Press Release
USDA and DOE Join Forces to Increase Energy Technology Development and Deployment in Rural America
WASHINGTON, Oct. 24, 2019 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary Donald “DJ” LaVoy and U.S. Department of Energy Under Secretary of Energy Mark W. Menezes today announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two departments to promote rural energy and the development of technologies that will support and advance rural and agricultural communities and domestic manufacturing.
The signed MOU (PDF, 2.5 MB), which was required under section 6501 of the 2018 Farm Bill, will enhance collaboration and coordination between the Department of Energy (DOE) and USDA. The areas covered by the MOU include facilitating energy-related investments in America's rural communities; streamlining, leveraging and optimizing program resources; encouraging innovation; offering technical assistance to rural communities; strengthening energy-related infrastructure; ensuring affordable and reliable power; and helping rural businesses export energy products and manufactured goods around the world.
“Energy creates jobs, supports local infrastructure expansion and provides new opportunities to increase economic development in rural communities,” LaVoy said. “The bright and innovative minds in rural communities working to develop and utilize new energy technology should know that the Trump Administration supports their mission and efforts to increase prosperity in Rural America. I’m grateful that USDA is partnering with DOE to help farmers, ranchers, foresters and businesses in rural communities thrive.”
Menezes added, “This MOU will do an immeasurable amount of good for our rural communities. Rural America deserves the investments in energy infrastructure, technology, and businesses that will be produced by this MOU. By working together, DOE and USDA will follow through on President Trump’s promise to emphasize and focus on the needs of these hardworking communities across America in an unprecedented way.”
USDA and DOE have convened interagency working groups. The working groups will focus on five major areas: (1) Develop and expand energy- and manufacturing-related businesses, industries and technologies in rural America; (2) Encourage investments in new or improved rural energy infrastructure; (3) Enhance capital access for energy-related businesses and industries in rural America; (4) Support rural community investments that anticipate growth associated with rural energy investment and development; and (5) Encourage, support and invest in cyber security initiatives and grid improvement. The working groups will be co-chaired by representatives of USDA and DOE. They will meet at least quarterly and prepare a report to each Secretary within a year of the first meeting and each year thereafter on actions and projects on which the departments will collaborate.
In April 2017, President Donald J. Trump established the Interagency Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity to identify legislative, regulatory and policy changes that could promote agriculture and prosperity in rural communities. In January 2018, Secretary Perdue presented the Task Force’s findings to President Trump. These findings included 31 recommendations to align the federal government with state, local and tribal governments to take advantage of opportunities that exist in rural America. The task force recognized that boosting all sources of energy including renewable sources is essential to achieving energy independence, strengthening America’s national security, and bolstering rural America’s economy.
To view the report in its entirety, please view the Report to the President of the United States from the Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity (PDF, 5.4 MB). In addition, to view the categories of the recommendations, please view the Rural Prosperity infographic (PDF, 190 KB).
Dear Editor:
Please consider this short, informative, alarming commentary by political scientist Dr. Mel Gurtov on the legitimate worry that Trump will continue to disrespect all democratic norms, even to the point of refusing to leave office if impeached and removed or defeated in the 2020 election. For PeaceVoice, thank you,
Tom Hastings
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Will Trump leave quietly?
by Mel Gurtov
518 words
On October 23, about two dozen unhappy Republican congress members stormed a closed hearing that was part of the impeachment inquiry, determined to show their loyalty to Trump (who knew of and inspired the action) and their distaste for the House intelligence panel led by Rep. Adam Schiff. To some observers, like Mieke Eoyang, vice president of the Third Way think tank and a specialist on intelligence, “storming the [secure meeting room] without respecting the security protocols that require people to leave their electronic devices outside the space, is actually compromising our national security.” But I think there is an even more important reason for concern.
