Goldsboro, N.C. — Congressman Don Davis (NC-01) embarked on a weeklong tour across eastern North Carolina from May 27 to June 2, 2025, to connect with constituents and learn firsthand about the challenges and opportunities facing local communities, schools, and businesses throughout the First Congressional District.
The “Week Across the East” included a series of events, tours, and meetings aimed at gathering input from residents and stakeholders, as well as highlighting key regional initiatives and economic drivers.
The tour kicked off on Tuesday, May 27, with a roundtable discussion with Tyrrell County residents focusing on local water level issues and their impact on flooding and drainage. Later that morning, Congressman Davis toured the newly opened Washington County School in Plymouth, which consolidated elementary and high school students into a modern PreK–12 facility aimed at improving educational opportunities.
In the afternoon, he visited Chowan County Middle School to engage with educators and students about the school’s programs and efforts to support student growth. The day concluded with a private tour of the Lowe’s Distribution Center in Garysburg, where Davis gained insight into the center’s operations and its role in the regional economy.
On Wednesday, Davis joined Congressman Chuck Edwards (NC-11) for a visit to Seymour Johnson Air Force Base to learn about military operations and the base’s significant economic impact on surrounding communities.
Thursday’s itinerary included a visit to Springfield Middle School, which had been affected by a tornado in 2024, where Davis spoke with eighth-grade students about government and public service. He also toured Navion Assisted Living in Rocky Mount, meeting with a 102-year-old Air Force veteran, and visited the Opportunities Industrialization Center to learn about workforce development and job training programs.
Friday featured a visit to the Bertie Senior Center in Windsor, where Davis met with older adults to discuss their needs and community services. He toured Ashton-Lewis Lumber Company in Gatesville to understand its operations and economic contributions, followed by a meeting with the second and third-place winners of the Congressional Art Competition. The day ended with a gathering of sheriffs from across the district to discuss public safety priorities and opportunities for federal-local collaboration.
The tour concluded on Monday, June 2, with visits to several facilities in Wilson and Kinston. Congressman Davis toured the Electrolux manufacturing facility with Congressman Greg Murphy (NC-02), discussing the impact of trade laws and tariffs. He then visited Hope Station in Wilson to explore efforts combating food insecurity and providing emergency assistance. Additional stops included WhirliDogs Café & Training Center and Diversified Opportunities, Inc., both focused on job training and employment services for individuals with disabilities. The day wrapped up with a meeting with United Way of Wayne County leadership to discuss significant organizational changes during its centennial year.
Throughout the week, Congressman Davis emphasized the importance of listening to local voices to inform federal policies that support schools, economic development, public safety, and social services in eastern North Carolina.
