Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the wonderful life of Ned Reynolds, a resident of Springfield, Missouri, legendary broadcaster and a great friend to many including myself. For each of the 22 years I conducted the Missouri State all Sports Auction Ned was one of my two set up men that would introduce each item being auctioned along with another area Sportscasting Legend Art Hains.

St. Louis loved Jack Buck. Kansas City embraced Len Dawson. Springfield and the Ozarks proudly claim Ned Reynolds.

People in the Ozarks have been watching and listening to Ned Reynolds on KY3 and on the radio for more than 50 years. They have heard the phrases ``get that off the screen'' when one of the local favorites lost a game and ``bon jour and good sports'' at the end of many newscasts. Anyone who has met Ned will say sports is in his blood.

While many people in the Ozarks consider Ned a Missouri native, he grew up in Haddonfield, N.J. Ned is the middle child of three boys. His older brother is a retired professor at Rutgers University and his younger brother is retired from the U.S. Steel Corporation and heads the fundraising efforts for Theo's Work, an orphanage for underprivileged children in Haiti. Ned has a daughter, Stephanie, who is married to Darrell Hasse. He also has two grandchildren and one great grandchild.

His father was a high school principal and provided educational direction. His mother, a concert pianist, developed his love of Classical music. After graduating from Haddonfield Memorial High School, Ned attended Temple University in Philadelphia. With the strong suggestion from his father, Ned studied English rather than journalism. His father felt that a basic overall education would be more beneficial to career enhancement than journalism.

Ned has been doing sports since he was a kid. He was an announcer for little league games, high school sports reporting for local newspapers and emceed many local sporting events. In high school, he worked part- time at WKDN in Camden, NJ. Ned made his first television appearance on NBC's Today show when he was only 15. He won a special guest appearance by sending a demo tape of his sports commentary of course,

After graduation from Temple University, Ned joined the Navy. He applied to get into the armed forces radio, but was placed into the medical corps as a land-based surgical technician. After 4 years serving our country, and with his father's blessing to go into broadcasting, Ned came to KY3 in 1967. He has said that he drove into the parking lot at KY3 and never left. With his very early start in radio during high school, college, and in the service, Ned assumed his broadcasting career would be in radio. However, as is the nature of the broadcasting profession, a change was on the horizon. Working at KY3 is the only TV job that Ned has ever had. When asked why he switched from radio to television, he said: ``KY3 had an opening and I was lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time.'' Ned officially retired from KY3 in 2014.

Ned's retirement didn't last long. He currently hosts a daily morning sports talk show on Springfield's Jock 96.9 and you can still see his sports commentary every Monday night on KY3 Sports. Ned continues to be the play-by-play announcer for the Double-A Springfield Cardinals games on KY3 and The Ozarks CW.

If Ned isn't on the radio or television, he is doing philanthropy work in the community. He gives endless hours to numerous organizations. Ned has served on the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame board; spokesman for the United Way of the Ozarks and the boards of Springfield Symphony, Springfield Ballet, ARC of the Ozarks and he MC's the annual Honor Flight of the Ozarks banquets. He can still be frequently seen on public service announcements airing on KY3 promoting several local charities and their events.

His sports reporting and dedication to the community have not gone unnoticed. Ned was honored to be selected as a Torch Barrier for the 1996 Olympic Torch Relay in Ste. Genevieve, Missouri for the Atlanta Games. At the end of his leg of the race, he handed the torch to Ozzie Smith of the St. Louis Cardinals. In 2001 Ned was inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame and received the Champion Award in 2002 from the Ambassadors of Community Health Award. In 2014 he was inducted into the Mid-America Emmy's Silver Circle and in 2019 he was inducted into The Missouri Broadcaster's Hall of Fame. He was even the first person with their own bobbIe head in the inaugural season of the Springfield Cardinals.

Much has happened since his Today Show appearance--and in Ned's own words . . . ``it has been a wonderful ride.''

Madam Speaker, I am honored to have Ned Reynolds as a friend and I join his family, friends and the entire broadcasting community in honoring his lifetime of accomplishments and service to the Missouri Ozarks.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Barbara Long in recognition of her lifelong passion for and dedication to the arts.

