February 26, 2018

Dear Friend,

Small businesses are the backbone of the economy, representing more than 95 percent of all employers and employing 49.5 percent of the private sector labor force.  This investment in our state and the nation creates more jobs, fuels the economy, and improves the quality of life.  Much has changed in the world of small business.  Advances in technology have created new revenue streams, which is good for business.  Unfortunately, the movement of information and commerce to the Internet has also provided a new opportunity for cyber criminals aiming to steal sensitive and valuable information from small businesses.  As a member of the House Small Business Committee, my colleagues and I are committed to improving cybersecurity through legislation that will help protect businesses in Mississippi and across the nation.


Tony and Susan Hardin operate a pillow manufacturing and distribution business in Calhoun City.  Business has almost doubled during the last three years.  Tony said many of their customers order their pillows online, which has helped to grow their business.  To meet the demand for more designs, the Hardins recently chose to purchase some artwork from a foreign company.  Tony said somewhere along the way, cyber criminals took notice.  "Every weekend, there are multiple attempts to hack into our computer," Tony said.  "Thankfully, I have two virus protection systems on my computer to keep them out."

The Hardins are just one example of how complex the world has become for small businesses.  For most, it is too costly to hire cybersecurity talent for protection.  This makes them more vulnerable to cyber attacks which can cause irreparable damage to their bottom line and potentially forces them out of business.  We believe small businesses can help each other combat a cyber attack.  Legislation is in place that offers protections for businesses who are willing to share their cyber threat experience with the federal government.  That information is then used to help educate other businesses should they encounter a cyber threat.       
                               
Meeting with America's SBDC President
and CEO Charles "Tee" Rowe,
MSBDC Associate State Director Judy
Forester, and MSBDC Associate State
Director Mitchell McDowell
                               
Recently, Small Business Committee Chairman Steve Chabot and Ranking Member Nydia Velazquez introduced H.R. 4668, the Small Business Advanced Cybersecurity Enhancements Act of 2017.  This legislation would expand liability protections for small businesses who will cooperate with federal government agencies that can use their information to help others. 

If passed and signed into law, leading this effort will be America's Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs).  The Mississippi Small Business Development Center (MSBDC) is part of the SBDC network.  Judy Forester, MSBDC Associate State Director, said their business counselors and staff recently participated in an extensive certificate training program for cybersecurity to update their skills and understanding in this area of growing need and change.  With their assistance and input from small businesses, we will be better able to provide the tools small businesses need to protect themselves.

tax cuts and jobs act

Last December, Congress passed and President Trump signed into law the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.  These historic changes to the tax code - the biggest overhaul in a generation, have already begun to make a significant difference in the lives of families and businesses in Mississippi and across the nation.  These changes alone are estimated to increase the average family income. To see the estimated tax savings for those who take the new, larger standard deduction in the district, please click on the link.
                                           
Tax reform is also bringing meaningful relief to companies like VIP Cinema Seating.  The New Albany company started making cinema seating for commercial movie theaters in 2008, with just five employees.  They now employ 515 hardworking Mississippians to meet the demand.  Eddie Powell, Vice President and General Counsel, said the reduction in corporate taxes from 35 percent to 21 percent brings them more in line with their foreign competitors. He sees this as a win-win situation for VIP Cinema Seating, their employees, and the consumer.

 VIP Cinema Seating Team Members 
                                                                                      
For more information about the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, please visit fairandsimple.gop


synnex corporation expands

One of the most valuable assets in the district is our workforce.  Every day, hardworking Mississippians demonstrate their commitment to excellence through the products they manufacture.  Companies have taken notice and continue to invest in our state.  Last week, SYNNEX Corporation, provider of data services, cloud storage, and network solutions, shared the details of their expansion plans for their Marshall County operation. 


SYNNEX Corporation's $20 million investment will create 600 jobs over a five-year period.  Company officials say they recently moved their Mississippi distribution operations from Olive Branch to a facility in Southaven.  The Olive Branch facility will be used for manufacturing. 
                                                                                        

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 FacebookTwitter and Instagram.

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) 258-7240
Farmington
4135 County Road 200
Corinth, MS 38834

Phone: (662) 687-1525
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