The Republicans’ attempt to disrupt a hearing was the kind of violent response to adversity that Donald Trump encourages. We are likely to see more such sanctioned disruptions as Trump’s political fortunes wane. He has called any Republican who does not support him in the impeachment fight “scum,” and he has weighed in with invective against every State Department officer who has told the truth about Trump’s quid pro quo in Ukraine. Hard-core Trumpites respond to such cues. Ever since Trump began his campaign for the presidency, we have been aware that he condones violence against political opponents. Bullying is a signature Trump tactic that he has carried over from his business days, and using enablers to threaten and where necessary carry out violent acts on his behalf is an essential part of his game. That’s what cowards do.
From time to time Trump has mentioned staying on as president beyond a second term or even if defeated in 2020. He clearly admires dictators for life like Putin, Xi, Orban, and Erdogan, and he considers himself indispensable, beloved, a great leader. He has also said that if he were to want to remain in office, he would have support from the military, police forces, bikers, gun carriers, white supremacists, and evangelicals. Remember that in the 2016 election Trump set himself up as victim by declaring in advance that defeat could only happen if the election was “rigged.” Count on him to say the same next year, with Fox News fully on board. Would he accept defeat, since he says impeachment is equivalent to a coup, a stolen election? Would he call on supporters to take to the streets to block the inauguration of the (illegitimate) winner? Would Trump back a coup?
Such questions were inconceivable at any previous time in our history. But today, as quite a few historians are saying, we can’t be sure Trump will concede defeat and quietly step down. His ego is enormous, he thinks the media, the bureaucracy, and the liberals are out to get him, and he has no moral compunctions about doing whatever is necessary to win. That includes violence, and this draft dodger is very good at getting others to do his dirty work. Let’s face it: There are plenty of folks who seem ready to do anything Trump asks to demonstrate their loyalty. Democrats and freedom-loving people everywhere must be alert; a cornered animal is capable of lashing out in most any direction.
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Mel Gurtov, syndicated by PeaceVoice, is Professor Emeritus of Political Science at Portland State University.
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USDA Opens Registration for the 2020 Agricultural Outlook Forum
WASHINGTON, Oct. 24, 2019 – Registration is now open for the 96th annual Agricultural Outlook Forum (AOF), the largest annual meeting and premiere event of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The two-day Forum will take place on Feb. 20-21, 2020, at the Crystal Gateway Marriott Hotel in Arlington, Va.
The 2020 Forum, themed “The Innovation Imperative: Shaping the Future of Agriculture”, will feature more than 30 sessions covering topics such as innovations in agriculture, global trade trends, food loss and waste, frontiers in conservation, and the science of food safety. In addition, USDA Chief Economist will unveil the Department’s outlook for U.S. commodity markets and trade in 2020 and discuss the U.S. farm income situation.
An exhibit hall will showcase resources from USDA agencies and private organizations.
The 2020 Forum’s program will be announced at the beginning of November.
About USDA’s Outlook Forum
USDA’s Agricultural Outlook Forum began in 1923 to distribute and interpret national forecasts to farmers in the field. The goal was to provide the information developed through economic forecasting to farmers so they had the tools to read market signals and avoid producing beyond demand.
Since then, the Forum has developed into a unique platform where key stakeholders from the agricultural sector in the United States and around the world come together every year to discuss current and emerging topics and trends in the sector. On average, 1,600 people attend the Forum each year.
The Agricultural Outlook Forum, which is organized by USDA’s Office of the Chief Economist together with other USDA agencies, is independent of commercial interests and aims to facilitate information sharing among stakeholders and generate the transparency that leads to well-functioning open markets.
Future Leaders in Agriculture Program
The USDA Future Leaders in Agriculture Program selects undergraduate and graduate students in agriculture-related studies for a weeklong trip to Washington, D.C. During their visit, students will attend the Outlook Forum and take part in a USDA briefing, discuss career opportunities with agriculture leaders in academia, government, and industry, and tour the nation’s capital. Winners receive free registration, transportation, and lodging.
