October 17, 2019
Dear Friend,
With the fall harvest season well underway, farmers are working long hours to gather and assess their yields. Every year, these men and women invest their time and energy into producing crops. They are the reason that agriculture is the number one industry in Mississippi and home to approximately 34,700 farms. We must do everything in our power to protect farmers and their way of life - now and in the future.
President Trump is making significant progress on behalf of farmers and for scores of American businesses through trade negotiations with multiple countries, including China. Last week, the U.S. and China agreed to a "Phase One" deal that addresses agricultural structural issues and purchases, intellectual property, forced technology transfer, currency, and financial services. China has agreed to lift its retaliatory tariffs on U.S. agricultural goods during negotiations, and has agreed to purchase additional agricultural goods, including U.S. soybeans and pork - a great sign for Mississippi farmers.
President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are expected to sign the agreement at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Chile in November. A high-quality, fully-enforceable trade agreement that rebalances the trading relationship with China would be historic, and ensures that American farmers and ranchers will have competitive access to growing global markets.
| featuring our first district farmers |
Despite challenging times for our farmers, these men and women continue to work the fields, growing products which requires a great deal of time and money to deliver. In good times and bad, they persevere and we are thankful for their commitment. Throughout the fall harvest season, we will introduce you to some of the hardworking farmers who are among the generations of families living off the land in the First District.
Richard Clausel has worked in the agriculture industry for over 40 years. He manages 6,000 acres of land, producing cotton, corn, soybeans, and wheat. He farms land in a number of counties including Alcorn, Tippah, and Benton counties. During the month of October, much of his time will be spent behind the wheel of a self-propelled cotton picker. Corn and soybeans are also being harvested when the time is right. "Farming has always been a way of life for me," Richard said. "It is a non-stop challenge managing this much land, but I am proud of the work we do."
Richard is one of scores of people who make their living in Mississippi's agriculture industry. We appreciate his hard work and all those who cultivate the land to feed and clothe our nation and well beyond. As a member of the House Agriculture Committee, I will continue to advocate for policies that will support our farmers. Additionally, our field staff regularly works with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Farm Service Agency (FSA) and are always available to assist you. If you need help with one of these agencies, please contact a member of our team.
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| national women's small business month |
October is National Women's Small Business Month and a great opportunity to recognize the many successful entrepreneurs in the First District. Last week, I met with Graham Roofing, Incorporated President Christee Holbrook, Vice-President Suzanne Richardson, and Vice-President Jonathan Poland. The company specializes in commercial and industrial roofing, serving customers in Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee. Christee and Suzanne have worked the majority of their accounting careers at the West Point-based operation. Last year, Christee, Suzanne, and fellow employee, Jonathan Poland, were given the opportunity to purchase the company which employs 51 Mississippians.
"It was an honor for Mr. Bobby Hooks to ask us if we wanted to buy the company," Christee said. "Operating a Certified Women-Owned Small Business in a male-dominated industry has its challenges, but we have successfully navigated those waters."
I enjoyed meeting with Christee, Suzanne, and Jonathan to learn more about their operation and what we can do in Washington, D.C., to help them achieve continued success.
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| columbus brick company |
I have and will continue to work with my colleagues to help reduce federal government rules and regulations. This effort begins by listening to the thoughts and concerns of both small and large business operators. Columbus Brick Company, founded in 1890, is one of the city's oldest manufacturers. The company employs 84 Mississippians who manufacture and distribute a wide variety of brick products throughout the southeast.
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Columbus Brick Company leadership: Quinton Hensley, CFO,
Al Puckett, Consultant, and Robert Maner GM |
Recently, I had the opportunity to tour the facility and to meet with members of their team. Robert Maner, Columbus Brick Company General Manager, discussed his concerns about current and proposed regulations that could impact Columbus Brick Company and the brick industry.
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| fort bragg, north carolina |
Recently, I traveled to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, to meet with some of our Army's most ready and experienced combat forces. As Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Military Personnel, I was eager to talk with soldiers and leadership of the 82nd Airborne, Forces Command and U.S. Army Special Operations Command to make sure they have the resources they need to fight and win America's wars.
It was an honor to visit the Joint Special Operations Command Memorial at Fort Bragg. The inscription on the monument is a fitting tribute to our Servicemembers, "May we never forget these American heroes, warriors all of them, from our nation's most elite organizations, who have paid the ultimate sacrifice to preserve our way of life and protect our Nation."
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| Tennessee valley authority |
Tennessee Valley Authority President and CEO Jeff Lyash has been on the job for six months, traveling to many of the cities and counties serviced by the power provider. Last week, members of the community gathered with elected officials at the Tupelo Convention and Visitors Bureau to welcome TVA's new leader to the All American City.
Jeff and I discussed the impact TVA has in Mississippi some 86 years after Tupelo became the first TVA city. As of fiscal year 2018, TVA sold 12 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity to 14 municipalities and 14 co-ops, provided 5 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity to 343,000 households, and 9 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity to 86,000 commercial and industrial customers through local power companies.
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| celebrating our first district athletes |
Alex Cornelison, a 2019 Tishomingo County High School graduate, was beyond excited when he was recruited to play for the Northeast Mississippi Community College Tigers. Alex has enjoyed participating in sports most of his life, including football, baseball, and basketball. Alex grew up attending NEMCC football games and always hoped to play for the team. "It's like a dream come true," Alex said. "When I entered the field for our first game, it was the moment I realized that I had actually made it."
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| Alex Cornelison, Dre Bays, and Kevin Hurley |
Upon graduation from NEMCC, Alex plans to attend the University of Mississippi or Mississippi State University. It is his goal to follow in his dad's footsteps and become a pharmacist. Alex is the son of Chris and Janet Cornelison. If you would like to nominate a college athlete from the First District, please contact a member of our team.
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| a week in pictures |
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| CSM Gerald Greenwood |
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| Lieutenant Governor Tate Reeves in Tupelo |
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Northwest Mississippi Community College
President Dr. MichaelHeindl and wife, Jennifer |
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Northwest Mississippi Community College
Homecoming Game coin toss |
For more photos from a week in pictures, please visit my Facebook page.
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STAY IN TOUCH
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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, Twitter and Instagram.
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Thanks for reading,
Rep. Trent Kelly (MS-01)
Member of Congress
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