Rutherford Ride Alongs
I recently spent time with Challenge Enterprises' Shipboard Logistics Team at Mayport Naval Station to load fresh produce onto the USS Billings (LCS 15). During this Rutherford Ride Along, I worked alongside individuals who have benefited from Challenge Enterprises' federal contract work through the AbillityOne program. For more than fifty years, Challenge Enterprises has provided people with different abilities a spectrum of services, including residential support, life skills training, and meaningful employment opportunities.
For another Rutherford Ride Along, I spent some time in the trees with Rayonier in Nassau County to learn more about forestry's economic and environmental impact on Northeast Florida.
Each year, Rayonier plants over 30 million trees by hand! Unlike seasonal crops, timber is planted for a generation, not just for a growing season. It takes years of hard work, disciplined care, and a healthy environment to keep trees in the optimal condition. New technologies allow them to use fewer chemicals and fertilizer, which is better for the environment and their trees.
After a brief pause due to the Coronavirus, I'm happy to say my "Rutherford Ride Alongs" are back! Today I visited Standard Feed & Seed in Northeast Florida to learn more about their day-to-day operations and the challenges they face as a growing business. For the past 73 years, Standard Feed & Seed has provided our community with assistance in gardening, raising livestock and chickens, and taking care of household pets.
I recently spent the morning with Amelia Toffee, a small (and delicious!) business on Amelia Island, and joined their talented employees hard at work. During my visit, I also had the opportunity to make a fresh batch of toffee using locally produced spirits from Marlin and Barrel distillery!
For another Rutherford Ride Along, I spent the day delivering packages with UPS in Jacksonville! It was an excellent opportunity to learn about the logistical and physical challenges that drivers and warehouse employees must overcome every day to get your package to the front door. These hard-working men and women are an excellent example of what propels our economy forward.
Thank you especially to Rebecca, our driver, and the wonderful folks at UPS who made this Ride Along an insightful and unique experience.
For another Rutherford Ride Along, I recently visited PW Graphic Solutions in Jacksonville! It was impressive to see firsthand the meticulous skill and care that goes into transforming a vehicle into a work of art. We also discussed the opportunities that tax reform has provided, both to the business and to individual employees. As a small business, the new, streamlined tax regulations make it easier for PW Graphic Solutions to compete with larger operations.
For another Rutherford Ride Along, I spent a morning with David Stringfield and his team at Auto Masters Fleet Services in Jacksonville.
For another Rutherford Ride Along, I recently visited the Homestead Air Reserve Base to spend a day in the life of the U.S. Army's elite parachute team, the Golden Knights, and completed a freefall jump.
Welcome to another installment of the Rutherford Ride Along, where I visit workplaces across the First Coast to gain insights on how federal policies impact the jobs in our community. I had the opportunity to spend time with Ms. Sue Butler, Ms. Kristie Money, and the Kindergarten class at Bryceville Elementary in Nassau County. We read "Yankee Doodle Dandy," which talked about the founding of America, and compared the original flag to the current flag. I was impressed with both the students and the manner in which Ms.