2020 has been a challenging year for America's small business owners, but many received relief through programs made available through the CARES Act, including the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and, for our farmers, the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). While our push for more targeted assistance continues in Congress, it is encouraging to see Mississippians' determination during this trying time. In this edition of my newsletter, I am pleased to feature a number of businesses located in Mississippi's First Congressional District.
General Tech - Nicholas Lewis & Austin Sanderford
Nicholas Lewis and Austin Sanderford are co-founders of General Tech, a Tupelo-based technology services operation they launched in 2019. Their extensive background in technology led to them to open a business that offers services to those whose passion is NOT technology!
Nicholas said his love of technology came at an early age, but it was his experience in the Mississippi Army National Guard that provided opportunities to expand his knowledge and experience in technological devices. As a National Guard Veteran, Nicholas's service included a deployment to Kuwait and a domestic deployment to the United States - Mexico border. "I love the military," Nicholas said. "The experience offered lessons in leadership that will carry on in the private sector. I am proud to be a Veteran entrepreneur."
Area 51 Ice Cream - Steve & Karin Cubbage
Steve and Karin Cubbage own and operate Area 51 Ice Cream in Hernando and a second location in Memphis. In 2014, the couple decided to open a business that has become a family operation. They have five children - most of whom work for them.
Currently, they are expanding their Hernando business, which is being moved to another location in town - a great sign of their progress. "2020 presented some challenges when we had to temporarily close the business," Steve said. "The Paycheck Protection Program really made a difference, enabling us to pay our 12 employees. We have also been grateful for the people who have gone out of their way to support our businesses and helped to keep us afloat."
Poe Brothers Trucking, Inc. - Larry, Matthew, and Mike Poe
Matthew Poe and his family own and operate a trucking company. The Paycheck Protection Program provided for their six employees during uncertain times. Perhaps most comforting for the family was the USDA's CFAP program.
The Poe family also farms 2,000 acres in Pontotoc county, producing cotton, corn, soybeans, and cattle. "The timing was good for CFAP," Matthew said. "It filled in the gaps and helped to keep us in business. My wife, Kayla, and our two children, Harrison (3) and Tindall Kay (1), will hopefully follow in our footsteps one day. We want them to be the next generation farmers in the family!" Caring for our employees was also a top priority. Even if not blood, they are family around here."
