Press Releases

U.S. Congressman Hal Rogers (KY-05) announced today that the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development (USDA-RD) program has awarded a $147,500 Rural Business Enterprise Grant for the Southeast Kentucky Economic Development Corporation (SKED) to provide a working capital loan to Jabo and Sons in Letcher County.

“Once again, SKED is leading our region by generating real economic opportunities for the people of Letcher County and across southeast Kentucky,” said Rogers. “Sound investments, technical assistance, and low-cost small business financing are the tools necessary to bring high-quality jobs and innovation to our rural communities. I applaud those who are working to make Jenkins an even stronger community and look forward to the success that lies ahead.”

“This USDA funding enables SKED to assist small business owner James Fouts, Sr. to expand his business and hire more people at a time when jobs are scarce across the nation,” said SKED Executive Director Greg Jones. “It is our privilege to be able to play a small part in seeing a 24-year-old business succeed and expand in eastern Kentucky at a time when it’s needed most.”

The loan will provide the working capital required for the expansion of Jabo and Sons at its Jenkins location and the retention of seven jobs while creating an additional eight new jobs over the next two years. The expansion includes moving from its current 2,000 square-foot facility into an 8,000 square-foot building and purchasing additional equipment to fulfill new contracts. Jabo and Sons was organized in 1986 by James Fouts, Sr. to provide specialized welding, pipe bending, molding and other machining type of operations. Its primary customers include the trucking industry, mining industry, and other types of businesses that need machine and metal fabrication work.

Rogers has served Kentucky’s 5th Congressional District since 1981. With a focus on economic development, job creation, fighting illegal drugs and preserving Appalachia’s natural treasures, he has a reputation for listening to his constituents and fighting for the region he represents. For more information visit www.halrogers.house.gov.