For more information about this real-world training experience in agribusiness, scientific research, and agricultural policy, you may apply for the Future Leaders in Agriculture Program (PDF, 131 KB).
Pre-Forum Field Trip
As part of the Agricultural Outlook Forum, USDA offers a pre-forum field trip for early arrivals. The 2020 pre-forum trip will focus on urban agriculture. It will feature a local urban farm enterprise and a visit with scientists who conduct research on microgreens, locally adapted fruit varieties and other urban farming topics at USDA’s Beltsville Agricultural Research Center. A nominal fee covers transportation and a boxed lunch.
Visit the Agricultural Outlook Forum website to register, reserve discounted room rates, join the pre-forum field trip, or apply for the USDA Future Leaders in Agriculture Program. Follow the conversation at #AgOutlook on USDA’s Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
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President Adams statement about Utah hosting NBA All-Star Game
Salt Lake City – Senate President J. Stuart Adams releases the following statement about Utah hosting the 2023 NBA All-Star Game.
"In 1993, Karl Malone and John Stockton were co-MVPs at the All-Star Game hosted in Salt Lake City. Thirty years later, in 2023, Utah will once again have the rare honor of hosting the NBA All-Star Game. I'm delighted our capital city will showcase its one of a kind hospitality to NBA fans and athletes from across the globe.
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ADHD Treatment Goes Digital
The options for treating ADHD without medication are growing as the FDA begins clearing "digital therapeutics" like these....
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CBT: Goal-Oriented Therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy aims to change negative thoughts and establish practical behaviors, like using a planner.
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ADHD IN THE NEWS
Mindfulness: Effective for Children with ADHD
In a small study, students with ADHD showed promising symptom improvements following mindfulness therapy sessions. Read more »
Treating ADHD with supplements & other natural remedies
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PART 2
10 Supplements and Vitamins for ADHD
A good supplement provides basic nutrients that your diet may be lacking. Here, Dr. Newmark recommends 10 for treating ADHD symptoms — with research supporting the effectiveness of each. | See the list →
9 Foods That Supercharge ADHD Brains
Did you know that too much of certain foods can shrink your brain's decision-making areas? Here's what you should be eating.
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Keep Calm and ADD Om
"Mindfulness teaches you to pay attention to paying attention, and can also make you more aware of your emotional state."
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October 24, 2019
Contact: Tim Vitale, Assistant Vice President, University Marketing and Communications, tim.vitale@usu.edu, 435-797-1356
Missing USU Student Baxter King Found Deceased
LOGAN --- Missing Utah State University student Baxter King was found deceased last night in Logan Canyon. No foul play is suspected.
Our thoughts are with his family, and we ask that their privacy be respected during this difficult time. We are heartbroken to lose a member of our Aggie family. We thank all of those who shared posts on Facebook and Twitter and those who physically searched for him.
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Information Sought on Missing USU Student
LOGAN --- The Utah State University Police Department is seeking information about a missing USU student.
Baxter Franklin King was last seen on Monday, Oct. 14, 2019, and last texted with another individual on Oct. 17, 2019. Those close to the student believe it’s unusual for him to be out of contact for so long. The student has also missed work. He is described as a reliable worker who is always on time.
Baxter is 5-foot, 10-inches, 200 pounds, with brown eyes and brown hair. He is 19 years old and wears glasses.
Baxter drives a blue 2005 Chevrolet Aveo with a Utah license plate number 545NYM.
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Holiday savings begins October 25 at Walmart.
Here is the link to the press release, which also has a PRESS KIT button that will take you to various holiday-related photos and videos of holiday merchandise, decorations, shoppers and more. https://corporate.walmart.com/newsroom/2019/10/23/the-holidays-officially-begin-at-walmart-retailer-announces-plans-to-help-customers-get-an-early-start-on-holiday-shopping
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Jim Bennett
801-971-5457
Sara Jarman
503-473-6356
UNITED UTAH PARTY ANNOUNCES 2019 SALT LAKE COUNTY CONVENTION
Salt Lake County gathering will allow all UUP members to elect party officers
SALT LAKE COUNTY--UT On November 2, 2019, the United Utah Party will be holding a county party convention at the Midvale Middle School at 10:30 a.m.
