[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 121 (Wednesday, July 18, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1027-E1028]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 RECOGNIZING JIM MARKEL AND PERRY JONES

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. GREG GIANFORTE

                               of montana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 18, 2018

  Mr. GIANFORTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor two Montana 
veterans and entrepreneurs committed to creating good-paying Montana 
jobs and revitalizing their community.
   Jim Markel and Perry Jones own Red Oxx Mfg. Inc., a producer and 
retailer of durable travel bags. Their award-winning products are 
handcrafted in Montana, have nationwide recognition, and account for 
over $2.5 million in annual company sales.
   The U.S. Small Business Administration named Red Oxx Montana's 
Veteran-Owned Business of the Year in 2016. CEO Markel served in the 
U.S. Marine Corps, and company president Jones in the U.S. Navy.
   The Red Oxx factory and retail store are in a commercial and 
industrial area east of Billings' vibrant downtown. Looking to 
reenergize the neighborhood instead of relocating the business as it 
grew, Markel served on an advisory board of the Billings Industrial 
Revitalization District.
   Improvements guided by the district are attracting new businesses, 
renewing the area, and creating greater opportunity and more jobs.
   This spring, Markel and Jones broke ground on a project that will 
transform about half a city block into a large outdoor event center, 
turning broken asphalt and recycled metal into an open, green space 
with ornamental fencing, sculptures, and park benches.
   The event center will host community activities, feature 
performances, and be available for local nonprofit organizations to 
hold benefit events. Several years in the making, the event center will 
play a critical role in further rejuvenating the neighborhood.
   Mr. Speaker, for their service to our country, entrepreneurship, and 
dedication to their community, I recognize Jim Markel and Perry Jones 
for their spirit of Montana.

[[Page E1028]]

  

                          ____________________