Barbara first developed her love of the arts in her hometown of Cheyenne, WY. During high school and college she taught ballet at the E. Tolerton School of Dance. Barbara earned numerous accolades in Stars of Tomorrow competitions and was selected Miss Cheyenne under the mentorship of Elizabeth Tolerton. She also performed with the University of Wyoming Dance Troupe, Cheyenne Little Theater and the Denver Civic Ballet in the Nutcracker. She performed piano recitals at the University of Wyoming and the Wyoming Governor's mansion.

Barbara attended the University of Wyoming for 2 years on an honor scholarship. When we began dating she transferred to Missouri State University where she received her B.S. in Secondary Education. After we married, Barbara turned her artistic interest to home remodeling and design. She designed or remodeled dozens of projects as diverse as historic homes to log cabins.

What is truly remarkable about Barbara is her sustained passion for community building through the arts. She has dedicated her time, energy and talents to many local organizations, including Springfield Junior League, Girl Scouts, Greenwood Laboratory School PTA, Ozarks Counseling Center, Springfield Little Theatre, Ronald McDonald House, Family Violence Center: Hearts in Harmony and ``Go Red purse-onalities'' benefiting American Heart Association.

During her time in D.C., she has worked with the Congressional Club on Joint Base children's daycare project, and building a charter school playground. She has also worked with the USO, packaging Mother's Day gifts for mothers and wives of servicemen and servicewomen. Barbara has participated for several years in the March of Dimes Gourmet Gala. She is a member of Congressional Club, Republican Spouses Club, Congressional Families Cancer Prevention Advisory Committee and the Congressional Spouses for Suicide Prevention and Education.

Madam Speaker, although Barbara never seeks the spotlight, her understated but undeniable passion shines brightly from within and reflects on all those around her. I am proud to bring recognition to her today.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Fredna Mahaffey.

Fredna Barton Mahaffey was born on July 18, 1929, in Highland Park (Dallas), Texas. After graduating from Highland Park High School, she attended SMU where she became a member of the Pi Beta Phi Sorority. After transferring to the University of Wisconsin in Madison she graduated with a BA in Spanish while also becoming President of the local Pi Beta Phi chapter.

In 1953, Fredna was very blessed to have gone on an afternoon blind date where she met her future husband John B. Mahaffey of Springfield, Missouri. Their date was to a football game between two arch rivals, the Texas Longhorns and the Oklahoma Sooners. `Freddie' as John called her had another date with another suitor scheduled for that evening but she was so taken with John she cancelled the later date. John and Fredna got married October 29, 1954, in Dallas. After their nuptials Fredna moved to Springfield in southwest Missouri. Their children, Robert and Beth, grew up with the political commitment of their parents.

Fredna campaigned for Richard Nixon in 1960 and took her daughter to a Nixon rally at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds. Throughout the 1964 presidential campaign, her children remember that she wore a gold elephant pin with black horn-rimmed glasses in support of Barry Goldwater. I didn't wear an elephant pin but 1964 was the first campaign I worked on as a nine year old in Springfield. I would ride my bicycle all over the neighborhood nailing `Goldwater For President' placards to telephone poles. Fredna's father was a physician who had the first EKG machine in Dallas, and after he read ``A Texan Looks at Lyndon'' published in March 1964 he shared it with Fredna.

In the mid-1960's, she worked tirelessly for then-State Senator Jack Curtis' re-election, whose district lines had changed to include the whole of Greene County. Their phone bank was 3 rotary-dial telephones in the basement of Jack and Helen Curtis' home in Springfield with volunteers fueled by Helen's delicious brownies.

Fredna was a Greene County, Missouri, GOP Committeewoman and local political organizer for many years, back in the day when all her voter records were on handwritten index cards.

Fredna and John were instrumental in Southwest Missouri in the Republicans rise in Missouri including the election of Jack Danforth to Attorney General in 1968, Kit Bond as State Auditor in 1970, and Kit Bond for Governor in 1972. Over the past 50 years, Fredna supported numerous Federal, state and local candidates and GOP party committees' fundraising campaigns. In 2000 and 2004, Fredna supported John's efforts as a major national fundraiser for former President George W. Bush. She and John opened their homes on Catalpa and in Highland Springs and hosted or sponsored gatherings for former President George H.W. Bush, former Vice President Dan Quayle, former President George W. Bush, Lynne Cheney, Senator Roy Blunt, Senator Josh Hawley, Governor Mike Parson, Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft, Congresswomen Ann Wagner and Vicky Hartzler, former Senators Jack Danforth, Kit Bond and Jim Talent, and former Lt. Governor Peter Kinder.