The purpose of this convention is to elect county officers, help party supporters get to know each other, and work together to build the party in Salt Lake County.
"If you're tired of the hatred and lack of progress in the two major political parties come to the United Utah convention.You'll see that progress is possible and that solutions can be reached without the spirit of animosity that is so prevalent in the world of politics today," Joshua Gregg, UUP Salt Lake County Chair stated.
UUP Chair Richard Davis echoed Gregg's statement.
"We invite to our county conventions anyone interested in a new alternative to the dysfunctional Republicans and Democrats. Come join us in building a new political system build on moderation, common sense, and practicality," said Davis.
"You will find other like-minded people who want to end the partisan gridlock that dominates today's politics."
UUP county conventions are open to the public. However, only those who are registered members of the party can vote on party business at the convention. For those not already UUP members, voter registration can be done in advance at vote.utah.gov or at the door.
The United Utah Party is a new moderate party in Utah that seeks common sense, practical solutions to governmental problems rather than ideological remedies. The party has ran 19 candidates for office in 2017-2018 and received approximately 10 percent of the vote - far out polling any other minor party in the state. For more information, go to unitedutah.org.
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UNITED UTAH PARTY OPPOSES CURRENT TAX REFORM PROPOSAL
UUP says that changes would hurt the poor and threaten education funding
The United Utah Party has issued the following statement in light of proposed tax reforms being considered by Governor Gary Herbert and legislative leaders:
The United Utah Party opposes the current tax reform proposals being discussed by the governor and legislative leaders. While we agree that something needs to be done to continue to fund government services for Utahns into the future, we believe that the ideas currently being considered are not in the best interests of the people of Utah and could have devastating consequences for Utah’s already underfunded education system.
Utah’s constitution currently mandates that all income-tax revenue be spent on education. This proposal would move toward eliminating that requirement and allowing lawmakers to take the money currently earmarked for schools and spend it however they choose.
Given that Utah has the lowest per-pupil education spending of any state in the nation, we should not give the legislature the opportunity to cut public education spending even further. The writers of our constitution highly valued public education and wanted to protect it. That's why they designated it as receiving all of the funds from income tax. We have an obligation to our children to take the same approach. Unless future legislatures are dominated by UUP legislators, we have no doubt lawmakers will use funds that should be dedicated to education for some other purpose.
The proposed changes also benefit high income earners at the expense of the poor and the middle class. The food tax, particularly, is a highly regressive tax that shifts the tax burden to those who can least afford it. Most states don't use it. Utah shouldn't either.
We don't see the value of an across-the-board tax cut because it doesn't help middle class taxpayers very much, if at all. But it gives a large tax break to certain high income earners. Yet, those are the very people who need it least.
Taxes on services also are being considered, but exemptions are being carved out for services that have expensive lobbyists at their disposal. That is unacceptable, and it is likely to increase cynicism among a Utah electorate that already distrusts the out-sized impact that lobbyist money has on the legislative process.
Rather than a wholesale reduction of the income tax, we propose a more graduated income tax rate that would not force middle income taxpayers to bear the brunt of the tax burden. Utah is one of the few states with a flat tax. The vast majority of states use a more progressive tax system that places more of a tax burden on those who are better able to afford it and less on those who are less able to afford it. A slightly more graduated income tax rate would alleviate the need for a regressive food tax.
We also propose that an independent commission be appointed by the legislature to examine current corporate tax loopholes.
We also object to the process the legislature and the governor are using to do this. There is too much at stake here to act rashly in a way that will benefit the few at the expense of the many. We urge the governor and lawmakers to allow real input from citizens.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 22, 2019
CONTACT: Lee Lonsberry
c - 801 698 7349
Bishop Calls Out Impeachment Inquiry From House Floor
“The pitiful propaganda pushed upon the people is a political ploy.”
