Raleigh -— The North Carolina Rural Economic Development Center has awarded two grants to create jobs and improve the economy in Vance and Warren counties, Rep. Michael H. Wray announced.
The larger of the two grants will be used to refurbish a vacant building in Henderson that will be used for the expansion of Optimum Lighting. The company is expected to add 40 jobs to its payroll after the move. The Rural Center has awarded the project $480,000.
A second grant worth $35,000 will go to help support the Warren Family Institute in Warren County. The institute works to strengthen families and stimulate economic opportunities in the county.Â
“The Rural Center has been a strong supporter of our communities across the state for many years and I’m grateful to see them invest in the people and businesses of my district,” Rep. Wray said. “This money will be used wisely to help us continue our economic recovery.”
The Rural Center aids rural areas of North Carolina through research, development and implementation of economic programs. The center helps North Carolina’s 85 rural counties, especially those with low to moderate incomes.
Rep. Wray is a small business owner entering his fourth term representing Northampton, Vance and Warren counties. He is chairman of the Insurance Committee and vice chairman of the Wildlife Resources Committee and the Appropriations Subcommittee on Natural and Economic Resources. He is also a member of the Agriculture; Appropriations; Transportation; and Commerce, Small Business and Entrepreneurship committees.