In our recently completed election cycle, Fredna, at 93 years old continued to support Republican candidates including myself for Senate along with Eric Schmitt for Senate, Eric Burleson for Congress in Missouri-07 and Erik Aadlund in Colorado-07 (whose father is the former Commanding General at Fort Leonard Wood). Her heart and head has not wavered from the mission of liberty, smaller government and free enterprise instilled in her many years before.

Fredna had 58 years together with John, including in the political arena, until his passing in August 2013. She supported his more than 3 decades of service as a Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army under 5 U.S. Presidents, traveling the world in support of the U.S. Army. The John Mahaffey Museum Complex at Fort Leonard Wood is a testimony to their joint faithfulness to our soldiers, as is their establishing the Operation Promises scholarship at Missouri State University for veterans who were injured in combat after September 11, 2001.

Fredna is most importantly a lifelong Christian, a strong believer in Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and a faithful member and supporter of First and Calvary Presbyterian Church in Springfield.

Madam Speaker, Fredna has dedicated her life to so many great causes near to her heart, and I am proud to honor her today.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor JP Sell and Diversified Freedom for Disabilities/Fish Tales.

Diversified Freedom for Disabilities/Fish Tales is a Not-for-Profit Organization founded in 2011 by JP Sell, located in Missouri that specializes in working with veterans and children with severe disabilities. This organization develops equipment so that these persons with disabilities may enjoy the Great Outdoors, in fishing, hunting, and trail adventures. Through the years DFD/Fish Tales has developed special programs such as Fishing Dreams for Veterans, Anglers for Life, and the National Youth Fishing Association. Today their efforts are developing a Handicap Recreation Park for veterans and children with disabilities and a Special Indoor Facility for activities and mental health rehabilitation. DFD/Fish Tales has helped well over 50,000 veterans and children with disabilities enjoy the Great Outdoors and has helped structure many other Not-for-Profit organizations develop programs so they may extend their outreaches to help others.

Madam Speaker, Diversified Freedom for Disabilities/Fish Tales is an incredible organization doing incredible work. As an avid bass fisherman myself, I know the joy that being out on the water can bring, and DFD/Fish Tales has been bringing that joy to those who might otherwise miss out. The annual Fishing

Dreams Event on Table Rock Lake, which I have been proud to take part in as Congressman for Missouri's 7th District, is but one of many great programs they host to help veterans and children with disabilities. In 2021 at Fishing Dreams we took 107 veterans fishing including two that were over 100 years old. When I pull up at this annual event, JP Sell is one of the first faces I see and always with a big bright smile ready to volunteer for the day.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Bryan Magers.

William Bryan Magers was born on June 15, 1947, in Springfield, Missouri. After graduating from Glendale High School, Bryan attended the University of Missouri. He served in the United States Army, and after completing military service he entered the world of real estate, joining 8 other realtors to form House of Brokers.

He started Bryan Properties in 1985 with the purchase of a house just west of Missouri State University. He began to build duplexes and single-family homes for rent, and by 1989 he was creating apartment communities. Bryan Properties really hit its stride in the 21st century: the company built University Suites, a 72-bed residential development at Drury University. It was awarded Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design-Platinum status by the U.S. Green Building Council; and it changed the face of student housing at Missouri State University by creating Bear Village, a 660-bed student community that features a variety of floor plans, all-inclusive billing, and premier amenities. That growth continues unabated. Today, the company has a diversified portfolio of market-based apartments, student housing, single-family homes and duplexes, hotels, and restaurants. Bryan Properties also offers comprehensive management services, delivered by its staff of dedicated long-term employees. This year, Bryan delivered the first public-private partnership in Missouri State University history, a 400-bed residence hall with parking, constructed on less than one acre of land. Heitz Hall also features retail space and a unified dining center.

Bryan Magers has been a success for nearly a half-century because he believes in improving the quality of life for people in his hometown, and giving back to his native Ozarks. Bryan is a philanthropist with myriad causes close to his heart. He is a generous patron to the arts community, with donations to Springfield Little Theatre and the Springfield Symphony. He supports Missouri State University's athletic programs. His donations have created a new courtyard at the welcome center to Missouri State University. He also spearheaded the drive that created the Magers Family Health and Wellness Center, the state-of-the- art medical home for the Missouri State community.

