U.S. Rep. Richard Burr visited Sparta Monday, talking with local officials in the wake of the Bristol closing announcement and visiting one of Alleghany County's largest remaining employers.
While Burr did not offer any immediate cure for Alleghany's economic troubles, he pledged his participation in the effort to alleviate the local unemployment surge. He also pointed to the prospective Blue Ridge Telecenter as a bright spot in the picture.
Burr was interviewed at Magnolia Manufacturing, where he took a tour of the facility with General Manager Mike Cooley.
Burr said his visit had a twofold purpose. He explained that he wanted to thank Magnolia for its commitment to the county. Also, "I met with the (Alleghany) County Commissioners and the economic development people downtown to talk through strategies of life after Bristol," he said.
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