WASHINGTON – Rep. Rob Bishop delivered an alliterative speech from the floor of the US House of Representatives wherein he expressed his views on the so-called ‘impeachment inquiry’ being led by House Democrats.
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Embracing Discomfort:
Why Allowing Yourself to Be Unsettled Makes You a Better Leader
Self-disruption in business is uncomfortable but necessary, says Quint Studer. These tips help leaders get comfortable with discomfort and do what's right for their business.
Hoboken, NJ (October 2019)—Disruption is inevitable in business. Marketplaces shift. Customer needs evolve. New technology emerges. Employees come and go. Quint Studer says it's far better for your company to disrupt itself than to let the marketplace force changes on you. If you wait and a competitor takes all the business, it will be too late. Being proactive, not reactive, will let you strategize and better control the process. There's just one problem: Self-disruption is really uncomfortable.
"Over the years, as I have interacted with many individuals and groups, I have recommended various actions that, if implemented, would improve performance and lead to better results," says Quint Studer, author of the Wall Street Journal bestseller The Busy Leader's Handbook: How to Lead People and Places That Thrive (Wiley, October 2019, ISBN: 978-1-119-57664-8, $28.00). "Quite often, I get pushback. A common response is, 'I am not comfortable doing that.' But much of a leader's job is spent being uncomfortable and leading others through discomfort as well."
A good example of self-disruption is finding ways to differentiate yourself from competitors. Studer says this can feel uncomfortable to people.
"I often suggest letting customers or clients know your training and experience up front," says Studer. "Think of a scenario in which a chef comes out, introduces themselves, and reviews the dinner options. What if the chef added where they had gone to culinary school and also mentioned their other training and experience? This addition not only impresses the people hearing it, but informs them in a way that they can share it with others. This creates effective word of mouth.
"The pushback I sometimes receive is that saying these things sounds like 'bragging,'" he adds. "My response is, 'No, it creates a feeling of confidence in the customer.' Check the information on a poster advertising a concert, a play, or a performer. You'll see that well-known, positive things are shared (e.g., if the performer is a winner of a Tony Award on Broadway or how many top-40 hits they have). There is nothing wrong with letting people know you are well qualified and good at doing your job."
Yes, taking actions that make us uncomfortable is hard. Taking actions that create discomfort in others is just as hard or even harder. Yet that is part of the leader's job. If we are to do our job right, it's inescapable. Here are some tips for handling the "unsettling" that you will experience as a leader and cause others to experience.
Realize that discomfort is normal. As M. Scott Peck wrote in his book The Road Less Traveled, "Life is difficult...Once we truly know that life is difficult—once we truly understand and accept it—then life is no longer difficult."
It's best if disruption comes from you and the organization and not from outside sources. Make time to work on the business, not just in the business. Reevaluate your company regularly. Schedule a time to pick apart your processes and systems. Keep that date, no matter what. Take it one department at a time. You are likely to find what you think is happening inside your company—perhaps even the very basic fundamentals—isn't happening. This will give you a chance to step in and make needed changes—to disrupt yourself.
Get in the habit of asking questions. Regularly ask employees what they think your biggest challenges are. What might the company do differently? What is holding us back? What is working well? (This may be the most important one of all, and, in fact, you should lead with it.) Also, question customers on how you can better serve them, when and where you've exceeded expectations, and what problems you solve for them. Never be afraid to ask questions for fear you might not like the answers. If you don't ask, you won't know what you need to improve.
Own the messages that unsettle you and others. It is easy to blame someone else. Saying to the staff that you don't like it either, but it is the corporate position, impacts the company poorly. Let's say the yearly budget you are given is less than you had asked for. It will mean letting the staff know that more help will not be hired or a new piece of equipment will not be bought. As a leader, you have a choice: You can deflect the pressure (and ease the discomfort you feel) by blaming corporate, or you can carry the message yourself. Those who carry the message themselves and take ownership of it are the real leaders.
