FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Austin Cox
801.372.5342
125 Utah mayors endorse Spencer Cox
as Utah’s next governor
SALT LAKE CITY (November 14, 2019) -- Today, Lt. Gov. Spencer Cox announced the endorsements of 125 Utah mayors supporting his campaign for governor.
“As a former mayor of a small town, I am proud to have earned the confidence of more than 100 mayors throughout our great state,” said Lt. Gov. Spencer Cox. “Not only is it critical for the governor to have a personal relationship with city leaders, but also a direct knowledge of the issues they face. My door will always be open to local government and I promise to work day and night to build thriving communities across Utah.”
The endorsements follow the Lt. Gov.’s visits to 198 Utah cities and towns as part of his commitment to visit all 248 incorporated municipalities prior to Election Day. Included in the list is each mayor from Sanpete County, where the Cox family has resided for seven generations.
“Spencer Cox is the true champion of Utah, uniquely able to represent both rural Utah and the Wasatch Front,” said Mayor Jon Pike, St. George. “Every Utahn deserves a governor committed to consistently and faithfully representing our values. I am amazed by his devotion to Utah and proud that so many local elected officials are working hard to support his candidacy.”
“Spencer’s preparation as a city councilor, mayor, county commissioner, state legislator and lieutenant governor point to a uniquely Utah-focused career of public service that is second to none. Experience in local government service is critical for anyone wanting to be our state's Chief Executive. We proudly endorse Spencer because we know he will continue to work closely with and advocate aggressively for our communities as our next governor,” said Mayor Dawn Ramsey, South Jordan.
In addition to more than half of Utah’s mayors, the Lt. Gov. continues to have broad grassroots support across Utah. The campaign has received donations from 1,254 unique Utahns, the most for any Republican gubernatorial candidate since 2000 (as far back as records are available).
Below are the 125 mayors endorsing Lt. Gov. Cox:
Maile Wilson Edwards, Cedar City
Mike Caldwell, Ogden
Jon Pike, St. George
Holly Daines, Logan
Dawn Ramsey, South Jordan
Guy Fugal, Pleasant Grove
Jim Talbot, Farmington
Randy Lewis, Bountiful
Kelleen Potter, Heber City
Brad Frost, American Fork
Steve Leifson, Spanish Fork
Michael Gailey, Syracuse
David Ogden, Richfield
Julie Fullmer, Vineyard
Mark Shepherd, Clearfield
Glade Nielsen, Nephi
Jo Sjoblom, South Weber
Dallas Hakes, Mapleton
Rick Earnshaw, Woods Cross
Michael Kourianos, Price
Bill Wright, Payson
David Taylor, Fairview
Michael Holt, Fillmore
David Wood, Amalga
Randy Carter, Kanarraville
Marty Larson, Genola
David Schmuker, Big Water
Pamela Sheridan, Scipio
John Christensen, Mayfield
Matt McCormick, Kamas
Brent Christensen, Annabella
Joey Rickenbach, Glenwood
Adele Justice, Ferron
Lynn Payne, Trenton
Lori Nay, Gunnison
Corey Christensen, Levan
Danny Van Wagoner, Castle Dale
Lesley Kendrick, Deweyville
Dean Baker, Naples
Janet Fautin, Marysvale
Marty Lisonbee, Apple Valley
Kelly Field, Lewiston
Joan Powell, Wellington