Bryan has served as president and board member for the Greater Springfield Apartment & Housing Association, the Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Missouri State University Foundation and the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame. Bryan was honored with the Philanthropist of the Year award in 2016 from the Ozarks chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. In 2022, Bryan Properties received the Founders Award from the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame. Bryan's only failure in life was as a Little League Umpire. You see he called many of my games and I never agreed with any of his calls.

Madam Speaker, it is clear that Bryan Magers has a big heart. Ask anyone who knows him. He is a mentor, a motivator, an inspiration, and a benefactor. I am proud to call him my friend, and to honor him today.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Gordon Kinne.

Gordon is a lifelong Missourian, having been born in Hamilton, Mo. on August 23, 1952, and raised on his family's farm. He graduated from Hamilton High School in 1970 and then came to Springfield to attend what is now Missouri State University--an institution with which he has enjoyed a lifelong relationship. Gordon to this day continues his connection with Missouri State. He's served as chair of the their Foundation's Board of Trustees. He also has been a board member and past president of the Missouri State University Alumni Association, and past co-chairman of the Bears Fund, as well as an active supporter of Bears athletic programs. He earned his bachelor's degree before entering the field of insurance.

In 1984, Kinne founded the third party administrator and full-service employee benefits brokerage firm MedPay, Inc., a company for which he still owns and serves as its president today. With nearly 50 employees, MedPay is one of the largest independently owned third party administrators in Missouri, partnering with a diverse mix of employers from both the private and public sector for both fully-insured and self-insured benefit plans. Its clients include large regional employers, small businesses, municipalities, school districts and institutions of higher education. He is past President for the Board of Directors of the national association of third-party administrators, the Society of Professional Benefit Administrators, which works to build best practices for the self-insured industry, and serves as a resource to the various federal departments that regulate the employee benefits industry.

In addition, Kinne has served a number of Springfield business and civic organizations, including serving as chairman of the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, chairman of the Springfield Business Development Corporation, the Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau and currently serves on the Springfield Good Government Committee. Gordon received the prestigious Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce 2019 Springfieldian award which is given each year to an individual who exemplifies outstanding community service and dedication to improving the quality of life for Springfield and its citizens.

Gordon also serves as Missouri's National Committeeman to the Republican National Committee and is a former chairman of the 7th District Congressional Republican Committee. Gordon has a great passion for politics giving of his time and financially contributing to various political candidates.

Kinne has a strong passion for helping charitable organizations. He has offered his time and energy to a number of organizations in the Springfield area, including the Ozark Empire Fair, the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame, the Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks, Lake Country Soccer and the Council of Churches of the Ozarks. He also financially supports numerous other local charities.

Gordon is a lifelong Christian and faithful member and supporter of Schweitzer Church in Springfield.

Gordon and his wife, Laura have been married 41 years and reside in Springfield, Missouri. Their oldest son, Marshall, and his wife, Winter, also live in Springfield with their son, Walker, and granddaughter Kate. Gordon's younger son, Mason, and his wife, Jamie, reside in Chandler, AZ.

Madam Speaker, it is clear that Gordon Kinne has dedicated his adult life to his community and many causes dear to his heart. I commend his work and wish him all the best.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Robert Low, the founder of Prime, Inc.

Robert Low founded Prime, Inc. in Urbana, Missouri in 1970 and in 1980 moved its corporate headquarters to Springfield, Missouri. Today, Prime. Inc. is a leader in Refrigerated, Flatbed, Tanker, Floral, and lntermodal transportation with fifteen locations throughout the United States. Prime Inc. is the largest refrigerated trucking company in North America.

Prime transports a variety of goods throughout the contiguous United States, Canada and Mexico. With a fleet of 7,816 tractors, 10,726 refrigerated trailers, 1,284 flatbed trailers, 620 tank trailers, and 2,041 Intermodal trailers, Prime's gross revenues were $2.4 billion with an 85.7 percent operating ratio in the fiscal year of 2021. Prime has approximately 12,000 driver and non-driver associates and has been recognized as one of the Top 20 Best Fleets to Drive For by Carrier's Edge/TCA for 8 years straight.

