Senator John Thune will pay Milbank a visit on Wednesday, April 24. Thune, a Republican from Murdo, is currently serving South Dakota in the United States Senate. Earlier this year, Senator Thune was elected Senate Republican Whip, the second most senior position in the Senate Republican Leadership, behind Senator Mitch McConnell. He is currently the highest ranking Republican Senator in South Dakota history.
Senator Thune will begin his day at the newly expanded Valley Queen Cheese Company in Milbank. He will be joined by South Dakota Secretary of Agriculture Kim Vanneman, professional staff for Senator Mike Rounds, and Michael Dykes, D.V.M, president and CEO of the International Dairy Foods Association. The group will receive a tour of the new Valley Queen Cheese facility, and then participate in a roundtable discussion focused on legislative and regulatory issues impacting U.S. food, including pending trade agreements, labor and immigration.
“I’m looking forward to touring the Valley Queen Cheese Factory and meeting with dairy leaders to discuss issues the dairy industry is facing in our state and across the nation,” said Senator Thune. “The dairy industry is an important sector of our state’s number one industry, agriculture, so I expect this roundtable will be especially helpful to learn more about what can be done to help these folks in Washington.”
“Valley Queen appreciates the willingness of these government leaders to engage with our industry at a grassroots level. We can’t expect policymakers to understand our needs if we’re not explaining to them how these policies impact our businesses and our ability to stay competitive,” said Doug Wilke, CEO, Valley Queen.
Senator Thune will also participate in a luncheon hosted by the Milbank Chamber of Commerce and Grant County Development Corporation. The luncheon, held at the Milbank Visitors Center and beginning at 11:30 AM, offers business owners, community leaders and interested citizens the opportunity to hear from Senator Thune and offer their input.
Senator Thune will conclude his tour of Milbank by speaking to students from Milbank High and Middle Schools.
Staff Writer
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