Philip Rubin, Hideout
Melani Torgersen, Escalante
Lyn Weston, Randolph
Noreen Johnson, Bicknell
Stephanie Miller, Hyrum
Keenan Nelson, Elwood
Jeff Young, Richmond
Richard Hirschi, La Verkin
Pam Leach, Rockville
Shannon Allen, Antimony
Jim Truett, Huntsville
Matt Spendlove, Virgin
Shaun Dustin, Nibley
John Drew, Providence
Roger Swenson, Orangeville
Stan Smith, Springdale
Jeff Dallin, Bear River
James Masner, Holden
Bob Caruso, Orderville
Kelly Lamb, Glendale
Jed Maxwell, Salina
Kevin Jeppsen, Perry
Shiloh Syrett, Bryce Canyon
Ron Torgerson, Koosharem
Wayne Peterson, Leeds
Frank Paxton, Kanosh
Randall Cox, Sterling
Kirk Hunsaker, Santaquin
Thomas Karjola, Stockton
Gary Price, Clawson
Brian Florang, Hinckley
Edwin Buist, Mendon
Nick Castleton, Eureka
Koby Willis, Circleville
Mike Taylor, Cleveland
Rod Mann, Highland
Lee Atwood, Paradise
Bill Mills, Mona
Travis Bacon, Green River
Brett Merkley, Corinne
Roger Fridal, Tremonton
John Scott, Ephraim
Jed Bartholomew, Fayette
Jeffrey Barnes, Smithfield
Brian Johnson, Rush Valley
Kevin Moore, Elsinore
Boyd Bingham, Honeyville
Chuck Earl, Fielding
Jim Byler, Cedar Highlands
Bill Sudweeks, Kingston
Dustin Cox, Alton
Tim Heyder, Snowville
Byron Ames, Francis
Willard Wood, Fountain Green
Dave Quarnberg, Aurora
Matt Robinson, Beaver
Kelly Alvey, Sigurd
Rick Rosenberg, Santa Clara
Bradly Hawkes, Howell
Trever Johnson, Coalville
Matt Leak, Cornish
Ken Neilson, Washington
Lynn Chamberlain, Toquerville
Cody Grundy, Loa
Donia Jessop, Hildale
Craig Hidalgo, Clarkston
Rodney Rowley, Duchesne
Kim Peterson, Central Valley
Clyde Watkins, Altamont
Steven Staheli, Goshen
Paul Bailey, Moroni
Tom Sorensen, Centerfield
Kevin Eldredge, Hatch
Dan Anderson, Mount Pleasant
Brandon Humphries, Enterprise
Keith Jensen, Wales
Ken Romney, West Bountiful
Korry Soper, Manti
Todd Rasmussen, River Heights
Neil Sorensen, Spring City
Korry Green, Hooper
Kim Soper, Panguitch
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Celebrating Appalachia Through Its Crops: 22 People and Organizations Preserving Biodiversity
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22 People and Organizations Celebrating Appalachian Food and Culture
Dear Friend,
Greetings from Baltimore, Maryland!
The region of Appalachia, which stretches through a dozen states in the eastern U.S., is home to unique agricultural products and food cultures. Food Tank recently joined The Crop Trust in Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, and Kentucky to meet the people working hard to preserve the region’s agricultural diversity.
"We do traditional food, but not normal traditional," West Virginia chef Marion Ohlinger tells Food Tank, about the food he serves at his restaurant, Hill & Hollow. "Not losing what we have, but building other things into it."
The Crop Trust’s #CropsInColor campaign is highlighting the complexities, triumphs, and surprises of crop diversity. Phase II of the campaign, which runs from 2018 to 2021, focuses on 10 crops that are staples of our kitchens, markets, and restaurants—and symbolize the importance of crop diversity in action. #CropsInColor is sponsored by Corteva, with additional funding from the Oak Spring Garden Foundation. Food Tank is the campaign’s media partner.