Robert has been Vice President At-Large, an Executive Committee member and a member of the Board of Directors of the American Trucking Association. He is also a past Chairman of the Truckload Carriers Association as well as a member of the Board of Directors. In 2000 he received the prestigious ``Missourian'' Award. This honor is given to citizens of the State of Missouri that have outstanding achievements in the fields of business, government or the arts. He was a finalist for the National Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year and recipient of the Springfield Business Journal Lifetime Achievement Award. Robert has also served on the Board of Directors of Bethel University in McKenzie, Tennessee.

Robert and his wife, Lawana, also own the Oasis Hotel & Convention Center in Springfield, Missouri as well as the Palace Casino Resort and the Preserve Golf Club in Biloxi, Mississippi. The Lows reside on a 330-acre horse farm called Primatara that is in North Springfield, Missouri where they raise thoroughbred racehorses. Two, of which, have made it to the Kentucky Derby in recent years.

Madam Speaker, since 1970, Robert Low has successfully managed a trucking company with operations all across North America, and that is no easy feat. I wish to congratulate him on all of his success, and wish him all the best.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize an individual who has made significant contributions to our justice system, championing the rights of victims; has served as an educator, inspiring thousands of college students; and has created and shared stories as a bestselling author.

My district includes Springfield, Missouri, the home of Nancy Allen, a former Assistant Prosecutor, Assistant Attorney General, Senior Instructor at Missouri State University (Go Bears) and the district's first New York Times bestselling author. I am honored today to recognize the lifelong accomplishments of Nancy Allen, who comes from a long history of Missouri educators and attorneys in a family that is committed to serving the community. She also comes from just 2 doors down from my childhood home. You see Nancy and I were neighborhood kids together growing up in the 1960s.

Nancy is a natural advocate. In 1973, at the age of 16, she appeared before the Springfield School Board to make the case for instituting a girls' competitive sports program in Springfield Public Schools. The Board voted in favor of her proposal that night, and that year, the schools extended athletic opportunities to girls for the first time in SPS history.

She graduated from Missouri State University with an English Education degree in 1978 and received her Law Degree from the University of Missouri in 1980. She was a trailblazer for women in the legal profession, returning to Springfield in 1981 to practice law in Southwest Missouri. Nancy joined the Greene County Prosecutor's Office as the only woman on staff and tried over 30 jury trials.

After marrying Randall Allen and starting a family, she became an Assistant Attorney General for our great state, serving for 9 years as a champion for victims of consumer fraud.

In 2005, Nancy became an instructor at Missouri State University, teaching law classes in the College of Business. With over 900 students per year, she received awards for teaching and garnered the highest student evaluations. Though she retired in 2020, her relationships with former students remain strong. In 2021, she served as the officiant of 2 former students' wedding and performed the ceremony.

While teaching at Missouri State University, Nancy picked up the pen and began her career as a novelist, a goal she pursued with tremendous determination. In 2014, The Code of the Hills was released, the first legal thriller in her 4-book Ozarks Mystery Series published by Harper Collins. The series, which examines social issues as well as crimes against women and children, has been optioned by a major network.

During this period of publishing success, she also became a co-author with James Patterson. Their first collaboration. Juror #3, became an instant #1 New York Times bestseller in 2018. Their next book, The Jailhouse Lawyer, became a #2 New York Times bestseller. Their next novel will be released in 2024.

In addition, she teamed up with a film production company to author the Anonymous Justice series for Grand Central Publishing. Renegade came out in 2022, and Payback will be released in 2023.

Nancy Allen's career illustrates a commitment to service, and also provides a true example of how hard work and determination can propel a talented constituent from my District into the New York City publishing spotlight.

Madam Speaker, I want to thank Nancy Allen for her many contributions to our District and Nation.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Clif Smart, the president of Missouri State University.

Clifton ``Clif'' M. Smart III has served as the 11th President of Missouri State University since June 27, 2011.

Under Smart's leadership, the university has: set new records in numbers of graduates, graduate employment rates, and overall enrollment; enhanced diversity of faculty, staff, and students; maintained affordability for students; significantly upgraded campus facilities; developed new bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs; achieved a Silver STARS rating from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education; and set records in state appropriations, private gifts, and grant funding.

