November 19, 2018
Dear Friend,
There are 2.5 million veteran-owned small businesses across the nation. We are thankful for their service to our nation and for the important investment they make to our economy. Rob Pepper, owner of Pepper's Race II Food Mart and Deli in Eupora, is one member of this distinguished group of entrepreneurs. Rob proudly served our nation for 27 years in the Mississippi National Guard. In August 2007, Rob opened his convenience store and restaurant.
Rob enjoys being able to operate a business in his hometown. "I would like to see even more veterans go into business for themselves," Rob said. "I enjoy being able to serve the community any way I can."
Our veteran entrepreneurs have invested their hard-earned money to provide jobs to our citizens. They have earned and deserve our support. Through my role on the House Small Business Committee, I will continue to advocate for policies that roll back costly regulations and make it easier for veterans and all of our small business operators to conduct business.
| honoring our veterans and military families |
On November 11, our nation recognized Veterans Day. Throughout the First District and across America, citizens came together to thank all those who have served our nation. It is through their service and the many sacrifices of their loved ones back home that we are free. It is with this in mind, that the month of November has been designated National Veterans and Military Families month.
At this hour, men and women in uniform are watching over us, including Mississippi National Guard soldiers of the 155th Armored Brigade Combat Team. Sergeant First Class (SFC) Kasey Herndon and Staff Sergeant (SSG) Josh Herndon, Monroe County natives, are among those who deployed to the Middle East this summer in support of Operation Spartan Shield. Jackie Benson, Kasey and Josh's aunt, shared their story with us. Jackie said her nephews followed in the footsteps of their grandfather and military veteran, Jack Pugh. "June Sanders and Rick Herndon, Kasey and Josh's parents, are super proud of their boys," Jackie said. "We are all thankful that they are together during this deployment which is Kasey's third and Josh's first." Jackie said their families miss them, but are equally proud of their service. Kasey and his wife, Tiffany, are the proud parents of Shane and Dean. Jackie said Josh and his wife, Skky, plan to start a family when he returns home from the Middle East.
We are thankful for all those who are serving our nation and look forward to sharing more of their stories with you.
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| cooper tire & rubber company |
Cooper Tire & Rubber Company has delivered some great news for the First District. The company has opened a new, one-million-square-foot warehouse in Byhalia, creating 100 jobs. This is Cooper's largest distribution center in America. Bob Sager, Cooper's Director of Supply Chain, said the facility is a compliment to their U.S. distribution network. "We are excited to have now opened this new facility, which serves to enhance our logistics infrastructure, supporting our efforts to offer exceptional service to our customers as we get tires to them when and where they want them." Cooper has three tire manufacturing plants in the United States, including one in Tupelo. We are thankful for Cooper's investment in our workforce, the First District, and the state of Mississippi.
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| abby manufacturing expansion |
When the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act was passed by the House and the Senate and signed into law by President Trump, companies - one after another, moved forward with plans to re-invest in their operations. As a result, scores of jobs have been created. The surging economy and a fast-growing demand for more American products are two of the reasons why Abby Manufacturing in Walnut is expanding again this year.
The manufacturer of steel and aluminum products is responding to an increase in business with a $1.4 million corporate investment that will create 10 jobs. Earlier this year, Abby Manufacturing added new laser cutting machines, a $324,000 investment that created 10 jobs. We appreciate each and every one of our job creators who are having a profound impact on the lives of Mississippians.
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| a week in pictures |
For more photos from a week in pictures, please visit my Facebook page.
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Lafayette County Elementary School
Veterans Day ceremony |
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The Delta Council
Board of Directors meeting |
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Alieah Ward (Columbus), Clyde Jackson
(Columbus), and Ashley Snider (Lousville, KY) |
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| Dr. Barbara and Larry McMillin (Blue Mountain) |
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SGM Jason Gerber, 1LT Jesse Way, and
SSG Ryan Essenmacher |
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Thad Cochran Agricultural
Leadership Program participants |
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 and Twitter.
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Thanks for reading,
Rep. Trent Kelly (MS-01)
Member of Congress
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