October 23, 2017

Dear Friend,

If we are to protect our nation from rising threats around the world, temporary funding in the form of Continuing Resolutions (CRs) is not the answer. Continuing Resolutions erode America's military readiness. CRs prevent any new construction or procurement projects. Flying hours for our pilots and training time on our ships are also reduced. The most recent CR prohibits new military construction, specifically blocking 37 Navy projects, 16 Air Force projects, and 38 Army projects. The CR will also potentially impact the contract for the Air Force's new trainer (T-X) which will be used to train Air Force pilots at Columbus Air Force Base.

Last week, I discussed my concerns about America's military readiness and what we are doing to rebuild our military on SuperTalk Mississippi's Paul Gallo Show. Please click on the link to listen to the interview.

rockfon expansion in marshall county

When a company invests in our workforce, they can expect a return on their investment. We are seeing this take place in the First District and throughout Mississippi. In November 2015, Rockfon announced it would locate in Marshall County. Their $160 million investment created 150 new jobs.

Last week, Rockfon, subsidiary of Denmark-based ROCKWOOL International A/S, celebrated the company's expansion of their manufacturing presence in Byhalia. State and local officials gathered for the grand opening of the company's acoustic ceiling tile manufacturing facility in Marshall County. Their $40 million investment creates 90 additional jobs for hardworking Mississippians.

veterans business outreach center at msu

When an entrepreneur decides to open a business, it is important they find out what it takes to become successful. The decision to become a small business owner can be more challenging for veterans who are transitioning out of the military and back into the civilian world. The Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC), funded through the Small Business Administration and hosted by Mississippi State University, is there to help through a program called Boots to Business. VBOC, located in the Thad Cochran Research, Technology and Economic Development Park, assists veterans in Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, and Louisiana.

William Brooks, our veterans outreach coordinator, recently met with VBOC representatives to learn more about the operation as part of our effort to assist veterans. Since May 2015, the VBOC office has worked with close to 1,000 veterans and taught nearly 100 Boots to Business and Reboot courses. Parker Stewart, VBOC director, said the veterans they work with are smart, hardworking, and passionate, but they need just a little business knowledge and guidance to launch their companies. For more information about the Boots to Business program, please click on the link.

national forest products week

Forest products are a major driver of the economy in the First District and across Mississippi, covering 19.7 million acres, or 65% of the state's total land area. Last week, we recognized National Forest Products Week which was a great opportunity to talk about innovation, expanding markets, and increasing jobs in the forest products industry. This is a thriving industry in our great state which provides jobs to Mississippians and improves quality of life.

eccc alumnus of the year

It was an honor to be selected East Cental Community College Alumnus of the Year. It was humbling to return to ECCC for the ceremony which was held in Decatur. ECCC continues to offer an outstanding education, made possible through their dedicated faculty and staff. During the ceremony held at the Vickers Fine Arts Center Auditorium, ECCC also recognized Alumna of the Year Deanna Bankston Rush.

Tim Anderson, Chicago White Sox shortstop, and Jeff Breland, longtime football coach and former two-sport athlete, were inducted into the East Central Community College Athletic Hall of Fame during the ceremony. As part of the ECCC Homecoming activities, I was excited to present the game football to the officials. Go Warriors!

Mississippi top 50 ceremony

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

Henry Zuber, Governor Haley Barbour,
Representative Alyce Clarke, and
Representative Steve Holland

Phyllis Anderson, Chief of the Mississippi Band of
Choctaw Indians

Tupelo Mayor Jason Shelton and Northern
District Public Service Commissioner
Brandon Presley

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, Twitter and Instagram.

Thanks for reading,

Rep. Trent Kelly (MS-01)
Member of Congress