On top of his work at Missouri State, Smart has served as the President of the Council on Public Higher Education in Missouri, the NCAA Division I Board of Directors, the Mercy Health Springfield Communities Board of Directors, the Board of Directors for the Hawthorn Foundation, and the Board of Directors for Missouri Partnership. He has also served on boards and committees for the Missouri Department of Higher Education, Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, CoxHealth, Arc of the Ozarks, Springfield Innovations, Inc., Isabel's House, First Baptist Church, and numerous other professional and community organizations.

Smart has lived in Springfield, Missouri for more than two decades. Before his presidency, Smart served as the university's general counsel. Before coming to Missouri State University, Smart had a private legal practice in Springfield.

Smart and his wife, Gail, have two sons, Murray, who along with his wife, Amy, both graduated in 2012 from Southwest Baptist University and live in Rogers, Arkansas with their daughters Addy, Emery and Miriam and sons Parker and Leeland; and Jim, who recently graduated from Lewis and Clark Law School.

Madam Speaker, since being named Missouri State University's President in 2011, Clif Smart has dedicated himself not only to the university, but also to the Springfield community. I wish him all the best in his continued efforts.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the former Mayor of Springfield, Missouri, Tom Carlson.

Tom Carlson was the longest serving mayor in Springfield history, holding the position from 1987 to 1993 and then again from 2001 to 2009. Before that, he served on City Council from 1983 to 1987 and again in 1997 to 2001. In 1989, he was named Distinguished Young Lawyer by the Missouri Bar and was listed in Who's Who in Practicing Attorneys.

Under Carlson's leadership, the city created a citizen-driven visioning process involving 300 citizens which formed a basis for all major policy decisions in the community. The city successfully passed 90 percent of its ballot issues, became involved with an inner-city revitalization project known as Jordan Valley Park, creating a $100 million construction project which resulted in an indoor ice park, a new convention center. a new minor league baseball stadium, a 900-space parking deck, a $3 million inner-city park and a $25 million dollar arena.

Also under Carlson's leadership, the city formed a public-private partnership with the Chamber of Commerce which resulted in over $200 million investment in an industrial park bringing new manufacturing jobs to Springfield. He sponsored a program that resulted in putting CDBG funds into a revolving loan program so that an annual $1 million allocation grew to over $40 million in revolving loan programs for low and moderate income individuals and inner-city revitalization. Once of his proudest accomplishments was the creation of The Mayor's Commission for Children.

Locally, he served on the Board of Governors for Missouri State University, the Springfield Branson Airport Board, the Community Foundation of the Ozarks. On a state and national level, he served on the boards of The Missouri Health and Educational Facilities Authority, the Missouri Municipal League and the National League of Cities.

In 2014, Carlson received the Springfieldian of the Year Award from the Springfield Chamber of Commerce, presented to ``a citizen who has exemplified outstanding community service, excellence in his or her chosen profession and dedication to improving the quality of life for Springfield and its citizens,'' according to the Chamber's website.

Most recently, concerned with the dearth of any consistent in-depth public affairs reporting in Springfield. Carlson launched the Springfield Daily Citizen, a not-for-profit online newspaper dedicated to strong local journalism to improve civic engagement, to encourage more efficient government, and bring more accountability among local leaders. The new outlet whose mission is to be a ``Catalyst for Good'' has partnered with Missouri State University and MSU President Clif Smart noted that, ``by partnering with them, we're investing in a community organization, ensuring progress and standing strong in the principles of our public affairs mission.''

The vision of the Springfield Daily Citizen is to reinvent local news in Metro Springfield by telling the stories of our community, bringing issues to light. encouraging discourse and inspiring citizens to take action. Over 8,500 citizens are receiving its daily newsletter and The Daily Citizen has, in less than a year, gained over 1,500 subscribers.

Madam Speaker, Tom Carlson has served his community for decades. Even years after leaving the Mayor's Office, he continues to stay active in local politics, with a strong devotion to the Springfield community and surrounding area.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Lisa McIntire of the Pregnancy Care Center in Springfield, MO.

Lisa McIntire, CPA, became the Executive Director of the Pregnancy Care Center in 2016. After 15 years as a healthcare consultant with BKD, LLP (now FORVIS), Lisa entered PCC with fresh eyes and a commitment to build upon the foundation established during PCC's first 16 years of operation. Lisa has led PCC with wisdom and compassion while building a team of dedicated professionals. She has made it her personal mission to live, serve, and lead well, a mission she carries out each day at PCC.

