[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 149 (Wednesday, October 23, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1561]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    LUMBERTON--THE ALL-AMERICA CITY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE McINTYRE

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 23, 2013

  Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, thank you for the opportunity to speak on 
this most important subject of my hometown of Lumberton, North 
Carolina. Credit.com has used wrong figures and erroneously reported 
that Lumberton is the ``poorest city in America.'' I strongly urge that 
the facts be accurately presented and this report be corrected to 
reflect the current economic situation in Lumberton and Robeson County.
  Lumberton's economic, social, historical and cultural strides and 
values have been honored on the national and state levels.
  Twice Lumberton has been chosen as an All-America City because of its 
clear vision on promoting the positive attributes of diversity. 
Lumberton has been named a ``Main Street City'' on the state level, and 
its Downtown Historic District has been recognized on the national 
level. Its schools have produced leaders recognized on the national and 
state levels in areas such as business, banking, literature, athletics, 
government, law, military, education, religion, health care and the 
arts.
  With its strong sense of purpose, a community filled with people who 
are willing to roll up their sleeves and work, and its partnership of 
elected officials, community leaders, businesses, and economic 
development team, Lumberton will continue to march forward and meet the 
challenges of the day. However, Lumberton should not have one hand tied 
behind its back with this inaccurate report, and we urge an immediate 
correction in this economic indicator.
  Like many other small towns and communities, Lumberton has its 
challenges and obstacles to overcome, but the foundation on which this 
community was built is strong and solid. Indeed, Lumberton lives up to 
its motto of ``Progressus cum Concordia'' or ``Progress with Harmony''.
  Among the many positive economic, social, and geographic attributes 
Lumberton has includes: ideally situated on I-95 as the halfway point 
between New York and Miami; over 1600 rooms of hotels and suites; 
national and state historical attractions; numerous meeting and 
gathering facilities; a wide variety of restaurants and local 
entertainment establishments; a nationally-designated black water river 
voted as one of the top ten natural wonders in North Carolina; a multi-
racial community and a workforce committed to helping others and 
building a better tomorrow; and a strong faith-based community with a 
broad range of places to worship and a diverse number of ministries, 
demonstrating positive values of service and commitment.
  Mr. Speaker, Lumberton and its elected officials, businesses, 
community leaders, economic development officials, and citizens are all 
dismayed at this recent inaccurate article and stand ready to showcase 
all the positives that Lumberton and Robeson County, North Carolina 
have to offer. We hope that everyone will come and visit and see first-
hand the great people that live in Lumberton, the purpose in which they 
are committed to improving their city, and the partnerships they are 
willing to form to keep moving Lumberton forward. You will be glad you 
came.

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