Joetta Choate,

Equity Group

Kentucky Division

Equity Group- Kentucky Division enjoyed a visit from 1st District Congressman Ed Whitfield on February 17th during his travel to the southern counties of Kentucky. He was welcomed to the plant by Equity’s senior staff and a host of other managers and supervisors. He had a meet and greets session with the staff to get to know them and what they do for Equity. Each manager present discussed briefly their history with the company and the job they do for Equity. The staff fielded various questions from Congressman Whitfield about the facility and what is done.

He got a brief overview of “Chicken 101” from all the staff and enjoyed it greatly.

Charles Johnson, one of Equity’s Quality Managers, then prepared samples of both grilled chicken products for a taste test by the Congressman. As he enjoyed his grilled chicken sandwich he fielded some questions submitted by plant folks regarding state and national issues like Obama-care, the spiraling cost of health care, Lake Cumberland water level issues, the growing size of the federal government and the regulatory agencies administered by it.

His concerns regarding health care and the general difficulty in submitting amendments when the bill was passed were enlightening. His concern regarding the inability of filling Lake Cumberland to full pool related to a Darter fish was evident.

The group asked for help with the Ethanol initiative, by reducing it to help ease our high feed costs. He was receptive and even pointed out that the requirement was reduced for this coming year.

He encouraged all Equity workers to feel free to contact him when in need of help at the Congressional level. He has proven to help military members and families by alleviating difficult situations recently with a serviceman leaving the military.

After 45 minutes of personal attention and care the Congressman lauded Equity managers and the job they do. He also was very excited to see the number of local folks working for the company throughout all its facets.

Equity Group – Kentucky Division would like to thank Congressman Whitfield for taking time out of his busy schedule to stop by for a short, but meaningful visit.