The local daily has a segment informing us that junkets are good for the economy. Here are some excerpts to make freemarketeers sad:

  • And, when the topic of scientific research came up, a person whose legislative powers can actually help determine the fate of its funding through the National Institutes of Health was listening.

  • “Generally, there are three values that a business would derive from a politician making a speech at their business,” said Ted Zoller, director of the Center for Entrepreneurial Studies at the University of North Carolina’s Kenan-Flagler Business School. “To support the brand and support the overall identity of the company in the region, to serve as a recruitment vehicle and position the company as a vital engine of economic development and innovation in the regional economy and the third reason is to receive consideration by way of legislation and policy.”

  • Despite the faraway opening date, New Belgium spokesperson Susanne Hackett said private visits from politicians and other community stakeholders at the distribution center can be expected in the coming months.

  • One of the most effective ways a company can not only celebrate its milestones but remind politicians of its needs is through lobbying efforts that align with business interests.

  • And unlike a letter writing campaign or a power meeting, inviting a politician to tour and talk at a business establishment can be more powerful, largely because it can be more difficult to forget.