"This week, I personally addressed caucus members from the 4th Congressional District at the Arkansas Economic Developers Association Annual Conference in Little Rock and led a dialogue on how my congressional office can be best utilized for economic development in the region.  I was also pleased to be joined at the conference by my district director and director of economic development, Chris Masingill, who has recently been named to the board of directors for the Arkansas Economic Developers Association.  Together, we hope to be an avenue for partnership with state and local officials, as well as private organizations, to advance economic prosperity for all of south Arkansas.

"Later this week, I returned to the conference to participate in a legislative panel discussion, where I was joined by Senators Tim Hutchinson and Blanche Lincoln and Congressman Marion Berry.  At the conference, I stressed to the Economic Developers that I am here to be an advocate for information and resources above and beyond the annual appropriations process. 

"I am committed to doing all I can as your United States Congressman to see that we stop the loss of population and jobs in the Fourth District.  In order to do so, I believe we must invest in better infrastructure, look to attract new industries to our area, and ensure that our young people get the very best education possible.  I will continue to fight in Washington and at home to see that we accomplish that."

Tuesday, August 28, 2001 at 7:00 am 
Event: Arkadelphia Rotary Sunrise Meeting 
Location: Henderson State University Cafeteria, Arkadelphia. 

Tuesday, August 28, 2001 at 8:15 am 
Event:  South Arkansas Community Development Site Visit. 
Location:  Old Hot Springs Road, Caddo Valley in Arkadelphia 

Tuesday, August 28, 2001 at 2:15 pm 
Event: Congressman Ross speaks on Prescription Drug issues that effect seniors 
Location: Young’s Health Mart, 1304 South Main St., Malvern. 

Wednesday, August 29, 2001 at 10:00 am 
Event: Business Information Center Grand Opening. 
Location: Arkansas Women’s Business Development Center, 
2304 W.  29th Ave. in Pine Bluff 

Thursday, August 30, 2001 at 8:30 am 
Event:  Office Hours at Local Supermarket 
Location: Wal-Mart, US 71 South and Locust Avenue, Ashdown 

Thursday, August 30, 2001 at 1:00 pm 
Event:  Office Hours at Local Supermarket
Location: Tim's IGA, Hwy 29, Lewisville 

Thursday, August 30, 2001 at 2:30 pm 
Event: Office Hours at Local Supermarket 
Location:  Save Mart, Hwy. 82, Stamps 

Thursday, August 30, 2001 at 5:30 pm
Event: Sevier County Fair and Rodeo 
Location:  Sevier County fairgrounds, DeQueen 

Friday, August 31, 2001at 2:00 pm     
Event: Calhoun County Parade and Fair 
Location: Main Street, Hampton 

Saturday, September1, 2001 at 11:00 am 
Event: Labor Day Picnic 
Location: Pine Bluff Labor Temple, 5300 Hover Street, Pine Bluff