By Michelle Bliss
Wilmington, NC – North Carolina's unemployment rate is on par with the nation at 6.7% and economists and legislatures are gathering in Raleigh today to discuss forming an economic commission.
The Southeast Crescent Regional Economic Commission will include governors from seven southern states who will work to bring new jobs to areas hit hard by the economy.
Congressman Mike McIntyre helped get federal approval for the commission and says it will be modeled after the Appalachian Regional Commission.
"The mountains of North Carolina faced severe poverty, poor infrastructure, terrible roads and highways, and a pretty bad business atmosphere. Things have dramatically changed in western North Carolina. We need that kind of focus here in eastern North Carolina."
In the Cape Fear Region, Brunswick County has the highest unemployment rate of 7.1%.
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