North Carolina Defense and Economic Development Trade Show, a Win for Fayetteville and Fort Bragg

It was a record turnout for Tuesday's 12th annual North Carolina Defense and Economic Development Trade Show held at Fayetteville Technical Community College.

Both U.S. North Carolina Sens. Kay Hagan and Richard Burr share a joint focus on veterans affairs, jobs and the economy and have co-hosted the event since 2009. Tuesday morning they participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony and spoke about defense cut woes and the need for defense contractors and local businesses to fuel the economy. The event was created in 2001 by Congressman Robin Hayes. 

In attendance were senior representatives from the Congressional delegation, the Department of Defense, other federal agencies and numerous defense contracting firms, including North Carolina small businesses.

"The Defense Trade Show is a positive force for public-private partnership in the defense industry and an important event for North Carolina businesses and employees," said Sen. Burr. "With the large military presence in our state, it is important that North Carolina businesses get connected with defense contractors and DoD officials to better understand the federal contracts process so that they may better serve their communities and support the local economy." 

"Defense contracts have a huge economic impact in North Carolina; when I look at what we are all about in getting jobs, jobs, jobs into North Carolina,  critically important," said Sen. Hagan. "In 2009 we welcomed 450 defense businesses and contractors whereas today there are almost 700 attendees here from all across the state. This is a testament to the profound and wide ranging impact that this event has on the defense industry."

In North Carolina, the military has a $23.4 billion impact on our economy and supports almost half a million jobs in the state. Last year, businesses in 83 of North Carolina’s 100 counties received $3.43 billion in prime contracts from the Department of Defense according to a media release from Sen. Hagan's office.

With North Carolina’s large military footprint and the importance of the defense industry to the state’s economy, Hagan reaffirmed her commitment to finding a balanced, long-term solution that will end sequestration.