This week, Food Tank is highlighting 22 farmers, chefs, seed savers, and food leaders who are keeping Appalachian crops, cuisines, and culture alive for generations to come: Albemarle CiderWorks, North Garden, Virginia; Appalachian Institute for Mountain Studies, Southern Seed Legacy Project, Burnsville, North Carolina; Craig LeHoullier, Raleigh, North Carolina; Green Edge Gardens, Amesville, Ohio; Hill & Hollow Restaurant, Morgantown, West Virginia; Hoff & Pepper, Chattanooga, Tennessee; Horne Creek Farm’s Southern Heritage Apple Orchard, Pinnacle, North Carolina; Ira Wallace and Southern Exposure Seed Exchange, Mineral, Virginia; John Coykendall, Knoxville, Tennessee; LoganBerry Heritage Farm, Cleveland, Georgia; Oak Spring Garden Foundation Biocultural Conservation Farm, Upperville, Virginia; Shagbark Seed & Mill, Athens, Ohio; Sow True Seed, Asheville, North Carolina; Sunflower Sundries, Mount Olivet, Kentucky; Sustainable Mountain Agriculture Center, Livingston, Kentucky; The Shack, Staunton, Virginia; The Utopian Seed Project, Asheville, North Carolina; The Wild Ramp, Huntington, West Virginia; Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, Charlottesville, Virginia; University of North Georgia Appalachian Studies Center, Dahlonega, Georgia; West Virginia State University, Institute, West Virginia; and West Virginia University’s Cider Apple Orchard, Morgantown, West Virginia.
Read more about the inspiring people and organizations working to preserve the biodiverse crops, cuisines, and culture of Appalachia by CLICKING HERE.
Who’s doing important work to preserve the food culture of your community? Please email me at danielle@foodtank.com to share their stories with us!
Sincerely,
Danielle Nierenberg
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Gerardo Macias earns 2019 “America’s Best Installer” Title
Wauconda, Ill.-based insulation installer from Northern Insulation wins the $10,000 grand prize in 17th year of annual competition presented by Johns Manville and Insulate America
DENVER – Nov. 13, 2019 – Insulation professional Gerardo Macias of Wauconda, Ill.-based Northern Insulation beat out 34 competitors to win the title of “America’s Best Installer” and the $10,000 grand prize at the Best Installer competition. The annual competition is hosted by Johns Manville and Insulate America and was held in Denver from Nov. 7-9.
In its 17th year, the competition serves as an annual reminder of the importance of properly installed insulation and recognizes how the skills, hard work and dedication of local insulation installers can contribute to a more energy efficient home and cost savings for the homeowner. The competition was founded in 2003 by Johns Manville, a Berkshire Hathaway company and leading building products manufacturer, and Insulate America, the nation’s largest independent insulation contractor organization.
The Best Installer competition brings together insulation installers from across the country to test their installation skills. This year, competitors were tasked with installing JM formaldehyde-free insulation batts into mock home structures, designed with barriers like electrical outlets, pipes and vaulted ceilings. Macias and the other competitors were judged on their speed, workmanship and the overall quality of the job.
“Each year we’re amazed by the talent and dedication of the local insulation professionals at the Best Installer’s competition and this year was no exception,” said Bob Wamboldt, president of Insulation Systems at Johns Manville. “Gerardo’s performance stood out from the rest and we thank him and all of this year’s competitors for the important role they play in supporting our insulation industry and promoting energy efficiency.”
The competition also recognized second, third and fourth places. This year’s finalists include:
· Alex Franco of Homeowner’s Insulation in Colorado Springs, Colo. was awarded second place with a $5,000 prize.
· Brian Kisner of McPherson Products in St. Cloud, Minn. placed third with a $3,500 prize.
· Joseph Stansbury of Home Improvement Professionals in Byron, Minn. was recognized in fourth place with a $2,500 prize.
Additionally, eight competitors were also awarded cash prizes for their performances during the preliminary competition rounds:
· Juan Jaquez of Raytown, Mo.-based Star Companies: $1,000
· Brian McBride of Lancaster, Pa.-based Keener Insulating: $1,000
· Joshua Hans of Auburn, Calif.-based Sierra Insulation: $1,000
· Gavin Turner of Topeka, Kan.-based Black Gold: $1,000
· Elliott Laughlin of Blaine, Minn.-based Homeco: $500
· Larry “Pete” Middleton of Sterling Heights, Mich.-based Turner Insulation: $500
· Michael Bowdish of Pleasant View, Utah-based J&K Insulation: $500
· Jesus Garza of Pflugerville, Texas-based Hill Country Insulation: $500
About Johns Manville
Johns Manville, a Berkshire Hathaway company (NYSE: BRK.A, BRK.B), is a leading manufacturer and marketer of premium-quality products for building insulation, mechanical insulation, commercial roofing and roof insulation, as well as fibers and nonwovens for commercial, industrial and residential applications. JM serves markets that include aerospace, automotive and transportation, air handling, appliance, HVAC, pipe and equipment, filtration, waterproofing, building, flooring, interiors and wind energy. In business since 1858, the Denver-based company has annual sales over $3 billion and holds leadership positions in all of the key markets that it serves. Johns Manville employs 8,000 people and operates 42 manufacturing facilities in North America, Europe and China. Additional information can be found at www.jm.com.
