Representative Rodney D. Pierce will host North Carolina Secretary of Commerce Lee Lilley for the third installment of his community engagement series — Bringing the Capital to the Constituents.

The event will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, July 17, at the Dr. Ervin V. Griffin Sr. Centre on the campus of Halifax Community College in Weldon.

The upcoming event will spotlight the Department of Commerce and is held in recognition of National Independent Retailer Month, with a special focus on supporting and celebrating local small businesses and entrepreneurs.

Lilley, a native of Williamston in Martin County, will speak about the mission and responsibilities of the department of commerce, share his vision for the department’s future, and participate in a live Q&A session with attendees.

“This event continues our effort to ensure that constituents in District 27 have direct access to state leaders and resources,” said Pierce. “As we observe National Independent Retailer Month, it’s especially important to highlight how state commerce initiatives can support our small businesses and independent retailers in Halifax, Northampton, and Warren counties.”

The event is hosted in partnership with the Roanoke Valley Chamber of Commerce, Lake Gaston Regional Chamber of Commerce, Northampton County Chamber of Commerce, and the Small Business Centers at Halifax Community College, Vance-Granville Community College, and Roanoke-Chowan Community College.

Representative Pierce invites all small business owners, entrepreneurs, and community members in District 27 to attend as the event is free and open to the public. 

Launched earlier this year, Bringing the Capital to the Constituents is designed to bridge the gap between state government in Raleigh and rural communities across North Carolina’s House District 27.