Forty-five participants from Anderson, Oconee, Greenwood, and Pickens counties went to Washington DC May 1-4 for the annual Washington Issues trip. It was sponsored by the area chambers of commerce in the four counties and was hosted by Congressman Gresham Barrett.

Meetings were held in a room at the Library of Congress building adjacent to the capitol. Congressman Barrett arranged for the following legislators to address the group and participate in questions and answers.

Members of Congress:
Steve Buyer – Indiana
Zach Wamp – Tennessee
Patrick McHenry – North Carolina
Virginia Foxx – North Carolina
Henry Brown – South Carolina
Bob Inglis – South Carolina
Joe Wilson – South Carolina
James Clyburn – South Carolina
Gresham Barrett – South Carolina
Senators:
Lindsey Graham – South Carolina
James DeMint – South Carolina

Some of the major issues addressed were: the war in Iraq, immigration, energy, environment, the economy, SC competitiveness, education, and the upcoming presidential election.

The visiting group also went to a reception at the Australian Embassy, had a dinner cruise on the Potomac River, and some had a tour of the capitol building given by Congressman Barrett.

Attending from the Easley Chamber of Commerce were Terry and Dottie Garrison – Garrison Tax Service, Elaine Thena – Pickens County Board of Disabilities and Special Needs, Vicki Fletcher – Pendleton District Tourism Commission, and Kent Dykes – Chamber President.

“This was a great opportunity to meet personally the South Carolina legislators and learn of issues relevant to us and to make contacts for possible funding requests in the futures,” stated Kent Dykes of the chamber.

Pictured above: from the left Kent Dykes – Chamber President, Dottie & Terry Garrison, Vicki Fletcher and Elaine Thena

Bottom: Congressman Gresham Barrett