[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 190 (Thursday, October 28, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Page S7458]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                        RECOGNIZING HINTON MILLS

 Mr. PAUL. Mr. President, as ranking member of the Senate 
Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize 
an outstanding Kentucky small business that exemplifies the American 
entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to recognize a 
family-owned small business and beloved eastern Kentucky staple, Hinton 
Mills of Flemingsburg, KY, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.
  In 1918, Frank L. Hinton and his wife, Ellora, established Hinton 
Mills in Goddard, KY. The general store, which provided supplies for 
local farmers, moved down the road to Plummers Landing in 1923. After 
serving in World War II, their son, Frank O. Hinton, returned to run 
the family business together with his wife, Maxine. Frank O., who had a 
passion for raising livestock, added a feed mill in 1956. By 1977, 
Hinton Mills had added locations in Flemingsburg, Ewing, and May's 
Lick, primarily serving local dairy operations and tobacco farmers. A 
fifth location opened in Cynthiana in 2015, enabling Hinton Mills to 
serve northern and eastern Kentucky.
  Today, Hinton Mills continues to thrive as a farm supply store and 
feed retailer. The family-owned business celebrated its 103rd 
anniversary in 2021 and is led by the third and fourth generations of 
Hintons. Family members serve in a number of roles, including Frank 
O.'s son, Bud Hinton, as president, and Bud's son, Adam Hinton, as vice 
president. Led by the ethos of ``Faith, Family, Friends, and Farming,'' 
Hinton Mills has grown along with the surrounding area. Their strong 
sense of family has built a tight-knit, supportive team, with some 
families employed there for generations. To celebrate its 100th 
anniversary, Kentucky Gateway Museum Center hosted an exhibit in 2018 
to recognize Hinton Mills and their impact on the agricultural 
community of eastern Kentucky.
  Over the past 100 years, the Hinton family has consistently invested 
in and served their community. They regularly participate in local and 
regional events, ranging from agricultural fairs and the annual Fleming 
County FFA Tractor Parade, to hosting their annual weeklong Seed Day 
customer appreciation event. Hinton Mills champions Kentucky's 
agriculture industry, advocating for small agricultural businesses at 
the local, State, and national level. They are a part of several local 
business and industry groups, including the Fleming County Chamber of 
Commerce and Kentucky Retail Federation. Notably, Adam has served on 
the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board, the Kentucky Retail 
Federation Board of Directors, and the Kentucky FFA Foundation's Board 
of Trustees. Like many small businesses, Hinton Mills rallied to face 
the challenges caused by the coronavirus pandemic and adapted to 
continue supporting local farmers as they kept the country fed.
  Hinton Mills is a remarkable example of the resilience and 
adaptability of locally owned small businesses. Small businesses, like 
Hinton Mills, form the heart of towns across Kentucky and play a 
critical role in Kentucky's agricultural industry. Congratulations to 
Bud, Adam, and the entire team at Hinton Mills. I wish them the best of 
luck, and I look forward to watching their continued growth and success 
in Kentucky.

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