The Department of Transportation, which has laid off temporary workers and is trimming its budget, paid more than $1,000 last weekend to send one of its managers to an executive networking conference at a resort hotel in Pinehurst.

Shelton Russell, director of workforce opportunity and development for the department, attended a conference organized by the N.C. Institute for Minority Economic Development.

The Transportation Department paid a $1,000 registration fee for him to attend. His room at the Manor – "a sportsman's lodge" – in Pinehurst is listed as $127, about double the usual state rate for hotels.

Russell initially filed a registration form indicating he would take advantage of the tennis function on Saturday, though at a beginner level. A subsequent registration form, though, left the tennis section blank.

The conference, which began Thursday, is billed as "bringing together minority business entrepreneurs and corporate decision makers."

The event, however, comes after the Transportation Department has laid off 1,200 temporary workers who typically do pothole filling, drainpipe clearing and grass cutting alongside roadways.

DOT Communications Director Greer Beaty said providing technical assistance and training to companies owned by minorities, women and the disabled will help them survive the recession, something that is central to the mission of Russell's office.

That office was created to help such businesses compete for DOT contracts.

"Making sure that all businesses in North Carolina have the same access to, and are able to take advantage of, the opportunities before them should be part of everyone's mission," Beaty said.