Pregnancy Care Center is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) whose mission is to save lives and strengthen families. They exist to offer hope and help to those facing unplanned pregnancy and practical knowledge and skills to anyone wanting to become a better parent. They serve women and men, many of whom are at-risk youth, with a compassionate, professional, confidential approach. PCC offers pregnancy testing, limited obstetric ultrasounds, male and female coaching, and more than 100 classes--all offered at no cost to clients, thanks to community partners who fund more than 90 percent of PCC's annual operating budget.

Under Lisas leadership as Executive Director, PCC has experienced a 46 percent increase in unique clients and a 44 percent increase in services provided to clients; hired a Fatherhood Director and grew the program from serving 48 men in 2017 to a projected 500 men in 2022; was named the Nonprofit Organization of the Year (Medium Division) at the Southwest Missouri Nonprofit Excellence Awards in 2019; received national accreditation from the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA) in 2019; was named Great Game of Business National All-Star Champion for social sectors in 2020; became debt free when PCC paid off its mortgage in 2022; and was named Springfield Business Journal's Charitable Nonprofit of the Year in 2022.

As Executive Director, Lisa acts as a major liaison between the ministry and the community and has the full responsibility for the administration and management of the staff, volunteers, and medical professionals. In partnership with the Board of Directors, Lisa develops the vision, mission, and strategies for the ministry. works with the Board in achieving management objectives, and manages the programs of the ministry.

Madam Speaker, I commend Lisa for her countless efforts in this noble cause, and wish her continued success.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the incredible career of Richard Ruhe. I know him personally and you will not find a kinder, gentler or more professional and dedicated teacher than Richard. I'm excited to honor him with this Congressional Record today so that others can get to know the same man I do.

After beginning his teaching career in public school districts in Arizona, Arkansas, and Texas, Richard and his family moved to Missouri in 1991 when he accepted a position at my alma mater Greenwood Laboratory School on the campus of Missouri State University to teach instrumental music for grades 6-12. At that time, the high school band was comprised of a grand total of 3 students. Due to Richard's passion and dedication the music program at Greenwood grew exponentially over the course of his 25-plus years at Greenwood to include nearly the entirety of the secondary student body, year after year. The Greenwood band program became one of the strongest in the state, routinely winning national competitions against schools many times its size, and dozens of students achieved individual awards at the district and state levels.

While the success of the band program was absolutely phenomenal in terms of achievement, what really made it special was the sense of belonging, purpose, and acceptance so many students found within it. When Richard talks about his time at Greenwood now, while I know he's immensely proud of what the band program accomplished and all of his students' achievements over the years, he most often speaks about individual students as individual people and the time he spent getting to know them on hours-long bus rides to competitions, or when they'd pile into the band room between classes, at lunch, or after school to socialize with one another, or seek refuge from a hard day, in a place that felt safe. To so many students, he was an endlessly patient teacher, a mentor, a trusted advisor. It didn't matter how much inherent musical ability any given student had, they were part of the band's success, and they belonged in the band room. I know that is worth more to Richard than any of the trophies the band collected.

Madam Speaker, it is clear that Richard Ruhe has prioritized not only developing students' musical talents, but also forming them into young adults. His work with Greenwood Laboratory School is admirable.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Michael Powers, President of The Arc of the Ozarks.

Michael Powers, an advocate, and influencer has been a leader in the disability community for the past 36 years. With a master's in clinical psychology, he has spent his life serving his community, especially people with disabilities. He is currently the President/CEO of The Arc of the Ozarks located in Springfield, Missouri. He started his career at The Arc of the Ozarks, in 1992 as the Director of Programs and has spent the past thirty years with The Arc committed to the needs of people with disabilities. He has been instrumental in the creation of innovative programs like Renovations, which is the first program of its kind in Missouri for individuals with dual diagnosis. His influence has elevated The Arc

as an industry leader that continues to improve community access and quality of life to people with disabilities at all stages of life.

Through impeccable financial stewardship and leadership, Michael has built a team of leaders in the disability services industry. Michael displays his dedication to the disability community through his longtime state and federal legislative advocacy on issues that impact individuals with disabilities. He serves on numerous nonprofit advisory and leadership boards with the city of Springfield and the statewide group of industry professionals, the Missouri Association of Rehabilitation Facilities (MARF) who has selected him as President Elect.

