Raleigh, N.C. —North Carolina’s Touchstone Energy cooperatives have invited 4-H youth leaders from across the state to an innovative Capital Experience Conference at the State Capital, May 10-11.Youth leaders from all across the state will arrive in Raleigh today and meet with legislators Wednesday morning.
During the two-day event, Secretary of State Elaine Marshall will welcome the youth delegates at the opening luncheon today at the Sheraton Capital Center in Raleigh. The luncheon begins at 12:30 p.m.
On Wednesday morning, Senate President Marc Basnight and Speaker of the House Jim Black are scheduled to address students at a 7:30 a.m. breakfast at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. Approximately 30 legislators will also attend the breakfast. Youth delegates will then make calls on legislators from 9 a.m. until 10:30 a.m.
“The Capital Experience is an opportunity for young people to learn the importance of becoming active, knowledgeable and part of their state’s legislative process. It’s also an opportunity for state leaders to hear first hand the thoughts and concerns of the next generation of North Carolina’s leadership,” said Nelle Hotchkiss, senior vice president for North Carolina’s Touchstone Energy cooperatives.
Hotchkiss added that Commitment to Community is one of the core values of North Carolina’s Touchstone Energy cooperatives, particularly when it comes to the education of this state’s youth. For this reason, the state’s cooperatives are to sponsor the 4-H’s Capital Experience Conference.
North Carolina’s Touchstone Energy cooperatives serve the electric and energy needs of 2.5 million people in 93 of the state’s 100 counties.