The Month in Review

     In traveling all over West Tennessee, I had the privilege of meeting with numerous folks who shared their thoughts and perspectives. Just in the last few days, I’ve visited with folks at Krones, Le Bonheur Hospital, M.D. Anderson Memorial Plaza dedication, Dresden Farmer’s Market, and Carroll County Lake. 

    Krone is one of Tennessee’s leading agribusinesses with 88 employees in its Memphis distribution facility. Krone is a family business that manufactures farming machinery specializing in hay and foraging equipment.  Krone has grown to be the largest single export market for this type of machinery.   We discussed what’s standing in the way of getting our economy moving again.

     I also had the privilege of meeting with organ transplant experts at LeBonheur Hospital.   What an honor to meet with these folks as they are leading the world in medical advancements.   

    I had the opportunity to speak at the dedication of the M.D. Anderson Memorial Plaza in Downtown Jackson.  Monroe Dunaway Anderson, or M.D. Anderson, is well known as a respected philanthropist, successful agri-businessman, and an admirable Tennessean.  M.D. Anderson was a man of generosity and vision, and it was my honor to sponsor the bill that renamed the Federal Plaza in downtown Jackson the ‘M.D. Anderson Memorial Plaza’.  Special thanks to the driving force behind this project, Mr. Richard “Dickie” Day and the West Tennessee Healthcare Foundation.

    In visiting the site of the future Dresden Farmer’s Market, the USDA Rural Development program presented the city of Dresden with a check to begin work on this project.  The Dresden Farmer’s Market will provide local and organic foods to the community and put money back into the Dresden economy. 

     Visiting Carroll County Lake is always a thrill.  I am thankful to Mayor Dale Kelley for showing me around the developments of the lake and the new facilities. I hope the opening of the Carroll County Lake will continue to drive commerce in Huntingdon and the surrounding areas as folks continue to hear of all of the amenities it has to offer.  

     I am honored to have received the ‘Friends of Farm Bureau’ Award from the Tennessee Farm Bureau. Being a farmer myself, I am always looking for ways to improve Agriculture in West Tennessee. Thank you Farm Bureau for all you do.