randy Welch (Duke Energy Carolinas business relations manager) and Bob Wright (Rowan County Chamber of Commerce president).

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