July 18, 2108

Dear Friend,

With the economy soaring, companies are in a great position to innovate and grow. Hawkeye Industries in Tupelo recently announced plans to expand its operations with a $2.7 million investment that is going to enable the company to offer the latest in cutting-edge technology to serve local and regional industries. "With this strategic investment, our company continues to successfully grow, broaden our capabilities, and enter new markets," President and CEO Bryan Hawkins said. "While we are not a large employer in this area, we are a company that helps a wide range of larger employers stay competitive or relocate here."

Bryan said the growing economy, fueled by the recent tax cuts and regulatory reform, laid the foundation for their re-investment plans. He recently provided additional reasons for expansion to Mississippi Development Authority officials. "This expansion is a natural evolution and fit into the latest in laser cutting technologies to utilize our already proven core manufacturing competencies," Bryan said. "In addition, we are re-investing into additional punching technology to better serve our growing economy. We are excited about being able to enhance our many customer's products and competitiveness and to be an important part of keeping Mississippi great."

Hawkeye Industries' continued investment in Tupelo is an important addition to the economy in the First District. We are grateful for their investment in our workforce and look forward to additional expansions which Bryan said will take place to meet the future demand for their services.

yanky 72 memorial

On July 10, 2017, 15 Marines and one Navy corpsman lost their lives in the crash of a KC-130T, call signal Yanky 72, in Leflore County. Last week, hundreds of people gathered for a memorial service that was held at the Walter Roberts Auditorium in the Mississippi Valley State University's H.G. Carpenter Building. Lt. Gen. Rex McMillian, commanding general of U.S. Marine Corps Forces North and Lt. Gen. Carl Mundy III, offered their condolences to family and friends in attendance. Following the ceremony, a marker was dedicated in their honor.

The names of the fallen service members are inscribed on the granite memorial. In the center is an image of a KC-130T. Governor Phil Bryant was among those who offered words of encouragement. "The memorial that was built will last for generations and generations, and we hope that generations hence will come to that memorial and remember those 16 that were lost, and never forget that freedom is not free - whether it is on foreign battle fields or here in Leflore County."

It was an honor to attend the ceremony and to hear the names of our fallen service members read aloud. We will always remember their service and sacrifice.

mid-season growers meetings

In the photo are Clay Atkins, Ben Harlow,
Bobby Egger, Robert Smith, and Charlie Stokes

Last week, Mississippi State University Extension Service agents and specialists met with dozens of growers in the First District to discuss how the growing season is progressing. Field Representatives Robert Smith and Melinda Whited attended the meetings that were held in Hamilton and Baldwyn. Our team and I benefit from listening to their thoughts and concerns. It is our goal to fully understand their needs which can be effectively addressed with meaningful policies and legislation. We will continue to seek input from our farmers in the First District as our work continues on the next Farm Bill.

In the photo are John Bishop, Melinda Whited,
and Frankie Yielding

a week in pictures

For more photos from a week in pictures, please visit my Facebook page.

Sid and Angie Kirksey and Mackey
and Margaret Wade from Fulton

Tenax Aerospace Owner Tom Foley

Jack, Sacia, and Jala Gordman from Columbus

Baptist Memorial Hospital
representative Donna Cox

Emily, Brian, Parker, and William Hicks
from New Albany

Randall and Gavin Green from Olive Branch
and MIke and Zach Jenkins from Southaven

For more photos from a week in pictures, 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