About Insulate America
Insulate America is the nation’s largest independent insulation contractor. With over 175 locations serving 46 states, Insulate America is committed to the highest quality workmanship and service. Training, education, sharing ideas, rigorous certifications and life-long learning separate Insulate America as professionals in the industry. Learn more at www.insulateamerica.com.
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5 Vital Facts About Signing Up for Coverage at HealthCare.gov:
Press Release
American Poultry Farmers Regain Access to China
Washington, D.C., November 14, 2019 – United States Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue released the following statement on China’s decision to lift its ban on poultry imports from the United States:
“The United States welcomes China’s decision to finally lift its unwarranted ban on U.S. poultry and poultry products. This is great news for both America’s farmers and China’s consumers,” said Ambassador Lighthizer. “China is an important export market for America’s poultry farmers, and we estimate they will now be able to export more than $1 billion worth of poultry and poultry products each year to China. Reopening China to U.S. poultry will create new export opportunities for our poultry farmers and support thousands of workers employed by the U.S. poultry industry.”
Secretary Perdue said, “After being shut out of the market for years, U.S. poultry producers and exporters welcome the reopening of China’s market to their products. America’s producers are the most productive in the world and it is critical they be able to sell their bounty to consumers in other parts of the globe. We will continue our work to expand market access in important markets like China as well as other countries, to support our producers and U.S. jobs.”
China has banned all U.S. poultry since January 2015 due to an avian influenza outbreak in December 2014, even though the United States has been free of this disease since August 2017. The United States exported over $500 million worth of poultry products to China in 2013.
The United States is the world’s second largest poultry exporter, with global exports of poultry meat and products of $4.3 billion last year.
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Press Release
Brazil’s Implementation of Tariff Rate Quota for Wheat a Win for American Farmers
Washington, D.C., November 14, 2019 – U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue welcome Brazil’s implementation of an annual duty-free tariff rate quota (TRQ) of 750,000 metric tons (MT) of wheat imports.
For many years, Brazil failed to implement its obligation under the WTO to establish a TRQ for wheat. Brazil’s implementation of this TRQ fulfills a commitment made to President Trump by President Bolsonaro earlier this year and reflects a desire to deepen trade and economic ties between both countries.
“This solution to a long-standing problem is a result of the Administration’s advocacy for American farmers and will allow our wheat exporters to compete on a level playing field,” said Ambassador Lighthizer. “We look forward to increased exports of American wheat to Brazil.”
Secretary Perdue said, “American farmers can compete with anybody when given access to customers. This is why we are working tirelessly to knock down barriers to our exports, like high Brazilian tariffs on our wheat. We are excited about the additional export opportunity U.S. wheat farmers will have with the opening of this TRQ. Exports are critical to the success of our farmers and the United States looks forward to once again having stable access to this important wheat market.”
Background:
Brazil committed to implementing a 750,000 MT duty-free TRQ for wheat imports when it acceded to the World Trade Organization in 1994. The United States has long sought for Brazil to fulfill this commitment, culminating in a public announcement when Presidents Trump and Bolsonaro met in Washington in March. The duty-free TRQ will provide stable and predictable access to a market where U.S. wheat exporters have long had ready Brazilian customers. Prior to implementation of this TRQ, U.S. wheat typically entered Brazil at an applied 10 percent duty, in comparison to wheat from Brazil’s MERCOSUR customs union trade partners, particularly Argentina, which enters duty-free.
