Rep. Burchett recognizes Weigels in floor speech

WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 8, 2019) – Congressman Tim Burchett (R-TN) delivered a

recognizing Weigel's Farm Stores, an East Tennessee-based convenience store chain, for its dedication to selling Tennessee products.

The text of the speech is as follows and is available as part of the Congressional Record:

Thank you Mister Speaker.

I rise today to recognize Weigel's Farm Stores, an East Tennessee-based convenience store chain, for its dedication to selling Tennessee products. Recently, Weigel's announced that it would sell milk only produced, processed, and bottled within the state.

In 1931, the Weigel family began operating a dairy. Over decades, the family business expanded from farming to owning and operating 67 stores in the region. I remember the square jugs of Weigel's Milk that became iconic in the Knoxville area. Although they no longer produce their own milk, their commitment to Tennessee dairy products has remained constant.

Independently owned dairies have long been an important part of East Tennessee's economy, but recently, these operations have struggled to compete with larger farms. I am glad that Bill Weigel, the current owner of the business, and his family are investing in our local products and family farms, and I hope their decision will inspire other milk processors to do the same.

Thank you, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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