During the month of October, Mississippi's manufacturers take the spotlight! Manufacturing Week is an opportunity to recognize companies that provide jobs to hardworking Mississippians. OnDemand Specialty Vehicles, located in Jumpertown, is one of the latest companies to invest in the Prentiss County workforce. Sutter Street Manufacturing, the furniture manufacturing subsidiary of Williams-Sonoma, employs more than 100 people. The company plans to extend its workforce to 350 employees over five years. In 2019, New Way Trucks, a manufacturer of recycling and refuse equipment, announced a $2.5 million corporate investment that would create 100 jobs.

We are proud to feature Korean War Veteran Mort Abramson. During his career in the U.S. Air Force, he was a Communication/Navigation equipment technician and flew in B-50 and KC-97 aircraft. After his Honorable Discharge from the USAF, Mort's technical skills were invaluable. He was employed by Link Aviation and was involved in building and writing the manuals for the first DC-8 flight simulator.

Mort devoted himself to technical writing for a number of companies, including the McDonnell Aircraft Corporation. There, he wrote the documents used to train some of the early astronauts in NASA's Manned Space Program. When he wasn't reaching for the stars, Mort found great satisfaction working in law enforcement. From 1951 to 2004, he served in a variety of roles, including positions as an auxiliary officer, crime scene technician, and assistant coordinator for the DeSoto County Neighborhood Watch, and was eventually promoted to Lieutenant in the DeSoto County Sheriff's Department. During his time in law enforcement, Mort was able to save the lives of three people. "God told me what to do," he said.

In 1980, Mort began working for Federal Express as a technical writer on aircraft maintenance projects, and at that time he and his wife made DeSoto County their permanent home. He wrote manuals for a short time, then became a video producer, writer, and director of motivational training videos. He retired from FedEx in 1995. 

We are thankful for Mort's service to our great nation and hope he enjoys many more years of good health living in Mississippi's First Congressional District. If you would like to nominate a U.S. Veteran to be featured in our newsletter, please send an email to Claire.Evans@mail.house.gov.

It was an honor to join state and local leaders to break ground on the Pontotoc Fire Department's new station! Pontotoc's increasing population and call volume created a significant need for the new facility. "It's going to be an upgrade for sure," Deputy Fire Chief Brad White said. Currently, the town's main fire station is located at the Pontotoc City Hall.

The building is also located across from Pontotoc High School. Officials have long been concerned about school traffic and busy crosswalks interfering with the department's ability to respond to calls. Construction on the new station is scheduled to be completed in 400 days.

"The sooner the better," Fire Chief Lance Martin said. We are excited for the development of this new station, as it marks a significant milestone for the Pontotoc community.

MG Timothy Brown, Commander, U.S. Army Intelligence & Security Command (INSCOM)

Dr. Trina N. George, State Director, USDA

Larson Frey

Lowndes County Supervisor Trip Hairston

Linda Sobley and Marsha Ward