December 9, 2016

Dear Friend,

As a leader, you must set the tone for everybody around you. We saw that demonstrated Sunday night on the CBS program 60 Minutes which featured Golden Triangle Development LINK CEO Joe Max Higgins. He arrived at a difficult time in Golden Triangle history. Industries were closing their doors, leaving thousands without a job. This would be a time when we saw leaders come together to identify strengths and weaknesses in workforce training and industrial recruitment efforts and explore new ways to compete. They would call on federal, state and local leaders for their support. Their workforce training and industry recruitment philosophy would become a model for achieving economic development success.

The state's first Center for Manufacturing Technology Excellence (CMTE) opened for training in 1999 on the Golden Triangle campus of East Mississippi Community College. It's purpose was to take existing workforce training programs to a higher level and to be driven by industry training needs. "Skilled workers trained to meet industry specific criteria is a must, and training must be readily available offered at flexible hours," said EMCC President Emeritus Rick Young. "The first question we ask a new industry prospect is, "What do you need?"

Airbus Helicopters

Companies like Steel Dynamics, Inc., Airbus Helicopters, Aurora Flight Sciences, Stark Aerospace, PACCAR Engine Company and Yokohama Tire among others came on board when they could have gone anywhere else. Incentives helped to recruit them, but at the end of the day, it's our people and the character they demonstrate on the job every day who keep industries knocking on Mississippi's door again and again.

ACTIONS IN THE HOUSE

Further Continuing and Security Assistance Appropriations Act, 2017

The House passed with my support, the Further Continuing and Security Assistance Appropriations Act of 2017. The continuing resolution (CR) funds necessary government agencies, programs, and services until April 28, 2017. This gives the new Congress time to plan and work with President-elect Donald Trump on future funding of the government. We will work with the new administration to make sure our nation's defense remains a top priority at home and overseas.

Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act

If America is to remain competitive in the global marketplace, it is important we maintain our maritime and waterways infrastructures. The Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway, a portion of which is located in the First District, is a vital part of that system. Currently, an average of six million tons of commodities run through the waterway annually, and hundreds of privately-owned vessels pass through the locks. Maintaining these resources is vital to America's economy and job growth. The House passed, and with my support, the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act (WIIN), S. 612, comprehensive, bipartisan legislation to address the needs of America's harbors, locks, dams, flood protection, and other water resources' infrastructure.

how can we assist you?

Walt Starr

There is nothing more important than taking care of the needs of all our constituents in the First District. That's what we are here for. When you have a concern, our team is here to listen. We will work hard to find a solution.

Walt Starr is one of our field representatives. Walt, a DeSoto county resident since 1973, is committed to developing and maintaining relationships which is a top priority for all of our team members. Walt is well known throughout the counties he serves which are DeSoto,Tate, Marshall, Benton and Lafayette. Look for Walt at government meetings, industry announcements and anywhere there's an opportunity to offer our services to constituents. "It is important to me to be a Congressional conduit to the community," Walt said. "My biggest challenge is to meet as many people as possible on behalf of Representative Trent Kelly."

Please let us know how we can help. Our team is ready to assist you.

a week in pictures

American Forest Foundation Certified
Tree Farmers
Adam Steen, Sarah Steen, Jonathan Morrison,
Amelia Morrison, (daughter) Eve Morrison,
Martha Watkins and Bobby Watkins

State Senator Bill Stone

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