On Friday, August 20, Rep. Deb Mell (D-Chicago) hosted members from the McHenry and Cook County Farm Bureaus for a tour of her district. The group met at Rep. Mell's office where she provided them with an overview of her district. Their first stop was at Cretor's Manufacturing, a family owned business that has been in Chicago for 125 years. Cretor's manufactures food concessions equipment and are most well known for their popcorn poppers and technological advancements in the popcorn making industry. The group then headed over to the 17th District Police Station where they discussed public safety and crime concerns in the area. Lunch was held at the famous Smoque BBQ where the Farm Bureau members were able to sample some of the best brisket and ribs in Chicago. The final stop was at a neighborhood garden that is run by volunteers who donate the vegetables to a local food pantry. The group presented Rep. Mell with her Friend of Ag Award and thanked her for her support of agricultural issues.
Rep. Mell is looking forward to visiting McHenry County this fall and plans to bring some of her staff with her. Tentative plans are to tour a dairy, grain farm and meet with some specialty growers.
