November 6, 2018
Dear Friend,
We are free because millions of Americans have answered the call to serve our nation since the first citizen-soldier fired the "shot heard around the world" on the Lexington Common. Then and now, our fighting forces have been willing to lay down their lives to preserve all that we hold dear.
During the month of November, our state and nation will recognize the bravery of our men and women veterans who have served our nation. Veterans Day ceremonies will be held across Mississippi and America to remember their service and the quiet sacrifices their families have made to support them back home.
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Cooper Tire veterans Jeff White, Jon Elliott,
John Keaton, George Walker, and Cliff Johnson |
Recently, I had the opportunity to recognize veterans who are team members at Cooper Tire and Rubber Company in Tupelo. The company employs a total of 2,100 people. 238 of their team members are U.S. Military veterans. It was an honor to thank them for their service and to recognize a special anniversary for America and our allies. November 2018 marks the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Armistice between the allies of WWI and Germany on the eleventh hour on the eleventh day during the eleventh month of 1918. It was the end of WWI and a time to celebrate our victory in Europe.
Throughout the month of November, be sure to attend a Veterans Day event to personally thank them for their service. They deserve our respect and gratitude.
Making History
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As your Representative, there is nothing more gratifying than to see our work in Washington have a positive impact on the quality of life for my fellow Mississippians. Optimism is soaring throughout the First District and across our great state. In June, The Mississippi Department of Employment Security said the number of nonfarm jobs in the state were the most on record - 1,168,300. That record was broken again in September as the number of nonfarm jobs rose to 1,170,100. Mississippi's unemployment rate for September 2018 was 4.8%, the fourth lowest level of unemployment ever recorded in Mississippi.
The numbers are great and we plan to keep them that way. We need a sustainable workforce that will continue to attract new businesses and industry to the First District. Last week, I appreciated the opportunity to discuss a number of issues, including our workforce, at the Itawamba Community College State of the District Address.
There is a concentrated effort to supply the demand for skilled workers. Taking the lead in a multi-pronged plan to grow the workforce are our community colleges - our greatest workforce developers. Together, with economic development agencies and employers, they are working to meet the demand with the skills needed to help businesses and industries achieve continued success.
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paccar engines, inc.
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One of many successful industries in the First District is PACCAR Engines, Inc. In 2010, the company started building engines at their Golden Triangle Industrial Park facility. Over the years, their team has grown to 600 employees.
During a tour of the plant, I appreciated the opportunity to talk with some of their employees. These men and women take great pride in the diesel engines they build for Peterbilt and Kenworth Trucks. Plant Manager Lance Walters said the company has invested $650 million during their eight years in Columbus.
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| working for our farmers |
Farming is the top industry in Mississippi. It is important that we make sure farmers have our support through meaningful legislation. Last week, it was an honor to receive the Friend of Farm Bureau award at the "D.C. Fly in to the Farm" event held in Jackson. I will continue to advocate for policies that will help farmers feed and clothe our nation.
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Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation
President Mike McCormick |
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I-269
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Our fast-moving economy in Mississippi will continue on a successful path through improved infrastructure. One of the most anticipated project completions was celebrated in DeSoto County last week. The ribbon was cut on the final nine-mile segment of Interstate 269, from Interstate 55 in DeSoto County to State Route 305.
The full project, launched in 2011, consists of approximately 26 miles of four-lane, controlled-access highway in north Mississippi. Drivers are now able to take I-269 from I-55 near Hernando for nearly 60 miles in a loop to Millington, Tennessee.
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heritage community park dedication
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Recently, Farmington residents gathered to pay tribute to all those who have served in the United States Air Force, Army, Marines, Navy, and the Coast Guard. A monument has been dedicated in their honor in the new Heritage Community Park's Veterans Memorial Garden.
In 2005, Mayor Dale Fortenberry began an effort to gain support to open a park that would also include a walking and bike trail. A crowd of local residents turned out for the dedication ceremony. "It has been a long journey," Mayor Fortenberry said. "I can't describe it. It was a dream come true. I'm so proud of it and that it is already being used by people from Farmington and well beyond."
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STAY IN TOUCH
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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.
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Thanks for reading,
Rep. Trent Kelly (MS-01)
Member of Congress
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