I would like to thank U.S. Rep. Mike McIntyre, D-N.C., for the foresight and leadership he has shown in supporting rural North Carolina. His introduction of the Rural Entrepreneur and Micro-Enterprise Bill in the 2007 Farm Bill is a crucial step toward creating a more sustainable future for rural communities in our state.

Prior to the congressman's chairmanship of the House Agriculture Committee's Rural Development Subcommittee, rural development had often taken a back seat in past farm bills. He's changed that and done something that will make a real difference, not only in North Carolina, but in all of rural America.

Entrepreneurship and micro-enterprise are foundations on which rural communities have built success in both community and economic development. They are foundations that help create economic opportunity, develop leaders and give our young people an opportunity to return to their hometowns.

McIntyre has stood when others have not and spoken out in support of the people of rural North Carolina. He has done and continues to do the right thing.

Thank you for that, Congressman McIntyre.

Eleanor Herndon
Greensboro