November 6, 2018

Dear Friend,

We are free because millions of Americans have answered the call to serve our nation since the first citizen-soldier fired the "shot heard around the world" on the Lexington Common.  Then and now, our fighting forces have been willing to lay down their lives to preserve all that we hold dear.

During the month of November, our state and nation will recognize the bravery of our men and women veterans who have served our nation.  Veterans Day ceremonies will be held across Mississippi and America to remember their service and the quiet sacrifices their families have made to support them back home.

Cooper Tire veterans Jeff White, Jon Elliott,
John Keaton, George Walker, and Cliff Johnson
                               
Recently, I had the opportunity to recognize veterans who are team members at Cooper Tire and Rubber Company in Tupelo.  The company employs a total of 2,100 people.  238 of their team members are U.S. Military veterans.  It was an honor to thank them for their service and to recognize a special anniversary for America and our allies.  November 2018 marks the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Armistice between the allies of WWI and Germany on the eleventh hour on the eleventh day during the eleventh month of 1918.  It was the end of WWI and a time to celebrate our victory in Europe. 


Throughout the month of November, be sure to attend a Veterans Day event to personally thank them for their service.  They deserve our respect and gratitude.
      

Making History
                                            
As your Representative, there is nothing more gratifying than to see our work in Washington have a positive impact on the quality of life for my fellow Mississippians.  Optimism is soaring throughout the First District and across our great state.  In June, The Mississippi Department of Employment Security said the number of nonfarm jobs in the state were the most on record - 1,168,300.  That record was broken again in September as the number of nonfarm jobs rose to 1,170,100.  Mississippi's unemployment rate for September 2018 was 4.8%, the fourth lowest level of unemployment ever recorded in Mississippi.

The numbers are great and we plan to keep them that way.  We need a sustainable workforce that will continue to attract new businesses and industry to the First District.  Last week, I appreciated the opportunity to discuss a number of issues, including our workforce, at the Itawamba Community College State of the District Address. 


There is a concentrated effort to supply the demand for skilled workers.  Taking the lead in a multi-pronged plan to grow the workforce are our community colleges - our greatest workforce developers.  Together, with economic development agencies and employers, they are working to meet the demand with the skills needed to help businesses and industries achieve continued success. 
                                           

paccar engines, inc.

One of many successful industries in the First District is PACCAR Engines, Inc.  In 2010, the company started building engines at their Golden Triangle Industrial Park facility.  Over the years, their team has grown to 600 employees.


During a tour of the plant, I appreciated the opportunity to talk with some of their employees.  These men and women take great pride in the diesel engines they build for Peterbilt and Kenworth Trucks.  Plant Manager Lance Walters said the company has invested $650 million during their eight years in Columbus. 
                                          

working for our farmers

Farming is the top industry in Mississippi.  It is important that we make sure farmers have our support through meaningful legislation.  Last week, it was an honor to receive the Friend of Farm Bureau award at the "D.C. Fly in to the Farm" event held in Jackson.  I will continue to advocate for policies that will help farmers feed and clothe our nation.

Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation
President Mike McCormick


I-269

Our fast-moving economy in Mississippi will continue on a successful path through improved infrastructure.  One of the most anticipated project completions was celebrated in DeSoto County last week.  The ribbon was cut on the final nine-mile segment of Interstate 269, from Interstate 55 in DeSoto County to State Route 305. 


The full project, launched in 2011, consists of approximately 26 miles of four-lane, controlled-access highway in north Mississippi.  Drivers are now able to take I-269 from I-55 near Hernando for nearly 60 miles in a loop to Millington, Tennessee.
                                                                                    

heritage community park dedication

Recently, Farmington residents gathered to pay tribute to all those who have served in the United States Air Force, Army, Marines, Navy, and the Coast Guard.  A monument has been dedicated in their honor in the new Heritage Community Park's Veterans Memorial Garden.                                      


In 2005, Mayor Dale Fortenberry began an effort to gain support to open a park that would also include a walking and bike trail.  A crowd of local residents turned out for the dedication ceremony.  "It has been a long journey," Mayor Fortenberry said.  "I can't describe it.  It was a dream come true.  I'm so proud of it and that it is already being used by people from Farmington and well beyond."                                           
                                           

pictures

To see more photos, please visit my Facebook page.
                                           
Northwest Mississippi Community College
President Dr. Michael Heindl
and Vice President of Student Services Dan Smith

Youngsters at a Northwest Mississippi
Community College game

New Albany High School Career and
Technical Education Culinary Arts Program
Teacher Anita Alef and students Tatyana
Hampton, Makayla Lewis,
and Marianna Rucker

Heather Whittington in New Albany

Meeting with constituents in Sherman

Visiting with folks in Oxford

Mississippi Automobile Dealers in Tupelo

Blue Mountain Beta Club students

University of Mississippi Chancellor's
Leadership Class

University of Mississippi Chancellor Dr. Jeff Vitter
and Dean of Students Mindy Sutton

Choctaw County Chamber of Commerce
representatives Donna McKay, Amanda
McBride, and Kayla Taylor at the Mississippi
Economic Council's
17th Annual Hobnob in Jackson

Discussing issues that face our state and the
nation on SuperTalk Radio's The J.T. Show

Matthew and Kayla Poe from Pontotoc at the
"D.C. Fly-In to the Farm" event
                                           
Cooper Tire and Rubber Company
employee and military veteran C.L. Boozer

Cooper Tire and Rubber Company employee
and military veteran Brad Norris
                                          
To see more photos, please visit my Facebook page.

STAY IN TOUCH

Let me know if there is anything my office can do to assist you. You can keep up with the latest news by signing up for my newsletter and following me on Facebook and Twitter.

Thanks for reading, 

Rep. Trent Kelly (MS-01)
Member of Congress

Washington D.C.
1721 Longworth HOB
Washington, DC 20515

Phone: (202) 225-4306
Hernando
2565 Caffey St., #200
P.O. Box 218
Hernando, MS 38632
Phone: (662) 449-3090
Columbus
318 North 7th St., Ste. D
Columbus, MS 39701

Phone: (662) 327-0748
Tupelo
431 West Main St.
Tupelo, MS 38804

Phone: (662) 841-8808
Eupora
855 South Dunn St.
Eupora, MS 39744

Phone: (662) 687-1545
Farmington
4135 County Road 200
Corinth, MS 38834

Phone: (662) 687-1525
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