BOONE — Western North Carolina has a lot to offer the state’s economy and the legislature should invest in those opportunities, Sen. Joe Sam Queen says on Appalachian State University’s cable television program, “Appalachian Perspective.” view video clip

“The Triangle may lead North Carolina, but Western North Carolina has a lot to offer. We need to invest… to bring out the potential of our region. We are the most bio-diverse part of the United States, so we should be leading in bio-tech. We are one of the natural occurring retirement areas, so we should lead in aging medicine and aging services. We are also a destination for recreation. We have to invest in those opportunities to reap the rewards,” he said.

Queen represents the state’s 47th district, which covers McDowell, Avery, Haywood, Madison, Mitchell and Yancey counties.

On the 30-minute program, Queen discusses his region’s economic growth, including the importance of education in leveraging the economy, the rising importance of small businesses, and the new North Carolina Center for Health and Aging, a collaboration among area colleges and universities and the Mountain Area Health Education Center that promotes healthy lifestyles and successful aging.

Queen also talks about the region’s musical heritage, including his grandfather’s square dancing legacy and Waynesville’s popular Folkmoot USA – the state’s official international festival of music and dance.

“Appalachian Perspective” airs in Watauga County at the following times: Charter Communication Channel 21 weekdays at 10:30 a.m., and 2:30 and 5:30 p.m.; Channel 2 at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays; and on MTN’s Channel 18 Thursdays at 5:30, 6:30, 9:30 and 10:30 p.m. and Fridays at 12:30 p.m.

The episode titled “Western North Carolina’s Sen. Joe Sam Queen” can also be accessed online at www.perspective.appstate.edu.

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