JACKSON, Mo. – Congressman Jason Smith (R-MO) was presented with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce “Spirit of Enterprise” award by Barrell 131, a local business in Jackson on Thursday afternoon.
Congressman Smith received the award for his work in the U.S. Congress to defend the liberty and freedom of small businesses as well as his track record of fighting for less regulations, lower taxes and pro-growth polices here in the U.S. which allow small businesses to prosper and hire.
Congressman Smith speaks after being presented with the Spririt of Enterprise Award.
Smith spoke about his efforts fighting for the communities he represents in southern Missouri.
“America belongs to the hardworking men and women who move their communities forward—whose innovative spirit and ingenuity have built the greatest country in the world—and not to bureaucrats in Washington,” said Congressman Smith. “That’s why I’ve fought relentlessly to roll back regulations, helping to incentivize job creation and ease the burden of big government on Main Street businesses and middle-class families just trying to survive. I’m honored to be recognized for supporting pro-growth policies and championing the values of the farmers, ranchers, businesses and families I represent in southern Missouri.”
Congressman Smith stands with Barrell 131’s co-owner and manager, and state and local officials. (From left to right: State Senator Wayne Wallingford, Jackson Mayor Dwain Hahs, U.S. Congressman Jason Smith, Chamber Vice President Jen Berti, Co-Owner Ronnie Maxwell, Co-Owners Michelle and Joe Hobbs, Manager Allison Hobbs, and State Representative Kathy Swan.)
Jen Berti, Vice President of the Jackson Chamber of Commerce, presented Congressman Smith with the award and spoke about his commitment to the community.
“Our region is fortunate to have Congressman Smith advocate for the business community,” said Berti. “Congressman Smith has a long and distinguished track record of being pro-business and the Jackson Mo Chamber of Commerce appreciates that.”
Joe Hobbs, one of the owners of Barrell 131, said he appreciates all of the Congressman’s support for small businesses.
“Having met the congressman before, it was great to have him in one of our businesses so he could see it firsthand and listen to our concerns about the current state of businesses in southeast Missouri,” said Hobbs. “It was also great to be able to thank him in person for his work on the PPP program that helped our business and employees so much.”
Barrell 131, the local businesses that presented Smith with the award, opened in March of 2017. It is owned by Joe and Michelle Hobbs, and Ronnie and Jessica Maxwell. They have made serving their community a staple of their business and even the building reflects that. The building dates back to the 1920s, maintains its original tin roof, and includes doors and a window re-purposed from SEMO’s Academic Hall that date back even further. The owners also made it a point when they opened for business that Barrell 131 was not just a normal bar; it was “a place where you come to have a drink and socialize.”
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