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McCollum's eNewsletter: A New Greenhouse in St. Paul, St. Paul Harbor, and More

June 4, 2012
e-Newsletter

Congresswoman McCollum, Mayor Chris Coleman, BrightFarms, Inc., and J&J Distributing Welcome a New Greenhouse in St. Paul
Today, Congresswoman McCollum joined St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman in welcoming the construction of a new greenhouse that will grow local produce in St. Paul. BrightFarms, Inc. – a private company that builds greenhouses – will construct a 38,000 square foot greenhouse at J&J Distributing – another St. Paul-based company. The new greenhouse will grow over 350,000 pounds of local lettuce, tomatoes, and herbs every year. J&J Distributing will package and distribute the local produce.

On the Water Touring St. Paul Harbor Operations: A Critical Link for Minnesota’s Farmers and Businesses
Last week, Congresswoman McCollum was on the water touring St. Paul’s Mississippi River harbor operations with Upper River Services, Inc. (URSI) President Lee Nelson and St. Paul Port Authority President Louie Jambois. URSI, which operates the St. Paul’s harbor and repairs towboats and barges, is preparing to build new offices and a storage facility downtown. The harbor is a critical transportation link for Minnesota farmers and businesses, helping to deliver nearly five million tons of commodities to United States and global markets in 2010.

Minnesota Mourns Loss of a Leader – Father Greg Schaffer
On May 24, Father Greg Schaffer – a New Ulm, Minnesota native who dedicated his life to helping others – passed away. Since 1962, he served the people of San Lucas Toliman, Guatemala by alleviating poverty and creating economic opportunities. Congresswoman McCollum was a close friend of Father Schaffer’s. In 2009, she visited San Lucas Toliman to see these humanitarian works in progress.

“Elevating human dignity was Greg’s life’s work and he did it through working with poor, indigenous farmers to help them have access to land, economic opportunity, healthcare, and education,” said Congresswoman McCollum.

Participating Minnesota Blue Star Museums Offer Free Admission This Summer for Military Personnel and Their Families
The National Endowment of the Arts (NEA) recently announced the third annual Blue Star Museums program. Participating museums offer free admission to all active duty military personnel and their families from Memorial Day, May 28 to Labor Day, September 3, 2012. Museums in St. Paul include the Minnesota Children's Museum, Dakota County Historical Society, and the American Association of Woodturners Gallery of Wood Art. Blue Star Museums is collaboration among the National Endowment of the Arts, Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense, and over 1,600 museums nationwide.

Issues:Agriculture & NutritionForeign AffairsTransportation & Infrastructure