RALEIGH, (SGRToday.com) - Local leaders New Bern and Elizabeth City seeking guidance and resources for growing their economies will hear from Commerce Secretary John Skvarla this week.

The NC Competes for Jobs Tour will stop in New Bern Wednesday and Elizabeth City Thursday.

The Commerce Department describes the events as "a fast-paced, information-packed session outlining solutions N.C. Commerce offers to local leaders for the work of growing their local economies."

Topics include grants and loans, local infrastructure, water and sewer, worker training and recruitment, regulatory reforms, tax reform, and more.