"Don't be afraid to ask corporate to explain something further so you can better understand the decision and explain it to your staff," says Studer. "It will still be uncomfortable, but it is the way a good manager handles things."
Understand and explain the why. "I went to a dermatologist about a spot on my face," says Studer. "The physician looked it over, took a small sample, sent it to pathology, and asked me to wait for the results. About 30 minutes later, he told me it was skin cancer and needed to come out. I then (nicely) asked him where he went to medical school and did his residency. He answered that he graduated from Vanderbilt University School of Medicine and completed both his residency and a fellowship in dermatology there.
"Was he bragging or self-promoting by telling me his background? No. He was reducing my anxiety and building my confidence as a patient. That's the why. Once people understand the why behind what they're being asked to do, they are almost always willing to push through the discomfort and adopt the behavior. As leaders it's our job to convey the why in a way that people can truly hear and understand."
Make it a cultural standard to immediately admit to mistakes. This is one of the most valuable things leaders and employees can do, because owning up to mistakes allows you to quickly fix issues and course correct. Yet the prospect of admitting mistakes is deeply unsettling to people. As a leader, model this behavior. Say, "I was wrong," when needed. And make sure it's psychologically "safe" for others to do so as well by not punishing mistakes. Make it clear that mistakes are a necessary part of learning and growth.
Urge employees to get in on the self-disruption, too. Once your employees see that you're constantly evaluating how the company is doing, they'll get involved, too. It won't be just you, the business owner or leader, who is looking for ways to improve. It will be everyone working together. Those closest to the process (employees) are often the best ones to disrupt and improve it.
The beauty of regular self-disruption is that it creates a culture inside your company in which people continually look for a better way to do things—a culture in which no one is satisfied with anything less than the best. Creating this kind of culture is worth the uncomfortable feeling of being a little unsettled.
Don't forget to recognize and celebrate what's going right. As you constantly seek to disrupt and unsettle yourself, you will also find that some things are going right inside your company. This allows you to celebrate the "wins" with employees and also to praise and reward your high performers. This keeps engagement and morale high and encourages employees to work even harder and smarter.
Remember, discomfort is neither good nor bad. It's a byproduct of change. It gets a bad rap at times, yet some change can be very good. That new baby, new job, new house, car, city, or even that new understanding—all of these are uncomfortable, because all mean an adjustment in some manner. Yet most people will ultimately agree that once the dust settles, the change was worth the temporary discomfort.
"Leadership means unsettling ourselves and others," concludes Studer. "The most effective leaders realize that being unsettled is part of the process of life, and they work to understand and role model this truth."
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About the Author:
Quint Studer is the author of the Wall Street Journal bestseller The Busy Leader's Handbook and a lifelong businessman, entrepreneur, and student of leadership. He not only teaches it; he has done it. He has worked with individuals at all levels and across a variety of industries to help them become better leaders and create high-performing organizations. He seeks always to simplify high-impact leader behaviors and tactics for others.
Quint has a great love for teaching his insights in books and has authored nine of them in addition to The Busy Leader's Handbook. His book Results That Last also made the Wall Street Journal bestseller list. Building a Vibrant Community, published in 2018, is a blueprint for communities seeking to revitalize themselves.
Quint is the founder of Vibrant Community Partners and Pensacola's Studer Community Institute. He currently serves as the Entrepreneur-in-Residence at the University of West Florida.
To learn more, please visit www.thebusyleadershandbook.com, www.vibrantcommunityblueprint.com, and www.studeri.org.
About the Book:
The Busy Leader's Handbook: How to Lead People and Places That Thrive (Wiley, October 2019, ISBN: 978-1-119-57664-8, $28.00) is available at bookstores nationwide, from major online booksellers, and direct from the publisher by calling 800-225-5945. In Canada, call 800-567-4797. For more information, please visit the book's page at www.wiley.c