The Arc of the Ozarks was named the largest local charity nonprofit for 2022 by the Springfield Business Journal and the largest disability service provider in Missouri that provides jobs for 1,460 employees. This organizations' mission is to support individuals with disabilities to direct their own lives as valued members of the community. Michael Powers has embraced and passionately lives out that mission daily.

As a result of Michael's exceptional guidance, he has been instrumental in countless accomplishments that have benefitted thousands of individuals with disabilities over the years with access to a variety of services and supports that empower people with disabilities to live their best lives.

Madam Speaker, his commitment and dedication are exemplified in the lives that have been touched with disabilities and their families. I am proud to honor his lifetime of accomplishments today.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Professional Bass Fishing Hall of Fame and Missouri Sports Hall of Fame inductee Stacey King.

Stacey was born in Springfield, Missouri on February 21, 1949. When he was a young boy, he spent many weekends and summers with a cousin of his fathers and her husband who was an avid hunter and fisherman. Stacey loved hunting and fishing from the beginning. In his late teens he began some part-time guiding for trout on Lake Taneycomo. Table Rock Lake had recently been impounded and at that time was rated the #1 fishing destination in the U.S. Stacey was spending every spare minute learning to bass fish on Table Rock Lake. In 1970 he joined the Ozarks Bass Club, one of the very first organized bass clubs in the U.S. Stacey guided full-time during the 1970's along with fishing local and regional bass tournaments. In the early 1980's he began competing in the Ray Scott's Bassmaster events that had become extremely popular nationwide. For the next twenty years he competed on a national level qualifying for twelve Bassmaster Classics. Then for the next several years he competed on the Fishing League Worldwide tour with much success.

During that timeframe, he had many successful sponsorships. First and foremost, with Bass Pro Shops. His career has enabled him to travel and fish from Europe to China and everywhere in-between. He has filmed many videos, tv shows, and appeared on Fox News representing Bass Pro Shops several times.

In 2015 he was inducted into the Professional Bass Fishing Hall of Fame. And in 2020 he was inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame.

A major part of his career has been helping people learn to fish and enjoy the outdoors. A lot of his time now is spent donating fishing trips to organizations and taking kids and veterans fishing.

Madam Speaker, not only has Stacey dedicated his life to what he loves, he has also given back so much to the fishing community. His storied career is well deserving of being honored today.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Jack Stack, the President and CEO of SRC Holdings Corporation.

Jack, a graduate of Elmhurst College, came to SRC in 1979 as the Plant Manager of International Harvester after eleven years of direct supply chain management experience. In 1983, Stack and the SRC employees bought the company from IH and have turned it into what INC. magazine has proclaimed ``one of America's most competitive small companies''. They currently employ more than 1,800 people, with annual sales over $600,000,000. SRC remanufactures gasoline and diesel engines for the automotive and off-highway markets, distributes engine kits, manufactures power units and remanufactures electrical components, and conducts seminars and training programs specializing in all aspects of teaching people how to implement open-book management. Jack has authored three books on business, The Great Game of Business (1992), A Stake in the Outcome (2002) and Change The Game: Saving the American Dream by Closing the Gap (2019).

Jack has been named The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce's ``Springfieldian of the Year''; an honor bestowed annually on a local community member who has worked to improve the quality of life in Springfield. He has also received the Springfield Business Journal's Economic Impact ``Lifetime Achievement'' award for outstanding professional accomplishments and contributions in the business community. INC. Magazine has called him the ``smartest strategist in America'' and named him one of twenty-five entrepreneurs selected to represent the 25 years INC. has been published. These are just a few of his many recognitions.

On top of his business work, Jack has been active in his local community, previously serving as director of Care to Learn, a local not-for-profit agency that provides relief to children with emergent hunger, health, and hygiene needs. Jack is the founder of the Boys and Girls Clubs Invest to Invest Club which was created in order to generate a new source of funds for their youth programs and to serve as a tool to teach business basics to Club members and provide a friendly and competitive venue for the Invest to Invest group members.

Madam Speaker, Jack Stack has achieved truly great things, and I am proud to honor him today.